Mastro's Steakhouse   

We had dinner at Mastro's on New Year's Eve. From the minute we walked in the door the evening was a disaster. We were met by three very young employees who informed us rudely that our reservation had been cancelled earlier. After searching for our reservation, which was listed under my wife's first name (now who does that?) we were offered a free glass of champagne, but had to get them ourselves instead of them being handed to us. Once we had reached our table it was 5 minutes before we got a menu (why wasn't it given to us when we were seated?) and then waited another 15 mins. before our waiter came to see us. I ordered the Peppered New York Steak and my wife ordered the salmon. After waiting nearly 1 hour, we were finally served our meals. My steak was burned to a crisp on the outside and tasteless. The salmon was lukewarm and also tastless. The mashed potatoes were lukewarm and bland. And then I paid $25 for a single glass of champagne, which wasn't that great either. Our waiter informed that the price was higher than they normally charge for that brand...just how much higher he wouldn't say. We decided to pack in up and leave. On the way out we stopped at the restrooms, which are located on the second floor. My wife told me that the women's restroom was a pig's sty and wanted me to take a look at it, which I declined and accepted her word about the condition of the restroom. On the way out of the restaurant I told the host that they needed to get someone up there to clean up the women's restroom and that is was indeed a pig's sty. Having worked in the restaurant busines for ten years, I can truly say that last night was probably the worst meal and restaurant experience I have had. First, in any high class restaurant, guests should be greeted by someone who is mature and has manners. Some young clueless18 year old chicky babe doesn't cut it. Second, learn what "taste" is!!! I am out of space here.

If you want a great steak go to Ruth Chris, if you want an OK steak with lots of seasoning go to Outback. If you want an overpriced ~ tasteless steak by all means go to Mastro's Steakhouse. There is very little to say that's good about this restaurant. Service is poor ~ you wait forever for everything if you have a problem, no one will approach the table to assist you. .Even the overpriced vegetables have no taste a little olive oil ~ sauteed garlic with a touch of sea salt would help. No one trained the cooks which seasoning to use or how to use them. The steak is tender, so it's aged but tasteless so it's choice. Please do not eat here.

We were first timers to this or any Mastros; however we are very familiar with the other high end steak houses in O.C....Mortons, Ruth Chris, Bungalow, Flemings, etc.. Arrived a few minutes late but we were warmly greeted and seated immediately on a very busy night. Service was impeccable and food superb. I believe our server was the Katherine referenced in the 4/6/06 review. She was extremely personable & attentive...devoid of the phony affectation common to many wait personnel. We'd certainly request her table on our next visit. In reviewing the wine list I spotted Opus I at a horrendous markup. Somewhat incongruent with the high but fair prices of the menu. The only other disappointent was the crude and dismissive attitude of Lorraine at the valet counter. She would be more appropriately employed as a carnival barker. It definitely brought us back to reality after a a very fine evening. Put her in a non-PR position. All-in-all, big thumbs up.

I felt like I was in Las Vegas...Yummy lobster mashed potatoes, my steak was delicious...order slighly rarer than you like because it comes on a sizzling hot plate. Make a reservation....not for little kids....All grown up place to go!