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Canyon Fireside Grille
Category: Restaurants American (Traditional) American (Traditional) [Edit]
22312 El PaseoSuite A
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688
(949) 888-8893
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
49 reviews for Canyon Fireside Grille
Review Highlights
"mac-n-cheese w/ ham."
(in 4 reviews)
"I have lived in RSM for over 11 years."
(in 5 reviews)
"...Calamari appetizers, to the Flat iron salad, and prime rib..."
(in 2 reviews)
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49 reviews in English
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Review from Kerry F.
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA
1/5/2012
Great place. I love coming here for special events. They make a really great brunch for special events, like Mother's Day and such.
Live music a few nights a week, friendly staff...and great creme brule. -
Review from Brian M.
Newport Beach, CA
11/28/2011
I was surprised that a good sized glass of La Crema was only $9, which is an amazing price, but that's where the good ends sadly.
Came in for an appetizer and a few drinks. Button mushrooms were cold. Blue Crab and Artichoke dip??? The Blue Crab must have been hiding somewhere in the kitchen, because it wasn't in my dip!
Worst off, the band came in at about 8:30 to setup. Holy shit guys, were you planning on playing at the Forum? You could have used less money on gear and more on lessons. The funniest thing was the keyboard player in shorts and a pizza delivery shirt. Way too loud for the atmosphere. An acoustic solo or duo would be far more suitable here. -
Review from Jeffrey S.
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA
2/5/2012
The food was very good. Had several appetizers in the lounge. Went for the happy hour specials and pricing because it is a bit on the pricey side. Did not receive all the discounts anticipated because we ordered off the regular menu. Be SURE to ask for the happy hour/ lounge menu
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Review from Soohwa N.
Mission Viejo, CA
11/24/2011 1 Check-in Here
Comfortable, nice atmosphere and the service was excellent, the food was just ok .
It was expensive, you can go to a much better restaurant with better food also with that money or less. If you are trying to impress a lady inviting her to a great date this is not the place (It,s neither romantic nor cozy) and you will expend a lot. In average appetizers $14, entree $30 but the price of drinks are not so bad, If I go back there I'll go for some drinks but I don't think that I'll go back there. -
Review from Jeanne P.
Costa Mesa, CA
11/18/2011 1 Check-in Here
Service was good and quick. I did not try the food as we were just there for the live music. It was kind of fun to watch some of the drunk ladies dancing! The band was really good, and played a nice variety of songs. My only complaint is that people the door to the patio was right behind my seat and every time someone would walk in the door would blast cold air.
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Review from Julia K.
11/9/2011 1 Check-in Here
Maybe because I already have a suburban phobia, I also have a preconceived notion that nothing in a strip mall can possibly taste good -- with the exception of maybe some frozen yogurt or doughnuts. Canyon seems like an upscale cousin to a Denny's or Claim Jumpers. The menu is very ambitious. The steaks look great. The mashed potatoes were cold. The food tastes processed. The servers were a bit overwhelmed. The cornbread was amazing. This may be the perfect place to take your kinda cool grandma on her birthday.
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Review from Dave B.
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA
11/18/2011 1 Check-in Here
Really good soups, especially the tortilla soup.
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Review from Mike L.
Alta Loma, CA
4/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
first off, the waitress was great and so was the service.
I ordered there cheeseburger and it was OK,
one of those, not great but not bad. Same thing with the french fries.
Id go back but it wouldnt be a rush. -
Review from Chad L.
Mission Viejo, CA
Updated - 8/5/2011 8 Check-ins Here
Back again last night and had another great family dinner. My son tried the cast iron trout and ate until he was ready to burst.
Things were a little slow so Allison paid lots of attention and service was great.
There are new summer specials starting July 1st that are worth checking out. Looking forward to half price wine night.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/19/2011
Our family's favorite "go to" place for dinner. Favorites are the Sonora Chicken pasta,… Read more »
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Review from Fred H.
Mission Viejo, CA
12/20/2011
Good, but not great. Pleasant atmosphere...friendly staff...food just OK.
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Review from Gina C.
Coto De Caza, CA
11/7/2011
LOVE the martinis at Canyon! Spicy shrimp appetizer is wonderful if you can handle spicy. :-) Love going to happy hour with my hubby or a girlfriend.
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Review from Gary L.
Atascadero, CA
9/5/2011
Ate here the other night while visiting friends. The service was great, the food was great, from the Calamari appetizers, to the Flat iron salad, and prime rib, all were delicious. I can't think of a bad thing to say, except, just a tad overpriced. If there was a 3.5 stars I would give that, but better than 3 stars, so 4 it is!
