I was really excited to hear that Downey had a new sit down steak restaurant. Took mom and dad out for a late birthday dinner for dad. Upon looking at the menu online, it was pretty much on par to what you would expect prices to be at an upscale steak house. I was expecting something like Del Rae down the street in Pico Rivera or Steak and Stein in Whittier Blvd. First thing I noticed upon entering, was the display case full of desserts. Kind of like I walked in to Marie Callendar's. It was pretty empty when we first got seated so we were able to snag a booth in the back with a full view of the restaurant. It said online that on certain nights, the restaurant has live music. What was odd to me was that the bar was situated around the corner, far away from where the live music was supposed to be. So if you're just there for a couple drinks, you're not able to enjoy the performance unless you're seated in the dining area. There's a bar set up right when you come in they the front door but it's currently empty and not being utilized. So if you're waiting for a table, you would need to walk thru the entire restaurant to get to the bar in the back to grab a drink. As for the food, our server, although extremely nice and attentive, wasn't very knowledgeable about the menu. The steaks on the menu did not list how many ounces each cut was. We had a difficult time figuring out the menu because we all wanted to get different cuts without ordering too much and sharing the sides. Our server kept going to the BOH to ask questions. It would be extremely helpful if the size of the steaks is listed on the menu. My dad opted for the Ribeye and mom and I shared the Tomahawk with a caesar salad to share, garlic mash and mac and cheese. All were delicious. The kitchen was nice enough to cut a piece for mom and cook it to her medium well. Everything was delicious. Food was cooked to temp and my parents were impressed. As for drinks, I ordered a glass of house wine. It was listed on the menu as Josh merlot, the server assured me that it was in fact, a cab. When I took a sip, I noticed that it didn't taste like a cab but more like a pinot noir. I then ask the server if she was sure that she poured me the house wine. She then admits that they ran out of the house red and that she "upgraded me". I decided not to comment on it further but certain guests may potentially make a big deal of it. Then comes to the desert part. Our server was nice enough to let us know that the selection in the window wasn't fresh and she wouldn't recommend it besides the creme brûlée. I was surprised that they didn't offer a free dessert for bdays. Those little things count. I feel like I need to mention that I have worked in the restaurant industry for about 20 years in various positions from server to bartender to management. All of these opinions are my own and observations that I hope will help. This restaurant has great potential with a couple things that just need to be tweaked. When you're paying $40 and up for a steak there's a level of service and quality that is expected. read more

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Brought my family for a thanksgiving dinner but unfortunately the meal as a whole was a miss. Everything was extremely salty. From the lobster bisque to the steak and the scallops. Not sure why everything came out so salty. We have eaten here in the past and the food was really good but this time it was very disappointing. read more

Buena Mesa - Scallops - Bars Near Me - Downey, California

It started ok with the waiter and service but when it started to get busy and I stepped away from my table let waiter know I was stepping away to dance. The owner snap away my table where I had my coat n drink I had reserved to sat another party at my table so inconsiderate took my drink away and my jacket was there hanging on my chair it's all about making there money prices were high nothing under $15 for a small dish . Greed over doing the right thing. So disappointed read more

We celebrated my father birthday at Verdugos and it was a great experience. The staff is attentive, courteous, and professional. Music selection is perfect and creates a relaxing upscale ambience. The medium-rare porterhouse was cooked to perfection, with a beautiful sear and tender, flavorful meat. The filet mignon was just as tasty. It was juicy and cooked to perfection. The kids cheeseburger was the right portion for my 4 yr old. The dessert menu was lacking as they only had cheesecake available. Their desserts selection needs to be improved but overall, a great place for quality steaks and hearty meals for the whole family! read more

