Sweetwater Steakhouse [Archive] - Yosemite Area Forums

Carrot-Top

Nov 27, 2005, 10:16 AM

I had lunch there last week and I wasn't very impressed. The service wasn't very good. I got the fish and chips. My plate didn't have the cole slaw that was supposed to come with it and the waitress just said, "the cook always forgets that." I had to wait a while to get it. Shouldn't she have noticed it was missing and had it on the plate before bringing it to me? They didn't have any tarter sauce either, she just set down a bottle of catsup with it. My friend ordered the patty melt and didn't care for the pumpernickel bread it came on. The prices are not cheap either. The mozzarella sticks we had for an appetizer were not cooked all the way. The cheese is supposed to be melted not hard. My friend's tortilla soup had no tortilla in it. I found the atmosphere to be rather lacking. Alot of people are trying them out, but if they had an experience like mine they probably won't be going back anytime soon. I don't think Sweetwater quite knows what they are doing yet. Maybe they will get better over time or maybe not. It will be interesting to see.

Summer

Nov 27, 2005, 05:52 PM

Hmmm, doesn't sound good Carrot. But then again you guys ordered patty melt, tortilla soup, and fish and chips and it is advertised as a "steak house". Maybe the steaks are pretty good but lax on the others? Also, maybe dinner is better than lunch? Guess I'm just gonna hafta go down there and try it out.

Chem101

Nov 27, 2005, 06:45 PM

We had dinner with a friend on Saturday night. Two thumbs up!! They have fixed the place up very nice. The service was very good and the steaks were great. I'm putting Sweetwater on my regular places to dine out list!! Yum!

CatdaBrat

Nov 27, 2005, 06:50 PM

Are the steaks thick? I can't hack a thin steak. And I like 'em so rare they are almost still mooing.

Yosemite_Wolf

Nov 27, 2005, 08:19 PM

i like mine medium well.. with just a hairline of pink. my housemate thinks that steak is raw if there is one threadof muscle pink.. i have to kill the cow 20 times before feeding him a steak

CatdaBrat

Nov 28, 2005, 05:30 AM

hahahahaha ... well, does he also cut every microscopic molecule of gristle or fat or anything the least bit "suspicious" off the meat? I know somebody who does ...

Yosemite Joy

Nov 28, 2005, 05:48 AM

I like my steak like I like my shoes.

Chem101

Nov 28, 2005, 01:14 PM

Cat... I got the house sirloin. It was about 1 1/2" thick. I like my steak cooked medium and they cooked it to perfection. And the serving size was just right.

Mysteefied

Nov 28, 2005, 04:30 PM

I must have gone on an off night, Took carl and the girls, I had the prime rib, it was so thin and rare it was hard to eat, I ordered Medium. Carl had a thicker steak, but he orders well and his was more rare than mine, he couldn't eat it and we ended up taking it home and throwing it out, he was so grossed out, he lost his appetite. The service was very slow, we sat there at least a half hour before we got our food.
Anyhow, I'm glad the rest of you got great food. Not sure if I'm up to paying for the chance I'll get good food again.

Patagoniamaniac

Dec 05, 2005, 05:59 AM

I agree with mystee...I wasn't all that impressed with the place..also had the prime rib. thin. They should serve vegetables with potatoes instead of giving the ultimatum. ordered the house wine and it tasted super vinegary..sent it back.atmosphere was ok..all in all i give it a 6 out of 10.and thats being generous..

Carrot-Top

Dec 05, 2005, 06:22 AM

In response to summer, I thought I would take my friend to lunch there because they seemed to be very busy at night with the bar and all snd with everyone trying them out for the first time. I had heard from a few others who had gone there for dinner that the food was at most pretty good or okay and that the prices were too high. UntillI hear some rave reviews I wasn't willing to drop a hunk of money down on a meal I wasn't fully satisfied with. That is why I chose lunch. My thought is fish and chips or a hamburger (in my friend's case a patty melt) isn't too hard to screw up on. We went with a safe choice, but we still weren't very impressed with our overall lunch. Just a couple days ago, neighbors of mine went their for dinner, spent 60 dollars on just the two of them. She said the top sirloin had too much fat on it and her baked potato was not all the way cooked and it was cold. I think there's some problems in the kitchen. I hope they can work them out.

John @ 3300ft.

