Awful!!! 12/24/16 for our anniversary and nothing like our last visit. Reservation was at 8:30 and we stood at the hostess stand while she chatted with employees :/ finally she sees us and walks us to our table, we didn't follow her because she didn't speak to us. We get a table in the front area on the side of the bar. Terrible location. We saw staff asses the whole night. We had to flag a waitress to get water after 8 minutes after being seated. You would think sitting so close to the bar we would et good service or at least a drink? Nothing. Our waitress was nice but often forgot us. Meal was ok, nothing special. Drinks were awful. Nothing special about the food, ambiance or service even on a special night for us. Last time we'll go there or recommend. read more

Was turned on to this place by a friend and went here ages ago....just now getting the review. First off, if you like meat and potatoes, this is your place. The location is odd...feels like a 1970's underground porn club as you walk down the stairs. When you get inside, it feels like an old English pub to an extent. The atmosphere is quaint without being cliche or distracting. The Prime Rib caught my eye and like Ruth Chris', you immediately sense that you're going to enjoy the slab of beef placed in front of you. The food was simply amazing. As good as or better than any steakhouse in Orange County. Problem is, few people know about this place. Seek it out. Slither into La Cave and bring your appetite. read more

Food & service was great but they had so many people standing everywhere that you couldn't move at their Saturday 8pm show. Even before the rush of people, it was so loud I couldn't carry on a conversation I felt very unsafe it there had been a fire or other emergency people would have been trampled to death. I won't come back to there 8pm show but may come back on the nights they have a 6pm show. read more

Since I can walk to this place, we tend to frequently visit this place. The atmosphere is super casual and welcoming and it is literally in a 'cave'. You take the elevator down to the basement and our favorite thing to do here is sit at the bar for dinner. They have entertainment and are one of the few steakhouses in Newport that let you walk in as you are, ie; flipflops and shorts without a stuck up attitude. The food is decent enough but if you want a filet that is out of this world you will go down to A Restaurant instead but it's a very different experience down there. La Cave is a perfect place to drop in for a nice, casual dinner. read more

I almost didn't review this because there are already SO MANY reviews. La Cave is an old local joint off 17th and Irvine Ave in the same building of the Blockbuster. The food is always pretty good... great steaks and seafood. Awesome wine list! And they have a yummy cheese bread that is good ol skool yum! It's small and can get cramped but I never have an issue with someone in my space or poor service. They have a bar off to the back that gets very crowded but its fun! Just come casual and know that it's a local scene...Wednesdays are currently a hot night to be in the bar... read more

Went to La Cave last night for dinner and the Frank Sinatra Show. The steaks melted in our mouths. The chocolate dessert was to die for. We were so entertained. The night flew by-and the drinks were very strong. Not to mention that the bar tender, the wait staff and cooks were phenomenal! A pleasure to visit La Cave! read more

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I used to go to La Cave (pronounced La "Cav" not Cave that rhymes with Dave... I didn't know that before and felt like an idiot calling it La Caaaave so many times and having everyone correct me) a LOT back in college. Wednesdays was the day to go... I guess college students needed to find another excuse to drink and party in between Taco Tuesdays and College Night Thursdays so La Cave on Wednesdays it is. There were pretty good bands that performed Wednesdays and the drinks were always nice and strong. The bartenders were all very nice and friendly. La Cave really feels like a cave because from the outside you can't even tell there's a restaurant there... You get admitted by the bouncer (after a certain time) and you go through a door then down these winding steps then through another door until you are in the restaurant itself. Pretty cool. I like the concept. It's very dark and you feel like you've just stepped into a secret society underground location. It wasn't until last year that I actually went to La Cave for dinner. Sad to say... I was disappointed. Our table was slanted and so very cramped. I was afraid to move in fear of knocking over our table. Ridiculous seating arrangement! The food was not that great. The lobster tail and filet lacked flavor and didn't taste good. However the savior of the night was the garlic bread, which was sooo good! They must have sprinkled some crack on top because I could not stop eating the bread. I didn't eat all of my filet but I kept asking for more and more bread. So good! So I guess what I'm trying to say is that La Cave is a great place if you want to chill, drink, listen to a few bands or eat bomb diggity garlic bread. BUT if you want good fine dining aka steak, lobster tail, etc... go somewhere else. read more

