When I first came to the Saddleback Valley in 1973, I heard about this rustic restaurant hidden in Trabuco Canyon. It was several years before I tried it, but in several return visits I’ve never been disappointed.
The Trabuco Oaks Steakhouse was started in 1968 by the Sherod family. It was originally a snack bar serving the campers at O’Neill Regional Park. Soon they decided to serve dinner, so they stayed with a traditional steak and potatoes offering.
Now this place is rustic. You may share your table with a tree, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see some of the natural residents hanging out in the parking lot sometimes. Your memory will be of the mesquite grilled steaks, which are always carefully selected, and cooked to perfection over natural coals.
Don’t dress up for this dinner unless you plan to donate your tie ( which will be cut off at the entrance ) to the hundreds hanging from the ceiling. You’ll also be able to do plenty of networking without your smartphone, twitter, or facebook accounts. The walls are papered with thousands of business cards of visitors from all over the world.
For a great treat, you should pay the Trabuco Oaks Steakhouse a visit. It is a unique experience. Check ahead, though. Call them at 949 586-0722 for reservations. They may be out of the way, tucked behind the general store and across from Trabuco Canyon Elementary School, but they are definitely popular. You can also check out more at their website, www.trabucooakssteakhouse.com.
