Chop House

Great food! Great service. Steak was over cooked but server comp us steak and desserts. Sides are amazing– go with Brussel sprouts, cauliflower, mashed potatoes and creamed spinach. Wonderful experience overall.

Our last night here in Manchester, VT, we wanted a good piece of steak before heading home. We had eaten some pretty awful filet mignon last night so we were looking for a place to redeem our palate.
Luckily, the hubsters called for reservations because with the limited tables hidden in the back of the Inns at Equinox Resort, we would be waiting a long time. Walking past the patrons dining at The Marsh Tavern pub (as this is the only way to be seated for dining at the steak house), feels a bit like walking past the «plebs» on your way to where they keep the choice fare. Seemed a bit exclusive and elitist. Also, the fact that there is no menu posted prior to entering the Chop House (and yes, I am the first to post on Unilocal thereby the unknown prices are no longer «secret»), was definitely a bit of sticker shock considering the neutral ambiance and fare.
We ordered the Colossal Jumbo Shrimp to start (4 pc for $ 18). The shrimp did smell a bit fishy but with the lemon slices, horseradish and cocktail, it tasted good. Not $ 18 good but good nonetheless. Next up, my hubs ordered the Rib Eye ($ 55!) and it was no monster piece but eyeballing it, I’d say probably about 7−8oz maybe. It had a nice char on the outside, but tastewise, we definitely make a better Trader Joe rib eye ourselves which runs us $ 10, but se la vie! I did not have food envy. I ordered the Friday/​Saturday Prime Rib Cut special ($ 42) and it was tasty but very salty on the crust. I ordered it «medium» but by the time it reached me, it was more of a «medium well». No complaints as I ate most if it save a few bites for our dog. In addition, we also ordered the Baby Seasonal Vegetables ($ 7) comprised of roasted carrots, radish, asparagus– seasonal root vegetables if you will. It was yummy but as traditional of most steakhouses, all sides are ordered a la carte. My prime rib also came with a very bland and tough bread pudding. It was left standing mostly uneaten. There was an amush bouche of fried oyster and a pickled kumquat which actually was the star of our evening. I gave this place 3 stars because as steaks around Manchester went, this place does a decent steak and the service is great. The dining room was cozy with a fireplace going and they have a good wine selection. I’d say there were maybe about 10 tables in the main dining area with two curtained off areas that are able to accommodate larger parties of 6 – 12 it seems. All the meals above plus two glasses of red wine ran us about $ 165 (not including tip)! Peter Luger prices minus PL quality :-(Perhaps seafood and the other items would be a better choice. I have to compliment the chef as he does impressive things with his food. Having eaten at Marsh Tavern for lunch the previous day, we fell in love with the fare and considered Chop House for that reason. But in the future, we will be dining amongst the plebs!