Mastro's Steakhouse
Categories: Lounges, Steakhouses [Edit]
Neighborhood: Beverly Hills246 N Canon Dr
Beverly Hills, CA 90210 (310) 888-8782
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 5:00 p.m.-2:00 a.m. - Price Range: $$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
- Parking: Valet
- Attire: Dressy
- Good for Groups: Yes
- Good for Kids: No
- Takes Reservations: Yes
- Delivers: No
- Take-out: No
- Waiter Service: Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
- Outdoor Seating: No
- Good for: Dinner
- Music: Live
- Best Nights: Thu, Fri, Sat
- Happy Hour: No
- Alcohol: Full Bar
- Smoking: No
- Coat Check: Yes
132 reviews
Los Angeles, CA
"Alas... no line! This place can easily be my new fave local bar! It's got a small, intimate feel to it... with a cozy little fire pit in…" read more »
265 Reviews for Mastro's Steakhouse
I loved this place. The live music creates a relaxed atmosphere, but it does not take away from the seriousness of the place. This place takes their steaks seriously. I had a kansas city cut. It was juicy, flavorful, and tender. The service was attentive and efficient. The sides were solid.
Their martinis were expertly made, and their seafood tower appetizer was fantastic. The cool thing about the seafood tower is that you can mix and match and build it anyway you like.
I am still partial to Boa, but I'd definitely like to go there again soon.
Cheers to Mastros!
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I am going tonight and I am so excited. I haven't been in a while but last time, it was so delicious. Mastro is for special occasions only since it is so expensive. But for the classic steakhouse feel in fancy BH you cant beat it. The food is great!
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What I hate about it :
TOO CROWDED and TOO NOISY!
I think they put like at least 60 people in that tiny area on the first floor, tables were almost touching each other, I found it REALLY hard to squeeze into my seat. I'm a 125lbs gal and I wonder how could anybody fatter than me could do that. PLUS, because the tables are so close you can hear everything the next table say, so the ambience is NOISY and NOT ROMANTIC at all. So if you are going there, request a table either upstairs or downstairs, which may be better.
The Food:
Went there with my bf. We ordered some oysters ($16) as appetizer which I wouldn't recommend, those are fresh but the after taste was bitter and I guarantee those on Redondo beach are much more better and cheaper.
For the main dish my bf ordered a 18oz filet, which tastes good but not great coz they overcooked a bit, too dry, and I got a bone-in ribeye for myself and this is SUPERB! i mean it --the best ribeye I have ever had in my life. We had a mashed potato as the side order which was also good. My bf also ordered a glass of italian red, he said it was great.
Total we spend for a 2-person dinner = $160.
Service:
we requested a change of table and they did it immediately for us. our waiter was polite but poker-faced.
A bit noisy, definitely crowded but the herculean prime rib they serve more than makes up for it. I've had my share of prime rib at some of the finest steak houses around the country and I've never a prime rib so outrageously thick. It's listed as "only" 28 ounces but it made Lawry's Jim Brady cut (48 ounces I believe) look small in comparison.
Of the many upper-crust steak houses in L.A., Mastro's really rises above the rest. The New York strip steak was amazingly delicious.....very juicy and perfectly cooked. The cream corn was yummy, as was the bread basket they bring out when you are seated.
The upstairs dining room is always very hopping with older hipsters ( I sat there when I took my newly-divorced friend to Mastro's, and had to explain to him what a "cougar" was). The dining room on the bottom floor is much more sedate; when I took my girlfriend there, we had the whole room to ourselves. It was nice to have so many of the employees schlepping around for us in a quiet and romantic setting.
It always feel like a snazzy night-out when I have eaten here, as opposed to Ruth Chris, which always feels more down-home, or Morton's, which feels more corporate and touristy in comparison.
I live a few blocks away from Mastro's, so it is a nice rarity to be able to stroll there and not deal with parking and traffic.
This is the best expensive steak I have ever tasted. It melts in your mouth and I didn't even need steak sauce! I highly recommend the filet.
I've only come here on Friday's and Saturdays. This place is crowded on those days but who's complaining...ha ha. It's crowded for a reason. Great steaks with great portions, excellent service and a beautiful friendly crowd. Everyone's well dressed and it's quite a social scene at the bar.
