CJ finds atmosphere better than food at Ramsi's

[Robin Garr]

Marty unloads one of the longest CJ reviews in recent history - 788 words - to provide a mixed review of Ramsi's on Bardstown Road. The headline, declaring Ramsi's a "sure bet," sounds promising, and he literally uses up half of the long review for an extended discussion of the eatery's atmosphere and international menu before he gets down to the food. The turning point comes midway, when he turns to the food with an ominous "The trade-off, though, comes in the form of inconsistent quality - some dishes are quite nice, but it's far too easy to stumble into disappointment." What comes thereafter speaks more of "disappointment" than "nice," a report that makes the 2 1/2 star rating seem like he took the average between 3 stars for atmosphere and maybe 1/2 star for food.

Ramsi's is a sure bet anytime

Ramsi's Cafe on the World
1293 Bardstown Road.
(502) 451-0700
http://www.ramsiscafe.com

The last time I went, I was not too enamored as well. Maybe it was just an off day, but it seems that they are not as good as they used to be, at least for what I ordered. I like their Pastafari, which consists of pasta, fish, spinach, yams, and a spicy sauce. But this last time it seemed very watery and almost uneatable, so it may have been just an off day.

Our last two visits to Ramsi's were less than spectacular. The menu is just too big. Simplify. Took too long to order and service was sluggish despite our being their at non-peak hours. Our Mezze was great, but our entrees were so-so. Then the second time, Aimee actually became ill from the Gorgonzola chicken.

Very disappointing since Ramsi's was a go-to spot for me in the 90's.

When Ramsi's is "on" it's one of my favorite places in town. For interesting vegetarian dishes it really can't be beat. However each time I go I assume the service is going to be hit or miss and there is a good shot the food isn't going to be great. It seems silly to keep going back having described it that way but when their food is done right it's good enough to make up for spotty service and no place else in town has the diverse vegetarian options they have.

I agree that they try to do too much, if you can't execute a menu consistently, then it doesn't matter how great it is. I do love their Pollo Nuevo Havana but i sub for grouper. I think if they focused their efforts on fewer dishes their consistency would improve. In general Ramsi's is still one of my fav locales.

I like to go to Ramsey's for it's atmosphere and because they have a great kids menu, but I have to agree with Marty on the food. I've gotten plantains on multiple occasions and sometimes they are wonderful and othertimes stiff and undercooked. Still, it's still a fun place to go and noone gives me dirty looks when I bring my 3 year old so I'll keep going.