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Alexander's Steakhouse
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Alexander's Steakhouse
9.2
Celebrating 20 years of Wagyu mastery, this sophisticated steakhouse blends American traditions with Japanese precision, offering the nation's most extensive selection of authentic Wagyu beef. The Bull & Barrel Bar provides an intimate setting for business discussions over rare whiskeys and handcrafted cocktails.
Must-Try Dishes:
A5 Wagyu Ribeye, Hamachi Shot, Uni Toast
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 9
Consistency: 9.3
Food Quality: 9.5
Atmosphere: 9.1
Cultural Relevance: 9.4
What makes it special: Largest selection of imported Wagyu in California
Who should go: Discerning executives with international clients
When to visit: Early dinner seating for quieter business conversations
What to order: Wagyu flight, hamachi shot, signature bread service
Insider tip: Underground parking free for first 90 minutes with validation
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Underground garage free for 90 minutes with validation, valet $15 during dinner, street parking scarce after 5pm weekdays
Dress code: Business formal strongly preferred - jackets recommended for men, no athletic wear or shorts
Noise level: Moderate to quiet - designed for business conversations with acoustic treatments
Weekend wait: 60-90 min without reservation, bar seating sometimes available
Weekday lunch: 15-20 min peak hours (12-1pm), walk-in friendly before noon
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - 4-5 refined options including truffle mac and cheese, seasonal risotto
Vegan options: Very limited - advance notice recommended for chef accommodation
Gluten-free options: Yes - all steaks naturally GF, modified sides available, dedicated prep protocols
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for established relationships - the $200+ per person price point and formal atmosphere can create pressure. Consider their bar for cocktails first to gauge chemistry
Can I get a table without a reservation? Unlikely for dinner, but Bull & Barrel Bar accepts walk-ins with full menu access. Weekday lunch before noon or after 1:30pm offers best walk-in chances
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for children under 12 - no kids menu, formal atmosphere expects quiet behavior. Better suited for special occasions with mature teens
Best For
Better for: Authentic Japanese Wagyu selection surpasses Mastro's and Ruth's Chris, hamachi preparations rival dedicated sushi bars, business privacy better than trendy spots
Skip if: Want casual atmosphere (try Gus's BBQ), on tight budget (consider Houston's), need extensive vegetarian menu (Gracias Madre better), or bringing young children
Alexander's Steakhouse
9.1
This Bay Area import delivers Japanese-influenced steakhouse excellence with one of the largest Wagyu selections in Southern California. The wood-fired grill and signature hamachi shots create a sophisticated date night experience, while thoughtful touches like complimentary cotton candy add whimsy to the luxurious evening.
Must-Try Dishes:
A5 Miyazaki Wagyu, Hamachi Shot with Ponzu, Udon Mac & Cheese
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 9.2
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 9.4
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Japanese-American fusion with exceptional Wagyu program
Who should go: Anniversary celebrants seeking something extraordinary
When to visit: Friday nights for energy, weeknights for intimacy
What to order: Hamachi shots, any Wagyu, cookies-and-cream soufflé
Insider tip: Bull & Barrel hidden bar has rare whiskeys
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet $15, self-park in Plaza Las Fuentes garage free with validation
Dress code: Business casual to dressy - collared shirts recommended, nice jeans acceptable
Noise level: Moderate - lively but conversation-friendly, quieter booths available
Weekend wait: 60-90 min without reservation, bar seating sometimes available
Weekday lunch: Usually immediate seating, 10-15 min peak times
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - several appetizers, salads, and sides plus vegetable entrees
Vegan options: Limited - modified salads and sides, call ahead for options
Gluten-free options: Yes - most steaks naturally GF, dedicated prep protocols available
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect for established chemistry, might be too formal for very first meetings. The $150+ per person price point and romantic atmosphere work better when you're already comfortable together.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Bar seating usually available within 30 minutes. For dining room, weeknights before 6:30pm possible, weekends nearly impossible without 2+ hour wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for teens than young children. No kids menu, but they'll modify portions. The upscale atmosphere suits special occasions with well-behaved older kids.
