Negatives Filet tastes like liver. Prices to high. Overrated Pluses Still thinking about it. read more

Based on everything I've read and heard about the Pine Club, I had high expectations for the restaurant. First impression was it was very small with narrow passageways for both staff and customers. Clearly most people come for the steaks, which are very good. But the rest of the menu is circa 1950 and uninspired. The only included veg choices were stewed tomatoes or veg of the day - boring green beans with sliced almonds. Everything else was an up-charge. And what's with the local supper clubs and enormous hash brown patties?! Maybe give me a couple $ back if I don't want potatoes. Folks at the bar were great, and table service was prompt and efficient. I was disappointed that our server said they couldn't do anything to recognize my Mom's 83rd birthday "because we don't have dessert." But the server at the table next door to us was really creative-she put a candle in a dinner roll and wrote Happy Birthday on a dinner roll for her client. What a nice gesture! For the one place people save for special occasions, you'd think the Pine Club would take pride in making them special. But for a place that brags about only accepting cash and making a US president wait 30 minutes for a table, I guess I shouldn't be surprised. Been there, done that, don't need to go again. read more

I always enjoy my visits to The Pine Club. Incredible service. Iconic surroundings. Amazing food. An absolute gem in the neighborhood. You must put this on your list while in the Dayton metro. read more

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Ate here for the first time in 20 years or so. And remembered why. I just don't understand the draw. People stand in line. Decor hasn't changed since it's inception...think a wood paneled men's club. Service is exceptional. But they need to get you in and out so they can move the line. Untypical for high end steak houses, everything is included in price of your meal...salad, bread, potato and vegetables. It's good, just not great. Think 8 ounce filet is about $50. No dessert. Never had desserts here, but you do get chocolate bars with your check. Cash only. There's better places in this town. But people are still wowed with this site. Me...not as much. Sorry. read more

I really enjoyed my visit here! I had the Surf and Turf which was delicious. I love that their entrees come in meals that include the bread service and salad. I upgraded my salad to a Caesar with anchovies which was really good. I loved the fried onion strings too. I had several drinks including a dirty martini with bleu cheese stuffed olives, an espresso martini, and a glass of red wine which were all great. The oyster appetizer was perfect as well. I do think it is tough that the place is cash only, but the old fashioned, timeless, classic steakhouse aesthetic and food make up for it! Loved the whole vibe of the place for a cozy and fancy date night. read more

The Pine Club - Surf & Turf - American Near Me - Dayton, Ohio

This place was amazing. It has such a unique vibe and it was absolutely packed at 4:30pm on a Saturday. I love the way the menu is setup and I truly cannot wait to go back. The food was also amazing. read more

The Pine Club - Filet Mignon, stewed tomatoes, baked potato, crispy onions - American Near Me - Dayton, Ohio

Throwback style restaurant with good food which has dark paneling that brings you back to a club setting of the 1960's! The service was top notch from being greeted to the bartender while you wait for your table and the server once seated. Steaks are awesome! The side dishes are traditional with green beans, stewed tomatoes, fries etc.... If you ever thought about going to The Pine Club it is worth your time & effort! read more

The Pine Club - Ester Price Dark Chocolate after dinner - American Near Me - Dayton, Ohio

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We came here for my MIL birthday and we were really disappointed. I'm not sure what has recently happened to this establishment? We have been coming here for many years and our dinner experience was so lacking in every area. The drinks were great still. Our salads were boring, one cherry tomato, no croutons, no cheese?! Just lettuce. My ribeye was dry and it tasted like it was previously frozen. Our baked potatoes were old. So disappointing for the amount of money spent. read more

We really wanted to make sure we were able to get in here so we arrived 10 minutes before opening and there was already a line. We were able to get a table as soon as they opened and loved the decor inside. Feels so warm and cozy. There is no drink menu but we ordered a few cocktails and oh my, where they strong, especially the old fashioned. The best one was the French 75, made perfectly. The group ordered a shrimp cocktail which was huge and steaks which were generous as well. One person ordered one of the sandwiches which didn't come out hot and was covered in mayo. Overall we enjoyed our experience. read more

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Lovely dinner last night. Perfectly cooked surf and turf, husband had the filet. Great service as always.

