Ranch House — Restaurant in Godfrey

Just moved to Godfrey so the wife and I have been out trying the restaurants. We got around to Tony’s Ranch House, a little unassuming place with the atmosphere of a H.S. locker room but a friendly enough staff. I ordered the open face beef, deep fried mushrooms as my side, and a Coke. The wife had the mushroom and Swiss burger with the added cheese for the fries (which for some reason is nacho cheese) and a water. My roast beef was overcooked but that’s a bit typical of the bar and grill scene, so not a big deal. The burger was really good, kudos on that. Our drinks ran out and stayed empty the rest of the meal. Only one waitress was serving tables so i give a mild pass on that. I do think she had a little time, but also little interest, to get around to refills, but she may have been dead tired too, don’t know when her shift started or what her day had been like.

Then the big surprise came with the check. Open Faced Beef with side about $7 M&S burger with cheese for the fries about - $7 Coke - $2 Add tax = $26.47 Wait. What? So I inquired. Well, there was an up-charge for my side = $1.50 Would have been nice to know that when ordering but not a big deal. Math still not working for me though. Water is $2.00…. Water? Yep, glass of water, $2.00 Okay, we’re all hurting after COVID but, really? So = $19.50?… That makes tax $6.97 Again… what? No longer interested in Ranch House math, I just paid the check, dropped $3 on the table and left. What on paper (their menu) was about $20 ended up to be about $30. Little more than I expected to spend on a quick lunch, especially since the menu suggested otherwise.

Overall, good burger, average on the other stuff. Advice; get a burger, add $10 to what you expect to pay and don’t be thirsty. The pizza looks good in the pictures, maybe we’ll save up and give it a try one day.

Update: Tried the pizza. It’s good except the sauce is sweeter than we like. If you like thin crust with a sweet sauce, may be right up your alley. They charged the price on the...

Ranch House is a dive bar with a down home comfort food kitchen.

Ranch house has been around easily 50+ years. I remember going there after a movie date in high school for a burger or as a special treat a week-end breakfast out. I wasn't a foodie back then, but I can tell you now, I give them a thumbs up for what they are.

What are they? They're a dive bar that hasn't been redecorated since the last century. They're a dive bar with friendly and attentive customer service, who welcomes everyone. While I sat at the bar, I was treated and given the same quality service as all the other guest they called by name. With the quality of food at reasonable prices, I am sure they'll know my name eventually.

Now, let's talk food. Two of my weaknesses are, Jalapeño Burgers and Fried Chicken and they have delivered well on both. A Fried Chicken Dinner is their Wednesday night special. I enjoyed a crispy half fried chicken with two sides. I went county boy for my sides and choose, Green Beans and Mashed Potatoes with White Gravy. Whoa, the chicken was crispy and oh, so juicy. It is equally as good as Pat's Bar and Grill in STL, which was a favorite of mine before moving. My two sides were also, equally as good. Real mashed potatoes, not instant and the green beans, were perfectly seasoned with onion and bacon. I've also enjoyed the fried chicken as a carry-out.

After experiencing their winner, winner chicken dinner and seeing a Jalapeño Burger on the menu, I had to come back. The burger was a smash burger done on a flat grill, topped with Pepper Jack cheese and smothered in plenty of jalapeños. If I could add jalapeños to everything I eat, I would. The toasted bun and crispy fries as a side, completed this meal. Oh, the local craft beer was a nice touch too.

Ranch House is close to my home. I actually could walk there and burn the calories I'd be consuming eating the delicious comfort food. I will definitely be adding them to my rotation of...

After trying 3 times calling the number listed only to be met with " this number does not have a voicemail set up" my family headed up to the restaurant. Upon entering, I had to flag someone down after being ignored only to get " do you have a reservation?" I explained i did not and why, then started to ask what the current number was then only to be interrupted by " you have to have a reservation".

Yes, I understand, so I tried to explain again the number going straight to no voicemail only to be cut off again with " you can't call on Greek night ". So I clarify that their phone line doesn't work on certain nights? Only answer...." you can't call on Greek night ".

So they have nothing on their website or social media about said policy and you cannot call with questions. Instead, you deal with rude staff. At least I found out before spending money here. Shame because we love supporting local businesses but will not be returning.

So fair warning to all....don't try their phone on...