I have had the pleasure of dining here probably half a dozen times. The thing that keeps bringing me back here is the Japanese A5 Wagyu!!! The pros at Verdugos: 1) This fine dining establishment is open during lunch. Always a positive as I hardly do dinners. 2) They have Japanese A5 Wagyu available during lunch! 3) King Crab legs are soo meaty! 4) Service is impeccable. Blanca, Sandra helped me the first few times. Bryant took care of our group the past 3 times. Love the attention to detail front and kitchen staff put towards a great customer experience! 5) Espresso Martini's are delicious! We probably have 3 too many every time during our visit. 6) Desserts are delicious. Tiramisu is my favorite. 7) Appetizers are portioned adequately. Brussels Sprouts is very good and the best of the pick. 8) One of the employees that works Thursday's and the weekends (Samantha?) has an amazing voice. As soon as she is caught up on her tables, she busts out a romantic song for everyone to enjoy. Unique to this restaurant. Cons: -I did not like the taste of the Oyster Rockefeller. Other than this, every single menu item was fantastic! Great food, Japanese A5 Wagyu, and live entertainment! This restaurant has my 5 star vote. read more

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Tonight we tried Verdugos for the first time since opening about five months ago. A friend had posted a review that made us decide to try it. I and the other guests that accompanied me truly enjoyed it. I highly recommend the beet salad and the chicken piccata, which is what I ordered. My husband ordered the ribeye steak -very tender and flavorful. For dessert we had the crème brûlée and the chocolate cake. Both were good but the chocolate cake was really good- very light and refreshing. What we truly enjoyed was impeccable service from our two waiters. The one name that I do remember was Mauricio who was our main waiter and very attentive. Do yourself a favor and give it a try. read more

Buena Mesa - Merlot - Bars Near Me - Downey, California

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The service was great. We went on a Wednesday night, there were only two other tables that night so it felt as if we had the whole place to ourselves. We only saw one employee the whole night but he was amazing, very attentive. The dining room was clean and looked very nice the way the wine bottles were on the wall, it is fancier than I expected. I went directly after work so I had a uniform on but when I called they said there was no dress code. We went during the Dodgers World Series and the game was playing for us to watch during dinner. The steak was amazing. I got the Filet Mignon and my companion got the Ribeye. Both were cooked medium well and seasoned perfectly. The Brussel sprouts and asparagus were my favorite sides. I tried the whole corn since the server said it's not very popular. It was okay, it was similar to Mac n cheese as it had bread crumbs on top and was baked but it wasn't cheesy, it felt as if it was corn in a roux. It was a bit plain but I like corn so it didn't bother me. The only critique I could give was that I ordered Mac n cheese and never got it but it was taken off the bill towards the end so no problem. Overall I would 100% go back there as the steak, drinks and sides were great. I think the pricing is good if you don't go overboard like we did trying all the sides and getting 4 drinks! read more

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The steak was pretty salty / over seasoned. Seems like they used the reverse sear method and my medium rare ended up rare. Sides are shareable. The service was good and the ambiance was nice. I do suggest losing the purple light bug traps and led strip lights. Other than that love the traditional look. read more

Beautiful restaurant with great bar area. Food is really well done - presentation on the plates is beautiful & everything is exceptionally fresh. Food came out within 15 minutes of ordering & Brian was very attentive & helpful with our menu selection. read more

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If you're thinking of coming to Downey for a fine dining steakhouse experience, you're not going to find it here. The waitress Samantha was sweet as can be and she sang a song on the mic, but im like cant you guys hire a singer so that our waitress can focus or have her sing all night instead (she has the voice for it)? The food was good, but the service is lacking big time. The biggest issue comes in two parts. The kitchen was behind per our waitress, our food order took forever, and when you ask for a medium rare steak and it comes well done it all becomes a big no no no. We sent it back and now the sides were cold upon return because they didn't offer to take em back with the overcooked steak. Second they have market price items on the menu, but when we try to order them , we're told they're not available . They should mention that as they bring the menu out because if you have your eye set on a MP item , it can be disappointing on a date night not to be able to have it. The ambiance is weird you can see the look they're going for but there's a million tvs and exposed outlets with wires all over the walls and a desert fridge up front, am I at the Cheesecake Factory or a nicer sports bar turned steakhouse? The plates and presentation at least for us was straight out of dennys. Lastly table behind us asked 2-3 times to sing happy bday to their party, that song never came and they left. I dunno. For the price you're better served at del Rae's for instance. If the food wasn't as tasty as it was this review would be 2 stars worthy read more

everything was amazing. i loved the food the dranks. steaks are tender and tasty. the are the best.

