Which Fall River-area restaurant does prime rib best? Here's what you had to say
WESTPORT — We recently asked readers to vote on their favorite Fall River-area places for prime rib, and the results were bittersweet. Literally.
Local carnivores have spoken. And when it comes to satisfying their hunger for this classic dish of tender, juicy and flavorful beef, there was one spot that proved a cut above the rest.
If you're looking for a splurge or taking a cheat day from your diet, pull up a chair at Bittersweet Farm and Tavern where the prime rib has been a perennially popular pick since the restaurant's opening 25 years ago.
The 438 Main Road restaurant and events venue garnered more than half of the total votes (52%) in the Herald News poll, dominating the field of seven local prime rib destinations.
Their victory was welcome news for Alexis Ferland, general manager at Bittersweet Farm, but came as little surprise. This longtime menu staple has always been a go-to for patrons.
"It's a really popular item not only in our tavern, but also it's one of our No. 1 most popular for events as well," Ferland said.
Bittersweet Prime Rib Night a crowd-pleaser
While some places only offer it as a once-weekly treat, at Bittersweet you can get the prime rib any day of the week. Or stop in on Thursdays to take advantage of their $26 special — a 10-ounce prime rib with two sides and a choice of Caesar salad or French onion soup.
If Prime Rib Night sounds tempting to you, be forewarned. There will likely be a wait for this Thursday evening crowd-pleaser, where guests can enjoy this hearty meal and take in live music from local acts in their rustic fireside space.
"The tavern is always fully booked on a Thursday night so I would definitely recommend making reservations," said Ferland, noting that the tavern holds 65 people and is filled throughout the entire evening from 4 to 9 p.m.
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According to Ferland, they will go through three whole ribs on an average Prime Rib Night.
This prime rib offering draws both familiar and new faces and has grown in popularity over the years, even more so following recent updates at Bittersweet.
"We do definitely have our same regulars who come in, but we have noticed — especially with the tavern renovation in the last year — it has become more popular," she said.
This past February, Bittersweet Tavern underwent renovations that included repainting, new chairs, a new bar, refinished bathrooms, as well as the addition of a seating area that they didn't have before for those waiting for a table.
"Everyone seems to love it," Ferland said.
Other weekly specials at Bittersweet include Burger and Brew, Date Night, and Half-Priced Apps.
Unique family recipe and farm atmosphere
So what makes Bittersweet's prime rib stand out from the rest?
Ferland said it's a Lafrance family recipe — similar across all Lafrance Hospitality properties, such as the Galley Grille in Westport — with Bittersweet head chef Zach Oliveira's special touch.
"The prime rib was perfectly cooked and the fish was so fresh and tasty, I craved it the rest of the weekend," reads one 2022 Google review.
Another more recent review one month ago states: "Five star where five star is due! Food was awesome, lobster wraps, prime rib, scallops, corn bread with red pepper jam, chocolate lava cake - all were exceptional."
And you can't beat the atmosphere at Bittersweet Farm's cozy tavern complete with fireplace or "unique farm venue" upstairs in the barn, Ferland noted.
Prime rib on their regular menu of daily dinner entrees come in two sizes — $34 for 10-ounce and $41 for the 14-ounce slow-roasted angus prime rib.
Chef-carved roast prime rib can be found on many of Bittersweet's holiday and special occasion buffets.
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Greater Fall River prime rib runners-up
If you're making your prime rib rounds, there are several other local places where you can please your palate.
According to readers, another must-try is the Liberal Club Restaurant, 20 Star St., Fall River, which came in behind Bittersweet with 17.62% of the votes.
Sakonnet River Grille, 524 Main Road, Tiverton, came in third place, and a fellow Lafrance location — The Galley Grille, 66 State Road, Westport — rounded out the top picks in fourth.
What to know before you go to Bittersweet
Haven't tried Bittersweet's prime rib yet? What are you waiting for?
Bittersweet Farm, 438 Main Road, Westport, is open Tuesday to Thursday, 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 3 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.; and Sunday, 3 to 8 p.m. Bittersweet is closed on Mondays.
To get a peek at their full daily menu and weekly specials, visit https://www.bittersweetfarmwestport.com or their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/BittersweetFarmWestport.
This article originally appeared on The Herald News: Poll results: Which Fall River area restaurant makes the best prime rib
