The Ranchman's Cafe
a.k.a. "The Ponder Steakhouse"

Attention: The heart of the Old West is still alive! If ever ya’ll are yernin’ for some good, down home cookin’ Ranchman’s Café has the super for you! This Texas landmark is located in the heart of Ponder, Texas and is the steakhouse, soap company, and antique store the Ross’s call home.

Entrepreneur, Dave Ross is the owner of the Ranchman’s café, more commonly called the Ponder Steakhouse. Dave, along with wife Norma, daughter Pauline, son’s Ben and David Jr., and several other employees greet you with a great big, welcoming smile and a “hey ya’ll” into their “Best of the West” steakhouse. In 1999, Ranchman’s was rated as one of the best steakhouses in the West by Cowboys and Indians magazine. Their top ranked steakhouse has served all the locals, and people who travel anywhere from Georgia to Michigan, including celebrities such as Cindy Crawford, Larry McMurty, and Barry Switzer.

In March of 2006 at about 3:00 pm, My father, sister, and I made a trip down to the Lonestar state to visit a family friend. During our visit, Chad told us he would have to take us out for the best steak in the world. That, undoubtedly, led us to the parking lot, placed in the middle of the street, in front of the Ponder Steakhouse.

I soon found out this small, run-down-looking café is full of history. It was built on Bailey Street, just a stone’s throw away from the first bank ever robbed by Bonnie and Clyde. Upon entering this establishment, I noticed the feverishly decorated walls with Old West memorabilia and multiple signed photos of celebrities who have visited this chicken-fried grill. After being seated, we were delighted with the speedy service from Norma and all the specials we could ever ask for from their heavy menu. Their appetizers included Quail Quarters, which can be grilled or deep fried, and range in size/price from $3.95 to $9.95. If you’re looking for something a little different, their Calf fries or “Mountain Oysters” are said to be the very best. These rich and ever-so-tasty testicles are hand-breaded, deep-fried to a golden brown, and served with the most mouth-watering cream gravy. You can also choose from their famous BBQ sauce or ranch dressing to add flavor. You can also find chicken-fried steak fingers and a romaine leaf lettuce chef salad with a choice of ham, chicken or sirloin to go with the onion, Cotija and cheddar cheeses, tomato and hard boiled egg. But, be careful not to fill up on the starters, their entrees are by far worth waiting for. On the menu, you can find their delicious Porterhouse, T-Bone, The Club, Top Sirloin, and Pork chops to end the belly-achin’. My sister and I chose the T-Bone because that's all Chad raved about, but we soon found out he had every right. I loved it! (even better than my mom's) You can choose from their beloved baked potato or the hand cut and ever-so-thick fries with prices ranging from $9.50 to $29.95 to take care of any budget. As for anyone with a sweet tooth, Granny’s original, “made from scratch” recipe is still the highlight for that craving. These homemade pies are offered in coconut, chocolate meringue, pecan, apple, and buttermilk. Personally, the apple pie is the best! Those hand picked, sliced, and baked apples were so tart, but with the just the right pinch of cinnamon and sugar they warmed my insides right up on that cold Texas winter day. The Cobbler includes peach, cherry, and blackberry. They also offer Blue Bunny ice cream to top of any desert for $1.75 a dip. Evelyn Stack’s whole pies are $14. 49 to $16.49 and a slice is only $3.49. Just in case you’re looking for something on a smaller scale the Ranchman BLT or their ½ and ¼ lb. cheeseburgers do the trick. Plan on $3.00 plate charge for any shared meals.

As for reservations, they are fairly busy and if you don’t want to stand out in that Texas heat, it would be your best bet. They are open every day from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. with exceptions to Sunday which closes an hour earlier. If you plan on having the baked potato you must make a reservation to ensure availability, but the Ponder Steakhouse wants you to know their only rule, BYOB (bring your own beer). Coolers are welcome and possibly the only place that does welcome them.

As a huge fan of the Southern hospitality, the Ranchman’s Café is a must for all who seek a good meal to carve out your hunger. So, whenever that belly of yers’ is a achin’, keep in mind the Ponder Steakhouse! Come on down and you will not be disappointed! And don’t forget ya’ll! Pick up your very own handmade Ranchman’s lye soap made from the leftover fat, guaranteed to clean up those sticky, filthy hands!

(All photos by http://www.ranchman.com/)