Best Prime Rib in Orange County, as usual. Our server tonight Rachelle was an absolute sweetheart, for cocktails she recommended I try the Raspberry Lemondrop which was the bomb! She even surprised me with a special birthday treat at the end-- thanks so much for making my birthday feel so special Rachelle :) read more

Service is impeccable along with the food. Classic steakhouse food with an English twist. My lobster melted in my mouth along with my steak. Served with twice baked potato, green beans and creamed corn. Bread service starts the meal and everyone lets you take your time. Our dinner lasted three hours with perfect service. Highly recommend along with reservations read more

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Decent prime rib and steaks right across from John Wayne Airport. Among the venerable Houses of Prime Rib in Orange County, Gulliver's is probably the most whimsical and accessible choice. With art and decor inspired by the classic tome by Jonathan Swift, Gulliver's has meals fit for giant and Lilliputian appetites alike. To start the meal I opted for a Gulliver's Old Fashioned ($16) made with a healthy pour of Michter's Rye, sugar cube, bourbon cherry, bitters, and an orange peel; a stiff drink heavy on the rye, stronger than many Old Fashioned's I've had. We also got a Colossal Shrimp Cocktail ($24) and a bowl of New England Clam Chowder ($10), which were both ok... nothing exceptional. You would think that Prime Ribs of Beef would be the presumptive choice for a meal here, but their menu features a number of different proteins to fit a variety of discerning tastes, from Aged Ribeyes to Long Island Duck and Racks of Lamb. For my most recent trip, I got the Aged Bone In Ribeye ($63), served with Creamed Spinach and a Twice Baked Potato. My father got the Gulliver's Prime Cut ($49), their signature cut of prime rib, also served with Creamed Spinach and Yorkshire Pudding. Interesting note: when multiple people are dining they serve the creamed corn family style in a separate dish. Between the 2 types of beef, my dad and I both agreed; the Bone In Ribeye was the better choice. The aged beef topped with herb butter just had tons of meaty flavor; not to say that the prime rib was bad, but the aged steak definitely made a bigger impression. Whether you're flying to and from John Wayne or you're just craving a slab of beef, Gulliver's remains tried and true, an Orange County standby for a reason. read more

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Visited tonight for the first and last time. Waiter was an older snobby man. Food was mediocre. Crab cakes tasted like something out of a box. Clam chowder had too much cornstarch and shrimp cocktail tasted fishy. Waiter didn't come over to check on us. It wasn't busy. Restroom had an odd smell with way too many air fresheners. I would have settled for the below average food but the waiter's pretentious attitude was off putting. I do not recommend this establishment. I left nauseous read more

Gulliver's Restaurant - American Near Me - Irvine, California

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Good food and great service. Went to lunch with four friends to celebrate a birthday. The lunch menu had a good selection. The restaurant nicely decorated for Christmas holidays. Our group was very satisfied with our waiter, the food and nice ambiance of the restaurant. I hope to return with my wife. Cheers read more

I've been eating here since I was a child and I've always loved this spot for their prime rib. It's a bit expensive, but the portions are large (guaranteed leftovers) and they have unlimited cream corn, which I love to fill up on. Honestly, the best cream corn I've had! The prime rib here is always soft and tender and my family loves the flavorful rind of the prime rib. I usually drown mine in au jus because it's so savory and delicious. Their prime rib also comes served with Yorkshire pudding and cream spinach, which are also quite good. Expert tip: dip your Yorkshire pudding in the au jus to soak up all that umami flavor! If you have room, the dessert here is also really good! My dad always gets the trifle and when I was little, I loved their chocolate mousse and how it came with a tart dollop of raspberry purée that offset the chocolate mousse wonderfully. It was one of my favorite things to get! If you can, try to go around Christmas! They always have nice decorations and it feels so festive. read more

First time visiting this restaurant, so unique and welcoming. The food was amazing, I had NY strip, my husband the duck, my daughter filet minion and my mother the prime rib. Everything was cooked to perfection. The sides even better, spinach, cream corn, mashed potatoes and greens. Our waiter Shane was attentive, funny and offered his opinion on meats. We ended with creme brûlée and drank an apple martini to wash it all down. When I saw Gulliver's have been open since 1970, thats all I needed to know! I'll definitely be back here soon, perhaps for the Sunday brunch or holiday menu. read more

