I long for the days of the old steakhouse, the one where be seen but still be hidden, be local but still in a big city, a steakhouse where you can still sit in a circular booth and see the whole floor, somewhere where they will bring the meat out for you to choose before cooking it... La Cave is that. If you didn't know, you'd never know, La Cave is in a business building that also has you thinking it's a strip mall. Actually it's below the building. Take the stairs down and follow the red light... As soon as I opened the red door, the red light turned me reminded me of my past life. I was hoping Mamie Van Doren or the Duke and Pilar Wayne would walk through the doors like they did years ago, or was it those big polyester collared shirts that I wore in the 70s, or was this where I parked my DeLorean? Well it's 2019 and tonight it was me and a stunning blond, both experiencing the restaurant for the first time, turning the table to avoid hitting the family next to us while squeezing into our center booth. The reason it is called La Cave is not because it's a cave, but because it translates into the cellar in French. There are two dining rooms in this underground hideaway with a full bar in the larger room. Exposed brick walls and arches connect into red leather booths all immersed in dimmed red lighting. The restaurant is packed and the lively chatter is constant. I could see everyone but I couldn't see anyone. I started with their signature dirty martini with olives stuffed with blue cheese. The olives are amazing, this drink is a must for martini fans. The brought us their staple garlic cheese bread, which we then topped off with their mushrooms appetizer. The cheese toast is wonderful on its own, even better with the sauteed mushrooms. Next was the shrimp cocktail, with four of the largest shrimp I've seen with their tangy, spicy with a hint of sweetness homemade cocktail sauce. The cocktail sauce really makes this dish. Before we ordered our mains, they brought out the refrigerated display cart which showed all the meat cuts... The steaks, the lobster tails (you can order full or half tail), their swordfish, halibut and king crab legs. Inquire about prices then. For dinner I had the full filet mignon with salad and twice baked potato. The filet mignon cut I received was flavorful and juicy, a properly cooked medium rare. They offer a petite filet also, but why would I when the full cut is only $5 more. My steak was perfect and the potato was solid but not mind blowing. La Cave is a Costa Mesa institution. It has great food along with that old school charm and mystique but without the stuffiness of the new high end chain steakhouses and without the markup. The dress here ranges from semi-formal to nice casual to Hawaiian shirt. It's unpretentious inside and it's an all ages crowd... Hot dates, young couples, older locals, and regulars, all just here to relax and enjoy themselves. If you are looking for pristine in your steakhouse with $2000 French burgundies, La Cave is not that, but it more than surpasses that with its fun, charm, lore and the same dishes that it has served for almost 60 years at affordable night out prices. ***Sorry, everything looks nuclear in my photos. It was the red lighting!*** read more

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This place is a hidden gem! The restaurant has been established since 1964. A quaint place with dim red-ish light. Parking was not a problem and you have to walk down a set of stairs before seeing the host. The staff is extremely friendly and customer service was excellent. Each entree comes with soup or salad and a side. It's a lot of food for about $40-43/order. We ordered: Shrimp cocktail- jumbo size and absolutely delicious! It comes out to $5/shrimp. Prime rib- only on Saturdays and it was very good. Rib eye- this was a large cut that was tasty. Filet - flavorful and cooked just right NY steak - a big piece of meat!! Also very good. Cheese cake- creamy and good Carrot cake- I'm usually not a fan of carrot cake but this one was so good! Our nice waitress, Nayeli, bought it to us on the house. She provided excellent customer service and all the waiter/staff that helped us that nice were so nice. Good food along with good customer service makes the meal that much more delightful. Thank you! For the price, the portion, great food and the fantastic customer service I'm giving this place a five star! read more

