Saddle Peak is a massive, lodge-themed restaurant up in the Santa Monica mountains and a meat-lovers paradise worthy of the trip.
Have been to Saddle Peak many times over the years. Sad to see it going down hill. Very poor service.
Great brunch!
Apparently a new wait staff member joined their ranks and training wasn't polished; his interactions felt hurried, missing water orders, etc. I'm sure the management will address. This place normally exceeds expectations and it shouldn't dissuade others from visiting.
Executive Chef Adam Horton is back in the kitchen at Saddle Peak after a brief Hiatus, and what a welcome return it is. While game meats are featured there is something for every taste on the menu. Creative is the key word. Adam can take and dish and turn it into an exciting adventure for the tastebuds. I'm very partial to the Elk tenderloin and have enjoyed a number of different preparations....each excellent. On this most recent visit I had an appetizer of sweet corn soup with a crabcake. I love both corn and crabcakes Leave it to Adam to find a way to put them together. The herbs and seasonings and spices in Adam's recipes are always spot on and done with a finesse that always complements the dish instead of overpowering.
Now that Adam has restored the menu to the high standard it formerly enjoyed it's a somewhat difficult choice to pick just one item. you could put on a blindfold, drop your finger anywhere on the page, order it and very, very pleased with your meal. I know. I have done just that. And we keep coming back.
Went for. Special occasion as identified with reservation. Service was so so and never recognized special occasion . Been going to SP for twenty years now, will think twice about going. Again
Getting really overpriced as well and wine list heading to far north.
Excellent Wygu hamburgers but made reservation for outside. Drove all the way out there only to find we had to sit indoors due to a wedding. Very disappointed
Love this place. love the "library room" we sat in and the food was good too. Wild boar a bit dry but everything else was fantastic.
We went for my wife's 35th birthday and I made the reservation a month ahead of time asking for a quiet area as my in laws have hearing issues. They put us on a deck outside next to the wedding which had a dj and was very loud. They wouldn't open the door to let fresh air in as it was very hot. So I could ignore all of this if the food would have been good. Everything was so salty you could barely eat it. Very disappointed, I would have rather gone to Mastros for that kind of money.
Food was average and too salty. Overpriced for what they offer. If you're in the mood for a good steak, go to Mastro's also pricey but worth the money.
Always go for special occasions. Brother/Sister in law from Montreal always want to fo there when they come to visit.
We arrived right on time for our reservation but the hostess told us it would be about twenty minutes before we would be seated. No problem, except the bar service was terrible.
Ambiance is very romantic and fun... Disney-esq cabin in the woods, under garden lights. Food needs serious updating. Prepare for a pound of salt, a gallon of oil, and thus a stomach ache that lasts for 2 days. For $100-120 per person, I expected more sophistication. Obviously, the 1980's menu hasn't been touched since. Could be wonderful. Ugh!
Great place in the woods. Fine dining. Recommend for anytime or special occasions.
The atmosphere was great but that alone is not enough to return to or recommend this place. I took my wife here for her birthday. While we were there neither of us complained to the other not to ruin the evening but as soon as we left, we sensed each other's dissatisfaction with the restaurant and started pointing out the things that bothered us. The food was OK but for the price being charged it should have been way better than. For example, why would you want to drench the heirloom tomatoes in kimchi juice? Are they not fresh to serve as they are? Very odd. The bone in rib-eye was not bad but can't say the same about the sea bass. Our waiter was nice and friendly. So, no complaints there. I just wished the host or manager asked us where we'd like to sit instead of guiding us to one of the less desirable tables, and making us request a better one. The poorly maintained patio, dining room, and restrooms gave the impression of a struggling mom and pop operation. Too many things were out of order including the patio lights, the urinal in the men's room and the light switch in the lady's room.
Enjoyed a delightful Sunday brunch on the shaded patio next to the small rock waterfall. We took advantage of the "bottomless" mimosas, which our waiter refilled four times. We each had the Eggs Benedict. Two of us had it over the applewood bacon; one over the smoked salmon -- both were delicious. For dessert, we opted for the strawberry-filled beignets with crime anglaise -- as scrumptious as it sounds. Can't wait to do it again.
Always enjoy this place!
The food and the service was exceptional. It's always a treat to dine here. We love the Monday through Wednesday menu specials. Be sure to ask to see that menu.
Food and service was absolutely great. Thank you!
The prices for brunch have greatly increased and the service level has decreased. There were only 4 other people in the restaurant and this should have been a sign. The prices are much higher than in the past. The coffee, water and soda on our table were empty for a long time. The bacon was burnt and refused by us. Where is the level of service that used to be here???
First time here, after hearing many years' positive reviews. Great food, horrible service, will not repeat.