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Gullivers has hands down the best holiday decorations I have ever seen in a restaurant. I felt like I was on a different planet Food: Ordered the Rib eye. All the fixings were amazing. Steak was top notch and yes I ate all the cream corn. It is that good. The wine list is very very well put together. They have something for everyone but you should order the Sea Smoke Service Very pro level. Bar is a great place to start. I'll be back I don't rate if I don't like. read more

This was my first time at Gulliver's, and sadly it will probably be my last. I was here to celebrate my birthday recently, and I was so looking forward to trying them out. I wanted to love this place, but didn't meet my expectations. While the service was spectacular, the food wasn't the best. I hate to even write this negative review. But I'm honest and truthful of all my reviews I've written. I ordered their prime rib, I ordered it medium. It came to me dry and without massive flavor. A member of my party was vegan, and they accommodated her with a couple of choices, which I thought was awesome. For the prices they charge, the food was a disappointment. read more

Prime rib in Irvine, California... Sathy wanted to dine here. That's how we heard about this restaurant. Things came up and Sathy wasn't able to join us. We went anyway because we all hadn't been to Gulliver's before. First of all, the parking was free and easy. We met at around 5:30pm, so we were seated right away. Later, the place was crowded and noisy! The service was excellent! Our waitress was very friendly and attentive! She offered us more creamed corn and refilled our water glasses often. The food came out quickly and was tasty! I ordered English Cut Prime Rib... it was so tender! I ate all of it! I also finished off my creamed spinach and Yorkshire pudding! I saved my sweet creamed corn for last and treated it like a dessert. We enjoyed this restaurant and dinner very much. The Christmas decorations were very festive - I especially liked the cute plushies! Maybe next time, when we return, there will be a Groupon deal again! (Niki had seen it in November!) read more

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I'm such a slacker. I've lived in Southern California this time around - for over a decade. And last week was my first visit to Gulliver's. Driven by. Heard about it. Read about it. But never been. Went last week. Been to Gulliver's ... check! Arrived early. Good thing. Parking is free, but was busy by the time our group of four left. Drivers were waiting for open space. But, we got there early. Lots of space. Made a reservation on OpenTable. Gotta get them points. Not to mention, it wasn't busy when we got there. But by the time we left, the place was full. And loud. Service was excellent. Wish I remembered her name. She was friendly. She was attentive. She was efficient. She was great! Even the host and manager were awesome. I don't remember their names either. I'm getting old. The food. The Prime Rib of Beef. The Brobdingnagian. The Biggest. The Best. Bone In. Ya know that's what I ordered. Came with Creamed Corn, Creamed Spinach, Whipped Horseradish, Au Jus and Yorkshire Pudding. Requested Medium Rare - Got Medium Rare. I enjoyed it. A lot. So much so that I took a huge piece home to eat the next day. Added a little more seasoning and heated it in the broiler with lotsa buttah! Just as tasty as when it was served fresh. I cleared my plate aside of what I set aside to take home. The Corn and Spinach weren't too creamy - or watery. They both weren't overcooked to the point of being soggy. And the Yorkshire Pudding was warm and flaky. The Whipped Horseradish is a little too muted for me. I tried it but opted not to use it. To each their own. If you go during the holidays - make sure to make a reservation and check out the Christmas decoration. If you can, ask to sit at John Wayne's table. I will next time. read more

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I visited this restaurant for the first time in beginning of December 2021, and immediately returned the next week after I honesty didn't think I can find good prime ribs around this location, now Gulliver is my to-go place! First of all, i need to give some credit to the decorations of this restaurant, it was super pretty & cozy! What a cute little restaurant! The staffs are super friendly too, she gave me a little background of the restaurant, didn't know the restaurant is actually older than me! I need to be honest though, I am not a fan of any of their appetizers but that's okay! Because their prime ribs are the bomb! Just order the prime rib read more

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As a family tradition every Christmas we treat to a meal here. If I remember but I think we have been going here over 10 years now. Ever since we have been going we have had the privilege of getting Tony to be our server. A wonderful server who is very knowledgeable on the menu for food and drinks. Every year they do an amazing Christmas theme with a big tree in the middle of the dinning room. I've not changed my order ever since going. I get the filet mignon cooked to medium rare. It comes with a twice baked potato green beans and the famous creamed corn. If ever the chance to go during the holiday time. Make reservations and if you aren't sure on what to get, they've got the recommendations. Hope you enjoy a great meal and love this restaurant as much as my family! read more

We have been enjoying dining at Gullivers for over 47 years. Our meal this week was delicious and our server, Rachelle, was fantastic. Please bring back your wonderful spring pea soup though. Thank you for my lovely birthday celebration and for all your darling Easter decor. read more

We discovered the best Happy Hour in the Newport Beach area! Great food, drinks and wine in the bar. Don't miss it.