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I think this place has an amazing array of food dining options, and excellent service especially considering the price. I was between four and five stars, so I rounded up. The food was incredibly delicious, and I sampled a piece of steak from everyone in my party. I got the prime rib medium, which usually served medium rare. The sauce really put the prime rib over the top in flavor and experience. The prime rib was excellent, with perfect texture. My favorite though, was the ribeye steak because it had a fiery grill finish to it and a little bit of the fatty meat you would expect. The steaks all were very wonderful, and I have no complaints. I tried the fillet and the New York steak also. One thing that surprised me was there double baked potato, it basically is mashed potatoes they put back into the potato skin and sprinkle on top some seasoning. It was amazing. I highly recommend this, and I hope they advertise it more because it was one of my favorite things of the night. They have a "visual menu" which means there is no thing written down, including prices. So, you pretty much order what you want and find out what the prices on the give you the bill. I have to say, I was able to enjoy my food a little more without knowing what it cost. The service was also very excellent, though I have to say it was probably a little better because we dined at 5:30 PM - a little earlier than the crowd. I would highly recommend this if you want a lot of attention. Make reservations! All in all, I think paying $40 for a steak and being in a steakhouse with amazing service is an unbeatable price. I would expect to pay $60-$80 for the steak plus another 10 to 15 for the sides for the same experience elsewhere. Great deal. Oh and check in for a free dessert! read more

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This steak house is yummy the atmosphere is delightful the food is tasty and the drinks are stiff! Not to mention that cheese bread! Customer service is wonderful especially a waiter named Edgar, who gives us excellent service and remembers our orders to the T. I highly recommend this place! read more

La Cave - Steakhouses Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Simply the best steakhouse in Orange County if you love the good old classic style very good food, entertainment, warm atmosphere you can visit formal or casual but either way you will enjoy it and the service is very polite and very fast read more

Interesting little comedy club. Very intimate. Only issue was some drunks in the beginning but after they left and the comedians stopped blaming the audience for the show the headliner was a lot of fun. Host was great too. read more

La Cave - Stage - Steakhouses Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Super dark, super cozy and a little stuffy with gothic decor flair. Got my medium rare round steak for my birthday. Really delicious carrot cake! Great fast service even when we had less then an hour before the kitchen closed for the night. It appeared they had a room for dancing too but I was to tired to explore the idea. We had no reservations and for 2 ppl it was perfect. Grabbed a bottle of wine and it was my birthday celebration. I look forward in returning and exploring the cocktails! I think the attentive service was impressive and I highly recommend it! read more

La Cave - Steakhouses Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

My wife was served a cockroach in her salad. It doesn't get much worse than that. I've never seen anything like it, and it was beyond belief. She let out a squeak that will live in infamy in our family history. We had six orders in when we spotted the roach, and we left immediately. Of all the restaurants I've ever been in my entire life, this is the one where I would say "avoid at all costs." We ended up at The Country Club not too far away. I wish to emphasize that it was not the fault of the wait staff. read more

La Cave - A COCKROACH in a salad - Steakhouses Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

We went here last night for the first time and I was absolutely delighted to find out that there was live music! There was a man playing the guitar and singing... my favorite! We started out with the Clam Chowder and it was pretty good, no complaints. Our drinks were ok. I had the Cave margarita and Matt had the Mule. We were served complimentary cheesy bread that was pretty good but not memorable. The main dish was delicious! I had the king Crab and Matt got the Ribeye. Both were so good! I can't wait for the left overs for lunch! They brought out an extra leg because they thought I didn't have enough! I couldn't finish it all, I'll be making a king crab roll tomorrow for lunch , Matt's ribeye will be in a breakfast burrito, living the high life! We ended with the cheesecake, with chocolate... it was good, but didn't take like it was freshly made, tasted like it was frozen. My only complaint is that there was a table of 4 sitting between us and the musician... they were SOOO loud! They took away from the wonderful music! If you're going to be talking obnoxiously loud with your friends, do everyone a favor and go to the side of the restaurant that's meant for conversation.., don't go to the side where someone is singing and trying to entertain people only to have your loud mouth drown out the singing. read more

