Some steak dinners are about the steak. At Cattleman’s Steakhouse, the drive out, the desert sunset and the ranch around the dining room are part of the meal, too. This El Paso County landmark sits on Indian Cliffs Ranch outside the little town of Fabens, and it has been feeding families, road-trippers and special-occasion crowds for more than 50 years.
If you’re headed to far West Texas, here’s what to know before you go.
Where it is and how to get there
Cattleman’s is at 3450 S. Fabens Carlsbad Road in Fabens, about 35 minutes east of downtown El Paso. From Interstate 10 East, take the Fabens exit (Exit 49) and head north about five minutes into open desert. The ranch is out on its own, so the last stretch feels a long way from the city, which is exactly the point.
Keep in mind that El Paso County runs on Mountain Time, an hour behind most of Texas. If you’re driving in from the east, adjust your dinner plans accordingly.
A little history
The restaurant was founded in 1973 by Dieter Gerzymisch, who picked the spot for its sunset views over the desert, according to a 2025 Texas House resolution honoring the restaurant. Over the years the ranch’s rugged landscape and Old West sets have shown up in Hollywood films, including “The Border,” “Courage Under Fire” and “The Book of Eli.”
The restaurant has also picked up plenty of attention from regional and national outlets along the way, and it’s a common recommendation from Visit El Paso for anyone wanting a classic West Texas dinner.
What’s on the table
Steak is the main event here, and the restaurant’s own photos feature a hefty T-bone plate. You’ll find the current menu, including prices for 2026, linked from the official Cattleman’s website, so it’s worth a look before you go if you’re feeding a crowd or watching a budget.
A few practical notes matter more than any single menu item:
- No reservations for the steakhouse. The restaurant doesn’t take them for regular dining, so plan on a possible wait, especially on weekends.
- Big groups should call ahead. For parties of 15 or more, call (915) 544-3200 to set up a group meal or banquet.
- No takeout. Cattleman’s is dine-in only.
Come early and explore the ranch
What sets Cattleman’s apart from a city steakhouse is everything outside the dining room. Indian Cliffs Ranch is a working cattle ranch, and the grounds are set up for wandering before or after your meal. According to the restaurant and Visit El Paso, you’ll find:
- A children’s zoo and aviary, plus longhorns and buffalo
- Old Western movie sets and a western town
- A maze, a playground and a lake walk
- An antique wagon collection and old working stables
Visit El Paso notes that hayrides around the grounds are offered and suggests arriving early if you want one, so ask when you arrive. With kids in tow, an early start gives everybody time to burn off energy before dinner, and you’ll be in place for the sunset that made the founder pick this spot in the first place.
Hours and timing your visit
Cattleman’s is closed on Mondays. The current posted hours are Tuesday through Friday from 5 to 10 p.m., Saturday from 12:30 to 10 p.m., and Sunday from 12:30 to 9 p.m. Weekend afternoons are a nice time for families who want to see the ranch in daylight.
Holiday hours can be different. With Thanksgiving and the Christmas season coming up, check the restaurant’s Facebook page or call before making the drive on a holiday.
Make a day of it
If you’re traveling across West Texas, Cattleman’s makes a fine reward at the end of a long road day, and it’s a natural dinner stop before or after a trip to Guadalupe Mountains National Park, about two hours east of El Paso. For more Texas restaurants that are worth the drive, see our guide to Mary’s Cafe in Strawn.
Good to Know
- Where: 3450 S. Fabens Carlsbad Road, Fabens (El Paso County); about 35 minutes east of downtown El Paso via I-10 Exit 49.
- Hours: Tuesday to Friday 5 to 10 p.m.; Saturday 12:30 to 10 p.m.; Sunday 12:30 to 9 p.m.; closed Monday. Mountain Time.
- Reservations: Not accepted for the steakhouse. Groups of 15 or more should call (915) 544-3200.
- Takeout: Not offered; dine-in only.
- Don’t miss: The ranch grounds, including a children’s zoo, movie sets, maze and lake walk. Come early.
Hours, dates and prices can change. Check the official website before you head out.
Cattleman’s is the kind of place people tell stories about for years: the long drive into the desert, the kids at the petting zoo, the sky turning orange while the steaks come out. If you’re anywhere near El Paso, it’s worth saving an evening for.
