Tonight I was invited to a catered event at the three flames restaurant. It was a special birthday party for a dear friend of ours. When we first walked into the banquet hall, there was an odd feeling about this place. The smell of the banquet hall was stuffy and no pleasant. We found our seats after we greeted the birthday guest of honor, and her family. Very pleasant and friendly family. We lined up at the buffet line to pick our food. The first bad impression was, seeing one of the wait staff refill the green salad bowl with a plastic ice cream bucket with only iceberg and romaine lettuce, no tomatoes or Any other vegetables. The salad dressings were all dripping and not replaced with clean ladles and fresh dressings. The rolls were ice cold and stale. Then there was this potato salad that came out of either a box or a bucket. It was so sweet with relish I couldn't choke it down. And they garnished it with shredded carrots and red cabbage! lol! Then they put out some kind of toasted baguettes with light oil or butter! It tasted like it was stale bread that was baked till it was crispy! Then there was this fruit platter that looked very sad. It had large chunks of pineapple melons these huge red grapes, but no fresh strawberries! There in season right now! Now let's get to the hot food choices. There was a chaffing dish with these roasted potatoes with grated Parmesan cheese on it, it was ok. Just needed some other flavor, like a sprinkle of rosemary or something! Then there was this chicken dish that had chicken tenders in it, it looked almost like Marsala or something! Then there was the roast beef. The meat was cut into 2x2cubes, with nothing with it! Very dry looking and very boring. Then there was this salmon dish. OMG, I d never seen the salmon tail portions stacked up in a chaffing dish, every piece was so thin, every was so dry and really fishy like it was previously frozen and cooked for a longtime! The worst salmon I've ever had at any catered event I've been to! There was no lemon of any sauce for the salmon. I took one bite, and almost threw up! It must have been either chum salmon or a very low quality salmon. Every piece was about 2inches wide and a half inch thick! lol! Then there was this meat lasagna! lol! There was no tomato sauce or any cheese in it! It was so dry, it was almost drier than the salmon! My girlfriend loves lasagna, but she just couldn't eat it. It had no flavor, moisture, or anything! Then there was their fresh vegetables! lol!!! There was carrots, broccoli, and zucchini. The carrots were aldente, the broccoli was aldente but gray, and the zucchini was all mushy! This restaurant and their banquets are very disappointing. They had glasses of water at every seat, but they filled every glass to the very top of the glass with very little ice! The coffee tasted like burnt wood, a very low quality coffee, must have been Folgers, because it tasted like the same coffee I had at another restaurant I was at and that restaurant was terrible also. The walls were dirty and dingy., chipped paint and splintered wood paneling. For restaurant that was supposed to be good, it was the worst food and service I've ever had! When I found out how much they charged for the food for I'm guessing 100 people, I was shocked and flabbergasted! It was nowhere near that huge amount of money worth it! I will never recommend this place to any of my friends and family that live in the San Jose. I'm a retired catering chef, restaurant owner and butcher for almost 40 years. I've never had a bad experience like this. This place better get their shit together before they lose everything! And I can't believe they had four to five wait staff working this event. The lady manager who was working the front end, looked like she doesn't care about the food or service in this restaurant. She had no smile and was very short with us in directing us to the banquet room. She points to the arrow outside and says, just follow the arrows! lol! She could have escorted us, there was no customers at the front desk and looked like there was no one in the restaurant. I recipe I don't have to attend another function there ever again, and I'm sure I will not be going there for the restaurant part. Good luck with your business! read more

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The ambiance was nice. Very classic/old school fine dining but everything was clean and it didn't feel rundown. An older cowboy crowd for sure. The service was wondering. Waiter and hostess were very nice and accommodating. The appetizers were good but the steak had to much pepper and and was to dry for me(my fault though since I asked for medium well and a split plate, my partner said his side had a little pink) A little annoying that they charge for split plates. read more

Three Flames Restaurant & Banquets - Three Flames Special Steak - American Near Me - San Jose, California

