TEXAZ Grill

The TEXAZ Grill story began in 1985 when founders Steve Freidkin and Jim Mitchell opened under “Lone Star Steaks” at 16th Street and Bethany Home Road. They conceived the restaurant as the Valley’s first proper Texas steakhouse, serving aged, choice beef hand-cut on premises by a real Texan (i.e., Steve, the culinary half of the partnership). It was an instant hit.

As much as they loved our filets and chops, Phoenicians were particularly taken with the TEXAZ chicken fried steak, which Jim and Steve put on the menu only because their native Texan customers wouldn’t take no for an answer. Crispy yet tender enough to cut with a fork, it became our signature dish, helping us score numerous awards and distinctions over the years, including a PHOENIX magazine State Food pick in 2023; an Arizona Republic Best Signature Dish award in 2014; and a Phoenix New Times Best of Phoenix — Best Down Home Meal honor in 1997, to name but a few.

As much as they loved our filets and chops, Phoenicians were particularly taken with the TEXAZ chicken fried steak, which Jim and Steve put on the menu only because their native Texan customers wouldn’t take no for an answer. Crispy yet tender enough to cut with a fork, it became our signature dish, helping us score numerous awards and distinctions over the years, including a PHOENIX magazine State Food pick in 2023; an Arizona Republic Best Signature Dish award in 2014; and a Phoenix New Times Best of Phoenix — Best Down Home Meal honor in 1997, to name but a few.

Ownership has changed hands over the years, now to a group of three local couples working to carry on the restaurant’s legacy for future generations of Phoenicians. Sadly, Jim passed away in 2022, but Steve still helps out, slinging oysters behind the bar once a month when he’s in town. Steve’s famous recipe book remains the foundation of our kitchen, helmed by many of the same staff who worked with him for decades. Our customers have become like family to them, and vice versa.

Thank you for being part of our family and story!