The history of beef in Texas predates the United States itself. Starting in the 1700’s, cattle drives were established as a means for establishing control over land in North America. From there, cattle populations thrived, and the cattle drives evolved into large ranches in the Eastern part of the state. For over 300 years, we’ve been cattle driving and ranching across this great land.

In those three centuries of experience, we’ve learned a thing or two when it comes to cooking up the finest beef there is. Texas is home to some of the finest steakhouses, BBQ joints, and burger spots in the world (and we all have a different opinion as to which one is the best).

No matter their process, seasonings, and sides, one thing rings true: there’s nothing better than sitting down at the table with family and friends eating good beef. At Goodstock by Nolan Ryan, we believe that a truly great restaurant experience—whether it sticks to the basics or pushes the culinary boundaries—must be built on quality local Texas beef.

In this edition of “Where’s the (Goodstock) Beef?” we take a trip to Houston and highlight six of our favorite dishes across Space City. For more information on these restaurants and others, visit our Restaurant Locator.

Photo courtesy of 3rd Coast BBQ

The Twisted Tray at 3rd Coast BBQSpring, TX

When most BBQ joints zig, 3rd Coast zags; and it’s glorious. This North Houston staple replaces the classic white bread with a fresh baked soft pretzel. The hearty pretzel stands up nicely with the richly marbled Goodstock brisket, and the tray offers a selection of dipping options, including BBQ sauce and stone ground mustard, to customize each bite.

Photo courtesy of Monarch Atelier

The Grilled Cheese-N-Brisket Sandwich at Dozier’s BarbequeFulshear, TX

This smokehouse and meat market on the West side of Houston serves up a special version of a grilled cheese sandwich that is a true masterpiece of flavor and textures. Dozier’s BBQ pitmaster, Jim Buchanan, originally conceived the dish at his previous restaurant, Buck’s Barbeque in Galveston. During its time at Buck’s, the sandwich gained notoriety and acclaim as a Top 19 Bite of 2019 by Daniel Vaughn. At Dozier’s, the sandwich features a generous slab of indulgently beefy Goodstock Angus brisket and a patty of house-made pimento cheese that’s been seared with a perfect crust, all on top of slices of griddled sourdough. The oozy, crispy cheese combines with the succulent barky brisket to form a sandwich that is handheld BBQ heaven.

Photo courtesy of Pappa Charlie’s BBQ

The Thursday Special Tacos at Pappa Charlie’s BBQ at Cypress Trail HideoutCypress, TX

Thanks to their expertise, ingenuity, and standout craft BBQ brisket, Pappa Charlie’s has made Thursday the new taco night. Simply named the Thursday Special Tacos, they take a perfectly smoked and shredded Goodstock Angus brisket, add lettuce and American cheese, then fold and fry to crispy perfection. And make sure to get there early; they sell out every Thursday!

Photo courtesy of Home Run Dugout

The Truffled Patty Melt at Home Run DugoutKaty, TX

With a name like Home Run Dugout, it’s no surprise that the chefs here knock their take on the comfort classic patty melt out of the park. In between swings in the batting bays, enjoy a generously sized Goodstock by Nolan Ryan Texas beef patty topped with truffled cheddar cheese, caramelized onions, and grain mustard aioli on griddled rye bread.

Photo courtesy of The Meating Place BBQ

The 1904 Sandwich at The Meating Place BBQMagnolia, TX

Just northeast of Houston you’ll find a small town spot going back to their roots to delivers big city flavor. At The Meating Place, the 1904 Sandwich celebrates old-school local flavors with Texas toast piled with slices of smoked Goodstock beef, pepper jack & American cheese, and optional jalapeño slices. The flavors are unmistakable, as the USDA Choice beef and spicy and melty combination of cheeses make it a standout worth the trip from anywhere around Space City.

Photo courtesy of McKenzie’s Barbeque & Burgers

The BBQ Mac Bowl at McKenzie’s Barbeque & BurgersConroe & Montgomery, TX

The pitmasters at McKenzie’s Barbeque & Burgers looked at their delectably smoked Goodstock brisket and wondered “How could we make this classic even better?” In the case of the BBQ Mac Bowl, two rights make an even bigger right; the decadent, cheesy pasta gets a peppery boost from the barbequed chopped beef and the drizzle of tangy BBQ sauce makes it a hearty meal with huge flavor.

To learn more about the finest beef in Texas and find out where you can try some for yourself visit GoodstockTX.com and follow along on Facebook and Instagram.