I'm undecided whether I'd go back here or not. This place had a cool vibe but a lot of OC scenesters seem to hang out here. We went for my friend's birthday since on Thursday night it was tough to find karaoke. We tried a few other places but ended up here. The live band was really fun to sing with however there is zero chance of singing more than once. Their song list was short but sufficient with Danzig to Jimmy Buffet (gag). The place was set up a little uncomfortably with tables all over the bar to the point that a bunch of empty bottles fell down onto my friend and prompted us to leave. I like the theory behind this place however the crowd wasn't really my style. read more

I got to saw this was the worst steak I ever had. Party of 7 and all our steak was terrible. I'm really surprised by the some of the good reviews. read more

I've had drinks here several times before and had a great time, but this past Friday night the drinks were not up to par. The margarita tasted like straight sweet & sour mix with a splash of tequila and the manhattan tasted off; perhaps it was a new or different bartender then usual. I decided to switch to wine, but my wine tasted off too it had a harsh bitterness to it which Daou doesn't have. We told the server that the wine didn't taste right; we said maybe it was a corked bottle or the wrong wine was poured by accident and server offered to bring a new glass. We didn't think anything of it until the manager(could have been the owner) came over with an empty glass and the bottle of Daou. She shoved the bottle of Daou in my face and said "look at the label, do you see it, it says Daou!" Then poured a small amount into the glass and told me to taste it, I refused because I was well aware she was being condescending. I thought her response to me sending back a drink was unwarranted and unprofessional. I am a manager at a fine dining restaurant and would never try to embarrass or treat a guest the way she treated me. The encounter left our table feeling very uncomfortable and not welcome. We quickly finished our meals so we could leave. As for the food, I must say it was one of the better steaks I've had in a while. The steak was cooked perfectly(med rare) and had great flavor. The lobster was over cooked & rubbery and the twice baked potato was also overcooked and had no flavor. The shrimp cocktail was delicious as well, the shrimp were very large and the cocktail sauce had a nice tang to it. read more

Dig the subterranean beatnik cross w/James Bondish flare scene. Been here twice. Once for dinner, the other for bar lounge. 1st time w/old gal-pal who made the intro to this secret OC spot. Initially enchanted how uncooked meats are featured in a plexi-glass encased cart. No menu--so worldly! Tastes alright, but plenty other good steakhouses in OC too like Houston's(old fave), Turner's(closed?), or Fleming's(new fave). 2nd time w/another fun-loving gf on a horrendously boring double date. Luckily for the boys' lack of charm, there was a live band & decent drinks. My poor gf apologized for the absurd setup. At least La Cave's chill vibe wasn't the culprit of ditch-worthy dudes. ;-) Wonder if the joint still do Martini-Mondays, Ratpack Style when they play live jazz & Frank Sinatra blues cover? Or am I dreaming this up from some other place? Either or, gotta check it out again. read more

If you don't appreciate a good, stiff drink, trying to wiggle your way through a crowd of people to get to the bar and some drunkards attempting to sing 'Don't Stop Beliveing' with the live band during Karaoke (I happen to appreciate all of these things), then this place definitely is not the place for you on Thursdays! What I love about the bar: - No cover! - Cheap (for the area), stiff Gin and Tonics (HUGE plus!) - Free parking - Atmosphere What I don't love: - After a few cocktails, having to walk up the what seems to be endless flight of stairs to go have a cigarette. That being said, if you plan on beating the bar crowd and coming here for a meal, the dinner here is fantastic. They bring a cart to your table to show you their meat/seafood selection for the evening. Very old school type feel. Personally, I don't think you can ever go wrong ordering the Filet Mignon, although I have heard good things about the N.Y Strip as well. Enjoy! read more

We have been visiting La Cave for years and it is one of our favorite "go-to" spots for a special evening out. The food is always well prepared, the service is spot-on and the ambiance has not change since they opened their doors in 1962, making it, to our minds, just right! This last visit did have three strikes, however. No dry sherry (tantamount to heresy at a classic steakhouse like this), no Bearnaise sauce for my filet, and no Courvoisior at the end of the meal (although we did enjoy a nice Remy Martin). We continue to recommend and enjoy La Cave and hope to do so for many years to come. read more

