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AJ Spurs Saloon & Dining Hall
Category: Restaurants American (Traditional) American (Traditional) [Edit]
508 Main StTempleton, CA 93465
(805) 434-2700
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Very Loud
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
27 reviews for AJ Spurs Saloon & Dining Hall
Review Highlights
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"Try the root beer float." In 4 reviews -
"I've always loved the steaks, sides, etc." In 4 reviews -
"Get the bacon wrapped filet mignon." In 2 reviews
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27 reviews in English
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Review from Nicoline C.
Monrovia, CA
1/2/2012 1 Check-in Here
I ususally am not a fan of places that give you huge huge portions because sometimes it's just huge portions of bad food, but this place is terrific. They start you off with a vegetable beef soup along with smoky beans and salsa. All homemade. Then you order. The start was enough for a meal. I was full after that. But no, I had to order the pork chop with 3 spare ribs. Yum yum. All the food comes with garlic toast, fried potatoes, rice pilaf and a salad. The service was outstanding and the food was delicious. I recommend this place. But come hungry or share a meal. My hubby and I said we should have split. Oh yes and on top of all this, you get a root beer float or an after dinner liquer. Yum yum. Save room for the root beer float.
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Review from N D.
Sacramento, CA
11/28/2011
Went here on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. First off, I recall going here back in the days when it opened as an answer to McLintocks. I'm disappointed to say it is not what it used to be.
1) Checked in with a family of four and was told it would be 20 minutes. Nearly an hour later we got our table. Conveniently, the manager told us we could wait in the bar...maybe it's just me but it all sounded like an easy way to drive alcohol sales even though we only ordered one glass of wine.
2) The bar area is understaffed. There is one girl serving food and taking drink orders.
3) When we were finally seated, our waitress seemed quite disinterested. When our kid's meals came we asked for ketchup. When they were 3/4 of the way done, she finally brings it, plops it on the table, says, "Sorry.", and then walks off. Nice. We were lucky to see her three times, for the order, the sorry and to bring the tab.
4) I too felt the soup tasted like it was out of a can. Not impressed. An iceberg salad is weak in these days; how about some real greens? Instead of rice pilaf, how about some green beans with almonds?
5) I noticed that everyone who works there seems to realize they are underserving you and do just about everything they can to avoid eye contact.
It's a decent sit down place with a nice western ambiance (but don't go in the winter as they leave the doors open and it's freezing in there). Sadly, a chain like Cattlemen's offers more but then again, AJ Spurs is a chain now too. The meat is the best part of the meal and it's average.
For those of us that remember when you ate the Gambler, your meal was free, it's disappointing. -
Review from Mark W.
Bakersfield, CA
4/10/2012 1 Check-in Here
Solid as a rock! Although it seems to be down from it's glory days in the 80's and 90's. Still a solid choice, get the cowboy potatoes extra crispy!
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Review from Scott S.
North Hills, CA
11/3/2011
While this place offers good food and juicy steaks, the best part is the ambiance - I just love the "old west" look and feel of the restaurant and bar.
This is a "dinner only" kind of place - as they are only open from 4-9 PM. As such, it gets pretty crowded with locals, and the wait times can vary greatly. Still, it is a good bet for dinner if you are in the area.
Try the root beer float. -
Review from Jun W.
Alhambra, CA
9/9/2011
If you want to leave stuffed silly, then this is your place. Yes, they do give you a lot of sides. But it's not the highest quality. The soup tastes like something poured out of a can. All the other sides seems mediocre in taste.
The only thing good was the meat, which was huge. The pork chop was surprisingly tender and moist, not dry at all. The steak could use more salt. That's what really brings out the flavor.
Overall, you will probably spend $20 or more per person. Expect to leave with a doggy bag. -
Review from Brandi S.
Templeton, CA
12/10/2010
This place is totally overpriced for the quality of food. The soup is definitely from a can, the beans just average and the wine list laughable.
I suppose if you really want a steak and a full bar, you should go here. Just know that you will spend WAY more than you should and take home half of your meal. The staff is all under 25 and don't expect anything from their end. -
Review from FroSays C.
Atascadero, CA
7/13/2011 7 Check-ins Here
I have been going here for 18 years. The original owners sold 7 or so years ago and it went down hill for a while but AJ Spurs is back and as great as ever. They feed you from the time you sit down and finish you off with a root beer float. So if LOTS of great food is your goal you have found your spot.
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Review from Davy G.
Arroyo Grande, CA
11/18/2011
It's pricy, It's ok to pay more if you get more.. The food and service was good.
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Review from Di R.
Updated - 2/24/2010
Went here last night with friends we haven't seen for over 15 years. Everything was perfect. The food was good, the conversation and company was wonderful and the service was perfect!
