G.A.B.B.

Arnie’s, as the photo attests, is one of those little roadside places that nine times out of ten, you just zip past without even thinking about. And, in this case, that’s precisely where you would be making your bloomer.

It’s a pretty small place – small bar, and limited seating. Décor can only be described as outdated to past the point of cheesiness. Due to the small size, too many tables have been crammed into the joint. The menu is focused on mostly steak & grilled seafood items, but there’s more variety on the menu that you would expect. Price points range from $10 to a high of around $25 per entrée. I’d guess that the average is in the $16-$18 range.

The food, on the other hand, was very, very good, with minor exceptions noted below. Mrs. Boring had the French Onion soup, which she described as excellent, with a spicy twist that made it stand out from the run-of-the-mill onion soup that’s so common. I started with a salad, which well exceeded the wedge of turning brown iceberg lettuce that seems to be standard in most restaurants. Good stuff, and the made on premises blu cheese dressing was good.

Unfortunately, at this point, Mrs. Boring & I made the reviewer’s faux paux. Both of us ordered the prime rib. That’s a mistake, because a) prime rib is easy, and b) we should have picked different entrees in order to provide a wider test of the menu. However, the beef was very good. Mrs. Boring ordered the side of sliced sweet potatoes, which as good.

Our dining companions for the evening, who I’ll call ‘Chuck’ and ‘Donna’, even though that’s their real names, had the NY Strip, and Broiled Scrod, respectively. The strip came out closer to well done than the ordered medium, so I’d be careful about this when we go back. The scrod was reported as very good.

Both ‘Chuck’ & I had sides of home fries, which were a trifle on the salty side. All were too stuffed for dessert (again, a poor reviewer’s strategy).

Service was very good.

Verdict: I’d definitely go again. We arrived early, so there was no wait, but by the time we left, there was a significant line forming.

On Ohio Rt 14 south of Ravenna, close to West Branch. If you are going on I-76, take the Rt 14 exit north.

Cross posted on The Boring Made Dull