This place is next to blockbusters and in the basement. I'm not going to hype up the decor of the place, because I don't really think it deserves it. It's small, has candles, a bar, and somehow all I can think of is the color red. No menu, just a food cart, bring your credit card just in case. :) Lobster tail was $54 and looked huge on the fake platter. Filet minon was yummy and flavorful. You get 4 huge shrimps for the shrimp cocktail. read more

This was my first time here and I must say I was very impressed with this place. We came to celebrate my boys bachelor party. We were attended to by two of the best servers Lorri and Taylor who did not miss a beat. The food was a little on the high end but i have no complaints. Everything from the food to the drinks to the service was great. I highly recommend checking out the La Cave. read more

La Cave - Celebrating my boy's bachelor party La Cave style... - Steakhouses Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

See all

Great food, awesome ambiance and service. Very friendly staff, I'd eat there every day if I could. [Update] Lowered to 4 stars due to them adding me to email list without asking me. read more

The "Cellar" is a quaint restaurant with booths and tables. The food was good! I had the halibut and it was a generous serving. It came with a choice of twice baked potato or a baked potato or rice. I ordered the twice baked and it was good. They bring a cart by your table to show you the cuts of meat and fish selections that are available. The dinner comes with a choice of soup or salad I had the salad which is ok (nothing fancy) just plain lettuce not field greens with shredded carrot, tomato, and cucumber. If you "check in" with Yelp you get a free desert. We ordered the chocolate cake and it was good! The cocktails were yummy! The raspberry lemon drop was fab!! read more

Omg. I had always wanted to come here my husband and I have always talked about it. I ended up making reservations for Mother's Day and I have never had such horrible service (ever). We asked for a menu and she said they usually don't have Menus but she can get us some today. So she ended up getting us some but they didn't have any of the pricing on them and We ended up ordering drinks which were great I got a martini and it was really good. Then we went on to appetizers and a couple people ordered appetizers some didn't but she kept giving appetizers to everyone instead of just the ones that ordered it. The food was very bland, Mashed potatoes had no flavor, I ended up sharing a plate with my brother and she offered to split it for us and I said OK no problem thank you but she failed to tell me that it was also a $16 charge for splitting our food even though I was already paying like $44 for the plate, for our bill being almost $800 you would think it would be perfect service, she was very pushy and rude, when Anyone would ask a question she would be super rude with her reply. When one of my brothers didn't order food and another person ordering a salad instead of like a full meal, and some one order appetizers for their meal. she rolled her eye at us. she went and was talking bad about us to another server and my brother Heard her. She said this table is ordering for 8 people and theirs 11. That is so extremely rude, when I made the reservation I wasn't told that everyone had to order something, I also ask what about on Yelp it says a free dessert and she told me which ones it was and then I ordered a cheesecake and she still charge me for it. I brought it up and she said oh sorry and that was it I was so extremely bothered by this dinner. It really ruined the whole night for everyone. read more

Delicious as always. Great steaks and crab legs/lobster tail and can never get enough cheese toast. Love the ambiance.

Great little place for a Monday night. Friendly people and a couple of unexpected performances by a couple of rappers (including Mr. P) and a group of four chicks (Crew la Femme). The crowd gathered by 11p. Hip-hop was the music of the night, good playlist to get the crowd going. read more

La Cave - Monday 7/25 - Steakhouses Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

See all

My first visit to La Cave was a very good one. The ambiance was relaxing and comfortable with friendly wait staff. The menu is in a rolling cart and everything looked delicious. They don't offer green vegetables, but when we asked our server, she gave us a choice of broccoli or asparagus. I ended up with the filet, twice baked potato and asparagus, which were prepared perfectly. All in all, I will be back again. read more

