This is a review in two parts. First, lunch. Maxdons claims to have the best steaks in town. Pretty bold statement. However, the place has been around for a long time and the rumor is that it is pretty darn good so I figured I would try the lunch menu. I will be returning this weekend to try the dinner menu and report in on any differences that I may find because this lunch experience was somewhat unique and definitely worth writing about. Upon entering, I was washed over with a wave of nostalgia. It reminded me of all of those semi-fancy places I got to experience with my parents in the 1970s from the lighting to the ambience to the music to the general overall feel, which is very welcoming. And if you are as old as I am, will definitely take you back. And that is a great way to get an appetite started. However, that's when things got a little strange... On a Saturday afternoon, they had exactly one young lady tending bar, working the grill, and acting as a server for not only the interior but for the outside patio area. I'm not sure whether or not this is a gimmick or just a very inefficient way to save money, but let me tell you that that young lady worked herself crazy to take care of everybody and under the circumstances did a fine job of it. Unfortunately, the grill is out in the main dining area and an open fire grill unattended can create somewhat of a safety issue. In addition, an old gentleman well into his cups decided to go over and place his face 6 inches above the food that was currently being cooked, which I thought was a little unsettling. Based on all of this, I decided to order a cheeseburger in that I did not want to risk $50-$60 on a steak that was not going to be attended to consistently. That, dear reader, will come to pass this weekend when I go in for dinner this weekend. Now that we have a basic understanding of the layout, I want to mention a few awesome things: The cocktails were very well made. Generous pours, but they didn't overdo it and the result was delicious. I, myself, enjoyed a Mai Tai. The salad bar was modestly stocked, but did not have a bunch of unnecessary, ridiculous items that people seem to think makes a salad taste better. They also had a soup of the day. But, at 95° outside was not on my list of things to eat. Again, that will be Saturday. The cheeseburger was surprisingly delicious due to the fact that I don't think it was looked at more than twice and flipped more than once, but it was pretty darn good with a great char, and medium as ordered. Upon requesting the check, it was noticed that the dinner salad listed on the menu at $7.99 was charged at $25. After three different conversations, the overworked server / cook / bartender realized the error and immediately made things right. All in all this place is definitely worth a visit if you are in the area. The research I did shows that the locals just love it. You can go on a classy date or something casual with some friends, and you will still have that sophisticated, refined throwback to an earlier time when going out to dinner was truly an event. The only concern I have is for a staff member having to deal with several people and wear several hats with no backup whatsoever. The inability to stay on top of a grill that is consistently going in the main dining area is a safety concern, but not the fault of the server herself. This is a management decision and I would definitely recommend that a second person is always on whether it is lunch or dinner. She did mention that in the dinner time cycle, there is another person who comes in to assist and that is the reason I'm going back Saturday. I want to see how the dinner turn and burn works because the burger was really good and I imagine that the steaks are gonna be just as good as everybody says they are. It is definitely worth a visit. Until then.... read more

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Maxdons is older than I am, and that's why I love it. We don't have many social establishments with this much history in town. The first time I visited, I felt right at home. The atmosphere is unmatched. It's the closest I'll ever get to the Black Lodge! The staff have always been so kind and welcoming. The drinks are consistent and priced well. I love this place. read more

Went last month and had high hopes. Had to ask for silverware 3x. Friend ordered a drink and we politely asked if bartender made right drink? which she promptly stomped over and said "that only way we make it" visibly irritated stomped off! Mysteriously we got the right one 10 minutes later which had correct ingredients now. Waitress dropped food off and never checked to see meal was correct which it wasnt. Ordered mashed potatoes got mac cheese as side but impossible to get her attention. She was polite but you gotta check to see if people got correct items before entree is cold and never asked if we wanted more drinks ever. Also if you are out of something that clearly comes w meal, like soup, then offer a substitute side or some exception option instead of a shoulder shrug. We literally had to get up ourselves 3x & get our own condiments another time to get girls attention which she still didnt come back over....On plus side chicken was good and salad bar is solid. I Can understand few things but bartender was really rude which is totally unacceptable. Had we not already ordered food we wouldve left which ive never done. Sorry if youre having tuff day but when people are spending good $$ w lots of dining choices... really? read more

