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    Jocko's Steak House

    3.8 (3k reviews)
    PriceySteakhouses, Bars
    Closed • 4:00 pm - 9:00 PM
    Updated over 3 months ago

    Order Jocko's Steak House Takeout or Delivery

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    JOCKO'S STEAK HOUSE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Good for kids
    Good for groups

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    Recommended Reviews - Jocko's Steak House

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    Ribeye at the top and pork chops in the bottom plate.
    Hector R.

    Food was excellent! From the salad to the fried mushrooms. Our server was always checking in on us. Great environment overall. This place is on our list for a comeback.

    Where the magic happens!
    Francisco D.

    This seems like the steak house the locals would hit up, so we thought to give it a try. Reservations? We got one just in case, but didn't seem like you needed one if you visited on a weekday. We ordered the spencer steak, which is a fattier ribeye. It came with 8, 16 and 20oz. We went bang-for-buck and got the 20oz. It came with all sorts of stuff. The steak came with a side item, salad, beans, garlic bread and ice cream! Wow, that's a lot. All the tables came with salsa. Its nothing special, and legit tasted like the jarred salsa from a local groceries store. Pretty bad but pairing it with steak made sense. Idk how, it just did. The steak flavoring was fine, the burnt taste was great. A bit on the saltier side, but didn't bother me. The baked potato was great, esp to ease the salty steak. We definitely looked forward to finishing out with ice cream, which we learned was just Thrifty ice cream. No matter, tasted great! The ambiance of this place was definitely not fancy steakhouse. Think of old-school steakhouse. Lots of worn-out charm, but an amazing oak grill that does all the work in the back. Yah, worth checking out.

    8 Oz NY steak
    Ray N.

    "Do you have a reservation?" That's the first thing the hostess asked as we came on a Saturday when they opened at 1 pm. Of course we didn't but it seems that if you want to sit in the back table area, you have to have a reservation. Since we didn't, she asked if we wanted to seat at the bar where it's first come, first serve. Since we were just the second couple who entered when they opened, we had no choice but to sit at the "no reservation" area. That area right in front of the entrance is super dark, no lighting and the only true light is when the door opens. Make sure you bring your phone with you since I saw several peeps who came after us and had to seat at the bar area have to use their phones flashlight to see the menu! Lol Service- our waitress Aniessa was nice, friendly and patient. For the most part, the staff was pretty good. 5 stars So salsa and pickles are complimentary before your order if you wanted to have the salsa with the packaged breadsticks on the table. My wife actually enjoyed them but for sure she was hungry before we came. I ordered the 8 oz Spencer ribeye - medium with bake potato and salad with bleu cheese . 4 stars- why? My ribeye was over cooked and had little pink. Outer portion of the steak was cooked too much and the center did have some pink. My wife had the 8 oz New York steak Medium also, but hers was under cooked and more a medium rare because of the thick cut. But yah, other than both steaks not properly cooked. The meal overall was good. Price is on the high end compared to other steak places but to me that's fine since it was a complete meal and not one where you have to order the sides separately. Would I go again? For sure and would recommend others to try. Waitress says there is no advertising done and it's all word of mouth.

    Chocolate Malted Crunch Ice Cream
    Ian A.

    I had a lovely experience at Jocko's Steak House (Nipomo). I ordered the Spencer (20oz Ribeye - $61.95). This meal includes the thick, buttery Ribeye, Baked Potato, Salad, Garlic Bread, Ice Cream, and even more sides! It's a FEAST of food. That thick, plump Ribeye Steak dribbled with its own juices. I arrived at Jocko's Steak House (Nipomo) on Tuesday (around 4:20PM). Parking is cramped and crowded; however, I quickly found nearby street parking. Staff (introduced as Darlene) is a delight. Darlene is very knowledgeable; Darlene is very hardworking; and Darlene charmed the table. However, with all Staff, it's a little difficult to wave anyone down because this business is very popular and filled with customers. The main entrees arrived in 28 minutes. As mentioned, I ordered the Spencer (20oz Ribeye - $61.95). It's a juicy, buttery steak. It's very HEAVY. Each bite had a chew, but it broke apart effortlessly. Surprisingly, the Baked Potato was a show stopper. That Baked Potato is very fluffy and soft; its texture resembled mashed potatoes. It's also STUFFED with fresh sour cream and butter. I also enjoyed the fresh garlic bread, clean baked beans, and chill ice cream. I selected the meal's complimentary Chocolate Malted Ice Cream, and I savored its soft sweetness. Regarding ambiance, Jocko's Steak House (Nipomo) is very rustic-looking. The floors look very worn down, but the tables are very clean. The music is very soft, and the main sound derives from loud customers; the location is a little echoey, so the chatter is amplified. Overall, I had a lovely experience at Jocko's Steak House (Nipomo). The food is delicious; the portions are generous; and the Staff is a delight. If searching for a buttery, juicy steak, I recommend. 4.9 out of 5

    Sorry Lobster last log.
    Robert H.