I must start by saying that the hostess on the evening of 3/29/13 ruined our birthday celebration. It was my 40th birthday and after paying $40.00 to have them uncork 2 bottles of wine for our friends and us in addition to $40 or more so dollars for drinks from the bar which was literally 5 feet from our table and loud. ITS A BAR! ITS SUPPOSED TO BE LOUD! this was taken from a post below " We were greeted warmly and promptly seated in the far end corner, beside the bar area. What seemed like a cozy spot eventually turned into a straight-up sports bar atmosphere. There was hootin' and hollerin', along with a few obscenities thrown in for good measure. Hey, that's the bar for ya." Here lies our problem. EVERYONE KNOWS THIS PLACE IS LOUD AND EMPTY OF CHILDREN!!!! YOU DO NOT COME HERE FOR A CHURCH LIKE ATMOSHPHERE ESPECIALLY AT 10.00 P.M.!!! The hostess or woman who controls dining room was offended by our language and loudness. Her outrage was conveniently placed on us at the time our $250.00 check came. She then brings a big individual worker over to harass us to leave who says that " IM ACTING LIKE A DICK AND NEED TO LEAVE!". the moral of the story is its o.k. for the workers and some to participate in this bar atmosphere, but not for others. He can say DICK, but you will be asked to leave if you accidentally let out an f-bomb after paying $250.00 for dinner. This place has changed! THANK YOU LADY FOR RUINING MY 40TH BIRTHDAY PARTY! Not a happy camper. read more

I went to La Cave tonight and had one of the worst dinners I have ever had. The salad was basically lettuce and a piece of cucumber and a slice of beet. I didn't bother to finish it. When the main course came, I was again very disappointed. The best way to describe the halibut was simply ordinary. It had little taste, and if it weren't for the tarter sauce, I'm not sure I would have known it had flavor at all. It came with a twice baked potato that was on the dry side but acceptable. That was the dinner that I could have gotten at a Sizzler for far less money. There were 6 people in my party and as we walked out, the comments basically were negative. I have always wanted to try La Cave, but I can guarantee that not one of us tonight will ever go back again. The food is overpriced for being simply ordinary!!! read more

First of all, if you are visiting from out of town this is the only bar in Orange County worth going to. If you are looking for a place to wet your whistle behind the orange curtain, this is the place! Go no further and forget the food no one worth their salt eats here, you've come here to drink liquor, listen to jazz and hopefully get laide. Its dark because its supposed to be and when you ask for a double Scotch neat, you better tip well because one double is all you're gonna need, unless of course like me you're a lush. When I lived in the OC I called this place home and now that I live in another part of the country well, it is the only thing I miss about Orange County. And I can't wait to go back...to La Cave that is. read more

I always have a fantastic time in the cave. They pour a very good martini, that in itself is a reason to go... Add some ratpack tunes, serious meat, dark "speakeasy" surroundings and this place is swank. They just need to redo the bathroom... read more

There is no anticipatory thrill quite like taking that rickety elevator down to La Cave and stepping into 1964. Martinis and red wine. Perfect steaks and seafood served with garlic cheese toast, twice baked potatoes and Caesar salad. For a special thrill, come on Mondays and listen to David Kinwald slay Frank Sinatra. Where else in Orange County can you get dinner and a show? Unabashed fan of La Cave. I have been eating here for 25 years and it has never disappointed. read more

My sister and I had dinner here. The service was outstanding and the food delicious. I would highly recommend this to anyone.

This place never ceases to impress. We were welcomed warmly by Janet Villa, who not only escorted us to our table but checked with us periodically to make sure everything was going well. The service was impeccable, and the food was over the top. We love the old school steak house feel, but we come for the best steaks in Orange County. Everything was served in a timely manner, and we were never rushed. No wonder this place is busy every night! We were there for a birthday celebration, but don't wait for a special occasion to try the place. Dining there is a celebration in and of itself. Can't wait to go back! read more

I reserved a table for my 1 yr wedding anniversary. We were greeted by friendly staff and immediately sat although we were 20 minutes early. It was busy and had a good vibe. I was here once 20 years ago with my parents so I don't remember much except that it was really dark and had wonderful food. Our waitress was Patty she was very attentive and sweet and all the other employees were very attentive to fill up our glasses and see that our food tasted good....and it was amazing. The food is on the pricey side but you get what you pay for. At the very end they served us complementary chocolate dessert for our anniversary. We will definitely be back. read more

This is a great neighborhood steakhouse. Less expensive than the more famous big names. The ribeye is excellent. The sauteed mushrooms are a must. read more

I took my wife here for our 3 yr anniversary. Everything was amazing from the service to the food. We got the quarter pounder and Alaskan crab. Everything was just so amazing I would recommend this place to everyone. read more