This is the best bar and steakhouse in Santa Clarita. Not only is the service and food amazing but we have the best bartender Shannon every time we come in and she provides the best service and is very quick with our orders. She is a tool fan so be sure to play a song for her. She is wonderful and you will love her. Wings are unbelievable. Highly recommend. read more

Maxdons Bar And Grill - Tom and Chris having a blast at maxdons. - Bars Near Me - Lancaster, California

MAXDONS! 100% consistent 100% of the time. The service is always exceptional. (Please tip accordingly, the girls bust their booties keeping everyone happy) The quality of the steak is exceptional and the cook is always perfect. My husband and I always order medium rare and we have never been disappointed. Jalapeño mac n cheese - 10/10 recommend you try it! Salad bar is always fresh and well stocked. The place has the coolest decor and the best vibe. I've seen people dressed up for a date night as well as people in shorts (me) and both fit the vibe of Maxdons. Love this spot and we will continue to go back time and time again! read more

Maxdons Bar And Grill - Dinnah! - Bars Near Me - Lancaster, California

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Great food and staff. Like taking a step back in time re: the interior! Super fun and always fantastic meals.

This is a bar, but we always come here for the food. This time I ordered the steak salad and it was massive! Service is also very attentive and it's super dimly lit. Overall, a good vibe you could eat well have a lot of drinks and there's always a story to tell! read more

Maxdons Bar And Grill - HUGE steak salad. Very tasty - Bars Near Me - Lancaster, California

The bartender was drunk lol we came to have drink after having lunch she was saying no outside food. I understand but we weren't eating we just had the box lol we left food outside on the patio and had a drink inside The place is beautiful but I think they have to make sure their bartender is not drunk read more

Really cool place with stylish decor, amazing food, and good vibes. A bit pricey, but worth it. read more

Maxdons Bar And Grill - Bars Near Me - Lancaster, California

Favorite local dive bar. My favorite spot for a salad and cheeseburger. The staff are all super nice and friendly. read more

Maxdons Bar And Grill - Cheeseburger - Bars Near Me - Lancaster, California

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Service was slow , food came out slow , ribeye was good , garlic, mashed potatoes, terrible frozen vegetables terrible, garlic bread was all right then we asked for the check twice by the waitress, but she went about other things. Luckily, the bartender got a check for the third time if you want a two hour lunch dinner this is the place I won't be back. Good luck. We forgot our leftovers, but the bartender to the rescue again ran the food out to my truck kudos bartender.3 waitresses 1 bartender ? Oh ya I did like the salad bar self serve no waiter needed ! It was a Sunday night, waitresses partying and playing? read more

A great time and great food! The fried pickles and hamburgers are pretty outstanding.

A Hidden Gem with a Heartbeat from 1973: Maxdon's Bar & Grill in Lancaster Walking into Maxdon's Bar & Grill on Avenue I is like stepping into a time capsule. This place is alive, still beating with the same warm heart it has had since 1973. The same owner, the same vintage charm. And you can feel it the moment you walk through the door. My server, Shannan, has been working there for 20 years. Twenty years! That kind of loyalty doesn't just happen. It's a reflection of good people running a good place. A place where community still matters and where the staff are treated like family. You can taste that goodness in every bite. Now, let's talk about the food. I've been on a quest, wandering Palmdale and Lancaster in search of the perfect hamburger. And finally, the journey led me here, to this unassuming gem with a grill that sizzles right out in the open, next to the seating area. As I settled in, something smelled so good it made my mouth water. I didn't realize right away that the wonderful scent filling the restaurant was my very own burger, cooking just steps away on the open grill. Real fire. Real food. Real flavor. The burger? Juicy, perfectly seasoned, and cooked just right. It took me back to when food was simple and honest. They even have a salad bar and a soup bar, and everything tastes fresh. Maxdon's is not just a restaurant; it's a Lancaster treasure. It is the kind of place you want to bring your friends, your family, and your memories. I came in looking for a good burger, and I left with a favorite new spot that I'll return to again and again. I'm proud to say I'm now a forever customer. read more