Where do I start? Filet mignon was terrible. It was way too bland and just buttery with rubbery texture when I had ordered it med, it came out well done. You know it's terrible when you have to ask for A1 to eat your meat.. Prime rib was not was not the best. The au jus was more like beef gravy. The booth we were sitting at was gross! Food all over the crease and greasy. The worst part was the cream corn. Can I say canned corned with milk? As for the restroom picture speaks for itself. So disappointed at this place when we spent over 250.00. One star for the friendly hostess. The waiter was not friendly nor did he come around to ask if we needed anything. We had to wave him down for the check! read more

Gulliver's Restaurant - American Near Me - Irvine, California

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A classic prime rib restaurant with a long and rich history in OC. Exemplary service, too.

Today I invited my Niece to meet us at Gullivers Bar to have Lunch. Everybody had Mushroom soup that was great and we were going to share a large Prime Rib Lunch plate. The Bartender / Server offered the have the meat divided Do we could share. We also had to watch An obviously frustrated employee because she was the only Person who was working multiple rooms. We sat having to watch a train wreak while Waiting 50 minutes for the order. Our server was so upset about her situation She didn't know our order was never delivered. A manager tried to help, but when he Delivered the plate and the meat was in Super rare strips that were mostly Fat. I asked him if this was medium rare and He said yes and poured a jus on it. I knew that if he delivered this catastrophe And thought it represented The food he proudly serves in his Restaurant .....we were in trouble. Obviously Gullivers have staffing issues. Watching our Bartender/Server have A complete meltdown acting inappropriately Is something dinners shouldn't have to Watch. Watching Managers walking around Not having a clue of what's going on. Finally .....what were the Chefs thinking... Sending Prime Rib out that looks like Fajitas. Ok, I just wanted to get out of your Restaurant. I am an honest person Who paid for my bill and I added a tip so our Server/Bartender can Get some therapy. Sent from my iPhone Healthcare & Life Science Equipment Service Solutions are our only business. read more

This is one of my family's favorites. Great friendly staff and everything is delicious. Always know you will enjoy a delicious meal. During Christmas holidays it's a must! We also enjoy celebrating Thanksgiving here. You must give it a try! read more

Been coming here for over two decades, for someone's birthday, graduation, anniversary, always a celebration or event. Tonight's dinner had about a dozen of us, good service but everyone commented on the quality or reduced quality of the food. Prime ribs were not to the typical quality, comments were more fat, not tender..."this must be a usda grade out to pasture cow"....I only got the house salad and clam chowder, I'm tired of their salmon....salad is great fresh shrimp and greens, clam chowder could not eat more than 4 spoonfuls, no clams, liquidy, no flavor. Even the sides seemed cost reduced, cream corn was less luxurious less cream sauce and same with the creamed spinach. Service great, food quality diminished , not coming back, sorry - get your food quality back....blah read more

it's been a while since I've been here and I won't be coming back. went in around 5:45 last night-St. Patrick's Day. some customers, not as many as you would think on a holiday. they brought my soup and bread five minutes before my cocktail. I always like to have my cocktail first. Clam chowder was tasteless. Asked for my prime rib to be medium. Came back well done in some sections and rare in others. guess they were trying for an average. Horseradish was old, no taste. Creamed corn and spinach were cold. Waiter came by once, asked how everything was, and walked away before I could answer. the bread was good, but that was the only thing that was. I stopped off at Del Taco on the way home as I was still hungry. $100 for a lousy dinner and poor service. I will not be back and I encourage you to stay away also. there are plenty of better restaurants out there. read more

