Cascade Roadhouse - Grand Rapids

Since it was a Friday evening, I was intrigued by their prime rib dinner, available only on Friday and Saturday nights. I debated between that and the perch but ultimately went for the prime rib since it’s not something you come across often. Our server, Emily, was fantastic—she was attentive and very friendly. She made sure we could have the kid's mac and cheese come out quickly with our drink order so the hungry toddler wouldn't have to wait long. Thankfully, it arrived soon after, and the little one loved it! We also decided to order some appetizers to share: the loaded potato skins and the bang bang shrimp. The shrimp were delicious—crispy with the classic bang bang sauce. The potato skins were good and nicely loaded as well. All of our meals arrived together, and everything looked terrific. The prime rib was cooked to a perfect medium rare, just as I requested. The steamed broccoli that accompanied it was a bit plain and lacking flavor, but adding some salt improved it. The meat was delicious, and I’m glad I chose it. I also had a couple of bites of Nate's reuben, which was very tasty. We all enjoyed the fries, too; they were the extra-crispy, beer-battered kind. I’m really glad we returned to Cascade Roadhouse because I enjoyed this visit even more, and the service was much improved. I don't come this way often, but it’s definitely a great dining option in the area.

The cleanliness of the restaurant leaves much to be desired, and unfortunately, the food reflects that too. I was really hoping for a wonderful experience here, given its fantastic location and excellent service, but I ended up feeling quite disappointed.

One aspect I don’t particularly like is the wastefulness. While they quickly refill soda drinks, they provide plastic-wrapped plastic straws with each one. The food is decent. I ordered a French Dip that was filled with high-quality prime rib, which was great, but the bread was soft and squishy, which was less appealing. I always thought that the "French" in French Dip referred to French bread. A crusty baguette pairs wonderfully with thinly sliced beef and just needs to be softened by the dip—hence the classic combination. Moreover, a true French Dip should include Swiss cheese and caramelized onions. As I write this, I wonder if it was actually called a French Dip or a Prime Rib Dip. The au jus was enjoyable, but the overall experience would have been much better if it had been served on proper French bread, regardless of the name.

We are new to the area and quickly took advantage of Cascade Roadhouse's specials. After a long move in weekend, we got some burgers and $1 draft beers. Stopped back in for soup, salad, and wings. We look forward to being a regular and excited to experience the patio soon. I do enjoy the sections throughout the restaurant, as they help provide some privacy and comfortable vibe for table talk.

Local hang out. Bar area get busy. Summer are nice when you can sit in their outdoor area. They have a variety of food so big groups should be able to find something to order