This small-town Texas steakhouse has a connection to Bonnie and Clyde history, but its famous chicken fried steak is the real attraction.
The old cafe closed in 2023, and plenty of folks figured that was the end. Then it came back to life in 2026 with fresh energy and a familiar menu.
I like how the comeback kept the classics close. The green beans and broccoli rice casserole still sit beside that famous chicken fried steak. New owners added a saloon and a big outdoor stage too.
I can’t imagine a better excuse for a Texas road trip than visiting a historic steakhouse with a fascinating past and legendary chicken fried steak.
1. An Outlaw Story Comes With Your Supper
Ranchman’s by Marty B has a fascinating Hollywood connection: stars of the 1967 film Bonnie and Clyde once visited this historic Texas restaurant. Ranchman’s has ties to Bonnie and Clyde lore, but the restaurant opened years after the notorious outlaws died
That legend has followed the restaurant for decades. It gives every booth a little extra drama, even on a sleepy weeknight.
The original Ranchman’s became a small-town landmark long before its new chapter. It closed in 2023, which left plenty of longtime fans wondering about its future.
Then Marty B stepped in. The restaurant reopened in 2026 under the Marty B name, joining a group of Texas spots run by the same team.
I like that the new version leans into the past instead of erasing it. The diner side keeps an old-school, rustic look that fits the legend nicely.
History buffs will enjoy the idea of sharing a dining room with outlaw folklore. Food lovers get the bonus of a full Texas comfort menu.
It’s a fun reminder that some restaurants are more than places to eat. They hold stories, and this one holds a pretty famous one.
Just remember to pay your bill. Unlike certain famous guests, you probably want to be welcomed back.
2. Save Room, Because the Chicken Fried Steak Is the Main Event
Golden, crispy, and smothered in gravy, the chicken fried steak is the dish most tied to this place. It’s the plate people mention first when they talk about Ranchman’s.
That reputation goes way back to the original cafe. The new team kept it front and center on the menu, which feels like the right call.
Gravy fans have options too. The chicken fried steak comes topped with homemade bacon gravy, adding extra flavor to this Texas comfort food classic.
Classic sides make the plate feel complete. Mashed potatoes and green beans are a popular pairing, and they fit the old-fashioned style perfectly.
I believe a great chicken fried steak tells you a lot about a Texas kitchen. It takes care to get the crust and gravy right together.
Not hungry enough for steak? The chicken fried chicken gives you the same crunchy, gravy-loving experience with a different protein.
Either way, plan on a hearty meal. This is the kind of plate that makes a nap sound like a smart afternoon plan.
Order it once, and you’ll understand why the legend stuck around.
3. Old Favorites Made the Comeback, and Fans Noticed
Few things make a reopening feel right like seeing familiar sides. The green beans and broccoli rice casserole stayed on the menu at Ranchman’s by Marty B.
For longtime fans, that’s a big deal. Those simple dishes were part of the old Ranchman’s identity.
The menu also brings comfort classics like mac and cheese, baked potatoes, and hand-cut fries. You can build a plate that feels like Sunday dinner at a relative’s house.
Meatloaf has its place here as well. There’s even a bacon-wrapped meatloaf, which sounds like somebody asked how to make meatloaf more exciting.
I like how the kitchen balances old and new. Familiar recipes sit next to fresh additions from the Marty B team.
Picky eaters in your group won’t feel stuck either. Burgers, chicken tender baskets, and cheeseburger baskets make the menu friendly for kids.
The overall feel is down-home cooking without fuss. Nothing here tries to be fancy for the sake of being fancy.
Sometimes the best part of a meal is the side dish you didn’t expect to love. Give those green beans a fair chance.
4. Steak Lovers Get Plenty of Reasons to Stay
Ranchman’s is a steakhouse at heart, and the grill gets serious attention. Ribeye, filet, and sirloin all appear on the menu.
That gives you a choice between rich, lean, and classic cuts. It’s handy when your group can’t agree on anything except steak.
A baked potato or mashed potatoes make a solid partner for any cut. Simple sides let the steak stay the star.
The menu stretches past beef too. A grilled pork chop and fried quail add some variety for curious eaters.
Starters deserve a look before the big plates land. Fried green tomatoes are a favorite, and chips with homemade queso make another satisfying appetizer.
Fried pickles also show up on the appetizer list. They’re a fun pick for sharing while you wait for the main event.
A gluten-free menu is available as well. That’s a thoughtful touch for a place built around breaded classics.
