Restaurants

Photo courtesy of boasteak.com

There are three BOA Steakhouses; one in Las Vegas, one in West Hollywood, and the third in Santa Monica. This last BOA has, beyond a doubt, the most fun and lovely setting of the collection. It is kitty-corner on Santa Monica Blvd and Ocean Avenue – the last street in Santa Monica before you’re in the ocean.  Outdoor dining here provides some great sunsets and people-watching. It’s one of my two favorite steakhouses in Santa Monica – the other, Houston’s, being just a few minutes’ walk away.

BOA is a wonderful steakhouse restaurant, due in no small part to the perfect setting mentioned above. Any tourist wanting a fun yet classy dining experience in Santa Monica will be happy here – the Santa Monica beach is iconic to Southern California, the cute young people roller-blading by or carrying on loud cell phone conversations are amusing, and the outdoor dining helps add to a quintessential Los Angeles vacation.

For an appetizer, I recommend trying the goat cheese baklava. The black truffles and pistachios create an interesting combination of textures, and the cheve is creamy and fresh. Of course, this IS a steakhouse, with the seafood appetizers you’d expect: Try the oysters on the half shell if you want to go the normal steakhouse dinner route.

Photo courtesy of boasteak.com

Main course specialties include a great porterhouse, and a succulent filet mignon. Someone in my dining party ordered the Japanese wagyu – this is commonly known as kobe beef – and said that while it was good, it wasn’t the best kobe he’d had. We ordered sides of fries and macaroni and cheese for the table (as befits a steakhouse dinner), and they were fine accompaniments. Really, though, the fun at BOA is, as with many top-notch steakhouses, the combination of steak choices and rubs and sauces. Of these, I can’t recommend highly enough the foie gras butter; it helped raise my petite filet mignon to an amazing, absolutely superior level. The creamy horseradish and the bearnaise are also standouts.

Chances are, you’ll be too full to really enjoy a heavy dessert after dinner at BOA. But cotton candy is served…one little bite, that can’t hurt, right? Fine dining, people watching, and enjoying the sun set over the Pacific is a great way to spend an evening in Santa Monica.

Photo courtesy of boasteak.com

BOA Steakhouse
101 Santa Monica Blvd
Santa Monica, CA
(310) 899-0066

The Palm in San Diego (Photo courtesy of ThePalm.com)

The Palm is a family-owned, well-known upscale steakhouse chain with around 25 restaurants scattered across the country. In San Diego CA, The Palm is downtown but basically on the edge of the Gaslamp District, on J Street. Like the other Palm restaurants, this one has a wide variety of menu options available in a classy, old-style restaurant. The decor is reminiscent of the original Palm in New York City – caricatures and old photographs all over the walls, classy settings at tables and booths, and a convivial atmosphere.

Some logistics of The Palm in San Diego: There is a spacious open dining room with seating for approximately 130 guests,
three elegant private dining/function rooms, each with a flat/plasma screen TV, full AV capabilities and data connection for laptops, accommodating a total of 130 guests, and perhaps best of all, a fun bar scene, with seating for 65 guests and adjoining lounge, with two flat/plasma screen TVs.

Classy, festive bar at The Palm, San Diego (photo courtesy of ThePalm.com)

The Palm is referred to as “the place to see and be seen.” This is likely in reference to the various star sightings that occur at all the Palms. Famous people that already have their caricatures, photos, and portraits up on the walls have even, occasionally, autographed them.

The Palm serves very generous portions, and the atmosphere encourages leaning over and sampling from your friends’ or family’s plates. Really; the appetizers and entrees are oversized, and meant for sharing! The large and varied menu includes all the usual steakhouse options, along with fish prepared most ways imaginable, and classic Italian choices as well. The appetizers are all seafood, and really can’t be missed; try the jumbo shrimp cocktail and lobster bisque. Delicious. But why the Italian flair? Easy: The original restaurant was founded in 1926, by two immigrants from northern Italy. The Palm is still owned by their Italian-American descendants, and all the Palm restaurants keep the tradition. It works. Some of the Italian specialties at The Palm are linguini with clam sauce, veal martini, and chicken scallopine. They are all recommended for guests not interested in the fantastic Porterhouse steak or prime rib.

