Ed U.
Yelp
I don't think I'd be ruffling too many feathers by asserting that Eureka is not a major gourmet destination. I mean you don't come to the Lost Coast for hidden culinary treasures unless you really like clam chowder...like a lot. This place didn't serve clam chowder when we showed up, and it wasn't even in Eureka but on the more desolate Samoa Peninsula across Arcata Bay. The cookhouse is a historic shingled building, and for a long time. it was devoted strictly to the meals eaten by the employees of the local lumber mill.
So if you're really hungry, this is the place to go for no-frills comfort food served family-style even when you're not with your family. Jamie W. and I simply entered the building at around 5PM and was told to take any available seat at one of the long communal tables with the traditional red checkered tablecloth. There was no menu per se, just a price grid that stated adults will be charged $18.25 for dinner. OK then. The gregarious server was very helpful in guiding us through our meal.
First, we got several slices of bread in a basket with a lot of butter. It was good bread, soft and warm. No artisan stuff (photo: https://bit.ly/3Na5pB9). Then we were given a choice between soup and salad. Not both. Pure 'Sophie's Choice' moment. Jamie went for the soup, a tomato vegetable and rice creation that was comforting (photo: https://bit.ly/3m6Zwc4). I arbitrarily went for the salad which was a bowl of iceberg lettuce with ranch dressing on the side. It came with toasted croutons and a three-bean salad heavy in pickling juice (photo: https://bit.ly/3apBHJG).
Then came our surprise entree, a large uncut slab of BBQ Beef Ribs for each of us (photo: https://bit.ly/3x6YUJG). Before we divvied up the meat, the server came back with corn (photo: https://bit.ly/3NdwumH) and potato salad thick in mayo (photo; https://bit.ly/3akFS9O). Yep, we were on our way to being stuffed but not before getting their apple crisp with whipped cream for dessert (photo: https://bit.ly/3m4IgUv). On your way to the restroom, trust me, an inevitable journey, I took note of their historic maritime and lumber museum. And that's all I know about Samoa.At least this Samoa.
FOOD - 4 stars...no-frills comfort food made for an army of lumberjacks
AMBIANCE - 4 stars...also no-frills, no gypsy violinists here...definitely crowds up on Sundays
SERVICE - 4.5 stars...she was great
TOTAL - 4 stars..,if you're really hungry...and you don't have to be Samoan
RELATED - Exploring the Lost Coast? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://bit.ly/2A1YVjy