Located inside The Nash Casino on the level 2 at Pheasant Lane Mall, Proper Chophouse & Cocktails is an enclosed steakhouse & cocktail bar offering a casual modern dining & drinking atmosphere with a full service bar with seating, tables and booths in the front and back areas and a glass wine display rack. The bar offers a few draft beers, bottle beers, wine list, mixed drinks, martinis, and cocktails. The food menu offers a selection of prime steaks, prime rib, fish/seafood dishes, chicken, pasta, salads, appetizers, side dishes, and desserts. The pricing is moderate high and competitive with similar options in Nashua. I noted that the Proper Chophouse menu is similar to the menu at Irons Steakhouse at The Mint Gaming Hall Kentucky Downs in Franklin, KY (at TN border) with similar and varied offerings.
I made an online reservation for 6:30 pm seating for myself, specified a table, but I had no preference if I would be seated at the bar (they do reserve bar seats). I arrived here at 6:28 pm to check-in, but the place seemed very busy and the host staff was still trying to seat people who had earlier reservations. There was also an hour wait for walk-ins. I was finally able to sit at a small table near the bar after 15 minutes. The server arrived a couple minutes later and gave me a food menu and offered a cocktails menu too. I requested tap ice water. I placed my order for an appetizer, entrée, and large side dish. A food runner broughta basket of fresh hot baked soft bread with salted butter and a sweet yellow spread, which was really great.
For an appetizer, the Moules Frites ($18 plus tax) was comprised of a 17 steamed PEI mussels, andouille sausage, confit garlic whole grain mustard and house cut fries simmered in hot mussel broth with a big lemon. This appetizer was very filling to eat and the broth had salty rich flavors. The fries in the bowl were sort of a substitute for toast points.
For an entrée, the Lamb Bolognese ($24 plus tax) was comprised of very al dente papparadelle noodles in a hearty sauce with San Marzano tomato, ground lamb & seasonings, and ricotta on top. The side dish (sharable size) of Crispy Brussel Sprouts ($9 plus tax) were grilled and tossed with balsamic glaze, horseradish, lemon and parmigiano Reggiano.
For dessert, I chose the Creme Brulee ($9 plus tax) which was partially black and burnt on top with fresh raspberries and a cool creamy custard undemeath. I enjoyed the custard and berries and left the burnt caramelized pieces in the dish.
After I was done, the check was presented to which was $65.10 with tax and before tip. Overall, the first two courses including the bread, appetizer, entree & side dish were pretty good and had nice hearty flavors. The dessert, however, was not great since I had burnt aftertaste from the caramelized top of the crème brulee. I now regret not opting for the banana bread pudding ($12) with vanilla ice cream or the key lime tart ($9). The speed of service varied with a delay to be seated with reservation, first course and bread coming out promptly, the dinner entrée & side and dessert taking a bit of time to be served (busy place), and check cash out was prompt. The server was professional giving several refills on the ice water and cleaning off my table between courses. I did not order steak on this visit because I just had a nice strip steak this week. I would definitely come back here again for another dinner, but I would give it some time for the kinks to be worked out. read more