We went on Valentine's Day and under estimated the lure of this oldie! After waiting 2 1/2 hrs and meeting some fabulous couples while bellied up, we proceeded to our table. We ordered shrimp cocktail, surf/turf and the bone-in ribeye. The lobster was the best we've ever had! The steaks were big, cooked accordingly and but lacked a little flavor. Doesn't change the overall atmosphere or nostalgia of this place. read more

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Quality food, and great service - always consistent! Steak, and fish came out perfect, drinks were spot on.

Since there are no reservations you will be bellying up to the bar as seen by the photo. When you are seated you will be presently surprised by the attentiveness of the staff. Bread basket was fresh. I ordered the bone in ribeye grilled to perfection. The stewed tomatoes is a must if you like a good tomato soup as your vegetable! The price for what you get is beyond reasonable. In NY we are getting ripped off. Morton's has nothing on the Pine Club, my new favorite steakhouse!!! Run don't walk when in Dayton. Don't eat anywhere else. read more

The Pine Club - Waiting at the bar. - American Near Me - Dayton, Ohio

I was looking for a steakhouse to celebrate my aunt's birthday. Someone on the airplane mentioned this fantastic top three steakhouse in the country. I immediately looked it up on yelp, and we made plans to celebrate on a Friday night. Yelp shows the restaurant opening at 5 PM however it opened at 4:30 PM. We arrived at 4:50PM. In just 20 minutes, the entire restaurant had filled. We were fortunate enough to get one of the last booths available. This steakhouse looks like something back from the 1950s. Everything was exceptional! Holly took such great care of us, explaining everything in detail so we could make the best choice available. My aunt shows the 6 ounce fillet while I had the bone in ribeye. Both were delicious and the extras that come with the meal were also superb. This will be our steakhouse of choice every time I come for a visit. read more

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I have been going to this restaurant for 30 years, now unfortunately once a year when I visit Dayton. Arrived outside at 3:45 PM. When doors opened at 4 there were already 20 people in line to get in. enjoyed the ambience sitting at the bar for a drink and then asked to be seated around 4:30 when dinner service begins. Very nice waitstaff and we split the Huge Porterhouse. Perfectly cooked medium rare accompanied by a salad and Lyonnaise potatoes. Good brown bread. No split charge. Surprised at some of the casual clothing by some people. Fress up a little folks, this is a nice restaurant. No reservations, cash only. Having this restaurant in Dayton is truly a blessing. One note, the Porterhouse at the Paragon is even better when we did a comparison. read more

Atmosphere: very old school, with the bar front and center. All wooden decor. It was very crowded and long wait but worth it. No reservations taken. Small restaurant. Meal: went as a table of 4, most got the filet (medium rare), salad with house dressing (you must get the house dressing), baked potato, and daily veggie of corn. All the dishes came with onion haystacks. Everything was delicious and cooked to perfection. One note: they move tables fast so be ready to order and our waitress was nice but did feel like she was pushing us along to able to flip the table quick. Would go again but not again after a UD football game. read more

Th food was fine...the waitress not so much. I wanted to order my steak between medium and medium rare and she insisted that this was impossible....i believe it's called medium rare plus. Rather than trying to understand what exactly I wanted she just insisted this is not possible....so of course my streak was on the less done side of medium rare. Everyone else was happy with their meal but I have to be honest I was afraid to send the steak back that I would be berated by the waitress. Then at the end of our meal she plops down some chocolate as we still had full drinks and asks if she can get us anything else....i asked my son if he wanted dessert and she looks at me like I am an idiot..."oh no, we don't serve dessert that's why we dropped of the chocolate "....well, if we all had drinks why are you asking if we want anything else? I won't go back.unless I have to but I won't order a steak if I can't get it the way I want it. I think if you pride yourself in your steaks you would work with the customer to try to get it where they like it. read more