Dec 05, 2005, 11:00 PM

Why do all these new restaurants always open in the wintertime?
Seems like they all go out of business before the next Summer because they can't figure out how to get the kinks out before getting a lousy reputation from the Locals, with too little tourist traffic to keep them alive.
I'm not going to spend top dollar for a mediocre dinner. I'll be waiting 'til Sweetwater Steakhouse gets a better rep., if they last that long.

Choco-chick

Dec 06, 2005, 05:18 AM

I have been there about 3 or 4 times, service could be better, especially faster, but it is not awful.
The atmosphere is nice, just as nice or equal to anything in Oakhurst.
I have eaten the hamburgers and they are very good, also tried the California chicken sandwich...good chicken breast with avacado and bacon, it tasted great just a little hard to eat cause of the size. The bread was good just kinda big, it was almost easier to eat by picking things out of the sandwich and eating the bread on the side.
All in all I still feel like giving them another chance. The place is clean and I have not seen any critters...so it is still on my list. http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/yes.gif

Californee Girl

Dec 09, 2005, 08:10 PM

Ok, I know that the rumor is that Im a harsh critic, so I might as well make that rumor at least partially true, right? http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/wink3.gif

I tried this place out tonight. I give it a great big *eh*. First off, my steak was awesome! I mean Im willing to say it was the best steak Ive ever had. I asked for rare, and that sucker came to me straight up bloody. Very very tasty steak. Im normally not one to shy away from spicy hot, but my husbands hot wings were more than I could handle. He absolutely loved them though.

That said, I do have some complaints about the service. I could overlook the slowness because they were busy and I think our server was doing her job plus a few others. But we waited for almost an hour to be served drinks. Later, our server took our drinks to refill them, and never brought one of them back. Then, I got the soup and no spoon. It took me a half hour to flag down another server and get a spoon. These are the things that irritate me when Im paying over $50 for a meal.

K, now one could say Ive been harsh.

BGW

Dec 16, 2005, 03:58 PM

I am a server so I try not to be too server criticalhttp://oakhurstonline.com/icon/lol.gif The problem w/ my first visit last Sunday was I knew the server personally...which usually means a professional curtesy! HaHA! Sheila Mae and I waited way too long to even have our table approached and there were only 2 other tables going (a one top and a duece) and there were two servers on and the owners were there.

I liked my burger Sheila wasn't happy happy w/ her steak sandwich and flat irons should be yummy all the time.

The bummer is our server began to try and over compensate for ...oh...everything and it only made matters worse!

Yes, being a server gives me extra insight and it also gives me patients when an establishment is slammed. Sunday night...for me...was laughable at best.

Dawn

Dec 18, 2005, 03:21 AM

I went to the Sweetwater Steakhouse and when I got there I was told the cook took off. So I coudln't eat there that night. It was only 8:30PM and they are supposed to be open until 10PM so I haven't got to try the place yet.

John @ 3300ft.

Dec 18, 2005, 09:11 PM

I wonder if he ever comes back...
http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/laugh.gif

BGW

Dec 19, 2005, 06:02 AM

The other things Sheila and I noticed were the lack of booths. Restaurants seem to be making this the norm. Seating and table size wasn't real comfy. Not made for relaxing and hanging out. More of a eat and run feel. I almost think we talked more in the parking lot in the cold!!

The other was if the kitchen and cooks are going to be right out there on public display one would think the kitchen would be presentable for public viewing. It's not gross filthy just thrashed; kinda of like they wait till the end of the night to clean up for the whole day. People that have never worked in a restaurant don't always understand the difference.

All the previous owners have left the kitchen open for viewing as well. I like it...watching the back of house move always facinates me. I guess a 'clean up as you go' plan is what I am trying to convey.

oakhurstleaf

Dec 19, 2005, 07:49 AM

I've never been to Sweetwater...but I can tell you open kitchens must adhere to a higher standard. All commercial kitchens should...but when on display, you'd think they would have to. Besided a sanitary, organized appearance...cooks and kitchen attendants must follow safe and hygienic practices. Todd's a germ-phobe and very strict about serve-safe practices...dining at restauarnts here in Oakhurst or anywhere else, he is very conscious about kitchen activity and food handling practices...when he sees something not right (or in his mind *very wrong*) he will leave right away. It could be so much as a cook wiping the sweat off his brow and then handling a knife that is used to cut a sandwich. Or a cook with a beard. What bugs him the most is seeing cooks handling food with bare hands after handling a dirty dish (that someone just ate off) or cash or whatever. A dirty kitchen is a big "let's leave" moment or "ain't going back" for us.

