Texas Steak Cookoff 2025
Hico’s Original Texas Steak Cookoff is a one-of-a-kind food, wine, music, and cookoff event with delicious appetizers, ribeye steak dinner with all the fixins, wine tasting, live music, and shopping from local vendors.
Backyard chefs from all over the Southwest descend upon Historic Hico, Texas the 3rd Saturday every May to compete for bragging rights and the title of Best Backyard Chef in Texas.
Learn more at www.texassteakcookoff.com
Schedule of Events
Friday, May 16, 2025
- 6PM – Burger Bash
- 6PM – Corn Hole Tournament Registration
- 7PM – Corn Hole Tournament Starts
- 7PM – Live Music with Race Ricketts
Saturday, May 17, 2025
- 9AM – Cooks Meeting
- 11AM-6PM – Wine Tasting
- 11AM – Appetizers
- 12PM – Opening Ceremonies & Live Music with Tom Pevear
- 1:30PM – Live Music with Billy Hartman
- 3:30PM – Top 30 Cooks Announced
- 3:45PM – Live Music with David Tribble
- 5PM – Steak Dinner Starts
- 5:15PM – Live Music with Gus Clark & The Least of His Problems
- 7PM – Winners Announced
Appetizers – A True Taste of Texas
To enjoy the fullness of all the Texas Steak Cookoff has to offer, we recommend arriving early to enjoy the appetizers to experience a true taste of Texas. Cook teams that participate will cook appetizers for the public to enjoy, but tickets are required. You can choose Appetizers Only tickets, or Appetizers & Steak tickets. Appetizers start at 11AM.
Texas Wine Tasting
Steak, Wine, and Good Times! The Wine Tasting at Hico’s Original Texas Steak Cookoff will feature a wide variety of Texas wines, from sweet and fruity, to dry and full-bodied. You’re invited to experience what has made Texas wineries so popular in recent years. No previous wine knowledge required, only an adventurous attitude! Everyone 21 years or older is invited to participate.
Hico’s Original Texas Steak Cookoff
The heart of the Texas Steak Cookoff in Hico beats loudest when the grills fire up and the competition begins. Each May, amateur grill masters from across the Southwest converge on Hico’s historic downtown, vying for the coveted title of “Best Backyard Chef in Texas.” Armed with their own grills, these competitors are provided with premium ribeye steaks and are judged on taste, appearance, texture, and tenderness. The competition is fierce, with cash prizes totaling over $8,000, including a $3,500 grand prize and a special $500 “Best in Show” award for the most creative cooking setup.
For attendees, the sizzle culminates in a mouthwatering steak dinner served at 5:00 PM, featuring perfectly grilled ribeyes accompanied by all the fixings. The atmosphere is electric, with live music performances throughout the day enhancing the festive spirit. Whether you’re a seasoned steak connoisseur or simply in search of a flavorful experience, the Texas Steak Cookoff delivers an unforgettable celebration of culinary prowess and community pride.
VIP Texas Steak Cookoff Experience
Enjoy an exceptional catered steak dinner in air-conditioned comfort at either Oma Leen’s or The Chop House at the historic Midland Hotel. Each time slot offers just 30 seats at Oma Leen’s and 25 seats at The Chop House, so availability is very limited. Your $150 ticket includes a perfectly grilled steak dinner, wine, and dessert. Please plan to arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled serving time. Seating is extremely limited — only 135 total seats are available — so be sure to reserve yours today!
Please note: Tickets purchased after May 1 must be picked up at Will Call (located at the Information Booth).
Where to Stay in Historic Hico, Texas
Extend your stay in Hico and enjoy local hospitality at The Midland Hotel, Hotel Henry, Cactus Flower Bed & Breakfast, or Upstairs Inn, with plenty of charming vacation rentals also available throughout town. Whether you’re looking for historic charm, cozy comfort, or a private getaway, you’ll find the perfect spot to unwind after a day full of steak, wine, and live music.
