Restaurant Review: Bob’s Steak & Chop House

The original Bob’s on Lemmon Avenue has been one of my favorite haunts since it opened in 1993. I love the dark, clubby vibe and the fact that the bar is always crowded with interesting people. I’m happy to report that the old gal is holding up well for her age. The interior hasn’t changed, and the menu is still Prime steaks and chops served on a white plate with a choice of potato and the signature whole glazed carrot. Wines by the glass are generous pours, as are the cocktails (oh, the cucumber martini). Only the salads failed to impress. We ordered two, and both were disappointing. The Chophouse salad with cucumber, tomato, bell pepper, onion, bacon, and hearts of palm was tossed in a watery version of Thousand Island dressing; the iceberg wedge was submerged in nearly a cup of thick blue cheese dressing. One might wince at the $53 price tag on the 22-ounce, bone-in Kansas City strip, but the cost includes a vegetable and a potato. My go-to steak, the 22-ounce Côte de Boeuf bone-in rib-eye, was ordered and served medium rare. The meat melts in your mouth. Leftovers make outstanding sandwiches. Service started out strong, but as the dining room filled, the pace of our meal slowed. We waited on our check for so long that we decided to have another glass of wine and people-watch.