The chicken fried steak here comes in three sizes, and the biggest one goes by “hoss.” That name alone tells you the kitchen isn’t kidding around.
The building dates back to 1903. Over the years, it’s been a barbershop, a hardware store, and a general store before it ever fed a single steak lover.
Then came Hollywood. The 1967 film Bonnie and Clyde used this spot, and a famous author later credited it with sparking the name of a Pulitzer Prize-winning novel.
I love that a small Texas dining room carries that much story. I believe the gravy deserves equal credit, though.
The place closed, sat quiet, and then came roaring back with its old charm still in place. Who wouldn’t want a seat at a table with that kind of comeback story behind it?
A 1903 Building With More Jobs Than Your Resume
Long before anyone ordered a steak here, this building cut hair. Back in 1903, it started its life and soon took on many roles.
Over the decades, it served as a restaurant and a barbershop. Later, it worked as a hardware store and a general store too.
That’s a lot of careers for one building. Most of us would need a nap after switching jobs that many times.
Everything changed on Thanksgiving Day in 1948. That’s when Grace “Pete” Jackson opened Ranchman’s and gave the place its lasting identity.
Pete’s name still comes up when folks talk about this restaurant. Her legacy is a big part of why people care so much about it today.
I like knowing a meal can come with a history lesson attached. It makes a simple dinner feel a little more meaningful.
When you visit, take a moment outside before heading in. Look at the old storefront and think about all the people who passed through.
Farmers, shoppers, and customers waiting for a haircut once stood right there. Now you’re the next chapter, holding a menu instead of a hammer.
The Hoss-Sized Chicken Fried Steak Is The Main Event
Three sizes sit on the menu at Ranchman’s by Marty B, and the biggest one is called the hoss. That’s a cowboy word for a big, sturdy horse.
It fits.
Each chicken fried steak is breaded by hand and then deep-fried. It lands on the table with mashed potatoes and green beans riding along beside it.
Then comes the topping. The kitchen makes its own bacon gravy, which sounds like a smart upgrade to me.
Not everyone needs the hoss, of course. The smaller sizes let lighter eaters join the party without a doggy bag the size of a suitcase.
My advice is simple and practical. Look at your appetite honestly before you order, then pick the size that matches it.
If you’re sharing with a friend, the big one could become a team project. Just agree on who gets the last bite before the plate arrives.
Chicken fried steak is a Texas classic for good reason. It’s crispy, hearty, and made for slow, happy eating.
This dish is what put the restaurant on so many road-trip lists. Start here, and you’ll understand why the name still carries weight in Texas.
The Old Dining Room Still Feels Like Grandma’s Favorite Diner
Good news for fans of the original. When Ranchman’s by Marty B reopened, much of the old dining room stayed right where it was.
The memorabilia was kept too. So was that old-school charm people had missed during the quiet years.
Updates to the classic interior and exterior were kept to a minimum. That choice tells you the new owner respected what made the place special.
Plenty of restaurants get remodeled until they look like every other chain. This one went the other direction, and I think that was wise.
The room feels rooted in its past. You’re eating in a space that has been feeding Texans for generations.
Take some time to look around the walls before your food shows up. The memorabilia gives you plenty to talk about while you wait.
It’s the kind of room where a family dinner feels like a small tradition. Kids can ask questions, and grownups can share stories.
If old charm is your thing, ask to sit in the original dining room. It’s the heart of the whole place and worth the extra wait.
Hollywood And A Famous Novel Both Stopped By
Bonnie and Clyde, the 1967 film, used this little spot. That’s right, a classic movie found its way to a small-town Texas steakhouse.
The fame didn’t stop there. Author Larry McMurtry said Ranchman’s inspired the name of his novel Lonesome Dove.
That book came out in 1986 and won the Pulitzer Prize. It became one of the most loved Western stories ever written.
Not bad for a restaurant best known for gravy and pie. Most diners are happy just to get a nice sign out front.
Television came calling too. The restaurant was featured on Food Network’s FoodNation with Bobby Flay.
So when you sit down here, you’re joining a pretty interesting guest list. Movie crews, a famous chef’s show, and a legendary writer all have ties to this place.
Here’s a fun idea before your trip. Watch the movie or read a few chapters of the book, then visit and connect the dots.
It turns lunch into a little adventure. Your family might even start a debate about which story is better, the book or the chicken fried steak.
