4 /5 Steven Bott: Ranch House is a dive bar with a down home comfort food kitchen.
Ranch house has been around easily 50+ years. I remember going there after a movie date in high school for a burger or as a special treat a week-end breakfast out. I wasnt a foodie back then, but I can tell you now, I give them a thumbs up for what they are.
What are they? Theyre a dive bar that hasnt been redecorated since the last century. Theyre a dive bar with friendly and attentive customer service, who welcomes everyone. While I sat at the bar, I was treated and given the same quality service as all the other guest they called by name. With the quality of food at reasonable prices, I am sure theyll know my name eventually.
Now, lets talk food. Two of my weaknesses are, Jalapeño Burgers and Fried Chicken and they have delivered well on both. A Fried Chicken Dinner is their Wednesday night special. I enjoyed a crispy half fried chicken with two sides.
I went county boy for my sides and choose, Green Beans and Mashed Potatoes with White Gravy. Whoa, the chicken was crispy and oh, so juicy. It is equally as good as Pats Bar and Grill in STL, which was a favorite of mine before moving. My two sides were also, equally as good. Real mashed potatoes, not instant and the green beans, were perfectly seasoned with onion and bacon. Ive also enjoyed the fried chicken as a carry-out.
After experiencing their winner, winner chicken dinner and seeing a Jalapeño Burger on the menu, I had to come back. The burger was a smash burger done on a flat grill, topped with Pepper Jack cheese and smothered in plenty of jalapeños. If I could add jalapeños to everything I eat, I would. The toasted bun and crispy fries as a side, completed this meal. Oh, the local craft beer was a nice touch too.
Ranch House is close to my home. I actually could walk there and burn the calories Id be consuming eating the delicious comfort food. I will definitely be adding them to my rotation of restaurants.