Opening for dinner Super Bowl Sunday, February 12, 2023, The Ranch Steakhouse in Phelan served up a char-broiled steak dinner with a side of ranch hospitality. The Ranch Bar was buzzing with football fans enjoying hot appetizers and their favorite beverages. Watching a bit of the big game first in the newly remodeled bar, it was easy to see the game on the new flat-screen TVs from any part of the room. Taking our ice-cold frosty draft beers, we adjourned from the bar and transitioned to the newly renovated Ranch Steakhouse dining room, having reservations for 5:00 pm. Making dinner reservations for any restaurant in Phelan may be unusual, but it might be necessary in this case. Not even close to supper time yet, the western-themed dining room was already nearing capacity with a line of curious, eager diners stretching out the door. The high-backed booths offer privacy and comfort in the open floorplan dining area, with the tables arranged to accommodate larger parties. A rustic, yet playful atmosphere allowed for an easy-going, no-pressure dining experience.
The wagon wheels of the west wall and the ranch-like ambiance set the mood for the server to take our order and welcome us to the “Ranch Steakhouse in Historic Phelan.” Ordering the 16-ounce “Ratliff” steak medium well (most chefs don’t like to cook a fine piece of meat past medium), we giggled about a “Juicy” comment on the menu. To our delight, the 14 oz. Sirloin was grilled, per our instruction, to juicy perfection. Ordering a burger somehow represented an excellent example of what is to come from the rest of the menu, presentation, aroma, portion size, etc., so the “West of Laredo” was ordered. The opportunity arose to try the sweet potato fries (terrific) on my companion’s plate when she turned her head. With a fork, she steered me away from sampling any more of her delicious steak, offering some Mac and Cheese instead. Already a fan of this steakhouse, given the prime cut of beef just sampled, the Mac and Cheese convinced me angels were cooking in the kitchen. Coming out of the re-fitted kitchen was the “West of Laredo,” a towering burger with a half-pound patty sandwiched between a brioche bun smothered in gourmet cheddar melted cheese over two crispy rashers of applewood smoked bacon. Big and juicy, the bar-b-que sauce was tastefully not excessive, and its sweetness blended well with the masterfully charred ½ lb. Angus patty. The steak fries were garnished with a trace of garlic, making them a treat on their own. Everything was delicious; the service was superb, and the entrees were hot and promptly delivered to our table as ordered. Our thirst prompted many visits to the bar, which were dispatched eagerly by our server. Looking around the room, you could notice only a hint of remodeling, with the fresh atmosphere of a new establishment. With an all-inclusive selection of steaks, chicken, sandwiches, seafood, and salads, the menu has many options to please any palette. A return visit is warranted to sample the rest of the enticing items on the menu at what will surely become one of the High Deserts’ favorite restaurants. Phelan and the Tri-Community will welcome this new dining destination. The Ranch Steakhouse is open for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm Sunday-Thursday and 7:00 am to 11:00 pm Friday and Saturday. They are located at 4264 Phelan Road, Phelan, CA, 92371 (442) 936-9111. Look them up on Facebook @ The Ranch Steakhouse.
