The Branding Iron Steakhouse & Saloon (Sierra Sky Ranch), Oakhurst

[monkey]

Sierra Sky Ranch has opened their restaurant called the "Branding Iron" I don't know what they are thinkin' as it is the end of the tourist season and a very difficult time to try to open any business. The menu looks pretty good and the prices aren't bad. I haven't had a chance to go try them out, but I wish them the best of luck. I wouldn't hurt to have another good choice to go out to eat at.

[Kahlua Kid]

Is Sierra Sky having their Halloween party?

[Jimi]

we might ....

[Raider]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Jimi:
we might .... <HR></BLOCKQUOTE> ??????

[ilex]

Hello folks! Sierra Sky Ranch is under new ownership and yes we have opened our restaurant, "The Branding Iron". Our goal is not to just cater to the tourists, but to provide some good dining to the local community as well. We hope you come up and give us a try.

We have some live music happening on Thursday night, the 21st, at 8PM. "Cow Bop", a country jazz band, will be making a stop at Sierra Sky Ranch during their tour of the entire length of Rt. 49. They're an award winning band, a lot of fun, and great music! Hope to see you all there!

[Sandman]

[Sandman]

also see this topic (http://oakhurstforums.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/5616031741/m/717103229)

[Sandman]

I have yet to try it, but I hear great things about the food since it is under new ownership. The also are redesigning all of the rooms. The place is looking very nice. I got a tour a few weeks ago.

[monkey]

The rooms are much improved, I send people there all the time when we are sold out. I have eaten there a couple of times and been disappointed in the food. The service was very good though and I like the atmosphere, but the food just didn't cut it for the prices in my opinion. I know all places can have troubles when opening and it takes time to get the bugs out. So, I'll try it again in a few weeks and let you all know how it is.

[BichonLover]

We dined at SSR several months ago and had really a very lovely dinner. Atmosphere was great, too, as was the service. Remember I said my steak was large enough for two people easily.

Monkey, maybe give it another try. Sometimes a restaurant can just have an "off" night.

Three years ago we celebrated my birthday at the Narrow Gauge Inn and had the most wonderful dinner ever. The last two times we dined at Narrow Gauge, last year and the year before for our birthday dinners, we were very disappointed in the service (these two times we had the same waitress which I am sure was the problem).

I still plan on going to Narrow Guage for my birthday dinner this year if possible and give it another try because I love the atmosphere there, too, and I know that the food can be excellent there 'cause my first visit was so good...I had the mixed seafood platter that was out of this world the first time!)

[monkey]

Thanks for your comments. I'm sorry the service wasn't up to par. Did you mention it to the host/manager? If you have poor service again, please let the manager or me know and we will know what server is not giving their best effort. In my post, I did say that I would try Sky Ranch again in a couple of weeks once thing slow down for me and I'm allowed to go out again!

[Sandman]

I had an excellent dinner at The Sierra Sky Ranch last night. I had the Flat Iron Steak and it was perfect. The green beans were also so good... possibly the best I have had. Our server, Christina, was very good. I think this is one of our best restaurants. Everyone should go try it out.

[monkey]

I was going to try it again on Monday night, but they are closed Mondays and Tuesdays. http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/sad3.gif
I'll have to try another time.

[BichonLover]

Originally posted by monkey:
Thanks for your comments. I'm sorry the service wasn't up to par. Did you mention it to the host/manager? If you have poor service again, please let the manager or me know and we will know what server is not giving their best effort. In my post, I did say that I would try Sky Ranch again in a couple of weeks once thing slow down for me and I'm allowed to go out again!
--------------------
Monkey,

We ate at Narrow Gauge last Saturday, and the meal was excellent...prawns were huge for appetizer, cesar salad very tasty along with the hot bread and garlic balsamic/oil for dipping, scallops in cream and mushroom sauce with garlic mashed potatoes was to die for as was filet with baked potato my husband ate.....sorry, but no room for dessert....next time http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/yes.gif

Oh, yeah, Zachary, our waiter, was great, too!!! The service was night and day from our last two visits.

We had a wonderfully relaxing evening, much needed!!! Thank you!!!!

(Sorry for posting about NGI here, but I wanted to follow up my previous response to Monkey on this thread so all could see I did try NGI again with positive results!!!) http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/happy.gif

[monkey]

Thanks for letting me know! I am going to print this out and read it to the restaurant staff tonight. Comments like yours are so great to hear. Thanks again!

[ilex]

Hello everyone! I just wanted to stop in and let everyone know that we are having some live music playing at our restaurant, The Branding Iron Steakhouse and Saloon, this Saturday, December 10th. Kit-N-Kaboodle band, which has a loyal local following, will be coming up to play from 6:30-9:30 PM. It's open to everyone, so come up and enjoy our great food, spirits, fine steaks, and some wonderful music for a great night out in a special atmosphere! Hope to see your there!

