Dallas Trip Part 6: The Ranch (Restaurant Review)

 

 

Note: This is a series of articles from my recent trip to Dallas to spend time with my mother, who recently celebrated her 80th birthday.

THE RANCH AT LAS COLINAS (RESTAURANT)

First time visit. What a surprise. An authentic experience.

“The Ranch” is located just a stone’s throw from the Texas Card House, which we visited yesterday. This isn’t quite a steakhouse, though it has that leathery, dark woods, power vibe. The Ranch is a genuine *Texas* experience. Our waitress explained to us that everything on the menu is from in-state, and each item that comes out of the kitchen is made on the spot. Nothing is processed or made on the outside. For this reason, the kitchen can prepare food ANY way the customer wants. That’s a nice bonus if you’re a picky eater, like me.

I had a hard time ordering because there were a dozen things I wanted to try of the very diverse menu. We settled on the (1) full rack of barbecue ribs with a smokey whiskey sauce, buttermilk chive whipped potatoes, and cornbread muffins…..along with (2) blackened catfish and Cajun shrimp, jambalaya sausage, Chimichurri basmati rice, and cast iron skillet-scorched buttered corn. Add two Jalapeno margaritas. Eat. Chew. Smile.

[My photos didn’t turn out very well, but I’ve posted them anyway so you can get a feel for the place.]

Next visit: I can’t decide between chicken fried steak and the “garlic stuffed” fillet with bourbon sauce. I might have to order BOTH! I considered ordering chicken fried steak on this visit, but I wasn’t sure it would be much different than a slab of flattened steak rolled in flour and deep fried, as is served in most (southern-style) places. The creativity of this cuisine made me realize EVERYTHING here has a special flair, something a little different. So, each item is probably fun in its own way, and certainly unique. This is what makes a restaurant special, to me and also makes me want to go back.

With two massive dinners, drinks, tax, and tip, we were out the door for $114 total. If this meal was available on the Las Vegas Strip (it isn’t), it would cost double that–plus parking. See why I say Dallas is one of America’s Top-Five American restaurant cities? Great variety. A lot more bang for the buck. And astounding quality, if you know where to go.

Service was terrific. The Ranch also has different rooms for all occasions. The main dining room looks like a steakhouse, but there’s also a massive side room ideal for watching sporting events, plus a large outdoor patio seating area. So, one can experience the menu is three unique settings, which is also a bit unusual. Finally–the wine selection is terrific and reasonably priced, as well.

Another great meal in Dallas. Thanks to The Ranch!

Travel Tip: Location is right in between D/FW Airport and Dallas Love Field, about 5 miles in either direction, so easy place to get to if you’re visiting the city.