I got the new York steak and twice baked potato. I don't know what they do the twice baked potato but my goodness it's delicious and I definitely recommend you try it. I also ordered the raspberry lemon drop martini and it was amazing. It was not too sweet and not too tart. It was just right. The steak was so easy to eat and savory, and a great medium rare. The bread is toasted and has cheddar spread and is perfect. It is baked fresh for the table. The ambiance is dark and it's in the corner and you would miss it if you didn't know it was there. It is dark with redish lighting. Service was amazing and I would definitely come back. read more

I was torn between a 3 and a 4 star rating, so I rounded up. The bread was burnt, but the blue cheese olives were great. The meat was cooked perfectly, but the twice baked potato was over done. The water was always full, but I had to flag down the waitress for another drink. I had not been here for years and remember it being nicer, but that is the way memories work. read more

La Cave - Dining room - Steakhouses Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Wow! What a place! Seriously what a time capsule of elegance and class. The food was extraordinary and the staff lovely. You can tell they love what they do here, everything is top notch. read more

LaCave is a fantastic steak house. It's got all the rat pack appeal, including the dark atmosphere and ambiance that lends itself to a perfect place to meet for a clandestine affair, not like I was doing that. I was with a party of 4 we started with the garlic bread and sautéed whole mushrooms, both were excellent. One of the people in our party was very familiar with the menu here and was recognized as a local.,if you get the shrooms, save the sauce got your steak. That is the hot tip I'm offering. Their steak were tasty and perfectly cooked, I had a NY strip, beautiful and juicy. You get a choice of salad or clam chowder get the salad tossed with blue cheese dressing. Also you can get a regular baked potato or a twice baked potato. They are known for the twice baked, and it was delicious!. The service was truly excellent and drinks are fairly priced and a generous pour. Which was an endearing aspect of this place. If you want a great party place to celebrate give la cave a try, you won't be disappointed!!! I was recently at the golden steer in Vegas and la cave is actually better. read more

Two thumbs up. Beginning with a warm greeting by horses and follow to see if all is going well; then the food is just perfect. Great flavor great serving temperature. Kudos to the chef. It has a very cool lounge style atmosphere that is inviting and unique in today's fast food society. It's on in my revisit play list for date night. Oh and did I say live music, yup a small band in back room = very cool This is a hidden gem!! To the entire staff= Thank you for a great time read more

We visited La Cave for this first time and I am shocked by the yelp rating and reviews. They had really great service, great food and super unique ambiance. We will be back. read more

La Cave - Cheesecake - Steakhouses Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

I wasn't sure what to expect when I went to La Cave. It is indeed a very dark cave when you walk in! After your eyes adjust it's really nice! We had VERY comfortable seating at a corner booth. If you love garlic, this is your spot (vampires, beware!)! You smell the incredible garlic bread when you walk in. Our waitress was SO sweet! Even though she was very busy, told us they were a little short handed that night, I never really felt the difference compared to other places. The salads came out right away, the garlic bread came out hot and crispy on top/soft on the bottom, and the food was very good! I had the rice pilaf which was tasty. The sword fish was meaty and well seasoned. Can't wait to go back! read more

I was here on vacation and had a first time experience here. The food was amazing! I loved the twice baked potato. The steak was unique, didn't require any sauce. The service was amazing. Everyone here was super nice. I didn't have to make reservations. I liked the secluded vibe of theplace, it was great. read more

I had not been for years and took my Dad for a late special Father's Day dinner. We both ordered crab legs ($130) and my uncle came and ordered the filet mignon. The entire meal was a c- The crab legs tasted like they were not fresh and had been reheated several times. The twice baked potatoes were dry and uneventful. The salad was like something I'd expect at Dennys. The entire meal cost $480. We were all very disappointed. It was a special day so I didn't want to make a scene but my Dad did mention to the server when leaving that the crab legs were not good. Very disappointed!! read more

5 stars for the service, the food and the live music. I love the privacy. Highly recommend. I really enjoyed the bread and the shrimp scampi. The homemade tartar sauce is incredible (I don't even like tartar sauce and I love it) read more

