Barney Prine's Steakhouse & Saloon — Restaurant in Prineville

Alright, when I begrudgingly moved to Prineville, I was told that I had to eat at Dillon's. It was supposed to be the best mid level restaurant in town. I was also told that for upscale food, Club Pioneer was top-notch. Well, I have been to restaurants in most every state, and I have eaten at everything from a corner dive to Michelin Star establishments. I have also written a LOT of reviews that get millions of views. I have been to both of those places two or more times (you can read my reviews), and they don't even come close to Barney Prine's. Dillon's was atrocious every time I went. Both the food and the service were awful. Club Pioneer was overpriced, had stingy portions, and the food was bland and unremarkable. No one I know had ever mentioned Barney Prine. I drove by several days ago and was determined to try it. I elected to try take out first, which, in my opinion, is the most difficult to get right.

To begin with, all of the servers were friendly and attentive. My main server primarily worked in the bar area. She was absolutely amazing. They all made the experience a joy. My order was very specific, and time was taken to ensure all details were noted. There were NO mistakes in preparation. The food was cooked to perfection, and it had amazing flavor. The portions were large, and the dishes were unique and packed with unami flavor. The ribeye was every bit as good as steaks. I have paid 10 times as much for Michelin Star restaurants. There is none better in Prineville. The mussels and clams had a flavorful, briney broth. (Some may say too salty, but I believe in the "salt of the sea" approach). I literally drank it. The pics don't do justice as it was take out. The stuffed mushrooms got knocked around, but that was not their fault. The fried oysters were also great. Not only will I be back, but I will tell anyone who will listen to come here. If you haven't tried this place, especially lately, you need to. People can rave about what Dillon's and Club Pioneer once were, but this place, while not new, is a bright shining star. I read thru the negative reviews given here. Most are outdated. Some don't even have anything to do with the food or service.

My second visit here was every bit as amazing as the first. I had different wait staff, but ALL were friendly and attentive. The food was again cooked to perfection. The Mussels and Clams appetizers is to die for. The ribeye was perfectly seared and cooked exactly as ordered. It literally melted in my mouth.

Every time I eat here, the food is an unami delight, and the service staff are amazing. You will not be disappointed! My only wish is that I could eat here more often.

Eating there is even better than take out. The waitresses are amazing and the food is delicious.

Another amazing experience. The waitresses are the best. But, the food...

As hyped up as this place was and as excited as I was for prime rib I walked away thinking “meh. That was okay I guess”. The service was mediocre and quiet for a nearly empty dinning hall. The waitress for the table behind us was obnoxiously loud with her customers and her coworkers. I don’t need to know you’re running someone’s card as you talk to a coworker standing at the kitchen entrance from your spot at the bar doors. Crimmany! The light in the bathroom hall didn’t work so it’s dark as hell back there and to have single hole gendered bathrooms in 2022 is weird. Just take the plaques off guys. I had to wait 20 minutes for the “womens”when the “mens” sat empty. Dumb.

As for the food…. The bread rolls in the beginning were over proofed and underbaked. Anemic is a good word for them. The 16oz cowboy cut shouldn’t be the same size as the 10 oz special on the prime rib. The cooks definitely need to learn what medium rare looks like on meat cause his meal was just as bloody as my blue rare request. It did however have good seasoning and crust on it. The potatoes (both loaded baked and garlic diced) were dry as all get out and felt like they had been sitting out for A WHILE. And 5…count them FIVE…measly sprigs of (mind you not in season) “seasonal” asparagus doesn’t consist of a side of veg. Salad was good and crisp though!

Cocktail menu, bread rolls, service, and portioning can all use some help and updating. $100+ dinners for two should be special and this was lacking. Walking away hungry isn’t a good thing for...

Went here for a family birthday. We were told it was the nicest place in Prineville. That probably made it more of a let down. We asked for the larger family table and we're told no, in case a larger group came in. No other group came in. And we were seated in front of the door... every one in the place had their jackets on. Including me😞 I froze the whole time. I would prefer to be warm enough to take it off while I eat a meal. Service was really slow, and not what I consider top of the line, especially for a half empty restaurant. We went on a Wednesday at about 6:30. Food was ok. I was a little surprised the stuffed mushrooms were like mushroom nachos with cheddar cheese, couldn't even find the mushrooms under the pile of Mexican grated cheese. .. not really gourmet, all I tasted was the cheese. The presentation was also odd, the potato could be taken out of the foil, garnished a bit.

So for the price tag of 240 bucks to feed a family of 4... I don't know if I would go again. I don't mind spending 240 but I want the service and the environment to match the bill.

Also, even a Shirley temple for the birthday boy would have been nice. Maybe a scoop of ice cream? Top notch service and experience is what...