My first review and my first time to the legendary La Cave. I've heard about it for years and have always wanted to try it. The occasion came tonight when I saw that the also legendary Phil Shane was playing there. If you have never been, the entrance is alittle odd. After walking the red carpet, you arrive at an elevator door and a corridor. If you go down the corridor, look for the door on the left because that's the only way out. The door opens to a small stairway which leads down to a basement speakeasy that looks like it's out of a Sinatra film. My first mistake was underestimating the crowd on a Friday night, especially with Phil Shane playing the lounge later that evening. We arrived at 8:30 and the wait would have been an hour and a half. Luckily, you can sit at the well stocked bar and enjoy the full menu. My second and last mistake was ordering the Ravenswood Zinfandel, a good wine but I really like the Vintner's Reserve which is fuller bodied, slightly spicier and great with a steak. I ordered the rib eye, my date got the petite filet. Both came perfectly cooked and seasoned. Served with soup or salad choice of baked potato, twice baked potato or rice pilaf, and cheesy garlic bread, it's a full meal. I opted for the salad with ceasar dressing--which was wonderful. The dressing was amazing. You can taste the freshness of the ingredients with hints of anchovy and garlic. The twice baked potato was great and you've got to love cheesy garlic bread. And La Cave's is really good. A couple of dirty Ketel One martinis for dessert and you have quite a meal. read more

Worst. Customer. Service. Ever. The staff person who worked with me was incredibly short with me upon answering my generic questions.

I used to come here for dinner or drinks. I really love the bar scene, its reminiscent of the Regal Beagle ...really mellow andcozy, unlike the rest of the wannabe LA and Vegas joints that keep popping up around OC. Now to the food, its pretty much a prix fixed menu..you just choose your meat of choice. Personally, I would only recommend the filet. If you are a beef lover, like me, you'll notice they don't use prime cuts which probably is why the other cuts aren't as good...NY strip looks like something i could've just thrown on the grill and they serve Tbone instead of Porterhouse (unusual for any good steakhouse) Getting back to the food, all dinners are served cheesy bread. I can write a review just on the bread alone...its that GOOD. Its just a simple slice of white bread smeared with butter and cheddar cheese, topped off with sprinkles of crack. Now, if i haven't gorged myself on 2 baskets of the bread i sometimes leave a little room for the steak and their signature potato. The same cheesy goodness as the bread only it comes in the form of a twice baked potato.....MMMM. . I really like the filet mignon but not any where near comparable to Mastros. Cheesy Bread+ Cheesy twice baked potato packs a one, two punch..Pow Pow!!! read more

Taylor was our server and she was not only personable but fantastic with her table side charm and (carrot cake secrets). The ambiance was dark and romantic. Black tie servers and roaming table side carts displaying the daily meat and seafood offerings instead of a menu. We had the filet mignon and it was very tender. The shrimp scampi was flavorful big sized prawns and came with sautéed mushrooms in a rich butter sauce. Needless to say the carrot cake was delightful but really it was the staff from Taylor to the wonderful madame hostess to the owner. They all checked in with us during our meal to be sure everything was good. That hands on service won me over. Overall a pleasant experience. read more

This review is only ranking the bar at night not the restaurant. I love how this place is actually underground and you take stairs to get to it below. I have often wonder how many drunks have fallen down these stairs. The atmosphere here is awesome and the look and decor of this whole place is bitchin! It's dark and there is a lot of red lighting. Fun place when there is live music going on only draw back, it's sometimes hard to find a place to sit. I also wish the bar was a little bigger too. But this is just one of those places you got to go to really understand it. Defiantly one of my favorite bars in Orange County. read more

Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday. There aren't enough words to describe the atmosphere of this place. After 40 years of doing business I don't think they're done much with the decor or anything in or on the building which is fine by me. You can still smell a hint of smoke soaked furniture because i'm sure there used to be smoking inside. The club is actually underground so it almost feels like you're taking a step out of Orange County and into Narnia or something. Comfy red leather seats, 1 piece wood carved bar, low watt red lights and great sound have really made this place one of my favorite spots in OC. I haven't tried the food yet but judging by the menu, i'm sure it's amazing. read more

