Cattleman’s Steakhouse

Cattleman’s Steakhouse has been known as one of El Paso’s most popular tourist attractions since its opening in 1973, providing both good food and a close-up view of the Old West as it has been romanticized by movie Westerns. Indian Cliffs Ranch was started as a working horse ranch with Cattleman’s Restaurant not becoming an integral part of it until later. Over the years Cattleman’s has offered attractions such as hay rides and a children’s zoo so that families will not run out of things to see when they make the drive “out in the middle of the desert” (although still within El Paso County). This may be the closest thing El Paso has to a real dude ranch, or at least one that such great numbers of people can experience.

The number of visitors to the restaurant seems to have exceeded expectations, with several expansions taking place since its opening. Word of mouth has been the main means of publicity for the restaurant, with the desert setting surrounded by a backdrop of distant mountains being a scene that becomes etched in people’s memory. Cattleman’s at Indian Cliffs Ranch has not only become famous for its steaks, but has even served as the set for Hollywood movies, likely with the knowledge of the producers that they could get some very good food while shooting the film.

The “Fixings”

Beans, baked potato, and cole slaw

The side dishes are one of the best features of the restaurant, and I am always impressed with both the quantity and the flavor of them. The Beans are as good as any in the area. Cole Slaw comes with pineapple chunks. The Baked Potato is perfectly cooked (in the top right corner are the massive quantaties of toppings). Beans and slaw come with free refills.

Steaks

New York strip

Of course steaks are the big attraction at Cattleman’s (although other types of meat are also served). The New York Strip Steak is one that I have found good over the years, and I think is a good compromise between the tenderest meat and the largest steak. Because of my high expectations, though, sometimes come disappointments such as the steak pictured in the photo that seemed to be little more than gristle, albeit with the excellent flavor that this steak always has.

Fillet

The Fillet seems to be the most consistently good steak here–at least that I have experienced.

I need to make a comment about the steak, however. My family used to go out to Cattleman’s because the beef was raised on the ranch, was grass fed, and was really the best we could find anywhere. I have read that the beef is no longer raised on the ranch, and that it comes from the same source that the steakhouses in El Paso get it. A waiter confirmed that the beef is not necessarily grass fed, and my last few visits have not been as special of an experience as I had in the 1980’s and 90’s. A comment I received also suggested that the sirloin is very good, in large part because of their ability to age the beef on site.

Cattleman’s Building Complex

Gift Shop

Over the years the restaurant has included a large complex of dining rooms and a gift shop, although they are not as evident now. Several large dining rooms are available that can be used for special parties, as well as a barn and picnic facilities. Group events seem to be a big thing at Cattleman’s now.

One of the many dining rooms

Directions
Cattleman’s is located north of Interstate 10 on Ranch Road 793 (Fabens exit, located east of El Paso). There is really nothing on this road until you get to Cattleman’s (it is about five miles north of the Interstate).

RATING: 23

Special Ratings

	New York Strip
	Fillet
	Cole Slaw
	Beans