This was my first time to eat at The Pine Club. I had several people tell me the food was very good and I will say they didn't disappoint. The food was absolutely delicious. We started off with the Blue Tip Oysters on the half shell and they were amazing. We ordered the filets and the cook on them was perfection. Our waitress Dana was a delight. She was so attentive and personable. We didn't have to ask for anything because she was at the top of her game taking great care of us throughout the entire meal. I have nothing but positive things to say about the entire experience and would highly recommend! read more

After dined here for countable times over the past several years (during our regular OH visits), I can summarize this restaurant as the following: old school, dark ambiance-can be brighter, down to earth vibe, authentic, friendly, quality food, delicious, and good price...CASH only, to be aware of. This is one of the few restaurants we found that serve quality and delicious beef livers, and cook the livers to perfection. As you probably have figured, this is one of our fav dishes here. But, let's not to forget the other yummy items from the menu, like the ribeye and bone in ribeye; other cut of steaks, lamb chops and soups...etc. so far we have not had any complaints over the dishes nor the services. Staff have always been friendly. Additionally, she reasonable length of wine list has some great choices, especially the house brand wine which was bottled in Monterey, CA one of my favorite wine regions. There are parkings in the back of the restaurant, just look out for the signs. Highly recommend by @WineDinenVacay read more

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Finally tried The Pine Club for the first time and it was wonderful. We arrived around 4:30 on a Saturday and didn't have to wait at all. Beautiful, historic atmosphere. Perfect steak. Service was on point. We did not feel rushed at any point. Loved the Caesar salad with anchovies! Can't wait to return. read more

My mom and I came in around 4:20 the place was packed for opening up at 4. We waited about an hour to get a table which if this place was like this then it was worth the wait. And it definetley was for us. The bar was cool, old school. We sat at the bar first and great drinks then we were seated, the food was unbelievable. Probably the best food we had without Dayton, Ohio. I would defineltey come back again. It is cash only but that wasn't a problem. Like I said we waited an hour but it was well worth the wait! read more

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The Pine Club is still the same epic Dayton restaurant... It's been over 3 years since we've been back... In usual fashion, the restaurant hasn't changed a bit and continues with its originality. It's not hard to see why they've been in business for over 75 years. When you walk in, it's a throwback with original decor, dim lighting, and old school vibes. The menu is still the same with plenty of options, and excellent selections for US Prime steaks. The menu is not all-inclusive, so your meal comes with a steakhouse salad (get the house dressing), fresh baked bread, steak, potato (recommend the hash browns), and stewed tomatoes or vegetable of the day... The regulars know to put the stewed tomatoes on top of the hash browns. For one of Dayton's finer restaurants, pricing is very reasonable ($49 for the large filet mignon meal)... This would cost you $150+ at Ruth's Chris or Flemings, and The Pine Club is arguably as good, if not better. Be advised: No desserts. As for the service... It's typically average at best, with not super friendly servers. There's seemingly a bit of arrogance with the service staff, which is annoying (and frankly not right), but when you've been in business for as long as The Pine Club, I suppose you can get away with average service. PS - There are no reservations and it's cash or check only (no credit cards), so prepare ahead of time. read more

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First time visiting.....there was a line waiting outside to get in. I thought, it has to be good. I was wrong, don't get me wrong the food was good. I was just not impressed. Nice atmosphere, and the waitress was nice and accommodating. The food itself was good. The steak was moist and tender. You must get the stewed tomatoes, yum. I just wasn't impressed, for the amount of money. Doesn't accept credit cards, so bring cash and plenty of it. read more