Don't come here on the weekends if you can't stand crowds or waits. You've been warned.... :)
If you're not trying to have a nice, quiet, intimate little dinner, Mastro's is perfect. The food is insanely good and perfectly prepared. I always start with the spinach salad (sans the bacon) so I feel like I'm at least starting out healthy. I do like to enjoy my salad with a glass of the Sonoma-Cutrer Chardonney or one of the house martinis, served smokin' over dry ice. Yum-my!
Next course is the steak--and the bone-in-filet (nothing more than petite is really necessary!) is by far the best on the menu. All of the steaks come served on a 400 degree plate (so if you're one of those curious people who has to see if it's really 400 degrees and can't keep your little curious fingers off it, prepare to be burned) so they stay delicious and hot no matter how slowly you enjoy your meal. The side of mushrooms is amazing, and perfectly compliments the steak.
And it's critial to save room for dessert. If you're a chocolate fan, the Chocolate Sin Cake is the best chocolate cake I've ever had in my life. I can't figure out what it is--it has the consistency of flourless, tastes vaguely like pudding and/or cheesecake.... but in the end, who the heck cares. It's spectacular. I know everyone likes the butter cake, but I found it dry and pretty disappointing.
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Couldn't get into the Cut and went with Mastros. What a kick ass spot. Little hip little trendy but the wooded modern environment was very pleasing to everyone in our group. I am not gonna get into great details on how great the meal was because so many other people have said it. This is probably the 2nd best steakhouse I have ever ate at (Craftsteak being #1). The portions were huge the steaks, they were a juicy. The sweet potato fries are cut thick and have a light breading. F'ing good stuff. We all splurged and got dessert. My buddy and I went with the pecan pie ala mode. So rich i need some milk. The ice cream was so freakin creamy I didn't know how to react. Brilliant. I highly recommend it but call for reservations a few days before if you want a seat. Also request not to be seated in the middle of the restaurant its pretty close quarters.
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Bone in Filet was the best piece of steak I had this year.
Scallops were the size of my dog's head.
Sauteed mushrooms and sweet potato fries were good.
Butter Cake for dessert was awesome as well.
Humongous portions so be forewarned.
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I do enjoy Mastro's. The oyster rockefeller were great. Other side dishes (mushroom, mashed potates) were all good also. My bone in filet was god but my boyfriend complained about his filet being too salty. Overall service was good but I think their tables are way too close to each other and a little too wide. I would definitely come back again, but for the price I would probably prefer Ruth's Chris which I think is just as good.
Food: Treated my mom and my sister a few days ago and it was yummmy. we started with the seafood tower: lobsters, oysters, crab legs, shrimp cocktail. so fresh! the shrimp was so big and yummy! oysters were really fresh. my mom had the veal which came out soo good. tasted a bit like chicken. my sister had the filet and i had the 12oz bone in filet. all very good and tender. creamed corn was yummm-o but i still like lawrys creamed corn the best. for dessert we had the butter cake. it was just ALRIGHT. the cosmo is good too!
Ambiance: downstairs is really dim. upstairs is more lively with music.
Staff: super attentive and friendly
Price: $$$$, freaking spent 400 dollars on dinner! i think the seafood tower appetizer itself was 100 some bucks!
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Mastros straddles the thin line between classic and cheesy, at times leaning heavily to either side of the line. For example, the music is just awful. The worst keyboard player in the world brings his crappy Yamaha and lets loose. For another example, the lights and smoke that come with each seafood tower, and several of the cocktails, are absolutely ridiculous. Just plain cheesy.
But the steaks are hard to beat. I'd say they're definitely better than Morton's and Cut and Boa, and just a bit better than Ruth's Chris (underrated in my book). The bone-in rib-eye and the bone-in fillet are amazing. They are spectacular. I'm physically attracted to them. It's almost sick.
The sides here are better than any other steak house as well. And the seafood, though presented in those ridiculous towers, is fantastic. Basically, in terms of expensive steak house fare, this place is the real deal, and probably the best in LA.
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I can't say anything new about this place but wanted to add my two cents and up its star value. Best steak in LA. Great ambiance, wine list, amazing selection of sides (sugar snap peas!!!) Only constructive criticism (which we shared with our waiter) is that they should change the name of the "butter cake" because it sounds gross.
Mastro's is the BEST Steakhouse! Period.
Best bone in ribeye in Los Angeles thus far. The title is on the line as my evening at CUT is on the horizon. The bone in ribeye (22 oz, $43.95) comes sizzling on a blank scorching hot white plate. Just a dash of salt and pepper and i carved that thing all the way to the bone.