I got there after everyone in my party arrived, coming from work. My husband had ordered me a margarita. I had asked if he had remembered that I could only drink Patron. Sorry, I'm not a snob~ Just get raging headaches with cheap tequilla. Sooo they didn't even send the one they ordered me back, we paid for that one but did reorder mine with Patron.... charged for it... etc... and sorry honey....you can't tell me that was Patron!! I had one Margarita and I woke up with a raging headache. Sooo disappointed that the bartender would think that he could put one over on me! If I pay for Patron! Give me Patron!
The proof for me is not in the taste that night (which by the way... they had some kind of sweet after taste that I didn't like and will never order a margarita there again) but in the waking up headache free the next day! Sorry but THAT was not Patron!
My follow up review would have been 5 stars if they didn't try to slip me something other than Patron. I know a cheap Tequilla headache when I get one! Oookaaay lol... am I exposing too much of my younger days to my followers? Ha.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/21/2009
First I have to say.... WATCH!!!! Most of these people who rave about this place will be out of… Read more »
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Review from Charley C.
Atascadero, CA
8/26/2011 7 Check-ins Here
AJ's is coming back! The soup is now wonderful and the BBQ is excellent. I have been coming to this location through several owners and is is now going back to its original glory! Yippeee! Lets go have a steak!
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Review from Justin W.
Costa Mesa, CA
7/16/2006
Definitely a great steak house. The prices are a bit high but you do get a LOT of food for your money. If you are local or staying where you have refrigeration it is easily enough food to bring back home and have at least two more meals off of it.
They will automatically bring you their signature soup, which is similar to a beef broth stew, as well as beans and salsa. Ask for tortillas as it makes for a great dipping implement. With your meal they also bring out potatoes, onions and rice. The garlic sourdough bread always looks delicious but is usually too chewy and bland for my tastes.
The seafood pasta is reasonably priced and you get just about every creature from the sea in there. For two people you are looking at spending around $80 with a drink each. -
Review from Tanvi D.
Cambridge, MA
5/13/2008
I was there some 3 years ago once when I was in the area for some work., and I loved the place.. I had never been to a saloon before, so, the decor was something that enthralled me.. Had never been to a palce that had heads mounted at the bar.. We were a bunch of people, so, we got to use their private room.
We also had dinner family style.. The portions were huge.. And I especially loved their signature soup which is made of beef broth and beans..
Some of us had chicken and some of us had beef.. And when the food came, the conversation came to a halt, which is usually a good sign for the quality of the food.
Their sides included mashed potatoes and rice, which were both very yummy! I think a dessert of a root beer float was also included in the price.. I don't care much for root beer, so, I would have liked something else for dessert, but, I was way too full anyway..
If I'm ever in the area again, I'll be sure to stop by here.. -
Review from PB A.
San Mateo, CA
1/31/2012
We stopped by this cowboy saloon for a steak dinner and were definitely not disappointed. This is what an American dinner is all about: steaks, potatoes, garlic toast, grilled onions, rootbeer floats, and more! Be prepared to take more than half of your meal home; the servings are huge!
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Review from Diana G.
12/8/2009
Our family used to eat here pretty often when my father worked in Templeton. I have always enjoyed the fact that they offer you the whole Ranch Deal with a main course, from beans to bread to salad, etc.
One of my favorite memories here, though, was New Year's Eve back when I was in High School. I spent the night with one of my best girlfriend's family and went out for a New Year's dinner with them and her extended family members. The ordered the extra large family meat platter that included about 6 different meats including venison which I've had man a time but weird to see on a platter, and quail - first time ever trying this and I completely enjoyed it!
For 10 people it was a great deal in terms of price. The waiter was fantastic considering we were a medium sized group of noisy obnoxious Greeks. Thank you for putting up with all of our wishes and needs. -
Review from Teri B.
Vallejo, CA
4/19/2007
great place for groups...and what's funny is I've only been here at NIGHT...and from deep within the rural territories off Hwy 41 and 46...so don't ask me directions...though your NOSE can probably smell the ribs!
good stuff...forget the diet...enjoy!Listed in: Sustenance...must have food...
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Review from Julia W.
San Jose, CA
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Review from Vanna Jo C.
Cambria, CA
1/18/2011
Love this place. The soup is great. Great steak. Also fish is good, surprising for a steakhouse.
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Review from D'Arcy C.
Costa Mesa, CA
10/3/2009
Such a cool place, Old western saloon style dining even with someone on the Piano and a life-size Grizzly bear. The food was amazing. Hearty country gourmet. I got the Halibut and it was amazing I don't even like fish and i finished and wanted more. Our waitress was super sweet I wish I could remember her name. All around good dining experience and would Definitely recommend.
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Review from Matt S.
Templeton, CA
6/6/2011
Used to be a CRAZED FAN of this place. Still love it, but just not as much. I've always loved the steaks, sides, etc. I am getting tired of rice pilaf in the way of my food. I have no idea if anyone actually ever eats rice pilaf, but it seems to be the generic 'filler' food used to make plates look fuller, usually reserved for generic chain restaurants, not unique, locally owned places or local mini-chains frequented by people who like good food.