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It's a haunt, best steaks in town. The staff is earthy, salt of the earth. Dim light, perfect for a cave in the desert. A patio that plays with the smokers. A place to commune during the day. read more

Ordered prime rib. My partner had the same. Charged us $186 without a tip and the 2 sides were tiny. It was so so, definitely not worth that price! read more

This is a cool hideaway spot. Full bar. Steaks and bar food. It's an inconspicuous biker bar but it's sexy inside with red leather booths. Long bar. Good music. Beautiful bartender. Outside seating. The food didn't blow us away but we needed to eat after a long day of driving. read more

5 star dive bar and not to mention best steaks in town. I have been coming here my whole adult life, we all feel the loss of the old owner but Steve and Courtney are keeping it true to the bar we all love! read more

Amazing burgers and steaks for a very unassuming bar that brings you back to the 70s & 80s. Their salad bar is small, but very fresh and cold. Their salad dressings are homemade. Love the thousand island--don't see that often anymore. Definitely stop by for the great food & service. Have to be 21, so no kids read more

When we drive into town this is our first stop! All the girls working there are friendly and great cooks! We always stay to play the jukebox and play darts. The owner Neal is amazing and kimmie is very sweet and attentive! Love love love this place. Atmosphere is a plus also read more

The food wasn't too bad. The drinks were terrible, even the Coca-Cola I had was flat ! The service was mediocre at best. Ambience wasn't all that great either to tell you the truth. I had to hear an old lady yell about every problem she ever had. We finished our food and left promptly. read more

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I had a filet and salad bar. The best steaks in town. The filet like butter. Grilled perfectly. Salad bar, crispy romaine and iceberg. All the toppings, so fresh. The best bleu cheese dressing. read more

I gave this place another try since I do live a few blocks down. I got hosted by a lady ive never seen before, she was great! Super sweet and kept checking on my friend & I. I also notice a worker from coaches now works here! I seen her on a different day I came, she's very very sweet. Love the new workers I met. I will say, I still havnt tried any food just YET! I only get drinks here. They have all been SO DELICIOUS! read more

So the restaurant has a cool vibe. It's very old-school feeling and dated but in a good way, even though it had a retro vibe it was clean. It's very dark red leather booths wood paneling seemed like the Type Pl., Lynyrd Skynyrd would've played at in the 70s. Appetizer and drink prices are a bargain service was good and I'm surprised they weren't very busy for the price, but it was Christmas week so maybe it's normally busier. We both had the filet mignon dinner which comes with an old-school salad bar, one side a cup of clam chowder and garlic bread salad bar was fun as it's been a while since I've had one. I had the garlic mashed potatoes for aside and they were seasoned perfectly. I felt my filet mignon could've had a bit more seasoning, but that's no big deal as all I had to do is add salt. My girlfriend said her fillet was seasoned well. Both were extremely tender and I will say the sign is right. This is the best steak in town so next time I'm in the mood for filet mignon I will be back. read more

Maxdons Bar And Grill - Filet mignon dinner with garlic, mashed potatoes and garlic bread - Bars Near Me - Lancaster, California

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Service good, ambiance-dark, Burger was good! I might have enjoyed my burger more. Had I been able to see it? It is a bar, which is why it was dark. I just wished I had a flashlight. read more

Living in the neighborhood behind Maxdon's I always used to like to go here. I haven't been there in years because the lack of management experience get a new manager. You'll get back to the customers once have someone qualified! You can't employ people just because they know somebody you have to employ them because they have the adequate ability to execute and maintain the role. Otherwise, your business is at their demise. read more

Only been here twice. Food is very good. However, they just give you a bill amount when you go to pay, instead of a bill with the items on it. I don't even know if I got someone else's. The end amount always sounds a bit steep and shady. Maybe I'm just the new kid getting screwed over. It took me forever, like almost an hour, to flag down the bartender for my second drink, and I was sitting at the bar! However, I tried to tell the bartender to give me one quarter back (Aldi shopping) and keep the change. I gave her a 20 on a $15 drink. She only heard the "keep the change" part. She was awfully quick at collecting that money, though! read more

