Prime rib at The Old Hoof and Horn Steak House

429 Illinois Ave., 238-07420

"After a long wait, Wes and I were thrilled that the Hoof and Horn re-opened for many reasons and that they had the best steaks in St. Joe. I am happy to announce that like the phoenix, the H&H has risen from the ashes! Also, do not settle for the normal salad, go with the spinach salad."

- Patti Benitz, St. Joseph

Built in 1898, the Old Hoof and Horn is actually not so old anymore. It was rebuilt after a fire destroyed it in the fall of 2007. However, the reincarnated Hoof and Horn (reopened in February 2009) looks amazingly like the original.

It still has the pictures and artifacts on the walls reminiscent of the former cattle driving days at the Stockyards there. Dee Swope, co-owner with her husband, Roy, says although a few things were saved from the fire, almost everything was donated. The bar, built at the turn of the century, is actually older than the original, which had been built after Prohibition.

Swope says the cook and crew are the still the same and steaks are again the main attraction, along with homemade pies. They've also added some less-expensive menu options ($8.99) that come with all the sides. And if you would rather dine by the river, the Swopes have another Hoof and Horn in Atchison, Kan. The food is the same, it's just a different atmosphere.

The Hoof and Horn in St. Joseph is open 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday; 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. on Friday; and 4 to 10 p.m. on Saturday. It's closed Sunday and Monday, but is available for private parties of 30 or more.