Definitely kitchen nightmare vibes! Ramsey should definitely come to this restaurant. The booth we sat in had a strong stench that made it difficult to enjoy the food. But the food was good, nonetheless. Made a reservation for 830pm on open table at 730, it was one of the few restaurants still open and taking last minute reservations. When we walked in, a guy sitting on the side with no mask came up to the host stand and said "how can I help you?" And I said "I have a reservation at 830" and he said "yeah I know you made it an hour ago. We stop serving at 830". So then i said "okay sorry I didn't know. We can leave". And then he proceeded to show us to our table. HOW AWKWARD! Okay, if you stop serving AT 830, then don't allow people to make reservations at that time. He had a super passive aggressive and snarky attitude. I don't have to eat here, I can leave if you're going to act that way. He walked us to the table and then said "you don't need to wear your mask at the table. I don't wear mine because I'm vaccinated" .... okay thanks. You should still wear a mask because that's keeping others safe. Already got bad vibes from the start. Our server was Rochelle and she was sweet and upbeat. No complaints there! read more

The stars for this review is solely for the food. The food here was absolutely incredible. I ordered a filet and it was cooked perfectly. I couldn't believe it. The twice baked potato was a perfect consistency in the middle but had that crunch and jam packed full of flavor on the top. I've always aspired to get my own twice baked potatoes like that. The green beans were pretty basic. Nothing special. My boyfriend got the lamb of which he said was very tasty as well. He said his dessert, I believe it was the English truffle, was great as well. Overall the food was amazing and would be back solely for that Service I would honestly give a 0 or a 1. I was shocked. For a place like this - there is a service standard. When we sat down I asked our server if she had a spirit list and she had no idea what I was talking about and directed me too the beer menu. I explained to her I was inquiring on the variety of vodka, gin, and tequila that they carried. She said she didn't know just that they had a full bar. I stuck with water since she acted like I was wasting her time. My boyfriend got a penicillin cocktail of which he said wasn't that great. The menu states that their juices and syrups are freshly made; they clearly were not and were likely purchased from Sysco. Major disappointment. Fresh juices and syrups can make or break cocktails. The server didn't come back to clear the appetizer and salad plates. They were all pretty stacked before someone finally came and took them. Our server dropped the food off to the table and she nearly put a stack of creamed corn ON TOP of my filet. I was completely shocked because I told her 3 times I didn't want any creamed corn at all, let alone on top of my steak (I loathe corn so this was rather funny after the fact) she was rather pushy with serving me the creamed corn so I just put it on a separate plate and had my boyfriend eat it if he wanted it. She never came back to take our plates - someone else did. I understand we all go to restaurants to eat & enjoy a meal but certain places that are fine dining and or give off a fine dining ambiance like this place does: there is a certain expectation of steps of service of which wasn't even close to being met. I hope the service manager keeps a watchful eye on this. Service at a restaurant like this can lose loyal guests. I overall may come back but may choose to sit in the bar rather than a table. read more

First time eating at Gulliver's and I agree that it's nice to have a local OC restaurant that serves an excellent prime rib dinner. The accompaniments like the cream of corn, cream of spinach and the Yorkshire pudding were delicious. Despite a large group, the service was solid. I entered the restaurant with my sunglasses and left them on the table. Called and left messages and even left a message through the YELP portal. No one got back to me but finally I was able to reach the restaurant and the owner said he checked with staff, waiter, service staff and manager and could not find my glasses. Normally items left by customers at the table are recoverable. Just the lack of courtesy in initiating the follow-up is disappointing and makes me wonder if this is normal practice at the restaurant. It was a nice pair of glasses. read more

I decided to go to this piece of trash establishment they try to call a "restaurant" for my 5 year anniversary but for some reason the hosts decided to give us the worst table possible knowing it was out special night. Sitting at the corner table, we saw a spider trickling down about to land on our table until a fly flew by and was eaten by the spider. Not only was the ambience not good, the food was nothing special. If you're really hungry, it could pass as edible. I would do your self a favor and simply pass on this place. I'd much rather eat at the el Torito right next door or even the airport if possible especially knowing WHAT I KNOW NOW!! read more

