Nothing completes a trip to Rowan County better than a local dining experience. We've set out to highlight a few of the many local restaurants that make our destination an original place to visit and eat. We’ve created a series of some of our many favorite original restaurants in Rowan County. Up next, Ivan's Restaurant.
After traveling for work for 30 years and enjoying fine dining around the country, Joe Ivan's Sims and his son, Joe, opened Ivan's Restaurant in 1989 to bring fine dining to Salisbury. They set out to do all of the things that other, larger fine dining restaurants do well. Joe runs the restaurant to this day, even after his father's passing. Ivan's is his passion and he loves making people feel at home.
Ivan's offers a rustic atmosphere with wood decor paired with white table cloths, creating a unique experience. The bar area feels like a hunting lodge and offers fine wines, beers and cocktails. Ivan's is most known around town for their steaks. All of their meat is cut in house and must be aged 45 to 90 days. They cook their steaks Pittsburgh style, which means it is seared as quickly as possible to preserve the juices. There's also a few family secrets to cooking their meat, but we can't share those.
Their menu offers much more than just steak. They offer chicken, Mahi-Mahi, salmon, ribs, scallops, tenderloin filet, tuna, crab and so much more. Every menu on the item is cooked to order with every touch you'd expect at a fine dining restaurant.
Your meal will begin with bread and a salad of your choice. You'll be offered a small sorbet to cleanse your pallet prior to your main course. Once you've finished your meal, a dessert tray will be offered. It's impossible to say no to their mouth watering cheesecakes and pies.
While Ivan's strives for a fine dining experience, they also want to create a family atmosphere. Children are welcome and a kid's menu is available.
At Ivan's you'll receive an exception experience in a relaxed atmosphere. For Ivan's staff, the customer in always number one, and they don't want you to dine and dash. Relax and stay a while, because at Ivan's it'll feel like home.
You will find Ivan's Restaurant at 2024 Old Mocksville Ave, 1.5 miles past Novant Health Rowan Medical Center in Salisbury. Their hours are Tuesday through Thursday 5-9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday 5-9:30 p.m.