I will never return to this establishment. We went on the weekend, and there were only three other people in the restaurant, two of them in the bar. The dining area was so brightly lit I could see how dingy and dirty the cloth booths were. We asked to sit at a table and regardless of how far back we were sat there was an unpleasant cologne or cleaning odor that permeated the lobby and the dining room. What distressed us was that the one other person who was there was only eating bread. There was no food smell, just cheap perfume Eventually we decided the smell was so unpleasant that we had to leave. If they have good food I might get takeout but dining in was so unappetizing. read more

Whoop whoop they have a great welcoming chill diverse group of an open mic here. Its my first time so I just came to enjoy myself with some of the great wine and entertainment they have to offer. I was really blown away by how amazing the place is and the parking was excellent. read more

We went recently to Three Flames for Mother's Day. It was a sumptuous buffet. there is many hot dishes under heat lamps, including eggs, Benedict, turkey, ham, prime, rib, and lamb. I had two instant lamb. There were many salads and fruit as well. The seafood portion of the buffet included fresh dungeoness crab salmon muscles, and prawns. The dessert selection was excellent and included many interesting dishes, including cakes and an assorted macaroon cookies. If you ever have a chance, this is the best Mother's Day buffet in the Bay Area! read more

Three Flames is down the street from where I live but I never think to go there. Tonight I was craving a steak and decided to give them a try via DoorDash. My food arrived quickly and was still warm. I had the Three Flames Special Steak, which is tri-tip smothered with sautéed mushrooms. It was delicious and came exactly as I ordered it, medium rare. It was a thick cut, and I was full before finishing it. For sides I ordered a salad with thousand island and garlic mashed potatoes. Both were very good. I really enjoyed the creamy potatoes. The meal also came with mixed veggies, which is not my favorite, but I ate the cauliflower and liked it. Three Flames will probably be my new go-to for steak cravings. read more

Three Flames Restaurant & Banquets - Three Flames Special Steak (with a few bites missing) - American Near Me - San Jose, California

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Love this place been going here since I was a child. Definitely recommend food drinks, ambience, and especially Saturday night dancing

I made a deposit for our company's holiday party at this restaurant. Went there with my colleagues to try the food. The interior is really nice. You wouldn't expect it looking from the outside. All the food we ordered were good. I think they just forgot steak for one of my colleagues and it when it arrived, it wasn't the way she asked it to be cooked (either medium or medium well). They changed it right away. Looking forward to celebrating our holiday party here. read more

Just had a Celebration of Life there and it was amazing! The food was fantastic, the service impeccable and the banquet room was beautiful. I highly recommend Three Flames for either in-restaurant dining or banquets. They do a superb job and are ever so accommodating. Next event I have will certainly be there. Obviously the negative reviews were done by those who are looking for a free meal, all bogus comments. read more

Went for a jazz music jam. Some was good some just ok. As jams go nice people though Food was ok. Becsme less good ss timwsnt on. Got tired of the same menugood quality ice sttentive servers just like more variety dont even remember what i had ill try sgain in s more nth or so read more

Just to be clear, this is about the bar, not the restaurant. When my friend and I walked in, we immediately felt out of place. The crowd was older--mostly white men--and the vibe felt like a throwback to a time when women were expected to smile and go along with whatever was happening. Politically, it felt very "Trump country"--and whether that's fair or not, it absolutely shaped the energy in the room. We asked one man to shift seats so we could sit together, and while he agreed, he then insisted on taking the sturdier chair I was already using, as if his comfort mattered more than mine. The bartender stepped in and said, "Sweetie, just let him"--completely dismissing how uncomfortable I felt. Meanwhile, my friend had to endure unwanted attention from a visibly intoxicated man who kept commenting on her looks in a way that was anything but respectful. We may not have been regulars, but we were still patrons--and were treated like we didn't belong. I left feeling so much less than, and deeply disappointed by the entire experience. I would never go back. If you're a woman who expects to be treated as an equal, or someone who values inclusive, respectful spaces, I'd strongly suggest going elsewhere. read more

Great food go every year for New Year's Eve Service is good and they have a nice bar to have drinks after dinner.