OK, look. Why do you come here? It's for the old school ambiance, and the really good beef. It delivers on both of those points. The ribeye was delicious. The house Cabernet is better than it has any right to be. The bartender has a heavy hand. Why don't you come here? Because the men's room is out of hand soap. Because the house salad is just iceberg with a bit of shaved carrot. Because the creamed spinach, although of decent flavor, is really just whole spinach leaves wilted in sauce. Because the dirty martini has olives casually speared, one barely hanging on by the skin, ready to splash in your drink if you dare pick them up by the skewer. Because the vegetable of the day, cabbage and bacon, tastes of grandma's smoky leftovers. Because the shrimp cocktail, though delicious, features a shrimp that is improperly deveined, so you sit there with your salad fork, scraping shrimp shit out of the thing you're about to eat. I sure wish this place would pay more attention to detail without changing the classic nature of its ambience or its menu. read more

DAYTON, Ohio - Despite - or maybe because - of the things we didn't like, me and the missus would happily return. Upon entering, you're like 'did I just step through time to 1947, with these knotty pine walls and leather upholstered booths with rivets?' Very old time-y vibe. Went there on a Saturday night, 630ish, amazingly didn't have to wait for a table for our party of four. It's a noisy loud place - you won't have a quiet conversation. My rare porterhouse was (chef's kiss) - so tender and juicy and big. Perfection. Wife's strip steak was same. The place is worth it for the steaks and the aesthetic alone. Stewed tomatoes? Akin to a thick tomato soup, but a little too sweet. Pro tip: get the salad dressing on the side unless you like your salad drenched. The garlic mashed potatoes are quite good. Pro tip 2: They don't take plastic, bring cash. Also they don't do reservations, nor do they have dessert. But you're walking out of there full anyway. read more

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Unfortunately, we won't be returning to this restaurant. Perhaps we should have ordered steaks since reviews for that seem good. I had the trout and my husband ordered the pork chops. Both were average at best and one of the chops wasn't completely cooked. The green beans appeared to be from a can. The bread basket was ok. The place is so loud that's it's virtually impossible to have a conversation. Maybe it was better in its heyday but it's not for us. read more

My eagerly awaited visit to the Pine Club fell short of 'good as it gets' - in summary: Ambiance 5 star Food 4 star Service at Bar - 5 star Service at Table - 2 star Ambiance was just lovely, classy, old school but not kitschy, and uber romantic. All that wood, tiled floor, low lights, simple artwork and soft indirect lighting at the booths, combined to create a rare mood. One thing that was odd is the bar seats being round backless stools, which made me think of a roadside diner. I was expecting something a bit more plush. The bartenders in uniform were real pros, eager to please and the cocktail was well mixed and strong. They do not have any signature cocktails. Our waitress was either inexperienced/badly trained, or pissed off, or having a lousy day, or something. She never greeted or welcomed us. She approached the table and the only thing she said was 'oh, you already have drinks' which we'd brought from the bar. I was intrigued to see hash browns as a potato choice and I asked her thoughts, telling her it was our first time. Her response was 'it's just, you know a hash brown patty; the baked potato is just a baked potato and the fries are FROZEN.' Yow! Talk about transparency. Her description of the famous stewed tomatoes was also very unappetizing so we both opted for day's vegetable which was Harvard beets, and those were the BEST beets I ever tasted. My husband agreed. No one ever refilled my ice water (I limited to one cocktail since driving) even when I moved the nearing empty glass to the outside of the table. The final straw was being asked 'do we need boxes?' No, at a $$$ classic steakhouse WE need YOU to have our leftovers neatly wrapped and return them to us. She failed on this and presented a bad attitude. Also as some others mentioned the courses were rushed without first removing used plates. The apps as expected are very small - light bites for one person, a true appetizer. The fried shrimp was a winner, nicely butterflied in an eggy batter. The herring was four tiny pieces out of a jar, smothered in plain sour cream also out of a jar. Very boring and unsatisfying. The salad was nothing, although the Red & Bleu dressing was excellent and worth the upcharge. The bread basket was beautiful but would have been so much better if it had been warm. Really liked the salty breadsticks. But we came for the meat and that was superb. Thick flavorful medium rare sirloin and a glorious veal chop nicely charred to the perfect requested medium. Thanks to the steak and chop I'm rounding up 3.5 stars to a 4. So, study the menu, bring cash, and hope you get a better waitress. I expect to get back here again at some point, after trying out the Oakwood Club! read more

