For a true taste of Texas, head to The Ranch at Las Colinas. The Ranch is boisterous and fun, rustic and romantic - a Texas-sized space that feels intimate and cozy. One dining room features high tops bathed in the glow of chandeliers or you can opt for a dimly-lit booth tucked away in a corner. For spring, the patio is picture perfect!
And then, beyond the truly charming ambiance, there's the seriously ah-mazing food! Each decadent dish on the menu is handcrafted with locally sourced, farm-to-fork ingredients including premium, hand-selected Texas beef from ranchers across the state.
Let’s start with the starters! The “Chef's Favorite 4” makes a great group appetizer with chips and queso blanco, eye-popping large onion rings, mini elk tacos, and fried green tomatoes. Another great option for a larger party is the local meat and cheese board, and there are plenty of appetizing starters for solo diners too. Try the pork belly burnt ends, lump crab dip or black-eyed pea hummus while you peruse the rest of the menu.
If you’re in the mood for steak, several ribeyes and filets will tempt you, and a wagyu cheeseburger is a perfect choice for lunch or a casual dinner. There’s a roasted bison filet if you want to try something different. Gulf snapper, redfish, catfish and shrimp are wonderful options for seafood lovers. If you want some southern comfort food with a Texas flair, get the pork chops, fried chicken, meatloaf, or a local favorite - the chicken fried steak.
Drink options are also Texas-themed, with locally brewed beers, and several Texas wines make an appearance on a wine list as big as the state itself. That’s not just a figure of speech --fourteen chardonnays and more than 30 cabernet sauvignons await you when you select a bottle to go with your meal. There’s also an impressive selection if you prefer to have your wine by the glass.
The Ranch cocktails are tasty too, and Texas distillers (Balcones, Western Sons, Tito’s and Deep Eddy) are featured in the specialty craft cocktails. The Amarillo by Morning doesn’t just recall a popular George Strait song; It’s made with Codigo Rosa Tequila which is partially owned by the country music superstar. Whether you’re hankering for a margarita, a frozen Texas Tea or a Ranch Water, you can find a specialty drink that suits your fancy.
Now listen up! Don't stuff yourself on the starters and mains! You simply MUST save room for dessert. I suggest that you finish your over-the-top dining experience with a basket of not-your-ordinary fried pies. I'm not talking apple or peach. Think of creamy pie fillings made of banana pudding, red velvet cake or Oreos enveloped in a light and crispy crust. Flavors rotate seasonally. The Route 66 Pecan Pie is a popular sweet treat along with the Chipotle Chocolate Layer Cake and Whiskey Bread Pudding. One dessert per table is plenty. You've been warned.
Live music Tuesday through Saturday sets a festive mood for dinner on the patio that’s hard to beat. Local musicians Chet Stevens, Josh Ingram, and Darron Williams are just a few of the singers who’ll entertain you when you spend the evening at The Ranch.
Afternoons are a great time to settle in on the patio too, especially on Sundays, when there’s brunch. A Texas-shaped cheddar cornbread waffle comes topped with eggs and fried chicken, while Texas pecan brown butter pancakes come with peach compote and ancho chili maple syrup.
If you live in Irving or if you’re planning a visit, be sure to mark your calendar for November, when The Ranch holds a signature event that’s unforgettable. 2022 will be the 14th year that The Ranch has celebrated Farm to Fork cuisine. Many of the farmers and ranchers who provide food ingredients to the ranch come and mingle with customers, and there are lots of activities going on too. Hop onto a longhorn steer and have your picture taken or pet some precious animals at a petting zoo. You can also sip beer, wine, cocktails and delicious bites prepared to celebrate the vendors and the occasion.
Your furry friends are always welcome on the patio too! And you'll want to be on the lookout for another special paw-ty hosted at The Ranch - Pups, Pints & Prosecco.
Whether you visit The Ranch for yappy hour, date night, dancing, brunch or romancing, or for a special evening or an everyday lunch, you're in for a real big Texas treat, And I guaran-darn-tee that you'll come back again and again.