Some places around here do not have high standards...I do know that. And it's because of what can be seen that I know this.

The other was if the kitchen and cooks are going to be right out there on public display one would think the kitchen would be presentable for public viewing. It's not gross filthy just thrashed; kinda of like they wait till the end of the night to clean up for the whole day. People that have never worked in a restaurant don't always understand the difference.

BGW

Dec 19, 2005, 08:40 AM

The kitchen isn't 'open' but is viewable through the front plate glass windows.

Having worked at the Fork's the open kitchen/grill aspect is very different. Hair more restrained, towels not exchanged from their designated areas and uses. Instant screaming hot water....well you know!

I just found it sort of odd that there seemed to be some pride missing. Does that make sense?

oakhurstleaf

Dec 19, 2005, 09:03 AM

Makes perfect sense to me. If you're going to put on a show...aim to please the audience, not shake their heads in disappointment.

That's why I'll never do kareoke.http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/wink3.gif

Originally posted by bgirlsworld:
I just found it sort of odd that there seemed to be some pride missing. Does that make sense?

Chem101

Dec 19, 2005, 03:15 PM

I think I've mentioned before that the one visit I had to Sweetwater was very positive. Having said that, I had an occasion to talk with the owner and mention he should log into this forum to get some valuable feedback. I can't imagine investing the kind of money it takes to start up such a venture, only to have it fold due to lack of meeting customer's expectations. I hope they can turn this around as Oakhust can use a good steak house.

John @ 3300ft.

Dec 19, 2005, 09:20 PM

It still could use a good steakhouse...
http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/laugh.gif

Yosemite Joy

Dec 20, 2005, 04:50 AM

Ok I saw goddess there the other night.. Fri? Anyway, so we ate there... I was not as pleased.. Seems they are going Oakhurst on us quickly. We ordered the same food, well I did, my husband ordered something different. I had the NY because that seems to be the steak everyone can cook 'well'. My husband had the 22oz Rib Eye. The mozz sticks for appetizer.

We sat for 15 mins with no service whatsoever when we arrived. We ordered our drinks and food and recieved the drinks promptly, my Iced Tea had ice (bonus!). Then the salads came, they were ok, Tomatoes were frozen. The mozz sticks came a bit later, they were undercooked and still hard/cold in the middle.

Then the entrees. His was good, the rice pilaf was underdone and hard. My potato tasted like dirt (wash them better please!) and was overcooked (skin dry and hard all over, insides were dry and flaky). My steak was sent back for bleeding (I asked for "well, very well, burnt" I recieved medium). It came back all cut up, like the cook couldn't figure out how to tell if it was done enough. His steak was ok he said.

For 53 bucks I expect to walk out with a full happy tummy. Instead I went home and ate Wheat Thins.

oakhurstleaf

Dec 20, 2005, 06:06 AM

Wow.

It's like the Sandman says, "You're only as good as the people workin' for you." I think that's an appropriate statement for this place. And other restaurants that have come and gone here in this small town. I can imagine someone investing a lot of money in a venture and having it fail because it didn't meet the public's expectations...it's happened many times in Oakhurst. It's hard enough...but if if you can't outmanage the competition and satisfy customers enough to keep returning, then that is something money cannot buy.

Unfortunately, running a full-service restaurant is very costly...and the more people you depend on (back and front of the house) to provide your guests with quality food and service, the more difficult it is to ensure that it will happen. It requires good management on so many fronts. If your employess are not well-trained and well-monitored...anything can happen.

If you don't know what you're doing...good luck having those who work for you know what they're doing. And it's never a good idea to start out in a bigger way than you could possibly handle. It'll bite you in the butt sooner or later.

Just my general thoughts on the situation.

Summer

Dec 20, 2005, 04:15 PM

The way I see it everyone really wants Sweetwater to work and I think they are giving them a chance to work out the kinks. But! Seems like nothing is getting better. Oakhurstleaf is right about you're only as good as your help. Most of the restaurants up here are "Mom & Pop" types. The only ones that persevere are the old tried and true places (Duceys, Mountain House, Narrow Gauge, Pop's In Mariposa, Scehwan) and exceptionally good places like Todd's, Crabcakes & 3 Sisters. But because they are Mom & Pop, they have life circumstances that they have to give up the business. Remember Sierra City Grill, Firefall, Baja Cafe & Andrades? Excellent, but one of a kind. Now if you want consistency like people on these forums demand you need to go to the chain type establishments. You know if you go into Elephant Bar, Claim Jumper, Outback, etc. you will always get what you are looking for. Never any surprises. Service, food cooked to order and always the same good taste (or what you expect). Face it, these places have the $$, staff and corporate backup to succeed. I think everyone is too harsh on the restaurants up here in Oakhurst. If you want all that satisfaction go down to Fresno - you have your pick. I like the down to earth friendliness of the establishments up here and if its not always perfect or consistent, who cares? Stay home and cook your own damn meal.