Welcome to downey Verdugo!! I came to celebrate my birthday... I personally think the place is great! The steak I ordered was juicy and at the right temperature (medium rare) I love that they left more pink on the meat. My daughter had the fry chicken and that was juicy. The truffle fries were crispy. You have soft jazz playing in the background. I thought the structure and decor was perfect for a steak house. Love the wooden roof service was great; from the servers to the owner who stopped by to greet us. At least for me it was worth checking out read more

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Previous review are from when it was a steak house!! Now that it has a new name and new food (sea food) it's definitely not the same!! We went to try it and we were very disappointed with the service and the food:((.. to start, they messed up our order twice!! Yes in the same night!! Shrimp cocktail tasted like pure Clamato juice no lemon no salt it was BAD!! Ceviche was nothing but onion and tomato! It was BAD!! Music was super loud!!! like I said nothing like before when it was all steak house!! Sorry but that's my honest opinion!! Will not be going back!! read more

Overpriced in my opinion. We had steak, but it seems more like a seafood place. Food was ok. Service was barely ok. I wouldn't put this place on a must go list. read more

I wouldn't expect this place is around for much longer. Only 1 person working the whole floor/bar and while she was very nice and friendly, the food was subpar for the price. Drinks didn't taste good either, but what could be expected when there is no bartender. I felt like I was eating in a ghost town. read more

Just give it a chance everything is amazing, a lot of passion for what they do and the food my Gatos is unique!! The service is excellent and getting better and better and the last but not the less the ambiance is so relaxing and amazin! read more

Buena Mesa - Rib eyes steaks corn cream ,mash potatoes and sparagus!! - Bars Near Me - Downey, California

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Went to Verdugos on 4/6/25 around 2:30pm just for cocktails. Went in and there was only 1 table being serviced so me and my wife decided to go to the bar area. The drinks were good order 3 drinks total no food 1 vodka soda, 1 mezcal cocktail and 1 old fashion total was $56! When it came to the bill the waitress charged me twice! Once $45 and the other $16! She decided to apologize for the long wait the machine was not working and I told her why did she charge me twice she lied to me. I am so angry and know I will never be a customer here ever again. On top of that the inside of the restaurant was 80 degrees based on what the thermostat indicated so it shows that there's little care from the employees and management. read more

I hosted a small party here for my team, and unfortunately regret it. Service was poor- servers constantly looked to be directed and had me handing out food. We didn't get the dinner package we paid for - no salads, appetizers or desert. The main course was late and, again, I was asked by staff to handout plates. I spoke to the owner about this- he promised a refund for the food not served, insists he will mail a check but it's been over a month. I've dealt with such unprofessionalism, and won't be returning here. read more

The staff was very friendly and welcoming. We ordered the Ribeye and a couple of sides and apps. Steak was underdone and tough to cut. Shrimp from the appetizer was overcooked. read more

The food was good ! I had a steak , it was very juicy! But the restaurant seems to lack clientele! It was 5:30 pm and we were the only ones there on a weekend . There was no music playing, only tvs on the walls with no sound . I had a cocktail and it was delicious. The food was great, just a better vibe needs to be set for the restaurant ! read more

Buena Mesa - Paloma - Bars Near Me - Downey, California

Food is amazing!! And service was incredible. I don't understand why it's so empty. Maybe location? read more

Buena Mesa - Filet mignon, Mac n cheese, asparagus, mashed potatoes. All was amazing! - Bars Near Me - Downey, California

