Trabuco Oaks Steakhouse — Restaurant in Rancho Santa Margarita

I ate all of my food not because I was hungry I was. Only halfway finished it is because I could not stop eating it. I ate me and my sister salad all of my mashed potatoes my western beans a 16 oz steak I don't remember what I ordered except for a 16oz and it was so tender I couldn't believe it. I hate my steak from one end to the other end and the first and last by are the best because it's the crispy part. A zygote with the end post the last crispy bite I skipped two regular bites 82 Crissy Park and then I finished with the other ones because I couldn't wait any longer. So good. It was my birthday so course they brought a hot fudge sundae it was not normal hot fudge sundae the hot fudge how to texture almost marshmallow like with creaminess and smoothness of putting, the richness of a brownie. What it was but it was the best Sunday ever that, and it happened on a Friday night. My brother ordered a gizmo. I asked him what it was he said he did not know he described it it also sounded good are they going to get the gizmo next time. Our waitress was absolutely Beyond fabulous could not ask for a better service went Above and Beyond in every area. Everything from start to finish we are awesome and made it one of the best birthdays I ever had. From the time I walked in the door there's a big brass bell and I rang that little thing pretty hard, a lot louder than I expected it actually rang in my ears and the Hostess letter back to me gave a little jump but she did not look too happy but the other Hostess we saw coming he was smiling that made me smile play my brother my sister smile what more can you ask for. I recommend asking for the zucchini and mushrooms how's our appetizer also fabulous. If you got a girlfriend you want to press and she's a meat and potatoes to a girl well skip potatoes go straight to the meat this is the place you want to be. My meal feel so good I've had one like that in a long time I want to do it once a month because I enjoyed it so much my hat is off to you who cooked my steak and who his the arms that are strong enough to mix the mash potatos that thick. I don't want to arm-wrestle with you but I'll eat your potatoes. And here's the kicker about the whole experience you will never eat in a place like this again because........ yeah sorry that was Indescribable but it's not out back ring of those regular steak places I don't feel comfortable calling us take place after this meal they are just places to get a bite to eat. Trabuco Oaks Steakhouse. Yes it is a steakhouse. Or a house of steaks what are you prefer. I forgot my A1 steak sauce all the way to the second of the last bite of my steak and her brother pointed it out to me I put a little bit on a piece I didn't do that again. By the way it's a nice place where tie you don't want to look like a slob going in but you can still be...

Please keep in mind that this review is for this dish only. I can not fairly make a review for the entire menu based on this one dish. Let's start with the salad. Nothing really to talk about. Standard bag filler salad with a few leaves of spinach tossed in.

Next the mashed potatoes. When I read creamy in the description I was picturing dehydrated powdered mashed potatoes. I was pleasantly surprised when it was "real" mashed potatoes. The kind that has small chunks of potatoes in it. The only drawback for my order of mashed potatoes is that it came to me a bit cooler than I like. I wish it was much warmer.

Next the beans. I was expecting a baked bean style of beans but it was pinto beans in a lightly spicy sauce. It was ok but not my style of beans for this dish. Others may find it fantastic.

Now for the beef ribs. To preface my comment, It must be said that I eat out every day and I've had my share of bbq restaurants both small mom and pop places to the big restaurant chain places. The rack is five beaf ribs. These ribs have plenty of meat on them. I've been to places that have very little meat on them. I got full just eating two. They were not fall of the bone tender but they weren't dry and tough either. Id3say they were right of center. Towards the tender side but not quite there. Overall not to bad since I'm taking the leftovers home.

For dessert I ate the cookies and cream. It wasn't a BJ's pazookie but very good in it's right. A decent size chocolate chip cookie with a decent amount of hand scooped icecream.

The total came out to $48.50. The ribs came with beans. I ordered the salad, the mashed potatoes and the dessert separately.

The menu is a bit pricey for the type of restaurant it is. I just chalk it up to the location, the ambience and the history of the restaurant.

The service was excellent. From the valet, to the greeters to the server, it was very pleasant.

Make sure to call ahead for reservations as they have a very small parking lot. I was lucky to get a table since it was just me.

Well, that's it in a long nutshell. I've attached pictures of the meal and the menu.

Hope this helped.

Will I come back again?....... Yes. There are more things on the menu to...

Trabuco Oaks, established in the 1960's is a landmark in the hills of Trabuco Canyon. Located just down the street from the infamous O'Neill Regional Park, is this little woodsy intimate steakhouse. If you're coming by way of Santiago Canyon Rd (El Toro Rd), watch for the other well know landmark; Cook's Corner (a legend itself), make a turn and head up Live Oak Canyon Rd. Enjoy the romantic ride through the woods and tree tunnel, as it's all part of the adventure of Trabuco Oaks.

Soon after parking in the lot next to the restaurant, you will notice the delightful aroma of smoked wood, and your taste buds will become invigorated, preparing the meal you are about to order.

The interior of the restaurant has a simple shabby, old fashioned feel. Antiques, old pictures, and an inviting chalkboard give the entrance a warm cozy ambiance.

Once greeted by the friendly staff, you are directed to your table. Sure the table is plain with simple banquet steel chairs, but the big tree growing through the roof, distracts from this and makes the place feel magical. Trabuco is proud of their non-formal dress code. Do not wear a tie or it could end up being one of many decorating the ceiling and walls. There is a whole history of celebratory ties; e.g. birthday, anniversary, displayed everywhere.

Starting with onion rings, we found them to be deliciously crisp on the outside and very tasty when dipped in the sauce. It's easy to ruin a meal filling up on this delicious appetizer.

Trabuco serves up all kinds of BBQ'd meats; steaks, chicken, pork and lamb, all grilled up to perfection on their bbq pit. Meals are served with a salad and side. The "go to meal" is the prime rib special available on Tuesday through Thursday. The 10 oz squire is a good sized cut, but if you really like prime rib, a 16 oz king cut is available. With appetizers, a drink and this meal, be prepared to take some home!

Trabuco Oaks is a destination, an enchanting out of the way place to dine that you don't find often. ...