I actually liked this little restaurant. Interesting place to eat, but I am all for those weird hole in the walls. La Cave, is pronounced, La C-ah-ve, but is kinda like a cave. This place is actually under the massive Blockbuster above it, and you can either take the stairs down or the elevator down to the restaurant entrance. Inside, it is a darker ambiance, perfect for that slightly quiet dinner. Just the viber here was good, the service was friendly, and not in a butt kissing way, just good people! They have a fixed menu, which is actually sitting on top of a rolling cart, and brought out on ice. They have lobster, prime rib, different steaks, and crab legs. One your order, your food arrive about 10-15 minutes later, so you are not waiting forever to eat. The bread I really like, from what I could tell, it was regular sliced bread with butter, garlic powder, and Parmesan cheese on top, then broiled. Simple but pleasing! 3 stars for the low selection of food you order. With each order you get either a soup or salad, potato, and main meal. For around 30 bucks a plate, I would have thought, they would at least have some veggies thrown on the plate as well... A bit pricey, the food is really good, but it seems as though you are not getting all you can for the price. Good place to eat, I would probably eat there again, simply for the environment and the good food. read more

La Cave has been a local Icon establishment in costa mesa for decades. It does have that loungy feel to it.....super dark and loud on nights that there are bands playing. Drink are decent and afforable.... Food, served in an old-School steakhouse style has been very good in the past. However in more recent years I feel they are slipping. The quality of the steaks has gone way down hill. The last couple steaks I have gotten have been a bit tough and low quality. Most likely this is the owners answer to saving some money which is retarded... Josh the bartender is the man....very cool and knows his stuff. Some ngihts they have entertainment that can vary from a Frank Sinatra impersonator, to live jazz , to cover/kareoke bands. It worth checking out but dont get your hopes up too high... Heavy hipster influence these days.... read more

If you're tired of OC chain restaurants and strip malls, and want a steak place that is completely different, then La Cave is the place for you. Atmosphere - Don't be turned off by the fact that you are pulling into the Blockbuster Video parking lot. Once you walk downstairs you are transported into a strange, dark, cave-like (go figure) world. La Cave has a long bar in the main dining room, and to the left is the room with the music - featuring Phil Shane or various other local acts. It feels like the place hasn't changed - maybe it hasn't even been vacuumed - since it opened. But in a good way. The bartenders are good, and work quickly even with a big crowd. Food - The garlic cheese bread is to die for. Not in a - this is the height of food - way, but in a - this is stellar grub - way. The salad and starch - I usually opt for the twice baked potato - are decent but unspectacular. The steak is cooked just right and very flavorful, but a little more fatty or gristly than at more high end steakhouses. One downer is that they don't have a bone-in ribeye, only a boneless ribeye. Prices - Spectacular value. Your dish comes with garlic cheese bread, soup or salad, and a starch. Something similar is going to cost you two to four times as much at Mastro's or other OC steakhouses. read more

If La Cave were a person, it would be a mafia boss. I have been coming here all my life for dinner with my dad. La Cave is so cool, old school, and unique - it's a rare find in mainstream Orange County. What makes it even better is it's dingy restrooms and location beneath a dilapidated Blockbuster. La Cave keeps it real, people. There is no place like La Cave. I have never encountered another restaurant so true to its name - you actually feel like you are eating in a cave. The tables lining the walls feel like they're in their own personal caves. The red lighting and dark ambience make La Cave a great place to take a date, someone you're embarrassed to be seen with, or anyone who has never been there before - because they will be impressed. As for the food, I always get the NY strip. And it is delicious. And their garlic bread is to die for. read more

Ok this is a great place to lounge if not for the price of dinner Quality (food): outstanding their steaks are great and the seafood is exceptional. There are better steakhouses but none get it quite right in the long run it is a great place for a small anniversary or birthday, special occasions Service; This is the place to come and lounge in old fashion way. it is a great steakhouse which also means pricy food. However their wait staff is attentive and they make some mean and strong drinks. Price: $$$ 25-50 (per person) Ambiance - The real reason i come here is for Phil Shane, I make it a point to come during my birthday or close to my birthday and get some old school rock from the lounge king of the OC Phil Shane. So if you are in the area and have the chance to come down on the night that Phil is playing it is a show you dont want to miss. Also their steaks are great! read more