Chem101

Dec 20, 2005, 04:33 PM

I think Summer is absolutely correct... Therefore...
I nominate Summer to open the next Mom & Pop steakhouse up here http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/wink3.gif

John @ 3300ft.

Dec 20, 2005, 04:34 PM

Hummmm....
A steak house that doesn't know how to cook a steak to order...
http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/sad3.gif

Methinks They will be out of business by next Fall.

Californee Girl

Dec 20, 2005, 10:33 PM

Bring back the Ice Cap!! MMmmmMMmmMM Ice Cap!!

Choco-chick

Dec 21, 2005, 06:29 AM

Originally posted by Summer:
The way I see it everyone really wants Sweetwater to work and I think they are giving them a chance to work out the kinks. But! Seems like nothing is getting better. Oakhurstleaf is right about you're only as good as your help. Most of the restaurants up here are "Mom & Pop" types. The only ones that persevere are the old tried and true places (Duceys, Mountain House, Narrow Gauge, Pop's In Mariposa, Scehwan) and exceptionally good places like Todd's, Crabcakes & 3 Sisters. But because they are Mom & Pop, they have life circumstances that they have to give up the business. Remember Sierra City Grill, Firefall, Baja Cafe & Andrades? Excellent, but one of a kind. Now if you want consistency like people on these forums demand you need to go to the chain type establishments. You know if you go into Elephant Bar, Claim Jumper, Outback, etc. you will always get what you are looking for. Never any surprises. Service, food cooked to order and always the same good taste (or what you expect). Face it, these places have the $$, staff and corporate backup to succeed. I think everyone is too harsh on the restaurants up here in Oakhurst. If you want all that satisfaction go down to Fresno - you have your pick. I like the down to earth friendliness of the establishments up here and if its not always perfect or consistent, who cares? Stay home and cook your own damn meal.
http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/applause.gif http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/applause.gif http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/applause.gif http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/applause.gif
Amen sister!

oakhurstleaf

Dec 21, 2005, 01:11 PM

Sorry, it's so long but I got on a roll...

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Summer:
"... because they are Mom & Pop, they have life circumstances that they have to give up the business. Remember Sierra City Grill, Firefall, Baja Cafe & Andrades?"

Those didn't all close because of life circumstances exactly. Financial loss took it's toll on a few. Some of those restaurants didn't leave while they were at some pinnacle of success and got out while the goin' was good. "Excellent" or not, they weren't thriving here. For whatever reason, it wasn't going well enough.

I know many OF members love having all these choices in restaurants and would love to have more and more...in fact, bring in some of those big chain restaurants (see that on here sometimes). But as I see it, there are already too many eating establishments per capita...and not enough disposable income concentrated in the local population to allow all of them to thrive. Some restaurants here are hanging on by the skin of their teeth thru the winter until the out-of-town suckers come in the summer and just try them out because they look like a good place to eat from the street. The locals are what keep the restaurants going through the year...and it's slim pickin's for some. So they better love you, or you ain't going to make it. Especially if you've got high operating costs. That could really kill you in the winter months if you're spending more than you're making. It's very important to be consistent in this town...or they will go home and make their own damn steak. Especially if they can cook a steak better than you can.

We do have another steakhouse...The Branding Iron Steakhouse and Saloon at Sky Ranch. Also the Mountain House offers steaks and Prime Rib. Even the Velvet Rose. And Goldfields at Chukchansi. And Tenaya Lodge has a steak place. And Ducey's on the Lake. Anyone try them steaks out at these other places? Don't have to go to Fresno for a steak...look at all the local offerings. And surely, a few of these places have gotta have some consistency or they wouldn't have been in business this long.

Oakhurst is a small town, surrounded by spread out small towns. It's a tough little market for restaurants when the customer base is so small especially in the winter. Winter kinda separates "the men from the boys" so to speak...and just because the restaurant is "mom and pop" doesn't mean it'll thrive if it doesn't satsify most of the people most of the time. There are a lot of restaurants here for the population and only a few are doing consistently well...and those I can assure you are the restaurants that remain consistent with their quality food and service. It's not so much that a restaurant is mom 'n pop or if it is corporate run. It's all about a good business plan and good people carrying out that plan. And this, of course, can be done on a small "mom and pop" scale...The only reason you know what to expect at a chain restaurant is because they are all following the same proven-to-work plan. It's about hitting the mark...the vast majority of the time and that's not limited to the corporate giants.