They have a large menu, so when I visit on Fridays for dinner, I always try something new and never disappointed. Service and ambiance is always impeccable. Will be there next week. Pete read more

This place is like transporting to the 1970's or 80's (or as the young kids say, the 1900's) but in an absolutely fabulous way. The NY pepper steak is legit, ambiance is chill, and the service is simply top notch I usually order the same thing so can't comment on the rest of the menu, but we did dive into the chocolate cake last nite and WOW ... I shoulda ordered a cup of milk to go with it. Al was one of the most amusing servers I've ever had, his jokes and timing were impeccable. When I come back, I will request to be seated in his section read more

Three Flames Restaurant & Banquets - Vibes of this place - American Near Me - San Jose, California

One of our family favorites for any celebration or just a night out. Great food, great prices compared to other places. Gilroy steak (ribeye) is my favorite. Very friendly staff. Music lounge attached. Never been in but seems to be always packed. read more

The Mother's Day brunch was so horrible! All the food was cold, they didn't have heat on any of the stations. The food was so spread out it was ridiculously displayed. The dessert selections were awful. The waitress did provide good table service. Overall it was a terrible experience for my family. I don't recommend this restaurant at all. We will never return to this restaurant again. read more

Great place to eat!! The food is great and the service is wonderful. My husband took me there for Mother's Days. read more

Three Flames Restaurant & Banquets - American Near Me - San Jose, California

Open mic Wednesday, the bartender told us 2 drink minimum if you can't afford it then why are you here. The food is over priced. This is why no one comes anymore because of the attitude. read more

Seafood was great again! Real fresh with lots of flavor and Francisco are waiter provided excellent service and kept asking if we needed anything else! In addition, Annie his co- worker helped me find the right selection of seafood with pasta, that I was looking for in a "Alfredo Sauce". Perfectly done! read more

Haven't been here in a few years, it used to be a nice sort of classic spot for a nice dinner, bit upscale but still "neighborhood friendly ". We stopped for dinner yesterday, HUGE disappointment. We were admittedly early, shortly after opening, but the service was surprisingly poor. Not just slow, but inattentive, to a noticeable degree. Even the basics of bringing out the breadbasket took several evolutions, as did being beverages (and refills on the iced tea were slow, even after the server belated came by to ask if a top off was desired). Equally disappointing ways the food. The soup (clam chowder) was good, not on the same level as previous visits, but okay. I got a ribeye steak that was just above "send it back" quality. Rather small cut, not well grilled, and quite over done. I asked for medium, it came well done. Veggies were mainly green beans that were not appetizing to even look at, with a couple slivers of onion. I've had better steaks at diners for breakfast steak & eggs, and at about half the price. Maybe we just hit a bad day, but for the price, and particularly compared to previous visits, I'm not sure we'll even try again. Sad to see a one time great place fall off like this read more

The three Flames is an old school restaurant that has been around for decades. the owners are very attentive and converse with the guests. There is a bar on one side, and it has regular entertainment. When we got there there was a country band playing. the seating is comfortable and has an overall down home, classy vibe to it. it's good for celebrations like birthdays. I had the scallops,which were nice and big and had a tasty sauce. read more

Three Flames Restaurant & Banquets - Salad - American Near Me - San Jose, California

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We visited for a lovely lunch as a celebration of life for a dear departed friend. The appetizers were simple and delicious. The steaks were perfectly seasoned and cooked a perfect medium rare. And the weight staff was present, polite and made sure we had a lovely afternoon. The atmosphere was clean and comfortable. I cannot imagine why there might be a negative review. Oh! And dessert was the most delightful burnt almond cake. read more

Three Flames Restaurant & Banquets - Delicious burnt almond cake. - American Near Me - San Jose, California