They take reservation via phone for 9 pm and then we drove from LA ( 1,5 hours ) and found out they are closed

I haven't had the food here, so this review is about La Cave's late night scene and its booze. The crowd, music, and scenery: Leather jackets, tattoos, plaids, scenster. Hints of suits, ties, and sport coats sprinkled around in the non-DJ room. The majority of guys here are what girls would call "douche" (which I think is the term girls use for guys who heed them too little attention and play it a little too cool). 21 year old sorority girls. 40 year old ex-sorority girls. Lots of make-up, boots, and again, leather jackets and plaids. Also, plenty of 80's wear (leggings, big shirts). The girls are, generally, more drunk than guys. They are also flirtatious (yay!). Lots of boobs and butts brush up against you. Maybe it's just too crowded in this joint. On Wednesdays it's trance and electronica or some similar synthesized beats. There are blue neon lights in the otherwise completely dark dance room. People dance, but they aren't exactly coordinated. The booze: No watering down! You get what you paid for, but sometimes you pay different prices for the same booze. I've ordered a Gin & Tonic and Jack & Coke four times here and all four times, the bartenders have charged me different prices ($16.00, $14.00, $15.00, $16.50). I think the bartender who charged me $14.00 liked me. Told you they were the flirting type here. Overall, a little pricey, but hey, these are the prices you pay to hang around cool and hip people with leather jackets. So this place gets three stars. It's cool, but not spectacular. I don't get blown away by the prices or the set up here. It looks like any other bar/lounge/club/late night hangout, with the same OC peeps. read more

Why do people think this joint has good? I've had a better steak at Denny's. The food is absolutely sub-par at best. The only reason it gets 2 stars is due to my waitress. I'd give her a solid 4 stars but the food is a total failure on all fronts. Oh and after complaining about the food the owner stopped past my table. What a total pretentious douchebag that guy is. I see this dump going out if business very soon. Even if they kissed my ass I'd never stop here again. Blah! read more

So, my first date picked me and gave me the option of steak or pasta. I preferred steak and it's hard to find good pasta places here in The area. He surprises me brings me to La Cave. Now let me tell you, I have been here for the mucosa and drinks, never dinner, and I was more then excited! We were greeted by excellent staff referring to the wait staff as sisters etc, great friendly service. We were seated right away in a perfect private booth and off to a great start. Debbie, our waitress was absolutely marvelous, such a great person. We ordered an equivalent to a surf and turf, steak and crabs legs. Salad came and it was boring not enough dressing nor tomatoes. Then the grab legs come warm, I'm sorry they need to be hot or cold not luck-warm, I've grown up eating crab legs. Then the steak came out, we ordered a medium rare 7-oz filet, this was a Ny steak fully cooked! The waitress admitted she thought she heard "medium" and was expressly apologizing. So she toke the steak back and as expected it was over cooked. I suppose 3rd time is a charm! By now the steak was cooked to perfect yet the veggies and crab was COLD! What is up with this, honestly unacceptable. I was expected out of curiosity they would just bring more warm sides and some cab legs for our wait and trouble! Nope... that didn't happen. Rather, we were offered a small desert which was not worth eating AND not only didn't offer a discount on the bill, BUT charged us for separate meals rather then a surf and turn, as my company and I shared the meals! Unbelievable and unforgettable, I will never give this establishment my business nor my recommendation! read more

La Cave - Steakhouses Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

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Man, I had a blast @ this place. We went on a night with a Campy - vegas type singer, and he rocked. La Cave is in the basement of a small building, so remember this place is SMALL. Not the place to bring small children or boring folk who love the atmosphere of your local....olive garden or the like. I cannot comment of the food - as its a Steak house. But all the tables were packed so I'm going to assume the carnivores were happy. I will come again on a jazz night - as that is what they are known for. Drinks were again strong and I cant comment on the density of cougars that night. :) read more