I think why some of the restaurants haven't made it and some have is because the operators (yes, even the mom 'n pop) know what they're doing or they don't. Those who've persevered are the ones who went into business understanding every aspect of a successfully run restaurant because they've come into business with experience under their belt. Mom 'n Pops cannot pay high salaries to managers and chefs (unless they are filthy rich)...they need to know every aspect and wear every hat. They have to "manage" every front in order to control quality. Eventually they can train others...but if you start out too big and hire others to do what you can't, then what do you do when your cook takes off or quits? Running a restaurant requires so much more than $$$, it requires some know-how and talent, some finesse...it's not for everybody or just anybody.

Jerry

Dec 22, 2005, 02:29 AM

Oakhurstleaf is right on the mark. Most people that start their own businesses do so because they want to be their own boss and not have to listen to anyone. That isn't the way it works, when you go in business everyone is your boss. A happy customer tells 1 to 5 people about their experience; An unhappy customer tells 10 or more. Someone suggested if you don't like a establishment stay at home and cook your own meal. That is exactly what happens. Just remember that a business without customers is a hobby.

oakhurstleaf

Dec 22, 2005, 01:46 PM

Thank you Jerry.

I was thinking too...if the restaurant business doesn't work out, you can still keep it as a hobby...and just rely on the full bar to pay the bills. It might pay for the hobby...for awhile. Seems a few restaurants have done that. Bars seem to have no shortage of customers...and maybe they (the bar customers) won't even mind mediocre food and lousy service if they're half-buzzed. http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/laugh.gif

I'm bad.
http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/wiseguy.gif
Originally posted by Jerry:
Oakhurstleaf is right on the mark. Most people that start their own businesses do so because they want to be their own boss and not have to listen to anyone. That isn't the way it works, when you go in business everyone is your boss. A happy customer tells 1 to 5 people about their experience; An unhappy customer tells 10 or more. Someone suggested if you don't like a establishment stay at home and cook your own meal. That is exactly what happens. Just remember that a business without customers is a hobby.

Yosemite_Wolf

Dec 22, 2005, 02:02 PM

Ive always had a dream of opening up a restaurant.... kinda like the 3 sisters... but heck, it is soooo much work and takes a great hobby (cooking) and turns it into a nightmare most of the time. .... ie no sleep, stress stress stress.... and the health department! all you need is one a-hole calling the health department and saying that they saw a cockroach when they didnt and the HD is all over ya! Cheers to OakhurstLeaf and Todd for having such a great bbq joint!! And cheers to the owner of sweetwater for having the guts to open a steakhouse! This is the mtn area.. and it prolly is hard to get good chefs/cooks to come to the mountains! And even good places have bad nites... case in point, my hellnight at The Blue Heron..... sitting for 10 minutes def makes one think less of the joint. Oh... and Summer, you forgot to mention Kyoto Cafe in your list of great places to eat.....
Oh I so remember Baja Cafe.... but now we have Lucys.

Summer

Dec 22, 2005, 06:35 PM

Oh... and Summer, you forgot to mention Kyoto Cafe in your list of great places to eat.....
Oh good grief, HOW did I forget that one? I love that place! My fav is the deep fried stuffed mushroom (appetizer). It's big enough for 2 but I love it so much I don't like to share! The service is slow - but that is because they cook the food AFTER you order - it is fresh - so who cares - unless you're on your lunch hour and have to be back in time. http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/laugh.gif

Yosemite_Wolf

Dec 22, 2005, 06:43 PM

They have the most awesome Ahi Tuna!! Oh man.. we are gonna have to have an OOF lunch there one day soon!!!