If you're looking for a good steak dinner and want to stay in Downey, Verdugo's is a great choice. The fare is very much on par with the big name steak houses and at a slightly lower price point. Verdugo's sits in an unassuming location next to the Rives Square strip mall, so you won't be sitting in old school steak house luxury. However, make your way in, and you'll be treated to excellent food and great service. My meal was the filet cooked medium, and a shared portion of the lobster mac and cheese. We started with nice, fresh French bread with an interesting chimichurri sauce that really worked well. The lobster mac was right on point and pleasantly stayed on the "cheese" side of the equation without letting the lobster overpower the dish. The main attraction-- the filet-- was done just right. Good cut of beef, excellent char, cooked right to medium and seasoned right on the nose. The bleu cheese sauce went perfectly with the steak, and every mouthful hit the spot perfectly. Overall, it was an excellent meal, and I'll assuredly be back to try some of the other items that looked intriguing, like the grilled octopus. As a former denizen of the BG/Downey area (go Lancers!), I highly recommend Verdugo's. Do yourself a favor and give them a try! read more

Buena Mesa - Verdugo's filet, lobster mac and cheese, and a Purple Rain - Bars Near Me - Downey, California

My wife and I went to Verdugos tonight. She ordered the Ribeye and I ordered the Filet. Both steaks were cooked to perfection. We ordered the brussels sprouts and mashed potatoes. We loved the Brussels sprouts. Our waiter, Memo was excellent. We will be coming back. read more

Great restaurant! We really enjoyed the experience! My family found this place on yelp to go celebrate my birthday (party of 7) we always like to try something different for celebrating special occasions. Service was top nudge, Mauricio, our server did an excellent job he took such a good care of us. LOVED MY PALOMA !! The food, delicious! Our steaks were cooked to perfection (I'm super picky) all our sides were all so good, my oysters and Tuna tower really hit the spot. The ambiance feels so cozy but elegant, the music was moderate and dimmed lights (enjoyable) the only thing is towards the end they left the door open and I started getting really cold because our table was right in front of it and I was wearing a short dress. 100% recommended. We will definitely be back soon. read more

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My family loves to come here. The truffle fries are insaneeeeee !!! LOVE THEM !! It's a cute little hidden gem in the city of Downey! It's giving Downey Mastros, which is a compliment. I got the ribeye which in my opinion was a tad bit more fat than actual meat, but I will definitely be back and give them a second chance. I would recommend coming here, they have great service too, all the waiters are nice and on top of it. read more

Sunday night dinner: Medium-Rare ribeye, garlic mashed potatoes, and shrimp fettuccine. Delicious! read more

Buena Mesa - Bars Near Me - Downey, California

Decided to stop by after reading so many great reviews for a local business in Downey and we were not disappointed. The food was delicious, cooked to perfection and the portions are more than enough. The lobster bisque had a corn chowders tase with HUGE chunks of lobster and was amazing! Our fish and steak were cooked so perfectly that it melted in your mouth. 10/10 recommend if you are looking for a regular place for a date night. read more

We stopped by on a random date night because some of our usual go to places were closed, and I'm so glad we did! The restaurant itself is clean, the vibe was great with the black and white films playing in the background. We asked our server for drink recommendations and the craft cocktails did not disappoint! We tried the lobster bisque (probably one of the best we've ever had) very generous with the lobster portions. It's far too often when a steakhouse can't cook a steak right, but not here, it cooked to perfection! We also had the lobster, yuuummmm! The shrimp cocktail was good and the wedge salad was great, we even considered ordering another lol. I love that they have so many salad options. They also serve bread with this little sauce that's insanely good! The staff was great, very prompt and knowledgeable with their dishes. If you haven't tried this place, you should, you won't be disappointed! read more

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We have this place another shot. This time we decided to finally try their steak. Omg, wow, their steak is so delicious. We enjoyed the steak more than the other local steak spots. Their seasoning is delicious and it was cooked just how we asked, medium. We also got their Mac and cheese and garlic mash and they were both yummy and a good amount to share between the four of us. The seafood we ate, shrimp and oysters, were fishy and gross. This place needs to up their seafood game. Come for their steaks and sides. read more