Save Room, Because The Pies Have A Reputation
Pie has always been part of this restaurant’s fame. Steaks may get the headlines, but dessert has long shared the spotlight.
Ranchman’s by Marty B serves a variety of pies alongside homemade cobblers. There’s also Marty B’s signature ice cream to round things out.
Chocolate, coconut, and pecan pies are among the flavors tied to this place. Picking just one could take longer than eating it.
Here’s a sneaky strategy that works well. Decide on dessert before you order your main dish.
That way, you can choose a smaller chicken fried steak and leave room. Nobody wants to stare sadly at a slice of pie they can’t finish.
Cobbler with ice cream is a classic Texas pairing. Warm fruit and cold cream just belong together on a plate.
If your group can’t agree, order a few desserts to share. Passing forks around the table is half the fun anyway.
And if you’re truly too full, ask for a slice to go. Pie tastes just as sweet at home later that night.
Steaks, Quail, And Meatloaf Wrapped In Bacon Round Out The Menu
Steaks were part of this restaurant’s fame from the start. The kitchen still serves them, so beef lovers have more than one path to happiness.
Then the menu gets creative. Fried quail and bacon-wrapped meatloaf both show up, which feels very Texas in the best way.
Hand-packed burgers are another option. You’ll also find chicken fried chicken, traditional chicken, wings, and a fried pork sandwich.
Need starters? Steak nachos, onion rings, potato skins, and hot rolls can keep the table busy.
Kids have choices too, like chicken tenders. Picky eaters won’t feel left out at this table.
Salads are on the menu for anyone wanting something lighter. It’s nice to have balance when the gravy is calling your name.
My tip is to bring a group and order a mix. Sharing lets everyone sample more without ordering three entrees each.
Hot rolls and onion rings make an easy team snack. Just don’t fill up completely before your main plate arrives at the table.
Live Music On The Patio Makes Weekends Even Better
Friday and Saturday evenings bring live music to the patio. That’s a pretty good reason to plan your visit around the weekend.
The reopened restaurant added a large outdoor space. It includes an entertainment patio built for relaxing under the Texas sky.
Cornhole is available outdoors as well. Tossing bean bags is a fun way to pass time while the kitchen works.
Families with energetic kids might love this setup. Little ones can move around a bit instead of sitting still the whole time.
Grownups win too. A good song and a cool breeze can make an ordinary dinner feel like a mini celebration.
A newly expanded saloon area joins the patio as part of the reboot. Together, they give you more room than the old diner alone could offer.
My advice is to check the weather before heading out. A pleasant evening makes the patio shine.
Also bring a light jacket in cooler months. Texas nights can surprise you, and you’ll want to stay for the next song.
No Reservations Means Timing Is Your Secret Weapon
Reservations aren’t part of the deal here. Seating works on a first-come, first-served basis, so planning ahead matters.
That makes timing your best friend. An early visit can help you avoid the busiest stretch of the evening.
The restaurant opens at 11 in the morning. Weekday dinners and weekend nights are when crowds can build.
Hours run later on Fridays and Saturdays, until 10:30 at night. Other days wrap up around 9 at night.
Schedules can shift, especially at a restaurant that just reopened. A quick check before you leave home can save you a wasted drive.
Here’s a practical idea for big families. Try a late lunch or early dinner, when tables may open up faster.
Bring patience along with your appetite. Popular places draw a crowd, and this one has decades of fans.
The good news is the patio and saloon give you more room. You’ll have places to hang out instead of just standing by the door.
A Comeback Story Worth Driving To Ponder For
For a while, it looked like the story might be over. The diner closed during the COVID-19 pandemic for about three years of renovations.
It reopened briefly in March 2023. Then it closed again on October 30, 2023, under owner Dave Ross, who had bought it in 1992.
Fans were heartbroken. A Texas landmark sat quiet, and nobody knew what would come next.
Then local businessman Marty Bryan stepped in. He reopened it in August 2026 as Ranchman’s by Marty B.
His goal was to revive the historic steakhouse while keeping its character and traditions. That balance isn’t easy, but the preserved dining room shows real effort.
You’ll find the restaurant at 110 W. Bailey St., Ponder, TX 76259.
It’s a small town, so the drive itself has a relaxed, country feel.
I think comebacks like this deserve support. Old places carry memories that new buildings simply can’t copy.
So plan a trip, grab a seat, and order something with gravy. Pete would probably approve of the whole idea.