    Jocko's always hits the spot for great food, great service and that home cooked restaurant feeling. The restaurant is always clean even though they're busy.

    Comes with the meal: salsa, pickles
    Jamie D.

    I read about Jocko's in an Eater article as one of the places you must try on a road trip along California. I'm always a bit of a skeptical but an optimistic one so okay, why not give this spot a try. We came here for a super early dinner, basically right after the restaurant opened at 4 pm. We wanted to avoid the dinner rush and having to wait forever without a reservation. So we got seated very quickly. Now, the ambiance and decor is very bare bones and honestly, no frills. Nothing fancy and not a fancy, romantic date night spot but a great pragmatic date night spot or solo date spot. Our server Christian was wonderful and very prompt and attentive. We ordered the 20 oz Ribeye and shared it among a heavy eater and a light eater. The meal comes with crunchy chilled pickles, a side and a salad and also, a basket of crackers (Ritz, saltines and breadsticks), a cup of salsa that's meant to be eaten with the steak but we started eating it as a dip with the crackers. Also came with their signature beans and also garlic bread. And also ice cream at the end. When the steak came...it has that perfect crust and sear from the Santa Maria style, where the steak is cooked over an open flame. There's just nothing like a flame grilled steak. We ordered it medium rare and upon the first bite, WOW!!! Super tender and juicy and tasted so fresh, also lightly seasoned already. Nipomo is kind of in the middle of nowhere but if you find yourself driving along the 1 Highway and going either south or north, plan and make a stop here. You won't be disappointed. And overall, great value for the money considering the price you pay for the steak comes with everything.

    Private Dining available without a wait or reservation in the breezeway.
    Renee D.

    After all these years, still my #1 The 20 oz Spencer Steak medium rare Is a great value for sharing a meal. The sides are great, but it's all about the steak! However, waiting in line in front of me was a lady with a huge empty pot. She was coming to buy their famous beans to go! Also, to give props to the sides, our lovely server Rachel brought us a fresh basket of garlic bread... perfect on its own, but it's true purpose is to sop up the juices from the steak. Try not to fill up on pickles, and the salsa that also comes to the table is a condiment for the steak. Not that it needs it, but I tried a few bites and it elevated the flavors! Who knew??? Baked Potato, solid and cooked perfectly too. All dressed up with butter sour cream and chives, it's a party! One of my favorite parts of the experience is going outside to watch the magic happen on the grated grill over an oak fire! The smell will waft you into bliss. I thanked them and said my favorite part are the little crispy bits of charred fat on the end of the steak. Love you Jocko's you are perfection every time!

    Geronimo T.

    Went here for dinner on Monday, right when it opened The aerospace community has been bragging about this place for years! How big the steaks are and how entrees are deliciously served with the platter. Had Open Table for reservations. Was greeted briefly. The host did not accommodate me on where to sit. There were 3 areas for seating. I just sat in the bar with no direction. Waited a good 15 minutes, nobody came by to greet me and take my order. Just felt stupid and out of place. So I spoke to the host I will just sit in the Other room. I sat down and waited patiently, still no one attended for a good 15 mins until I finally had it and asked if someone is going to take my order. A waitress by the name of Aniessa said Im sorry, did you happen to check with the front host. I clearly stated the the Host does not guide anywhere where to sit. I was a bit annoyed about the entire situation. I ordered the $50 steak along with broccoli. Received my order in 20 mins. Long wait time for a steak perfection. Honest opinion, steak was good but not great. Over cooked and charred on the outside. My broccoli was cold and pickles as some sort appetizers is absolutely overrated. Over all above average. This place needs to catch up with service and compete with other steakhouses. Times has change. With all the gossip and praise about this steak house. I find it just average. The service was my first impression. It was disappointing! No direction at all. This place hires a bunch of teenage girls that are not aware of customer service. They are loud with their gossiping. While seated. The topic of conversation was about boyfriends and social media. Imagine eating amd hearing the teenage chatter for an hour. Very unprofessional. My experience only by facts. You might have a better experience if you visit. Probably my one and done visit. I work in the Aerospace community and the praise and glory did not meet expectation. :( Props to my server for accommodated service

    Dina C.

    Such a great time, the staff is amazing, the locals make it truly unique. The beef rib and pork chop combo were tasty and filling. Definitely try this place!

    Crackers.

