The Bull Pen is the oldest steak house in Redondo Beach. They are only open for Lunch on Friday and Saturday. They only sell a Lunch Menu, so if you want prime rib, you need to arrive during the dinner service. I had the steak sandwich which is a 6 oz New York steak cut thin. I wish they cut it smaller and thicker for a medium rare temperature. The french fries were the star of the meal. Perfectly fried. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/rm1kQwmrUag read more

This is an iconic American steakhouse that's been around since 1948. The food is classic American fare with some quirky international dishes as well. I had the shrimp scampi and a side dish of macaroni and cheese. My date had the shrimp cocktail and we shared my dinner salad. It was all very good. The service was outstanding as usual. Unfortunately, the lobby became very crowded once the band started playing and we were unable to participate. Tiny bandstand and dance floor which you have to traverse in order to reach the restrooms. Overall ambiance is classical. Lots of wood, leather and mirrors. Candlelit tables. All in all it was a pleasurable dinner experience and I recommend it just for that! read more

I think this is where the older locals come to have fun and good food. It has a very old school vibe. The food is decent. The people are friendly. read more

The sauteed mushrooms are definitely the best thing we ate, had a lot of flavor and loved the bread it came with! They gave very generous salad portions The grilled salmon was good, well cooked and flavorful. The green beans were definitely overcooked. The ribeye was good (needed some salt though) definitely better with the horseradish than the chimichurri. The ribeye with chimichurri was a special, but the chimichurri did not have much flavor. The baked potato was good, the mash potatoes were ok, I expected a stronger garlic flavor. The shrimp was flavorful but overcooked. The mac n cheese was not creamy, it seemed like just cheese and noodles. Very oily but a generous portion. Overall the best food imo was the mushrooms and salmon. The service was very slow, but they were understaffed so our waitress seemed to be doing all of the work. She was very apologetic about it This place is very old school, and definitely appeals to an older crowd. read more

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Everything from the appetizer to the dessert was fantastic. Steak houses offer soup, to say they have soup. The Bull Pen's soup was so delicious, full of flavor and meat, I wish I had a larger serving. The steaks were incredible, the quality was well above others. The servers were continuously checking on us during our meal, always friendly and polite. This is an old school steak house bar filled with old school charm and comfort. They have a few flatscreens to watch the games. Prime Rib is not served Monday, I'll need to come back on a different day to try it. From every recommendation I've been told, this place did not disappoint. read more

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Love places like The Bull Pen. That old school vibe. The decor. The feel. Don't know if it's because I'm older and it reminds of the better days back when I was young. Different story for another day. Friend and I looking for dinner. Feeling steak. I always feel like steak. Few options but no reservations available. Ended up here because when I called, reservations available but not until 8 PM but was told bar seating without reservations still offers the full menu. Done. Lots of parking. Free. The evening just kept getting better. Walked in - beeline to the bar. Seats available. See previous comment about the evening just kept ... Great service. Friendly. Funny. Attentive. The bartender/server made sure my friend and I had an awesome experience. The food - went old school with a shrimp cocktail and a steak with rice pilaf. Washed it down with an Old Fashioned along with a pour of Rye to go with the steak. Topped it off with Bread Pudding. I rolled out fat and happy. Met a regular and had an awesome exchange about life and state of the world. I'd go back to just hang with her even though I don't live in the area. Maybe even stick around for the live music. My friend and I took off as the band was setting up. I didn't talk much about the food and touched on everything because for me, it wasn't just about the food (which was awesome) but everything. The experience as a whole was excellent. I wouldn't change anything about it. read more

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Ericia is such a great server that we came back the next night... Two days in a row... Even though she's handling so many tables it's still fun having a waitress like Ericia. The burgers are fantastic. The blue dressing is amazing. Live bands and dancing. Highly recommend. read more

The Bull Pen - Hidden treasures in Redondo Beach - Steakhouses Near Me - Redondo Beach, California

