Shamus T Bones — Restaurant in Eureka

First impression, wow there is a lot of taxidermy :p It's not my taste, and this is just my opinion. Maybe just pick out your one favorite dead head and mount it somewhere in the restaurant. But again, it's not my restaurant to decide the decor. Definitely didn't get me in the mood for eating though. We mentioned to the hostess that we were very excited about the tesla coil. She assured us that the section we would be seated in would be good for viewing.

We were seated and were happy to spot what looked like the coil in the section next to/above us. We were served oil and a piece of bread divided into 5 or 6 tiny wedges (for 5 people, 2 pieces probably would have been better), but no water. After 5-10 minutes, our server took our drink orders, but it took a long time to get our drinks. We would have preferred water to be brought out, or at least offered, with the bread. I think we waited 10-15 minutes before our drinks showed up. However, a water and a non-alcoholic drink were missing, so that was another 5-10 minutes. A colleague had talked directly to the bartender, but his (alcoholic) drink had to be changed because they realized later they were out of orange (not sure if it was the fruit or syrup or what). So, overall a problem with 3 of our drinks. If the service had been quicker, or we at least had water to start, it wouldn't have been a problem. I recommend instead of upselling to each person, ask in the beginning, Eg okay I'm ready for your drink order, and if anyone is interested in upgrading to top shelf liquor, let me know and I'll tell you more about it.

We finally got to order, and they were out of another ingredient: basil. Also, most meals were upsold--do you want to pay extra for this side? Or x or y meat, etc.? Again, I think this might be better presented before taking the order, Eg Okay here are the specials, xyz, and also if anyone is interested in appetizer x it can be added, so just let me know if you're interested and I'll tell you more. Also, since this is a steakhouse this probably doesn't apply often, but for our table it would have been good if the server had asked if there were any dietary restrictions, and then for two of us she could have tailored our offerings, eg to meat eater she tried to upsell asparagus, but the two vegetarians were offered meat. Again, I understand this is a steakhouse, so vegetarians are probably not their typical clientele.

The cornbread muffins were tasty, but it took another 15+ minutes to arrive and we had to ask twice. The meal was good. I was disappointed that the salad bar had four heavy dressings (ranch, house, thousand island, and bleu cheese), and no vinegarette. Overall the salad bar was pretty good, however, for the price it would be nice if they added a fruit, like peaches. During the meal our hostess brought out a dessert tray and we picked out two. Due to the slow service, we ended up there for 2 hours, which was longer than we expected. Besides me and my 1-plate limit salad bar ($10), only one person finished their meal: steak fajitas special ($20) and said it was very tasty. No one else finished their food (pasta, veggie burger, and steak) or wanted to take it with them.

Had to ask about the coil a few more times. Suddenly we heard it, looked at it, and couldn't quite see it, and then it was over. Half our table couldn't see it because of a column. I really wish they would have told us where to stand so we could see :(

I think if the service was faster at getting water and plenty of bread out, that would have helped immensely. The handling of the tesla coil really needed to be improved. If you have a table that has mentioned to the hostess and server how excited they are--make sure they will be able to see the coil.

Right now this isn't a place that I would suggest when my friends and I are going out. Other than the taxidermy, overall I liked the atmosphere, and I think my in laws and Grandma might enjoy Shamus. I will make sure to ask where we can get up and stand to see the coil. Hopefully my next...

Eureka’s Ultimate BBQ Experience – Shamus T Bones Sets the Standard for Unforgettable Dining on the Redwood coast.

If you’re searching for the heart and soul of Eureka’s culinary scene, look no further than Shamus T Bones. This legendary eatery is more than just a restaurant; it’s a destination where flavor, atmosphere, and local charm collide in the most spectacular way possible. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, Shamus T Bones is a must-visit, and here’s why.

A BBQ Paradise: From the moment you step inside, the rich, smoky aroma of slow-cooked meats hits you like a warm embrace. Shamus T Bones is all about delivering the kind of BBQ that dreams are made of—think tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs, succulent brisket, and pulled pork so flavorful it almost melts in your mouth. Their house-made BBQ sauces add the perfect finishing touch, whether you prefer sweet, tangy, or spicy. And let’s not forget the legendary tri-tip, grilled to perfection and bursting with that authentic, smoky flavor that keeps you coming back for more.