They do a great job. The steaks are high quality and honestly the happy hour can't be beat. Great local crowd. Very comfortable booths as well as long tables for large groups. Lovely outdoor patio. Ice cold salad bar. Good variety in the menu. Very good parking conveniently off the freeway. I always take out of town guests here because it's always a good time and definitely Good food dependable service with great attitude,smiles very friendly atmosphere. read more

WOW, what a bar/restaurant/ "New Spot". When they say best stake' I do agree, open salad bar/soup with all the fixings. All of this before I speak about the cocktails, yallll baby' let an old Navy guy tell you; Long Island Ice Tea is the way to go. Thank you, thank you, thank you. read more

Was in town for a birthday stopped by to grab a bite. As someone who's worked in a restaurant, I found it so odd that the bartender was the host, server, and cooked the meals. Ten table next to us ordered a steak. The steaks were cooked as she ran the rest of the kitchen. No hat, and I didn't see her wash her hands while she cooked the steaks and ran the bar. I didn't see any sanitizing between touching the raw meat, and other things she had her hands on. We were sat but once we saw what was going on we had to leave. read more

I've been a big fan of Maxdons for over 30 years. The food is excellent, the servers are friendly and professional and I always feel welcome every time I visit!blob:https://www.yelp.com/5f0c6cd8-f346-448b-bc21-00064735181a read more

Maxdons Bar And Grill - Dave Fried, Tucson, AZ - Bars Near Me - Lancaster, California

Best bar ambiance. Wish they still had an option for unlimited soup/ salad bar but oh well. Great drinks and the vibe is cozy- busy on weekends but best places for the holidays! read more

Hearing plates being scraped clean in the dining room is the opposite of the class this place used to have. Waitresses shouldn't talk across the restaurant to customers. read more

They tried to make it memorable. They just need to try harder otherwise it's a sinking ship. It looks nice from the outside, now make it happen on the inside people. If you're going to charge like a steakhouse, deliver like one. We probably won't be going back, but we're rooting for you to succeed. For now this place is mediocre at best. Take some pointers from the Mexican restaurant next door. read more

Amazing customer service , all the girls are so polite and friendly and the food is awesome. The girls cook right in front of you ! Burgers are so good !! My husband had a rib eye and it was cooked perfect! Definitely an amazing spot to check out ! 10/10 recommend. Manager was so nice and took care of us and made our experience so great! read more

Manager doesn't care about losing customers and after going here for years we will never go back...just rude ...

Still a regular stop for me! I find myself dreaming of the Veggie Flatbread. This place has a totally elevated menu for a dive bar atmosphere, the sign says best steaks in town and they live up to it! Staff has changed and it's nice to see some new faces. I don't get out as much anymore but love to stop in here when I do. read more

Maxdons Bar And Grill - a vase of roses with a lime in it - Bars Near Me - Lancaster, California

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Went for the 1st time because I never heard anything good about it in the past. The environment was great, waitresses where on it, food and drinks was top notch. Look forward to my next visit! read more

Service was good! Food was great! Cool little spot to have dinner and drinks with friends.

Check your bill it is NOT itemized. Locals know the prices......... we knew right away the bill was wrong. Otherwise, good food. Cool atmosphere, as usual. We love this place. Been coming for years ... Was shocked our bill went from 171 to 133 but still over charged in the end over a mistake that was non existent on the tab lol.. Will still come back but please itemize the tabs... a dirty martini for 15.75 is steep. . . A screwdriver for 11 and change seems right. ..which means a shaken drink is 3-4 dollars more? Never had that happen before. . Hurts to type but have to let community members know. read more

Pretty chill place, wether you go by yourself or bring friends; the staff is friendly, and the drinks are ice cold. Services are prompt, and the food is definitely above par for a dive bar. read more

Maxdons Bar And Grill - BBQ pizza - Bars Near Me - Lancaster, California