The Library Pub & Restaurant, 2610 S. Lynhurst Drive, has been there for years but, just like Ralph's Great Divide (see post), I had always been curious about the place but it was never open whenever I drove by, so I wondered if it was still a going concern. Turns out it is-- I received an Amazon Local deal in my email where you could purchase a $60 food voucher for $30, so I leapt, er, lept, er, jumped at the chance. Their website, www.library-indy.net lists prime rib as their specialty as well as a "come as you are" atmosphere. Having read that, I was really surprised at the elegant decor inside and out. There is a circular drive with a portico at the entrance and a little fountain in the middle of the circle. The building is set up rather like a grand old house, with a high-ceilinged entrance hall that has stairs to the second floor and a large chandelier lighting the way. The first-floor dining room has blonde-wood floors, french windows, and antique-looking wood tables without tablecloths. It seemed a little odd seeing folks in shorts and t-shirts in this grand setting, but it made me feel really comfortable, after a bit.
The atmosphere was impressive, but it only hinted at how good the food was: The Little Woman and I shared the Chef's Cut Prime Rib (16oz), which the waiter thoughtfully divided for us, along with the sides, onto two plates. I'm not a big prime rib guy, but I've had a number of them over the years, and this one was perhaps the best I've ever had-- seasoned and cooked perfectly. The sauteed green beans were the best non-Southern style ones you could ever find, shaking one of my core beliefs that bacon grease is an indispensable ingredient in green beans. The only less-than stellar part of the meal was the baked potato-- I thought it tasted great, but TLW pointed out that it had a mealy texture that indicated it might have been left over from lunch, which I suppose is a little cut-cornery for a $$$ establishment. All in, though, this $$ guy didn't feel bad about having to fork over that extra $ for the quality food presented, and that's saying something!
We adjourned to the bar after dinner, and the bartender was quite friendly and attentive in spite of being really busy. She said that a lot of locals don't seem to know about the place because it's in a commercial area that primarily serves airport travelers, with 20 hotels within a 2-mile radius. Indeed, while we were there a number of hotel shuttles came and went with groups of businessmen in various states of attire and sobriety. They have an outdoor patio where you can eat and drink, but it was kind of a warm day, so as TLW's niece once said, when it's hot I DON'T do "OUTSIDE"! We like this place so much we signed up for one of their customer club cards, because just like AHNOLD, we'll be baaaaaach! Have I already used that one? BAAAH! It's hard being original, even with yourself, sometimes....
The atmosphere was impressive, but it only hinted at how good the food was: The Little Woman and I shared the Chef's Cut Prime Rib (16oz), which the waiter thoughtfully divided for us, along with the sides, onto two plates. I'm not a big prime rib guy, but I've had a number of them over the years, and this one was perhaps the best I've ever had-- seasoned and cooked perfectly. The sauteed green beans were the best non-Southern style ones you could ever find, shaking one of my core beliefs that bacon grease is an indispensable ingredient in green beans. The only less-than stellar part of the meal was the baked potato-- I thought it tasted great, but TLW pointed out that it had a mealy texture that indicated it might have been left over from lunch, which I suppose is a little cut-cornery for a $$$ establishment. All in, though, this $$ guy didn't feel bad about having to fork over that extra $ for the quality food presented, and that's saying something!
We adjourned to the bar after dinner, and the bartender was quite friendly and attentive in spite of being really busy. She said that a lot of locals don't seem to know about the place because it's in a commercial area that primarily serves airport travelers, with 20 hotels within a 2-mile radius. Indeed, while we were there a number of hotel shuttles came and went with groups of businessmen in various states of attire and sobriety. They have an outdoor patio where you can eat and drink, but it was kind of a warm day, so as TLW's niece once said, when it's hot I DON'T do "OUTSIDE"! We like this place so much we signed up for one of their customer club cards, because just like AHNOLD, we'll be baaaaaach! Have I already used that one? BAAAH! It's hard being original, even with yourself, sometimes....
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