I would have rated this a good 5/5 with their food. The prime rib, creamed corn, and side dishes tastes great. The service at the start was also good. Their manager was friendly and checked on us regularly. What soured our dinner experience was after we were done, we were waiting for them to ask us for dessert. However the waitress was so focused on the other table we were pretty much sitting there for 20 minutes. I have to call for her attention. By then she just gave us the bill. I get that maybe they were closing that is why they did not offer dessert, but waiting for 20 minutes was just too long. Such a shame because the restaurant was great. read more

Amazing food and wine list, great staff, and love the ambiance! Nothing like an old school prime rib! The food is always consistent and delicious read more

Not good is an understatement... My parents brought me here for my birthday on Valentines Day. We had early reservations at 5:30 to get in front of the crowds and before the staff is burnt out from a busy night. When we arrived, they already had a nice number of tables seated. We had requested the main dining room, and the manager at the door let us know they couldn't accommodate at that time. When we were being seated, we were taken to the furthest room in the back - it was FREEZING! When we asked about the temperature a server near by said "we aren't turning the heat on because it's to hot when it get's busy. Really? Shouldn't the guests comfort come first? The host seated us in the area just outside the of that room - not as cold, but still not warm. The server let us know she was sharing tables with another server so they would both be helping us. One would think we would have had lots of service with two people, but not the case. We were brought bread and butter with no b & b plates. We ordered wine and an appetizer to start. The two orders of crab cakes were brought out before our wine, and we didn't receive share plates. We ended up eating off of the plates they came on. The salads and my soup came out while we were still eating our crab cakes - needless to say we had a lot going on - on our table. My mom and I ordered prime rib - medium. That came with creamed cord and spinach - we asked for two sides of potatoes since we were told there was no substituting. My mom's prime rib was very well done and mine was mostly bone and fat. Our spinach and potatoes were both cold - so cold that I put a little butter in them, and it didn't melt. My dad ordered a filet which was cooked fine - he enjoyed it. No one came by to check on our food so there wasn't an opportunity to possibly have anything corrected. When the server finally made her way over my dad was done and were just done being there. We let her know about our food - she agreed with the overdone prime rib and in regard to the cold food she said, "oh they must have not stirred the pot." Nothing was offered in regard to the bill & we never saw the second server. We paid, we left and will never go back. read more

I've been coming here for nice dinners for years. The food is always amazing (strong recommendations for the prime rib, escargot, and duck), as is the service. The portion sizes are generous. For a place of this quality, the prices are reasonable. They also put up a ton of fun decorations around Halloween and Christmas. If you're traveling for business, it's near the airport and you owe yourself the chance to try it out. If you're in the area, it might just become a new go-to. read more

We dined when it was pouring rain outside so not too many guests were inside. Literally can count how many people were dining. 7. Including my small family, now 10 patrons. It was my husband's birthday and this is his favorite restaurant so we were very excited to eat here again. The previous experiences were great. Maybe it was an off night, food was subpar. I was shocked at what came out of the kitchen when we ordered a crab cake appetizer for a whopping $22. Two measly flat lumps of a crab cake at about 1.5" wide and less than 1/2" an inch thick. 2 pieces! For $22! That's highway robbery! Did it taste good? yes, but this is not a five star dining restaurant to be charging your guests that price and serve them what looks like frozen appetizers. It was disappointing and distasteful. Our dinners arrive and my husband gets the Prime Rib dinner, my daughter gets the Roasted Duck and I ordered Rib Bones. Prime Rib is always cooked perfectly, wish I just stuck with what they are good at, the Roasted Duck was good but it was overly sous vide that the duck literally turned to mush. Even the bones were nearly powder consistency. The Rib Bones were tough, like enough to be like rawhide. I work in a restaurant myself, I know old food when I see one. That was old. Very old. And covering it with bbq sauce is not a good look to cover over cooked dried beef. Needless to say, I ate the creamed corn, my side dishes and some of my dinner to not be rude. I know how hard it is to prepare a meal and our server Amanda was very kind and attentive. I did not have the heart to tell her that we were not happy with our dinner. On top of it all, we didn't even get a Birthday little dessert even though I told them it was my husband's birthday. The table behind us had a birthday and they received a free dessert but it just wasn't our night I guess. We still left a big tip for the staff and a special one for Amanda because she was the only one working the entire floor. Another reason we love this place are the employees that work here. Fantastic personalities and service. So my tip to Gulliver's, do better please. Don't wanna see you guys close down. We really like coming to your restaurant for special occasions but with gouging prices like your crab cakes and over cooked food. Closing is eminent. We wish you the best. read more