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I came back here with my parents for a meal and was super disappointed. Our server was Holly, who was standoffish and ignored us very often. She also never had a smile on her face. Her service was so slow and she was quite rude. Regarding the food, two things were still amazing: the fried oysters and the prime rib. They would be the only reasons I return. The other food? Not that great. The fries were okay, as were the crispy onions. Don't order the baked potato, because you'll get a small-medium sized potato with a knife slit in it. It isn't opened and there are no toppings. It's just a potato and a side cup of some sour cream. The green beans were their "vegetable of the day," but it was absolutely awful. Canned beans are better than their green beans. These were so bland and tasteless. Overall, had pretty bad experience here this time, which made me sad. read more

The Pine Club - Bone In Rib Eye Steak - American Near Me - Dayton, Ohio

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We have been wanting to dine here for years and finally made the trek to Dayton. What a cool throwback, there's something to be said about a place that hasn't changed anything in 75 years. Yes, it's still cash or check only, be prepared. The food was excellent and you get a lot for the money here. The wine is also very reasonable. Our server was super friendly and explained everything since we were first timer. I can't wait to find another reason to go back. read more

When we are traveling through Dayton we always stop at the Pine Club. Delicious steaks done exactly to order. Be prepared for a short wait and have your check book or cash ready as they do not accept reservations and do not take credit cards. read more

The food was not worth the money ... rib eye steak was $54 ... not well seasoned , broccoli was without season just steamed ... bread was sooo salty !!!!! And cash only ... not very convenient read more

The Pine Club - Rib Eye Steak not worth the money $54 ... it wasn't juicy not enough spice.... Bake potato was not warm and hard ...broccoli not seasoned - American Near Me - Dayton, Ohio

First thing you need to know is they don't take reservations and they don't take credit cards. So come prepared. We often try to be there were they open so stand in line and when it's cold ... well dress for it. This Dayton staple for steak and their steaks are amazing ... if thats what you like. luckily my husband talked me into not getting the steak and getting the lobster ... they were amazing cold water lobster which is the only lobster I will eat. The taste and texture were ideal. the service was attentive. In the winter being seated by the door .. well it gets cold. Even the desserts were good but the food is so good. It's expensive so only come for special moments like birthdays and to celebrate. read more

The Pine Club - American Near Me - Dayton, Ohio

We frequently eat at Pine Club and it is always fabulous! You can almost imagine old world gangsters sitting around the bar drinking martinis. My husband travels extensively and this is his favorite restaurant in the world! Our favorite waitresses are Theresa and Candy! Their steak, lobster tail and Caesar salads are superb!! They have a nice selection of wine, without the big markup you get at any steak house. They don't take reservations so everyone has to wait, usually at the bar, even George W Bush had to wait his turn ! They also don't accept credit cards, so bring cash or do yourself a favor and open a house account because you'll want to come back!!! read more

The Pine Club - American Near Me - Dayton, Ohio

Dayton Steak House... Truly fortunate to have several excellent steakhouses in the Greater Dayton Metropolitan area. In our view, Dayton Steakhouses compare with best in Kansas City, Chicago, Las Vegas, Houston, Omaha, Minneapolis, Fort Worth, Atlanta, Indianapolis, .... Our view: Paragon Supper Club, Carvers, Pine Club, Oakwood Club, Flemings,...? Individual experience, loyalty, quirks, ... all play a role in which is "best." In terms of steaks, we recommend all; in terms of service we recommend all, in terms of ambience, some deserve a three of five. In all instances, we order Ribeye. Pine Club Steak Five Star Service Five Star Ambience Three Star Credit Card One Star We are aware that Pine Club often receives both state and national attention; however, in our view there are too many quirks to this restaurant. There are Four other very nice steakhouse choices in the Greater Dayton Metropolitan Area. We have been Pine Club fans for nearly a half century. In our view other steakhouses are very competitive. We are discouraged by the Pine Club's credit card policy. For us there is No merit to hold a Pine Club charge account. We like that the wait staff's training is consistent, and is monitored by management. The training program is excellent. Ribeye is large and we highly recommend. Pine Club often is very busy; restaurant is small and "outdated." Pine Club is good for "date night." Many years ago, we dined at Pine Club monthly; now we vary steakhouse dining experiences. The ambience is dark and somewhat dated; Parking is challenging. The tariff is appropriate for the fare. read more

