Saddleback Grill — Restaurant in California

We had dinner plans with friends last weekend, and made early reservations at this place. I’m sad to say that the waiter, unfortunately, he totally conditioned our dinning experience in a manner that he made us uncomfortable about what we wanted to order, as he kept pushing for us to order a three-course meal. We’ve been here many times, we are local residents. I strongly disagree with the manner he presented himself. He should have NOT tried new tricks expecting to rack up the bill. I can understand that it might be a common format o/r formal for dinning, but all of us looked at each other like wondering what exactly is he saying, weird!! especially when we have already inquired and were ready ordering our main entrees. He continued altering his words in an inquisitive way, he even went far as to and stated, “I’m taking the orders for appetizers right now” —odd!!! We had already ordered the duck, the fettuccine… Anyhow, in the end, that’s all he got, just appetizers… and no main entrees, nothing else. I could compare the events to when a or the referee in a football soccer match is attempting to be the star of the game by conditioning the players with yellow cards, unnecessary conversations, choppy stopping the flow… taking away the potential excitement of the match instead of letting the game play itself out and making the audience happy. Salad is a salad. Service deserves two stars. Remember, we need to go back to the customer service concept. America was the genesis of CS. I want to walk into a store or restaurant and receive service for what I want and how I want it, if it’s not too much to ask. If that’s not possible, let me know before I am ready to even think about staying at your establishment. Again, it might just be the optics at the moment, but I know you could do better, train you staff up here, not everyone stopping by is in transit, you need the locals, but I must make you aware because it really dampen our plans from the get-go. Lastly, you don’t want to argue with the cook, right? Thank you and continue improving your...

My husband and I spontaneously decided to have a quick overnight getaway in Lake Arrowhead. We booked a cozy cabin at the Saddleback Inn, where we were pleasantly surprised to discover an onsite dining option called the Saddleback Grill! What excited me even more was finding gluten-free options marked on their online menu.

Inside, the ambiance was warm and inviting, a welcome respite from the cold and snowy weather outside. Although the menu in the restaurant itself didn't indicate gluten-free options, we simply referred to the online menu. Additionally, the chef graciously came out to our table to discuss my allergies in detail, ensuring that my meal would be prepared safely.

After careful consideration, I decided on the filet mignon served with mashed potatoes and carrots, all of which would be cooked separately in clean pans with clean kitchen tools. Every bite was delicious, and I felt completely at ease knowing that precautions had been taken to accommodate my dietary needs.

My husband also ordered the onion soup and said it was the best he has ever had. Not gluten free though.

Meanwhile, my husband, who doesn't require a gluten-free diet, opted for the pork schnitzel, which he described as amazing. We also enjoyed a beet salad, which left a lasting impression and is something I would definitely order again.

The drinks we ordered were the Paloma, and an old fashioned which was a bit sweet and had crushed ice. My husband had a manhattan later in our evening and he said that was the best of the drinks.

Overall, our dining experience was exceptional, and I wouldn't hesitate to order the same dishes on our next visit. We're already looking forward to returning to Saddleback Inn soon for another...

I must say after writing years to get a baby sitter and wanting to splurge this was very upsetting. We saved up, spent $200 on a meal for 2 (sharing a dessert and no appetizers but hey we needed a break!) And we were willing to pay the price, not the main issue. But after a few ppl saying this place had great food we were so sad when we got our pick up order home. Part was wrong and not what we ordered (not the end of the world) but the filet mignon was tough, dry and a sirloin would of been better. My husband's ribeye wasn't bad but they put an inch of au jus (instead of on having a side of au jus on the side as requested- it was a very generous amount though) but it drown his spinach and mashed potatoes so neither of ate even half of the food we ordered. The bread pudding was the driest thing I've ever had. They gave us a less than 1oz side of sauce but even after trying to save it by warming it up with a little steam was not good... also the salad we asked for was completely wrong and had tomato which im allergic to. I LOVE food. I rarely get a chance to get a nice, expensive good meal and it was just such a dissapointment. Maybe its better if u eat in? But is locals with 4 kids thats not really possible. The kids ate the mac n Cheese but they also love Kraft. It wasn't the worst meal ever but not worth the money at all. We wont be back again... I guess its the downside of living in a town that is mainly tourists so they dont worry about repeat customers (thats just my husband and Is opinion- we also know a couple ppl who worked there or had been that like it so take that as u will. Im a steak lover of all kinds but this wasn't it for me, maybe it was a bad night idk. Its too expensive to risk...