Rip's Country Inn

This was our first visit to Rips. I’ve heard good things about it so I called ahead and made a reservation so we would miss out on the opportunity to try it while we were nearby. We were coming from an event, so got there 30 minutes early and went inside- it didn’t look too busy. We were told we would still need to wait til closer to our reservation time. Fine, whatever. However 2 more parties walked in after us and were seated before us, so we got up from the waiting area and asked- apparently they had the same reservation time too…. We were then seated right after we asked. We waited about 5 minutes for a server to come, ordered drinks and appetizers (they were out of potato skins). We got Calamari and Nachos. The nachos were pretty good and flavorful, although I wish we could have chosen a different meat. The calamari wasn’t terrible, but also not the best- my partner said it was edible. Next came our meals- the fried fish plate and Maryland fried chicken. My partner said the fried fish was good, but he was expecting more (it said plate full and it was only 2 pieces). His fries were pretty good too. I got the fried chicken- the Mac n cheese was good but not great, green beans were good but clearly canned green beans, and the fried chicken was crispy but very dry and flavorless. I only had a few bites of the chicken and decided it wasn’t worth eating and there was no point in bringing home leftovers. The best part of all was definitely the complimentary corn bread with sweet butter. The light at our table was really dusty and grimy. I was hoping this would be my new favorite place, but I don’t think we’ll be returning.

The food was not memorable and service is just OK. Nothing outstanding about this place but also, nothing horrible. To my wife and I, the food seemed little overpriced for the taste. The nacho we ordered didn't have enough toppings, my wife's French dip were way way over cooked and small portioned. Roughly less than 6 inches. My Carolina burger with pulled pork was ok. Again, nothing special for the price you pay. Since it wasn't horrible, we may return for updates. P.s. for the price you charge for your food, please upgrade the condiments.

The experience did not start well when I entered the establishment and asked to be seated for lunch. I was escorted by a gentleman to a tiny, two-seater literally next to the kitchen door. This is always the worst seat in any restaurant house, and an expression of meanness when there is plenty of additional seating choices (there were). The young lady that came to take my order was very pleasant and friendly. I asked her what was the special, and she described it as "an Oyster po' boy with Chipotle mayo in a brioche bun". I ordered the sandwich, and asked her for the sauce on the side since I didn't know how hot it would be. The sandwich arrived, and the Chipotle mayo was slathered inside the bun, which by no means was brioche, but more like a kayser roll. I asked her if they could re-do the sandwich, and I got a new one. I got a new sandwich with a side of the mayo, which turned out to be homemade and quite delicious. The oysters were fresh and tender. The bun... Still a regular bun (the embarrased served muttered something like that the brioche rolls had not made it that day, or something like that). During my second bite of the sandwich I discovered a dime-size piece of oyster shell inside one of the oysters. The piece of shell was large enough to have caused a broken tooth or a cut inside anyone's mouth. I brought this to the young lady's attention, and she apologized profusely, informing me that she would let the manager (same guy who sat me) and the chef know. Never heard a peep from these gentlemen. I got my dessert, which was an individual warm pecan pie with vainilla ice cream that was delicious, and asked for the check. It has been my experience in the past that any restaurant would have offered to take the sandwich off the bill, or comp the dessert, or some such compensation for my negative experience. My bill was exactly what I had consumed; no apologies, no effort to make things right. But the meanness was there right from the beginning, so I was not surprised. This restaurant gets 1 * because the food was passable, but nothing else. See attached photo evidence.

Went here with my parents, the food is pretty good...but the section we were in was very dark. The theme takes after horse racing and there is a lot of wood paneling which gives it that dark look. Apparently they are big on you having to wear a face diaper from the door to your seat..but after you are seated your safe to remove it.....

Please explain to me how you have a to go option but when I asked to take my 3.00 daughters Shirley temple was told they don’t have to go cups. Kids rarely drink the whole drink so easy money I guess. I got the chicken sauté. The spinach and tomatoes could have been cooked longer but the chicken was cooked right not dried out the rice was good . I liked the corn bread that was brought out with honey butter a nice change. Bathrooms had water on the sinks and one door didn’t lock but overall clean. Service could have been better never refilled my boyfriend drink. Only come over once. I told him I was sharing with my daughter he didn’t bring out another plate or plates fit the bread.

Rips is great for what it is—a slice of Americana on a plate. The food is as expected. My husbands short ribs were great. My liver and onions were great. The veggie of the day is likely fresh, but the green Beans might be canned. However, they are spruced up with bacon and onion. The mashed potatoes were good and likely the real thing. The prices are a bit high but inflation has hit everything nowadays. All in all, a nice place.