The Rodeo's First-Ever Sit-Down Restaurant Saddles Up for Year Three

The Rodeo's First-Ever Sit-Down Restaurant Saddles Up for Year Three

The Ranch Saloon + Steakhouse (photo by Jenn Duncan)

THE HOUSTON LIVESTOCK Show and Rodeo roared back in 2022 after a pandemic-induced hiatus, and one of the buzziest parts of the whole thing was restaurateur Ben Berg's brand-new sit-down concept, a first for the Rodeo.


In 2023, The Ranch Saloon + Steakhouse's return was highly anticipated, and expectations were exceeded, as Berg added more seating and live music. So what's on tap for 2024? Well, lots of... taps, actually. There will be four new satellite bars serving special concoctions in addition to beer and wine; expect one each dedicated to tequila, whiskey, Cosmos and Aperol Spritzes. In addition to the more casual Saloon and upscale Steakhouse components, Berg will also debut The Skillet, a walk-up booth serving elevated versions of classic carnival fare — think bacon-on-a-stick with truffle honey, and a pretty stellar smash burger.

Ben Berg at The Ranch (photo by Jenn Duncan)

Snake River Farms pork chop (photo by Alex Wu)

Wasabi-crusted tuna (photo by Kirsten Gilliam)

BBQ chicken sandwich (photo by Kirsten Gilliam)

Au Poivre (photo by Alex Wu)

The Ranch After Dark, a late-night experience with live performances and DJ-spun tunes, returns nightly. Guests can reserve tables from 9pm until close, with a $500 minimum per table. High rollers can also book the Steakholder tables for dinner, featuring private restrooms and a private bar (from $15,000 for six guests).

The Ranch Saloon + Steakhouse is erected in a high-end, climate-controlled tent that spans 16,000 square feet and is decked out this year by Visit Round Top and HGTV's Junk Gypsies. Lots of great photo ops here!

The Ranch is taking reservations now via OpenTable.

Photo by Jenn Duncan

Photo by Jenn Duncan

Thrive & Inspire: At Orion, O’Brien and Patel's Focus Is ‘Families We Transport Every Day’

ORION EMS Vice President Sumi Patel and President/CEO & Founder Gerard O'Brien

DESCRIBE YOUR HIGHLIGHT of 2022. A continuation of our values, our leadership within the industry and the commitment to quality that our customers have come to expect. We remain on a growth trajectory within Houston and are happy to continue to expand our customer base by providing quality care.

Keep Reading Show less

The shiny new Dr. Jack Express electric locomotive

JUST IN TIME for a long weekend — and a teeny reprieve from triple-digit temps — Hermann Park Conservancy has announced it will offer free train rides from Aug. 31-Sept. 6 to celebrate a pair of new locomotives.

Keep Reading Show less
People + Places

Refreshing bites at Bloom & Bee; the famous French onion soup at Artisans (photo by Shane Dante)

THIS SUMMER HAS been uniquely brutal for the hospitality industry, with devastating losses from the derecho and Beryl. But a bright spot for many has been Houston Restaurant Weeks, the annual August event that gives foodies and restaurants alike a jolt of energy.

Keep Reading Show less
Food