Luckily for San Diego’s leisure and business travelers and locals alike, The Palm on J Street opened strong just a few years ago (2005) and shows no signs of slowing down. It’s not only one of the best steakhouse restaurants around the Gaslamp Quarter, it is one of the best in San Diego, CA as a whole.

John's Grill, a famous San Francisco Landmark

Did you ever read Dashiell Hammett detective stories as a kid? Do you like watching film noir movies such as The Thin Man with Nick and Nora Charles? The thrill of Sam Spade solving a murder in San Francisco as well as the romantic notion of apartment living in the style of Nick and Nora (and their little dog Asta!) filled my head with all kinds of dreams as a kid. And downtown near all the major hotels and theaters, you will find the restaurant whose claim to fame is being a setting in The Maltese Falcon!

One of my favorite restaurants in San Francisco is John’s Grill, with its landmark status and original period furnishings, opening its doors in 1908. The dark oak interior walls are filled with 8×10 headshots of local and international politicians and celebrities. Photos range from Lauren Bacall, Alfred Hitchcock, Truman Capote and Sophia Loren to Ronald Reagan, Bill Gates and Senator Dianne Feinstein.

During the holidays, my husband and I always make a special trip – meaning I get dressed up – to this venerable restaurant for a quiet romantic dinner. We start with a cold Manhattan (or two) at the tiny six-person bar, usually prepared by Luis, the bartender who has been at John’s Grill for decades and never forgets a name.

If you like local history and have a strong constitution, you might try ordering the house specialty drink called “Bloody Brigid”. It is made with sweet & sour, vodka, soda, special mix, lime and grenadine over crushed ice. You get to keep the souvenir glass.

Humphrey Bogart as Sam Spade

The back-story for this drink comes from The Maltese Falcon novel, “Miles Archer, Sam Spade’s partner, was done in by Brigid O’Shaughnessy at the blind end of Burritt Street just west of the overpass, where Bush roofs Stockton Street.” This book and movie, with Humphrey Bogart, had me walking all around the city looking for the scene of the crime!

Often we begin dinner with an appetizer of garlicky but savory escargot, and fresh Dungeness crab or shrimp cocktails. Depending on the weather we might have the chowder which is wonderful with the fresh sourdough bread. Dinner choices for us are usually steak or a delicious petrale sole. Last year I had the Sam Spade lamb chops, and they were cooked perfectly.

I hope you get a chance to soak up this unique dining experience, especially if you are a film noir movie buff like me.

John’s Grill
63 Ellis Street
Between Stockton and Powell Street
San Francisco, CA 94103
415-986-3274

Monday thru Saturday 11:00am to 10:00 pm
Sunday 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm

Photo credit to rick and 1horsetown

Classic drinks at Harris' Restaurant

Looking for a quintessential San Francisco steakhouse? Need an elegant restaurant for your rehearsal dinner or other special event? Harris’ is a landmark that is a must for anyone looking for sophistication in their food, its presentation and entire dining experience. They have been ranked as one of the nation’s Top 10 Steakhouses by the Wine Spectator.

This is one of my favorite places to go for birthday dinners or when I have family visiting. Definitely put on your nice clothes, bring your appetite and take a cab here, because you will have one of the best meals in the world with all the traditional sides and decadent desserts. I recommend reservations and when you make them, ask for one of their plush booths!

Harris’ also serves the coldest and wettest martinis, with your waitperson bringing the vodka or gin in its own iced single serving glass decanter and mini wooden bucket to your table, before elegantly pouring it into your glass. The refined atmosphere here is perfect for business dinners. If you have to wait in the lounge before your table is ready, you won’t be disappointed. There is a cool montage of San Francisco scenes based on an original painting by artist Antonio Sotomeyer on the wall.

