Review: The Ranch, Edinburgh

 I WAS AFTER a cheap post-work bite to eat and remembered a regular customer of mine had recommended The Ranch on Barclay Terrace. I seem to recall this place opening sometime during lockdown in the site of the former Henrick’s bar.  It’s hardly surprising given the establishment’s name that burgers and Texan BBQ are the focus and, as you know, I like a good burger.

As it happens, this is the second venture by the people behind The Torfin, the original branch of The Ranch which just happens to be next door to their original Corstorphine restaurant. The atmosphere was buzzing when we arrived with waiting staff frantically slaloming between busy tables. The ‘Americana’ interior has a wide appeal and I imagine is very popular with the large student population in this area, as well as families alike.

We began by splitting a half pint of chicken wings with hickory barbeque sauce (£5). The meat was succulent enough, but the exterior was dry and just crumbled away. It was cooked and reheated, I suspect, and the billed sauce had to be applied from a squeezy bottle.

Burger-wise there were a lot of credible options, but I opted for The Ranch (£9), which consisted of two 5oz beef patties, bacon jam and Monterrey Jack cheese. First impression was positive, with a sizeable burger being presented in a tasty looking bun.  The meat was good quality and had been well-rested, thus avoiding a soggy bottom. There was plenty of gooey cheese and a hint of sweet smokiness from the jam, but I’d have appreciated a little more.

Sarah ordered a straight-up cheeseburger (£7) and added onion and lettuce at no extra cost. She found the beef a little dry, although the cheddar was tangy and there was plenty of it; she omitted the sauce, which probably didn’t help. The roll was robust so didn’t just disintegrate, but it was otherwise unmemorable.

We split a side of “Dirty” fries which were the house chips topped with cheese and bacon for the sum of £3.75.  It was a perfect portion to split between two, with plenty of melted cheese and a scattering of bacon lardons. Again, perfectly alright without being mind-blowing.

What can I say? It wasn’t at all bad, but I wouldn’t rush back.  Positives are that pricing is favourable, staff are efficient, and they have a decent selection of craft beers. I'll need to remember to wind up my customer about this one. 

Web: theranchbbq.co.uk

Instagram: @theranchdinburgh

Phone: (0131) 229 2879

Address: 1-3 Barclay Terrace,

                Edinburgh,

                EH10 4HR

Opening Hours: Mon-Sun 12pm - 10pm