Best OC Prime Rib Dinner for $14.99 or Less?

[GrindzHound]

OK Hounds I was just thinking the other day that there has to be some really good prime rib in OC that won't break the wallet. I just don't know of any good prime rib dinners for $14.99 or less except (don't stone me!) Lonestar Restaurant's earlybird. The prime rib isn't aged, at least I can't tell if it is, but it's always roasted perfectly, nicely seasoned and tender. The salad is fresh and simple, the sweet rolls are warm and the baked potato or baked sweet potatos are terrific. Service is always good there too, no bad attitudes, always hospitable. The dinner also comes complete with a softdrink or milk for $13.99.

Anyway that's my nomination for the category of "Best OC Prime Rib Dinner for $14.99 or Less". Hopefully there are others...and the nominees are...?

[ochound]

I heard that Bandera in Corona del Mar has a fantastic prime rib dinner- does anyone have any info on that?

[Mr. S]

Yes, it is very good aged prime. I live a few blocks away, and I am usually there once a week. I prefer it without the mashed potatoes, and substitute for one of their fresh seasonal vegetables. In my 5 years of dining there, I have even (gasp) had it blackened and seared on the almond hard-wood stove a time or two. Will not however, fit into the parameters of this post, as it will run you about 28 bucks.

[GrindzHound]

Thanks for the tip, bagdoodle.

[GrindzHound]

bagdoodle, I still remember eating at Chris' and Pitts' as a kid and got hooked on their sweet BBQ sauce. I can't believe that I haven't been there in maybe 13-15 years. It sounds like the prime rib is really good. By the way, what a massive pastrami sandwich! Thanks for the description too, I might have to avoid the cholesterol though. What cut is the baseball steak?

[bagdoodle]

I think it's top sirloin. Whatever it is, though, it's so tender that -- to paraphrase Bogart's line to Mike Mazurky in whichever Humphrey Bogart/ Edward G. Robinson gangster comedy -- "You can cut it with your eyelids."

[bagdoodle]

The very best prime rib I've ever had was at Chris' & Pitts' barbecue at 601 N. Euclid (just a couple of block up from the 5 Fwy) in Anaheim. Take your pick of either an 8 -10 ounce cut at $11.95 or more than a pound at $15.95. The meat is aged on the premises, slow roasted, and genuinely glorious! The side dishes are all good, too, and their onion flower is the best anywhere! Two other things to consider at C&P are the Baseball Steak, which looks like, and tastes better than the filet that's always shown in the Ruths'/Chris' ads and the pastrami sandwich, which, by actual measurement, weighs in at 1 pound 10 ounces, for just $6.49, including fries or a salad. NOTE on the pastrami sandwich: I think they must make their own pastrami, because it's a milder (less spicy) cure than usual. It's also nice and fatty to give it flavor, so. if you insist on lean pastrami, this isn't it!

[GrindzHound]

OCAnn, I've never been there. From what I gather on the net, Hungry Bear, is a bit like a family owned Sizzler? This sounds like a steak place in Santa Barbara that a friend took me to when we were both starving students. Cheap steaks, very chewy and generous servings, perfect for starving students with strong healthy jaws and big appetites. Hungry Bear seems to be fairly popular according to the reviews I've read. I'm curious enough to try it out if I'm in the area. Thanks for the tip.

[OCAnn]

Yup, a family-owned Sizzler sounds like it, but in a very cozy, country-like setting; serving cheap, chewy stakes to students with good teeth and older folk with strong denture adhesives. I used to order their "Specialty Steaks"; I don't recall what the cut was, but it was steak, baked potato, soup/salad & garlic bread all for under $10.

[OCAnn]

Probably one of the cheapest prime ribs can be had @ the Hungry Bear in Fullerton; just kitty corner from St Jude's (n/w corner of Harbor & Bastanchury Blvds).

Far from the best, they had cheap steaks that were good for starving students. Went there last month @ Mr Ann's request. I wouldn't go there again...unless I was a starving student.

[GrindzHound]

Didn't hear that he died. I bet he had some great stories to tell. I'm going to have to try the $9.95 prime rib sometime soon and hopefully live music to boot.

[torta basilica]

Yes, the Blue Beet has been there forever - I'm guessing almost as old as Sid's was. I haven't been for years, but keep meaning to get over there. I've heard great jazz & rock bands on weekends. I loved the original too! Did you hear that he just died?

[GrindzHound]

torta basilica, I'm ecstatic to hear that Sid's is still around. I used to go to the old Sid's off Old Newport when I lived there and I though they'd just gone out of business. The old place was really a kick. The consumate hole in the hole in the wall, if there is such a thing. Old Sid's wasn't known for fine dining but it sure had character. Thanks for the tip.

[torta basilica]

Just saw an ad in the paper for Sid's Blue Beet - Sunday night prime rib special for $9.95. I had it years ago at the old Sid's, but haven't tried it here. The price works, though!

[GrindzHound]

Mr. S, That's a nice secret tip for aged beef.

[Mr. S]

A secret tip: At Houston's you can order a prime rib sandwich (not the french dip) that is NOT on the menu, is about 8-10 oz depending on who's cutting it, and the toasted french roll that makes it a sandwich is served on the side. Its a petit cut that fits into that price range, and its aged and delish.

[Drehound]

I wholeheartedly second Lawry's Carvery at South Coast Plaza. I believe it is just around 15 - maybe a bit less or a bit more...

[GrindzHound]

I justy called Lawry's Carvery and the Carvery Platter Prime Rib Meals which includes coleslaw and one side dish is $14.99 for 6 ounce serving and $19.99 for a 9 ounce serving.

[NinoHB714]

Lawry's Carvery in SCP may just be around $15.

[notmartha]

I usually get my prime rib cravings fix at Lawry's carvey as well. Love the side of asparagus too.

Sometimes they have a special coupon for 2 platter meals with wine/drinks for $30.

[justagthing]

where do you find the coupons?

[GrindzHound]

notmartha, Sounds like a good offer. I second justagthing's "where do you find the coupons?"

[notmartha]

The last time they had it on the table outside the restaurant. We were at the mall and just walked by, grab one and used it at the order counter.

[GrindzHound]

notmartha, Thanks for the tip.

[kingkong5]

The Prime Rib at The Beach House in Laguna Beach is quite good, and I believe it's under $15 if you get it during their Sunset Special hour (4-6pm). It's not a large slice of prime rib, but the garlic mashed potatoes are great. Plus, you're right on the ocean, so you got that going for you.

[GrindzHound]

kingkong5, their website says Sunset Special Roasted Prime Rib and Garlic Mashed Potatoes goes for $15.95. They do have a great view there, that counts for a lot.

[kingkong5]

Thanks for the update GH! Darn, I'm 96 cents off. On the other hand, I've been having that prime rib sunset special back when it was $9.95.