A billion stars out of 10! Hidden gems like this remind me that going out for a special occasion meal can still be worth every penny :) Also an LA classic! My boyfriend and i visited the Bull Pen to celebrate his 4 year soberversary and we each got steak, his with fries mine with potatoes and both were fantastic! And free bread and tableside salad?? i felt like a billionaire despite being on a budget ! We got steak, bread, soup, salad, dessert, an espresso and a glass of wine for $150 total and i was ecstatic! Plus the service was perfectly timed and so so friendly. Will definitely be coming back for our next soberversary :)) read more

The Bull Pen - creme brulee and espresso - Steakhouses Near Me - Redondo Beach, California

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Javier is a flawless server. His service is exemplary!!!! We came in on Sunday. And his service will have us coming back over and over again. Let's not forget the hostess who was quick, friendly, greeted us with a smile and sat us quickly. We didn't have a reservation. This was our first time at The Bull Pen. We had been wanting to come here for years and have lived in the South Bay for over 40 years and have just missed coming here all of these years. Javier's impeccable service did not go unnoticed. Very impressive. He remembered orders, made our salad (delicious by the way), and helped every table without a step. The clam chowder is one of the best here in the South Bay. We will definitely be back for that. The salad with ranch was delicious. The lemon drop .... Yum!!! Kudos to the bartender. We ordered the filet mignon medallions with mushrooms and Mac n cheese and the prime rib with veggies. I can't wait to come back and try the cheeseburger. The portions are satisfying enough. The delicious clam chowder and salad got us full. So we had a LOT of leftovers for home. Thank you for such a delightful evening. We will be back soon read more

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Great place. Great service. Great atmosphere. Food is great, especially the prime rib weekend special. Desserts are excellent. I can see why this restaurant has been in operation for so long and I hope it sticks around for much longer. read more

What pleasantly surprised us the most was the tenderness and intense flavor of the beef medallions. We were not expecting a stew-like dish but it turned out to be the best one of the table! Just be sure to get it before they run out for the day. Their fries were also delicious, and I enjoyed my steak. Be warned though - there's not much for kids, and the chicken breast we ordered for our son was dry and he barely ate a bite of it. Service was great and I loved the retro vibes. read more

I have had a driver's license for well over 30+ years. I have driven past The Bull Pen for decades. I knew it was there. I just didn't know it was a steak house. On Sunday evening, I visited for the first time. I ordered the rib-eye steak. You have a choice of soup or salad; and the choice of one side order. My entree was $52.00; a G&T was $9.50; with tax ($6.30), my ticket was $67.80, before gratuity. The mixed green salad was nice, cool, crisp. They provide a chilled fork. (Nice touch.) They provided me with warm bread rolls. These weren't remarkable; but these were nice. The baked potato was prepared well. The steak was prepared really well. It was cooked medium rare, per request. It was well seasoned, juicy and tender. This restaurant serves prime rib. Because its available, they provide horse radish and au jus with steak orders. (That's different.) This is a nice neighborhood steakhouse. There are other proteins on the menu; but the emphasis is on beef. It seems to be patronized by regulars. It's a bit old fashioned; but that's part of the charm. It's not in-expensive; but the quality of the meat and produce is good, and a step above mass market. The table service was good, too. I recently learned The Bull Pen was a steakhouse via a social media post. I don't recall seeing a traditional advertisement for this establishment -- ever. read more

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Service was extremely slow. Perhaps understaffed but still very slow. The food was quite bad. The appetizer bread was so hard it was hard to bite through. The prime rib is on the small side for the price and both came out cold (not warm, not room temp, but cold like they say on a counter for a while). Same with the fries, onion rings, and burger. The "au jus" was clearly canned bullion or consommé. The fries and rings tasted like they were cooked in trusted oil. Nobody finished their meal. All of this at a fairly high price (averaged about $50 per person with only one alcohol drink). The band was great but otherwise this was a very disappointing experience. The crowd seems like a lot of regulars that are over served or over poured. I won't return for food. read more

