#39 Delmonico's - Encino

Rating: 3.25 cows

Ventura Blvd in the San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles is where you'll find Delmonico's Steak and Lobster house. The other time we ventured into Encino was our New Year's Eve Steakout at Larsen's. Back in The Valley again, we descended upon Delmonico's and sidled up to the bar for some cocktails.

Many older steakhouses have a type, and Delmonico's is no exception. Red-colored drinks seemingly all of which come with maraschino cherries, and a bartender who's probably had the same job for at least 39 years. The drinks weren't bad, but they also weren't outside of our expectations.

So Delmonico's bills itself as a steak and lobster house. Most places offer one or the other, but Delmonico's puts both front and center, with a number of surf and turf specials. Indeed all but one of us opted for the steak and lobster combo, and when it was all said and done, the biggest regret was that he didn't get the lobster also.

It wasn't that the steaks were bad, but they just weren't quite what we hoped they'd be. Moderately flavored, although they were cooked quite well, is the hallmark of a cut of meat that just doesn't quite make…the…cut. On the other hand, the lobster was quite good, and we all devoured our crustaceans with vigor. Well, all but one of us anyway.

For some reason we ordered dessert, and here's another place where Delmonico's does it right. Their desserts are enormous. And good. Look at the pictures at the end of this post and you'll see what we're talking about. They don't do it fancy, but there's something delightful about some simple sweets with whipped cream that just really satisfies.

You should go do Delmonico's if you're in the area and want some lobster and also maybe a decent steak. Or a huge delicious dessert. Or all 3.

Delmonico's Photos