WELCOME TO THE RANCH!
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There's just something about being at the ranch…Mesa Ranch, that is! Steve and Marilane (Lane) Ray welcome you to a taste of bold Texas food, with an upscale menu and down-home hospitality. Memories of a bygone Texas are reflected in décor and concept. As native Texans, the Rays realize that Texas is not just one concept or culture. Texas represents pioneer spirit and family heritage.
For that reason, Mesa Ranch represents all things Texas, new or old. You might hear some Bob Wills while eating; and if the mood strikes, you may see some dancing. You might, also, hear some traditional Texas music representing the Blues, Jazz, Americana, or your favorite Texas tune. Live music swings here every night!
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Steve grew up in the restaurant business. Everyone remembers Steve's dad, Jack Ray, who owned and operated The Barn. Can you forget the pretty girls swinging above the bar? (Steve was the kid that brought you the cheese). In 1973, Jack built the Feed Lot on the hill on 2222. Yes, there really were two live steers poking their heads through the wall in the bar! In 1978, the location became the Texas Tumbleweed which operated until 1985. Just mentioning these locations brings back many memories of Austin and its colorful past.
People often ask how the concept of Mesa Ranch was created, and the story is fun to tell. It started when Steve and Lane began to fantasize about their dream vacation and their future. The result was a trip they called, "The Texas Beef Trail", in search of the best steak and most unique concept.
They began their trip to Llano at Coopers BBQ, then drove to Loweke Inn outside San Angelo. They then ate at Zentner's Daughter. They wandered over to Buffalo Gap (an informative living museum there) where they dined at Perini's Ranch Steakhouse. Next, was Abilene, (and cowgirl shopping), and eating steaks at Joe Allen's. They then ventured to Lubbock to try Cable's Steakhouse. Heading north, they visited Palo Duro Canyon where they experienced a cowboy breakfast, listened to true cowboy music, and 4-wheeled down into the canyon. The Big Texas Steakhouse was a lot of fun in Amarillo, and all the steaks and BBQ were delicious. Lane claims to have gained 30 pounds on this trip…but that's not the end of the story!
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Upon returning to Austin, Steve decided he needed more research, (or more vacationing)? He bought a 36' motor home (sight unseen in Florida…but that's another story). They headed to NM, then Colorado, then Wyoming, then Montana, then Canada, then to Idaho, then to Washington, then down the West Coast, all the way to LA, then up to Utah, and finally back down to Texas and to Big Bend. Fourteen
national parks and 11,000 miles later, (plus 1,400 pictures), he and Lane returned to begin their work on Mesa Ranch. What began as an adventurous vacation, became a firm love of America's western states and its beauty and vast cultures. Their love of West Texas and its untouched frontier remain dear to their hearts. The result is what you're enjoying today!
Our menu reflects our love for all regions and cultures of Texas. Our desire is for you to feel at home at our ranch. Enjoy the steaks, game, seafood, Tex-Mex, Creole, and variety of infusions and tastes. Many thanks go to many people…friends, staff, chef, and especially Dusty and Charlie…friends to the end!
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Make yourself at home and hang your hat at the ranch... Mesa Ranch, a true Texas grill.
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