Perini Ranch Steakhouse is not on the way to anywhere. Despite this, or perhaps more accurately, because of it, the Perini Ranch and its four decades-old Texas steakhouse are among the most delectable destinations on any continent.
Where the Hell is Buffalo Gap?
Perini Ranch is just outside of Buffalo Gap, a speck of a village just south of Abilene, Texas. The ranch spreads across the northwest edge of Texas Hill Country where it meets the high plains of the Llano Estacado. It nestles in the saddle of the Callahan Divide, a scenic mini-mountain range with a gap between two of the area’s hefty mesas. Long ago, during migrations, bison thundered through the open space, the source of Buffalo Gap’s name.
A two-lane ribbon of highway leads from the live oak-dotted town past the ranch’s entrance. Turning in, you soon spy the restaurant—all corrugated tin and weathered wood that’s been converted from an old hay barn. Tom Perini transformed the structure into a steakhouse after a valued family friend counseled him that the ranch operation would likely be more profitable with beef on the plate rather than on the hoof. He had been catering occasional events from a 19th century chuck wagon at other ranches in the area.
On The Menu
Perini went “all in” on a full restaurant, with a menu focused on the mesquite-grilled or smoked steaks and other beef he had served at catered events. He accompanied the beef with hearty and homey sides. Some of his creations include roasted cowboy potatoes and hominy zipped up with cheddar and green chile.
From his Italian family heritage he added tomato-laced Zucchini Perini. Soon, Lisa came into Tom’s life, eventually becoming his wife, and added more dishes to the menu. Lisa also brought an emphasis on fine wines along with cocktails.
Desserts are notable here too, and may transport you back in time. If you like Tom, had a grandma who could whip up strawberry shortcake built upon tender sugar biscuits, he has a dish for you. Someone at the dinner table must order the bread pudding too—packed with sourdough, Texas pecans, and blanketed in bourbon sauce.
Getting There
Perini Ranch Steakhouse can be found at: 3002 Farm to Market Road 89, Buffalo Gap, TX 79508. Restaurant reservations also available through Resy.com, lodging reservations: (800) 367-1721 and email info@periniranch.com.
Guests often drive the 2½ hours from the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area and Dallas Fort Worth International Airport to the restaurant. However, the Abilene Regional Airport, about 20 miles from Perini Ranch, has regular service to DFW on American Airlines. The food and the ambience are well-worth the trek!
Story by Cheryl Alters Jamison / Photography by Wyatt McFadden
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