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Review from John D.
Petaluma, CA
8/26/2010
Bloody Mary: worst I've ever had
Biscuits & gravy: sent back
Hollandaise: out of a can
Eggs: cold undercooked
Coffee: flavorless -
Review from Diane H.
Mission Viejo, CA
8/21/2010
I really wanted to like this restaurant.
Ambience: The ambience was really lacking in the dining area. The lights were pretty bright, almost florescent. It was just awkward. A big space with huge booths and then tables in the middle. The colors were just bland, reminded me of a Carrows or Marie Callendars.
Service: Was nice. She was very attentive. I will say that things came out very quickly. Almost too quickly. Giving it a diner-ish feel. Kind of strange.
Food: Husband had the crab stuffed halibut with mashed potatoes and asparagus spears. It didn't have a strong flavor and was fine, just very forgettable. I had the mac n cheese. It was good, very rich. Borderline alfredo tasting. The blueberry cornbread was good, but again, for the prices ($13 for mac n cheese, about $22 or so for my husband's dish, $8 or $9 martinis) I would have expected something a little, I don't know, nicer? The watermelon martini was great. Like previous posters have said, it was pureed, perfect drink for a hot day.
Sorry, I won't be going back or recommending it. It may be a good place for happy hour, but not for a nicer dinner. For 2 martinis, 2 beers, 2 entrees, our tab was about $85 after tip. -
Review from Jim R.
Laguna Hills, CA
6/11/2011
High-end prices for mediocre Food and Drinks The Appy's were good, but the Entree's were nothing to write home about. I had the Stuffed Halibut and it had the strongest Fish smell, none too appetizing. My wife had a Steak that had no flavor except for the sauce.
I doubt I will go here again. -
Review from Anita I.
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA
5/28/2011
The layout is a bit awkward (especially the seating around the bar area); wish they would reconsider this. Food is good though. Hubby and I usually split appetizers such as the filet mignon skewers or fruit and cheese platter. My hubby drools over the mac and cheese. The watermelon martini is good (I usually ask them to make it not too sweet). Went there last night, our server was attentive, always a plus.
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Review from Jonathan L.
Sparks, NV
1/9/2011
I've gone here before; I've had some cocktails here and had the mothers day brunch here. It was good.
Nothing really bad, maybe average. -
Review from John W.
Long Beach, CA
5/7/2009
This place has some great food... I will give them that. But when it comes to drink prices, speed, and environment, this just isn't my place. I have yet to see the place busy or packed and with that you would think your service would be fast and friendly. And while I will give them points for being "nice", I just haven't experienced much beyond that in the 10+ times I have come.
Ribs = outstanding.
Shrimp = scrumptious
Bacon Wrapped Appetizer = Must Try
Drinks = Drink in the parking lot, your house, bar across the street prior to coming lol.
As another reviewer mentioned, you are going to drop 60 bucks or so on two people. Add multiple drinks on top of that and you hit 100 dollars for two people on a Friday night easy.
Over all I just wish their prices were a little lower. I am positive if they were, the place wouldn't draw such an older crowd and would make a lot more money. Oh and on Fridays they have a live band that is always pretty decent. Plenty of heaters on the patio for those late nights out. ;)
It's nice and a good quiet place to take your significant other out for the evening and not worry about noise or distractions. -
Review from Steph L.
San Diego, CA
12/28/2008 1 photo
Came here on a Friday night for some cocktails and comida with a girlfriend. I hate, hate, HATE sweet and fruity girl drinks but the bartender Brent convinced me to try their Strawberry Lemon Drop, and I have to admit it was delicious. (This is coming from a Belvedere Dirty Martini swilling girl.) Sweet but not gaggingly so, and it packed enough of a punch I only needed two before I thought dancing with men older than my dad was a great idea. It should be noted that these men had all gotten either botox or plastic surgery--yep, we're in the OC so that's the crowd we be drinkin with! Don't be jealous....
My friend and I split an entree-- medium rare flat iron steak with jumbo shrimp with asparagus and garlic mashed potatoes. It was more than enough food for two people, and I was impressed enough that I recommended it to my parents, who know and will judge harshly steak preparation and presentation.
Loved the ambiance of Canyon: the firepit in the middle of the room was cozy, and the bar was fully of friendly people more than willing to tell you their life story. (Bob and your sweet wife Donna--I enjoyed meeting you and thanks for the relationship advice!)
If I were a divorced woman of 45, looking to flirt with some perfectly aged Orange County man meat, Canyon would be the biz-ness! For now though, I will keep my patronage to daylight hours, but will start practicing my prowling cougar face in the mirror for future reference. -
Review from Chris R.
