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If you are looking for a significant challenge in your life, try opening a steakhouse in Texas, the heart of cattle country. The Pappas Brothers took the dare and hit it out of the park. More well known for a widespread chain of seafood restaurants, the Pappas boys’ venture into steak has resulted in two restaurants in Houston and one in Dallas.
I visited the Houston Downtown location on a Tuesday night during a recent business trip, hoping for a true Texas experience. I was not disappointed. The atmosphere was both sophisticated and homey, with dim lighting and comfortable seating offset by Pappas family photos adorning the walls. It blended well and created a great ambiance.
Being Texas, all of the dry-aged beef served is butchered on site. I went all-in, ordering the “Big Boy” ribeye, 18 oz. of pure flavor. Texas at its big, bold best. My dining companion, for some inexplicable reason, craved fish. He was delighted with a perfectly prepared salmon in a white wine sauce.
Speaking of wine, the restaurant boasted a wine cellar with more than 3,900 selections. Needless to say, we were able to choose wines that complemented the meal very, very well. The bartenders and waiters were attentive without being overbearing, and helped to make the evening a memorable dining experience.
I would put Pappas Brothers Steakhouse on a par with such legendary institutions as Luger’s in New York, Gibson’s in Chicago, Red’s in Cleveland, and my hometown favorite, Abe & Louie’s in Boston. High praise indeed from someone who appreciate a great steak.
Pappas Brothers Steakhouse
1200 McKinney Street
Houston, TX 77010
713.658.1995