Media mogul Ted Turner has never been afraid of taking risks. So it comes as no surprise that Turner’s latest project, creating the restaurant chain “Ted’s Montana Grill” is a unique venture in classic American dining.
Founded by Turner and George McKerrow, Jr., the goal of Ted’s is to create a comfortable, natural atmosphere serving up handmade on-premises food without anything frozen, microwaved or reheated- a rare feat for a chain restaurant.
Even rarer still is the options Ted’s provides each customer, serving up naturally raised bison meat which is nutritious, lean, rich in iron and considered a healthy alternative to other meats. Through Turner Enterprises, Turner is one of the biggest ranchers in the world, owning 14 ranches in six different states.
With nearly a dozen variations, each burger can be ordered either bison or beef and are served with deliciously seasoned French fries (though onion rings or broccoli can be substituted on request). Notables include the “Kitchen Sink,” an interesting sandwich filled with grilled ham, mushrooms, onions, fried egg, bacon and your choice of cheese, as well as the “Spikebox”, served with beans, jalapenos and a Monterey Jack blend.
Ted’s anticipates the needs of every guest; each table is equipped with an array of dips and hot sauces, more than anyone except the steadfast condiment junkie would ever dream of needing.
Every sandwich is served with lettuce and vine-ripened tomato between a buttered, toasted Kaiser roll that can’t seem to wrap itself around such a large piece of meat. Needless to say, you definitely may make use of the silverware.
The décor is meant to be similar to an authentic Montana bar and grill, and is reminiscent of Turner’s love for the “Big Sky State. Vaulted tin ceilings and mahogany paneling emphasize prairie style coziness and add a natural Western-culture feel to the restaurant. Each booth is tall and comfortable, giving valued privacy to families with small children or couples who want to enjoy a quiet, relaxed meal.
Though some entrees are slightly pricey, Ted’s is low-budget for a steakhouse considering the quality of ingredients and fresh cut of the meat. If you are on a budget, stick with the sandwiches, (most run from $8-12 ) and you can even enjoy a fresh baked cookie (choices include peanut butter, chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin and Snicker doodle) for a mere dollar. However if you want to splurge the blue plate classics, varying daily, are an excellent option as are the number of tasty filets brushed with lemon butter and served with your choice of potato and vegetable. Prices are the same day or night and includes an affordable kid menu, with enough selection (from the basic “Mac n’ Cheez” to a more elaborate salmon and green bean dish) to please even the pickiest little eaters.
With a much publicized environmentalist owner, Ted’s Montana Grill follows suit, establishing itself as an eco-friendly restaurant. The menus are printed using 100 % recycled paper, no plastics are used in the restaurant and soft drinks are served in recycled containers. The restaurant is also entirely non-smoking.
With the holidays approaching, Ted’s other fare- pot roast, mashed potatoes, baked chicken and meatloaf makes it a perfect stop for families who want a hearty meal or hot soup (they offer a variety of daily homemade selections) for when the temperature starts to drop.
The polished wooden bar serves over 40 beers in addition to a variety of Big Sky Wines, Coke and root beer floats, fresh squeezed cherry and regular lemonades and handmade malts and shakes.
And the best part? Never one to sit back and wait, Turner is making sure Ted’s restaurants are popping up quicker than Starbucks in downtown DC. With five metro locations in the area Turner is making it easy to enjoy a taste of the Big Sky from the DC and Virginia area.
Ted’s Montana Grill
4300 Wilson Blvd. Suite 130
Arlington, VA 22203
Sun- Thurs 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Fri & Sat 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
(703) 741-0661