In case you’ve missed the “Man v. Food” episode which took place at the Big Texan Steak Ranch in Eastern Amarillo, Texas, plan to stop by while traveling Interstate 40.
Founder, R. J. “Bob” Lee opened the Big Texan Steak Ranch in 1960 on old Route 66 (Now I-40). The address is 7701 I-40 East, Amarillo, TX 79118-6915. Phone numbers: 800 657-7177 or 806 372-6000.
Legend has it that a table of hungry cowboys held a competition to see who could eat a one-pound steak in one hour. As a result, one of the cowboys ate a 4-1/2 pound steak (72-ounces!), shrimp cocktaIL, baked potato, salad and bread by the time one hour rolled around. Bob vowed from that day forward if anyone could eat a 72-ounce steak dinner in an hour, it was on the house!
Since that time, over 8,000 patrons succeeded in winning a free 72-ounce steak dinner. In 1963, pro wrestler “Klondyke Bill” downed TWO of these dinners in an hour. To date, the youngest to win was an 11-year-old boy. Even a 69-year-old grandmother succeeded in beating the clock in 1977! Current champion, Joey Chestnut, finished the steak dinner in eight minutes and 52 seconds on March 24, 2008. Previous winner was Cincinnati Reds pitcher Frank Pastore in 1983.
This is a one-of-a-kind restaurant, with western ambiance, friendly folks waiting on you, offering delicious and juicy hand-rubbed steaks, prime rib, BBQ ribs, chicken-fried steak, seafood, appetizers, salads, chili and other sides, as well as Big Boot drinks. There’s an indoor shooting gallery and gift shop, catering, and homemade fudge available for purchase.
Attention travelers and groups: free limo service is offered to and from the Big Texas for all !-40 hotels and RV parks!