Love this place - funky, crowded, old school. Nobody parties in Frank Sinatra's lost basement like the La Cave crowd does. Some nights Phil Shane performs here - sweating to Elvis and Neil Diamond with all 5 foot 3 of his frame. The crowd loves it. I went early for dinner thinking that would entitle me to earlier admission, a better view of the stage, etc. -- no such luck. I had to elbow and sweat it out (and it does get sweaty in that basement, depending on how many people are packed in there and how much dancing is going on) with the rest of them. They have a strange 1950s vibe to the dinners here - they bring out a big cart of raw, bleeding, red meat (with some seafood and raw chicken), and point to each cut of steak, etc., and describe the menu not in writing, not in pictures, but by pointing to each piece of raw food. (They do have menus in writing, but the cart is brought to each table). My only question - does the health department know about this? Don't be surprised to see an inspector dancing in the crowd with everyone else! read more

La Cave is two places in one. It is a great steakhouse. However, go on a weeknight. If you're paying that much for dinner, you don't want that many drunk people around you. As a bar, it's a fun place to grab a drink, maybe see a band or Phil Shane or hear some jazz. The people watching is pretty fun as the night goes on. The atmosphere is the best part. It's like you're walking in 1960's swank. You expect Sinatra to be siting in the back. read more

REVIEW FOR LATE NIGHT: I have been to La Cave a handful of times over the years and every time I journey down the stairs I ask myself why? First I come here because it's close to where I live and I can literally crawl home if needed. The bartenders are fairly nice and have always given me great service. The pros end there. On Wednesdays they charge girls a cover because they have a dj, or whatever that was was, on some nights. The dance floor is disgusting. Tiny, dark, humid and full of nasties and their trolls. Your best bet is to go on a quieter night to sit and relax. read more

One of my favorite restaurants! Been coming here for 30 years (and I'm only 48!) One of the ONLY two restaurants I'll order the lobster at outside of Mexico. The other is Captain Jacks in Sunset Beach. The twice stuffed baked potato is excellent and the cheese bread is to die for. At one time I used to eat here about twice a month...these days I'm down to 3-4 times a year...but only because I'm on more of a budget than I used to be. Halibut is always good as is the Swordfish and Filet Mignon, Prime rib on special on Mon nights is a bargain....when making reservations...ask to be placed in the MAIN room. Or even better...one of Patti's tables. You won't be sorry! read more

Went here on a wednesday night with some friends after being reprimanded for my seemingly lackluster social life. (awesome) This place is...interesting. I don't know about other nights but on wednesdays it is young/college night and they have a dj and what not. Envision the following situation: Douchey OC kids with too much hair gel and breast implanty girlfriends all dancing in an underground sweat dungeon to top 40s hits. Add really expensive beverages and lack of fresh air and there is your night.. It was actually kind of fun but you really kind of just have to accept it for what it is in order to enjoy it thoroughly. read more

Down the stairs, then down some more. An honest to goodness cellar/basement in So Cal. Why, I never... Dimly lit with a bit if a dungeon flair. Very cool. Definitely unique. There are two rooms. We were seated so we could see game 7 of the NBA Finals, damn the 26th anniversary. Our waitress, Judy had a genuine smile and was plenty attentive. Excellent. She started with our drink order then offered us a verbal list of apps and we got the shrimp cocktail. Over the top with the horseradish, which I loved, with monster prawns. The busman was amazing, too. He brought three baskets if very tasty garlic cheese bread and we never ran out if water. Great bread and soup really impress me, and the pepperpot soup was unique and delicious. I wondered why we had no menus, then Judy rolled the cart which she introduced a our menu. Cuts if beef, fish, and lobster nicely displayed. I had the New York and she had the tips. Both tender and delicious. Judy was right on time with drink refills and cheerfully asked if we had left room for dessert, which we had not, dammit. The side of asparagus was just normal, if you need something to make my review credible. Unique room, excellent service and killer grub. Enjoy! read more

La Cave use to be one of my favorite restaurants. From the sketchy elevator that takes you down to the dark cave-like dining room, casual yet attentive service to the delicious meals. Oh, La Cave, what happened to you? You seem a little tired and maybe even a bit seedy now. The service is still fantastic, but somehow you've changed. Perhaps it's me, not you. You use to be vibrant and exciting. A room once full of clinking glasses and enthused chatter seem to now be replaced with wary couples bearing slinking reluctance. Even your food now lacks confidence. It's just different now. I can't say that I will never come back...but it won't be any time soon. read more