Best For
Better for: Superior Wagyu selection versus Mastro's, more creative preparations than Ruth's Chris, better value on high-end cuts than Cut
Skip if: Want traditional steakhouse (try Taylor's), need under $100 per person (try Clearman's), prefer casual atmosphere (try Grill 'Em All)
Alexander's Steakhouse
9.1
Vibes:
Luxury Dining Elite
Date Night Magic
Business Lunch Power Players
Birthday & Celebration Central
This modern American steakhouse weaves Japanese influences throughout its menu, showcasing one of California's most extensive Wagyu selections alongside 28-day dry-aged beef. The exhibition kitchen fronted by silver tiles creates theater around dishes like hamachi shots and A5 Miyazaki, while the hidden Bull & Barrel bar houses rare whiskeys and the wine program earned Wine Spectator recognition.
Must-Try Dishes:
A5 Miyazaki Wagyu, Hamachi Shot, Bone-In Filet
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 9.2
Consistency: 9.1
Food Quality: 9.5
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 9.2
What makes it special: Unmatched Wagyu selection with Japanese technique elevating American steakhouse tradition
Who should go: Special occasion diners and Wagyu enthusiasts seeking refined execution
When to visit: Dinner for full experience; Thursday-Saturday for valet service
What to order: Hamachi shots to start, any A5 Wagyu cut, truffle mac & cheese
Insider tip: Underground parking provides 90 minutes free with validation at host stand
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Underground garage offers 90 minutes free with validation at host stand; valet available Thursday-Saturday evenings $15
Dress code: Business casual to dressy - collared shirts recommended, jackets common but not required
Noise level: Sophisticated quiet - excellent for conversation and business discussions
Weekend wait: Reservation essential - walk-ins unlikely Friday-Saturday, 30-45 min bar wait possible Thursday
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait Monday-Wednesday, reservations recommended Thursday-Friday
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - curated selection including truffle mac & cheese, seasonal vegetables, creative appetizers
Vegan options: Limited - 2-3 modified options available, call ahead for best experience
Gluten-free options: Yes - kitchen accommodates with advance notice, most proteins naturally GF
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent if you want to impress - sophisticated ambiance and noise level perfect for conversation, but the $$$$$ price point means save it for someone special or when you really want to make a statement
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunches possible, but dinner reservations strongly recommended. The Bull & Barrel bar accepts walk-ins and serves full menu - your best bet for spontaneous visits, especially Thursday-Saturday
Is it kid-friendly? Welcomes well-behaved children but atmosphere suits teens+ better than young kids. No kids menu but kitchen accommodates simpler preparations. Expect many tables to be adult-only business or romantic dinners
How does the Wagyu selection compare to other steakhouses? Among California's most extensive - features multiple A5 Japanese prefectures including rare Miyazaki alongside American Wagyu. This is a destination for Wagyu specifically, not just a steakhouse with one Wagyu option
What's the deal with the Bull & Barrel bar? Hidden whiskey bar with rare pours and craft cocktails - serves full dining menu, accepts walk-ins, more casual vibe than main dining room. Perfect for solo diners or drinks before/after dinner
Should I go for lunch or dinner? Dinner for the full experience - complete menu, exhibition kitchen in full swing, more dramatic ambiance. Lunch works for business meetings with lighter wallet damage, but you'll miss some evening-only preparations
Best For
Better for: Unrivaled when you prioritize Wagyu variety and Japanese technique over traditional steakhouse approach - the hamachi shots, A5 selection, and culinary precision outclass standard chophouses. Wine Spectator program and hidden bar add depth competitors lack
Skip if: You want classic American steakhouse simplicity, need family-friendly casual atmosphere, or prefer value-driven portions over premium ingredients. If Wagyu doesn't justify the premium to you, traditional steakhouses offer better price-to-quantity ratios