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    Perini Ranch Steakhouse

    4.3 (438 reviews)
    Closed 5:00 pm - 10:00 PM

    Perini Ranch Steakhouse Photos

    PERINI RANCH STEAKHOUSE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Outdoor seating
    Good for groups

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    Recommended Reviews - Perini Ranch Steakhouse

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    Ranch House Salad
    Jacob R.

    Best burger i've ever had. The burger is worth the 30 minute drive from Abilene every time. I also really like the steak carpaccio appetizer and the texas sheet cake dessert. Anyways, the vibes are great, it's on a ranch, similar to a supper club (midwest diner). The service is pretty solid and I always leave happy. Price is expensive, but it's worth every penny.

    "If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen." Rating: 1 star -- because apparently "where's the beef?" now also means "where's the flavor?" Longtime customer here, and this visit felt like a steakhouse parody. A $92 steak arrived overcooked, under-seasoned, and carrying all the personality of drywall. Somewhere between the grill and the table, taste took the night off. At one point I almost asked if seasoning was part of a separate pricing tier. Next visit I may bring my own A1 sauce, a smoke detector, and a rescue team to locate the missing flavor. This place used to be magazine-worthy. Now it feels like it's surviving on old headlines and memories. And for the people flying in from Tokyo for the "famous steaks" -- save your fuel. Steak prices may have hit the roof, but unfortunately the flavor never made the trip.

    Jalapeño Cheesecake
    Tammi B.

    Bucket List Blunder This place has been on my bucket list since moving to Texas 10 years ago. The anticipation was the best part of the dining experience. Don't get me wrong, the rustic interior of the restaurant is a lot of fun, as is the outside areas. Maybe my expectations were too high but my ribeye was not what I expected, nor were the cowboy potatoes. I asked for my steak to be cooked medium to medium well. It came out a chard ugly piece of meat that while still flavorful was dry and crusty. I should have had it sent back but didn't want to make a scene. The cowboy potatoes sounded fantastic as described on the menu but ended up being just roast potatoes with a dash of flavor. The winner of the night was the Ranch Water cocktail. First time having one and the first was so good I ordered a second. Our server, Alexis, was attentive and very personable.

    Strawberry shortcake
    Ryan M.

    Nestled in the rustic hamlet of Buffalo Gap, Texas, Perini Ranch Steakhouse stands as a beacon of no-frills culinary excellence and authentic Texas hospitality. Just a short drive south of Abilene, this iconic establishment has been a beloved destination for over four decades, drawing locals, travelers, and celebrities to its weathered barn-turned-restaurant. Perini Ranch continues to thrive as a testament to the vision of founders Tom and Lisa Perini, blending cowboy chuckwagon tradition with refined dining in a way that feels both timeless and uniquely Texan. From the moment you turn off the two-lane highway and onto the gravel lot, Perini Ranch Steakhouse exudes an unpretentious charm. Housed in a former hay barn (Tom added air conditioning about ten years ago), the building's corrugated tin and weathered wood exterior set the tone for an experience rooted in ranching heritage. The interior is cozy yet spacious, with wooden tables, repurposed church pews, and a nod to Texas chic. There's no ostentation here; the focus is on comfort, southern hospitality, and great food. Beef is undeniably the star of the show at Perini Ranch. The 16-ounce ribeye ("Tom's favorite") -- boasting a seared crust, rendered rivulets of intramuscular fat, and a juicy interior -- is a standout, with the mesquite smoke and proprietary meat rub imparting a distinctive, beefy/umami depth of flavor. The prime rib -- one of the best in Texas -- sports a crispy, peppery, caramelized crust and a melt-in-your-mouth interior. The trifecta of tenderness, fat, and bold beefy flavor make it a standout. For those seeking variety, the Ranch Burger -- piled high with grilled mushrooms, red onions, green chiles, and cheddar -- has earned national acclaim from Texas Monthly and The Today Show as one of the best burgers in America. The meat melts in the mouth, while the toppings complement but never overwhelm the burger. Beyond beef, the heritage pork ribs bring a juicy, tender, flavorful twist to the table, showcasing the kitchen's versatility. Having devoured more barbecue than I'd care to admit, I know a great pork rib when I taste one. These beauties could easily compete against any pork rib from a dedicated barbecue joint. These meat has just the right amount of give; it's neither "fall-off-the-bone" tender (i.e., overcooked) nor tough. The sides at Perini Ranch are far from an afterthought; they're hearty, creative, and complement the proteins. The green chile hominy, laced with cheddar and roasted hatch chilies, offers an earthy, comforting complement to the rich meats. The Zucchini Perini, a family recipe with Italian flair, features tender zucchini baked in a tomato-meat sauce and topped with Parmesan. It's a dish that's both homey and sophisticated, calling to mind an Italian grandma's bolognese. No meal at Perini Ranch is complete without dessert. The bread pudding, made with sourdough, Texas pecans, and a generous drizzle of Maker's Mark whiskey sauce, is a decadent finale. My favorite, the strawberry shortcake, is made the old-fashioned way with sugar biscuits, warm strawberries, and a side of heavy cream. This old-school iteration may strike some diners as odd, but the cream brings everything together into a dish far greater than the sum of its parts. The staff at Perini Ranch embody the warmth and generosity that define Texan hospitality. Servers are attentive yet unobtrusive, well-versed on the menu, and quick to accommodate special requests. Whenever I request a larger table to accommodate my dad's disability, the hostess allows us to sit at a large circular table intended for six or more patrons. Since opening in 1983, Perini Ranch has garnered accolades that underscore its status as a culinary institution. Named an "American Classic" by the James Beard Foundation in 2014, it has also been featured in Texas Monthly, Food & Wine, and The New York Times. Tom Perini's mesquite-smoked peppered beef tenderloin was once dubbed the mail-order gift of the year, and the couple has catered for presidents and dignitaries, from George W. Bush to Vladimir Putin (yes, really). Yet, despite the national spotlight, the Perinis remain committed to their roots, rejecting franchising offers to preserve the steakhouse's soul. Perini Ranch Steakhouse is more than a restaurant. It's pilgrimage for food lovers seeking authenticity, quality, and a taste of Texas heritage. As Tom Perini himself might call it, this is a "nice joint" -- one that's earned its place in the pantheon of American destination steakhouses. For those willing to make the drive, Perini Ranch Steakhouse offers a meal -- and a memory -- to cherish.

    Strawberry shortcake - warm and delicious

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    6 years ago

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    3 years ago

    Pepper steak was amazing! The ambience was amazing with a feature of outdoor paintings. The service was fast and prompt.

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    9 years ago

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    2 years ago

    food was hot fresh and made to order friendly servers took care of our every need great place for a steak on any night top 5 biscuits yummy

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    2 years ago

    It's a good place to eat, but pricey. I was pleasantly surprised at how good the burger is. That's what I always get when I eat there now!

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    2 years ago

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    3 years ago

    Amazing food!!! Amazing service!!! If this had a million stars that's what I would be giving them!!!

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    Page 3 of 11

    Ask the Community - Perini Ranch Steakhouse

    Is a reservation needed?

    That depends largely on when you go. As with most restaurants, weekends and holidays are the busiest times. I always make a reservation just to be safe.

    Are you open New Year's Day today?

    Hello! We are open New Years Day. Reservations highly recommended. To make a reservation, please call us at 325.572.3339. Thank you!

    View All 3 Questions

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    Perini Ranch Steakhouse - steak - Updated July 2026

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