Hindquarter Bar & Grille — Restaurant in Santa Cruz

I had an updated review from May 2019. I do not know where it went.

I took my grandmother in for her birthday in May. She was turning 90? She was a testy old lady who I loved very much but was at times hostile, mean. Well, I had no idea what was coming.

We were seated by a gentleman who was to be our waiter. He was soooo patient. Halfway through the evening I had to pull him aside and let him know "I am sorry my grandma is being so abusive, I do not understand her motives, I am so sorry!" He replied that it was "OK" and I said "No, it is not ok!" and he assured me he was ok and could handle it.

I am glad I did this because she then proceeded to call him an idiot again and asked if he was always this stupid. She chewed him up and spit him out. I sunk my head into my hands. I had not prepared for this emotionally. He took the entire event with stride like he went to a seasoned grouchy old lady bootcamp.

As mortified as I was, I gave him well over 100 dollar tip and said I am really sorry for my grans attitude. She passed away in 2021. I later earned the hardships of her youth and how it shaped her world. I have a lot more compassion for older folks now after seeing this waiter roll with it so well.

I learned the QTIP method. Quit Taking It Personal. This waiter definitely showed the kind of patience and grace we should all be so lucky to have and show. He could have kicked us out and would have been well within his rights to do so. So, thank you HQB&G for being the last place I would take my grandmother out to eat and making it less dramatic. She might have been a mean old lady but she was also the sweetest lady in the world underneath. RIP...

Please be advised: things may have changed dramatically. Contact HQ to ask about their steak selection; today's look at the menu reveals very few actual steak options. No Ribeye, t-bone, fillet, skirt steak, or New York on the on-line menu. I'm going to find out before I make any more recommendations

That said, I recently recommended HQ to someone at the beach, and dude made a point of coming to find me and give me three extra frosty buds. (I won't take presents for a review, but I will take a gratuity for a good lead--part of my job as a local street musician 😉 Below is my original review "Face-first fall into beef. Sometimes steak can feel like an after-thought in a seafood environment, a concession to the fact that tourists with money will do a bit of big spending as long as they have one of "everything" on the menu. But, if you're looking for a place to take in juicy slabs of dead cow, from generous beef ribs, to the delicate fillet, to the, "Betcha can't finish this" special, HQ is the place for you. They do a fine job with fish too, outdoor seating (got kids?), a full bar, and crazy deserts (tho I dare you to eat one of their dinners AND top it off with anything more.) Maybe just order some extra spoons? 🤠 Tell them "Lucky" sent you for a free pine float with your order. Don't have to thank me, your food-buzzed stagger is...

After not visiting for many years (over 15), I had a craving for food that I had once enjoyed at the HQ. We arrived just as they were opening for dinner, and got seated pretty quickly. We ordered the smoked pork chops and Jack's pepper steak! HQ...does not disappoint! The food was served quickly, and perfectly done in every respect. These dishes have been on the HQ menu for years, and for very good reason: You can't find better examples anywhere. The smoked pork chops are absolutely the best I've ever had anywhere (and I've tried lots). Incredibly flavorful, tender, and served with a slightly tart dark apple sauce (served on the side), they simply melt in your mouth! And Jack's pepper steak...steak marinated in Jack Daniels, covered in peppercorns and a special sauce (I usually don't like sauces on a steak, but this is THE exception)...yummy. Perfecto! We had garlic mashed potatoes, a baked potato, and the Jack's came with a crazy-good shaved Brussel sprout and white onion side (not usually a Brussel sprout fan, but this was delish). Dessert was a three berry cobbler with ice cream...wow! Service was great (Thanks, Angelo)! A sumptuous dinner for two (no drinks...this time) under $70... This...