Summer

Feb 03, 2006, 05:21 PM

Report! Had dinner there last Sat. nite. Everyone ordered steaks - excellent! We had appetizers and it was good, also. Had dessert - also wonderful - The food was all good. Prices were well "pricey", but no different than a steakhouse in Fresno and portions were large - everyone took home a doggie bag. Servers at the bar and restaurant were friendly and efficient. Downfall was the service was very slow. But if you have great company and drinks and appetizers, who cares?! We rated it An A- and will definitely go back again.

medboysmom

Mar 06, 2006, 03:47 PM

My family and I went to Sweetwater sometime around Christmas. It was around $200 and we will not go there again. The steaks were way over cooked, the salad was a joke, the soup sucked and my in laws didn't
even get what they ordered. Luckily they took off those two meals but, ewwww. No one was happy with their meal except my 8 year old son who ate chicken strips, I do believe. I would be happy to pay top $ for a great meal, but it has to be better than I can make it myself. I also think that being a "steakhouse", they should know how to cook a steak the way it was asked for.
On a more pleasant note, our waiter was very nice. He was very busy so we didn't see him much but he was nice.

Dawn

Mar 06, 2006, 04:47 PM

i'm glad i never ended up eating there

monkey

Mar 07, 2006, 04:57 AM

My husband and I go there a couple of times a month and always have enjoyed the food. I agree that the service needs to improve, but we usually sit at the bar and eat, so it isn't a big issue with us. They use Certified Angus beef, which is the best there is, they have just had some issues finding a good cook. I know the owners are the proud parents of a new baby, so hopefully things will settle down and improve. I hope they make a success of the business,it's nice to have a in town restaurant with good beef, because I don't care for the beef at the Mountain House, but I do love their salads. Also don't forget that Sweetwater gives a 10% discount for locals.

Yosemite Joy

Mar 07, 2006, 05:14 AM

They do? They give discounts? They owe me money! Hahaha, I have eaten there a few times, once we had a not so great meal. I already posted all of that. They are pretty good. Do they have buffalo wings?

Speaking of buffalo wings, what happened to the Taqueria moving into the old hondos? They have up waaay too many signs for code.

oakhurstleaf

Mar 07, 2006, 06:12 AM

Originally posted by monkey:
They use Certified Angus beef, which is the best there is...

I noticed Sweetwater makes the claim in the Sierra Star dining guide ad that their Certified Angus Beef is the "best in the world" which is not a true statement...it might be the best beef raised in America, and it's not hard to come by. But the "Best Beef in the World" is Kobe beef...and it can be had in some fine American restaurants and other fine restaurants around the world.

John @ 3300ft.

Mar 07, 2006, 06:44 PM

You can claim anything. It's an opinion not based on fact.

Your claim that Kobe beef is the best, is your opinion. Not everyone would agree. Some would like leaner meat, or different texture.

Some business's claim they have the best ribs...
I personally don't like ribs that are so cooked you can't tell the meat from the fat. I want to chew it off the bone, not lick it off. If I'm served ribs this way, I'm not going to think they are the "best".

oakhurstleaf

Mar 07, 2006, 07:41 PM

Yep, it's all a matter of opinion. "Best" can be one person's opinion or a majority consensus...when I was stating that Kobe Beef is the best in the world, I was stating the majority consensus or opinion in the culinary industry...not my personal opinion. Just what I know to be *the* opinion. Kobe Beef is considered to be the best of the best.

Yosemite Joy

Jul 26, 2006, 01:37 PM

I have neglected to share my last (very last) experience with Sweetwater Steakhouse.

A couple of months ago my husband and I went out with just The Toddler. I wanted a steak, and I had eaten lunch at Sweetwater the weekend before, alone, and it was terrific, so I figured they had the quirks worked out.

We ordered Mozz sticks, and I ordered a NY steak. My husband ordered the filet mignon, my son had the chicken strips and french fries.

They were not busy, our waiter actually sat at the bar chit chatting with the bartender for a while. We ordered drinks, my son had an orange juice. My husband and I got ours, but my son 10 minutes later had not gotten his. Our waiter was MIA and I walked up to the bar to get his drink.

We should of walked out right then.

Our mozz sticks came a half hour later, as did our salads.

Our son was bored crazy and very hungry at this point. I had been out of iced tea for 20 minutes. I never got my refill until the very end of this ordeal.

We asked that our son get his entree asap, not to wait for my well done steak.

Another half hour passed. We asked our waiter what the deal was. He said that our food was cooking, and acted as if I were completely bothering him.

20 more minutes, and we had no other food. Our appetizer and salad plates and empty glasses still sat on our table. Other tables (behind and next to us) were grumbling too. What the heck?

Finally we get our food. My husbands food hardly looked cooked. His filet mignon was burnt on the outside, but rarer than tar tar in the middle. He had asked for medium. My steak was medium.

Our son, at this point was sitting outside with my husband, had not received his chicken strips.

