The Lodge Steakhouse at the Laughlin River Lodge
Restaurant/Dinner Review
Three of us visited recently on a weeknight for dinner. Everyone wanted steak or prime rib. We had very good Prime Rib a few months ago when they were offering a special and figured this would be a good chance to check out the new menu.
There is an early bird menu, which runs from 4 to 5:30 (Wednesday-Sunday). See the end of this review for details.
We were seated promptly by the window, overlooking the Colorado River. Wine and a beer were ordered, they have a good wine list but we went with simple choices by the glass.
We were disappointed to see the Shrimp Cocktail and Lobster Bisque was missing from the menu. They were among two of the very good items that had been on the menu on our last visits. Who has a steakhouse without these?
The salads and basket of rolls were fresh and good as in the other visits we have made.
The Prime Rib dinner now goes for $23 (10oz) or $31 (16oz) Served with thin but nicely done asparagus and a large backed potato (other options available). The Prime Rib was seasoned nicely and the portions of it that were edible where very good. Unfortunately, there was 5-6 ounces of it that were inedible fat rather than marbled prime rib. Much of that part was even uncut-able. We also had ordered it medium and as you can see it came a cross between medium well and well. Since two of us were splitting it and one of us thought it was fine, we didn't send it back for the proper done-ness.
The Filet Mignon (6 oz) for $30 was a nice cut of steak. The taste, consistency and flavor was excellent and nearly cooked to a perfect medium. For a thick filet they did a good job on it. The seasoning was perfect and it melted in your mouth.
Staff was very friendly, although they seemed a bit hurried in trying to manage a only half full dining room. No one bothered to come back and check if we wanted additional drinks. Once the food was dropped off that was it.
The lighting and decor are nice and there was music from a piano player who was playing and singing by the large fireplace. This nice touch was a bit obscured by the volume of the staff when taking orders or talking to other guests. In a "nicer" steakhouse as the Lodge is obviously striving to be, the atmosphere shouldn't at times sound like a diner or cafe.
No dessert or after dinner coffee was ordered, in part because we were full from the meal and secondly because of the slowness of the staff coming by to check if we wanted anything else.
The Lodge Early Bird Menu (subject to change by them) is currently on the LRL website as this:
Wednesday-Sunday, 4 p.m.-5:30 p.m.
- Prime Rib – English Cut: Three slices carved to enhance the rich beef flavor. Features our creamed fresh spinach. Your choice of baked potato or house garlic mashed potatoes. $14
- Chicken Marsala: Breast of chicken sautéed in this rich, classic wine sauce that includes tender mushrooms. Fresh vegetable du jour and choice of baked potato or house garlic mashed potatoes. $12
- Pan Seared Tilapia: Seasoned and sautéed to a golden finish. Accompanied with our house tartar sauce. Fresh vegetable du jour and choice of baked potato or house garlic mashed potatoes. $12
- Shrimp Scampi: Ten succulent shrimp sautéed in garlic, white wine and butter. Served over linguini with a spear of garlic toast. $14
- Spaghetti & Meatballs: House made meatballs with our fresh marinara served over spaghetti with a spear of garlic toast. $11
- LRL Burger: Fresh ground burger with your choice of toppings below.
- Served with house potato chips. $10 Choose from: Romaine, tomato, shaved red onion, bacon, pickle, smoked gouda, American cheese, cheddar cheese, sautéed wild mushrooms, spiced bacon jam, roasted garlic, bourbon bbq sauce, house burger sauce
Split Plate Charge: $5 We appreciate your understanding that there are no substitutions on our Early Bird Menu Early Bird menu is available for restaurant dining only.
The new, full menu, as of this writing, is not on the LRL website.
The Lodge Steakhouse is open Wednesday-Sunday, starting at 4 p.m.
In summary:
Two meals (one split), for three including 2 glasses of wine and a beer came to just over $100 with tax and tip. You could do worse, for a steak dinner in Laughlin but you can also do better.
Although the Filet Mignon was good, the Prime Rib disappointed this time. Next time when we are craving steak we will probably pass on the Lodge Steakhouse for now. Perhaps again in the future we will try it again.
The Range at Harrah's and the Steakhouse at Tropicana are currently our favorites, in that order, for steak in Laughlin.
Sadly, we much preferred the Lodge Steakhouse when we visited the previous 2-3 times last year BEFORE the changes and new menu.
All content and pictures are presented for informational and entertainment purposes. The review was based on our own personal experience and the dinner was purchased by us, not comped by the restaurant. Your results may vary. Time, events, menu items, prices, and dates are subject to change by the property responsible for them. We are not affiliated with, nor receive any compensation from any of the properties or entities mentioned herein. All pictures are the property of and were taken by Laughlin Buzz but may be shared for personal use with credit given.
