Ranch 616

"As long as you’re OK with running into the occasional bachelorette party kicking off their night—and maybe even joining in for a round of Ranch 616’s signature fire-in-the-hole shots—this is one of the best spots Downtown for a “Texas” meal. Grab a Patron Platter for the table so you can try half a dozen varieties of fried appetizers and semi-boneless quail bites, then go for chicken fried steaks, ribeyes, or Texas red snapper. The portions are huge, so prepare to share." - nicolai mccrary, matthew jacobs

"While Ranch 616 can sometimes be overrun with bachelor and bachelorette parties due to proximity to West Sixth Street bars, as well as its party-like atmosphere and large, festive patio complete with neon, animal skulls, and colorful decor, this restaurant serves up a quintessential Texan meal, of chicken fried steak and all the meats. With a big crowd? Order a Patron Platter for the table to try a sampling of fried Gulf oysters, fried calamari, fried frog legs, shrimp rellenos, and sugar-cured grilled quail. Pair anything from the menu with an obligatory Ranch Water. The restaurant claims to have invented it." - Darcie Duttweiler

"As long as you’re OK with running into the occasional bachelor/bachelorette party kicking off their night—and maybe even joining in for a round of Ranch 616’s signature fire-in-the-hole shots—this is one of the best spots in the area for a very “Texas” meal. Grab a Patron Platter for the table, and try a sampling of half a dozen varieties of fried appetizers and semi-boneless quail bites, then order chicken fried steaks, ribeyes, Texas red snapper, and other Texas-y dishes from the entrée menu. The portions are huge, so prepare to share. Then, sit back and listen to live music performances in the dining room most nights, or relax on the spacious patio overlooking a busy stretch of Downtown.   " - nicolai mccrary

"You’re planning a group dinner with your friend who likes to yell when he tells stories for dramatic effect and another friend who snorts when she laughs. Skip the quiet tucked-away joint and head for Ranch 616, which expects you to enjoy yourself at full volume. The Texas-style menu is heavy on fried things, like crispy oysters, calamari and fish tacos, and there’s no shortage of red meat. For a nightcap (or a night starter), get the Fire in the Hole shot, which is served inside a fresh jalapeño. " - adele hazan, nicolai mccrary

"Ranch 616 is the kind of place where you can enjoy yourself at full volume. Show up on any given night of the week, and you’ll probably run into a bachelor/bachelorette party kicking off their night on the large patio with a round of fire-in-the-hole shots—basically a baby margarita served inside a fresh jalapeño—or in the dining room with live music, taxidermied animals, and random trinkets that feel like they were pulled from little shops in West Texas. But despite the party-like atmosphere, and the downtown location on West 6th Street, this is a place where you can get a really solid Texas-inspired meal and leave happier than you’d expect. photo credit: Roger Ho The menu leans heavy on fried foods. If you’re unsure where to start, grab the Patron Platter that comes piled high with fried oysters, calamari, green beans, and okra, plus bacon-wrapped shrimp, a pile of semi-boneless quail, and dipping sauces. Then order chicken fried steaks, ribeyes, Texas red snapper, and other Texas-y dishes from the entree menu. Portions are large—grab a couple dishes to share with the table, or prepare to carry leftovers around while you bar hop on West 6th Street. Whatever you order, you’ll want to accompany it with a Ranch Water. Ranch 616 claims to have invented the ubiquitous drink. And while we can’t confirm whether or not that’s true, we can say Ranch 616 makes a very refreshing version, even if it tastes more like a skinny margarita than the tequila, soda, and lime version we’ve come to love. photo credit: Roger Ho photo credit: Roger Ho photo credit: Roger Ho" - Nicolai McCrary