The Big Texan Steak Ranch
Amarillo, TX
Home of the 72-ounce steak challenge, finish it with the sides in an hour and it is free. Most people just watch.
The Big Texan Steak Ranch in Amarillo (Texas) is a steakhouse on Interstate 40, famous for its “72-oz Challenge.” Anyone who eats a 72-ounce steak (about 4.5 lb / 2 kg) with a roll, baked potato, shrimp cocktail and salad within one hour gets the meal for free. The challenge takes place at a raised table in the dining room that is shown on a livestream; the names of successful eaters are posted in the restaurant.
R. J. Lee opened the restaurant in March 1960 on Route 66 and moved it around 1970 to its current site along Interstate 40. The grounds include a western-style motel with 54 rooms, a Texas-shaped pool and, since 2016, the Big Texan RV Ranch, a place for motorhomes. The restaurant seats about 650, and roughly three quarters of the guests are tourists. Watching is enough: according to Tasting Table only about 10 to 15 people a day attempt the challenge, and everyone else orders a regular meal.
- Nearest town
- Amarillo, TX
- Category
- Food & drink
- GPS
- 35.1920, -101.7545
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and October. Still fine, with some compromises, in June, September and November. Hot in July–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Overnite RV ParkMotorhome stopover1 mi from The Big Texan Steak RanchMotorhomes
- Big Texan RV RanchMotorhome stopover1 mi from The Big Texan Steak RanchTentsMotorhomesElectricityWaste disposalWi-Fi
- KOA JourneyMotorhome stopover3 mi from The Big Texan Steak RanchMotorhomesElectricityToiletsWi-Fi
- Fort Amarillo RV ParkMotorhome stopover11 mi from The Big Texan Steak RanchMotorhomes
- Route 66 R.V. RanchMotorhome stopover12 mi from The Big Texan Steak RanchMotorhomesWi-Fi
- Oasis RV ResortMotorhome stopover14 mi from The Big Texan Steak RanchMotorhomes
All campsites in Texas · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is The Big Texan Steak Ranch?
The Big Texan Steak Ranch is in Amarillo, TX, at GPS 35.1920, -101.7545. It is about 16 mi from Palo Duro Canyon State Park.
Can you camp near The Big Texan Steak Ranch?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Overnite RV Park, about 1 mi away; within 25 mi there are 49 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass The Big Texan Steak Ranch?
The Big Texan Steak Ranch is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Route 66, part two: Oklahoma City to the Pacific.
What is there to see near The Big Texan Steak Ranch?
Places worth a stop nearby: Cadillac Ranch (13 mi), Palo Duro Canyon (18 mi), MidPoint Café (52 mi) and Blue Swallow Motel (111 mi).
When is the best time to visit The Big Texan Steak Ranch?
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and October. Still fine, with some compromises, in June, September and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)