Food was good but unfortunately the help are lying thieves. Left something in there for two minutes, came back and they said that it was never there. I know for a fact that they were lying because the other 3 people at our table saw me set it down. Enjoy my lace shawl you thieving scumbag! Never coming back. Why visit some place that employs thieves? read more

If the cook does nothing else, I hope he reads this. Sunday brunch: on the special is corned beef hash. Corned beef is ALREADY salted. PLEASE DO NOT ADD SALT. Rule #1 in cooking. The customer can add salt but never eliminate it. A short tip from a very good cook especially one who loves corned beef hash. Do not grind it but do shred it or better yet cut it in small bites, add sautéed green bell pepper and chopped sautéed onions. Delete the potatoes since you serve them on the side. No one needs potatoes in the hash PLUS 1/2 a pound on the side. It's nothing special just dog food out of the can. The place was totally empty and our server spent most of her time in the bar or back room. Not a pleasant breakfast. read more

The fightin' cowboys are long gone from this place now as the owners have cultivated a more genteel environment. The sheriff cars no longer park outside on Sat night. Still remaining are the many cowboy artifacts hanging from the ceiling and plastered on the walls. They are a dusty reminder of the history of the place. And, it is a historical place. I have seen photos of it that seem to have been taken around 1950, judging from the cars. It may be older than that. It used to be called the Stirrup Cup. It will be here forever, in one form or another. It hasn't changed in 60 years, at least. I don't understand a couple of reviewers who felt less than welcome here. I can't think of a place that cares less who you are. As one reviewer aptly pointed out, the menu is huge. Be realistic and order the specials, stay with the basics. You get decent food that way and plenty of it, even a gratis delicious little loaf of bread. We usually have enough left over to get a box to go. The cocktails are fine, but I don't know about the more foo-foo drinks. They also offer shots of various high-end liquors. That is a nice way to try something new. I am not a huge fan of dining with dogs, but if they are good dogs then it is ok enough. I am not good with licking and scratching... The Running Iron is indeed an institution here and does a steady business every evening. The bar is cozy and I have always enjoyed it for the very occasional late drink. They serve breakfast on the weekends. It is pretty good. I enjoy that now and then. They operate a good pizza place next door. So, by all means check the place out. It is the most "local" restaurant in town. read more

Walk in, don't make eye contact with any of the customers, order a beer (it's the valley - it's always hot), drink, pay you check, leave. read more

This THE watering hole for Carmel Valley village. Locals favorite. Located on the far end of the village in a corner spot, festooned with bicycles and bric-a-brac on it's roof front, the Running Iron says right up front "not your typical spot". Dark, honky-tonk bar with modest beer selection but great atmosphere. Adjoining restaurant has a broad menu (mexican and steaks are a highlight) with a popular weekend brunch. The ceilings and walls are plastered with genuine local memorabilia, most notably the seemingly endless number of pairs of boots of patrons from long ago hanging in every available nook. Charming and a very real taste of the character of this place and this village and it's long time citizens to this reviewer, not to all. Down the street a more expensive and effete steak house (Wills Fargo) and a perfectly fine continental restaurant (Cafe Rustica) very popular with tourists and locals alike but can't hold a candle to the character of the Running Iron. Not to be missed. read more

Came here after backpacking with friends, and it was the perfect victory meal. Service was fast and attentive. What's good? Their BURGERS. plain and simple. Get the Valley burger, which has Jack and avocado on it. I got it with sauteed mushrooms too, to die for. And their curly fries and potato salad are a must. Boys favorite: Ranch burger, with BBQ sauce and onion rings. Fun atmosphere, crowded bar. Fun time. read more

This is an authentic local joint that is still frequented by local ranchers and ranch hands. Pretty basic food for most meals...BUT...the weekend brunch is something entirely different. This is hearty food with the hard workin blue collar guy/gal in mind. If you got a day of ropin & brandin a head a ya...have the hevos rancheros...nectar of the gods!!! Excellent ranch beans, tortillas & huevos with a home made slasa that has enough kick to be used as back up fuel for your emergency generator...tastes good too!! This will git ur motor runnin...especialy after a hard day of wine tatsting some of the delicious local wines. Not too many tourist sissies here! Bring your boots and chaps! This place is a true throw back to the days where men were men and sheep were nervous! YEEEEEEEEHAWWWWWWWWWWWWW!!! read more