Harris' Butcher Counter

Besides the upscale décor and refined menu, what makes Harris’ unique to the city is its famous butcher counter in the front of the restaurant. Every evening you can pick from aged, Mid-western, corn-fed beef. They offer it in a variety of cuts including a Harris Steak (bone-in New York), a Filet Mignon and an entire Filet Strip.

If you want a great meal with some of the best sides ever, like the divine scalloped potatoes or sautéed button mushrooms then I suggest calling now. I’m sure, like the best steakhouses in San Diego, this is the time of year when Harris’ will certainly be filled with diners celebrating the holiday season.

Photo credits to Harris’ Restaurant

Gaslamp Strip Club - what is this, X-rated adult entertainment on Uptake’s restaurant blog? No, in this case “Strip” refers to that cut of steak, and this steakhouse is quite possibly the most fun, festive restaurant of all of San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter top steakhouses.

Gaslamp Strip Club is the Most Fun Steakhouse in San Diego

The sirloin, kebobs and New York strip steaks here are fantastic, true, but that’s not what makes the Gaslamp Strip Club the most fun of all San Diego steakhouses. The restaurant is for adults, who literally grill their selected cuts of steak communally. Rest assured, you can’t go wrong with your choice; the chefs here buy only the best selections to start with, and the waiters give helpful cooking tips to those who ask. There’s also a guide with instructions regarding how long to grill whichever cut has been chosen. The free-wheeling atmosphere is enhanced by top-notch bar and wait staff – the open flames and somewhat free-flowing alcohol are why there’s an age limit of 21 at this restaurant.

The Gaslamp Strip Club is more than just a bunch of people standing around grilling their dinner, of course. The sauces are great (my favorite is the house BBQ sauce), the mushrooms and mashed potatoes perfectly complement red meat, and the macaroni-and-cheese sides come with a variety of add-in such as truffle oil and lobster.

This is a steakhouse to be sure, but guests can choose to grill chicken or fish as well. Now, the fun is in the friendly, convivial atmosphere. If you are looking for a romantic, quiet dinner for two, this is not the place to go. However, couples and groups both small and large who are in the mood, will find the social, unstuffy ambience of San Diego’s Gaslamp Strip Club to hit all the right – and somewhat loud – notes.

What with the huge flat screen TVs on ESPN, the loud rock and roll, and the hotsy-totsy waitresses (not to mention the Vargas prints of pin-ups), the guy appeal here is strong. It’s true that there are usually more men than women here, but take it from me – anyone in the mood for a highly social, rocking night out will have a great time at the Gaslamp Strip Club. It’s the most fun steakhouse in San Diego, California.

Grill Your Own Steak at this Restaurant

Donovan's is a Top 10 Best Steakhouse in San Diego

I love downtown San Diego. The vibe is happy and fun in this part of the city, and it’s a great California vacation spot for people of all ages. I especially like the Gaslamp Quarter because it has so many great steakhouses – not that it doesn’t also have terrific sushi restaurants and other dining options, but the happy, festive atmosphere in San Diego’s best steakhouses really sets it apart. I haven’t been to all (or even most) of the great restaurants in San Diego – there aren’t enough vacation days in the year – but I’m more than content whenever I try one of these Top 10 recommended steakhouses down in the Gaslamp Quarter.

The 10 Best Steakhouses in San Diego, California

Donovan’s Steak & Chop House – Donovan’s won the Lamplighter Award 2008 Favorite Steakhouse), and it’s easy to see why. Only prime meat is used, all the time, and the prime rib is among the best I’ve had. This is a high-end steakhouse, somewhat more refined and less convivial than others on this Top 10 list. However, it is worth a reservation for a romantic, special meal. Many awards have been given to Donovan’s for both its wine list and simply being, consistently, the best high-end steakhouse in San Diego.

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar – This is a national chain, but very well-regarded. A respectable wine list includes 100-Wines-by-the-Glass, and the steaks here are generously portioned, perfectly prepared, and come with complementary sides. The ambience is fun and informal, hence, many relaxed San Diego residents consider Flemings the best steakhouse in the Gaslamp Quarter of San Diego.

