Poor Reds BBQ — Restaurant in California

New update from August 2022. While the menu is still limited, our food was great. Unfortunately, this day, as we came to celebrate a birthday and anniversary on a Sunday afternoon, the service was horrible. When we arrived, we spoke with a waitress and the manager and asked to have them push some tables together on the totally empty patio for our group of 10. He said he would get someone. 3 waitresses were watching. After several minutes when no one came, we pushed 3 tables together and sat down. Then a very young hostess came storming out to tell us we had no right to do that without her permission. There was NO ONE else there! I said, but we talked to your manager. Her response was she was the one that we were supposed to go inside and talk to. What? I am pretty sure the manager would be the boss overseeing the hostess, but she was very indignant. We did not argue or make a scene and we apologized. When water and drinks were brought to the table, the staff was rude and slammed the cups down. The entire time all the wait staff was rude and unfriendly. Our waters and ice tea were never filled, even though we asked 3 times. We even told the waitress it was a 22nd birthday, but there was no attempt by the wait staff to even be polite. Half of our meal plates did not include the pickle on the side. The waitress refused to give 2 separate checks. But the tip cannot reflect the bad service because 18% is automatically factored in for a party of 10 or more. No apology. No attempt to even acknowledge a birthday. Sigh. It is way too expensive to be treated like that, and now, we won't be back. Previous review: Not a lot of options on the menu, pricey, and...

I knew I loved this place as soon as we pulled into our parking spot. The building is reminiscent of the Gold Rush era, and tucked comfortably next to a small leathersmith. Across the street is the local post office, which I am sure has been there since the old Wells Fargo days.

But back to Poor Red's. The place has been completely renovated, keeping it's vintage Gold Rush charm, with exposed stone walls, fresh wood paneling, and ductwork painted in a soft and unassuming grey color. The photos of miners, old maps, and large copies of old woodblock prints depicting the mining community give a wonderful sense of the history of the town of El Dorado.

On this particular day, we were greeted by a staff of outgoing, friendly, and knowledgeable young women. The menu is what you would expect from a roadside dining establishment- burgers, onion rings, steaks, etc. But believe me, these folks do it RIGHT, and they do it WELL. The onion rings are of an epic golden proportion that I have never witnessed anywhere else. I had the French Dip sandwich- the bread was fresh and gorgeous, and held up well against the au jus and horseradish sauce. Quite possibly the best sandwich of its kind that I have ever had.

If you feel the need for something a little above and beyond the usual diner-fare, don't be afraid to ask about their daily special. Yesterday's was a winter green salad with duck breast and Bleu cheese mousse.

Whether you want to keep it simple or keep it classy, this place will not fail you. Support Poor Red's and help keep...

We have been there quite a few times. The food is decent and prices ok. The service is usually pretty good. At times there I have kind of second guessed the music they play but it wasn't that big of a deal. But last month we were there o a Sat late afternoon and I was very offended and appalled at the music that was being played while parents grandparents and kids were all there patronizing this place. It was not late at night. It was in my opinion disrespectful to their customer including my husband and I. I haven't ever heard such disgusting lyrics being blasted at a family restaurant. I hadn't even heard music like that when I used to frequent bars or nightclubs. It was very vividly describing sex acts and using every cuss word you could think of. It was very derogatory towards woman. The next song I am pretty sure I heard the "N word" I had emailed them to see if they cared to respond. But they did not after almost 4 weeks. So I will not be spending my money somewhere that they have so little respect for the customers that are offended by that and children. My adult kids would have been offended by those lyrics. I am making sure I let them and all my friends and family know they might not want to go there and be subject to music that makes you lose your appetite and you might have to explain to your kids. I am sure it doesn't matter to the management or many of the people that go there. But I won't be back. It really reminds me of the stories I heard of the old days there and...