I pointed out to the waiter that my son had no food still. The waiter said that he must not of put it on the ticket. Excuse me? So I told him I wanted the manager, NOW.

He got the manager who came over and asked what the problem was. My husband was in at this point with the toddler and told him the deal. The manager said he would take the non-refilled for an hour and a half iced tea off the tab and the chicken strips. He thought we were tourists, asked us where we were from. When we told him we were locals he laughed and said "oh".

HAH. I told him we were "not paying for any of it" and that his crew were incompetent. People at the table next to us spoke up as well, they had been there an hour or so with just salads in front of them, and they had another waiter. They were up and leaving as well, to get McDonalds.

The manager accused us of not telling him earlier which would of saved "him the trouble."

We told him we were leaving, gathered our things, and left. As we were leaving I told him he needed to drug test his employees before the business went under.

I will never step foot in that place again.

oakhurstleaf

Jul 26, 2006, 01:57 PM

Wow.

I had been thinking to try this place out. I have to be selective about where I go with the kids...because as you know, they are not the most patient guests especially when they're hungry...quick service is a must-have with kids. So many people have complained about the slow service there that it just didn't seem like even a possiblity. Forget it.

I had heard that the Steakhouse is no longer serving weekday lunch due to lack of demand (i.e. not enough customers)...and that they even posted a sign on their doors stating so. Seemed odd to shut down for lunch during peak season...but then maybe it was costing them too much to be open.

Newcomer

Jul 26, 2006, 02:37 PM

I keep telling everybody for great steaks to go to either the Branding Iron (Sierra Sky Ranch) or the Narrow Guage Inn. The Branding is about 1 minute past the Mountain house. Great Large Steaks. If you have enough time the NGI is the way to go also. Great food.

Myself, Kahlua Kid, Surfus, pops and Baby pops had steaks there this past weekend and the food was great.

TOT

Jul 27, 2006, 08:01 AM

A few tourists have told me wonderful things about the place, but i've heard mostly negatives from locals.

For this reason i have stopped recommending them to guests.

Kahlua Kid

Jul 27, 2006, 09:00 AM

Originally posted by Newcomer:
I keep telling everybody for great steaks to go to either the Branding Iron (Sierra Sky Ranch) or the Narrow Guage Inn. The Branding is about 1 minute past the Mountain house. Great Large Steaks. If you have enough time the NGI is the way to go also. Great food.

Myself, Kahlua Kid, Surfus, pops and Baby pops had steaks there this past weekend and the food was great.

The Branding Iron steaks are good - but be prepared to wait during their lunch - they are a little on the leisurely lunch side.

The dinner service I found to be really on top of things every time we've been there - great service!

Dodgergirl

Jul 27, 2006, 01:04 PM

Narrow Gauge, Rib Eye, no contest..., well, um, unless you consider the FlatIron...(which is stuffed with Bleu Cheese)

Pop-Rocks

Jul 27, 2006, 01:13 PM

Branding Iron last Saturday with KK and Newcomer food was awsome. Maybe not as good as the Narrow Gauge but runner up for second.

simplicity

Jul 27, 2006, 01:58 PM

I had the Flatiron at the Narrow Gauge Inn last week. It was very nice. I'm going to try the Ribeye next, anyone want to join me?

SheilaMae

Nov 06, 2006, 08:48 AM

Had dinner with a group last month and then again last night. Last month I figured twice tried and twice poor. Didn't intend to return again.

But last night someone chose it again, expected the same ol, same ol' and boy, was I surprised! It was a 1000% different experience! Service was friendly and competent and my food was hot, for one thing and very tasty too.

Outside I chatted with some out of towners as they left who were verrrrrrry pleased too. (even sitting at the next table from our noisy party of 8 - they enjoyed their meal and the atmosphere very much).

Good job Sweetwater!

monkey

Nov 06, 2006, 09:08 AM

Maybe they just needed time to settle in. I ate there last week and loved my beef skewers.

monkey

Jan 16, 2009, 11:47 AM

They have some excellent prices on early bird specials for dinner right now. If I remember right, most were under $10.00.

Sandman

Jan 16, 2009, 11:50 AM

I also enjoy Sweetwater. Friendly staff, fair prices and good food.

dancingqueen

Jan 16, 2009, 12:52 PM

We have not been to Sweetwater in ages. The service was so bad it didn't make up for the good food. I think we need to give them another try, it has been a long time.

