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Golden Bull Restaurant
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Golden Bull Restaurant
8.5
Vibes:
Date Night Magic
Group Dining Gatherings
Birthday & Celebration Central
Comfort Food Classics
A Santa Monica Canyon chophouse dating back to 1949, The Golden Bull delivers classic steaks, prime rib, and martinis in a wood-paneled, fireplace-warmed room. It’s a go-to for couples who want an old-school, slightly buzzy steakhouse feel without leaving the neighborhood.
Must-Try Dishes:
Prime rib with Yorkshire pudding, French onion soup, Filet mignon
Scores:
Value: 6.9
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 9.1
What makes it special: Midcentury steakhouse energy with fireplaces and canyon locals.
Who should go: Steak-and-martini couples and small celebration groups.
When to visit: Golden Hour or later dinner for cozy, clubby ambience.
What to order: Prime rib, French onion soup, filet mignon with sides.
Insider tip: Sit near the fireplace lounge for peak throwback atmosphere.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet available for around $12; limited street parking in the canyon fills quickly after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans are fine, but most guests lean polished (button-downs, nice tops, dresses).
Noise level: Moderate—buzzy steakhouse chatter, but still easy to hold a conversation across the table.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, depending on party size.
Weekday lunch: Minimal to no wait, though lunch service can be lighter depending on the season.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: A handful of solid options like salads, vegetable sides, and a couple of mains; not a vegetarian-focused menu but doable.
Vegan options: Limited—expect 1–2 customizable dishes (veg sides, salads minus dairy). Best to call ahead for accommodations.
Gluten-free options: Multiple gluten-free-friendly dishes, and the kitchen is accommodating; steaks and many sides are naturally GF.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—its warm lighting, fireplaces, and vintage steakhouse charm set an intimate tone without feeling overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? You can try, especially early evening or late night, but weekends fill quickly. The bar area is often easier to snag a walk-in spot.
Is it kid-friendly? It’s not designed for little kids, but older children and teens are fine. No dedicated kids’ menu, and the atmosphere skews adult and date-oriented.
Best For
Better for: Classic steakhouse nostalgia, cozy fireplaces, strong martinis, and neighborhood intimacy compared to glitzier Westside steakhouses.
Skip if: You want avant-garde cuisine, ocean views, or a fully vegan-friendly menu—other Santa Monica spots may suit those needs better.
Golden Bull Restaurant
8.4
A classic Santa Monica Canyon chophouse serving prime rib, tomahawk steaks, and strong cocktails in a wood-paneled, old-Hollywood dining room. It draws locals for birthdays and date nights who want throwback steakhouse comforts a short walk from the beach.
Must-Try Dishes:
Prime rib with Yorkshire pudding, Tomahawk ribeye steak, French onion soup
Scores:
Value: 6.7
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 8.9
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 8.1
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: Decades of canyon history wrapped in a cozy steakhouse with serious chops and cocktails.
Who should go: Steak lovers who appreciate nostalgic, old-school dining rooms.
When to visit: Prime-time weekend dinners for a lively bar and celebratory energy.
What to order: Prime rib with Yorkshire pudding, tomahawk steak, French onion soup.
Insider tip: Ask about bar or lounge seating if the main dining room is booked; the full menu is usually available there.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet available for around $12–$15; limited canyon street parking fills quickly, especially after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy — nice jeans, button-downs, dresses, and elevated outfits fit the room’s classic steakhouse vibe.
Noise level: Moderate to lively during peak hours — conversational at a table, but the bar gets energetic on weekends.
Weekend wait: Expect 45–75 minutes without a reservation, though bar seating may open faster.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; easy to walk in if they’re open for midday service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: A few solid options like salads, sides, and sometimes a pasta or special — but it’s a steak-centric menu.
Vegan options: Very limited — expect to rely on simpler veggie sides; best to call ahead if strictly vegan.
Gluten-free options: Multiple items can be prepared gluten-free (steaks, salads, potatoes); staff is accustomed to accommodating requests.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the dim lighting, wood-paneled atmosphere, and polished service create an impressive but comfortable setting. Great for making a strong first-date impression without feeling overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often, yes — especially if you’re flexible with bar or lounge seating, which usually offers the full menu. For weekends, arrive early or be prepared for a wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat — well-behaved older kids fit in fine, but it’s not designed for toddlers. No dedicated kids’ menu, and the vibe leans adult, especially during prime-time dinners.
Best For
Better for: Classic steakhouse atmosphere, celebratory dinners, strong cocktails, and a nostalgic old-Hollywood feel that many newer spots can’t match.
Skip if: You want cutting-edge cuisine, a fully vegan-friendly menu, or quiet, minimalist dining — this is more about indulgence and old-school charm.
Golden Bull Restaurant
8.3
Dating back to 1949, Golden Bull is a revamped canyon chophouse with leather booths, stiff cocktails, and a surprisingly lively late-night bar crowd. The menu leans into prime rib, classic steaks, and upgraded tavern fare in a wood-paneled room and patio.
Must-Try Dishes:
Prime rib with Yorkshire pudding, Hand-cut steak tartare with baguette, Golden Bull burger with garlic herb fries
Scores:
Value: 6.9
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 9.1
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: A historic canyon steakhouse refreshed with strong cocktails, prime rib, and a sociable bar scene.
Who should go: Steak and martini fans looking for an old-school-feeling hangout.
When to visit: Golden hour or late night when the bar and patio are buzzing.
What to order: Prime rib with Yorkshire pudding, steak tartare, a classic martini.
Insider tip: Target the early evening social hour for better value on drinks and bites.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet is typically available for around $12; limited street parking exists in the canyon but gets tight after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual. Jeans are fine, but most guests lean polished—think boots, blazers, and elevated basics.
Noise level: Moderate to lively. You can converse at a table, but expect a buzzier scene near the bar, especially late night.
Weekend wait: Expect a 30–60 minute wait without a reservation, especially during peak hours from 7–9pm.
Weekday lunch: Generally no wait, though service pacing is more relaxed.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—salads, sides, and a couple of composed vegetarian entrées are available.
Vegan options: Limited—usually 1–2 dishes plus modifiable sides; best to confirm with your server.
Gluten-free options: Strong options—many steaks, proteins, and sides are naturally gluten-free and staff can guide substitutions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The dim lighting, leather booths, and classic cocktails create an easy, old-school romance vibe without feeling stuffy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes, especially early evening or after 9pm. The bar area also serves the full menu and is easier to snag spontaneously.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat. Older kids or teens fit in fine, but the atmosphere leans adult—especially during late-night service. No dedicated kids’ menu.
Best For
Better for: Classic steakhouse comfort with a livelier, more social bar scene than many competitors in the area.
Skip if: You want avant-garde cuisine, a quiet room, or extensive vegan options—other spots may suit you better.