Replacing Ben Berg’s Ranch Saloon and Steakhouse, Fertitta Entertainment takes its place with its own fine-dining experience just outside NRG Stadium’s East entrance. Named for the year the Rodeo first began, 1932 Cattleman’s Club is deeply rooted in Texas culture and traditions, with dishes handpicked from Landry’s concepts across the Houston area. Chef Brandon Soverall curates a menu that includes a little bit of everything: There’s sushi and seafood offerings from Willie G’s, steaks from Brenner’s and Vic & Anthony’s, and appetizers from La Griglia. Standouts include miso sea bass, Wagyu beef carpaccio, several cuts of USDA Prime steaks, and a jumbo lump crab cake. 

The vibe is less hectic than the carnival and aims to be a place for fellowship, Rodeo board chair Pat Mann Phillips says. “It’s an exceptional way to get away, sit down, take your breath, enjoy some great food, some great beverages, and be entertained,” she says. 

Some seem a bit underwhelmed by the new dining experience, which is the result of a 15-year relationship with the Rodeo that started with a Saltgrass pop-up at the NRG Center. Houston Chronicle’s food critic Bao Ong cheekily compared the Cattleman’s Club to an upscale Saltgrass, and the restaurant does seem more stripped-down than in previous years when it featured a live music stage, a photo booth, and works from noteworthy Texas artists. Still, the Cattleman’s Club has some intriguing components. Inside, a store sells clothing, hats, accessories, and handbags (including a few from Louis Vuitton), and there are plans to host DJs and several liquor-focused pop-ups. 

Also operated by Fertitta Entertainment, Chute 32 is a quick-service restaurant located near the East VIP club entrance. Hungry attendees can load up on lobster rolls, Wagyu on a stick, Midnight Cowboy Dogs, and smoked brisket nachos. 

Get a taste of Queen Bey’s childhood at this new hot and very Houston vendor. Situated by the Ferris wheel, Mama Tina’s Gumbo is serving the same recipe Beyoncé’s mother, Tina Knowles, has spent years perfecting, according to KPRC2. 

Bun B’s smashburger sensation returns with its own Rodeo Town, complete with entertainment, expanded seating, and a new partnership with Michelin-recommended restaurant J-Bar-M Barbecue. Together, the two are serving up chopped brisket burgers and loaded fries made with the East End barbecue joint’s smoked meats. 

Diners can also get their hands on Trill Burger’s signature items, including its OG Burger combos (vegan options included), and its chicken tender combos, paired with dipping sauces like Sweet OG and soy glaze. Trill Lemonade also makes a comeback with freshly squeezed flavors, including the classic, strawberry, and Purple Desert Pear, plus beer, wine, and a Rodeo exclusive—strawberry Trill soft-serve ice cream.

As a savory girl, this was a winner in my book: two pretzel-like bread bowls stuffed with brisket and slathered in beer cheese. At first, I was worried it would be too salty, and I expected more for the price, but the combination of cheeses complemented the tender brisket and pretzel nicely, making it a great first bite. It is a little messy, so use a fork and knife or have some napkins on hand. 

Though the Dubai chocolate craze is alive and real, even at the Houston Rodeo, this was nothing special. The Dubai chocolate fried Oreo is just as it sounds: a fried Oreo dressed in Dubai chocolate, a rich coating that will sadly seep onto your plate, leaving only the flavor of the Oreo. It does come with a sprinkling of knafeh, but in this case, it’s probably best to stick to the classic version.

Walking up to this busy food booth, I already felt like I’d made a good choice, and the wait was worth it. This sweet-and-savory dish features hot chicken wrapped in a pancake ball, with a hint of sweetness from maple syrup. The inside was a little soggy, but it didn’t bother me much because it was packed with flavor. In my opinion, this is everything a carnival or fair bite should be.