Larrupin' Cafe — Restaurant in McKinleyville

Food was good, but not special- very pricey for what you get. When I pay fine dining prices I expect to love all aspects of my experience.

When I checked reviews for this place, I saw mostly 5-star and that it was listed as fine dining so I went in excited and with high expectations. Here’s what I did experience:

Service was good. They weren’t ready for us at our reservation time but were only a couple mins late on that so not a big deal. Waitress and host both friendly.

Food was okay. My husband got the half and half— pretty good. I got the chicken phyllo.. not as good. It wasn’t bad, but there just wasn’t a ton of flavor to it? It was chicken and artichoke in pastry with a sweetish sauce- and all of the elements were average, not even great. Also, I got honey sweet potato as a side and it just didn’t taste like anything I couldn’t make at home- very basic, not fine dining style, and more like a dessert than side. The salad was some greens, a few peppers cut up small, and a tiny bit of cheese (maybe goat or blue) crumbled onto it with a sweetish dressing. Again, nothing that felt like a fine dining culinary experience. Which leads to- everything on the place was “sweetish”. The flavors didn’t feel balanced and for dinner I expect savory. I hoped for more, for sure.

The plus is it seems like food is high quality and organic, and says local-sourced which is great.

Ambience- we sat upstairs which was a little quirky and a bit of a weird decor style for my taste to be honest. It wasn’t the “classy” style. It didn’t feel like fine dining, it felt like a fun diner or a normal restaurant. Maybe something like Yaks in Dunsmir which I LOVE because they are what they advertise as, and their prices are too. A plus though is everything felt clean!

Overall, I think if prices reflected the value of what you got here I’d have liked it more. $15-30 a meal feels reasonable value for what we ate. Instead, we paid $104 after taxes and a 15% tip (that’s with no drinks, apps...

While I haven't eaten at Larrupin for a good eight years, I can't believe it's changed much, if at all--and 20 years ago, when I first started eating there, it was fabulous.

I can't remember all of the dishes I ordered over the years, but I can say unequivocally that the filet mignon is wonderful. I asked for it rare when I meant medium rare, and it came virtually raw, just seared. While waiting for my friendly waiter to return so I could ask them to cook it a little more, I sampled the beef--and it was gone three minutes later when the waiter came back. Even raw, the marinade they used made it so delicious that I just couldn't resist. We also had the bouillabaisse, which apparently they don't serve anymore, which is a shame as it was scrumptious. Of course, the phyllo chicken is always superb, sublime, a sensational blend of subtle flavors that makes one melt in near orgasmic ecstasy. All of the side dishes are excellent and the appetizer "board" that they serve to everyone is the perfect prelude to one of the best meals you will ever have.

This is one of those rare examples of a five-star restaurant living up to all the hype, and they would have to, considering the place is well north of Trinidad--a town of only about 300 people--and over 40 minutes north of Eureka, the only large (relatively) city in Humboldt County. Back when I lived in Trinidad, the restaurant was only open three nights a week and that was plenty to maintain a healthy profit margin, even though the prices are far from exorbitant. A couple can have a filling romantic dinner with all the bells and whistles for under $100. Considering the five-star atmosphere, the quality of the food and service, and the interesting works of original art adorning the entire upstairs dining room, this is...

We were redirected towards this part of the redwood forest after a blizzard shut down i-5. We had no idea that this establishment needed a reservation but Courtney the door staff/server was remarkably kind and was able to get us a seat upstairs for the evening. Lindsey our main server was kind, gracious, engaging and personable. Not once did we feel ushered into a corner or rushed through our dining experience due to our seating circumstances.

The atmosphere here is a cozy cottage meets contemporary art house with a single Chihuly chandelier gracing the central staircase. Turkish style rugs line the tables with glass tops assisting the warm tone, lowly lit space. Fresh Lilly flowers are placed throughout the space lending a delicate fragrance to your experience.

The food itself is the best in the woods. For those familiar with Elgacho in Seattle, there is a limited menu but it is fresh, locally sourced, and well prepared by the chef. You won't get a flaming sword with your filet mignon, but this establishment seems to best serve reliable, well known plates with a slight twist of refinement found in their appetiser board flavors, wine paring, and presentation.

If you're hesitant about the price to plating, I assure you, you'll receive a full plate of food with each course. Arguably there is a time/place for a single leaf lettuce with half a cherry tomato "salad" but this is not the place for that. You'll certainly be full before dessert. And yes, you can take the rest home for midnight munching.

Overall, if you find yourself driving the 101 I highly recommend a little pre planning to enjoy a meal at this establishment. (which I'm told also offers outdoor seating in warmer months if you're worried about Covid). We will certainly...