With options for outdoor or indoor seating, welcoming and knowledgeable staff, and a menu that is sure to satisfy you – Sante Fe Steakhouse makes any visit a memorable experience. Low lighting and cozy seating create a warm ambience. The staff, from those that greet and seat you to those that tend to you and your table throughout your meal, are attentive and poised. Even when the restaurant is filled with patrons, you’ll still feel well accommodated to.

The evening I stopped by, my boyfriend and I opted for indoor seating. Though they open at 5 p.m., there were already people both being seated and waiting for their table. From that alone I figured this is a good place to eat if it’s busy as soon as the doors open. Regardless, our wait time was only a few minutes. Beverages were brought out quickly and a cocktail menu was offered as well, if that’s something that interests you.

For an appetizer, we got the Mini Beef Wellingtons. Honestly, I think I would go back simply to have these again. Five beef tenderloin tips baked in puff pastry, perfectly cooked and easy to cut into. Just the right amount of food to keep you from getting too hungry as your entrée is prepared.

Between the appetizer and entrée, bread and butter as well as a house salad is brought out. You can get a different type of salad for an additional charge. The bread was so fresh and warm, I had to be careful not to fill myself up on it alone. The salad was a refreshing intermission between courses too.

For entrees, my boyfriend got the Prime Rib, 14 ounces done medium rare, and a side of mashed potatoes. Personally, I was drawn to the Baked Orange Roughy Filet. It does require 30 minutes for baking, as it’s baked in a fish-shaped clay vessel. But watching them crack the vessel open and plate the dish at your tableside is an experience in itself.

Every bite was flavorful, even the mashed potatoes. The meats were all tender and cooked well. Throughout dinner, our waitress was extremely helpful, answering any questions about the menu and letting us know what ingredients are in each dish. Though when she asked if we would like dessert, we had to decline, too stuffed to try out that portion of the menu.

If you’re interested in a dining experience that could even be something memorable, stop by Sante Fe Steakhouse located at 1918 S. 10th St. in McAllen. Call ahead at (956) 630-2331 for information on their prime rib to make sure you don’t miss out.