[Cactus Kate]

The Branding Iron-- (9.74 http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/yes.gifhttp://oakhurstonline.com/icon/yes.gifhttp://oakhurstonline.com/icon/yes.gifhttp://oakhurstonline.com/icon/yes.gifhttp://oakhurstonline.com/icon/yes.gifhttp://oakhurstonline.com/icon/yes.gifhttp://oakhurstonline.com/icon/yes.gifhttp://oakhurstonline.com/icon/yes.gifhttp://oakhurstonline.com/icon/yes.gif)

Wells, I'm snowed out of the high country fer a while and seeing its Christmas Eve and all, I decided I should treat myself to a high-on-the-hog night out. I gussied myself up and headed for an old haunt, the first cattle ranch in the area too, The Branding Iron, at Sierra Sky Ranch.

I'm Cactus Kate, self-appointed Mountain restaurant taster, er, critiquer. I like eatin' out and hate to cook, so you'll be seein' lots of these here critiques.

Fer those of you that haven't been to The Branding Iron, its a restaurant and bar, its like being in an old-time saloon crossed with a country cabin with its pine log ceiling, chairs and tables. Its small enough to be called "cozy" by some in these parts, including me. And the fireplace was a roarin tonite too.

Location: Just off Hwy 41, on Road 632 (Sky Ranch Road), just North of Oakhurst/Bass Lake Turn-off.

Scale of 1-10 (10 bein' best and 1 not cuttin' the mustard - no pun intended)

Atmosphere: 9
Cleanliness: 10
Uniqueness: 9
Selection: 8 (Burgers ($6.95) to Steak to Pasta)

Service:
Time to seat me - 10
Time to take my order - 10
Time to serve my drink after takin' order - 10
TIme to serve my food after takin' order - 10
Checked back on me - 10
Refilled my drinks without my remindin' them - 10
Order was served right - 10+ (All of our steaks were cooked exactly as ordered!)

Time for check to come when I wuz finished - 10
Speed - 10
Friendliness - 10

Food Quality:
Served hot - 10
Taste:
RibEye Steak ($19.99)- 10
Garlic Mashed Potatoes - 10
Drink - Coke ($2.00) - 9

Bang for my Buck - 9.74

Website: http://sierraskyranch.com/restaurant.html

Best of all ***us locals gets 10% off the price of a meal*** that really adds up and I applaud them for recognizing us locals iz important.

They open at 5:00 p.m. and are usually open til 10:00 p.m. Reservations are suggested.

[Summer]

Well Kate, your rating was enough to "git" me to go there next week. I had plumb forgot about that place. Yes, it is a steakhouse and the atmosphere is total western/cabinish/saloonish, etc.! Looking forward to trying it out!

[ilex]

Merry Christmas everyone from all of us at Sierra Sky Ranch and The Branding Iron Steakhouse and Saloon!

Thank you Kate for coming up and trying us out and for your kind review of our restaurant! We are working very hard at providing high quality food, service, and atmosphere to this community. I'm pleased that you were pleased with your experience. I wanted to let people know that we are open for Christmas from 1-8PM, but that our regular opening hour is 5 PM Wednesday through Sunday.

Since the closing of Hondo's, many in the local community have been crying out for another steakhouse. We have been here!, but I think that many forget about us because we aren't in the downtown area (even though we are a stones throw from the Bass Lake turnoff). We are alive and well and would love to have all of you come up and experience our wonderful atmosphere and great food!

[Chem101]

OK.... I'm sold. We'll be at the lake house this coming week. We'll make it a point to check out the Branding Iron http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/happy.gif

[Yosemite_Wolf]

how come there is no menu for the restaurant on the website?? I like to go to the websites and see whats on the menus. But it sounds like a wonderful restaurant. .im dying to go there.

Chem101 are you gonna be about for new yrs? bring the wife on down to CrabCakes new yrs eve and or to the yosemite coffee house for good music and crazy ppl.

[Chem101]

Thanks for the invite YW. Unfortunately it looks like we'll be heading down the hill New Years Eve morning. My wife is finishing up Med Surg II so she needs the extra time to study. Maybe on the next OO event http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/happy.gif

[Nascar8Fan]

This sounds so good! We will be there right after the new year. I need a good steak dinner!

[Sandman]

New website coming very soon. http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/happy.gif

[Chem101]

Just got back from the Branding Iron. Us and two other couples. Excellent! The folks running the place were warm and friendly. The service was great and the steaks done to perfection. We all agreed we are adding this place to our favorites list.

