The Ranchers Steak and Seafood Restaurant is a premier dining destination located in the heart of Ruidoso, New Mexico. Known for its “old-school” steakhouse charm, the interior features classic dark wood accents and exposed brick, creating an atmosphere that is simultaneously upscale and cozy. Whether you are looking for a romantic date night spot or a welcoming environment for a family gathering, this establishment has earned a reputation for delivering high-quality steaks, fresh seafood, and a curated selection of wild game in a sophisticated yet comfortable setting.
Wheelchair accessible entrance, parking, and seating
Atmosphere
Romantic, Cozy, Upscale, and Quiet
Special Features
Full Bar, Great Cocktails, and Live Specialty Menu Items
Family Friendly
Kids’ menu available and high chairs provided
Payment Methods
Credit cards, Debit cards, and NFC mobile payments
Parking
Free parking lot and free street parking available
Why Visit? Key Highlights
Exquisite Wild Game: Guests frequently rave about the Elk Tenderloin, noting it as a standout, tender, and flavor-rich alternative to traditional beef.
Signature Steakhouse Classics: The Prime Rib and Black Angus Ribeye are consistent favorites, praised for being cooked to precise temperature and served in generous portions.
Renowned Appetizers: The Tobacco Onion Rings and lump meat Crab Cakes with red pepper remoulade are highly recommended starters that showcase the kitchen’s attention to detail.
Warm and Professional Service: Long-term staff members like Ed the bartender and Rick the server are often mentioned by name for providing world-class hospitality and expert cocktail pairings.
Romantic Ambiance: The combination of fresh flowers on tables, dim lighting, and rich textures makes it one of the most romantic settings in the neighborhood.
Menu and Offerings
Welcome Appetizers
Item
Description
Tobacco Onion Rings
Thinly sliced, buttermilk drenched, and deep fried.
Southern Sowbelly
Slow cooked pork, bourbon glazed, and flash seared with sweet onion dipping sauce.
Hot Bacon Brussels
Flash fried brussels sprouts tossed in hot bacon vinaigrette.
Crab Cakes
Lump crab, pan seared, and served with roasted red pepper remoulade.
Chilled Jumbo Shrimp
Poached in court bouillon and served with fresh horseradish cocktail sauce.
Sourdough Bread Loaf
Freshly baked and served warm.
From the Crock and Garden
Item
Description
French Onion Soup
Onion medley, slowly caramelized with brandy and beef stock reduction and melted Swiss.
House Caesar
Romaine hearts, shaved Parmesan, house Caesar dressing, and sourdough croutons.
Classic Wedge
Iceberg lettuce, shaved red onion, ripe tomato, blue cheese dressing, and bacon crumbles.
Autumn Harvest Cold Medley
Field greens, lavender poached apples, candied walnuts, Amish blue cheese, and balsamic reduction.
Chef’s Soup
A daily ensemble of fresh ingredients prepared by the kitchen.
From the Pasture
Item
Description
Elk Tenderloin
Hand-cut tenderloin crusted in sea salt, dried local mushrooms, and cracked pepper with citrus demi-glace.
Black Angus Beef Ribeye
12 oz. hand-cut ribeye, charbroiled with compound butter and whipped Yukon Gold potatoes.
Filet of Beef
Hand-cut 8 oz. filet, charbroiled with demi-glace and compound butter.
Prime Rib
Slow roasted and hand-carved, served with house whipped potato (10 oz or 14 oz).
Green Chile Pork Tenderloin
Marinated in house roasted green chile, pan seared, and served with whipped potato.
Top Sirloin
8 oz. baseball cut, charbroiled with compound butter and oven baked potato.
From the Water
Item
Description
Rainbow Trout
Pan seared with candied lemon, toasted pine nuts, and glascene honey on jasmine rice pilaf.
Fried Catfish Platter
Flour dredged and buttermilk drenched cornmeal crust with hushpuppies and slaw.
Butter Lobster Pasta
Grilled North Atlantic lobster tail with roasted garlic beurre monte and fettuccine.
Faroe Island Salmon
Gremolata crusted, pan seared with glascene honey butter and jasmine rice.
Roasted Shrimp Scampi
Jumbo shrimp, flame roasted with browned butter, garlic, and capellini.
Mediterranean Orange Roughy
8 oz. filet with beurre blanc and jasmine rice pilaf.
Rancher’s Exclusives
Item
Description
Beef Tip Bread Bowl
Black Angus beef tips, pearl onions, and whipped potato in a bread bowl with demi-glace.
Autumn Orchard Chicken
Brined and braised chicken, crisp autumn apples, and pearl onions with roasted potatoes.
Fettuccine Alfredo
Roasted garlic, shallots, white wine reduction, and béchamel over fettuccine.
Chicken Fried Steak
Regional favorite Black Angus top round, buttermilk drenched and served with country gravy.
Sandwiches and Burgers
Item
Description
Rancher’s French Dip
Shaved prime rib, tobacco onion rings, and melted Swiss on toasted sourdough.
Butcher’s Select All Beef Burger
Charbroiled beef patty with lettuce, tomato, onion, pickle, and sharp cheddar.
Green Chile Cheeseburger
Charbroiled beef patty with autumn roasted green chile and sharp cheddar.
Bacon Cheeseburger
Charbroiled beef patty with cherrywood smoked bacon and sharp cheddar.
The Chicken Club
Braised and charbroiled chicken, cherrywood smoked bacon, and red pepper remoulade.
Desserts
Item
Description
NY Style Cheesecake
A steakhouse classic served in a triple thick slice.
Seven Sins
Devil’s food cake, chocolate mousse, composed chocolate, and mirror glaze.
Tart Tatin
Thin tart crust with caramelized harvest fruit and maple bourbon ice cream.
House Select Cheesecake
A rotating selection of flavors chosen by the pastry chef.