Friend and I were driving through and spent the night in Carmel Valley. We booked a hotel a block away and walked here for one, and one quickly turned into 17. This was exactly the bar we wanted it to be. It's the type of bar you want every bar to be. read more

If i were judging the bar itself i probably would have given it 4 stars, but i am taking into consideration the restaurant as well. So First, the bar: Dive-y (not a bad thing) great selection of beers and very cold. The restaurant: Pretty awful. But the service is good and Carmel valley is beautiful so overall it's a great place to stop for a drink or two after you've eaten somewhere else. read more

Went there for lunch, And this place was dead. I ordered a bacon cheese burger cooked medium, fries and cold beer. The bacon way under cooked. The burger was rare. The fries were hot. The beer was cold Sent the food back and drank the beer. Food returns, I order another beer. The bacon is microwave crisp. The burger is extra well done. The fries are kind of warm. The beers were cold. read more

This Carmel valley classic restaurant has delicious variety of items. Personally my niece and I love calamari and always share. Her with a Shirley temple and I with a vodka cranberry, no worries we live around the corner . The bread is a family favorite and this local watering hole is must for anyone trying to absorb the valley vibe. read more

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This review applies only to the bar, I have not been to the restaurant yet although I have heard mixed reviews. My husband and I have been in twice towards the end of our date nights, usually middle of the week between 8 and 9 pm. We have had a great time each visit and really liked the atmosphere. It is very comfortable and everyone from bartender to other customers are friendly. Usually have a Guinness or the White Zinfandel on special. I did try a frozen margarita made with Patron and it didn't really taste like a margarita at all, very bland. I'll stick with the wine and beer from now on. read more

Great burger good atmosphere. Have not been there in years...my daughter is moving to Carmel Valley...so I will be going there alot! read more

Running Iron - Bars Near Me - Carmel Valley, California

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My girlfriend and I decided to drive through Carmel Valley and Los Padres mountains on our way from Monterey to the 101. The windows were down and we were hungry. Our noses led us to this pace because the wonderful aroma of grilled meat was wafting into the street. The decor was awesome; there's cowboy boots, overalls, and a lot of other things hanging on the walls and ceiling. Even though I wasn't a local I felt super comfortable, I ordered the rib eye steak sandwich with sweet potato fries (HUGE!) and my girlfriend ordered the BBQ burger and onion rings with potato salad (WAY HUGE!). The steak was flame grilled, tender, and needed no sauce. The bread was flakey and fresh and it soaked up the juices for ultimate yumminess. My girlfriends burger was cooked perfectly, the onion rings were huge and cooked perfectly, and the potato salad was excellent. I'll be back the first chance I get. read more

Running Iron - So good! - Bars Near Me - Carmel Valley, California

Worst experience ever!! . I have been coming to this place because food is great but tonight the lady who served us was very rude from beginning to end. She couldn't solve a simple math problem she added the gratuity which is fine but she didn't give us the right change back, when we told her about it she got upset and told us not to do it again because her manager didn't like to split checks. I asked for her manager and she said she was the manager-owner in a very rude manner. She spoiled my aunt's birthday. read more

Ok so let me make this clear. If you are an out of towner/ tourist in the wine country/ I rate this place 3 stars. (Yes its a little hick/country) This place is a landmark and definitely just as Matt P puts it! To locals like me (21 years less than a mile away) its a really special place. I cant tell you how many great meals ive had from there! usually I take a burger and fries home to go! and breakfast is damn good too :) i luv me some iron~ read more

Great burgers, nice calamari and fries, although no tentacles like I like. Probably pre-prepared frozen but that's okay because it's not a seafood focused joint. Been coming here for years, since high school..., Husband likes the French Dip, ribs and Bbq chicken. Nice people, good local vibe and an all around blessing for the folks in the Village and beyond. read more

How can you not love this place!!! Good comfort food Great bar Toy chest for the kids A Must GO read more

It's a great "Valley" place...what more could you want? Great Food, Interesting Folks, Eclectic atmosphere and a jukebox! You will dance...I just betcha! You will meet a mix of people here so be open about it...its not the Lodge at Pebble Beach...it's better. The food is great...love the burgers. Valley Nightlife the way it should be...honky tonk. Go, Enjoy and you will Laugh and leave with a great story and memory! Also Breakfasts on Weekend are wonderful. read more

I've been coming here for over 30 years. I once lived in the Village, and I've done my share of dancing to both the jukebox or a live band, in my youth. Fast forward to today. The place hasn't changed much. It's eclectic and that's what I like about it. However, I was surprised that dinner's are in the $25 range and up! Yikes! However, we stuck with ordering their burgers and fries and a cold beer, which is more in the $10.00 food range. The burger was good, service was good and our visitor had fun checking out all the different boots that are hanging from the ceiling, and all the cowboy and ranching decor. The pizza place, next door (same owner) is also good. Whenever I come back to the Village, I like to stop here. Great memories-- oh, and they still sell condoms in the bathrooms. Not that I ever bought any... ;) read more

Great lunch stop on the Cambria/Carmel loop. Had a monster open faced steak sandwich that was perfectly cooked for me (charred on the outside, red on the inside), tender and tasty from beginning to {burp} end! Wonderful server and a friendlier-than-usual vibe. Been there before, definitely will make it there again. read more

This was a drive by decision. Staff was very friendly and attentive and the food was fine. This place looks like an old world saloon and is fun. We hit it between breakfast and lunch and there was plenty of room on a Sunday. I would go back if in the area. read more

An institution in Carmel Valley, sometimes known as "Blazing Saddles" - You don't come here for a snooty uber posh meal. You come here when you want good food, local flavor and want to enjoy the sunshine. I often stay walking distance from the "the Iron" and have eaten breakfast, lunch and dinner here. Sometimes even after the kids are asleep, I sneak down for a couple late night scotches. Nothing but goodness at this place. I have only heard about its raucous past and reputation. Sorta think it would be interesting to go back in time and see what it was like then, but time machines still don't work. read more

Unlimited iced tea and an easily-shared plate of nachos was tasty. We had the shredded chicken but there was also their specialty: pork- chile verde or beef to choose from. Total just under $25 with tip. Waitress was both pleasant and efficient ....even in her Daisy Duke shorts. Who cares though? This is a fun place. Heard the burgers are "big & juicy" and the specialty burgers (one with bleu cheese in particular) is delish. Probably big enuff to share if the nachos here were any indication and they did not skimp on anything: fresh-tasting tortilla chips, cheese, pintos, shredded chicken, diced tomato & red onion, scant amt of black olive topped off with guac & sour cream and a side of pickled jalapenos & a fresh yet smokey salsa. Maybe ask for a little extra. Basically MORE than ample of everything and high on the flavo-mometer. One patron was heard saying the burgers, alone, are worth the trip. Add the nachos and cowpoke atmosphere to the list. The cocktails looked great & I would anticipate getting a great margarita here as well. Put it on your list of restaurants to try with its above-par food & cowboy-casual atmosphere. read more

Worst service I've ever received in my life. Here's why: 1. Chose to eat outside. Smokers hang out by the entrance and the smell of cigarette smoke was awful-Decided to move inside. 2. It took 15 minutes to get a glass of water 3. When the food was served I got the wrong order. 4. When they brought me the right order, my "well done" burger was so pink I couldn't eat it. 5. The waitress took so long to check back to see if everything was alright, our table ran out of ketchup. We had to get it ourselves. 6. By the time she checked back and found my burger was rare, my family was finished eating so I decided simply to get a credit for my order and left without eating. 7. Asked for a Manager. No one ever came. NEVER going back read more

A great little restaurant to stop at as you cruise through Carmel Valley Road. Great atmosphere and outdoor eating space. The food is usually tasty. My husband ordered a BBQ burger which he devoured. My club sandwich was a little dry, but the side of homemade potato salad was yummy. Next time, I'll try something else. Love this place! read more

A classic Carmel valley bar and restaurant. And a great place to stop for a nice breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Always a cast of local characters on hand for great people watching say and in the event too! read more

I would go again, the hamburgers were substantial and they have a variety of flavors to choose from. The burgers come with fries and your typical salad with the Denny's style carrot and celery stick criss-crossed on the top. Add a beer and it makes a good meal though a little on the pricey side. The real fun is the decor and the locals. There must be over a hundred pairs of boots hanging on the ceiling along with other various souvenirs that the locals have randomly attached to the walls. After dinner go to the bar and have a drink with the locals. Throw in some quarters into the juke box. Make a bet on the dice. You will meet all types of folks there, including the sketchy types straight out of a bad movie. Watch our for the odd couple who have their dogs sit on stools with them at the bar. He will try to tell you he is a nuclear physicist while his raccoon eyed companion slyly steals the tip you left for the bartender. Had a great time there, just don't leave your tip on the counter! read more

Probably my most favorite bar to hit up when I'm home during the holidays.

Well, if you like fattening hearty meaty food, this is where you should go. If you want wine and gourmet quality food, this is not where you should go. This place has been here a long time. Way back in time Carmel Valley was a place that tourists didn't want to go. So, I'm not very surprised that tourists who have reviewed this place don't like it, since it's charm is in the local old-timer feel. It wasn't' made for you tourists in mind... or me either, since I'm a vegetarian and not really a cowgirl. (By not really... I meant not at all.) The fact remains that Running Iron is here to stay. Every time I come here I see the same guys sitting over in the bar drinking it up talking about the old days. They pay the rent in the slow times, I'm sure of it. My family and I usually do take out when we go here, since my grandma can't eat out any more, and we order food to bring home. They do an excellent job packaging up everything in the kitchen but the service (since I'm a young 20somethin' non-local lookin' girl) is pretty bad front of house. Three stars for being here my entire life, and being good take out food for Grandma... which makes her happy, and that is priceless. read more

Service was great but food was only average at best. And the bill for 5 of us was $120! Definitely not worth that cost for 3 beers and some burgers and sandwiches. read more

If I could give it no stars. I would. I just spent 2.5 hours having the worst food and service I have ever experienced. EVER. ANYWHERE. cheese on chef salad was hard. Potato skins were old. Poppers had half the coatings knocked off. Patty melt had raw red onions on stale ungrilled rye bread with maybe a half a slice of cheese. The only person who left happy was my 90 year old father in law who can't taste anything anymore. Please do yourself a favour and stay far far away. PS, they use some sort of sweet bloody Mary mix so if you like them spicy you can't drink those either. read more

Bartender Ashely was rude. You would think being a bartender, she would have a great social skills. Apparently not. I got up and left.

I give it 4 stars because they let a dog in the patio. That said, this is a great funky joint for anyone who can appreciate the quirky atmosphere. No, it's not a feature for wine spectator, but it has all the roots and realness that a Margaritaville wishes, but will never have... Cheers, SP read more

Very good food chill vibes. My new favorite place. If you like wings I would definitely order them naked sauce on the side, so crispy and good. Hamburger, wedge salad read more

Running Iron! How could this place not have five stars. My most recent visit was last month, and it was a definite stop on my trip to the Central Coast. The atmosphere is entertaining, the staff is kind, and the food is terrific. It's a great place to go with family or friends. All the burgers are wonderful. I've tried all but two, I think. The Greek and the Valley burger top my list of best burgers, but the Ranch and the Sloppy Joe burger are equally good. There was a day I wasn't feeling too hungry and got a quesadilla from here. That too did not disappoint. It's a great place to go any time of the year and I think it'd be very hard for anyone to say otherwise. Try this place out. It's delightful and delicious! read more

Hunky but staff is delightful and attentive. Decor is fun and regional and the chef totally under utilized. Delicious sides and sauces. A must stop after it before a visit to the tasting rooms in the area. read more

There really are two places next to each other. Once in a while we go to the one where they are specializing in pizza. A good place to have pizza in the area. A kind of old American Wild West atmosphere with memorabilia, some of which date way back and "newer" ones from the 50ties, 60ties. Casual rustic atmosphere with may things to look at. read more

Dreadful, different prices for different guests and all outrageous high. Will never be back

Went to the Running Iron for the first time tonight. Sat at the bar. Ordered a Long Island Iced Tea for my honey and a margarita for me. Both cocktails were delicious. Decided to order dinner at the bar. Hubby had one of the specials - fish tacos. I ordered the fried chicken because of a previous Yelp review. We decided to split the pear, pecan & Gorgonzola salad The salad was huge and we were quite impressed with how well it was dressed. My fried chicken came with a baked potato and broccoli spears which were cooked to perfection. There were four pieces of crispy and perfectly seasoned fried chicken. I could taste thyme in the crispy coating. The husbands taco plate was huge. He enjoyed every morsel of his meal. We will be back. This is a nice friendly everyone knows your name kinda place. read more