[ilex]

I wanted to let everyone know that the Kit-N-Kaboodle Band will be performing at our restaurant, The Branding Iron Steakhouse and Saloon, this Wednesday and Thursday the 18th and 19th. They have a devoted local following and will be appearing regularly at our restaurant. We'll keep you posted on future dates.

Come on up and enjoy our great steaks, fine food and spirits, and some wonderful music!

[Chem101]

Just made our second visit to Branding Iron with two other couples based on my recomendation.
My second visit was good, but a couple of suggestions for improvement. On both visits, not all items on the menu were available. On my first vist I ordered ribs..... all out. Got the Rib eye... fantastic!. On the second vist... after recommending the rib eye to my friends.... all out... try the ribs! How about the New York Strip?... We only have one left... OK, it's my wife's birthday, give it to her. What DO you have available? My only other recommendation is improvement on time from order to service of food. It took roughly 50 minutes from when we ordered to when we were served.... a bit too long.
Now..... when the food arrived it was fantastic! Everyone loved there selection. I was getting worried about my friends tar and feathering me for my recommendation (I once made the mistake of recommeding Chester's and I have yet to live that down.) The quality of the meal saved my behind!!

[Kahlua Kid]

Almost went there tonite for burgers - I know, you don't think of them for having burgers!

But we stopped short at the Mountain House.

But Branding Iron was on my mind! http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/yes.gif

We went there for the holidays with my Dad(Great food and service) and took my very picky mother there after New Years... and... drum roll... she loved it! And her boyfriend loved the Rib Eye! All steaks were cooked to what was asked for - amazing - this NEVER happens anywhere! (And yes, my parents are divorced - they've been for 30 years!)

And Thanks to Sierra Sky for your commitment to advertise in this years Sierra Art Trails Catalog!

[tocools]

We went last night and sat next to the fireplace.The food was to die for and our waitress was very nice. Friends of ours showed up and had Dinner with us.We love the place and plan on going back soon.

[concerned]

Sounds like the food is as good as it used to be.

[BGW]

Could this rumor be true?? A little birdie told me they are considering hiring our very own Tocools to preform there!!

I for one think this is a great idea!!!

[ilex]

Hello Everyone!
I just wanted to stop in and respond to some of your comments and suggestions. First of all, thank you Chem101 for your feedback. It really helps us to know what your experience was so that we can make the proper changes to make sure that everything is running smoothly and our guests are happy. Let me assure you that everything that you commented on is being addressed directly to our staff, and that steps are being taken to make sure that we have all of our entrees available if at all possible. Sometimes, if there is an unusual number of patrons in on a given night ordering the same thing, it is possible to run out of an item. Our rib-eye steak is one of our most popular items. But, this should never be happening frequently. The time for getting your meal to the table was too long and we are looking into why this happened. I'm happy that everyone in your party was pleased with the quality of the food...not only did it save your behind, but mine as well! http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/laugh.gif

Thanks so much to all of you for supporting our business and your kind comments! We want everyone to enjoy the food and atmosphere and to feel at home when you come up and visit. We know and feel very strongly that the local community is the key to our success, not the tourists, so we appreciate your help of comments and suggestions so that we can keep improving and provide you with the best experience you deserve! We hope to see you all again! Holly

[BGW]

Looks like we were posting at almost the same time!http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/lol.gif What does your music calendar look like for 2006?

[ilex]

Hi bgirlsworld! Yes it looks like we almost bumped into each other http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/yes.gif At this point in time we will be having the Kit-N-Kaboodle Band on some Wednesday and Thursday nights throughout the year. We are exploring other possibilities and will notify everyone when something is scheduled.

[ilex]

Hello everyone! I wanted to let all of you know that we will begin serving lunch at our restaurant, The Branding Iron Steakhouse and Saloon, beginning tomorrow (Friday)! Our lunch schedule will be Wednesday-Sunday 11AM to 3PM. Our dinner schedule will remain the same Wednesday-Sunday 5PM-10PM. The Kit-N-Kaboodle Band is performing at our restaurant every Wednesday and Thursday night as well.
Come on up and try us out for lunch. We will continue to strive to offer you the best dining experience available in the area. Hope to see you all there!

[Yosemite_Wolf]

oooh lunch! good idea! that means I can stop in by myself one day soon. woo hoo! can't wait.

[LU]

I'm curious as to the dress code, 'dress up' or casual?

[CatdaBrat]

You can dress casual.

I had the BEST Cobb Salad there.

[EdBailey]

We had dinner there recently. Food and service were both excellent. We love the atmosphere. We also love the Kit-N-Kaboodle Band.

[Surfus]

Food was great for lunch.
But under staffed. We had a Bus boy from Castilios as our waiter.