North End Steak House - Newport

Now that I have a free moment, I can finally write this much deserved review. During my trip to Newport, I spent two nights at the Mainstay Hotel and...

I don't know where to begin. Pros: Our waitress Faye was extremely nice. The calamari was good. The tuna sashimi was too well done but still good....

Great service. Great specials. Good prices. Average food. Everyone is always super friendly and attentive from the hostess to the bartenders and waitstaff....

If you're looking for a picturesque and/or trendy place in Newport, that's not it. This restaurant is located in a chain motel directly on a large street, and while very clean and tidy, has no ambience to speak. Let me say that the food is an excellent simple fare (although I would skip the lobster here. It was just okay and very favorable for the Newport area. There are a number of menu items to include a children's menu. The service was very good, but all special requests were adhered to (e.g. no garlic, the food was hot and fresh and the portions were HUGE. It is an excellent choice for those who do not want fast food, and/or for families with small children.

I have always been a believer that in order to find a great prime rib, you have to be willing to try a place of the beaten path. North End Steakhouse (NESH) is that place. I have visited this establishment several times since moving to Newport, and am happy to see that it has ended up on Open Table, although I hope the crowds stay small. The menu is diverse, the specials are extraordinary, and the prime rib is the best around. There are no other places in the area that you will find 20 or 30 oz. cuts of quality meat for the price at NESH. Their Surf N' Turf, or Turf N' Turf (2 lobsters) are the best deals by far. This all being said, I have not wandered far from the larger cuts of Prime Rib, sirloin, or the Surf/Turf combos.