Each side is enough for 4-6 people. The lobster mashed potatoes is smooth and creamy topped with a lobster bisque like gravy. The lobster portions are generous as you will be in a couple of hours ($32.95).
I do not recommend the chilled king crab legs ($24.95). I was picturing the legs to be the size of a baby's arm. Instead, it was more like a slap in the face. Basically 2 wimpy legs cut down the center giving you 4 pieces total.
The drinks are good and you do get to keep the ice melted dilution remaining within the cocktail shaker which makes 2 servings total. Sounds great but the pomegranite martini is also $18 (cocktails start around $14).
The upstairs bar is annoying as it doubles as a dinner counter (for people who are too cool to sit at tables?). Trying to order a pre dinner drink there was impossible.
The piano doubles as a bar counter and the old folks sitting around it singing Barry Manilow tunes took my buzz down a notch.
This is 90210 so you can eavesdrop or partake in some vague nauseating conversation such as: "I work in the entertainment industry. Did I tell you that I work in the entertainment industry? Did anyone tell you that I work in the entertainment industry, did you know? I have an announcement everyone! I work in the entertainment industry!"
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Down here for the weekend my brother and I decided to stray from our tradition Lawrys for some steak. My choice was Cuts but without reservation chances are slim to none. So Mastro was able to take us at 9pm. A bit heavy late, but what can I do, I need fullfil my taste for blood!
Service = Awesome, without being snobby considering next to rodeo drive, consider I was bit a casual
Ambience = Just right, dark with lots of wood, just the way a steak house should be
Food = Possibily the best steak outside of the Metropolian Grill of Seattle
Price = $$$$ Remarkably cheap compare some of other Major steakhouses
Crowd = Powerhouse of LA, young athletes, to old money, everyone that is someone is here. Make me happy just eating here!
Personal Favorite = One of the best meals I've had
Worst = hard to get good reservation without being late evening
Meal for two = 250 including lots of wine!!
Final say = Definitely one of my favorites in LA, Must try!
Stellarrrrrr.....
It's old Hollywood all the way, complete with sleazy old Hollywood white guys schmoozing you at the bar, but hey -- it made for a memorable evening.
Our waittress was absolutely awesome, she kept the drinks coming, and I love that the Mastro's martini's come to you frothing and flowing with dry ice, that makes them look like pretty "love potions" while you drink.
I'm a sucker for Old Hollywood dives.... this one is amazing, I was absolutely impressed from the moment I stepped in.
Ordered:
Lobster/Shrimp Salad -- Amazing
Our Sides:
Gorgonzola Mac & Cheese ---- comfort food gone HAPPY
Creamed Spinach --- YUM
Sauteed Mushrooms == YUMMMM
Mastro's Mashed Potatoes -- double yum
Entrees:
Bone In Ribeye (melted in your mouth)
Filet (no petite here)
Dessert:
Butter Cake ..... this butter cake is UNBELIEVABLE
its like hot sex on a platter x 10 -- I would soo go back for the butter cake and coffee... just WOW
The piano bar upstairs is super chill -- great stout drinks to wet your whistle -- lots of old hollywood guido types looking for "pretty females to cast" for their films -- but chat up with them and you get to learn a little bit about Hollywood.... and I'm a sucker for that and a few free "drinks on me" moments....
and I just loveeeeee me a good martini and steak.
Mastro's pwned me...
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On my MSN homepage one day, it listed the 10 best steakhouses in LA (this was about a year ago). At that point, I had been to 6/10 of those establishments. The only ones I hadn't been to were two at the top of the list, Mastro's and Cut, and two at the bottom of the list, which I can't remember.
After having gone to Mastro's, I can easily say that it's the best steakhouse I've been to. I haven't gone to Cut, but from what I hear it's more of a trendy modernized restaurant that happens to specialize in steak, as opposed to a traditional "steakhouse," so I don't think I would enjoy it as much.
I've been to Mastro's twice, once the day after Valentine's Day, and once again a few months later for a friend's birthday. Both times my experience was excellent. Service was on point, food was delicious, atmosphere was great.
