Chop House offers more than just steak

The Chop House of Grand Rapids is known as a great steakhouse. Telling you the steak was cooked to perfection in some ways seems redundant. Yes, the steaks are excellent, but it has many other great dishes to experience.

During our last visit we decided to dine at the bar, which offers a more casual setting. Sometimes you want a great meal, but don’t want to get dressed up for it. There were several others who walked in and chose to dine at the bar along with us.

The bar sits about 15 people and is large enough to enjoy a meal or to have a cocktail before diner. My favorite drink here is the Champagne pomegranate martini. I like it shaken, not stirred, and served ice cold for some refreshing relief from the hot summer night.

We started with the Pan Seared Diver Scallops and the Crab Louie. The scallops ($14.95) melt in your mouth and are served with a creamy leek and truffle ragout. The ragout is not over powering, but adds just the right amount of texture. The Crab Louie ($13.95) is very fresh lumped crab. The Louie sauce is not on the gluten-free menu, so I only ate the crab, but my husband assured me the Louie sauce is quite tasty.

I decided to pass on their five dinner salads, which are usually very fresh and crisp, but my husband ordered the Lobster Bisque ($8.95). I love this presentation. The bowl, which is filled with massive clumps of lobster meat, is set in front of you before the server pours in the bisque. The aroma fills the space and makes me really wish I could eat gluten. I am told this soup is a must-have dish if you are trying the Chop House for the first time.

I chose the Dover Sole (market price) for my main course. It is not on the gluten-free menu, but the chef knew how to prepare it so I could eat it. The fish is served with almonds and a lemon butter sauce. Dover Sole in my opinion is the Cadillac of fish — it is meaty and full of flavor. The chef didn’t hold back on the spices and I did not feel like was eating a gluten-free meal.

My husband did get a steak — the 8oz. Filet Mignon ($35.95) and, yes, it was perfection. Their aged USDA Prime steaks can be cut with a butter knife.

Afterwards we did partake in having a great cigar at La Dolce Vita, a lower level lounge and bar that serves specialty drinks, desserts and cigars. It always amazes me that you cannot smell the cigars upstairs, but I do love the smell of a good cigar.

My husband and I are regulars at the Chop House and not just for the wonderful steaks — we enjoy the outstanding service. Whether dining at the bar or a table, the staff always remembers us and make us feel like family. The management seems to really care that you have a great experience and they know when to engage in conversation.

It is the personal touches that make us want to go back again and again. On this particular night we were celebrating our anniversary. The kitchen made us chocolate dipped strawberries dressed like a bride and groom. And, if you go on your birthday you receive a complimentary dinner! Cheers!

The Chop House  ( Rating: out of 5 )

Where: 190 Monroe Ave NW (view map)
Hours: Mon.-Thurs. 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Fri. and Sat. 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Ambiance: Elegant, with a touch of the formal 50s look
How much will it cost you: Entrees $30 – $50
Credit cards: All major

Alcohol: Yes
 — large wine list
Reservations: Yes

Contact: (866) 456-3463
Online: http://www.thechophouserestaurant.com/