Rooster Creek Tavern — Restaurant in Arroyo Grande

I have to admit that while I scrolled through some of the reviews for Rooster Creek, I found myself nodding my head in agreement... some were spot-on.

I will say that the service left much to be desired in the beginning, however the last two or three times I have visited, the staff and management (of which there seems to be quite a few) have seemed to hit their stride. The redhead bartender is really one of the stars on staff -- amazingly attentive and fantastic customer service when you sit in the bar. That being said... the last time we visited we actually had somewhere to be and came early to avoid the rush and give ourselves plenty of time. Forty-five minutes after ordering our food finally came, leaving us a luxurious fifteen minutes to eat, pay and scramble out. Not so much fun.

But like the rest of the local reviewers, I've been waiting for an alternative eating establishment in the Village. Aside from a well-worn Italian restaurant and some yummy appetizers and light menus we really were lacking a full restaurant that boasts a bar. So I will continue to give it another try, hoping that this well located eatery will finally hit it's stride.

The food you ask? I would honestly say that 75% of the menu that I've tried so far has been delish and I would order again. My mom absolutely LOVED the crab cakes and would order again and again if they hadn't rotated them off the menu for another seasonal dish. She will look forward to their return in the Fall. I have really loved their Caprese salad -- delectable fresh Mozzarella chilled to perfection, crowned with fresh basil and drizzled with a syrupy balsamic -- all served with crispy crostini. My husband LOVES their fried chicken -- but be warned that it is only available at lunch. I would encourage them to think about a Fried Chicken Plate for dinner -- we would turn into regulars. I have loved their Portabello Sandwich -- tender and juicy. I would pass on the Mac and Cheese however -- it was watery and over-cooked with very little flavor for what is meant to be classic home-cooked Mac. Disappointing as it is usually a standby for me when I can't choose. The steak salad is also a winner and I would also recommend their house fries as they seem fresh-cut and are cooked to crispy perfection. I have to admit I am still searching for an artisan pizza I will repeat -- the Grilled Veggie - Goat Cheese - Roasted Garlic pizza had an overwhelming taste of Vinegar. Possibly the veggies had been marinated in Balsamic too long -- but it was acidic to the taste. And don't miss the Beef Carpaccio with Parmesan Cheese, Capers and Olive Oil -- a very well constructed dish with excellent presentation.

As a result I will conclude with the promise that I do plan to return, as I think the owners, chef and staff have great intentions and a solid foundation. Maybe this Rooster just needs to take a cue from its' namesakes in the Village -- find the service and dishes to really crow about and then they will quickly be on our regular...

Rooster Creek Tavern has left me with a generally positive impression, earning a solid four-star rating. Let's dive into the aspects that shaped my experience, both the highs and the lows.

Starting on a sweet note, the dessert at Rooster Creek Tavern was undeniably a highlight. The flavors were exquisite, and the presentation added an extra layer of enjoyment to the dining experience. Each bite was a delightful journey for the taste buds, showcasing the establishment's commitment to providing a top-notch culinary experience. However, there's a significant but—the price.

The cost of the dessert took me by surprise, leaning towards the expensive side. While the quality undoubtedly justifies a certain price point, the high cost may give potential patrons pause. It's worth considering whether the dessert prices align with personal budget constraints, as this aspect might influence the overall satisfaction of the dining experience.

On a brighter note, the service at Rooster Creek Tavern was exceptional. The staff went above and beyond to ensure a pleasant visit. Their attentiveness and friendly demeanor created an inviting atmosphere, making me feel genuinely comfortable throughout my time there. The promptness and efficiency of the service added a positive layer to the overall dining experience.

Beyond the culinary delights and service, the ambiance at Rooster Creek Tavern is worth mentioning. The restaurant boasts a cozy and welcoming environment, with tasteful decor contributing to an enjoyable atmosphere. Whether you're there for a casual meal or a special occasion, the setting sets the stage for a pleasant dining experience.

In conclusion, Rooster Creek Tavern provides a dining experience that balances highs and lows. The standout dessert and impeccable service contribute to the positive aspects, while the relatively high dessert prices may give some patrons pause. If you're willing to indulge in a culinary treat and prioritize excellent service in a charming environment, Rooster Creek Tavern is worth a visit, even with the consideration of the...

Dined here over the weekend. Service was great! We were a big party and called ahead to see if they take reservations (they don’t) but they did seat us right away when we arrived which was nice. To start I ordered the Perfect Pear cocktail and it was delicious and pretty perfect would’ve ordered another but at $14.50 I decided not especially as I scanned the menu and saw how pricey the items were for run of the mill gastropub type food.My husband ordered an espresso martini (not on menu) which was okay. Though we were pretty hungry after traveling from L.A. for my mom’s birthday, we opted to share the special for $40: Ribeye steak with mashed potatoes and brussel sprouts and a choice of soup or salad. We chose a Caesar salad which was good. When our entree came I immediately thought we made a poor choice. When our waitress asked how we wanted our steak to be cooked we said medium rare. The steak was medium well and almost looked grey. There was a lot of fat which would’ve been fine had it been rendered. The mashed potatoes tasted like it came from a box and the brussel sprouts were great in color but had no flavor. I believe if we had been at Denny’s we would’ve had a tastier meal. This was the special for $40. Beyond disappointed. The atmosphere was alright but it looked like the more aesthetically pleasing area was the patio. The bathrooms needed to be cleaned and for the love of God hide your used toilet brush! They did surprise my mom with a big slice of cake for her birthday so that was super nice and much appreciated.

I know the restaurant business is a hard game but if the owners are passionate about serving great food (especially for the prices they’re charging) then I wouldn’t know it. Seriously, they ought to watch The Bear, especially the “Forks” episode...