First, the food. In preparation for my first visit, I looked up some previous reviews to see what was recommended. I also looked at the online menu that I found on the web. The vanilla-battered shrimp jumped out at me right away. I HATE chocolate. But love vanilla. I would swim in a pool filled with it. And I also love shrimp. So it was a logical choice. I was not let down. It was amazing. My date seemed to agree as well, because a fraction of a second after she had tasted it, she couldn't help but smile as she continued to chew. We also ordered the lobster mashed and gorgonzola mac n cheese, which were both flavorful and wonderful for taking the most humble of dishes and taking them 7 levels higher. We decided to split a steak, the bone-in ribeye if I can remember. Perfectly cooked and flavored, the meat seemed to fall off the bone. The warm butter cake was ridiculously good. I was full beyond capacity, but still managed to eat a good portion of it. At the end of that first trip, I was in awe. The second trip went mostly the same, with the subtraction of the lobster mashed and addition of a twice baked potato, which wasn't mind-blowing, but still very tasty.
The overall feel of the restaurant is very pleasing, although dark upstairs, it felt really warm and friendly. My friend and I were both wearing dark colors, and the hostess immediately switched our white napkins for black ones. Points for that. It does tend to get a bit crowded, especially as the night goes on. I would suggest an early dinner, maybe around 5-6, if you want something more intimate. Music added a nice touch too.
Definitely not my last trip here. If i ever won the lotto I'd be here for dinner every night, at least until I tried everything.
Was fairly impressed with Mastro's.
Came here a few months back and fell in love, not only with the food but ambiance as well.
Sat at the bar and had their seafood tower, a must have. Well made martinis, friendly bartender who happened to be from the Bay Area and would instantly refill my glass without asking! Also had steak and mashed potatoes/asparagus/ iceberg lettuce salad/ and they even brought out a fruit plate- on the house!
My date was chatting up the piano and jazz player, tipping them 20s and making request of all the classics- we had a blast. Great, warm people who truly glow of old Hollywood style.
Maybe it was me, my date, and the Sinatra playing in that dim lit room - but I will always remember that night and vow to go back next time I hit So Cal.
Or it could've been all the martinis I had, either way its worth it!
As steak houses, go, Mastro's is definitely one of the best.
This was only my second time here, but I had high expectations based on reputation and word of mouth. I ordered the bone in ribeye and got to share the lobster mashed potatoes, gorgonzola mac and cheese, creamed corn, creamed spinach, asparagus, broccoli, and sauteed onions.
The ribeye was good, cooked perfectly rare. The meat near the bone became pretty sinew-y, but maybe that's expected when it's really rare? By itself, I have to say it wasn't that much better than a steak at Ruth's Chris, at least not proportionally to the Mastro's Hype. The sides were great and made the difference in the entire experience.
Pricey, but expected. For a party of ten, we all payed about $120 per person, which included two bottles of wine and more sides than we could eat.
A notable mention was the order for prime rib from my friend next to me. That was an enormous hunk of meat and the pieces I stole from her plate, spread graciously with horseradish, were slices of heaven in each bite. I'm definitely ordering that next time.
Good food. High prices.
Rich old white men. That all I gotta say. Kind of sleezy on weekends, you can go to the upstairs bar and find lets call them 'promiscuous women' waiting to get free drinks and taken home. When you see that I guess it brings a certain kind of vibe.
Great steak tho, but I prefer Mortons.
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A windy staircase takes you to the top floor of this classy establishment where the room is filled with chatter and live piano music. The service is top notch, the wines are decanted, and the steak is cooked medium rare just how I like it. I start off my evening with a martini and end it with some grappa. In between, I indulge myself in lobster mashed potatoes and steamed asparagus. Top is off with some warm chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream.
Oh yeah, this makes me happy. Very, very happy.
Mastro's doesn't come cheap but you won't be disappointed.
THE BEST MEAL IN LA! Who the heck care's how much it costs, it is worth every penny!! I would eat here every day if possible. I don't even really like beef, but am left having a near religious experience after my usual Ahi Tartar, Bone In Filet, Creamed Corn, Creamed Spinich and Lobster Mashed Potatoes (all to share of course). Not to mention the Dirty Martini is huge, always perfectly prepared, with a full shaker as well. It's 2 martini's for the price of 1! I could go on and on...it's makes me sooooo darn happy to go here. Food never got me so excited!!
My only disappointment is the BH Mastro's doesnt serve the AMAZING Escargot that Newport Ocean Club Mastro's has...oh well...
Mastros is good. I'd say its at the top of my list in terms of steakhouses. But, in my opinion, Ruth Chris comes in at a very close second. Morton's, eh, not so much. Butttt, I have yet to try Cut, so we'll see if it puts the others to shame....