More Than Just Meat: While Shamus T Bones is a carnivore’s paradise, vegetarians won’t feel left out. Their menu includes hearty salads, delicious veggie burgers, and sides that are as satisfying as they are tasty. The grilled vegetables, loaded baked potatoes, and crispy onion rings are just a few of the options that make this spot accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

The Atmosphere: Step into Shamus T Bones, and you’re greeted by a space that’s as warm and inviting as it is unique. Rustic wood, dim lighting, and the flicker of an open hearth create a cozy vibe that’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual night out or a special celebration. The expansive windows offer panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, adding to the restaurant’s charm and making every meal feel like a mini-getaway.

Service With a Smile: The staff at Shamus T Bones are true professionals. They’re knowledgeable, friendly, and attentive, ensuring that your dining experience is top-notch from start to finish. Whether you need a recommendation, have dietary restrictions, or just want to chat about the best dishes, they’re more than happy to make your visit unforgettable.

Family-Friendly Fun: Bringing the kids? Shamus T Bones has you covered. The restaurant is incredibly family-friendly, offering a kids’ menu packed with tasty options that little ones will love. The relaxed atmosphere means parents can unwind while the kids enjoy their meals—and maybe even sneak in a game of cornhole outside.

Accessibility Matters: Shamus T Bones is fully wheelchair accessible, making it an inclusive dining option for everyone. The spacious layout ensures that all guests can move around comfortably, and the staff is always on hand to assist with any special needs.

An Unforgettable Experience: In a town that’s known for its natural beauty and laid-back vibe, Shamus T Bones stands out as a culinary landmark. It’s the kind of place where you create memories over shared plates of incredible food, where the atmosphere is just as much a part of the experience as the meal itself. Whether you’re here for a quick bite or a leisurely dinner, Shamus T Bones delivers in every way possible.

If you haven’t experienced Shamus T Bones yet, you’re missing out on one of Eureka’s true treasures. Come for the BBQ, stay for the atmosphere, and leave with a satisfied appetite and a smile on your face. This is more than just dining—it’s an experience you’ll be talking about long after the last bite. Check out...

This review is coming from a vegan who was along with a group of family. Not their target customer, I realize.

This is a large space with a hunting lodge atmosphere. Lots of dead animals on the walls (think that restaurant where Gaston breaks out into song in Beauty and the Beast), which makes perfect sense for their target audience, but if you are vegan or vegetarian, you should know that in case you are invited to join a group here. We all have different comfort levels with that.

They surprisingly had a Beyond Burger on the menu, but unfortunately they were out of it when we were there. I have only ever been there once, so I don't know if this is ever actually available, but if you see it on the menu, it might be worth asking if they actually have it in stock to serve you that day.

I saw a marinara-based spaghetti option on the menu, which mentioned "square spaghetti" in the description. I have to assume this was an inside joke/reference, but it turns out it is spaghetti in a square bowl. With that said, if you ask for it without parmesan and verify it is made with oil, rather than any butter, it seemed vegan. In all honesty, I forgot to ask if the pasta was made with egg, but it seemed safe when I got it. Vegan friends would want to double-check. The spaghetti was quite flavorful -- it did have quite a bit of oil. I found it tasty, but some health-focused vegans/vegetarian might want to know that. I am glad that I verified no butter in advance, because the dish came with toasted bread which I am sure would normally have butter, but they had used oil instead, which was very courteous.

They have numerous salad options. I got the spinach strawberry salad (without the feta). Apparently the kitchen made it the first time with feta, but our waitress noticed and brought it back to the kitchen before we saw it. This made it take longer to get the salad, but I appreciate the attentiveness of our server. I truly was not expecting that at a steak restaurant, which is a testament to at least that server's skill. I will add that the lemon vinaigrette was quite sweet -- I love sugar and am not a health-focused vegan, but it is a little more syrupy than I expected. Taste it before you pour generously.

As a vegan, I can't say I would go out of my way to revisit, but I think that is to be expected. If you are with a group of family members who love this space and you can handle the Gaston-atmosphere, then you can find options to eat and adapt and will be treated kindly. Perhaps call ahead if you can and ask about the Beyond Burger -- maybe they will run out to Safeway and pick one up if they are out of stock, who knows. To be fair, I know the vegan burger patty options have irregular availability, so it may be a supply chain issue.

In any case, there you go. I braved the lodge. If you do go, you might get the fun/shock of seeing their massive Tesla coil in the middle of the restaurant go off. For me it kinda freaked me out, but...