Erwin's Great Steaks

My mother always told me, "if you have nothing nice to say, say nothing at all..." I held my tongue all night as I was at dinner with my future in-laws.

I ordered salmon with a side salad. My salad was clearly bagged lettuce... My salmon was so over cooked it was white... I literally ate 3 bites and just smiled and said I was full...

I noticed everyone's sides were not made in the kitchen... Instant mashed potatoes, canned green beans (not even the good canned ones), and canned corn. The steaks were thin and over cooked.

When I go somewhere like this I expect some effort since their prices are on the high end for the location. They are also only opened Thursday-Saturday...

A diamond in the rough.

Spending some time with family, we began to discuss dinner options. They raved and raved about this place. I got the impression this was nothing more than a "three and meat" kind of place. I'm typically hesitant to go to such places just because I grew up eating such food so much, I'm tired of it.

From the outside, one would think that Erwin's was nothing more than a country store. However, entering the building, you see that it is a uniquely and causally appointed restaurant. So I was pleasantly surprised.

Erwin's is unique in that they prepare fresh vegetable dishes (like, oops, there's a stem in the green beans fresh) for each dinner service from which you can choose as many as you want. That's nice.

The rolls are tasty and fresh, as is the honey butter.

I ordered the ribeye, which was okay. It was a bit more gristly than I expected, but it was cooked to a perfect rare. It was also nice and tender. The taste was very plain; I felt myself shaking some of the house seasoning onto it to add some flavor. I'd suggest you get it cooked with the seasoning.

The service was attentive and pleasant despite the business of the place.

If you're in Covington, I highly recommend you check this place out. Note, that they are only open for dinner service on Friday & the weekends - but I'd call ahead just to be safe.

Great side dishes, salads, and pies.  Very attentive servers.  Ice cold beer.  Very accommodating staff.  Unique:  you can have all or as many of the side dishes with your meal at no additional charge.  No fried foods so don't ask for fries with that burger, you'll have to have a baked potato or salad.