07/21/09

Not What Is Always Has Been!

by sandra91523

On Monday 7/20 2 friends and i met for our yearly birthday lunch. We have always had memorable lunches with impeccable service and menu choices.

However, this year, we were sorely disappointed. We were seated and waited 20 mins. for someone to acknowledge us. Another 20 for drinks. 40 mins. for bread, which we ordered w/ the drinks. our waiter disappeared for long periods of time and the restaurant was not even half full. Suffice to say that after 2 hrs. of hell, we were not happy campers. When we asked for an order of garlic bread to go to be put on a separate ticket (it was for a friend), our waiter did not want to give us a separate ticket. Eventually, at our insistance, he did. The lunch was not as good as it has been in the past, the service was terrible and even the garlic bread tasted as though it had been made on Friday and was being reheated. We were very, very disappointed. Not sure if new owners are in place or if there is no such thing as "service" anymore. Very, very unhappy and i think management should be more visible to be sure patrons are being taken care of in the traditional Smoke House way! It will be a very long time, if ever, that i would elect to go back there for a meal.

• Pros: USED TO HAVE THE BEST SERVICE/GARLIC BREAD
• Cons: POOR POOR SERVICE THIS TIME!!!

12/15/08

Bizarre Reservation Rules

by happypuppee

My family has dined at The Smokehouse for four generations. A couple of us planned to dine there for Christmas based upon their advertising sign which said to "Call for Reservations." When I did so, I asked if reservations were still open and was told yes. Then when I said it was a party of two, I was told I couldn't make a reservation - that I could only just show up (on Christmas Day!) because I would then be seated "faster" than if I had a reservation! What kind of B.S. is that?

I just want to alert others that the Smokehouse perhaps has recently changed hands or, for some other reason, is engaging in peculiar reservations rules (what restaurant refuses reservations for two people; do they have something against daters)? Anyway, if they are doing this, then I must question what other odd things they are doing in terms of the food and service.

• Pros: Was good in the past
• Cons: Appears to be heading downhill

09/17/08

Garlic Cheese Bread!!

by indianagirlforever

I love their garlic cheese bread! Going just for that is worth the trip. Parking is either find it on the congested apartment street or valet. I don't mind valet, just hate to do it in the middle of the day during the week. The decor hasn't changed much, but I think that is part of the ambience and charm of this 60 year old restaurant. I definitely would recommend this place :

• Pros: Food that I can eat all day long!
• Cons: Parking

01/20/07

Average

by wfl225

I had been wanting to try the Smoke House for a while, being fairly new to the area I heard it was a legendary place. I was a little disappointed; the food was okay, there wasn't anything wrong with it, but it was just okay. The service was fine, again nothing really special. I just wasn't impressed enough to want to go back. I thought the prices were way too high for the quality of food that was served.

• Pros: Decent service, okay food.
• Cons: Prices are too high, food was just average.

Red meat and stiff drinks are the hallmarks of this '40s-era Burbank institution.

by Contributor

In Short
This old-school steakhouse attracts industry types for lunch, blue-haired ladies and gents for the early-bird dinner specials, and retro-seeking lounge lizards at night. Located across from Warner Bros. Studios, the ambience of this sedate Burbank establishment has remained intact since its 1946 debut. Moderately priced fare appeals to Valleyites seeking a meat-and-potatoes fix, or other standards like jumbo shrimp and broiled salmon. Locals swear by the house-specialty orange cheesy garlic bread.

06/11/06

Disappointing

by kristina17

I went to the Smoke House for a friends b-day party. The ambiance was ok, a little loud for my taste, we were seated immediately (we did have resevervations). The bartender makes a great Kandaroo (vodka martini) however the service was very slow, and honestly the food wasn't that great. It wasn't bad per se but it was bland. I think I'd give it at least 1 more try before discounting it all together b/c they may have been having an off night but not more than once more it's too expensive to have bad food/service twice. It is definitely over priced for the taste but the portion sizes are decent not too big, not too small. It's ok, but not great.

03/16/06

Been Going There For Years and Years

by jsnso818

I absolutely LOVE this old-fashioned Steak House. The garlic/cheese bread is NOT to be missed. The Prime Rib is excellent. The drinks are good and strong. I prefer eating in the bar area, darker and sometimes entertainment. The prices are most fair. Highly recommended

• Pros: Food, Atmosphere, Comfort

01/01/06

Good Food, Nice Place, VERY EXPENSIVE

by northcoastsf

The food is really good. Their fampus signature garlic bread is fantastic. The atmosphere is 1940's steakhouse.

The problem: It is EXTREMELY EXPENSIVE!!

Not to worry though, go before 6 PM and they have Early Bird Specials. The special are still kinda high priced, but do-able.

Give it a try.

Note: The valet is a rip-off. Don't pay them $5 to park your car, there is plenty of street parking right in front of the place.

• Pros: Food, Atmosphere, Garlic Bread
• Cons: Prices, Valets

12/23/05

My favorite Friday night!

by jguardado

I absolutely love The Smoke House Restaurant. My boyfriend and I go almost every Friday night. We love the garlic cheese bread, prime rib, and bbq-ribs very much. The drinks are really strong. Service is great and food is wonderful. Highly Recommended!

• Pros: Food, Service, Romantic
• Cons: Parking

03/07/04

Great Garlic Cheese Bread

by tedleonard

We seem to forget about the Smoke House. We have had many great dining experiences here. The Garlic Cheese Bread is really great. I would highly recommend this place if your in the Valley.

• Pros: Garlic Cheese Bread, Steaks