After several calls to various catering venues & restaurants, a relative suggested Three Flames. Upon my initial contact with Annie, the banquet coordinator, I immediately knew that this was the right place for our memorial reception after my mother's funeral. She gave complete information regarding buffet menu items, drink and bar options, setup options, microphone, reception tables, dessert service and total costs. Answered all questions and was available on site if I required anything (which I did not). The servers were extremely efficient and responsive. Food was excellent and plentiful. An excellent experience in every respect and very reasonable pricing. read more

I've been really put off by the skyrocketing prices and pretentiousness at local steak houses, and I was looking for a more down-to-earth alternative. I found Three Flames on the web and decided to give it a try. From the outside it's a pretty nondescript place, located in an aging strip mall. The inside isn't any more inspiring. It's very dated, but it is clean and well-maintained. The menu is also a little old-fashioned, but it's pretty extensive... a wide selection of steak, lamb, veal, chicken, fish, and pasta dishes, plus specials. The service is really friendly and very helpful. It's the kind of place where, once you've been in a few times, they will greet you by name and stop at your table to say hello. But here's the good part: the food is GREAT. I've been back a couple of times with a friend, and we thoroughly enjoyed everything we've tried (including desserts!) They have a nice wine list and a full bar. I've done a little online research and found some old newspaper articles that mention Three Flames. Apparently it was once considered among the best restaurants in San Jose. Sadly, I think it's been forgotten by most people. It's not cool or trendy. It just offers great service, excellent food, and reasonable prices. And to me, that's exactly what a steak house should be. read more

Been going to the Three since they opened. Have had numerous banquets there all over the top food and service. Lunch and are great prime rib nights are awesome until it is sold out-French dip for lunch is best in town (maybe one or 2 better) the prices are very competitive based on quality and potions. Try it u won't be disappointed. Ask for Annie and drop my name! read more

both steak and pork chops were rather dry and not very flavorful...rather disappointing. However, split pea soup was great as was the service. just expected better. should have order pasta. read more

Absolutely love the steaks from this place always consistently great however, they need to have baked potato with all the fixings during the weekdays. I miss my baked potato, but their steaks are fabulous!! read more

I ditto loveyelp R Tanya is the worst waitress. Doesn't say hi. I have been going there for over 20 years. Doesn't take orders. Picks her customers. Leave dirty dishes on the table in front of new customers. Very sullen. I have complained to management, but nothing changes. Like Jose the owner, but he needs to do something. I go to the bar now for a drink. I used to give her a generous tip, but not anymore. Sat for 2 hours at a table with friends the other night in front of someone else dirty dishes. She never came over. We finally bused it ourselves Many of my friends don't like to go there because of her read more

Our waiter was friendly and fast. The NY Peppered Steak was delicious. The prime rib was a bit dry but worth the money. The restaurant overall was clean and gave me old school mafia hangout vibes. read more

Three Flames Restaurant & Banquets - Prime Rib & NY Pepper Steak - American Near Me - San Jose, California

This atmosphere is not welcoming at all. I'm not sure if it's because we were under 50, or because we were 2 women holding hands as we entered. My partner and I went to see friends perform at the open mic night. We walked in and were immediately pointed to the bar area by the hostess. No greeting, just a finger pointed at the door to the cocktail area. Upon entering the cocktail section, we found a booth. We knew the open mic host and were greeted by him. He introduced us to the cocktail serve, Dee . He ordered us a round of beers and after she dropped them off at our table, she never came back. We weren't even given silverware. We tried multiple times to get her (the server) attention. One time I even said, "excuse me" she made eye contact and turned around. We saw this woman take entire orders and bring them out before she even gave us a glance. We left after our friend's set. I can't review the food because I didn't have the opportunity to order, but it looked pretty bland. read more

