Al & Diane's Red Onion Lounge

Stopped in for a quick bite to eat on our way to Show Low. I ordered the prime rib French dip and it was very good. They really piled on the meat and the au jus that was served with it had a really good flavor. Hubby had a bacon cheeseburger and again the bacon was piled high on it. Both of us went through several napkins each which in my book means that it's a really good sandwich. The sandwiches come al a carte so we ordered one side of french fries to share. They are sliced fresh with the skins left on and they were very tasty. Service was good and it was nice listening to the jukebox sitting next to us.

Real potatoes, fresh potatoes!!
The person who wrote this, " Unfortunately, the fries were less to be desired {soggy and under cooked}, I will forever skip the fry experience here - if you want fries from real potatoes go to In 'n Out" doesn't know real potatoes when she eats them. The fries made at Red Onion are made from whole, fresh potatoes cut on order, not processed in some plant, and saturated with water. Red Onion takes a fresh, whole potato, cuts it in a fry cutter, then cooks them. No, they are not going to get artificially crisp because they are not treated and processed. If you want processed, treated, fries, please do skip the fry experience at Red Onion with their delicious, home-made qualities.

I love you Red Onion.  I know this is true because if Al and Diane ever decided to throw in the towel I would not be a happy camper.  I find her quirks charming, you might find them annoying at first, but she will grow on you.
Service:
If the restaurant is busy the service will be slow.  This is because your server is also your bartender, cashier and busboy.  These folks work their butts off.  Sit down order your beverage and tell your server you would like to order when she brings your drinks back. This way you get in the que.  Wendy is the head server.  She is a sweetheart.  If you are lucky enough to get her, enjoy. You will probably add another star onto your review.
Food:
This could be the worlds smallest kitchen.  How they crank out that much food is a marvel.  Matthew, the head chef is amazing.  He cuts his own steaks, trims the Prime rib and grinds the meat for the burgers.  They run a great deep fryer and change the oil regularly.  Because the kitchen is so small they take a few short cuts.  Onion Rings are frozen but the deep fryer skills make them above average.  If your meal comes with a vegetable it won't be fresh.  They don't have the room to do it all.  The potato that comes with the Prime Rib is a little funky.  So go back to the salad bar and grab more butter and sour cream.  The fish fry on Friday's is pretty darn good.  You can order just the dinner instead of the all you can eat meal if you have an average appetite. This will give you more money for another adult beverage.  They are known for their burgers and they are good. You can have them cooked to order.  The steak sandwich is a hidden gem. Remember, the salad bar is only included in the dinners and only on Friday and Saturday nights.
So grab a tabletop near the kitchen, stick a couple bucks in the Jukebox and watch four or five cooks in an area the size of your bathroom go to work.  It's the best show in town.