When I first walked into Colton's Steakhouse and Grill, an American chain specializing in - you guessed it - steaks, ribs, and burgers, I was immediately hit with an unmistakable, comforting aroma of barbecued goodness. This lunch and dinner joint serves up reliable, Midwestern fare at prices that won't make your wallet flinch.
Strolling into one of their 37 locations - of which, I should note, they're predominantly speckled across Arkansas, though there are a few outposts in Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Tennessee - brings a sense of nostalgia for simpler times, even if you've never been there before. My visit took me to their very first home base, established in 1996 in Conway, Arkansas.
I learned from our chatty waiter Steve, that the idea for the place was born from the minds of a group of entrepreneurs set on the mission to create an affordable steakhouse for everyone to enjoy. They named the joint after J.T. Colton, a Texas Ranger from the late 1800s with a penchant for good steak and a mean poker game. True to the Ranger’s roots, you can’t help but appreciate the old-world charm of the American West that radiates from the place.
Comfortable, relaxed, welcoming, fun – these words summed up my perception of Colton's an experience that fulfilled the vision the founders originally set out to create. And boy, is the menu diverse! From seafood and pasta to sandwiches and salads, and of course, burgers and ribs, Colton's a food haven that caters to everyone’s taste.
For more about Colton’s Steakhouse and Grill, check out their official website.
What Set Coupe's Steakhouse and Grill Apart?
Colton’s way is all about quality food at a sound price. Even though it's classified as a fast-food joint, it felt nothing like one. The atmosphere buzzed with the animated chatter of families enjoying a meal out, and the surprising sight of a full bar area added to the venue's cool factor.
The commitment to quality food was evident simply in the flavor of the USDA Choice hand-cut steak that landed on my plate. And the fact they offer a range of craft beers really should be highlighted for those fond of a locally brewed pint.
Diversity is the game-changer at Colton's. This includes Appetizers, Favorites, Steak Dinners, Ribs and Combos, Fish and Seafood, Salads and Pasta, Burgers and Sandwiches, Desserts, Sides, and Beverages tailored to cater to everybody’s palate.
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Hawaiian Ribeye
This marinated masterpiece, garnished with grilled pineapple, was 72 hours in the making and a flavorful life-changer for me – I’d never tasted anything quite like it.
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Colton's "Loaded" Chicken
A 7-ounce chicken breast bedecked in sautéed mushrooms, Applewood-smoked bacon, green onions, and a cheese blend was a mind-blowing addition to my foodie experiences.
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Montana Burger
A good ol' American burger topped with the works – bacon, BBQ sauce, cheddar cheese, onion tanglers, tomatoes, and lettuce. Trust me, you won’t miss out on this explosion of flavors.
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Strawberry Pecan Salad
A surprising favorite of mine – it came served up fresh mixed greens sprinkled with mandarin oranges, strawberries, feta cheese, and candied pecans. Just delicious.
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Southwest Chicken Salad
A second helping of salad? Don’t judge me! This one was packed with blackened chicken strips, fresh mixed greens, diced tomatoes, black bean corn salsa, and topped with thinly sliced tortilla chips. The ranch dressing to boot, making it a far cry from the dull side salad I usually encounter.
My Colton's Experience: The Pros & the Cons
Pros:
- Freshest quality choice of meats.
- Large variety served in the menu.
- Offers a full bar, which is not common for a fast-food chain.
- A great place for both lunch and dinner, proffering great value for the money.
Cons:
- A limited vegetarian selection, given its heavy emphasis on meat dishes.
- Availability mainly restricted to central-southern US states at the moment.
Despite a couple of minor downsides, I had an overwhelmingly positive experience at Colton's Steakhouse and Grill. So much so, I'm already planning my return visit to give that mesquite-grilled ribeye a go!