La Cave - Steakhouses Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Diner grade food. Patrons 70+ . Old school everything! No prices on the menu . Cheapest item $40 for swordfish. I would never go back. The smallest water glass used for a margarita. 2 sips and it was gone and never tasted any tequila read more

Food Service in ambiance I have been at LA Cave many times. And have never been disappointed always excellent five star. ​If you not have a 5 Star event or meal they would want to know that, right there that night!! read more

Shrimp scampi was the best. The filet not great little chewy, baked potato warm, not hot, clam chowder, thin and watery. Service not great server was more attentive to larger tables for higher tip potential. We were a party of two. Quick removal of plates without asking looking for a quick turnover of table Ambience great, can't complain. Great atmosphere. Expected more. Not impressed!!! read more

I love this place for a martini and a shrimp cocktail appetizer. The dinner is fine but its really the good times that are had because of the atmosphere. read more

Our local goto steakhouse. Everything here is tasty: the steaks, the fish, the salads, the parmesan bread, the prawns. The ambiance is wonderful, Laura is the most gracious host and our family has celebrated many wonderful occasions here: read more

4th the 5th time here. Have never said "can't wait to go back". A great steak/seafood restaurant should be exceptional and it never has been. Salad was overdressed / teriyaki sauce plated under the rice was over salted. Drink was a measured pour and not a drop more. But the real crime was a medium rare steak served almost medium well. To be fair I didn't send it back and believe they would have remade it. Shouldn't have to though... Other restaurant choices for this kind of meal, with consistency and a great product. Bummer! read more

Great food, great service, great drinks. Try the medallions. The only negative was the menu had no prices. What's up with that? read more

We went into La Cave to try it out after hearing how good it was. Let me tell you from start to finish this is a great place for dinner and a drink. We were seated in a nice booth with very dim lighting. Very nice. The service was the best around. Our server went over the menu and helped us decide on our meals. The drinks were out fast then just like that our salads were out. The food followed shortly after. Just enough time to enjoy your salad. I ordered the halibut and it was great. The best I have had. Enough food to fill you up for sure. I really recommend La Cave if you want a special evening with your special person. They are great!! read more

What an incredible experience. Even more superb was the food & service. Our waitress Nayeli greeted us at the door by name when we arrived for our reservation. We were seated at John Wayne's table and learned the history of the restaurant. We both had surf & turf and from start to finish, we were treated like royalty. There menu presentation was WOW(yes, they actually present their menu live in person). The food was beyond EXCELLENT!!! Thank you La Cave!!! read more

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Delicious steak, comes with salad or soup bread and side. We ordered shrimp scampi as an appetizer which had glorious butter garlic sauce perfect for dipping the bread. Felt mignon was delicious I was happy until I tasted my Dads strip steak and knew that was the better choice, flavor wise!! Fun experience read more

Great service, good quality steak house. You walk down the stairs and look at old photos on the wall. The scent of steak in the over is heavenly. The interior is nice and great for a date night. The have live music. It's a vibe. You cannot go wrong with any of the steaks. They cook them to perfection. I have never has a bad meal here. I highly recommend! read more

La Cave - Shrimp cocktail - Steakhouses Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

It pains me to write this review but here goes... My boyfriend and I were out on a special occasion date & chose La Cave. I was surprised at the menu without prices & thought to myself the food must be amazing and the owner is obviously proud of the food being served. I ordered the fillet mignon and he ordered the lobster tail. The steak was extremely salty and mediocre and the lobster tail was not only dry, but tough and over done. We finished the meal to the best of our ability and got the bill, it was mind blowing at the price of $300 on a less than exceptional dinner and will not be returning. The server was the best part of the entire meal as he was attentive & timely. If you're looking for a special dining experience and good food this is NOT the place. read more