Mission Viejo, CA
6/29/2011
I am a Georgia native and cornbread is one of the high topics of conversation in the south when it comes to food. Who would have thought this Southern California spot would have some of the most amazing corn bread on the planet. The Filet Mignon scewers are great too. Also if you want a tasty off the menu item order up "The executive". Its grilled sandwich with shaved prime rib with pepperjack cheese. Its a little greasy but tastes awesome!
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Review from Laura L.
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA
2/20/2011
I REALLY want to like it here- why do they have to fight me?
I have lived in RSM for over 11 years. Canyon is one of those places that has a great location, a great atmosphere and has the occasional great dish served. I have tried everything from steak to salmon to meatloaf and even a burger in this restaurant. We know now if we want our steak medium rare, order it medium. If we want it even more cooked, order it well done. If you order a medium rare steak, expect it to be bloody and practically mooing. Don't say I didn't warn you.
The meatloaf is lovely but every bite you take makes you wonder how much bigger your britches need to be.
If they say the meal comes with veggies? Expect a couple pieces of asparagus and some carrots.
The salads are good. If you like cornbread, it comes standard with every table seated and I suggest you give it a try. Lunch and dinner cornbread is served warm in a cast iron dealio. Breakfast (weekends only) also has cornbread in cast iron but they have blueberries added. It was good today as we waited. And waited. And WAITED for our meal. A family seated WELL after us had food 10 minutes after they ordered. We sat and waited for our two orders of pancakes, a side of scrambled eggs and my 'Canyon Breakfast' of eggs, bacon, potatoes and toast. The side of eggs were TERRIBLY overdone and dry. Though I ordered toast they still brought biscuits, which I immediately said (to the manager on duty who was expediting though our waitress only had three friggin tables) to take back as I ordered toast instead. My eggs, bacon and potatoes were served and it took another 6 minutes for my toast to arrive. Meanwhile, our waitress was lost at sea it seems. She didn't come to check on us, she didn't offer any tobasco or ketchup. She didn't even come to see if everything had arrived and if we wanted anything else. Maybe she couldn't resist the lovely snowy mountains we all enjoyed through the large window and was off for a hike? I dunno as she only returned ONCE to collect some plates, ignoring my blatant credit card sitting at the edge of the table. I finally called the manager/expeditor over and asked if I could PLEASE get my bill? She took my card immediately and our errant waitress returned, without apology, about 5 minutes later with the billfold. My children and I had been finished with our food for over 15 minutes before I was able to catch that manager to get my bill paid. All said and done we were there over an hour and a half for a simple 3 plate breakfast. Combined with our recent dinner experiences (and this waitress was the server we had literally only less than 2 weeks ago when we came for dinner and she was VERY slow that time as well) I can honestly say it will be quite a while before I go to Canyon again.
Which is too bad as they are genuinely one of the nicer places to go in town when it comes to atmosphere.
Word of warning: If your waitress comes to your table and asks, "How are we doing?": RUN. Or at least ask for a different server. This poor girl does NOT deserve to be serving for a living. It, I guarantee you, will be the worst service you get for a higher priced meal in town. The "how are *WE* doing" greeting is annoying enough. Being left to hang for ridiculously long periods of time? No excuse, IMO.
Good for groups? yes- they have seating off the bar for larger parties.
Kids? Sure. We are in RSM after all. But!!! Two simply annoying kids today REALLY made this experience even worse because, due to the lack of music (and lack of apparent parental recognition?) every scream, yell, whatever from the kids in the bar area made everyone else shudder. Frequently. It seemed like it was somehow magnified- I blame it on the dead silence due to the lack of music and the servers yelling, "CORNER!" every 45 seconds.
Which reminds me: they shut off the music inexplicably about 5 minutes into our getting there. It was sooooo quiet and uncomfortable because you could literally HEAR yourself echo off the walls. I really don't understand why they did that? I ended up texting my daughters because we didn't want to have everyone listening to our conversation. (And we were talking about how miserable we were. We really just wanted to get up and leave.) -
Review from Angela V.
Orange County, CA
12/22/2008
I've eaten here like a million times. The food is goooood. I love the ribs and chicken entree because it's big enough to share with 3 people. Drink are gooood. The staff is really really nice. I always eat outside in the patio and they put a ton of heat lamps out there. Even when I was still cold, the waitress offered me her sweater:) On fridays they have a live band playing. I think there's a tiny space to dance inside.
The only drawback is that its basically made for old people. Like really old people. The average person is like late 30's. I heard they taped an episode of Real Housewives OC here. I never thought I would like a place like this but I do. Later in life, when I become a full on MILF, this will be my favorite spot. lol -
Review from Melissa L.
