Colton’s Steak House & Grill – West Plains, MO

Colton’s Steak House & Grill – West Plains, MO

Colton’s Steak House & Grill was a port in the storm for us as we were traveling to Branson. We had stopped to fill up and look around for a place to have lunch when a severe storm warning was broadcast for the immediate area.

As we pulled out of the gas station, Colton’s sign lit up as if to draw our attention to it. In fact they were just opening for the day, but …

What a relaxed, inviting restaurant! The staff were all smiles and very friendly with the customer’s and each other. Several customers were greeted by their name as they entered which is always an encouragement that the food and service is going to be awesome.

We were not disappointed at all. The food was delicious, the portions quite large and the prices were wallet friendly.

While visiting, we read the legend of the man that the chain is named after:

J.T. Colton was a Texas Ranger in the late 1800’s with a passion for big steaks and playing poker. J.T. was a friend, fellow lawman and gambling buddy of Sheriff Matthew Dillon. Matt owned a steakhouse and gambling hall in Dodge City, Kansas, called Dillon’s Tin Star Saloon. When J.T. wasn’t chasing desperados in Texas, he spent most of his time in Dodge City, playing cards at Dillon’s and trying to tell Matt how to run things.

Legend has it that J.T. proceeded to win the Tin Star Saloon from Matt in a four-day poker game that took place in a back room at Dillon’s between J.T., Matt, a guy named Holiday and several other gamblers of questionable character. There was speculation that Matt lost on purpose because he was tired of J.T. telling him how to run his business.

J.T. promptly gave up being a lawman, changed the name of Dillon’s Tin Star Saloon to Colton’s Steak House and Grill, and spent the rest of his days cooking up the best steaks east of the Rockies. In his later years, he returned to Texas where he opened a Colton’s in his hometown of Moose River. J.T.’s legend lives on to this day, as well as his secret to cooking the juiciest, most tender steaks around.

Great story and conversation started!

Of course we had to purchase a bucket for our grandson Colton.

This location carries a huge product line from appetizers to desserts. We enjoyed the Onion Tanglers that were thinly sliced fried sweet onions. The spicy sauce that comes with it is also awesome on a salad!

Main menu items for lunch range in prices from $6 to $10 while the dinner prices range from $8 to $24, which includes the entrée and at least one side item.

Colton’s Steak House & Grill can be found throughout Arkansas, Kentucky, Missouri, Mississippi and Tennessee.

Disclosure of Material Connection: This is a non-compensation post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that are mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”