My birthday celebration. We arrived and no rsvp was on their computer. Showed my Yelp confirmation #... seated at a booth which was nice ( after I requested a booth and there were plenty available) Waiter was delightful - very attentive and practiced safe guidelines. Mask at all times. The steaks were very juicy ( ribeye abd ny) the halibut size and tenderness was amazingly good. Our classic martinis fit the ambiance of the rat pack era. Waiter delivered bday surprise cheesecake. The best I have eaten. Better than Cheesecake Factory. First time at the location. No music on Wednesday. Bday was 5/5. Hope to return to enjoy real supper club feel dinner and live entertainment read more

What an amazing ambiance! Feels like a trip through time. The steaks beat any of the big name competitors. The entertainment in the back room is great. Thanks la CAve!!! read more

I waited two weeks to decide to post this negative review...and I've decided it's worth sharing if for no other reason than in the hopes the restaurant gets their act together. But then also a cautionary tale to other diners. 2 weeks ago my wife and I along with another couple made a reservation in the music room. We purposefully got there ahead of the music asking what time it started and being told that the singer starts at 6:30. We wanted to get there early so that we had a chance to have a conversation over dinner. One member in our party in particular was excited about the live music and we made a point to ask the reservation line and the hostess about when the music started so that we had planned everything accordingly. Before I go any further I want to make mention that by the time we paid tip our bill was just over $500. I say this because when you spend $500 for 4 diners at a table there's a certain level of Elegance and courtesy that is expected. The music didn't start at 6:30 it didn't even start at 7:30 it started at nearly 8:00. The singer was there at 6:30 setting up his gear and doing singer things.... but we were not given great information or we would have made our reservation later So we waited and ordered drinks and had dinner and waited more and as the second song was playing the manager came to our table and she told us that we were invited to move to the bar to listen to music and free up the table. When I asked a question about how long we had....or if we could listen to a couple of songs, the manager even raised her voice at me. I've never had any restaurant.... I've been to and I've been to some nice restaurants and not so nice restaurants.... been subjected to raised voices in fine dining. Especially something as trivial as 5 more minutes at a table where I just dropped $500. To that point they advertise themselves as the best steakhouse in Orange county and I think they're only better than average. I would WAYrather eat at mastros (and others). The experience put a damper on our evening we did not stay any longer. We left the restaurant. And for some people who may be thinking there was a long line waiting for our table...the waiting room was empty. I don't know why we were asked to leave when there was two empty tables next to us. And from what we could tell nobody waiting. I won't be back, ever! Mastro's has better steak, better food and frankly better music. read more

6 of us went to La Cave last night, sat in the back room for music and we were not disappointed. Service, as always, was on point. No finished plate stayed on the table longer than a minute. Food and drinks were ordered and served quickly. Steaks were cooked to perfection and the entertainment was spectacular. If you haven't tried it, why not? It's been here since 1962. Quite the iconic place! read more

Very old looking inside the bathroom is horrible Service was rushed trying to get you in and out didn't like that the food was okay. It's like going back in time 1960s style read more

Just wanted to leave a quick review since the food was off tonight. I'm a regular here and food is usually great. All 4 of us agreed the food was saltier than normal and with some of the items was close to inedible. Other than that food is usually great! read more

The service was great. It was our first time, the check in was very easy even though they were very busy. The food was excellent and the two sisters that worked there made our experience amazing and we will be back! read more

La Cave - Dessert - Steakhouses Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Went to La Cava for my birthday. It was a great experience. The food was okay to me, however the service was great! I appreciate how traditional it is read more

I'm going to have a stern talk with the guy who recommended this place. Most people know that the menus do not have prices so you have to ask the server, which is annoying. Then when you get the bill, the prices are really annoying. Very high prices for mediocre food. On the plus side the hostess and wait staff (waitress, bussers) were very friendly and knowledgeable. Even though you'll get bumped by them frequently as there is little room to maneuver in the limited space they cram in tables. On the negative side, beside the ridiculously high prices, the food was not worth it. I had the prime rib which was a Saturday night special. I had trouble cutting it with a steak knife and I would have had trouble cutting it with a Skil saw. My GF had the lobster, and it was rubbery and chewy and over cooked. It was so loud in there that you could not hear the person on the opposite side of the table. Not a fun experience. read more