Oh dear. What's happened to West Rib? I used to LOVE coming here, when i was a mere stripling of a…read moretourist way back in 2010, and i have returned many times.
I organized an overnight camping trip JUST so i could have dinner at West Rib again, man, what a disappointment. Was the place always this run down, and shabby? Did the sun get in my eyes and blind me?
Well anyway, so after me demanding we go to West Rib, yet seeing most other eateries in town absolutely BULGING with tourists, i was a little taken aback by the solo diner in the outside space at West Rib. Gamely i ploughed on with my choice, thinking "maybe i should have gone somewhere else"
The server was a nice enough young girl, and she bowed each time she visited the table, and i have absolutely no issues with her - very polite and nice.
When she brought the menu, i was shocked. I am sure, i am positive it used to be fatter, had many more choices, every other time I've been here. I distinctly remember a certain sauce or dip i used to order that had a funky name, and was sort of like a schmear but runnier. Now there's only a single page to order from. I wanted to leave. I honestly was on the verge of getting up and going. Anyway, I ordered the Stubbs Burger - hadn't realized he was the Mayor Cat dude, nor that the burger was named after him. Husband ordered the special which was a Brisket Sandwich, and some Jalapeno Poppers to start.
The food was fairly fast to come out, and the Poppers were hot, and came with a cool, creamy sauce, maybe ranch? They were ok, taste like every other Jalapeno Popper I've had, I'm not that keen on them to be honest.
Then the entrees came out very quickly after that, so i just got started on my burger. Well - see I've been off potatoes in all their glorious forms since February, but these beer-battered fries looked so appetizing, that i grabbed a handful and distributed them evenly across my burger. And i must say - the burger was perfect. I like a well-done, no-pink burger. This was absolutely exactly how i would have asked for it to be cooked if given the choice, i had to take off the onion and the tomato off (they give me stomachache) but of course the 10 fries i put in there filled the gap nicely. And the cheese was oozing very beautifully and dripping out of the bottom. It was gorgeous. He said his Brisket Sandwich was really good too, so despite the place's shabby, and rundown appearance, and slimmer menu - what they cook, they do it very well.
I did hear disquieting rumours regarding West Rib, from people around town when i said i was going there for dinner, so whatever they've done, has gotten them a bad reputation in town, which is quite sad really. It holds fond memories for me, due to it being one of the first places my husband took me when we weren't married yet, and i hadn't moved here.
