Prime Rib Heaven

As I was starting to say on Saturday before Mother Nature so rudely interrupted …

If you’re a carnivore worth your salt, you like prime rib. But if you’re a carnivore to the Nth degree (like me), you LOVE prime rib.

I’ve had prime rib in nearly every city I’ve visited over the past 45+ years, but despite devouring dozens of the heaven-sent roast steaks, it’s easy for me to narrow down to five, the best prime ribs I’ve ever had.

5: Outback Steakhouse in the Buena Vista Palace Hotel, Orlando, Florida. This was the first time (1995) I ever ate at an Outback and we so enjoyed the experience. I’ve been to other Outbacks since then, but the prime ribs don’t compare to the first.

4: Hugo’s Cellar in the Four Queens Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada. This is a great place for dinner; all the steak and rib entrées are top notch. I had a three-inch thick prime rib there one New Year’s eve. Whenever I want to have a fine-dining dinner in downtown Las Vegas, this is where I go.

3: House of Lords in the Sahara Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada. In general, the food at the Sahara is pretty ordinary, except for the House of Lords. The serving is huge and the prime rib is excellent. I’ve been there a few times in the past 10 years.

2: Original Joe’s Italian Restaurant in downtown San Jose. Yes, it’s an Italian restaurant, but their prime rib is amazing. I went there for the first time this past fall. Next time I’m in San Jose, I’m heading back there.

1: Lawry’s The Prime Rib in Los Angeles and Las Vegas. Consistently the best prime rib I’ve ever had. My first experience was the Los Angeles restaurant in the mid-‘60s when I was in college. I cannot count the number of times I’ve enjoyed prime rib at Lawry’s, but the last time I was there was June 2009, so I’m due to get back soon.

You may have noticed that three of these restaurants are in Las Vegas. That’s to be expected. More prime beef is sold in Las Vegas than anywhere else in the world.