The Bull Pen is a South Bay institution; the kind of place that's been around forever and still pulls in a loyal local crowd. I only stopped in for drinks, which were fairly priced for a bar atmosphere, but you can tell this spot has history and character. When walking in we were told, "you are in for a treat" The crowd is a great mix of thirty-somethings to seventy-somethings, all out to unwind and have a good time. At one point, I spotted a woman in her mid-to-late 60s rocking a mini skirt and boots, and to her credit, she pulled it off! The vibe is friendly, and once the clock hits 9pm, the live music kicks in. On this particular Friday, TRES HOMBRES was on stage, keeping the energy up and the drinks flowing. My group didn't have dinner here (which might have bumped this review up a notch), but if you're looking for a relaxed local spot to tip a few and take in some first-class people watching, The Bull Pen fits the bill. read more

The Bull Pen - Old-school touch: a placard by the front door lists the live music lineup. - Steakhouses Near Me - Redondo Beach, California

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I was genuinely surprised - nearly scandalized - by how difficult it was to find a neighborhood stronghold that not only knew what a Rusty Nail was, but also carried the Drambuie to make it correctly. This place did not merely have the ingredients - it had the reverence. Justin mixed it with the calm precision of a man who understands that some drinks are not trends, but traditions. "Ah yes... the Rusty Nail," say some. "Old, Archaic, Weathered," say others. Let them speak. It is one of the oldest cocktails in recorded history. Gifted by Bonnie Prince Charlie to Clan McKinnon, Drambuie has been cherished and revered in the Highlands since the mists of time gathered - borne through glens, over bens, and carried through generations of clansmen. It is not for the timid. It is for those who have watched storms roll in, seen vast armies gather, and still laughed in the face of death - because they know that their bloodlines are carved from stone. For after all - The strength, courage, and battle across centuries cannot be wrong. Drambuie warms this Highlander's heart . Sweet as legend, fierce as loyalty - akin to firelight of a distant hall hidden in misty glens. Aye... the Rising of the '45 is a tale for another night. But this night belongs to the Rusty Nail. read more

The Bull Pen - A Rusty Nail! - Steakhouses Near Me - Redondo Beach, California

My friend and I arrived at The Bull Pen a little after 8PM and sat in the high-top area. Unfortunately, we were completely ignored. The waitress never cleared the table, checked on us, or even acknowledged us, despite repeatedly walking past us. A bartender I know noticed us and kindly took our drink order. Even after that, the waitress still never came over. When we asked Josh Norris, an owners relative about ordering food, he told us the bar/high-top food cutoff was 8PM. We explained that we had been sitting there for a while and no one had informed us of the cutoff or taken our order. His response was rude and dismissive, saying, "I saw you when you came in!" and telling us we could move to the dining area if we wanted food. What made this especially disappointing is that I celebrated my birthday here just last month and spent over $1,000 with my guests. I'm not expecting special treatment because of that I simply expected the same basic courtesy and welcoming service I had experienced before. I completely understand having a food cutoff, but customers should be informed and given the opportunity to order. Being ignored and then spoken to so rudely when we finally asked was extremely upsetting. By the end of the interaction, I was so upset I was holding back tears. My friend and I felt uncomfortable enough that we simply paid for our drinks and left. read more

Was there with my husband for dinner last weekend. The food was blend also the famous burger that everybody said that was great had no kind of tea at all even with the cheese wouldn't recommend or go back there.. read more

This place is a classic. I hope it keeps the party going for years to come. Come here for the live music, the cocktails and maybe the burger (I heard it's good). But don't come here for the steak, that was disappointment. read more

What a wonderful 'old school' steak house. The steaks are delicious! The salad is also delicious. We had it with Italian dressing & our friends had blue cheese & said it's the best blue cheese around. Our server, Jay, was terrific! Was very attentive, without being overbearing. He was personable & efficient. I believe this is the BEST steak house in the village of Redondo Beach. The price is fair & the food is fresh. Some of the other steak houses in the area have substandard food & charge twice as much!! The ambiance is quiet and dark. You can tell most of the people that go there are locals & have been there many times. Everyone seems to know everyone else there & have a relationship with the bartender & servers. read more