Service was terrible had to wait 45 minutes to get wine and beer. No one came over to say why the delay. There was a hostess who did nothing who could have come over told us what was happening. She could have gone to the bar and ordered us the drinks. She had nothing to do but stand there. Instead we sat and waited. We ordered 2 small filet mignons. The food was terrible, meat was tough and tasteless. The waiter told us they ran out of baked potatoes. Who ever heard of that. The clam chowder was terrible, watered down. Before I ordered the chowder, I asked the waiter because there was a choice between chowder and a salad to recommend. He said chowder was goose. He even said if it was not good he would give me a salad in its place. Never once came back to check on clam chowder or on anything we ordered. After eating I can understand why, I would have said take it all back. Mashed potatoes were soggy and the boiled vegetables were undercooked and looked soggy. I think it was terrible to spend $100 on food that was not good. Food tastes like diner food. If you are expecting good food don't go there. Feel like we got ripped off. read more

Ummmmm so I'm very sure once upon a time this place was like THE place to go have a fancy dinner. Unfortunately time and covid has made this place a bit sad. The famous pepper steak was not what my husband was expecting, were not cooked the way he ordered. The mashed potatoes were amazing though. The veggies were severely undercooked and this is coming from someone who loves crispy veggies. I loooooooves the baked potato. They put a LOT of butter and chives and I was all in. Best baked potato I've had in a long time. The service was old school and great. My husband is dying to go back and hang in the bar but I told him I would be more than happy to drop him off one night. lol read more

Do not recommend at all. Definitely not worth the price. The service was slow. The were only 4 tables with people and they still took a long time to take our order. The food was mediocre. My husband ordered seafood jambalaya and it had dry chicken, shriveled up sausage and shrimp. He ate the pasta and shrimp. I ordered steak with mushrooms and a baked potatoe. It was ok. The potato was good. I doubt we will ever go back. read more

I love the vibe and Tuesday night jazz is something special - Modesto Briseno group is always swinging.

Absolutely terrible service from bar area! The bartender from the start was just rude. Took my father and father in law there with my sister and our fiancés and super unwelcoming. Food was good but because the service was terrible wouldn't recommend or go again. Good job three flames ! read more

Food is great, our favorite is the Broiled Salmon with veggies and baked potatoe. Also the lounge serves great drinks and there's dancing. The lounge has two wonderful bartender, Sara and the waitress, Tanya are truly an asset to this place. Best service ever for us. read more

I heard great and horrible things about this place. I'm stuck in the middle. I was there for a party in the banquet room. My meal was pre-ordered, I have the filet mignon. The meat was good but the veggies looks and tasted like it was from a mixed veggie back from the grocery store. My other side was two very small potatoes cut in half. The room the party was in need of a remodel. The carpet was out of a 50's casino and the bar and other furniture looked beat up. My wife had the veggie pasta and that was great. My kids loved their food, so maybe We will go and try it in the main restaurant some day. read more

Three Flames Restaurant & Banquets - American Near Me - San Jose, California

Had lunch there with four of my friends and the food( everybody agreed ) is not good quality. It is a tired restaurant and the food is as well. There are so many better restaurants to choose from. The servers here are very friendly which is nice, but it does not make up for the boring food read more

Kinda old school, we ordered three entrees and had salads. Fresh cracked pepper on salads a plus, but salads on the small side. My girl got "rare" prime rib, was far from rare, I got chicken marsala, it was very light on the marsala, our friend got the liver and onions, which he said was the best he ever had. Desserts were OK. Not bad, but for the price would expect a bit better. read more

WOW* I had THE BEST STEAK & BAKED POTATO with all the trimmings last night at the Three Flames in Willow Glen* It was only my 2nd time here, but multiple friends have talked of it for decades! It has been there for 40 years!! Um.. that means YES, they do know what they are doing!! WOW* Try this amazing Three Flames Special steak, 12 oz with mushrooms ~ mmm... garlic, lemon and capers.. medium rare* I have not had a steak this flavorful in MANY YEARS!! The baked potato was amazing too!! Great for couples and big round table of friends or colleagues, bring your family* Great service too! read more