I can’t imagine leaving without trying at least one appetizer. The steak will wait, and your fork will thank you.
5. Pie Time Is a Serious Tradition Here
Dessert has a long history at Ranchman’s. The original cafe was known for its homemade pies, and that tradition carries into the new chapter.
Today’s lineup includes chocolate pie, coconut pie, buttermilk pie, and pecan pie. There are cobblers too, for anyone who likes warm fruit desserts.
Pecan pie is a classic Texas dessert, and you can order ice cream separately for an extra treat. Hard to argue with that combination.
Chocolate pie gets plenty of love from families who visit. It’s the kind of dessert that turns a quiet table into a fork battle.
I believe pie is the perfect ending to a chicken fried steak dinner. You’re already full, so why not finish the job properly?
Here’s a practical tip for sharing. Order one or two slices for the table so everyone gets a taste without overdoing it.
Got a birthday or celebration coming up? A slice of pie makes a simple, sweet way to mark the moment.
Just pace yourself during the main course. Leaving no room for pie would be a rookie mistake.
6. Three Spaces Mean Three Different Vibes
Ranchman’s by Marty B is bigger than the old cafe ever was. You can choose from the classic diner, a new saloon, and a large outdoor area.
The diner side keeps that historic, rustic feel. It’s the spot for anyone chasing a little nostalgia with their gravy.
Next door, the saloon offers a different mood. Its decor leans toward a contemporary ranch or luxury cabin style.
Seating in the saloon is first come, first served. The full menu is available there too, which helps when the diner side has a wait.
Be ready for some energy, though. The saloon can get loud and lively during busy times.
Families and quieter groups may prefer the diner. Folks looking for a livelier night may enjoy the saloon buzz.
I like that you can pick your own adventure here. Same kitchen, same menu, different atmosphere depending on your mood.
It’s smart planning for a place this popular. More room means more chances to grab a seat without giving up the food you came for.
7. Live Music and Cornhole Wait Outside
Out back, the party keeps going. A spacious outdoor area features a large stage, an outdoor bar, and cornhole games.
Live music turns dinner into a full evening. It’s an easy way to stretch a meal into a night out.
Kids get room to move here too. Families can relax while little ones burn off energy between bites.
Cornhole adds a friendly bit of competition. Losing a round is fine, as long as you don’t lose your pie.
Cool afternoons and chilly evenings look like ideal times to hang out back there. Texas summers might call for an earlier or later visit.
Motorcycle riders have also embraced this spot as a stopping point. Plenty of parking makes it easy to pull in with a group.
I can’t imagine a better small-town setup for a weekend outing. Food, games, and music all share the same address.
Check the restaurant’s social pages for music plans before you go. Lineups can change, and you’ll want to time your visit with a show.
8. Show Up Early, Seriously Early
Popularity comes with a price, and here it’s measured in wait time. Ranchman’s by Marty B has drawn big crowds since reopening.
Arriving around midafternoon is a smart move. Many diners find shorter waits around 3 or 4 p.m. than during peak dinner hours.
The doors open at 11 a.m. every day. Lunch is another good way to beat the dinner rush.
Hours run until 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday. On Friday and Saturday, the kitchen stays open until 10:30 p.m.
Big group coming along? Plan ahead and expect a bit of patience during busy weekends.
The saloon can be a backup plan when the diner side is full. Just remember it tends to be the noisier choice.
Inside the dining room, sound can carry when the place fills up. Earlier visits often mean easier conversation too.
I believe a little planning makes the whole meal more fun. Nobody enjoys chicken fried steak more than someone who didn’t wait three hours for it.
9. A Tiny Texas Town Worth the Drive
Ponder is a small town in Denton County, Texas, northwest of the Dallas-Fort Worth area. It’s the kind of place where one famous restaurant can put the whole town on the map.
You’ll find Ranchman’s by Marty B at 110 W Bailey St, Ponder, TX 76259. The rustic storefront fits right into the small-town Western scene.
The drive makes a nice escape from busy city roads. Open country views help build an appetite before you even arrive.
Ranchman’s is part of the Marty B family of restaurants. Fans of the group can add other locations, like 1845 Taste Texas, to a future road trip.
I like how this spot mixes history with fresh energy. It feels respectful to the old landmark while giving new diners a reason to visit.
Bring the family, your friends, or your motorcycle crew. The restaurant welcomes a wide mix of guests.
Texas has plenty of steakhouses, but few come with an outlaw tale. Even fewer pair it with gravy this famous.
So plan the trip and loosen your belt. Ponder is ready for you.
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