Been coming here since 1997. We had many family dinners here, even came when they ran the morning breakfast on Sundays for steak and eggs. Service as well as the food has changed. We went on a Friday without reservations and were seated at the bar. The server older Hispanic man without any greetings just leered behind us. When I noticed him, he just gave us the menu and left. No greetings or word. We ordered New York steaks and fried shrimps, and they were very tough and chewy, not the quality we're used to. We packed up the steaks and gave it to the dog. Very disappointed, and the owner who used to greet us is no longer there. That gentleman always greeted us with a smile and a warm welcome which is missed these days. read more

Met some friends for dinner last night, and LOVED it. Terrific food, friendly and attentive service. Love the old-school L.A. vibe. Highly recommended and hope to return soon! read more

We had another nice dining experience. However, I ordered the New York steak and regretted it. The steak was incredibly tough and hard to cut, let alone chew. I didn't complain and just dealt with it. Not a big restaurant, but they make the most of their space. Water service was excellent and I always enjoy their spinning salad. Next time I'll choose another steak. It's a moderately priced restaurant, but it's content, old school and traditional American food served. I enjoy going here once every few months. read more

The Bull Pen - Steakhouses Near Me - Redondo Beach, California

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What a place. The Bullpen lives up to the hype in everyway, whether you know nothing or it's legacy. On the outside it looks so nondescript, but inside it's alive. Go to The Bullpen you're going to love it. Best thing we ate: The Burger. It's world famous for a reason. If you're with a group, be a bunch of legends and get the burger as an appetizer (see pic). The salad is salad, BUT you do get a chilled fork which classy AF. Gotta love that it comes with each meal. I had the Prime Rib, which I gotta say wasn't stellar which is why I'm sitting on a 4 on the first visit. I will be back for a second take and I'll grab a steak. Desserts were all mediocre in all honesty but we should all be at Handels anyway. The vibes at The Bullpen are absolutely immaculate - the place is abuzz, live music comes on in the evening, and it's an overall great time. Go get it! read more

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This has a typical bar atmosphere with an attentive waitress. Just near the Riviera, located in a strip mall, it's got corner bar vibes but a level up. The burger was fantastic. I give 4 stars because I came with an old timer who almost couldn't get in. He was mistaken for being too intoxicated when actually he was just old walks differently. Kudos for keeping the riffraff out though. read more

The Bull Pen - Clam chowder and famous Bull Pen Burger - Steakhouses Near Me - Redondo Beach, California

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Another visit to Bullpen that went very well! We had the best New York steaks tonight, everything tasted perfect. The funny bartender made us feel right at home and he mixed some excellent cocktails. Love the people that come to the establishment. Tequila selection could possibly use something new. Very nice place will be back. Thank you. read more

The Bull Pen - Boat Lamps! - Steakhouses Near Me - Redondo Beach, California

came for family dinner recently and was not disappointed! food was great, served quickly and we had really good service. our waitress really made an effort to make our group feel comfortable, checked in constantly and the vibes in here are too good!! not to mention they make a really good dirty martini! 10/10 read more

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Still love this place and they still have the best prime rib in the city. This visit though was a little off. Ordered prime rib ($49) medium and it came out medium rare. Had to send back. Dining partner ordered it medium rare and it came out rare. Also there is way too much butter and salt in the overall in the cooking. Never seen so much melted butter in the mac and cheese. Couldn't eat it. The green beans, supposedly a healthier dish, were soaked in butter and salt. Rice pilaf also had too much salt. The sea bass was good, but the recipe called for compound butter (which I had to order on the side, but did not use). Obviously this place has never met a pat of butter it didn't like. If you are on a healthy diet, this isn't the place. read more

Friendly service and good drinks. Food was excellent and nice to have sides to accompany the steaks. read more

Wonderful place. The food is hands down the best. Do not pass up a chance to go here.