Drea was so much fun today serving my company party! The staff was on top of clearing the table, serving the food etc. such a great time. Thank you, Drea can handle a big party, her personality shines!! read more

Another place we went to cuz they're on restaurant.com and we still haven't burned through our gift card. I've been here several times, but this is the first time in years (and since I've started yelping). It's really dark in there, but I think that's what they're going for. We came during weekday lunch so that the bill was more affordable. Unfortunately, they don't do weekend lunch. I'd say you're looking at an additional $10 or so per person if it's dinner on average. Anyway, this time the service was nice, but slow. I tried the half sandwich, half soup/salad and picked the club house sandwich with Caesar salad. Also came with a pickle and some cucumbers with an interesting dressing. Nothing special, but the complimentary bread at the beginning is the best part and now I'm way too full! read more

Gulliver's Restaurant - Half sandwich, half salad lunch combo - American Near Me - Irvine, California

Thoroughly enjoyed dinner last night. Very quiet, inviting ambiance. Definitely a great place for date night. I can see why they are known for their Prime Rib - an absolute must! Food portions were generous and absolutely delicious. Our server Shane was fantastic. Very attentive, funny, and knowledgeable about the menu. Looking forward to returning. read more

Stopped here to meet friends for a quick lunch before we headed out from the OC to Palm Springs. It's located in an office park, and it definitely has that old school feel of being an institution, like an old English pub kind of feel. My friends and I shared the garlic French fry appetizer, which was good. For my main, I ordered the roasted chicken, which was OK. My friends both ordered the fried chicken. Overall, I didn't think it was bad, not at all, but for me, overall, it was OK. But for the convenience of meeting friends right after landing at John Wayne en route to our PS road trip, I don't know that I'd make a conscious decision to meet up here again. read more

Gulliver's Restaurant - Roasted chicken - American Near Me - Irvine, California

Wow! I came here tonight to celebrate a birthday. The food is always amazing and the ambience is cozy and inviting. What made my experience here tonight completely delightful was the attentive service and thoughtfulness of our server, Shane. He was there with anything we might need before we knew we needed it and checked back several times to make sure our dining experience was pleasant. Thank you, Shane, for making our evening that much more special. read more

Listen to the reviews. It's been 20 + years since we last visited Gulliver's and we will not be returning.This is the prime rib place that can't do prime rib right. My husband and I ordered medium prime rib, it was as hard as a well done sirloin steak. Our orders were fixed but went from the Gulliver's cut to a sliver of prime rib. My husband was still struggling to cut through his. Everything seemed old (bread, salad, corn). Still trying to get over spending $200.00 on such sub par food. Lesson learned read more

My family came for New Year's Eve dinner. (2nd time ) From reception to servers, they were all very attentive and pleasant. Meats (prime rib and lamb) were excellent. We all loved the creamed corn and bread. - but the green beans that came with the lamb was overcooked and tasting like canned.. place is a little outdated. - table covers would help make it tidy/ neat. read more

Always a good meal here have never been disappointed. Happy hour is great and enjoy the old world charm.

The venue was beautifully decorated for the holidays. I was so looking forward to an amazing prime rib, but was very disappointed with the quality of the prime rib. It lacked flavor and was tough. We were the last customers during lunch, so maybe that had something to do with the quality of the food. I will not be visiting the restaurant again. read more

Gulliver's Restaurant - Meat was flavorless and tough. - American Near Me - Irvine, California

Located near John Wayne airport, with plenty of free parking. We came here to celebrate a birthday, we did make reservations in advance. We got seated in the outside patio area, with covid -19 regulations it's all outdoor seating. I got to say that the service is fast here, not so much friendly. We ordered the dinner cut of prime rib, the famous gulliver's corn, creamed spinach, and Yorkshire pudding. The prime rib was perfectly cooked it came with plenty of au jus and the corn was delicious too. The spinach was too bitter for me and the Yorkshire pudding was to eggy. From the time we ordered and we got served was less than 5 minutes! Even though we were celebrating a birthday they didn't acknowledge it not even a happy birthday but we did get a 15% discount: we signed up online for that. Overall fast service and fantastic prime rib!! read more

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