Welcome to Draft Culture. Last week, we took a stroll down Laramie Lanes. The only bowling alley in Laramie, it offered a surprising amount of charm and history. This week, we find ourselves in one of the two main steakhouses in town. Being a sit-down restaurant while also offering a sports-bar-esque experience, I will be reviewing the Rib and Chop exclusively in terms of the bar side. Only having been around for the better part of a decade, this Rib and Chop garnered quick popularity as a date spot in town and a great place to watch sports games. Join me on my journey as I order one of their signature drinks, sample an appetizer, and burn out my wallet.
The aesthetic of the bar had a vintage feel but also had a clear air of professionalism. The Rib and Chop, while it hosts a variety of Laramie and Wyoming decor, does not feel like a local, homegrown spot. Being a part of a relatively small chain, this was to be expected. The drink menu had an extensive wine and draft beer selection, including a craft seasonal rotation as well. The back bar had nothing terribly unique, but it did carry the standards for most classic cocktails, which accompanied the cocktail and martini section of the menu. This brings us to the largest problem with the Rib and Chop. While the atmosphere was delightful and the staff were pleasant, the prices were absurdly high. With the cheapest cocktail on the menu being $12 and the cheapest appetizer sitting at $14.95: the average price of a bill at the Rib and Chop is not in the typical college student range. I bought a single drink, an appetizer, and a side of mac and cheese, and this brought my tab to $37. This is not a bar you go to with your friends on the weekends to hang out and watch the game or grab a drink. With even a side of fries costing $5.95, this bar is meant for dates and special occasions.
I got the Hot Honey and Goat Cheese appetizer, which while relatively new at this establishment, was also quite good. My drink was a Painkiller which was essentially a riff on a Pina Colada and had a strong boozy pineapple flavor, with the Nutmeg on top offering more of an aromatic touch than a flavor profile enhancement. The food and drink were good, but at $37 I could get a full meal and multiple drinks at a lot of the other places in town. That being said, if you’re taking someone out and you want to show off, then the Rib and Chop is a good place to go. If your wallet can take it, this bar can offer a semi-formal and romantic experience with high-quality food and drink, and very good service.
As always, I encourage all of you once again to drink safely, have fun, and stay classy.
