We spent a recent weekend in Abilene, Texas. One thing on my bucket list has been to check out the famous Perini Ranch and luckily for us, we were able to go Saturday for lunch.
The Perini Ranch is known as one of the best steakhouses in Texas. The Perini Family has cooked for Presidents, grandiose events, featured within multiple publications, honored by the James Beard Foundation as a American Classic (2014), host of the Buffalo Gap Food & Wine Summit maker of delicious food. Considering Robert Duvall wrote the forward in their cookbook, you know they’re a big deal! (He is one of my favorite actors.)
The restaurant is set in an old barn with rustic charm. The chairs are well worn, the old kitchen chairs that you can sink into and feel relaxation wash over you. The kind that I want in my kitchen – the best chairs really. A fireplace sits in the middle of the small main portion of the restaurant. Antlers are hung not only as decoration but as a place for cowboys to hang their hats while they eat their meals. It’s rustic, western and everything a steakhouse in a small Texas town should be.
What did we eat, you ask?
Appetizer – Quail legs with roasted jalapeño.
There were more than two when this first arrived at our table. What can we say, we were hungry! Chicken fried battered with a grilled jalapeño, these two together are like peas in a pod.
Main Course
Today Show Award Winning Ranch Burger – 1/2 lb. grilled patty with cheddar cheese, grilled mushrooms, grilled onions and green chiles.
Grilled Ranch Roast Sandwich – Slices of roasted prime rib topped with melted cheddar cheese, grilled mushrooms, grilled onions and green chiles on toasted sourdough bread.
We also split a side of Zucchini Perini. Tasty – let me tell ya. Slices of zucchini baked in a meat sauce and topped with parmesan cheese. I’m wondering why I don’t make this at home with my dinner.
Dessert – Bread pudding of course! Warm bread pudding with Jack Daniels Whiskey sauce. Makes the belly happy! It’s delicious!
If you’re ever in West Texas, head over the Perini’s. Come with a full belly, be prepared for a photo opp with a giant armadillo and relax and enjoy!
Other Date Ideas In Abilene
While we were in Abilene, we got to check out a couple breweries. It is of course, one of our favorite things to do! Here are some places we recommend.
Pappy Sloakam – A dive brewery if there ever was one. The brewery location is simple and not overdone, a place where anyone can come hang out inside or outside, plenty of games and comfortable to catch up with friends (or make new ones). The beer is phenomenal! It’s so good – so good, full of flavor and life (and their names are pretty clever – you’ll get a laugh)! We’ll be back for more.
Sockdolager Brewing – We’re still trying to figure out how to pronounce the name on this one. The atmosphere is awesome and the vertical flights are extra appealing (go ahead, get a flight, try them all!). There’s a room for the kids which helps to make this a location for all. The beer selection could be improved but still a fun place to check out.
TapHouse Tavern – Need a night out but looking for more than just a brewery and food trucks? Indoor/Outdoor seating. Great bar seating and a well rounded selection of microbrews and the typical bar liquor selections. We went just for drinks but hear the food is great!
What is your favorite place in Abilene?