If there's one thing we do better in Texas, it's meat. And here, it's go big or go home. From rare to well-done, T-bone to sirloin, from the tip of West Texas to the Louisiana border, we take pride in our expertise in preparing thick, juicy cuts of beef. So whether you're in the mood for a small-town steakhouse or a big-city, fine-dining experience, Texas has got you covered. Here are 18 of the best steakhouses in Texas that are sure to make your mouth water and send your taste buds on a journey. In no particular order:

18. Ranchman's (Ponder)

Featured on the Food Network, Ranchman's is a steakhouse experience you don't want to pass up. You'll find every kind of steak imaginable here (including chicken fried!) and they're all topped with a special homemade steak butter. Don't forget to order a loaded baked potato on the side.

Editor's Note: Ranchman's is noted as being temporarily closed, but it is unclear at this time whether it will be reopening. Ponder locals, please let us know if anything changes!

17. Lisa West's Double Nickel Steakhouse (Lubbock)

Often ranked one of the top 10 best steakhouses in Texas, Lisa West's is a more gourmet experience that will delight your taste buds. From ribeyes to filet mignon, every steak is broiled to perfection at 1800 degrees. If you aren't in the mood for red meat, try the stuffed chicken medallions or even a meal of fresh seafood. There's something for everyone, and you won't be disappointed no matter what you decide on.

16. Smith and Wollensky (Houston)

If you're looking to dress up and pamper yourself with a night on the town, this fancy steakhouse is your destination. Established in New York in 1977, Smith and Wollensky serves USDA Prime cuts and is the only national steakhouse to dry-age and butcher their meat on site. You'll find everything from steak tartare to bone-in sirloin to fresh seafood that's flown in daily.

Editor's Note: In 2018, S&W broke the news that it would be closing up shop in Houston. For die-hard fans, their restaurant on the Las Vegas strip is worth a visit! In the meantime, check out the other steakhouses on our list.

15. Ruth's Chris (Houston)

If you think steak is just man's territory, you're sadly mistaken. Ruth Fertel, a mother of two and chemist, "butchered steaks and stereotypes" in 1965 by opening her own steakhouse. She designed the 1800-degree broiler and kept the steaks sizzling on 500-degree plates, melting the butter just right. Choose from a large variety of cuts, unique sides, and other meats.

14. Taste of Texas (Houston)

Taste of Texas has been open since 1977 and was the first steakhouse to proudly serve Certified Angus Beef. From New York Strip Sirloin, pictured above, to a whopping 38-ounce Tomahawk Ribeye, there's something for every rumbling stomach, even if you aren't in the mood for heavy red meat. Compliment your meal with a comforting side of Mac and Cheese or Potatoes Au Gratin and a glass of the finest wine money can buy. You'll leave the table satisfied and happy, that's for sure.

13. Bohanan's Prime Steaks & Seafood (San Antonio)

Upon stepping in Bohanan's, a wave of nostalgia and old world charm will wash over you. Tradition is very important to the owner, Mark Bohanan, who kept the same pinewood floors that have seen generations of business before his own. Serving up all the classic steakhouse fare like escargot and shrimp cocktails to start, filets and ribets as well as seafood, lamb and chicken as entrees, and sides like whipped herb mashed potatoes and creamed corn.

12. JR's Steak and Grill (Colleyville)

Although on the fancier side, there's no shortage of authenticity and love in the steaks that executive chef Todd Phillips, a Culinary Institute of America graduate, puts into his work. He brings together unique flavors in starters like Prime Rib Tacos and entrees like a Pepper Crusted Filet and Smoked Prime Rib, but has also mastered the art of simplicity in his T-Bones, Ribeyes, and Strip Steaks. If you're crazy and red meat isn't your thing, there are plenty of lighter options on the menu.

Editor's Note: This family-friendly steakhouse sadly served its last prime rib in 2019. Steak-lovers are anxiously awaiting Chef Todd's next venture!

11. Al Biernat's (Dallas)

You may want to wait until payday to come here because the prices are as luxurious as the food, but the steaks here are definitely worth every pretty penny. It doesn't get any more gourmet than caviar, escargot, and warm French brie on a toasted baguette to start with and wet-aged, thick cut slabs of beef, veal or pork as the main course. With sides like lobster risotto and garlic smashed red potatoes, you'll be eating like a queen (or king) at Al Biernat's.

10. Big Texan Steak Ranch (Amarillo)

Big Texan Steak Ranch defines the slogan "everything is bigger in Texas." It's the home of the infamous 72 oz. challenge that started innocently enough years ago with a couple of hungry ranch hands trying to out-do each other in an eating competition. The owner, R.J. Lee, then decided that anyone who could match the amount of steak the hungriest cowboy ate would get their meal free. Don't worry, they also have normal sized steaks, quesadillas, sandwiches, and seafood for the more tame appetite. Either way, you don't want to miss out on a Texas-sized experience like this.

9. Vic and Anthony's (Houston)

Tillman Fertitta and his father Vic traveled the country taking note of attributes that make a great steakhouse before opening their restaurant. Vic and Anthony's has a carefully crafted menu, featuring the finest USDA Prime Midwest Grain-Fed Beef, (with a huge selection of topping such as hollandaise sauce and blue cheese bacon butter) and plenty of delicious lighter options such as fresh seafood and crisp, flavorful salad. The food and elegant yet cozy atmosphere, not to mention excellent service, will leave you feeling right at home.