Everyone's gotta try this place!!!! Make reservations tho! Steaks and their sautéed mushrooms are amazing!!!! Totally recommend :)

Lorrie was our server and did an awesome job! Fastest service I have experienced in a steak house

La Cave never disappoints. Was there last week for my birthday. Went early for drinks and an appetizer before dinner. I love the sautéed mushrooms and the salad and the bread and the steak and...... read more

La cave is Amazing my wife and I just had dinner their crab legs Halibut and steak everything was delicious and be sure to try the shrimp cocktail and sautéed mushrooms! read more

Old school cool. Liked the ride down to the Cave and I admit the vibe is interesting. Great mix of all ages. Great place to hideout with friends or even a date for drinks and music. Food is just alright. read more

Great food, great service, great environment- they go the extra mile on everything. Highly recommend!!

The only reason I gave 1 star was because our server was good. After reading several reviews my husband and I decided that we would go here on valentines day for dinner. We made a 5:30 reservation right when they opened, so it would not be so crowded. Per reviews this was a quite place for a good dinner, that is far from correct. They sat us in the bar, we were unaware that there was a dinning room. Next thing within 10 minutes the bar was 2 to 3 people deep and extremely noisy, we could hardly hear our server talk to us.My husband had a 16 oz , boneless rib eye steak, it was only 1/4 inch thick and looked like a flat skirt steak. I ordered lobster and their famous stuffed baked potato. Lobster was watery and mushy cooked poorly. Potato hard and lumpy. My husband said you cook better than this. But the most surprising was the bill for $175.00. There were no prices on menu, there website said $30-60. I called on Saturday after valentines to speak with owner and was told she was out of town till Friday, So requested a return phone call as of today no response., The person who I spoke with after telling her my concerns responded well what did you expect it was valentines day and we raise our prices. We could have gone to Gulliver's, Black Angus or Outback and had better prepared food and much less the price. What a rip off. I do not know the previous reviewers but I think they were at a different restaurant. Do Not Waste your hard earned money here. My husband and I are not above paying for good food we went to French Laundry i Napa read more

This place never disappoints. Enjoy the ambiance and food every time. The steaks and halibut were outstanding. Great Cars tribute band to end the night. Like going back to steak houses in our parents generation in the 50's and 60's. read more

Love the ambiance!!! The steaks & salmon have always been superb! Servers have exhibited a very personal, friendly demeanor too. It is a special place to dine at a table or enjoy relaxing at the bar for drinks and/or dinner. read more

Great place love the dark vibe me and my wife went for King Salamander playing didn't know the place existed, will definitely have to return for Dinner and Frank Sinatra night! Would have given five star but hey an old fashioned has a muddled cherry and orange not garnishes on top and should be served with a round or square ball of ice!!! Bar had a great selection and the long Island ice tea was nice with the other drinks we received!!! read more

La Cave gets 5 stars. John's attitude gets 1 star. Good sales on well whiskey to get your legs moving on Friday nights.

Food and service was amazing!!! Only problem is when the music starts they have some homeless people on the dance floor. Multiple times one of the homeless lady's approached people in my group and tried to pull them to the dance floor. Will not go back because I didn't not feel safe. The place would be great if they had some kind of security. The band that was playing was rude and only cared about tips. read more

Was there for birthday dinner on Tuesday, Elvis was on stage. Had filet and shrimp. Good service, but the place is a bit aged and dingy and there WAS a definite odor throughout, like cleaning solution. Steak was above average, very tender, but a bit dry, even when ordered medium well. Cheese bread was very tasty. read more

This place is disgusting. The restaurant is filthy with 1970's style pleather. The steaks are as expensive as Ruth Chris or Flemings with the quality of Black Angus read more

This is our favorite restaurant! The bartender and waiter and the cook. Are wonderful! The restaurant is very aware of social distancing and very respectful of being careful. We have ordered an appetizer of mushrooms and eggs dinner lobster tail. Been delicious! read more

We came here to try a new restaurant and even though I was not impressed w the decore of this place I was impressed with their supper friendly server and was very suprised to find how yummy their food is. But I got to warn you their food seems to have alot of butter in it so not really made for healthy eating;) but we should come here time to time for the good music and great crab legs ! read more