Quick and comfy fits the bill at Newport Rib Company
THE PLACE
Newport Rib Company, 2196 Harbor Blvd., Costa Mesa
THE JUDGE
Lolita Harper, Costa Mesa reporter
THE MEAL
Turkey bacon club, served with thick steak fries, side salad and
diet coke
THE SPEED
Although it is a popular lunchtime destination, the restaurant
handles its afternoon crowd beautifully by making sure there are
enough servers and stations available to accommodate the rush. I was
seated immediately and my server was at the table before I could
blink, with an ever-so-tempting mini loaf of golden corn bread and
whipped butter.
My meal at Newport Rib Company came just in time to save me from
finishing off the corn bread and ruining my appetite. Within about
five minutes of ordering, my side salad was served and 10 minutes
later an enormous plate of sandwich quarters -- decoratively placed
around a mountain (no joke) of piping-hot steak fries -- was
delivered to the table. It took me even less time to devour it.
THE SERVICE
My server was friendly, attentive and didn’t give me one of those
awkward, why-are-you-eating by-yourself-looks. He made sure I had
everything I needed and even knew which dressing was most kind to the
waist-line. (The lo-cal raspberry vinaigrette, which is delicious.)
He also managed to suppress a smile when immediately after insisting
on light dressing and a diet coke, I asked for mouth-watering French
fries as my side dish when fruit was the obvious low-calorie option.
THE VERDICT
The decor at Newport Rib Company made for the perfect working
lunch spot. Although I dined alone, I felt at home surrounded by the
rich, wood paneled walls and my comfortable, overstuffed booth. While
glancing up from Planning Commission staff reports, I was pleased to
see little pieces of area history on the walls, such as old pictures
of the Newport Bay, a sign from the Costa Mesa Fish Fry and trophies
from local golf tournaments.
Of course, once my food arrived, I was less focused on the
atmosphere and intent on finishing off my delightful club sandwich,
piled high with thick slices of turkey, scrumptious bacon, fresh
tomatoes and crisp lettuce. I tried valiantly to knock-down my
sandwich and fries but alas, the portions were simply too large. I
challenge anyone to walk out of there hungry. It just won’t happen.
All of this was offered at a reasonable price with my entire meal
costing less than $15, including a tip.
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