The Ridge Eat and Drink

I spend so much time at this place; it’s hard to believe I haven’t tried everything on the menu. The Ridge Eat and Drink is tucked back off Rocky Ridge Road in Vestavia. You either have to be looking for it or already know it’s there. As sister to Cahaba Heights’ Mudtown, The Ridge is a delightful addition to Vestavia.



Tuna App after I had eaten half

Last night, I started with the Grilled Tuna Tataki. All the apps are great, but if you aren’t in the mood for something fried, try the tuna. The sweet potato chips are perfectly crisp and I am not kidding when I say the blue cheese bacon dip is to die for! The flavor is unbelievable and I don’t even like blue cheese!

The salads are a nice surprise. In a sports bar-esque type atmosphere, you wouldn’t expect to find such unique beds of lettuce with the freshest ingredients. The homemade dressings really make it.

Buffalo Chicken Sandwich w/ onion rings

 The sandwiches are hit or miss. A few of them are on the bland side, but most hit just the right spot. My picks would be the Cuban, Monte Cristo, Rueben (with Russian dressing) and Fish Tacos. Last night I went with the Buffalo Chicken Sandwich and I have now found my new favorite menu item. The chicken is smothered in their Cahaba sauce (buffalo with a slightly better flavor… get it on the wings too) and topped off with a blue cheese slaw. Again, I’m not big on blue cheese, but the slaw was perfect with the Cahaba sauce. I have to give props to the onion rings as well. I consider myself somewhat of an onion ring connoisseur, and these were at the top of my list.

My husband got the Ribeye and said it was cooked spot on. Their grilled veggies are literally the best I have ever had. They are a perfect side to any entrée.  

Ribeye w/ mashed potatoes and veggies

Oh, did I forget to mention our beverages? Beer, of course. They have an excellent new wine menu and the signature mixed drinks are great too, but there is nothing like some good fried food and beer. My favorite right now is the Terapin Octoberfest.

Now for the best part. It has to be a big deal for me to do dessert, but when I heard the words “fried pies,” I was hooked. They were offering apple and chocolate. I ordered the chocolate and ate it so fast I didn’t even have time to snap a picture. To put it simple, pie is gooood.

Getting’ Grubby: I have seen a lot of complaints about it being upstairs.  If you eat as much of the blue cheese bacon dip as I do, your butt needs to be walking up some stairs. The service is wonderful. This literally is the friendliest staff I have ever come across. If something isn’t right, let them know. Lastly, they have a Sunday brunch that makes me wish everyday was Sunday. Stuffing yourself with their Shrimp and Grits is a great way to start your day of rest.

 

Service: 8.5

Food: 8

Atmosphere: 7.5