Rodeo Update: So Houston’s favorite time of year is here NOW! Rodeo has kicked off this week. I’m here to update my last post on Rodeo and tell you more about one of the most fun and incredible stops in ‘Rodeo Chic’ to visit…...Ben Berg’s Ranch Rodeo on the grounds of the Rodeo. Many of us will head to the Rodeo grounds just to be there and enjoy!
On this Saturday, March 2 11:00am till 2:00pm Berg Hospitality Group will host ‘Darty’ at The Ranch, a day party of good eats, cold drinks and an exclusive concert by Runaway June. Hot off the release of their new EP, “Smoke, Wine & Whiskey,” the all-female trio, brings their edgy country sound to The Ranch Saloon for their first Rodeo appearance. These super talented gals will hit the stage at 12pm. Entry is first come, first served general admission. No reservation required.
These gals have been proclaimed by Billboard as the “Next Hot Trend in Country Music” and likened to the Chicks (formerly Dixie Chicks) for a new generation. They have also earned the title of “Next Women of Country” by CMT. This young and very talented group are definitely on the rise of popularity in the Country Music world and have opened for such Country Stars as Garth Brooks, Luke Bryan, Alan Jackson and Carrie Underwood, all stars that our Houston Rodeo crowds have loved in the past. So if you can make it to NRG grounds tomorrow, you must stop in and see these gals and be part of the first to appreciate these up-and-coming hot chicks perform!
It seems that I can’t quite keep up with the new year, 2024, which keeps soaring along, so once again I will say, hard to believe it but Rodeo time is here again in H-town. ‘Trail Blazer Luncheon’ has happened and a huge success, packing in 2200 people in and many committee meetings, get togethers,etc. that so many of my friends partake in, but it’s February/March and that means one thing in Houston, Texas…….RODEO is Here!!
For me, my very favorite part of the Rodeo-scene is to welcome back to NRG Park, Ben Berg’s The Ranch Saloon + Steakhouse, an official sponsor of the 2024 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Many of us have visited this awesome space, installed by Ben’s amazing crew, new each year, and have had the time of our lives just visiting, dining and sharing the spirits and entertainment that goes along with the restaurant/saloon. The Ranch offers patrons the opportunity to enjoy a sit-down dining experience, both casual and formal on the NRG Park Grounds. Additionally, it offers nightly live music, private event space and a reserved VIP area.
“In our third year of The Ranch and second as an official sponsor of RODEOHOUSTON, I am honored that Houstonians keep enthusiastically welcoming us back to NRG,” said Benjamin Berg, founder of Berg Hospitality Group. “This year, The Ranch is even better with a new layout and upgraded décor, specialty cocktail bars, more food options and larger music acts. Come kick up your boots with us for a great meal and good time.”
The Ranch is made up of three dining experiences…..The Saloon, Steakhouse and Skillet. Saloon is first come, first served upscale casual dining featuring a large main bar with nightly live music, along with The Porch, a covered outdoor patio with cocktail tables. The Steakhouse is the fine dining side where tables can be reserved in advance. The Ranch menus are comprised of signature dishes from several of Berg Hospitality’s well-known and most loved menus. The Steakhouse will exclusively off the finest cuts of Kobe, Texas and Japanese Wagyu beef and dry-aged USDA Prime beef, as well as caviar and fresh seafood. Upscale, yet approachable, the Saloon menu will offer tavern-style dishes.
Both menus are offered in the Saloon, incuding the main bar and the Porch, but only the Steakhouse menu is offered in the fine dining area with reservations.
Very exciting addition to this complex this year is The Skillet, an outer walk-up window serving a unique spin on classic carnival fare. The take-and-go menu will be offering upscale versions of handheld rodeo favorites. You will find favorites such as B&B Butchers Friday Famous Hotdog and Smash Burger, Chicken Fried Steak on a Stick plus more amazing Berg restaurant favorites. For dessert, a uniquely their own “Cowboy Croissants”……deep fried churro-crusted with Nutella or cream stuffing. (my mouth is watering on these dishes!)
Another unique addition for the many thirsty cowboys and cowgirls entering this dining haven is that in addition to the two full bars, as in the past, this year there will be satellite bars. At each conveniently located post, rodeo-goers can purchase beer, wine or specialty cocktails. The new additions which in my eyes will be a busy go-to spot are the Cosmopolitan Bar, Whiskey Bar, Aperoal Spritz Bar and a Tequila Bar offering Margaritas and “The Ranch” Waters.
Due to its 2023 popularity, Berg will return “The Ranch After Dark” for an elevated nightlife experience where Houston’s hottest DJ’s will be spinning tunes nightly and popular country music stars will be performing live on Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 p.m. to closing. A la carte drinks and bottle service will be available. Also back this year will be the Steakholder area, where 20 premium tables will be stanchioned on the fine dining side designated for guests to reserve for their convenience for the entirety of the rodeo season.
The uniqueness of this entire concept is there is so much to talk about in this mini dining complex created by Berg and held in a confined but refined western hot spot on the grounds of our Rodeo festivities. Please visit their website for even more details at www.TheRachatRodeo.com and follow it on social media @theranchatrodeo. Below are some of the details of The Ranch for your convenience.
The Ranch Saloon + Steakhouse is located at NRG Park on the southwest corner of NRG Astrodome and will be open the duration of Rodeo season, February 27-March17. Reservations are available on OpenTable.(for all days/times info) For The Ranch After Dark reservations, call 713-818-2310. To reserve a Steakholder Table, email VIP@theranchatrodeo.com or call 713-703-1651. For more info please check online or instagram listed above.
