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

Beef carpaccio atop La Griglia’s chic marble tables

IT'S 5 O’CLOCK on a Tuesday night and the newly imagined two-story La Griglia restaurant is already packed with cars at the valet, a line of guests at the door, and cocktail revelers filling the bar. The cognoscenti has reserved their favorite tables in the sophisticated dining room and in the dreamy Courtyard. It’s an outdoor space rivaling sunbaked patios in Tuscany — but this one sports heaters, a retractable roof, and its own bar, courtesy of owner Tilman Fertitta.

Keep Reading Show less
Food

Life’s a beach in Santa Monica

DOGS WITH PONYTAILS. Someone dressed like Jimmy Buffet on psychedelics blaring music from a speaker hanging from his neck. Another gent taking a conference call on a ’90s-era headset at the skate park. These are all scenes from a leisurely hour in Venice Beach, where eclecticism and luxury intersect in true Los Angeles fashion.

Keep Reading Show less
People + Places