Lebowski's Bar & Grill — Restaurant in Robins

Allow me to digress a moment.

Since moving from Mexifornia [well it is] ok, California in 2013 my wife and I have had a difficult time finding our culinary delights. One of our first of several [Labowski's has been added to our list] bad adventures was at a Mexican restaurant [which is no longer an establishment, it was demolished 2014] for some Three Cheese Enchiladas, one of our stable of favorites. Our orders arrived on the hot platters with a generous amount of beans and rice and 2 Three Cheese Enchiladas in the middle smothered in cheese and sauce. Drooling like Pavlov's dog I dis-regarded our waiters warning "be careful the food is hot", we both dove directly into the enchiladas. Placing the first bite in our mouths expecting to savor the tastes of sharp Cheddar, Monterey Jack and Caso cheeses that'll release a surge of endorphins, we taste this awful flavor we both aren't sure [we have an idea] what it is. Calling the waiter over I inquire as to which three cheeses they use. Oh Senior, Seniorita we only use the finest AMERICAN CHEESE! WHAT?? THAT'S SACRILEGIOUS! Enough Said.

Labowski's was a similar disappointment. The establishment was very presentable from the outside, ample parking well kept grounds etc. Entering I noticed a well stocked bar to the left of the main entrance with tables and chairs and of course bar stools to get comfortable in. To the right was a separate dining area with tables and chairs or booths giving you the seating option depending on your mood. I did not count how many flat screen TV's were mounted but I'll guarantee you no matter where you sat wanting to watch a specific sporting event I'd be darn impossible to miss the action unless your heads up your butt! The menu has several different arrays of food choices. I was told by one of our group of eight the pork tenderloin is to die for. Let me ask you Iowans, where isn't it to die for here in Pork Capital U.S.A? Looking over the menu my eyes locked on an item. I started to sweat and drool again [I need to stop setting my expectations so high] when I spotted and ordered the Reuben! For those of you who aren't familiar with this sandwich its thinly sliced Corned Beef, Swiss Cheese and Sourkraut served on a Rye bread swabbed with a Russian dressing all grilled until the cheese melts out the side. To be fair DID NOT READ the description supplied on the menu. Had I well, it wasn't to my liking.

This couldn't have been a better time to critique Labowski's food because everyone ordered something different. The hamburger one fellow got looked to be a slider, a smaller version of a hamburger offered as an appetizer. The pork tenderloin did look substantially bigger yet smaller than expected as did the burger for the price. A gentleman across from me ordered the cold cut wraps with ham, cheese [I dared not ask what kind] with shredded lettuce and tomato that looked delicious. I did not see it on the menu therefore I cannot compare the portion to price. I will not boor you with every order I think my examples are enough.

The mens restroom was clean, a pleasure to use, I'd assume the womens was the same.

All in all the service was good, the dining areas were clean and pleasant [except for the hard unpadded wooden chairs] the booths were much more comfortable. If food portion to cost value, i.e. you may walk away hungry, isn't an issue [with my wife and I, and my daughters 5 kids which three are teenagers] I can see spending an easy solid "C" note or more feeding the group. I understand with the amenities provided the food/beverage costs have to be a bit higher than a no frills establishment.

Happy...

Lunch at Lebowski's Grill and Pub in Robins, Iowa was definite win‼️ It was my first time at this well-kept and popular bar/restaurant, and certainly, it won't be my last.

The occasion was a good friend's birthday, and we decided to try somewhere new to both of us. The place was busy but didn't feel crowded at all, and we were able to find a table immediately.

I noticed right away how well the interior was maintained. Quite often, a bar/restaurant that has been open for several years can get a little beat. Not so with Lebowski's, the paint, tables, chairs, and everything else was fresh and squeaky clean, a testament to the commitment and attitude of the owners, managers, and crew.

My companion chose the French Dip, which he reported as delicious (unfortunately, I didn't manage to sneak a bite). A fairly straightforward rendition of this lunch counter classic, thinly sliced seasoned roast beef and melted Swiss cheese on a toasted hoagie bun served with au jus.

I had a difficult choice, their menu has a lot going for it. There are a few meal-sized appetizers that caught my eye, most notably the Dude Fries, waffle fries, pulled pork, shredded cheese, onions, and drizzled with sweet and spicy sauce. I also took a long look at the Craisin Walnut Feta Salad and the Pub Fish Basket before choosing from the sandwich list.

All of the usual suspects were present, the aforementioned French Dip, as well as a BLT, Reuben, Club, a chicken or steak Philly, and of course that most Midwestern sammie, the Breaded Pork Tenderloin. There were a few more, and all of them seemed like solid choices, but one caught my eye on this day.

The Bacon Jack Chicken, grilled or breaded chicken, grilled jalapeños, thick cut bacon, and pepperjack cheese. The roll/bun was fairly standard, fresh and soft, but not possessed of any particular character. The breaded chicken was quite good, not as thin as a fritter but having the same crispy texture and flavorful taste. As many of my readers know, I love the piquant, bright flavor of the jalapeño, and this sandwich was loaded with them, to my delight. I was also delighted by the perfectly crisped bacon and the generous slice of melted cheese, which nearly enrobed the chicken. The flavor was exactly what I was looking for, and I actually managed, through an impressive exercise of will, to slow down and savor the scrumptious, palate-filling flavors of the sammie. The bacon, peppers, and cheese all worked well together with the breaded chicken, although should I have this sandwich again, I would try it with the chicken grilled, simply to see how the flavor profile is changed with the removal of the fried component.

We both choose crinkle-cut French fries as our side, with fresh veggies, coleslaw, and cottage cheese, also on offer. Or for an upcharge, waffle fries, onion rings, side salad, or pub chips.

The service was a treat equal to the food. Our server, the charming Missy Peyton Walton , was covering half of the restaurant, yet displaying that effortless, friendly hustle that marks the very best waitstaff. She always had a moment or two to talk about the restaurant or to drop a cheery quip about how the day was going.

I will no doubt be returning. After all, the Dude...

My husband and I tried this place today for lunch! It was our first time there, we like trying different places! And omg we loved it! The food came out fast,hot and so fresh ! We ordered the pretzels, waffle fries as appetizers both very delicious 😋 my husband got the breaded tenderloin with onion rings he gave me a bite and it's so juicy and tender ! The seasoning if there was any on it was light and not overpowered like some places! I ordered the cheeseburger wrap with fries, I forgot to ask for no seasoning on fries so our server put in for an order with out and the cook gave us a huge basket full which was nice of them I was ok with the serving that came with but omg ! Everything was delicious we brought home 3 takeout boxes and have lunch for a couple days! The raspberry tea is excellent! This is our go to place from now on! We...