I love Mastro's pretzel bread (I judge restaurants on their bread baskets - hehe) and, of course, the bone-in ribeye is fanfreakintastic. Sides-wise, I love their creamed corn.
Make sure you ask to sit upstairs. It has a much better, livelier vibe than the ground floor. I think there's even a live band, but I forget b/c I think I was mesmerized by my steak.
We went here last night for the 5th time this year and I have to say WOW! I love their filet mignon, it's to die for. The service, atmosphere, food everything is impeccable. It's definetly worth the tab when you really enjoy every bite of your meal.
My only wish.... I can't wait to go back! I'm already craving the steak and cream corn, yummy !!!!
Mastro's, Mastro's, Mastro's. Have you been to Mastro's? Oh you must go to Mastro's. OK FINE! Now I can say I've been to Mastro's. And? It's good, and I would go back if someone was buying.
The good. The food comes out hotter than molten lava. Everything is served on hot plates directly out of a 500 degree oven. The steak was cooked perfectly, the marbling, flavor and texture of the bone-in ribeye was excellent. The sides were ginormous and enough for 4 or 5 people to share.
The service was what I expected, spot on.
They have an extensive seafood selection.
The warm butter cake for desert was one of the best deserts I've ever had. Maybe even THE best.
They have a very very large wine list, and they have some great bottles of wine that start in the upper 20's all the way up to a few thousand.
The bad. I felt too crowded in the downstairs dining area. The tables were cramped together and the noise level was really high.
Paying ten bucks for valet when my dinner just cost me $250 really sucked.
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WOW!!!!!
They blew my mind with the food here. It was my 2nd time eating here and the 'Chef's Cut' Rib Eye steak was to drool for! It was sooo flavorful and marbled that every bite was a savor. The seafood tower is the best appetizer! The oysters were so big! I loved it with my Italian Santa Margherita pinot grigio 2007! mmmmmmmmmm!
Don't ask me how much! Just eat there!
This place is g-r--e-a-t! I love their pretzel bread among many other things. My family ate here on Christmas Eve and it was delicious. Lobster Mashed Potatoes to die for.
The only problem I have there was last time I went with a group of friends and we wanted to order food at the bar tables downstairs. There were a lot of us, so we pulled 2 tables together, and the waiter threw a fit and told us we had to pull them apart. I thought it was kinda rude.....we asked for the manager, who said it was fine!
Other than that, this place is excellent. Definitely one of my top 3 favorite steakhouses in LA.
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I am never a beef lover!
But definitely Mastro's change my mind.
We ordered crab stuffed mushroom , shrimp cocktail and lobster mashed potato.
except the lobster mashed potato, others r just ok..
The shrimp was not fresh.
However, its a steakhouse instead of seafood place. I wont put too much expectation on in.
I ordered Bone Rib-Eye cook medium rare.
They sealed the best juicy part inside the meat!
That was so so so so good!!
and my pals had Bone in Filet, and Rack of Lamb.
They r awesome too.
For the quality n the super huge portion 22oz for me,
the price is worthy.
Until recently, Mastro's was my favorite steak house. To start things off, they give you a robust variety of breads to choose from. The drinks here are also great and, to this day, I've never had a better martini. When it comes to appetizers, they have good variety and presentation. I hear their crab stuffed mushrooms are especially yummy (I like neither crab nor mushrooms). All of their steaks are spectacular and are cooked to perfection. When it comes to sides, you can't go wrong with the Lobster Mashed Potatoes and the Gorgonzola Mac and Cheese. The desserts are also good. I highly recommend the creme brulee and the flourless chocolate cake.
The only real negative I can think about this place is that if you're upstairs, it can be a bit noisy and difficult to talk. Other than that, no criticisms whatsoever.
So, why did I start off my review with, "Until recently, Mastro's was my favorite steak house"? Because I went to Cut. When it comes to steaks, Cut is simply unmatched; it's not even close. But I can say this. While Cut has better steaks, Cut's desserts and sides are equally lacking in flavor. It's the desserts and sides that make Mastro's stand apart from Cut. If you want the best steak, go to Cut. If you want the best overall dining experience, go to Mastro's.
4.9 stars for Mastro's.
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Just another glowing review for this great restaurant.
Service was excellent. Lagged a few times from our server, but the supporting staff made up for any gaps.
Vanilla Battered shrimp---WOW. NICE!
