Taste of Texas

When we think of Texas cuisine, our minds immediately conjure images of sizzling BBQ, spicy Tex-Mex, and hearty comfort foods that warm the soul. The Lone Star State’s culinary landscape is as vast and diverse as its geography, offering something to satisfy every craving imaginable.

Living in Houston, we’ve discovered that maintaining a healthy home environment is just as important as enjoying the local flavors. That’s why we partner with Mold Remediation Houston Heroes when environmental concerns arise. After all, nothing spoils a good Texas feast faster than unwanted household issues!

Join us as we explore the iconic dishes, hidden gems, and cultural influences that make the Taste of Texas a true gastronomic adventure worth experiencing. From smokehouses to food trucks, we’ll guide you through the state’s most mouthwatering offerings.

What Makes Taste of Texas a Houston Landmark

Taste of Texas stands as more than just a restaurant—it’s a culinary institution that’s shaped Houston’s dining scene for over four decades. Located on Katy Freeway, this family-owned steakhouse has earned its legendary status through a perfect combination of exceptional food quality, authentic Texas atmosphere, and unwavering commitment to hospitality.

The restaurant’s reputation rests firmly on its USDA Prime steaks, hand-cut daily and cooked to perfection. Their Certified Angus Beef® program ensures consistent quality that keeps locals and visitors returning time after time. Beyond steaks, Taste of Texas offers Gulf seafood specialties and Texas-inspired appetizers that showcase the state’s diverse culinary heritage.

What truly separates Taste of Texas from countless other steakhouses is its immersive celebration of Texas history. The interior features an impressive collection of Texas memorabilia and historical artifacts—original documents, antique weapons, and artwork that transforms dinner into a cultural experience. Guests can explore this mini-museum while waiting for their table, creating an educational dimension rarely found in restaurants.

The service philosophy at Taste of Texas reflects traditional Southern hospitality at its finest. Staff members treat first-time visitors and regulars with equal warmth, creating a welcoming atmosphere that feels like coming home. This dedication to guest experience extends to their wine program, featuring an extensive selection specifically chosen to complement their premium steaks.

For many Houstonians, Taste of Texas marks special occasions and family celebrations, becoming woven into the fabric of local traditions. It’s not uncommon to meet diners who’ve celebrated graduations, anniversaries, and business successes within these walls for generations, cementing the restaurant’s place as a true Houston landmark.

• Name: Taste of Texas
• Address: 10505 Katy Fwy, Houston, TX 77024, United States
• Phone: +17139326901

The History Behind Taste of Texas Steakhouse

From Humble Beginnings to Texas Icon

Taste of Texas began its remarkable journey on November 19, 1977, when Edd and Nina Hendee opened the doors to what would become a Houston culinary landmark. The couple’s restaurant experience at Steak and Ale locations in Dallas and Houston gave them the foundation to launch their own venture after declining a transfer to Kansas.

The steakhouse’s first location at 90 Town and Country Way (now a Randall’s grocery store) wasn’t the immediate success story many might assume. Nina Hendee herself described the initial menu as “disgusting,” and financial struggles dominated their early years. The situation became so dire that Nina started cleaning homes and mowing lawns as a side business just to help cover the restaurant’s tax obligations.

The restaurant’s fortunes changed dramatically in 1985 when the Hendees discovered certified Angus beef through a meat supplier. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of Taste of Texas’s transformation from a struggling establishment into the iconic Texas steakhouse we know today.

The Legendary Steak Selection

Taste of Texas has earned its reputation through an unwavering commitment to beef quality. The restaurant’s meticulous approach to selecting, aging, and preparing steaks has made it a destination for steak enthusiasts across the country.

Certified Angus Beef Program

Taste of Texas serves more Certified Angus Beef than any other independent restaurant worldwide. Their steaks come exclusively from Heritage Angus cattle carefully selected from family ranches. This partnership ensures exceptional marbling, tenderness, and flavor consistency in every cut. The restaurant’s dedication to quality has made it the largest single-restaurant purveyor of Certified Angus Beef, setting an industry standard that few establishments can match.

