A Cut Above

This prime Texas steakhouse shows the rest of the country how it’s done

It might seem tricky for a steakhouse to stand out in a beef mecca such as Texas, but carnivorous connoisseurs know how to track down the best with just one magic word: Bob’s.

Founded in 1993 on Dallas’ Lemmon Avenue, Bob’s Steak & Chop House has since grown into a national destination for diners seeking large cuts of excellent beef prepared without gimmicks. The chefs don’t need to rely on trendy cooking techniques or of-the-moment fads, as the steaks are always Prime, which means they are designated in the top 2 percent of all beef, including the famous Prime filet, a cut rarely found in most steakhouses.

Each cut is served with Bob’s signature glazed carrot and a choice of potato, which can also be complemented by an array of family-style sides such as macaroni and cheese, creamed corn, sautéed mushrooms, and fresh asparagus. And the bread. How could anyone ever forget the hot loaf of freshly baked bread that wafts its irresistible scent over the table as soon as it’s set down?

But it’s not just the sides and steaks — which range from tender filets to juicy rib-eyes to a succulent bone-in strip — that have drawn devoted fans. It’s the personalized service, from the moment the valet greets you to when the host bids you goodnight, that has cemented Bob’s as the steakhouse of choice for many.

How many? Well, over the years Bob’s has expanded into Grapevine, Plano, Fort Worth, and in the luxe Omni Dallas Hotel downtown, as well as The Woodlands, Austin, San Antonio, California, Arizona, Florida, and Tennessee — with more on the way.

But it doesn’t matter which Bob’s you visit, as the food, drinks, and service are always top-notch. And if you need a break from beef, options such as fresh fish of the day, rack of lamb, broiled salmon, coldwater lobster tails, or roasted duck are ready and waiting. Because each dish is prepared in-house, there are never unidentified ingredients to get in the way of a classically delicious dinner.

And that’s exactly why Bob’s has carved out a name for itself not only in Texas, but all over the nation, as the site of steak done right.

At Bob's, the steaks are served with the signature glazed carrot and choice of potato.

Photo courtesy of Bob's Steak & Chop House

At Bob's, the steaks are served with the signature glazed carrot and choice of potato.

water, water everywhere

The quest for a Topo Chico replacement — we rate 9 sparkling waters

Photo by Eric Sandler

We purchased sparkling water at five stores across the inner loop.

Topo Chico drinkers nationwide are in a bit of a tizzy. Coca-Cola, which acquired the cult-favorite sparkling mineral water in 2017, announced that the product will be unavailable for at least the next few months.

CNN reports the shortage is due to “facility upgrades at the water source and production facilities in Mexico.”

“We are now making further investments at the source to improve source stability and quality and enable increased production, requiring us to temporarily stop production,” Coca-Cola said in a letter to CNN.

For Topo Chico fans, the shortage brings an obvious question. What should a person drink until the supply is restored? Or, what’s a permanent replacement that will avoid this issue altogether?

After collecting suggestions from people via Instagram, I went to Spec’s and inner loop grocery stores to purchase nine varieties of sparkling water with one goal in mind — find something that’s similar enough to Topo Chico that it will earn a spot in my refrigerator.

In the interests of science, I only included sparkling water brands that are similar in size (approximately 12-ounce bottles) and price (between $1 and $1.50 per bottle). Whenever possible, I purchased glass bottles instead of cans or plastic. Although many are available in flavors, I only purchased unflavored waters. All waters were chilled overnight in a refrigerator prior to tasting.

Sparkling water taste test Each water was chilled overnight prior to tasting.Photo by Eric Sandler

Not surprisingly, my top three choices came down to two other Mexican sparkling waters and a convincing dupe from H-E-B.

Most Similar to Topo Chico

Agua de Piedra
Purchased from Spec’s (can also be found at La Michocana), this water from Nuevo Leon, Mexico can be found at several restaurants and coffee shops around town. It offers both strong carbonation and just enough saltiness to satisfy a Topo craving. As long as I can source it reliably, this will be my new house water.

Mineragua
Available at both Whole Foods Market and H-E-B, this water from Jarritos is almost as carbonated as Topo Chico. Its flavor profile is salty with a slight, citrus-style acidity. I prefer the flavor of Agua de Piedra, but others may like this more.

1877 Mineral Water by H-E-B
H-E-B’s house brand sparkling mineral water is sourced from Texas, in Mineral Wells. It has carbonation that persists from opening until finishing. Its slightly salty flavor will be welcomed by Topo Chico drinkers. Overall, it’s probably the best choice for more people, since it’s so readily available.

Less Like Topo, but Still Tasty

Rambler Sparkling Water
This mineral water from Austin is available everywhere, including many restaurants and bars. Since it's only available in cans, its more mild carbonation doesn’t match Topo Chico’s; however, it has a lightly salty taste that makes it very refreshing. This is a good option for those who find Topo to be too fizzy.

Tehuacan
Purchased at Central Market, this water is sourced from springs within Citlaltépetl, Mexico’s highest mountain. The mountain’s volcanic rock gives the water a noticeable saltiness with a slightly sour taste. Although it wasn’t quite to my taste, its strong carbonation and distinct flavor could appeal to other Topo devotees.

Private Selection Sparkling Mineral Water
Available at Kroger, this water is neither as carbonated nor as salty as Topo Chico. Still, it has enough fizz and minerality to do in a pinch, particularly for people who prefer shopping at Kroger over other grocery stores.

Your Mileage May Vary

Richard’s Sparkling Rainwater
Admittedly, a non-mineral water was unlikely to emerge as a favorite in this taste test. Since it’s made with filtered rainwater, Richard’s has a very clean taste and a mild level of carbonation.

Saratoga Carbonated Spring Water
Like Richard’s, this water is too lightly carbonated and too mildly flavored to satisfy a Topo craving. Still, it’s clean and refreshing, which could appeal to non-Topo drinkers.

I’ve Had Better

Liquid Death Mountain Water (Sparkling)
Bland and flat-tasting, this water was the only one I wouldn’t purchase again. Maybe the flavored versions are better.

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