I had researched the ""top 5"" prime rib establishments in the Raleigh area prior to visiting and wanted to visit each during the course of my week-long stay. The second restaurant on my list was the Angus Barn. I had heard good things about this place so my expectations were set on the high side. The expectations were reset when I entered the establishment and found myself in a reastaurant/store ala Cracker Barrel. They had the cutest little quilts and stuffed animals and enameled plates, ALL of which were made in China... So, I'm thinking to myself, I hope this place isn't trying to be an upscale Cracker Barrel slash Ruth's Chris. Much to my chagrin, that is exactly what it is shooting for. I ordered the 22 oz cut of prime rib known as the ""Connoisseur"" cut. I requested medium rare. I expected:\r
- 22 oz of meat with a bit of fat but mostly trimmed \r
- medium rare.\r
\r
However, I got about 12 oz meat, 4 oz of fat and 2 of the bones. I have never been served bone-in prime rib without being specifically asked if I wanted bone-in prime rib. Also, it was served quite rare. I was very disappointed in the meat.\r
\r
The service was awesome. The raw horseradish was awesome (probably the best I've ever tasted in a restaurant). \r
\r
I'm not likely to revisit the place, I had eaten at another steakhouse in Raleigh the preceding Sunday night that was far better than the Angus Barn, at about the same price. Ironically, the waiter at Winston's had confided to me that he worked at Angus Barn as well and that the Angus Barn served better food. In my opinion, he was wrong.\r
\r
Two down, three to go....
Pros: Great Service!
Cons: Mediocre meat at best
more