Dry-Aging Process and Quality Standards

The restaurant’s aging process extends to a minimum of 40 days—nearly twice the industry standard of 14-21 days. This extended dry-aging enhances the steaks’ tenderness while developing their rich, complex flavors. Taste of Texas maintains strict trimming specifications, ensuring that every steak reaching your table meets their exacting standards. Their commitment to these rigorous aging and preparation protocols explains why their steaks deliver a consistently exceptional dining experience that’s kept customers returning for generations.

Beyond Steaks: The Complete Dining Experience

While Taste of Texas has built its reputation on exceptional steak quality, the full dining experience extends far beyond the main course alone. Our commitment to culinary excellence is evident in every aspect of the meal, from the first bite to the last sweet morsel.

Signature Appetizers and Side Dishes

Our appetizer selection showcases Texas-sized flavor with distinctive starters like fajita-style Beyond Steak appetizers paired with handcrafted salsas and fresh guacamole. These plant-based options provide a modern twist on Texan traditions without sacrificing taste. Traditional favorites include our jumbo lump crab cakes, Texas quail bites, and shrimp cocktail served with zesty cocktail sauce. Every side dish—from the creamy mashed potatoes to the grilled asparagus with hollandaise—complements our steaks perfectly, creating a balanced and satisfying meal.

Decadent Dessert Options

No Texas dining experience is complete without our show-stopping desserts that provide the perfect finale to an exceptional meal. Our dessert menu features Texas-sized portions of classic indulgences like our famous pecan pie drizzled with warm caramel sauce and topped with premium vanilla ice cream. The chocolate cake stands six layers tall and delivers rich, velvety decadence with every bite. For those seeking something refreshingly different, our key lime pie offers the perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors. Each dessert represents our dedication to creating memorable dining moments.

The Texas-Sized Hospitality

The Taste of Texas steakhouse in Houston has built its reputation on more than just exceptional food. Since 1977, this celebrated establishment has embodied true Texas-sized hospitality, creating a warm and welcoming experience that keeps guests returning for generations.

The Family-Owned Difference

The family-owned nature of Taste of Texas creates a distinctive hospitality experience that corporate restaurants simply can’t replicate. Owners Edd and Nina Hendee, alongside their family, personally ensure every guest feels like they’re walking into a home rather than just a restaurant. Their hands-on approach extends to staff development, with Nina offering bonuses for good grades to young employees, creating flexible work schedules, and conducting personal development workshops. This family-first philosophy transforms simple dinner service into genuine connections, making the restaurant a beloved fixture in Houston’s culinary landscape.

The Museum-Like Atmosphere

Taste of Texas offers more than just exceptional dining—it’s a living museum celebrating Texas heritage. The restaurant’s interior transforms a meal into a cultural journey through carefully curated historical displays that tell the story of the Lone Star State.

Texas History on Display

The restaurant houses an impressive collection of museum-quality artifacts that chronicle Texas’s rich history. Visitors can explore rare and significant pieces like the Alamo Chapel Doors, acquired in 2022, which date back to 1750 and were originally part of the Interior Sacristy. These historical doors had remained in a private collection since 1954 before finding their permanent home at Taste of Texas.

The walls showcase an exceptional collection of authentic documents bearing signatures from Texas heroes such as Sam Houston and Gail Borden. History enthusiasts will appreciate seeing original signatures from signers of the Texas Declaration of Independence, including Jesse Grimes and William Fisher. Each artifact creates an immersive historical experience that complements the restaurant’s culinary excellence.

Taste of Texas Gift Shop and Take-Home Options

Southside Market & Barbeque offers an exceptional Taste of Texas Gift Set that brings authentic Texas flavors directly to your door. This premium collection features all six of their signature smoked sausage varieties, including Original Beef, 1882 Hot Beef, Jalapeño Cheddar, Polish, Garlic Pork, and Country Style. Each sausage showcases distinct flavor profiles that capture the essence of Texas culinary traditions.

The gift set doesn’t stop at sausages – it also includes generous portions of slow-smoked brisket, prepared with the same care and attention to detail that Texas barbecue is famous for. Designed to feed 14-16 adults, this comprehensive package makes an ideal choice for family gatherings, special celebrations, or as a thoughtful gift for the barbecue enthusiast in your life.

