We all know Texas has long been the Clint Eastwood of the steak world—rough, tough, and unapologetically meaty. DiningOut Events lassoed the spirit of the Lone Star State when it corralled 24 chefs into The Post Houston for a showdown of epic proportions: the premiere Houston edition of the fan-favorite RARE Steak Championship. With big names from Houston’s beefier side—think Guard and Grace, Killen’s STQ, Patton’s Steakhouse, and the newbie Andiron—this wasn’t just a meal; it was a movement.

Two dozen chefs from lauded establishments such as Killen’s STQ and the audacious newbie, Andiron, locked spatulas in a showdown that wasn’t for the faint of heart (or vegetarian). The contenders battled in two mouthwatering categories: a traditional steak category and a creative steak division. Festival-goers, bless their steak-loving hearts, were the real winners. With an all-access pass to prime cuts and artisanal sips, the people—yes, the people—got to cast their votes for the night’s very best, as did an expert panel of taste-testing judges. And to wash it all down, a competition to crown the best cocktail to complement all the red meat up for grabs. 

It was a literal feeding frenzy, and the attendees played both the role of critics and benefactors, sampling from a smorgasbord of beefy bites and their liquid companions. VIPs had their own little Eden escape, where culinary juggernauts like Dawn Burrell and Paul Qui presented their starring dishes in an atmosphere reminiscent of a secret society for meat lovers, minus the ominous robes.

A Mile High shoutout to the team at Denver’s own Guard and Grace, who managed not just to wow the locals but also the judges with their Laws Whiskey-infused cocktail concoction.

Best Cocktail: Judges’ Choice

1st Place: Guard and Grace with Laws Whiskey

2nd Place: Morton’s The Steakhouse with Westland Distillery

3rd Place: Rosalie Italian Soul with Ilegal Mezcal

Best Cocktail: People’s Choice

1st Place: Guard and Grace with Laws Whiskey

2nd Place: Meat Mafia HTX with Tito’s Handcrafted Vodka

3rd Place: Morton’s The Steakhouse with Westland Distillery

Best Traditional Dish: Judge’s Choice

1st Place: The Capital Grille

2nd Place: Brenner’s on the Bayou

3rd Place: Killen’s STQ

Best Traditional Dish: People’s Choice

1st Place: Morton’s The Steakhouse

2nd Place: Killen’s STQ

3rd Place: Pearl and Vine

Best Creative Dish: Judge’s Choice

1st Place: Meat Mafia HTX

2nd Place: Ouisie’s Table

3rd Place: LORO Asian Smokehouse & Bar

Best Traditional Dish: People’s Choice

1st Place: Meat Mafia HTX

2nd Place: Guard and Grace

3rd Place: Blood Bros BBQ

About The Author

Steph Wilson

Steph Wilson is a writer, editor, and creative maximalist in Denver. She makes magazines for a living and throws color around the world like confetti for fun.

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