Houston’s 2024 Rodeo Season Has Begun. Here’s What to Eat.

Rodeo Season has begun — and like every year at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, the deep-fried, loaded combinations and concoctions on a stick are just as much a draw as the jaw-dropping mutton-busting and headlining performances.

With more than 100 food and drink vendors spread throughout NRG Center grounds, the oldies but goodies like Triple J’s Smokehouse BBQ loaded baked potatoes, carnival corn dogs, cotton candy, elote, and fried cookie dough on a stick are still on the menu, but in its 92nd year, the annual rodeo is offering up some newer, eye-catching additions. From chicken in a waffle on a stick to Nashville hot chicken tots and a wagyu corn dog served at the Ranch Saloon & Steakhouse’s new walk-up booth, the Skillet, here is a preview of everything that’s good to eat.

The Carnival

Bacon Bourbon Caramel Cheesecake on a Stick: Carnivals aren’t complete without plenty of food options on a stick. New vendor Big Fat Bacon gives rodeo-goers the perfect balance of sweet and savory with its epic dessert offering, a Bacon Bourbon Caramel Cheesecake on a Stick. Without any need for a fork, the wholly satisfying dish allows you to enjoy dessert on the go.

Rodeo Houston

Nashville Hot Chicken Tots: Hot chicken is well represented in Houston, and Biggy’s is taking the spicy dish to new heights at the Rodeo with its Nashville Hot Chicken Tots. Crisp tater tots are dressed in a spicy, butter garlic sauce and then loaded up with Biggy’s Nashville hot chicken and pickles for a drool-worthy basket.

Rodeo Houston

Chicken in a Waffle on a Stick: Waffle Chix is putting a playful and convenient twist on chicken and waffles with its Chicken in a Waffle on a Stick. The sweet and savory snack boasts a tasty waffle shell with a meaty bite that is easy to roam all over rodeo grounds with.

Barbalicious Float: For a rodeo refresher and as a nod to all of the hype from last year’s Barbie film, try the Barbalicious Float, a handcrafted bubblegum soda topped with cotton candy and whipped cream, and finished off with sprinkles and a pink and white lollipop. Have your camera clicking fingers ready.

Oreo Brownie Blast: When it comes to carnival eats, sweets rank just as high as giant turkey legs, and everyone puts their own twist on the classic. This year, Waffle Chix is offering the Oreo Brownie Blast, a corndog-inspired dessert on a stick garnished with cream and cookie crumbles.

Rodeo Houston

The Ranch Saloon & Steakhouse

A departure from the fast or fried options typically seen at the rodeo, Berg Hospitality is bringing back the Ranch Saloon + Steakhouse — the Houston rodeo’s first ever fine-dining restaurant on rodeo grounds — for its third year. Housed in a nearly 16,000 square-foot climate-controlled tent on the southwest corner of NRG Astrodome, The Ranch welcomes rodeo-goers to sit down, stay awhile, and experience the service and food promised at other Berg establishments like B&B Butchers.

Jenn Duncan

Like its name suggests, the concept is divided into two different dining experiences: the Steakhouse accepts reservations and serves up a variety of grilled wagyu and USDA prime beef steaks, while its first-come, first-serve counterpart, the Saloon offers a more laid-back vibe, with live music hosted daily in its main bar and the opportunity to people watch on “the Porch” — a covered patio area that seats up to 75. Offerings include fresh seafood, hearty sides, and dishes like Chef Tommy’s Bacon — a bacon concoction baked with blue cheese crumbles and topped with truffle-infused honey; the Carpet Bagger on the half shell; and appetizers like blue crab beignets; and campechana, a Mexican shrimp cocktail.

Like last year, the Ranch will feature “The Ranch After Dark,” a nightlife experience that combines music from live DJs with bottle service and a la carte drinks from 9 p.m. to close.

Alex Wu

This year, the Ranch has added a casual alternative for attendees with the Skillet, a walk-up window that features a Berg Hospitality spin on classic carnival fare and handheld favorites. Bacon with truffle honey and chicken fried steak will be served on the stick, along with wagyu corn dogs. A variety of deep-fried “pockets” with fillings like pizza and barbecue pulled pork will also be available to grab and go. Deep-fried and churro-crusted croissants with a cream or Nutella filling, coined “Cowboy Croissants,” round out the menu.

Trill Burgers

Houston hip hop artist Bun B is bringing his smash burger joint Trill Burgers back to the Rodeo for the third year in a row. Visitors can sink their teeth into Trill’s melty smash burgers, built with double patties, at locations inside and outside of NRG Stadium. Trill will occupy booth RP65 in Rodeo Plaza, a larger space than last year, located on NRG Parkway near the NRG Astrodome. Rodeo attendees can further indulge inside NRG Stadium at Sections 115, 135, 522, and 548. (Catch Bun B in person at his headlining performance, Bun B’s Southern Takeover, at the Rodeo on Tuesday, March 12.)

Becca Wright

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo’s festivities run from February 27 through March 17, with its annual World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest hosted from February 22 through February 24 at NRG Center. For more information, visit the Rodeo’s website.

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B&B Butchers

1814 Washington Avenue, , TX 77018 (713) 862-1814 Visit Website