Elbow Room Bar & Grill — Restaurant in Fresno

I wouldn’t classify this restaurant as a steakhouse at all!

I do have a mushroom allergy but one would think that a steakhouse would have options for sauces.

My birthday was on Wednesday. The dinner was ruined due to the fact that they didn’t have alternatives to their mushroom bordelaise sauce. I wanted to try the filet meatloaf but couldn’t because of the sauce. I wouldn’t have minded a BBQ sauce, or, chef whipping up something simple to replace it due to my allergy. Most steakhouses have at least 3 or more sauces to choose from (Example, Prime 13, I took a glance while we were waiting and I immediately spotted 4 different sauces. I’m sure they have more). Moreover, their Center Cut Filet Mignon mentions bordelaise as well. When my boyfriend asked if that bordelaise is standard, without mushrooms, our waitress said it was the same sauce (it just doesn’t say it on the menu).

Nonetheless, I moved past the meatloaf and eyed the Prime Rib French Dip Sandwich with the au jus. Out of curiosity, I asked if that was “safe”. Our waitress checked with the chef who said he wouldn’t chance it with a mushroom allergy. What does one have to do with the other? Why would the au jus … drippings … be a worry? I’ve never had a problem with worrying about mushrooms in an au jus at any other restaurant. Thank goodness I asked!

At this point I had a glass of Justin wine 🍷 and my boyfriend had a beer. He asked if I wanted to leave, but it was after 8pm already and most restaurants close at 9pm. Otherwise, I would’ve said YES!!

When our waitress circled back, I opted to share my boyfriend’s meal since I was pretty frustrated that a restaurant of this caliber could not make a sauce or provide options. Again, BBQ sauce … steak sauce … something could’ve been recommended. 😵‍💫

Nonetheless, I just ordered a side Caesar salad as my boyfriend was trying to make my birthday special taking me to a more upscale restaurant. He was pretty upset that I ordered a measly side salad.

The waitress offered a dessert, on her, which was a nice gesture. But being my birthday, I’m sure they would’ve had some kind of birthday treat. Unfortunately, we didn’t get that far. I chose the beignets. Presentation was beautiful, but they were not beignets. They were heavy powered donuts. Not airy and light; instead extremely dense and doughy.

Before leaving I went to the ladies room. I guess my boyfriend explained that it was my birthday after our waitress inquired as to why he didn’t eat much of his food and the beignets were pretty much untouched.

I have come to the conclusion that they don’t have a seasoned chef and/or must use the same base for items on their menu.

Not being able to sub a sauce for the meatloaf or confirm their au jus does not contain mushrooms is strange for a higher end restaurant. I wouldn’t trust ordering an aged steak at $60+ based on these basic facts.

Ah well!

UPDATE 3/14/24:

Update: Daniel reached out to discuss my review to help him understand what happened. I went over my birthday dinner play by play.

I'm glad to know that the meatloaf has mushrooms IN the actual meatloaf as well as the sauce. Luckily we avoided a disaster had I tried it plain, as offered.

Daniel also confirmed that the French Dip has nothing to do with mushrooms, so I could've tried it if the chef and waitress knew the menu better. I guess?

He offered to refund the cheeseburger which was nice, I suppose. However, the experience is what should have been the focal point. I didn't get to experience their food (not even the cheeseburger).

My takeaway remains unchanged. I am glad that I was able to provide insight to Daniel for training opportunities; especially surrounding allergies and food content.

However, the response to this review was ... bizarre ... to say the least. No invitation to come back for a better "first time" special experience or try the Prime Rib French Dip. I am left feeling unwelcome. I have been dying to try their famous Bloody Mary for brunch ... c'est la vie!

Daniel was polite enough to wish me a...

I went there one afternoon for lunch. I had always wanted to try this restaurant. The crowd w waitas mostly older Caucasian men in their 40s to 60s. I was eating lunch alone, so I just took a seat at the bar. A South Asian young man in his early twenties sat next to me and began a conversation. He was much too young for me, but he was very kind and friendly so we chatted. The bartender gave the young man a strange look as though he thought the young man was harassing me. I thought that a bit odd considering the young man did nothing to provoke such a thought. In fact the young man was a perfect gentleman, and chivalrous. But the bartender still look over at me and check on me periodically. And every now and then the bartender would shoot the South Asian young man a harsh look. The young man and I chatted for a little while and then he had to leave with his friend. A few minutes later I finished up my meal and then asked for the bill. And here's where it gets a little strange.

I was looking at the bill trying to figure out how much of a tip I should leave. As I was staring at the bill I feel hands gently rest on my rib cage. Startled, I look up and see a Caucasian man in his 60s with white hair smiling at me, and then taking a step back. I was flustered and shocked. I didn't know what to say or do. I looked around the room trying to figure out what had just happened. The man half smiled and said, "You looked really intense." I started back at the man confused. I was wondering if I had just been assaulted, and why no one else in the entire restaurant seemed to notice this man's inappropriate behavior. I paid my bill. I left the Elbow Room feeling rattled and.confused. I never went back to the Elbow Room again.

But what I do not understand is that how no one at the bar notices man put in his hands on my ribs. Everyone saw it, yet no one batted an eye. However when the South Asian man, who had dark brown skin and black eyes, sat next to me and chatted politely, well, all eyes were on him and viewing him with suspicion. When in fact he was the perfect gentleman, and the Caucasian man with the white hair was the villain. I don't wish to give my money to establishments that indulge and...

Excellent customer service and friend atmosphere. The waitress was always make sure are glasses were full and check to see if we needed anything while we were there. The bartender made great drink and did not skimp on the alcohol. The Crab BLT was great sandwich the crab patty was delicious you could taste crab in every bit and paired well with the BLT. It all melded together wonderfully. The Ultimate Prime Rib sandwich was packed full of meat on a butter crispy roll. The roll was butter just enough not overly butter to were you could not take the meat. It was crispy but Stull soft in the middle so when you bit down it wasn't hard as brick. The Prim Rib was cooked to perfection and just melt in your mouth when you ate it. The au jus also came in a bowl big enough so you could dip your whole sandwich not just a tip of it or corner. Desert was excellent as well. The cheesecake was drizzled with light carmel and pair with strawberries and blueberries on the side along with gram cracker crumbles. The waitress also recommend a glass of iced Bailey's to pair with desert which was excellent choice. It was like having your morning coffee with a very flavorful piece of cheesecake. The cheesecake was think but still creamy and the taste was very well balanced. Not cheeses or overcooked. Now the to the drinks I had a Bulleit 10 year Old Fashion. An excellent drink that well made and very strong. I really like how it was made and your got your money worth. The dehydrated orange and fruit garnish was wonder pairing to the drink. The Watermelon Cooler was a refresh change of pace to regular drink and offer a smooth but not sweet drink. The large slice of watermelon and mint was also nice garnish to the drink. I highly recommend this place if you like great atmosphere and terrific food...