The quality of the meat seems to have declined, my riib-eye, while better than most places, was quite grisly, a little greasy tasting, and cooked a bit further than I ordered it. They used to be just about the only place to reliably prepare a steak as rare as I like it.
I've always enjoyed my steak 'smothered in mushrooms, a house specialty my wife got me hooked on. They used to use whole mushrooms, and now have switched to sliced ones.
This may sound petty, but the beer selection also lacks. To me, the type of cuisine offered here would benefit from a great beer, and a good selection is just as important as a good wine selection. They only offer pedestrian, mainstream lagers, and a vast selection of ales. I love a good lager, or a nice hefewiezen, neither of which are available. There is a good hef on the menu, but they haven't actually had it available in a couple of months. Strange situation for a place with a full service bar.
Overall, it's a great place, with great service and great food that I'd recommend to anyone. And order that great soup to go. They sell it by the quart at a reasonable price ... and it's FANTASTIC! -
Review from Kate L.
San Miguel, CA
3/17/2008
Whether it's Valentine's Day, I have family coming in to town, or if I just want a great meal, AJ Spurs is always at the top of my list. I usually make reservations if possible, because it seems to be everyone else's favorite steakhouse too. The food is fantastic, there is plenty of it, the service is great, and it's always that way - consistency is a huge thing in my book.
I'm from Wyoming, so I guess that I'm used to the western decor, but to others it is a big deal...and I will say that it's done right.
I love the fact that they have a full bar - you can get a real drink here, whiskey water is my choice, and your out-of-towners can try different local wines.
It's also nice for your out-of-town guests to find - directions are easy to give to Templeton, and with only one main street, and the silo as a landmark, even New Yorkers can't miss it. Ha!
I've been to many steakhouses in my day, and AJ's filet migons are some of the best cut, seasoned and cooked beef that I've ever had. My boyfriend is partial to their grilled halibut, which is indeed fantastic.
An earlier review said that they were a bit pricey, but I completely disagree - number one, you get what you pay for, and two, you never leave this place hungry. Enjoy! -
Review from Danger H.
Faribault, MN
7/9/2010
We tried this place on a recommendation while on vacation in June of 2010, and all I can say is that we are not their target demographic. They served the type of food that you might consider as classic 1970's comfort fare. It's mostly all starches with the meals, bred, toast, potatoes, crackers, rice and meat or pasta. Not much in the way of fresh local produce or veggies here. What you will find is a lot of food, huge portions of salty carb loaded side dishes. I cannot really say anything positive about the experience, it was very retro and unoriginal cuisine.
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Review from Eaar O.
Fountain Valley, CA
11/30/2010
First ate at the Spurs in Beullton. Great atmosphere. Loved it so much had to go the original in Templeton. More food than you could ever finish. The Vaquero soup is full of flavor when you mix in the Tequila Beans and the Salsa. Steaks are very good and you even get a Root Beer Float included in the price.
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Review from Luke P.
Emeryville, CA
2/11/2008
It didnt matter that there was an hour wait, or that I found a bud light bottle cap in my iced tea. Fact is when you step inside and are transported back to a wild west saloon complete with old time piano player it doesn't much matter! Steaks were PERFECTLY done, staff was super friendly and the food just kept on coming... just remember root beer floats are included with most meal choices.... save some room if you can!
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Review from Brian J.
Templeton, CA
8/19/2011
Simply AWESOME! Plenty of GOOOOD FOOOOD! My Ribeye was cooked to PERFECTION! I can't do this place enough justice. You simply must GO! 5 Stars for a Steakhouse is near impossible to get out of me so don't even try. But this one comes pretty close with the way they put out Med-Rare Ribeye
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Review from Jeff M.
San Jose, CA
7/23/2009 1 Check-in Here
Man! I do love me a good steak and this place delivers. The atmosphere is 100% cowboy and that matches up very nicely with the steak. They also pay good attention to nice little touches along the way.
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Review from m t.
San Francisco, CA
7/6/2010
Get the bacon wrapped filet mignon. Totally worth it. You get a ton of food here (too much)but it's a great deal for the price. The potatoes are awesome too. Wish we could get places like this in SF.
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Review from Grace G.
Plano, TX
4/24/2011
I love this place. Great all-American food at fair prices. The prices might seem expensive at first, but once you realize the amount of food you're getting, the prices are actually fair. All dinners come with soup, beans, salsa, potatoes, rice, and a dessert. Meals range from about $13.99 to about $25.99, more or less. The environment is very "country-kitchen". This is not the typical SF or LA organic California cuisine, so you can't really complain that that's not what you're getting. This is greasy, American food. And it's done well. Templeton is a very small town for California standards and AJ Spurs seems like a local dining establishment. Everyone seemed to know each other and there was a definite feel of community. Being in AJ Spurs made me feel like I was up in gold country somewhere, rather than right off 101. Great country experience at fair prices! Some nights they have a band performing too.
