MidMoDiningGuide.com staffers were put to the challenge by our Facebook fans to try out Ria's Restaurant and Lounge and report back with our observations. Ria's is a well known Jefferson City hangout, and while many opt for the buffet option during the lunchtime rush, our crew went for entrees off the lunch menu. The restaurant is located on West Edgewood, so it felt like the drive took forever to get there, but our server was amazingly friendly and helpful in food recommendations, seating and splitting the bill. He even gave us to go cups for our drinks. Each of us ordered something different to taste, enjoy and experience for our readers. Here’s a summary of each of the menu items we tried, in each staffer’s own words:
Gyro and Steak Fries
I opted for the gyro and steak fries on the advice of our excellent server, Brian. And I was not disappointed. The gyro featured a generous portion of meat (mixed beef and lamb), thinly sliced red onions and a great Greek sauce. I could have used more sauce but ran out toward the end and didn't ask for more (ranch dressing was a great substitute). The steak fries were warm enough that when I sprinkled salt it stuck to them – perfection! For $3.99, I added on the garden salad and was pleased to see it features ALL the goodies (it's a real pet peeve of mine when you just get lettuce and dressing): cheese, cucumbers, tomato and pepperoncini made this a great starter for my meal. Sadly, the bread to go with our side salads was frozen and unavailable, but server Brian's cheerful attitude and genuine concern more than made up for this minor detail.
Lasagna, Side Salad and Ice Tea
Ria's is definitely one of Jefferson City's best kept, tucked-away secrets. Greeted with smiles and friendly hellos from the hostess and waiter, it's apparent the staff knows their first impression is their last. Our waiter, Brian, was phenomenal. Very helpful on what to order and attentive, but not obnoxious, when checking in during the meal. (He didn't even look at me funny when I asked for ranch with my lasagna, which is awesome by the way!) To go cups, business receipts for tax purposes and a big "thank you" on the way out, made the visit to Ria's well-rounded…just like my belly full of lasagna and ranch. Yum!