Red Mule

Jan 16, 2009, 03:15 PM

Sweetwater is much better now than at times in the past. Maybe the last change of ownership? I kind of lost track. :)

kellieflan

Jan 16, 2009, 06:12 PM

I also enjoy Sweetwater. Friendly staff, fair prices and good food.

We ate there recently for the first time and it was delicious. We had Sarah as our server and she's a terrific professional. The cocktail I enjoy with steak (black Russian) was generous and so was the glass of wine (yeah I had both) and it was a nice night out. Yum.

beautiful_mess38

Jan 16, 2009, 07:51 PM

A bunch of us ate there last weekend. As usual the food and service was very good. We over tipped the waiter because he put up with our loudness. ah Newcomer.....lol

monkey

Feb 26, 2009, 08:11 PM

Hubby and I went tonight for the early bird specials. He had Prime Rib sandwich and I had the Prime Rib. Mine came with soup or salad, 6oz Prime rib and a side. It was an excellent deal for about $11.00 plus tax & tip. I recommend it. The early bird specials are from 4 - 5:45pm
Most of their specials are about $10 or under.

bender

Jul 26, 2009, 09:27 AM

I ate not too long ago, and could smell MM being grown then found out about the appartments up stairs.

Mibrew

Jul 26, 2009, 09:49 AM

Bender, Not sure what you mean?? kind of a strange comment though...

blackbirdgirl

Dec 28, 2009, 08:27 AM

Well, with the closing of the Mountain House, a portion of the crew has come on over to Sweetwater to cook up their delicious (and HUGE!) scrambles and omelettes. The high energy, efficient staff is getting settled in at their new digs and the management is thrilled with the new crew. Breakfast and Lunch are served from 8am-2pm, and of course the delicious and reasonably priced dinners will still be available after 5pm every evening. Come see the changes... and say "hi" to a familiar face or two!

Mysteefied

Dec 28, 2009, 08:36 AM

I had lunch there yesterday at around 1:30pm, it was SOOOO good! I know they just started with their breakfast and lunch service, so I wasn't really expecting it to be "great" but it totally was! My daughter decided on breakfast, which I was happy that she could still get at that time of the day. She had French toast, which was HUGE, and I had a sandwich....I think it was called something like the Sweetwater birdy? Not positive, but it had turkey, bacon and ham and was grilled on sourdough bread, came with steak fries and I could only eat half! I get to have the other half for lunch. The prices were good too.
I'm definately impressed!

marine vet 1968

May 27, 2010, 09:40 PM

Had dinner here tonight with my wife. Last time was several months ago. I will not be going back. The main thing that bothers me here is the poor service. The serving staff just does not seem to care if they provide good service. Last time, my wife ordered a salad. When delivered, it was missing ingredients that were listed on the menu. When the wife pointed it out, the answer was: oh, we ran out of that. They didn't appolgize or offer anything else. Service was tremendously slow.
Tonight was more of the same. Service was slow. The ordered club soda was flat, the replacement diet soda was flat, and the servers attitude was: so what. The ribs were tough and the steak was really small (though good).
On a positive note, my wife really liked the sweet potato.

I'm tried really hard to like this place, but.......
We eat out ALOT, so this makes it even harder to eat here in Oakhurst (esp since the Mt. House is gone).

abitofyarn

May 27, 2010, 09:48 PM

I'm sorry you had a horrible experience. I know the other day I was CRAVING a Steak and Baked Potato so about 3pm on a Saturday I went in there and had a great meal. My waiter was so attentive he was driving me NUTS!! Guess that's what happens when you go when they are NOT busy and you are one of 3 people in the place. As for the meal....it was the best, a bit expensive for what I had Salad, Steak, Potato and Ice Tea cost me $25 (incl tip) but my taste buds and tummy were happy so I was happy :yes:

Had dinner here tonight with my wife. Last time was several months ago. I will not be going back. The main thing that bothers me here is the poor service. The serving staff just does not seem to care if they provide good service. Last time, my wife ordered a salad. When delivered, it was missing ingredients that were listed on the menu. When the wife pointed it out, the answer was: oh, we ran out of that. They didn't appolgize or offer anything else. Service was tremendously slow.
Tonight was more of the same. Service was slow. The ordered club soda was flat, the replacement diet soda was flat, and the servers attitude was: so what. The ribs were tough and the steak was really small (though good).
On a positive note, my wife really liked the sweet potato.

I'm tried really hard to like this place, but.......
We eat out ALOT, so this makes it even harder to eat here in Oakhurst (esp since the Mt. House is gone).