People Drive From All Over For The Bull Fries At This Charming Nebraska Steakhouse
There’s a rustic steakhouse in rural Ashland, Nebraska that has an unusual claim to fame: it serves some of the best “nutz” around. Blink and you’ll miss this nondescript building at the end of a dusty driveway, so keep your eyes open and head out for a culinary adventure that you’re sure to remember.
Round the Bend Steakhouse in Ashland is known for a lot of things: great food, lots of fun, and a homey atmosphere that will leave you feeling like a local even if it's your first visit.
But it's probably best known for its bull fries - otherwise known as Rocky Mountain oysters, cowboy caviar, huevos de toro...in other words, deep-fried bull testicles.
The restaurant hosts the Testicle Festival every year. The event, which has been a tradition since 1993, brings hundreds of hungry and curious visitors who all want to load up on this unusual delicacy.
It's held in - where else? - the restaurant's Ball Room. The party spills outside onto the patio, too, where you can pull up a seat at a rustic cable spool table, listen to the live music, sip a cold beer or two, and enjoy all of the delicious offerings.
For those who are unfamiliar, bull fries are skinned, breaded, deep-fried bull testicles. They were originally considered a cowboy meal, but they've made their way onto plenty of restaurant menus around the country.
They're reportedly gamey and have a flavor that's similar to venison. You don't have to wait for the next Testicle Festival to taste them - Round the Bend has a few varieties on its regular menu. You can get them in a combo meal with fries and coleslaw...
...Or, if you're a first-timer and want to try them out before you commit to a whole meal, you can order a "Buck a Nut" and pay $1 for a single testicle.
We would be remiss to skip over some of Round the Bend's other delicious offerings. On Friday evening and all day Saturday, the restaurant offers its juicy, cut-to-order prime rib that's been called some of the best in Nebraska.
Burgers are on the menu, too. One of our favorites is the Ballin' Out burger which includes two bull fries along with cheese, bacon, BBQ sauce, and a perfectly handcrafted beef patty.
And for you lighter eaters, there are salads, chicken, seafood, and more to sate your appetite. Rotating weekly specials keep it interesting, and you'll want to come back to try them all.
Whether you're visiting for the iconic Testicle Festival or just stopping in for a delicious steak meal, Round The Bend Steakhouse is a true Nebraska gem that's bound to become your new favorite place.
Round the Bend’s annual Testicle Festival takes place on the Saturday of Father’s Day weekend – a date that was chosen intentionally by a restaurant that doesn’t take itself too seriously. If you’re up for some unpretentious fun, head on over to the steakhouse’s website or Facebook page and check out the menu and other happenings.
Have you ever tried bull fries? Give us your opinions in the comments!
Address: Round the Bend Steakhouse, 30801 E Park Hwy, Ashland, NE 68003, USA
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As a lifelong Nebraskan, Delana loves discovering the many hidden treasures of her state. She has worked as a writer and editor since 2007. Delana's work has been featured on more than a dozen websites and in Nebraska Life Magazine.
