Horace ‘Tex’ Taylor, 89; Horse Breeder, Founder of Landmark Steakhouse

Horace B. “Tex” Taylor, who founded Los Angeles’ venerable Taylor’s Steakhouse more than 50 years ago, has died. He was 89.

Taylor died April 4 in Solana Beach, Calif., of natural causes, according to his son Bruce, who now runs the restaurant.

The Texan was well-established in horse racing circles as an owner, trainer and breeder by 1953 when he created Taylor’s Tavern. The original menu cover depicted a field of racehorses rounding into the stretch.

The steakhouse, soon renamed Taylor’s Prime Steaks, featured red vinyl horseshoe-shaped booths, dark wood paneling and oil paintings. Emphasis at the 8th Street eatery was on comfort and good, affordable steak-and-potatoes fare.

In 1972, Lois Dwan, the late Times restaurant critic, described Taylor’s philosophy as “buy the best and cook it simply.” In 2003, as the restaurant celebrated its 50th anniversary, Times restaurant critic S. Irene Virbila wrote that it was a place she would enjoy taking her father. “Taylor’s,” she wrote, “is as comfortable as an old pair of jeans.”

Like her predecessors, Virbila noted that Taylor’s specialty was the culotte steak, but added that “the consensus easily seems to be that the porterhouse T-bone is the best cut ... and it’s always expertly cooked, like all the steaks here.”

In addition to the original steakhouse in the Wilshire district, Bruce Taylor added a second restaurant in La Canada Flintridge.

Born in Gonzalez, Texas, and brought up in Luling, Texas, Taylor was an outstanding athlete in high school and college. He held the Texas state high school record for the 440-yard dash for 19 years.

He moved to Los Angeles to attend USC on a track scholarship and under legendary coach Dean Cromwell, ran the 440-yard dash and the mile relay, helping USC win national championships in track all four years of his college career.

In thoroughbred racing, Taylor in 1968 became the first individual breeder to produce two horses competing in the same Kentucky Derby.

In addition to his son Bruce, the restaurateur is survived by his second wife, Barbara; sons John and Joe; a daughter, Nancy Hover; and nine grandchildren.