It's been just over a year since I've been to La Cave. And I wonder why I haven't been back sooner. It's dark. It's slightly run down. But its cool at the same time. The service is always friendly and prompt. I've only had a couple of items from the menu, but they've always been quite good. Last night I had a shrimp cocktail--4 of the biggest shrimp (almost the size of small lobster tails) I have ever seen hanging from a martini glass filled with spicy cocktail sauce. The shrimp was cooked perfectly and the cocktail sauce tasted homemade. My friends ordered sauteed mushrooms and garlic bread. The mushrooms were awash in garlic butter and cooked just right. The garlic bread was a little overcooked but still tasty. The bartenders make a stiff drink. I had a couple Mandarin and sodas that were the way I make them at home....almost 1/2 vodka and 1/2 soda. The Todd Oliver Quartet was playing in the lounge. I'm a friend of Todd's, but it was just a coincidence that we wound up at La Cave on Wednesday night when he plays. Once dinner service died down, the music started and the late night crowd rolled in. The crowd was a mix of young hipsters, the newport white powder crowd, and a few senior citizens on the prowl. In fact, there was this one guy that must have been pushing 60 in a white suit and turquoise t-shirt. He kept pushing up his sleeves Miami Vice style--hilarious. So, for a fun night out, some good food, stiff drinks, and a memorable people watching experience go to La Cave. read more

when you team up with a social media trying to promote your business, weather it's groupon, living social, or in this case, OC Weekly... i don't care whatever the agreement is between the two parties, ain't the customers always should be the priority? i was excited to try this new place, the area and front door looks kinda old/ghetto, i didn't care; the happy hour $4/ea cocktail only applies if you have it at their tiny bar, it's fine; greeted by four different persons and only to be told that our host will be right with us, it's okay... seated, drinks ordered, no menu??? whatever.... then i asked 'I've got two certificates, can i use them for anything?' the waitress looked confused, took my certificates, disappeared for 5 minutes, came back and said 'we cannot take them, we called to verify, you are not on the list, you have to contact OC weekly and get a refund'... i called the number under the voucher and verified it's a valid certificate in front of her, she still said 'we can't, i am sorry, i can only do what the owner tells me to do'. I'd have flipped and left but my friend seemed like she really wanted to get something to eat so we stayed. the host felt bad and later on gave me a post-it note that had owner's name and cell phone number on it - just why do i need that for? would not recommend or go back. read more

2 words, PHIL SHANE. This guy rocks. He's a 5 foot Neil Diamond impersonator that just rocks out! If you're ever lucky enough to be here on a night he's here, stay and watch or make an effort to see him somewhere. The guy is the bomb. La Cave is pretty crazy because it is a cave. You take an elevator UNDERGROUND and have dinner in this dark, romantic setting. It tries to be a lot like Morton's and similar steakhouses in how they bring all the meat around on a cart for you to see and the grill is very visible. BUT when your wine glasses look like they are from target and your garlic bread is basically store bought sandwich loaves, you aren't trying hard enough. All in all, the food is pretty decent and the prices are ok. The place is SMALL though so make a reservation. I hear the bar is a lot of fun for just hanging out on a nightly basis but when someone is performing, its even better. Say it with me again, PHIL SHANE. "Sweet Caroline......." read more

This was my first time at this restaurant on a Saturday night. They have a very busy dining room. The staff and waiters are attentive and always asking if you need anything. We had the shrimp cocktail appetizer-big shrimp - delicious. We also had the filet - husband enjoyed it. I had the crab legs - ample serving and very good. Your meal also includes hot garlic toast, a salad or soup. We both had salad with blue cheese dressing. It was a little diluted from how moist the salad was - however it was very fresh. We also had sides of baked potato and asparagus included in the dinner. Overall a very good value. Parking is tricky - and somewhat crowded. We did get a spot. The ambience is energetic - busy, noisy. read more

Nothing I'm saying hasn't already been said in the 82 previous reviews, however I would like to focus on a few points. This place used to be more old school when it was just full of old people and rummies. The oldsters and rummies are still here but now this is a hip place to go to so the younger crowd has set in and that's fine. I had a business dinner here on a Tuesday night and they we're very accommodating. We had 13 and they placed our tables smack in the middle of the bar area . I appreciated this as we could take in the crowd as the place filled up.. Other Highlights: Service was efficient, the pretty hostess assisted with the drinks and didn't miss an order. Menu is still tight with a heavy slant towards meatatarian. Chef in his little kitchen in the dining room banging out the hash right in front of you. Beets on the salad Twice baked potato The dark and dank lives on Good times! read more