8. Brenner's (Houston)

In the heart of the 4th largest city in the country, this quaint Southern eatery seems a bit out of place. Their menu is limited, but only to create no room for error and give you the most delicately prepared meal possible. Choose from filet mignon, center cut sirloin, strip steak, and a large variety of seafood including ahi tuna and parmesean fried shrimp. And you can't leave without a piece of their famous, homemade apple strudel. Whatever you decide on, your taste buds will be in for a treat!

7. Pappa's Bros. (Dallas and Houston)

If you're an old-fashioned meat and potatoes kind of person, Pappa's is the place for you. Rated one of the top 3 steakhouses in Texas by Texas Monthly, they offer premium cuts of USDA Prime Beef that's dry aged in-house as well as fresh, wild-caught seafood, interesting appetizers including lobster deviled eggs and bacon-wrapped scallops, and even decadent desserts like chocolate midnight cake and turtle pie to satisfy your sweet tooth after a heavy, savory meal.

6. Little Rhein Steakhouse (San Antonio)

The grounds of this Riverwalk steakhouse have seen many businesses: a boarding house, a grocery store, and even a bar - but its history pales in comparison to what it's become. The owners even bought an entire house next door to rent out to private parties! As far as the food goes, you'll find all the usual suspects - various cuts of USDA Prime beef, iceberg wedge salad with blue cheese dressing, escargot and shrimp cocktail, and an extensive wine list. Plus, you can enjoy a gorgeous view of the Riverwalk at night while you eat.

Editor's Note: Little Rhein Prost House has opened in the former steakhouse's historic space, serving up Texas-sized eats with a hint of German flair. Take part in a pub crawl, down some wings, and let us know what you think!

5. Bob's Steak and Chop House (Multiple Locations)

I'm definitely salivating at this beautiful creation. Bob's is more than a steakhouse - it's a culinary experience. Only the finest USDA Prime, wet or dry-aged, 1600 degree broiled beef is served. You can even add a steak companion to your meal, like this diablo shrimp in a spicy butter sauce pictured above. And it doesn't stop there - go even further and personalize your steak with a rub like black truffle butter with gorgonzola cream or black and white peppercorns with F17 sauce. As you can see, there are endless combinations and ways to customize your steak. Your only regret will be that you didn't get there sooner.

4. Killen's (Pearland)

Killen's is definitely gourmet in every sense of the word. They put their own interesting spin on classics with calamari tossed in sweet chili sauce, smothering foie gras in blueberry bacon jam, and serving salad with peppered goat cheese and bacon vinegrette. Don't worry, all your favorites in their simplest form are still here - and then some. You can choose between wet or dry-aged (21 or 28 days), Nebraska or Illinois corn fed, or even 100% Japanese Wagyu beef.

3. Fleming's (Houston)

Doesn't that filet mignon look absolutely mouthwatering? Bob's won't let your taste buds down, that's for sure. Choose from a variety of prime steaks, seafood like crab cakes with honey mustard or lobster tail, and fresh produce like the lightly sauteed asparagus and mushrooms pictured above. And every meal is served with their signature glazed-to-perfection carrot.

2. Cattlemen's (Fort Worth, Multiple Locations))

Cattlemen's has been around since 1947, so you can trust that they know their steaks. They also might just be one of the most famous steakhouses in Texas! All of their beef is corn fed, aged, and charcoal broiled to your liking. Every cut of meat imaginable is offered with a choice between cognac peppercorn, béarnaise, or gorgonzola steak sauce. If you're coming in with a big appetite, compliment your meal with some seafood - the crab cakes with roasted red pepper cream sauce sound amazing. If you're feeling like lighter fare, opt for salmon or tilapia with lemon pepper sauce instead. But whatever you choose, be sure to save room for a slice of their legendary pecan pie. You might need someone to roll you home, but it'll be totally worth it.

1. Perini Ranch (Buffalo Gap)

It may not look like much, but don't let the exterior fool you - Perini Ranch has been voted the third best steakhouse in the state by Texas Monthly. Tom Perini started in a chuckwagon on his family's ranch, and eventually opened the restaurant on the property, so you're guaranteed an authentic old-west dining experience. From the mismatched plates to the rustic decor, this is down-home Texas grub at its most authentic! All the beef is Certified Angus and hand cut and grilled to perfection outside the restaurant over hot mesquite coals. The side dishes, like cowboy potatoes, are made with local produce. Even Congress likes Perini's food - the Congressional Picnic in 2002 was catered by them!

There ya have it, folks - the best steakhouses in Texas! Hold the drool, please...

Have you been to any of these restaurants? From famous steakhouses that have gone national to local gems, we sure have plenty to choose from! Of course, this list is only a snapshot of everything our state has to offer. So dish - what's your favorite steakhouse in Texas and what's your go-to cut?

Of course, Texas eats just keep getting better and better these days, and our state has much more to offer than just fantastic ribeyes! For a new twist on a classic steak, eat your way through Texas' chicken-fried steak trail.