Springbok Bar & Grill

08/03/09

Good Pub Food

by llyonize at Citysearch

My boyfriend and I decided to give this place another shot, we had gone in the first time on a Friday night and they were busy, but had a couple of tables that that had reserved signs on them, we stood there for almost 15 minutes waiting for a table before we chose to leave...so anyways, the we thought we would give it another shot and on our way over we called to make a reservation, and when we got there sat right down. He ordered the ribeye and I got the baby back ribs, which were really tasty and tender. The waitress was super sweet and attentive. I would go again, if I was in the neighborhood. Seems like a fun place too if you are in to watching rugby and follow the south african team.

• Cons: They do not give tables to people who are waiting.

05/11/08

Try it, You LOVE it.

by Major38A at Citysearch

I've been going to the Springbok since it before it was the Springbok. The difference the way it was before and the way it has become after the Springbok was born is the difference between night and day. It is an excellent establishment with terrific food.

I've read the posts, and I'll address that here. One person whined that they got sick from the food. Yeah right, I remember that lady and her complaint ... she was trying to manufacture a civil claim, as I recall. Either that or exorting money from the owners. Unfortunately, there are people out there that go all over to do the same thing to make money from business owners. That lady, in my opinion, is nothing but a fraud.

The food is EXCELLENT and I've had almost everything on the menu. My personal favorite is the Mahi Mahi and the Salmon. The steak is great too. But then again, so's the grilled chicken. Oh, the lamb chops are mouth-watering. Well ... let's just say it's ALL outstanding.

Service. Look, there are good days and bad for that, just like any place else. The Springbok is so good, there are times that it's practically standing room only. You try serving an entire bar full of people, each ordering 4-5 drinks at a time and all wanted to be the one served immediately. Add to that the snotty little horrible attitudes some people get (especially if they've had a couple already) when they realize that there are others wanting service too. Give the girls a break! Every last one of them works their tails off to do their best to accomodate everybody. As to the so called "blonde," she's nice to everyone, until someone gets nasty when they get "cut-off" for their own good. These girls work hard, yet I've seen some people (the few that had negative comments) get great service yet not leave one thin dime as a tip.

The most busy nights are Thurs - Sat. Thursday it's Karoke; live bands on Friday & Saturday. Sunday has Karoke, Mondays are a little quiet, and Tuesday it's Triva night.

03/20/08

Love the atmosphere!

by lewzealand at Citysearch

You wouldn't think food at a sports type bar or pub would be this good. The filet is awesome. I have never gotten anything to eat here that wasn't tasty. They have a nice layout and attractive, friendly staff. Definitely an interesting decor with their South African sensibility. Unique and fun, we stop by every now and then. Only major issue is parking and sometimes on a busy Friday or Saturday night they don't seem to have enough staff behind the bar.

• Pros: Atmosphere. Variety of people. Food is great.
• Cons: Parking. Service can be slow on busy nights.

03/20/08

Great pub

by HalBacsi at Citysearch

Went there last night on a friend's recommendation. It's not in the best neighborhood and has only about 15 parking spaces. You don't want to park on the side streets, unless you don't want to keep your radio. But if you plan to arrive after 7pm (I arrived at 7 and lucked out) you can park on Victory and relax. The food was very good, the service excellent and the bartender friendly (Hint: smile at her first and she's friendly back). If you are looking for an upscale place, this isn't it. This is first, and formost, a pub. There must be more TV screens in the place than patrons but the food is still very good and that's not a bad thing.

02/11/08

Best bar in the valley

by xajorkith at Citysearch

I have been going to this place since they opened over four years ago and it just keeps on getting better and better. The food is fantastic and I have never had a single bad experience after many many meals, in fact I would go as far as to say that this place is better than almost any fine dining restaurant in LA - not kidding.

There is generally a pretty diverse crowd of people in the place, but always friendly and easy-going unlike Hollywood. My favorite part of the bar is the patio, especially on the warm summer evenings. What a find, go and check it out.

• Pros: Great food, drink and atmosphere
• Cons: Wish it was closer to my house

02/05/08

Avoid Food

by manny84 at Citysearch

I've eaten twice here and have gotten sick both times. There needs to some health inspection at this place. Do not go there unless you want to spend the night with your toilet.

11/07/07

Been once, will be back

by jontrav4105 at Citysearch

I went on a random Wednesday night and had a wonderful meal and even some good conversation with a couple "regulars". The bartender was I assume the girl mentioned below "blond, Shannon" and I had no problem with her whatsoever, in fact she was attentive and very friendly. Actually I was impressed that she was able to put up with one of the guys at the bar for as long as she did. Never made it over to the restaurant side and I don't smoke so never made it outside, although I could definitely see how the patio would be a great plus for smokers. I was told that Friday gets pretty crazy so beware

• Pros: Good Food, and Friendly People
• Cons: Its dark outside, not enough lighting

10/28/07

Cool Hangout!

by vnessatemecula at Citysearch

Cool Hangout! Bar is open late and the party usually goes on all night at Steve or George's boat. Robin is the best-est bar owner in Long Beach and Los Angeles. Thanks for all the comp drinks. See you in Costa Rica, Robin! Oh, I gave you a three-rating only because Jason the bartender can be such a ____.

• Pros: Open late
• Cons: Service is sketchy.

10/19/07

Great food. Lousy service.

by boertjie at Citysearch

If you are an ex South African you will love this place. Great food and thats all. The service is the same as in South Africa. Poor. Order 2 drinks when you can get a waitress to pay attention to you. You may not see her again for a while. I have been going there since they opened. To get served you must get there attention. Try the Boerevors, its awsome. Best I've had. Keeps me coming back.

• Pros: Good South African food.
• Cons: Service and parking

09/12/07

Cool local bar in Encino where there aren't many cool local bars.

by bpluto at Citysearch

The first review on this site (by "blurg") is the most accurate review I've read on Springbok. It's really a cool local place - focused on rugby and South African food/sports - but Shannon, one of the blonde bartenders, is just horrible. My wife and I went in just tonight. The girl can't do anything unless you ask her a minumum of two times. It's very unfortunate because it's a cool little restaurant/bar. Despite this girl being the definition of a dumb blonde, we'll continue to go back. Interesting South African food dishes (peri peri anyone?) and lots of good, cold beer on tap.

Get to know the bar-back, he's the only one that will give you service!

• Pros: Cool ambience. Good beer selection. Interesting food choices.
• Cons: Shannon, the curly blonde bartender.