Gaslamp Strip Club – This fun steakhouse epitomizes the friendly atmosphere of the Gaslamp Quarter in San Diego. Great food, not too fancy, and accommodating of large groups, it’s simply terrific. Not the best restaurant for a quiet, romantic dinner, of course, but the open community grill allows for customers (age 21 and up) to grill their own steaks, after choosing their cuts from the waiters. The fun, happy atmosphere has to suite your mood, though – usually, this is easy in the Gaslamp Quarter.

George’s on Fifth – Here’s one hip restaurant for the cool set (I stopped even trying years ago). Popularly referred to as G5, Georges on Fifth is relaxed and fun. The entrees are excellent and the service is just right; the staff lets guests relax and enjoy their meal without hovering. Interestingly, the restaurant is right in Wyatt Earp’s old saloon (though the shoot-outs and Wild West atmosphere have left the building). More affordable than some others on this Top 10 list, G5 has a separate kids’ menu, live entertainment, and banquet rooms for medium to large parties.

Greystone the Steakhouse; a Classy, Formal Restaurant

Greystone the Steakhouse – Wow; Greystone is an amazingly glamorous restaurant in the mostly “regular Joe” Gaslamp Quarter. The elegance of the decor and the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence indicate that this is one restaurant you may want to save for special occasions. While there are some child-friendly entrees of the menu, I don’t recommend Greystone for kids. It’s just too formal, and very expensive. The waiters here are trained in wine matching, so guests can relax and be certain that their fillet mignon, lobster, or any other entree will be perfectly suited to their vino.

Lou and Mickey’s – Along with the Gaslamp Strip Club, this is probably the most “manly” of the Top 10 steakhouses list. A lively, convivial atmosphere is pervasive most evenings at Lou & Mickey’s: The restaurant has an ambience closer to that of Italian restaurants than traditional steakhouses. Lou & Mickey’s is right across the street from San Diego’s busy convention center, so there’s nearly always a crowd of hungry executives and business travelers who want to unwind.

Max New York in the Gaslamp Quarter

Max New York – There’s something for everyone (who likes to eat – that narrows it down) at Max New York Restaurant. There are romantic little alcoves for a couples’ dinner, long tables for family and friend groups, and even a corporate events room for business travelers. Be warned: This is an expensive restaurant. The service is professional and the ambience exactly like that of a high-end New York steakhouse.

Mortons the Steakhouse – Check out Morton’s website, as there are often gift card deals found there. Morton’s is a national chain, yes, but it’s very picky regarding high quality steak and other entrees. I’ve been to a few Morton’s across the US. The menu items are consistently great and the work put into ambience (dark wood, white linen tablecloths) gives the feel of an independently owned restaurant.

Palm Restaurant – The Palm has outposts across the country, but is selective enough that it never has that “chain restaurant” feel. It’s a steakhouse in the most classic sense, with history going back over 80 years. The Palm in San Diego is the newest member of the fold, so to speak, and it’s perfectly suited for the Gaslamp Quarter. The festive and relaxed atmosphere makes for a fun dining experience here. Even though it’s just a few years old, the Palm restaurant is very popular: Reservations are strongly recommended for weekends.

Rei do Gado Brazilian Steakhouse – This is a Brazilian Churrasco, or barbeque: Rei do Gado means “The king of the Herd.” The steaks in this restaurant are slow-cooked on skewers, as per the traditional Brazilian style. While a buffet never has the look of a best restaurant, the appeal here is the different type of steaks than the primes and chops we’re used to. A waiter slices just-prepared, sizzling meats off the skewers onto your plates until you signal “that’s enough.” The skewers items range widely from tender loin to lamb, to the most popular churrasco cut, top sirloin cap.

There are a lot of steakhouses to choose from in San Diego. This Top 10 list is exclusive to my favorite part

Morton's the Steakhouse in San Diego's Gaslamp Quarter

of town, the Gaslamp Quarter. Now, the qualities that make a great steakhouse go beyond fantastic steak and fresh seafood options. Ambience is key: The best steakhouses in San Diego are either fun and friendly, or elegant and classy. Either way, the best restaurants in San Diego are always well worth a night out.