Perini Ranch Steakhouse

In the vast expanse of Texas, where cattle ranches often stretch as far as the eye can see, it takes a lot to gain a reputation as a destination steakhouse. But Perini Ranch Steakhouse has managed to do just that due to its legendary cowboy charm, rich history, no-fuss attitude, and damn-fine steaks.

Located in Buffalo Gap, a small town just outside of Abilene, the Perini Ranch Steakhouse opened in 1983 when Tom Perini turned his family's 1885 ranch into a restaurant. It's a place that pays homage to the ranching heritage of Texas, evident in pretty much every aspect of the dining experience.

Tom Perini originally honed his cooking skills when he catered ranch events across Texas dating all the way back to 1973. But the big break for the steakhouse came in 1991 when the Perini mesquite-smoked peppered beef tenderloin was selected as the mail-order gift of the year by ‘The New York Times’. Business boomed after that.

The fame soon followed. Tom Perini has since graced the magazine covers of 'Texas Highways', 'Texas Monthly', 'Saveur', and others. At least two books have been published about the place. It has a James Beard America’s Classics Award. And, from my end, it's the finest Texas steak I've had to date.

I could go on, but you're much better off listening to Tom and Lisa Perini tell their story on their podcast, produced in association with Texas Monthly, titled:

Meet Me at the Wagon

Google it, Bing it, check it out on Spotify, whatever. It'll be well worth your time.