100% recommend giving Verdugos a try! -Food: My husband and I ordered steak, specifically the Prime WAGYU A5 Japanese and the Filet Mignon. We've tried some fine steakhouses / Restaurants and these steaks were by far the best we've ever had. -Prices range from $35-$250 in the steak category which I appreciate as it makes it available for just about anyone's financial availability. -Service: We were helped out by Mauricio who by the way gave extraordinary service. He was graceful throughout our entire experience. Overall it looks as though the entire staff at the restaurant work together and help each other out because the vibes were very nice amongst each other. -Ambiance: The ambiance was very romantic yet sophisticated at the same time. The lights were dim, Frank Sinatra and Edith Piaf were playing in the background and vintage black and white clips were playing on the TV's. Overall experience was 10/10 and we will definitely be coming back read more

Buena Mesa - Tiramisu - Bars Near Me - Downey, California

Verdugos food is amazing! The place never disappoints. If you are in the mood for a great steak I highly recommend this place! The owner Ralph is typically there to make sure everything from food, service and ambiance is perfect. Samantha, our waitress was making sure he had everything we needed to enjoy a relaxing and tasty dinner. Drinks were also perfect! Paloma and Downey Girl are a most try! A++++++++++++ read more

Buena Mesa - Bars Near Me - Downey, California

I'm going to to be extremely honest, the owner was nice, the servers were nice but the service was really, really slow. I waited at the door to check in for about 15 mins. Then about 30 to 35 mins to get our food after we were seated. The ambiance was nice, the Frank Sinatra music was beautiful. read more

Really really nice place, i would highly recommend this restaurant if you want to enjoy a good good meal, everything we order was really good but let me high light their wagyu steak, i'll be honest i never had a wagyu steak before and its something AMAZING!!! I couldn't believe how tender, juicy and the flavor of it, no no no, nothing compares to the wagyu steak, compare to any other meat it is expensive but is worth every penny. Perfect to treat yourself or that really special person in your life. I Almost forgot, the service is really good every single person in their staff was really attentive and kind, even the owner came to our table to check how was everything and if we need anything. read more

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Excellent service, excellent food. Nice and clean restaurant; no like the grimy Buena Mesa. Hope it stays open, was really lonely for a Saturday night. Please come out and support this business; I would hate to see it close. read more

Samantha was amazing from start to finish. Valentine's Day can be overwhelming for any server but she handled it like a champ. This is a new favorite restaurant for my fiance and I and we hope to get Samantha again. read more

Food is out of this world. Had the lamb chops with potatoes. Probably the best lamb chops I've had in a while. Shared some ribeye which was also phenomenal. Service was spectacular. Great ambiance with an amazing selection of music to listen to. Beautiful restaurant. Definitely coming back with the entire family. read more

The food was perfectly cooked and the drinks were perfectly made. The bartender was not here tonight and our server made my husband's Old Fashioned and it was amazing. Our overall experience was amazing! My husband steak was perfectly cooked, as well as my lamb chops.. The background music was not overpowering the conversation. We will definitely be returning to this wonderful establishment that we discovered and we highly recommended it. the food was perfectly cooked, Five Star quality and experience, on a three star budget! read more

Excellent service. Food was delicious. They have a huge menu with a lot of seafood. Refreshing drinks. Would definitely come back!

We made last minute reservations at Verdugos for my husband's birthday and it was the best. There's a shrimp appetizer on the menu that's so good, we ordered another one. The tomahawk steak was perfection as well as the sides. Seriously a great place to enjoy a nice dinner and in your own city. The staff was friendly and Ralf Verdugo the owner also stopped by our table for small talk and to check on us, but at the end had as laughing. Thank you Mr. Verdugo. It was a great birthday dinner and we will definitely be back. read more

Ok so this place is overwhelming as I feel it's a bit all over the place. I think they are trying to figure out what they want to be a bar and grill? A steakhouse? Whatever the case I wish them well. Food: the steak and sides were good. I had and I'm sure others here had better but nonetheless I cannot complain. The lobster bisque was amazing along with the Brussels sprouts! Mac n cheese I would pass, it was a little too oily and not enough cheese. Service: The service is there but odd....if you are going to have one of your waitress be entertainment keep her as that the whole night. She was our waitress for the night and I needed something but she was in mid song so I needed to wait for her to complete her set to be helped. Beautiful voice however, I do feel that is spreading your workers thin but that's just my take. They are a bit over priced for what it was and the bathrooms do need some work as well. read more