It's been a hella few weeks/months of non-stop running for us, and we needed a little drive outta town to get dinner and just...drive and be together. A friend suggested the town of Arispe, IA (south of Afton) for their Saturday night prime rib at RoadSide Grill. Don't blink driving down Hwy 169 or you will miss it! Actually, no you won't because there were easily 50 trucks parked out front, and several more behind us.
I grabbed a bar seat and ordered 2 beers, which were promptly served. We saw several patrons come in behind us, and decided we had better grab a table while we still could. We sat at a long table, meant for 8, and a lively 4-top sat next to us at the other end. It is a very lowkey and chill environment.
Appetizer: pick 3 - mushrooms, jalapeño poppers and spicy Wisconsin cheese curds. I wanted gizzards and wings, but those come as a meal basket. Thus, we picked the 3 apps mentioned above. The fried mushrooms were the average, Sysco breaded mushrooms (not complaining, sometimes that's just what tastes good!). Jalapeño poppers, same story, basic Sysco poppers (I mean, it's fried cream cheese, what's to complain about?). Both were good but definitely premade. The spicy curds had some kick and we loved those w/ ranch.
Salad bar: iceberg lettuce, shredded cheese, tomatoes, croutons and dressings. Tub of cottage cheese for those that fancy it.
12oz Prime Rib: the whole reason for our roadtrip did not disappoint. Pretty sure I was served a 22oz, not a 12oz and I am not complaining about that! Wowza, the seasoned crust around the cut was so tasty, and the meat tender. I waffled between rare or medium rare, and decided to go with medium rare. Probably should've gone with rare, the medium rare was more medium than rare but whatever. It was still solid and delicious, even more cooked than I prefer. The au jus was fantastically salty and flavorful. Mmnnnnn! Served with a baked potato, slice of Texas Toast and oh yummmmmmm. I'm stuffed!
12oz Ribeye & Fried Shrimp: 4 basic butterfly shrimp with cocktail sauce, good. 12oz ribeye also fantastic, and also slightly more than med rare but not bad. Did not taint the awesome flavors and tenderness of this steak. Also served with a baked potato and Texas Toast.
If you're up for a drive south of DSM, I HIGHLY recommend this place. Get in your vehicle and go for a roadtrip, you absolutely won't regret it. read more