Restaurant Review: The Original Roadhouse Grill in Everett, WA

Though this review focuses on the Original Roadhouse Grill in Everett, WA, there are locations in other parts of the state, as well as in Oregon, California, and Minnesota.

On Tuesday, July 24, my wife, daughter and I went to the Original Roadhouse Grill for dinner. It was opening night at this restaurant just a couple blocks from our apartment, and after checking out the menu via their website, I was dying to try this place. I'm glad I did; they did not disappoint.

We walked in at around 6:30 PM. Being opening night, I expected it to be a chaotic madhouse. I was pleasantly surprised to find that the restaurant was moderately busy, and the staff seemed very professional and courteous. We were promptly seated and given a bucket of peanuts. I'd thought they were joking on the website when they said to just throw the shells on the floor, but that's what we did.

Within a couple of minutes, a waitress came to take our order. Since it was our first time, we wanted to take a few minutes to look at the dinner menu, but I elected to start out with a Bud Lite and an order of the Texas Eggrolls. They arrived, and the beer was one of the coldest I've had in a long time. The Texas Eggrolls were just as good as I'd been hoping they would be. They consist of a fried wonton filled with cream cheese and jalapenos and taste great. They have just enough kick to require a beverage close at hand, but you won't be breathing fire minutes after you eat these. I'll definitely be ordering these again.

For dinner, we all ordered various burgers. I ordered a cajun burger, medium rare. For some reason here in Washington, it's been impossible to get anything medium rare lately. Not at the Original Roadhouse Grill. My burger and fries came out and were absolutely perfect. I honestly can't say when I've had a better-tasting burger. All the burgers are a half-pound, so perfectly filling.

My wife got a regular cheeseburger and seemed to definitely enjoy it. For my 2-year-old daughter, we ordered a hamburger and fries, which she had no interest in eating because the color crayons were more inviting. So, we ate and she drew and drank her apple juice. I ended up taking her burger and the rest of the Texas Eggrolls for lunch the next day, and found they reheated well.

To close the evening, I ordered a Long Island Ice Tea, which was served in a 16-ounce Mason jar. Very cool to see a bit of variety in the glassware. My wife ordered a brownie sundae of some sort, and she and my daughter shared that and loved it.

At the end of the night, after an appetizer, three meals, dessert, two beers, a mixed drink, and ice tea for my wife and apple juice for my daughter, I expected to walk out of there paying a pretty hefty bill. Before tip, it was less than $55, which isn't bad for three people plus bar service. In fact, it's comparable with what we'd spend at a restaurant like Applebee's or Red Robin, but this place was more fun and had better food. The staff was friendly and helpful as well, which always helps.

My only complaint about this restaurant is that they don't have a braille menu for us blind diners. However, the menu is available at their website, sans prices, and is perfectly accessible.

All I can really say in closing is: I hope The Original Roadhouse Grill remains my neighbor for a long time to come. I truly believe I've found my new favorite restaurant and bar, and I'll be trying a steak next time. They definitely make it tough to decide what to order because everything on the menu looks and sounds so good.

If you're in or near the Everett area, or in another area near an Original Roadhouse Grill Location, you owe it to yourself to check it out. It's a great place to eat with the family or to get together for a few drinks with friends. The atmosphere is very casual, and a good time awaits all who drop by.

Original Roadhouse Grill Location:
11804 Highway 99
Everett, WA 98204