Prime 102

Located in the heart of the historic center of Tyler, Prime 102 is the embodiment of elegance and culinary mastery. This upscale steakhouse occupies the ground floor of the legendary People's Petroleum Building, an Art Deco architectural landmark. Here, the classic atmosphere of American fine dining meets the warm Southern hospitality characteristic of Texas in the USA.

The restaurant's interior impresses with natural marble finishes, white tablecloths, and panoramic views of the vibrant downtown. The establishment is renowned for its focus on exceptional product quality: it serves USDA Prime beef, the freshest seafood, and signature cocktails. The owners, Steve and Peri Barnhart, personally greet guests, creating a cozy, almost family-like atmosphere surrounded by luxury.

Prime 102 is more than just a restaurant; it is a place where history comes alive in every detail. From the majestic marble staircase to the exquisite dishes prepared from scratch using local ingredients, everything here emphasizes its status as one of the region's finest gastronomic destinations. Whether it's a milestone anniversary or an evening at the stylish Corner Bar, a visit here leaves every tourist with vivid impressions.

For your convenience and trip planning, the restaurant's current contact details are provided below. You can always book a table in advance or check for bar availability by phone.

The main reason to visit Prime 102 is for the impeccable gastronomic experience. Guests should definitely try the signature steaks: the 45-day dry-aged 22-ounce ribeye, the impressive tomahawk, or the incredibly tender filet mignon. If you prefer seafood, look for the Atlantic salmon or the shrimp Creole pasta. All dishes are prepared from fresh ingredients sourced from local farms.

For those seeking a more casual setting, the Corner Bar is open. Here you can order the famous "Ten burger," pork rinds with blue cheese dip, and enjoy a wide selection of wines or signature cocktails. The bar's atmosphere is perfect for meeting friends or a light mid-day lunch. Be sure to walk up the grand marble staircase to take beautiful photos of the interior and appreciate the view of downtown through the massive windows.

Special attention should be paid to the service: the servers here are true experts, ready to help you choose the perfect level of doneness for your meat or the ideal wine pairing. With three private rooms available, the restaurant also serves as a wonderful venue for hosting special events—from romantic candlelit dinners to large-scale corporate receptions.

The establishment is located at 102 N College Ave, in the very heart of downtown, making it easily accessible for those already in the city center. The restaurant is within easy walking distance of the city's main government and business buildings.

If you are planning an evening visit, look out for the free shuttle that runs downtown on Thursdays (6:00 PM – 10:00 PM) and on Fridays and Saturdays (7:00 PM – 11:00 PM). It makes convenient stops near the People's Petroleum Building, so you don't have to worry about finding parking.

For guests arriving from other neighborhoods or the airport, it is most convenient to use taxi or Uber services. The drive from Tyler Pounds Regional Airport (TYR) takes about 10 minutes, while the journey from Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is approximately 2 hours via the highway.

The history of this location is closely intertwined with the East Texas oil boom. The restaurant is situated in the famous People's Petroleum Building, erected in 1932. This fifteen-story Art Deco structure was the region's financial hub for a long time, and its interior still preserves the original marble with a unique natural rose-patterned grain.

The creator of Prime 102, Steve Barnhart, brought a wealth of experience from top-tier steakhouses in New York and Philadelphia to the city. After closing a previous venture due to the 2020 pandemic, Steve and his wife Peri decided to create a project that would become the "heart" of the revitalized downtown. The restaurant opened in 2021 and quickly earned a reputation as Tyler's premier gastronomic landmark.

The name Prime 102 was not chosen by chance and carries a triple meaning. First, it signifies the use of the highest grade of beef (USDA Prime). Second, it plays on the building's address on College Avenue. Third, it refers to the English expression "priming the pump," symbolizing the owners' contribution to "nourishing" and developing the local community.

To fully enjoy an exquisite dinner, wine tasting, and a tour of the historic Art Deco interior, we recommend setting aside 1.5 to 2.5 hours. This will provide enough time for a leisurely meal and immersion into the atmosphere of Texas's "golden age."

If you are stopping by the Corner Bar for a quick business lunch or a cocktail with light snacks, 45–60 minutes should be plenty. For those planning a private event in one of the banquet halls, the timing is usually discussed individually and can span the entire evening.

The restaurant operates on a convenient schedule that separates lunch and evening service. From Monday to Friday, the doors are open from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM for lunch and from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM for dinner. On Saturday, the establishment welcomes guests for evening service only—from 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM. The restaurant is closed on Sundays.

The Corner Bar has extended hours: weekdays from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM, and Saturdays from 4:00 PM until closing. Before your visit, we recommend checking the current schedule on the official website or by phone, as hours may change during holidays.

A visit to this upscale downtown steakhouse can be complemented by a pleasant stroll through the historic districts. Exploring the area around Prime 102 will allow you to deeper experience the atmosphere of old Texas and see iconic landmarks located within walking distance.