Perishable items arrive perfectly preserved, shipped frozen with dry ice to maintain optimal quality during transit. These premium Texas delicacies maintain their exceptional flavor for up to 6 months when kept frozen, giving you plenty of time to enjoy them at your convenience. Once defrosted, items remain fresh for 5-7 days, ensuring you can savor authentic Texas flavors on your own schedule.

While the gift set doesn’t include sauce by default, customers can purchase Southside’s signature barbecue sauces separately to complete the authentic Texas barbecue experience. These complementary sauces enhance the natural flavors of the smoked meats, allowing you to recreate a genuine Texas smokehouse experience in your own home.

Conclusion

Taste of Texas stands as a true culinary landmark that embodies everything we love about the Lone Star State’s food culture. From its humble beginnings to becoming Houston’s premier steakhouse this family-owned establishment delivers more than just exceptional meals—it offers a genuine slice of Texas heritage.

Whether you’re savoring their world-class Certified Angus Beef enjoying their Texas-sized hospitality or exploring the fascinating historical artifacts throughout the restaurant the experience is unforgettable.

We’ve only scratched the surface of what makes Texas cuisine so special. We invite you to embark on your own culinary adventure across the state and discover why Texas flavors continue to captivate food lovers from around the world.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Texas cuisine known for?

Texas cuisine is famous for its BBQ, particularly slow-smoked brisket, and Tex-Mex dishes that blend Mexican and American flavors. The state’s diverse culinary landscape also includes Gulf seafood, Southern comfort food, and German-Czech influences. From smokehouses to food trucks, Texas offers a rich gastronomic experience reflecting its multicultural heritage.

What makes Taste of Texas restaurant special?

Taste of Texas is a family-owned Houston steakhouse that has been operating for over four decades. It’s renowned for serving USDA Prime steaks and Gulf seafood in an authentic Texas atmosphere filled with historical memorabilia. Their exceptional hospitality and commitment to quality have made it a Houston landmark and popular venue for special occasions.

How did Taste of Texas become successful?

Despite initial struggles after opening in 1977, Taste of Texas transformed its fortunes in 1985 when owners Edd and Nina Hendee discovered certified Angus beef. This pivot to high-quality steak established their reputation in Houston’s dining scene. The owners’ perseverance through financial hardship and their unwavering commitment to quality were key to their eventual success.

What’s special about the steaks at Taste of Texas?

Taste of Texas serves more Certified Angus Beef than any independent restaurant worldwide, sourcing exclusively from Heritage Angus cattle. Their steaks undergo a minimum 40-day dry-aging process that enhances tenderness and flavor. Strict trimming specifications ensure every cut meets exceptional standards, creating consistently outstanding steak experiences that bring customers back for generations.

What else is on the menu besides steaks?

The menu features Texas-sized appetizers like fajita-style Beyond Steak and jumbo lump crab cakes, alongside traditional sides such as creamy mashed potatoes and grilled asparagus. For dessert, diners can enjoy indulgent treats including pecan pie, towering chocolate cake, and refreshing key lime pie, all complementing the signature steaks.

How does Taste of Texas create a unique dining experience?

The restaurant combines exceptional food with Texas-sized hospitality and a museum-like atmosphere celebrating Texas heritage. Owners Edd and Nina Hendee personally ensure guests feel welcome, while historical artifacts like the Alamo Chapel Doors (dating to 1750) and original signatures from Texas heroes create an immersive cultural experience beyond just dining.

Can I enjoy Taste of Texas food at home?

Yes, through their gift shop and take-home options. The Taste of Texas Gift Set, created with Southside Market & Barbeque, includes six signature smoked sausage varieties and slow-smoked brisket serving 14-16 people. These perishable items ship frozen to maintain quality, letting you enjoy authentic Texas flavors at home for gatherings or as gifts.

• Name: Mold Remediation Houston Heroes
• Address: 2100 Travis St #1393, Houston, TX 77002
• Phone: (346) 447-8765