Caught an Uber there with a friend, to be denied service for wearing a tank top. Seriously disappointing. A woman entered after me wearing overalls and was served. It was 90 degrees out. This is a dumpy old steakhouse. Not an up and coming gourmet experience. We walked over to a much nicer restaurant "Little Sister". They didn't seem to care about my tank top. They were so friendly. We had an amazing meal. The service there was perfect. No need to eat in a dark, grungy old steakhouse when there are such great options close by. Do yourself a favor and pass on this one. read more

Very dark, outdated interior, tiny dance floor. Very old crowd. Manager and bouncer were unfriendly. It's stuck in a strip mall. Unimpressed. read more

This is our favorite old school steakhouse. The vibes are immaculate, service always on point, and the food never disappoints. The Bull Pen is an absolute gem in our neighborhood and we go probably way too often. We typically sit in main dining if we think ahead enough and book reservations or are just dining as a couple. Tonight we were lucky to have a few tables held for us by the kind host for six at prime dining time. Our server was Cissy who was so efficient, attentive, and friendly, it made me want to do lounge dining every time if our old backs could handle the high top stools longer. She was amazing and speedy with orders, food, drinks, everything. read more

A couple of friends recommended The Bull Pen. Down to earth staff. Great customer service!

We came here to celebrate National Prime Rib Day, and it was absolutely unforgettable. From start to finish, everything was top notch. First off, Cissy took such amazing care of us -- she made us feel welcome from the moment we walked in, with a warm, genuine energy that's so rare these days. She was attentive without being overbearing, super knowledgeable about the menu, and made great recommendations. She honestly made the whole night even better. Now, the food...wow. The prime rib was out of this world -- tender, juicy, perfectly cooked, and full of flavor. Every bite melted in your mouth. The sides were just as impressive, and everything came out hot and fresh. And do NOT skip dessert -- the bread pudding was to die for! Rich, decadent, and the perfect sweet ending to an incredible meal. The atmosphere was cozy, old-school in the best way, and made for the perfect setting to enjoy a fantastic meal. We're already planning our next visit. Thank you, Bull Pen (and huge shoutout to the fabulously-dressed Cissy!) for an incredible evening! read more

The Bull Pen - Prime Rib with all the fixin's - Steakhouses Near Me - Redondo Beach, California

I dined with my favorite client here. It was my first time. The food was great, though it was our server that made it such a wonderful experience. I didn't catch her name but she was exceptional...maybe the best I've come across. read more

Went there first the first time to see my friend's band...met some other friends for dinner...had the prime rib...was excellent and came with sides and soup/salad...my wife had medallions of beef which was delicious as well...definitely a local hangout... Good fun and live music... read more

The food was good, but my rib eye was over cooked and not seasoned, but my baked potato and green beans were good. I went with the intention of having prime rib because of raving reviews from my friends and they ran out that night, but I'm definitely going back to try it. read more

The service was bad, drinks were bad, and the food was mediocre. I knew it was going to be bad from the start when the bartender recommended an old fashioned and then proceeded to add soda water or sprite from the soda fountain gun to the drinks. Steak was not cooked as requested and all of the food was just okay at best. It wasn't really cheaper than any of the other steakhouses either in Redondo Beach or the other beach cities, so I'm not sure why you would go here. There were only a handful of wines to choose from also. We struggled to get any of the staff to pay attention to us. This seems like the kind of place that regulars have been going to for decades, and they don't care about the quality. They just want "the usual." If you are uninterested in overpaying for bad service, bad drinks, and mediocre food, I would not recommend this place. read more

What's not to like? Great food and drinks and a retro steak house atmosphere. Great bartenders and servers. We are regulars because we love it. read more

Be sure to try what was once called the Bull Pen's "Baseball" cut. No bull about it! My favorites choice for years. Will not disappoint. Now on menu as: Coulotte 10oz *Chef recommends medium rare* AKA the baseball steak, the top sirloin cap is round, thick and lean. read more