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    17 days ago

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    6 months ago

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    2 days ago

    Love jockos. Busy but they give you a ton of food! If you are looking for a monster steak. You've found the place :)

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    4 months ago

    One of my absolute favorites! I recall many past meals there with fondness! Can't wait for next time! Highly recommended!

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    2 months ago

    Classic. Always a favorite spot. Oak grilled Beef ribs and big pours of whiskey!! Love that it's NOT fancy.

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    Jocko's Steak House Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Jocko's Steak House

    Is there outdoor seating?

    No there isn't.

    Are the beef ribs tender and flavorful? Are 2 ribs enough, or should I order the full order of 4 ribs?

    I'm a big beef ribs fan and maybe I'm picky but there beef ribs are not tender. You have to naw on them pretty good. I also think they are hit and miss on meatiness. Their beef steaks are incredible, I live a couple hours away and drive there just… 

    Do they do anything extra for birthdays? Is it even worth mentioning? We've been going for a couple years to celebrate my and my wife's birthdays but haven't mentioned it to our server before.

    you can take your cake or whatever you want and they will light the candles and bring it to your table and sing happy birthday

    Is it the original owners?

    Yes, Jocko's is still operated by the original Knott's family, originally started by Emery Knotts who had 8 sons, one named Ralph "Jocko". Today, it is operated by son, Fred and Sandy's kids. The amazing quality standard remains.

    How busy are they for lunch during the weekend?

    Lunchtime is better. Dinner is too busy.

    Tell me masks aren't required...it is listed as an amenity?

    Last time I was there no mask were required, I ate at the bar where the tables were and we were all very close to each other

    Is the rest dog friendly?

    No you cannot bring your dog inside unless it is a service dog

    Do they do tri-tip? How are their pinquito beans?

    Best steaks on the planet! They have the most amazing steaks. Try the Spencer if you like ribeye or the sirloin. The pinquitos are great. I don't remember tritip but you won't miss it because the other options are so amazing. The steak sandwich is… 

    With the pandemic are you still taking reservations for eating there?

    Yes. They boom them online

    Why have the prices gone up and portions gone down after all these years? Specifically the beef ribs that use to be $21 for a full rack and are now $32 for four ribs...

    This is just basic economics. Costs of operating have gone dramatically up. Restaurants operate on a narrow margin and a large amount of their overhead are non-food costs, such as the cost of employees, insurance, minimum wages, healthcare, health… 

    Happy hour specials time?

    Every hour that they are open is happy hour. Once you eat there you will understand. There is no discount time / hours.

    Are the crab legs cooked on the grill?

    Crab legs???!!! Are you kidding???!!! This is a BBQ steaK place!!

    Do they have lobster?

    Yes, they do.

    How is the Mexican food here?

    They are a steak restaurant!

    Do they take reservations?

    Yes, I highly recommend you make a reservation. It's an hour or so with without. But it would still be worth it. We went on a Tuesday for dinner, it was full!

    Do you allow corkage?

    Yes they do

    View All 18 Questions

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    Woody's Butcher Block - Classic tri-tip sandwich

    Woody's Butcher Block

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    Woody's Butcher Block absolutely lived up to the hype. I ordered the single-patty burger, pulled…read morepork taco, brisket taco, coleslaw, and potato salad, and every single item was outstanding. The burger was juicy and flavorful, the tacos were packed with delicious smoked meat, and the sides were fresh and complemented the meal perfectly. As someone who visits this area often, this will definitely become a regular stop. Highly recommend!

    We pulled into Woody's based on a desire to eat Central Coast BBQ but to do it fast because we had…read morean appointment in L.A. and needed sandwiches. All 4 of us ordered the Tri Tip sandwiches. The tri tip was very flavorful! probably the best tri tip I had ever had. TH=here was some good smoke flavor in that meat. Sliced very thin, it was so easy to eat. No fighting the meat. Bread was buttered. BBQ on the side was Sweet Baby Ray's. I found that the BBQ sauce took away from the sammich, so I did very little dipping. If I come again, which I hope I do, I will order that sammich, but prepared in the same manner in which they prepare the roast beef sandwich. We took some chile verde sausages home to try, and those have a strong and memorable chile taste. For people who do not like spicy, beware. For the rest of us it is a satisfying burn. It is a pork sausage. Wife denied the purchase of the blackberry habanero sausage, so I will be left wondering about those. We also grabbed their pesto mayo. We will be trying that this week. I think I would have liked it on my tri tip sammich. I love pesto on anything. Place ain't cheap, but what is?

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    Classic tri-tip sandwich, absolutely out of this world worth the stop

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    The little bbq is so cute!

    Jocko's Steak House - steak - Updated September 2026

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