Costa Mesa, CA
11/9/2008
I really like Canyon for several different reasons.
1. Food-Very Good. The menu has choices ranging from traditional comfort food (meatloaf, chicken pot pie) to somewhat upscale comfort food (mac-n-cheese) to sort of fancy food (salmon salad, seafood dishes). They have a good selection of appetizers, and they give you awesome, sweet cornbread after you order.
2. Bar service-the wine list is good, and priced what you would expect in RSM, the martinis are nice and strong and if you come on a weekend, it is usually cougar-palooza in the bar area, which is fun for me to watch.
3. Service-always good. I come here every Wednesday for a faux "date night" with my friend and we are always recognized and well taken care of. Also, any other time I have come, the service has been good.
A few of my faves are...mac-n-cheese w/ ham...AMAZING, and large enough to take half home for later, the fruit and cheese appetizer plate, the grilled artichoke.
One sad note...they used to offer s'mores as a dessert where you they would bring a little sterno flame out to your table and you could roast your own marshmallows and assemble the s'mores yourself, it was AWESOME. But, apparently the fire marshal shut that down b/c it was a fire hazard...boo.
If I have to stay in RSM to eat, Canyon is one of the places I really enjoy. -
Review from Christina K.
Yorba Linda, CA
5/7/2008
I usually come here with my boss/co-workers for lunch since we work nearby. It has a good atmosphere for more private conversations, and the service is usually pretty attentive.
I really love the canyon turkey (cranberry) sandwich- just really great flavors that all work together. I also enjoy the salmon salad, and they give you pretty big portions.
If you're lucky, you might pick the right day they offer the SQUASH soup of the day. It's AMAZING! Creamy, a little sweet, and light. -
Review from Bea B.
Ladera Ranch, CA
I love this restaurant! The indoor fire pit and the large bar give it a very nice appeal. I started off with the ahi appetizer and calamari which were amazing! And to our surprise we also got a complimentary cornbread which we even asked if we could take home because it was so good! - mind you I never take things home. For my entree I ordered the macadamian nut encrusted halibut. It was amazing, it also came with some mango type topping which paired off great. Came with mashed potatoes and veggies :). My boyfriend got the prime rib which also came with mashed potatoes and veggies. His was to die for ! I ended up trying to pick off his plate. How we had room for dessert is crazy but we did it anyway! We had the warm apple pie and vanilla ice cream on the side. We came in hungry and we left with a very happy tummy. :)
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Review from Jamie W.
2/23/2010
Hubby and I have been frequenting Canyon Fireside since our move to Rancho 5 years ago but for whatever reason I've never yelped about it till now...
This place is great for breakfast (weekends), lunch or dinner. The food is consistently of good quality and tasty. The service is always superb. Standout dishes include the shrimp appy (spicy goodness), the chicken sonora pasta and the cioppino.
I was a little surprised to read some of the negative reviews about Canyon and think they are pretty much undeserved. We come here almost weekly, know good food from bad and have never had any issues with service or the food. As for the prices I would say it's pretty much middle of the road and comparable to other restaurants in this area.
The patio here is great. On the weekends we sit in the sun and drink mai tais with lunch. Thankfully we are within walking distance to home!Listed in: RSM
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Review from Jay A.
Mission Viejo, CA
7/7/2008
Very nice place. Never had a bad meal here. Good place for business lunches (private tents, yes, I said tents,and tents are cool).
Just had the Canyon Mac and Cheese. It was very good. This aint no Kraft crap from a box. This is kicked up a few notches!! Vermont white chedder and country smoked ham...
They sometimes offer the "Executive Sandwich" Get it!! Thinly sliced roast beef with pepper jack cheese. Also, the ribs are quite good.
Full bar and a nice fireplace you can sit around. -
Review from Nicole W.
Irvine, CA
12/27/2009
THE BOMB Watermelon Martinis!!! They are made with fresh watermelon puree, so it tastes like you are sipping, well, fresh watermelon. I can gulp 4 or 5 of these babies down in 2 minutes flat, they are that good. Not too sweet (a lot of other places make watermelon martinis like Jolly Rancher sweet, and that sucks).
Also like the Happy Hour margherita pizza. It's more of an older crowd since the Opah down the street has closed. Good happy hour stuff though, good place to chill after work with a friend or 2. -
Review from Ash L.
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA
8/5/2008
Canyon's is a nice mix of original quality food, classy atmosphere, and down to earth customers.
I have never had a meal there I didn't enjoy. There is a good variety of nice appetizers, filling meals, and lighter salads. Meals come with fresh made cornbread. There is also an extensive list of specialty martini's.