Arrived at 7:15 for our 7:30 reservation, directed to the bar. The bar was packed, and service was chaotic. Seated at my reservation time of 7:30. I brought my own wine, the server broke the cork with the rudimentary standard tool. Ordered a small plate to share with my dining partner, delivered to the table quickly. The mains weren't served for another hour, after complaining to management. Server had little training for pouring red wine. Enjoyed the food, certainly, but have no desire to return.
My wife's birthday with friends, the place is always great. I've been going to Saddle Peak for years and it is always top notch food and service. The management and waiters are very attentive. A most go place.
Food felt very old fashioned, not in a good way. Extreme pricing for average food.
We have been to the Saddle Peak Lodge before and always sat inside which we love...Very relaxing and intimate with lots of charm and character. We have even sat at the bar and had the bar menu which is fun.This past visit we sat outside with friends on the patio which was quite magical...Lovely low lighting under an arbor with lush planting and a fountain... The food was amazing, creative presentation and very fresh and tasty with such lovely service & staff. We are looking forward to going back!...A real dining experience where you're not rushed in and out and can have a nice relaxing visit.
We love this place. Beautiful setting and outstanding food and service. Our third and definitely not our last visit for special times.
As usual, the food was excellent. As has been our experience in the past, the service leaves a lot to be desired. One, waiter, in particular - not ours, offered my husband a beer to his liking - he usually dcrinks Stella. Your restaurant is in need of a DEEP cleaning. There is dust everywhere! I realize it is a rustic environment, but it borders on disgusting. I am sure we will be back at some point...for the food.
When we arrived the restaurant was relatively empty. We were seated next to some people with very load voices. I requested that we be moved and this was done right away.
I have been here about 10 times under the old management and, after reading recent mixed reviews for the new management, I was worried about taking a friend who hadn't been. However, we truly enjoyed some of the new menu items, our meats were cooked perfectly (tried the supper menu: rib steak and chicken), portions were large and service was fine. I'll definitely be back!
Amazing meal! One of the nicest anniversary dinners we've ever had. Loved this restaurant!
Besides a VERY BIG mix up on pricing of ordered drink($24 up charge difference), wasn't a bad experience ,nor a bad ambiance.
It was OK. Totally ignored my request to get steamed spinach and they loaded the plate with cream butter etc. While the food is good you have to make sure your requests are executed by the kitchen.
This a great, one-of-a kind restaurant. Beautiful setting! Good food. Excellent service.
It was great, just rather hot.
We had a wonderful evening at Saddle Peak...the food was excellent and the service attentive. However, the kitchen had a bit of a problem with timing. The appetizer had just been delivered and before we could even eat it, our main courses arrived...and then we waited 20 minutes for our dessert.
I was disappointed and saddened that this once amazing restaurant had "jumped the shark" so to speak and is now only delivering a fair but inconsistent experience at best. Once an amazing restaurant with outstanding food and service, a new owner without any experience in fine dining has destroyed what was a foodie landmark. We felt rushed to begin with, even though the restaurant was maybe 25 percent capacity. The wine was served off a shelf in the bar (warm) and was not kept in a chiller...are they just being cheap or wanting to abuse wines? Finally, the entire table ordered the game quartet and there was never an ask of how we wanted it prepared. I figured this was OK as the prior regime always made it perfect. Sadly, all the dishes came out way too fast and all inconsistent in temperature and how well cooked. Especially dry and overdone was the signature boar in the quartet. Having to complain, they reduced the price of the dishes to the trio of game, but gave a lame excuse of avoiding trichinosis. I did not know of the change of hands for this once great place. I was given a very scripted story....but the bottom line is that we experienced an end to an era. A once great foodie haven is dead. RIP.
Horrible service. Tables were full, not enough staff. Food was salty - not as good as previous ownership. $35 corkage fee was steep.
The food was filling and delicious. Our server however was really rude to the busser who was trying to light our outdoor lamp which absolutely was broken! (Not the bussers fault!) It was completely uncalled for for the main server to be rude to the busser for a situation that was out of his control. All the support staff was wonderful. The people who delivered our meals, bussers, etc. That's the only reason I am not rating the restaurant higher: rude server.
There entrees now come with a lot of spicy or jammy sauces, it would be better if they offered these sauces separately and let the customer decide which sauce they want. It would also be wonderful to have a red wine/mushroom sauce for people who prefer their elk or quail with a more natural flavor. Our service was excellent but until the menu changes for more traditional option, I will hesitate to return.
A wonderful place with beautiful natural setting, excellent service and delicious food. I would highly recommend for any special occasion.
Always exceptional food, service and ambiance. Great for game that is creatively prepared and served.
This is a wonderful historic restaurant with lots of character.