Bone-in Rib Eye----Excellent.
Roasted Chicken------eh, get the steak. it DID taste even better the next day.
Sides:
Creamed spinach--Yes
Colossal Onion Rings--Yes
Gorgonzola Mac & Cheese---Yes, yes yes!!!!
Be prepared for:
LARGE portions, loud atmosphere and TIGHT tables.
Great food.
Next time we will avoid the bar--and go straight to the dining room.
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Let's start with the appt, it was easy to book a spot for dinner on a weekday which was what I did (Thursday), and I actually saw Cameron Diaz there. But if you try to rsvp on weekends, good luck and you'll be expected to wait over 30 mins.
The wait, there was none with an appt. for dinner around 8pm.
The ambiance was dark, and kinda crowded because they seated us upstairs in a booth and you can hear the piano bar, if you like it quiet, you can rsvp for downstairs seating with less noise.
The waiter was a bit unattentive most of the time as we have to wave our hands a few times to get someone's attention. The waiter did a horrible job in recommending a good appetizer, we ordered what the waiter recommended, and it was horrible. Don't order sweet potatoes or asparagus. we finally ordered another side dish, the stuffed mushroom was decent.
Sides are a la carte, and a bit too pricey for bad tasting bland asparagus, and sweet potatoe wedge overcooked and dry.
For the main entree, we ordered a filet mignon and porterhouse (largest portion) and this is the only reason why I would go back for is the steaks. These are one of the best steak I've had compared with Houston's, Lawry's, Morton's, Arroyo Chop House.
I would never order sides again, and there is no filtered tap water, you have to pay for pelligrino mineral water per bottle (even if u asked for water) they will not tell you they don't have water, they will just assume you want pelligrino, and it costs as much as a mixed drink, if we would of knew we would of ordered a few cocktails instead.
The bill came to around $200 for three sides, one appetizers, 3 bottle of pelligrino, and filet mignon + porterhouse, plus tips.
The only thing I'd go back for would be for their steaks, other than that, don't bother with the sides or appetizers.
Happy eating...
I went here for my 30th birthday last year. Food is a 5 star. The seafood tower appetizer was a crowd pleaser. The seafood was high quality and cooked perfectly. The presentation was even better. It comes in a huge mountain of dry ice.
I had the veal chop. Best veal I have had. Everything I tasted, from sea bass to New York steak was perfect.
Also good were the sides. We ordered some heavy, but soul satisfying mac and cheese and cheesy potatoes. Maybe not a combo I would chose again, but I would order either one again.
The wait staff handled a large group well. I didn't like that we had to sit at two tables. It was also loud.
My main complaint is the snootiness. I have eaten at fine dining establishments in Beverly Hills most of my life. This was the most unwelcome I have felt. The staff looked down their noses at us as they sat us. I also felt people judging me any time i walked from my table to the bathroom. I am not very self-conscious, so it didn't ruin the evening. However, when I spend this much at a place, I think I buy a little more respect from the staff. This is what down weighted the rating. I almost put down a 3 star, but the food was so good I just couldn't do it.
Accuse me of being a carnivore and I'm guiltier than OJ.
So when my firm informed me that a company party would be held at Mastro's -- like a sex addict driving down Sunset, or R. Kelley at a Brentwood girl scout convention -- my mouth reflexively watered at the prospect of making a pilgimage to the Mecca of that which I so sinfully lust after.
I'd been dying to try Mastro's ever since the the roodies (rich foodies) over at Chowhound and Fel C first sung its praises, but ever since the USC's Finance Consigliere threatened to knock me off "Tony Soprano style" if I didn't repay my loans, I had thought better of dropping change there. But a company party is, by definition, gratis and so I planned on exploiting this money opportunity like a hardlining asian woman at a yard sale.
In comparing Mastro's to its steakhouse brethren like Morton's , you'll notice it's totally Beverly Hills-ed out in decor, with Maseratis taking up the valet spot and celebrity diners -- actual A-list ones, unlike when you run into Andy Dick at Norm's (true story: in his drugged out stupor, he offered to eat pancakes off my unmentionables). The downstairs has an old-school old boys club feel to it, while the upstairs has the bar (read: sit upstairs) and piano man. Don't be fooled by the trendy factor; there's substance beneath this style (this isn't Sunset's Ketchup) and the wait staff doesn't treat you like you're from Reseda even when it's obvious.
