Amarillo in Potter County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

The Big Texan Steak Ranch, Amarillo, Texas

Route 66 Roadside Attraction

Photographed by Jason Voigt, October 9, 2021

1. The Big Texan Steak Ranch, Amarillo, Texas Marker

Inscription. Home of the "Free 72 oz Steak," this famous Steak Ranch has been feeding hungry travelers since 1960. Young man, we fed your father!

Recognized by Hampton Hotels Save-A-Landmark program as a site worth seeing

Erected 2003 by Hampton Hotels Save-A-Landmark program.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Roads & Vehicles. In addition, it is included in the Route 66 Roadside Attractions, and the U.S. Route 66 series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1960.

Location. 35° 11.61′ N, 101° 45.295′ W. Marker is in Amarillo, Texas, in Potter County. It is on East Interstate 40 east of Big Texan Road, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 7701 E Interstate 40, Amarillo TX 79118, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on the Texas Panhandle.

It is also on the American Great Plains,

specifically on the Southern Plains,

and specifically on the High Plains.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western

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World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the Comanchería,

the Dust Bowl,

the Republic of Texas,

and one of the Confederate States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: A Route 66 Legend (here, next to this marker); Amarillo Tri-State Fair (approx. 2½ miles away); Sacred (approx. 3 miles away); Dash for Cash (approx. 3 miles away); Refrigerator (approx. 3 miles away); Amarillo Livestock Auction (approx. 3 miles away); First Transcontinental Air Service to Texas Panhandle, Amarillo Municipal Airport (approx. 3 miles away); Thomas E. Creek (approx. 4.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Amarillo.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Amarillo (was approx. 3½ miles away but has been confirmed missing).

Also see . . . The Big Texan Steak Ranch (official website). Also known as the Big Texan Steak Ranch and Brewery, this was originally located on old Route 66 in 1960. R.J. Lee, who founded the place, decided to relocate the restaurant to a more visible location off

Photographed by Jason Voigt, October 9, 2021

2. The Big Texan Steak Ranch, Amarillo, Texas Marker

Marker is mounted on the building, but it is obscured by the "Big Texan or Bust" sign

Interstate 40 - which by then bypassed Route 66. The restaurant burned down in 1976 and was rebuilt a year later. A motel was added in 1983. The "Free 72 oz. Steak" that is heavily advertised consists of the individual doing a challenge: eat a 72 oz. steak, rolls, shrimp cocktail, baked potato and salad in less than an hour, and it's yours free. This has been a Big Texan tradition since six months after its opening. (Submitted on October 11, 2021, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.)

The Big Texan Steak Ranch side view image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Parker, October 7, 2023

3. The Big Texan Steak Ranch side view

The Big Texan Steak Ranch sign image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Parker, October 7, 2023

4. The Big Texan Steak Ranch sign

The Big Texan Steak Ranch cow in front of the restaurant image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Parker, October 7, 2023

5. The Big Texan Steak Ranch cow in front of the restaurant

The Big Texan Steak Ranch is known for its free 72-ounce steak dinner for those who finish in 1 hour image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Parker, October 7, 2023

6. The Big Texan Steak Ranch is known for its free 72-ounce steak dinner for those who finish in 1 hour

Credits. This page was last revised on September 4, 2024. It was originally submitted on October 11, 2021, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 773 times since then and 53 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 11, 2021, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. 3, 4, 5. submitted on August 28, 2024, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. 6. submitted on September 2, 2024, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina.