Do not miss the John Steinbeck House and Restaurant on your trip to the Central Valley. The food is delicious and the Volunteer Host staff will treat you like you're their best friend. We learned so much about John Steinbeck, his family and the house. Stop by the gift shop for 1st Editions of his novels. What a lovely experience! read more

We had such a lovely time at the Steinbeck House Mother's Day Tea. The service was exceptional, and knowing that the staff are all volunteers made the experience even more special. Everyone was so warm, attentive, and welcoming. The food and tea were absolutely excellent -- beautifully prepared and delicious. And of course, the house itself is charming, with gorgeous table settings that made the afternoon feel elegant and memorable. Everything was done with such care and attention to detail. A wonderful way to celebrate Mother's Day! read more

Steinbeck House Restaurant - American Near Me - Salinas, California

See all

My wife and I had an amazing lunch on Thursday for our anniversary. The food is always terrific and changes monthly. Our server told us about the free monthly tours which included all three floors of the house and one was this Saturday, today. The tour was great and there was so much information on John Steinbeck and the history of the Salinas area. Our tour guide was John and he did a terrific job and had so many personal stories that he added into the conversation. Probably from over 12 years experience and knowledge of Steinbeck. Highly recommend and chicken mushroom crepe is hard to beat. Thank you and we can't wait to be back! read more

One of the most unique restaurants in Central California. View s are outstanding. Service is exceptional. Location is historic, Food and Beverages are delicious. Don't ever underestimate this terrific restaurant. Outstanding! read more

Just absolutely gorgeous preserved Queen Victorian home to visit. Even if you are not a Steinbeck fan being able to dine in a historical home is lovely. The menu is primarily sandwiches, soups, and salads. Great for a light lunch. Merly was the sweetest and most helpful server. She took amazing care of us and made our table feel special. read more

Steinbeck House Restaurant - BLTA - American Near Me - Salinas, California

See all

This is a great little hidden (for us) gem. Run mostly by volunteers and everything is made in-house of locally sourced produce and ingredients. We had chicken Philly Chessesteaks. Very fresh veggies and tender chicken in fresh bread, homemade cup of clam chowder and we shared a creme brulee. Staff was very friendly and offered historical insights of Steinbeck and his family's home. The house itself is nicely restored and cared for. I high recommend it. read more

This was an incredible experience! As a longtime Steinbeck fan, it was amazing to be able to be in his childhood home. The women's group that owns and runs the Steinbeck house is wonderful. The prices are reasonable, everyone is warm friendly and full of fun facts and most of all the food was delicious! Be sure to check out the gift store downstairs as well to support them and get some great gifts! read more

See all

The food and service were fabulous. All persons working are volunteers--I would volunteer if I lived in the area. I had called on our way in, and a special sign was waiting for me upon arrival. My cauliflower soup was delicious and I was so glad I decided to try it. The salad with the fresh local greens, apples and Brie Cheese was wonderful, and the chicken was fresh and perfectly prepared. Planning on my next visit when I am in the area. read more

See all

Looooved our visit to the Steinbeck house. I was a little worried that the princes and princess tea would be a lil too child like for us as adults but they reassured us it was for all ages. When we arrived we were not disappointed and didn't feel awkward joining in with all the other kiddos that were there with family. Service was really friendly and they allowed me to switch out a tea option for non caffeinated. I will say the non Caffeinated option was a tea bag so I hope they find a better replacement for that but my husband did enjoy the tea option that they served him. I would definitely recommend making a pit stop if you are in the area. read more

Steinbeck House Restaurant - American Near Me - Salinas, California

The second Saturday of every month, the Steinbeck House Restaurant has a lovely tea meal with two seatings, 11:30 am or 1:30 pm. My husband and I really enjoy this special experience. The food is carefully planned, with a good variety of traditional tea offerings - the food is fresh and delicious. The attention to detail is much appreciated, not only with the food and special tea blend served, but with the fine china cups and plates, the colorful napkins and the special menus placed at each table setting. The service is exceptional, mostly by friendly volunteers, who clearly enjoy what they are doing. We are already looking forward to the next time we can have tea there! read more

Steinbeck House Restaurant - Special menu on pretty paper each month! - American Near Me - Salinas, California

Food was very good and the service was excellent The only issue for me was access since I must use a cane when walking. It was a challenge but worth the extra effort read more

Comforting home-made dishes and historic expertise are highlights of any experience in this beautiful home. The volunteers and staff have excellently maintained and operated Steinbeck's childhood home, preserving and communicating its historical importance. Thank you for the wonderful service, and for making this part of our honeymoon spectacular! read more

Steinbeck House Restaurant - Crème Brûlée and Frozen Chocolate Charlotte - American Near Me - Salinas, California

Servers here are all volunteers full of passion. They offer warm hearted service and the food generally speaking is awesome read more

Steinbeck House Restaurant - The lentils coconut rice is awesome! The Rubuen sandwich is awesome too but not ask big as expected - American Near Me - Salinas, California

I've been wanting to come here for a looong time. It was my birthday and my parents wanted to treat me so I chose this place for lunch. From the moment we arrived until the moment we left, it was a wonderful experience. Parking is street parking, but there is plenty. You have to go up a set of steps to get into the restaurant. I'm not sure if there is accessibility for the disabled, there might be some where but I didn't see it. Anyway, from the second we walked in everyone was just so friendly and welcoming. These days such genuine friendliness is rare. I actually had to pause a moment and look them in the eyes to see if it was genuine, it really was. Anyway, I had the vegetarian Dal Lentils, my mom and husband had the Chicken Broccoli, and my dad the Chicken Fajita. Every dish was Delicious! I really wanted to have dessert but I was way too full in the end to have any. Anyway, I highly recommend this place. Oh and don't forget to stop by the gift shop. Dale and crew are just as kind and friendly. read more

See all

This has been on my must-visit for a long time and I finally made it here. The food was surprisingly good for a "touristy" spot and the service was great. Of course, it is the location and history that makes it extra special. read more

A destination for Steinbeck fans or those interested in the ongoing preservation of a literary landmark. We were pained to see the urban encroachment of the Steinbeck family's residence. Its neighborhood looks nothing like it did at the turn of the last century, but the home and gardens are beautifully maintained. We browsed through the gift shop/museum first (had to pick up a copy of East of Eden). The volunteers were gracious, friendly, knowledgeable, and genuinely happy to be a part of the preservation effort. What we saw of the home's interior was lovely, then we were seated for their tea service at a lace covered table by the bay window. All tables were full but we didn't feel at all crowded. They were short-staffed that afternoon so service was a bit slow, but we enjoyed our meal. We were served an interestingly flavored black tea infused with dried fruit, herb quiche, four types of finger sandwiches, apricot scones, lemon curd, Devonshire cream, mini creme brûlée, and an assortment of cookies. We look forward to returning one day soon for their steak dinner, as well. read more

See all

Five stars all the way for ambiance, service and food. After a two-hour tour of the Steinbeck Center, we of course had to have lunch in the home where Steinbeck grew up. The Victorian house has been beautifully maintained and makes for a lovely setting for lunch. Service was fantastic (all volunteers) and we were treated to a mini-tour with lunch. Most surprising, though: the food was actually excellent! I say "actually" because many times restaurants that are part of non-profits aren't known for excellent cuisine. We were very pleasantly surprised (especially by the delicous hot rolls!). There's also a gift shop. Reservations recommended; street parking. read more

See all

Susan took wonderful care of us. We all had something different and it was all lovely. Their house dressing is so good, a Parmesan vinaigrette. Their iced tea is some of the best I've ever had. The desserts all sounded delicious, but we were all too full. The house is really beautiful and there are so intricate details in each room. Definitely worth the trip! read more

Amazing service and great food. Not many options to pick from but the options available are great.

Fantastic fresh food by excellent servers in the house the John Steinbeck was born in! Period decor and fresh Salinas Valley produce. Excellent lunch at a reasonable price. read more

We had a lunch with 17 people and from start to finish, the organization was so professional and the food was delicious! All the servers are volunteers - they were attentive and knowledgeable about the house. In other words, service weas great! This is a very special place. This was not my first time there and it won't be my last! read more

Lovely lunch experience. Good food. Wonderful staff. Much try experience when in Salinas

So I came to the gift shop because the restaurant was full. They were having a little holiday reception which was lovely. There's new and old books alike here and some people working here are knowledgable historians and can tell you all about the house and Steinbeck. They have new books and vintage books here too. Super cool spot to stop if you're passing by. read more

Andrea's and my plates, partially devoured. She had the Montichristo sandwich and I had the Chicken Cranberry sandwich. Both delicious. I had the salad with mine, and she had the Pasta Fazole. We were both pleased with the food, the carefully attentive service, and we'll be back... read more

Steinbeck House Restaurant - Andrea's and my plates, partially devoured. She had the Montichristo sandwich and I had the Chicken Cranberry sandwich. Both delicious. - American Near Me - Salinas, California

We visited the Steinbeck House on a chilly, rainy New Year's Eve day. It was open when many places were not. As it turned out, that visit was a highlight of a family vacation shared by three generations. The volunteers who staff the gift shop, greet visitors and bring delicious and fresh menu options to the tables in this charming and historic venue simply cannot be beat! They made Steinbeck's history come alive and not only delighted us while there, but had us seeking out Steinbeck's writings after we returned to our respective homes. If you are looking for something rare and wonderful, tour the home, visit the gift shop and enjoy a memorable lunch at the Steinbeck House! Our thanks and best wishes to the wonderful people we met there. read more

Stopped by the Steinbeck House while in Salinas. Was a wonderful experience, the house is beautiful with lots of great opportunities for photos and you will likely learn a few more interesting facts about Steinbeck's life. We had the pleasure of meeting Carol and Thomas while there. Carol was gracious and lovely with our special needs daughter. Would highly recommend stopping by for a visit if in Salinas. read more

This Salinas, California home of the author of John Steinbeck has been converted into a small restaurant serving lunch, tea parties and the occasional special dinners and theme events. They also offer a gift shop in the basement of the house. The menu changes every week. Each entree comes with a rice or potato side and vegetable side and sour or salad. Dessert is extra. Assorted soft drinks, coffee and tea. There is a beer and wine list also, but I recommend the Steinbeck tea, which is a blend of unsweetened tea, raspberry tea and pink lemonade. Service is done by local Valley Guild members dressed in period attire. It is definitely a place to try that is out of the ordinary and only a few blocks down the street from the National Steinbeck Center. read more

See all

Wonderful, historic place! Had a hearty lunch at an affordable price in John Steinbeck's birthplace. So cool!

Loved the lunch and friendly staff educating you on the house that John Steinbeck grew up in.

Delicious food Great service Lots of history to see and experience Also the gift shop has some amazing items read more

Thank you Kathy for the impromptu tour of John Steinbeck's home. Your love of this home and it's treasures is infectious (in a good way!). Thanks also to those hardworking, dedicated group of cheerful volunteers who continue to keep his memory alive. John, Cat and Mike read more

Steinbeck House Restaurant - John Steinbeck House Tour - American Near Me - Salinas, California

See all

I found this glorious home on Yelp as we were driving down California, and what an amazing place! Beautiful Victorian home, enthusiastic servers, and yummy lunch, but most importantly a chance to be in the childhood home of John Steinbeck! Do not miss the gift shop and learn more about this great American writer, talk to the great volunteers and make lunch a memorable experience! read more

Lunch at the Steinbeck House was a great experience. The volunteer staff was friendly and efficient. The food was good and the Steinbeck Tea was delicious. I loved the feel of the dining in a Victorian house. And of course you can't forget the gift shop. The selection was good especially the books. When I visit my son in Salinas I will definitely have him take me there again. read more

Had a great experience at the Steinbeck house and learning the history the beauty of this place is that everyone volunteers their time so you know they genuinely care about the place. read more

The food was amazing. I had baked salmon and it was so well-cooked with such a delicious sauce. The stories about John Steinbeck were funny and interesting. All of the volunteers were sweet and helpful, sharing great information. We had a large group and they were great about keeping us all moving through the meal at the same pace. read more

Great service! The volunteers that work here are fantastic. Great food! So fresh and delicious. Great story! The history is awesome. Such a welcoming place! Warm and comfy inside. You MUST stop here! read more

Steinbeck House Restaurant - American Near Me - Salinas, California

See all

Let me start by saying how great the food was. I had the Ruben and salad combo. Honestly it is the best Ruben I have had. Our hostess KK offered us a thorough history on the house & John's days and escapades in it. It was fascinating & fun to hear. The house has been very well cared for & still retains so many great things from it's past. Many of them are subtle and were pointed out by KK. Our server, Shelia, was excellent. My only complaint was the stay went too quickly. The staff were all so nice & they are the reason this great historic building is still available for us to visit. We will be back for sure! read more

Steinbeck House Restaurant - American Near Me - Salinas, California

Their afternoon tea never disappoints me, so I took a couple of my dear co-workers/friends to share my joy of visiting here. Booking by phone was easy. Driving from Peninsula was not short but never boring. We had time to enjoy the gift shop before and after the tea. Nice, very nice ladies were informative. All tea foods were delicious and the tea was excellent!! They don't leave a teapot on your table and I was a bit worried first. But I realized that my teacup was never empty. The ladies walked around to make sure we always had the hot tea in our cups Seating at the bay window was very nice and it was another successful tea here. Washroom was very clean. The entire place was very clean and cozy. All these niceness was offered by the young and experienced volunteers (so I heard). Really appreciate this tea opportunity. Highly recommended. National Steinbeck Center is like a couple blocks away if you want to walk after. read more

See all

Had business to attend to in Salinas and searched for a place to eat. This restaurant did not disappoint. Food was great- had the chicken and Brie salad, artichoke soup, and a very tasty ice cream dessert (forgot the name). The servers are all volunteers and the money goes to help keep the Steinbeck house going. The visit inspired me to pull out "The Grapes of Wrath" to read it again. read more

Beautiful setting, good food and the Staff, who are mostly volunteers are absolutely wonderful. They are very knowledgeable of Steinbeck's home and family. The short presentation given during lunch service is very informative. Margie was a delight! read more