Saga of the Ranch
No other Houston restaurant lets you experience Texas Hill Country in the city, the way Rio Ranch, Texas does.
Before you enter the restaurant through the double glass doors, you are welcomed by the tranquil sound of water flowing down the country rocks in our treasure filled creek. As you enter the restaurant, your eyes are instantly drawn to the 30-foot tall limestone fireplace, which adds country warmth and romance to your dinning experience. Our guests are mesmerized by the dancing flames in the fireplace, as well as the unique chandelier made of scythes, rakes, plows, antlers and briars. The design for Rio Ranch was inspired by the Ranch houses of early Texas. The interior and exterior incorporate gnarled Cedar posts and limestone, quarried outside of Junction, Texas, both native to the Texas Hill Country.
Kick Up Your Boots at the Rio Saloon
Just the Beginning....
Rio Ranch was opened in January of 1993, as partnership between Augusta Foods and the Westchase Hilton. The restaurant has a beneficial location that attracts the local business community rushing in for a lunch that may include Chicken Fried Steak, Ranch-Style Knife and Fork Burger. The evenings are more tranquil, where our guests enjoy a bottle of wine from our extensive wine collection and may choose from a variety of menu items, such as the Mahi-Mahi or Cracked Pepper Crusted Beef Filet with a rich Mushroom Cream Sauce. Our signature Blueberry Cobbler is a finishing touch that is irresistible.
Meet Chef San...
Our juicy mesquite wood grilled steaks are prepared by Executive Chef San Hemwattikit, who displays his talent in the open kitchen, where he precisely executes the Rio Ranch concept founded by both himself and Chef Robert DelGrande of Café Annie. Chef Hemwattakit, a native of Thailand, attended college in Sacramento, California and learned his culinary skills through hard work and dedication. A professional self-taught chef, Chef Hemwattikit has experienced incredible honors and recognition including winning first place in the Gene Wild Man cook off for his specialty, Roasted Wild Boar. He has also won the People's Choice Award in the Caesar Salad competition at the Omni Hotel. One of his most memorable experiences was the Economic Summit in 1990 when Chef Hemwattakit and colleague Chef Del Grande had the prestigious honor to cook for President George Bush and other top leaders from around the world.
Our private dining rooms, the Wine Room, the Lone Star Room, the Main Floor and the Westwind Ballroom, can accommodate your next Wedding Rehearsal, Baby Shower, Birthday party, or business dinner from 20 to 200 guests. Next time you are in the mood for rustic elegance in the Texas Hill Country, visit Rio Ranch and let your taste buds enjoy true cowboy cuisine.