New favorite restaurant in the entire USA! Atmosphere, service, quality food, won't leave disappointed!

The food was good but the service is terrible. All they want to do is 45 minute table turns; you cant even enjoy the meal.

This was such a great evening. After acclimating to the dark interior, it truly set the tone of the evening...warm and inviting. Our waitress was perfect and ensured our glasses were never close to being empty and the steak was cooked to perfection. I ordered the 8oz filet (med) with overstuffed baked potato and stewed tomatoes. It came with onion straws which paired well with the steak. I capped this off with one of the best Manhattan cocktails I've had...yes, they had the right cherries (lux)! A big THANK YOU to the people at Pine Club for making this a wonderful experience. Be sure to give Chris Ryan (GM) a big thank you when you're there as he runs a tight ship and he always has time to chat and create memories...he's the best! read more

The Pine Club - American Near Me - Dayton, Ohio

I was very impressed. I remember when I was a little girl, my dad used to come to the Pine Club, often with business associates and my mom. I was never allowed to go. Back then, a suit jacket and tie was required. That is not the case anymore. They still ask you dress with formal attire but I wore a dress and my husband wore a nice button up shirt, fitted black jeans and dress shoes. It was an anniversary they don't do reservations and that made me a bit nervous but it was a Thursday evening. We went at about 530pm. It's dark inside and cozy but we were seated right away--the hostess was very prepared. She didn't need to take time to stare at dry erase chart. Almost as soon as our booties hit the seats someone came by and placed ice cold water in front of us and told us our server would be right with us. On the tables already were two menus, silver ware and napkins, and a dish of butter slices. I asked if I could order the bone in ribeye al a cart and our server stated yes, it would just be discounted about $5. We ordered the 4 shrimp & 4 oysters combo for appetizers, bone in ribeye (rare) and broiled lobster tail for me and hubby got the extra heavy filet mignon (medium rare) and salad wedge. We LOVED the appetizers. My husband has never had oyster before but surprisingly ate his two oysters! Next time I'll order more oysters for us! His salad was beautiful and honestly enough for two. Our steaks came out...though both were delicious and we were very happy with everything--his was definitely cooked more rare and mine was medium rare ‍ again, still very well seasoned fresh delicious cuts that were cooked with care. We didn't complain so we don't know if the temperature was due to server error or cook error. Our server did a fantastic job of checking on us and keeping our water glasses full. We did not have room for dessert tonight but the server brought us two adorable Pine Club chocolates that were made by Esther Price my husband gobbled both pieces up lol I cannot wait for our next special occasion to visit! WARNING: Line Club is C A S H ONLY! And with what we ordered (and two alcoholic beverages) our bill was $204, $245 after tip. Bring cash! read more

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This restaurant was not as great as I remembered it. First they wouldn't take reservations, they just took us as we came in and seated us at the bar to make sure we'd order drinks. Then they didn't have butter knives, so I had to make a mess using unwieldy heavy steak knives. Them I realized they wouldn't take credit cards, so we had to spend down our cash reserves dangerously. read more

The Pine Club - The parking lot. - American Near Me - Dayton, Ohio

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Great food and service. Always tough to get in with no reservations- 5pm on Tuesday was the only lay time I've been successful of getting in. Also, bring cash read more