The food here is actually pretty frickin' awesome. I love that they're "green" with the whole no-printed-menu thing. The waiters/waitresses know the whole thing by memory and they literally bring you a cart with the meats on it to show you what you can get. Every meal is a 3 courser with a salad, meat, potato etc... We also got apps of mushrooms (SO GOOD) and shrimp cocktail. Although the meal was good, I can't say I enjoyed the vibe nor the people there. It was a weird mix of dudes in their d-bag popped polo collars and graphic tees and cougars trying too hard by baring midrifts and the dumb ditzes getting wasted and loud. I went on a Saturday night and this might have been part of the problem. They have live music starting 10PM and that night was not jazz, not folk, not classical but crazy death monster voice screaming. Not really something I want to hear while noshing on a meal. BUT, I hear their Happy Hour is fun and I dig the laid back ambiance. It's too bad I wasn't CDM enough to hang out here and enjoy it like the rest of the crowd. read more

-My experience was with a group of 5. Pros: -Food tasted good Cons: -Room is too dark -Music --- Not sure if I heard music ... just the bass coming from another room --- "thump-thump-thump" ... TERRIBLE! -Service was blah -- Server did not crack a smile once -Though the food tasted good -- it is waaaay over priced **Overall: I would say this place is overated -- NOT likely to come back. read more

Celebrated Valentine's Day this year at La Cave. Dinner and cocktails were perfect! This restaurant is one of the most unique on 17th street and totally worth a try. We shared the 16oz rib eye and half a lobster tail. This is the perfect date meal in my opinion. Both selections were well executed and went great with the bottle of wine we brought ($20 corkage fee). The ambience and service is what you'd expect at a high end steak house; only difference is you're not paying Maestro's prices. A tip for La Cave would be to not make reservations after 8PM. Most nights they have a club like scene that starts at 10PM. The vibe changes 180 degrees when they start setting up for the late night crowd. read more

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO that pretty much sums it up. Took my boyfriend here last night for his birthday dinner. We're tired of all the chain restaurants so we were hoping this would be a nice change. I knew it was gonna be pricey but I was ok with that as long as the food was good. The ambiance was cool just because it was quite dark with red lighting but not really as cool as I expected from reading the other reviews. The only way this place could be described as "sexy" would be if I was 60+ years old. Definitely not hip or sexy for 20-mid 30s. We're 27/28 and felt like we were dining at Carrows. The plates and soup/salad also immediately made both my boyfriend and I think of Norm's. I really didn't like that we couldn't look at a menu, just pieces of meat on a cart. We ordered the NY steak (for me) and the ribeye plus lobster for my boyfriend. None of the cuts were great. Meat was decent quality but no flavor at all. Made me wish I was at Ruth's Chris. The twice baked potato was yummy as was the cheesy bread, but definitely not worth what I paid. $28 for two cadillac margaritas and 1 cosmo $60 for ribeye and half a lobster (not sure how they did the math on this one since ribeye was supposedly the special for $19.99 and the market price for a WHOLE lobster was $56) $35 for NY steak Total bill was $133 (minus tip), to which I said WHAT THE FRICK?!?!?!?! Won't be going back ever. Next time, Mastro's or Morton's. read more

Bring a flashlight!!!! La Cave... Well, I think they took the whole "Cave" idea a little too far... The place is dark. When we tried to look at our menu's, my girlfriend and I literally had to pull out our cell phones and turn the screens on to light the menu up enough to read. I looked around and saw 3 other couples doing the same thing. I laughed hysterically! The food was pretty good, though. The double baked potato was especially delicious. But the prices were really high for a place that didn't give you that "classy" vibe. If it were a little nicer and the room a little more well-lit (so I could at least see the person I'm there with!!!), I could see paying a high-class price. But I did have a good laugh about it afterword. My girlfriend made a comment about how she was mad she left her night vision goggles at home. Hahaha. read more