Of course, Emily Post cautions that when a meal is on someone else, you don't go for the most expensive items on the menu. But this was Mastro's, damn it, and as an undersophisticated kid from gastronomically challenged San Diego, I was intent on-- oh eff it, I'll just come clean: I was two martinis deep which entirely threw out my sense of etiquette. Martini's which, by the way, come with their leftover in the shaker so it only takes one to get the party started. At two deep (which is basically three), *of course* I'm going to order expensive shit like the seafood tower appetizer.
Server: And what would you like on your seafood tower, sir?
John M: *Points at the menu.* (It later came out with king crab legs, shrimp cocktail, lobster tail, and blue point oysters. About $80)
And of course I'm going to get the infamous bone-in ribeye. Always go bone-in when given the option as the extra flavor is easily worth the extra silverware logistics. But how to describe it? Delectable? Hardly. Succulent? Pshaw. Proper words escape me when describing this cut of beef.
Cognitive scientists say the neurotransmitter dopamine is secreted from the nervous system when its properly stimulated -- as during sex or while on various controlled substances. I haven't tried Medellin's primary export, but I'd be afraid the impact would be diminished had I eaten at Mastro's immediately prior. This steak was hypothalamus provoking, euphoria inducing, insufflated narcotics.
I know what you're saying: "Anything tastes better when you're drunk, John M." But its funny how the intensity of certain experiences can render you entirely sober. Seeing a black and white Ford Crown Victoria while driving (within the legal limit, of course) is one of these. Eating a bite of Mastro's steak for the first time is another. And in my sobriety, I can say that was the best meal I've ever had -- lack of financial outlay notwithstanding. The only problem is, like a controlled substance, you may experience withdrawals.
Someone find me a Mastro's support group.
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The PERFECT place to celebrate exciting news and this is exactly what my boyfriend and I did when I got my new job. I gave it 5 stars and loved every minute. Here are the fabulous pluses and a just a couple little minuses:
Downsides:
- early or extremely late reservations available. We opted for the 5:45 rather than the 10:15. I don't know about you, but I would have fallen asleep in my fillet eating that late.
- we had heard so much about their lobster mashed potatoes....but were about $40 so we opted for the regular mashed.
Pluses:
- GREAT service
- when they found out it was out first time there, they put the dessert on the house. (chocolate cake - unbelievable - although, I think I gained 5 lbs from that alone)
- everything was delicious
- great place to people watch - although no celeb sightings for us this time!
We'll definitely be going back!
love love love mastro's! the filet, oysters, scallops, shrimp, and sauteed spinach are to die for. this is one of my favorite steak houses in the area, and I've always received wonderful service from their friendly staff. the live pianist and swanky decor add to a perfect dinner ambiance.
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I never been to Mastro's, but heard many good things about this restaurant. I decided to bring my boyfriend to Mastro's for his birthday. We started off with raw oysters, very fresh! My boyfriend got the Prime Rib Hand Cut, and I tried a piece it was very tender...! I ordered the Bone in Ribeye it was delicious! The sides are good as well,
creamed corn and lobster mashed potatoes. By the end of the dinner, we felt that we have not touched our plates. Service overall was great.
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Here is a perfect dinner for two...even for the most hungry!
$85 48oz double porterhouse
$25 - 2 sides - any two..but i definitely recommend the gourmet mac n cheese and the "to die for" no pun intended sauteed in butter mushrooms (omg im sure it took off 2 months of my life but it will melt in your mouth)
if you don't like wine. i highly recommend their signature MASTRO MARTINI. tastes of wonderful perfect mix of orange infused vodka, cranberry juice, and some other stuff. $15 each.
and take the bone back!! i used it as my beef stock soup base and it was yummers!!
they open promptly at 5pm. if you have no reservation, i recommend getting there before 6pm and you'll be able to get a cocktail table upstairs, first come first serve,...next to the piano bar. (there are about 8 of these tables)
cocktail table - high round tables...perfect for two...PROBABLY NOT the best choice for first date or special occassion. but if you've been with your gal or guy for a long time, i think the rules are more relaxed.
heck, any girl would rather have spectacular food than perfect seating arrangements. i know i would go for the food every time. !!
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Excellent food, attentive service and awesome feel/ambience. Ordered the filet for main course, which was perfect. Very pricey, but certainly worth it if you want to dine at a top LA steakhouse.
We didn't have a large group (only 6) but it was sometimes difficult to hear people across the table, so this might be