Ron’s Original Bar & Grille, 74 East Uwchlan Avenue (Route 113), Lionville, Pennsylvania, (610) 594-9900, www.ronsoriginal.com/
Although it hardly seems possible, my initial view of Ron’s Original was posted in November 2012… But very little has changed in the interim. Tucked away in a mini strip mall, it continues to resemble the usual version of your local happy-tappy serving up the usual assortment of nondescript pub grub to the usual less-than-discerning indigenous clientele. Well… not quite.
Check out the restaurant’s website… Their soups are made from fresh stocks that are by-products of their slow roasted meats and chicken… Their meats are antibiotic and hormone free… Their burgers are fresh ground certified Angus and never frozen… Their salmon filets are fresh cut by the chef; their mussels and calamari are fresh ice-packed, not frozen… Their turkey breasts are freshly baked on the premises from fresh, hormone-free fowl; their bacon is nitrite free… Produce is delivered 5 days a week, and all salads are made with fresh-cut lettuce; and the mixed greens are hand-washed, dried, and mixed by the kitchen staff; vegetables are all cut fresh and cooked to order… In addition, the menu lists the items that are gluten free, hormone/antibiotic free, spicy, vegetarian, clean eating, and/or made from scratch.
Not exactly the culinary résumé of your average local happy-tappy… But the fact that a restaurant offers its patrons healthy cuisine is only part of the equation. Even the best of organic and/or local comestibles can be poorly prepared and sloppily presented. Fortunately, however, not only is Ron’s food good for you, but it is pleasing to the palate and the eye as well.
Taking a gander at the rather extensive menu, it may seem as if the kitchen’s reach has exceeded its grasp. One cannot help but think that it would be difficult (if not impossible) for an eatery to do so many things well. But, on second glance, the bill of fare is not quite as gargantuan as it at first appears. Any restaurant, however humble or upscale, invariably does certain things better than others. And this is true of Ron’s as well. But the key, in my opinion, is that this restaurant knows its focus, its limitations, and its clientele… and, therefore, continues to do a first-rate job across the board.
A lion’s share of Ron’s menu, of course, is given over to the kitchen’s superb interpretation of so-called “pub grub.” But the restaurant also offers patrons a select variety of entrées, including a number of traditional Italian favorites. My recently sampled Eggplant Parmesan, for example, was tender yet firm to the bite, smothered in melted cheese, and sided with al dente spaghetti kissed by a rich marinara. Even better, however, was my dining partner’s homey Black Angus Italian Meatloaf (pictured) topped with house-made marinara sauce and companioned by a mound of luscious garlic mashed potatoes and perfectly cooked broccoli florets.
And don’t let dessert pass you by. There are a number of palate-pleasing options to assuage your sweet tooth… but nothing quite measures up to the over-the-top Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cheesecake. More than suitable for sharing, this irresistibly rich and creamy delight is decadence personified. So, forget the calories and go for it.
The restaurant contains several dining areas. But the bar (pictured above), bustling yet inviting, is the most comfortable seat in the house. Even if there’s a waiting list for the dining rooms, which is not at all unusual, you can almost always squeeze in at the bar; either at the bar proper or at one of the high-top tables. Here you’ll find a diverse, friendly crowd, equally friendly bartenders, and a bevy of TV screens to keep the hometown fans happy.
If you’re on the prowl for well-prepared casual fare that utilizes top-notch ingredients and won’t break the bank, Ron’s Original Bar & Grill is highly recommended for both lunch and dinner.
Bon Appétit!
TAD
{ 0 comments… add one now }