I like Canyon's because it is not as pretentious as some other places in Rancho (such as Opah). It's ok to go there for a beer at the bar and listen to a live band, or to bring the kids for an (expensive) family dinner, or even an intimate date. Service is sometimes hit or miss, but in general I have no complaints on that end.
A nice restaurant choice in the RSM area. Sign up for their mailing list and receive a free appetizer coupon during your birthday month. -
Review from Thisa S.
Irvine, CA
4/9/2011
Good service, good prices and the food was good. I had the shrimp Sonora pasta which was yummy and my husband had the steak sandwich. We were both pleasantly surprised how good it was.
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Review from Danielle P.
Trabuco, CA
10/12/2008
If I could give this place 3.5 stars, I would. First thing I noticed was the cozy interior. It's like being in a contemporary lodge. My husband and I ordered the same thing for once, the seafood kabob, which was tasty. The service was good as well. They featured live music while we dined, so that was a nice touch. I would go here again.
Word of advice, the cornbread is great, but next time, I would save it for dessert, for it is sweet and cakelike. -
Review from Kelly I.
Dublin, CA
5/22/2008
Mom and I split a lovely salmon salad complete with sliced pears, candied pecans, soft, mild goat cheese, and maple vinegarette over mixed greens. It was the perfect amount for a light lunch and the server gave us no trouble about splitting it, even dividing it on two plates for us. I hate when places charge for split orders. Paradise Iced Tea and some bread to start rounded out our meal. It was a little pricy but the quality and service was great. We would of loved to sit outside, since the patio looked nice, but it was too stinkin' hot out last weekend. The interior is a little dark for the daytime but I'm sure it looks great in the evening.
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Review from Anthony A.
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA
Updated - 12/28/2010 3 Check-ins Here
I didn't want to write this in as a quick tip because it's too lengthy, but I stopped in here yesterday with a friend for happy hour. Place was dead, got a couple cold ones and ordered the pulled pork sliders off the appetizer menu. I had heard these were great, but in truth they're actually gross. The pork tastes like it's been sitting in its own greasy filth for hours, possibly days, and then re-heated and served up on a bun with some nasty onion rings strewn about on the plate and over the sliders. I choked a couple down because I was starving, but I had to stop after the taste was seriously starting to get to me. When the server came by to collect my plate, he asked if I got full too quickly. I told him that I wasn't full, I just thought they didn't taste very good and I wasn't digging them. He looked at me, said nothing and walked away. Nice customer service, jackmaster. I didn't expect to be comped, but you could at least feign interest in giving half a crap.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/29/2010
I don't think I'd set foot inside here since sometime around when it opened, maybe in '01 or '02. I… Read more »
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Review from Patrick B.
Orange County, CA
11/9/2008
I've been to Canyon Fireside Grille for lunch three times when I was in the area. It's a pretty good place to have nice, casual meal with waiter service.The lunch specials I've had were reasonably priced and pretty good: the mac n cheese with chunks of ham and the bacon-wrapped meatloaf with bourbon mushroom gravy. My friend had their salmon and she liked it.
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Review from CC B.
Irvine, CA
5/31/2011
I have only eaten here a couple of times for weekend breakfast and it was yummy both times. If you get there right when it opens you'll have to no problems getting a table on a Sun morning but it does get real busy shortly after that. They bring you some type of appetizer to munch on while you wait for your entree- First time we got biscuits, 2nd time we had mini scones- both were very good. I had the Monte Crisco the first time and it was just ok and the 2nd time I had the Ham Bendict which was very good. We go out for breakfast often and will be returning to this place.
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Review from nona l.
El Toro, CA
7/20/2008
a nicer dining experience than most other places in rsm. i have only eaten here for dinner. the service has always been great - they notice when silverware is needed, and when glasses get low. they bring out tasty, sinful cornbread to start the meal. i have enjoyed both steak and seafood here, and the waitress was very straightforward with me when i asked about a particular dish on the menu. i'm a fan of the shrimp cocktail, and the pork chop. the macaroni and cheese is good, and a nice twist on comfort food.
decor is warm and the bar always seems to have regulars chatting about whatever game is being shown on tv.
i have never tried it, but i've seen other tables get a little fire and the makin's for s'mores! yum! -
Review from Grant G.
Los Angeles, CA
6/17/2007
This is a terrific resturant with an incredible atmosphere, great service, outstanding food, and an all around good time. It is a little more high in then most steak houses, but is worth every penny. They have live music wednesday to saturday after 9 oclock, a bar, and big party tents (they are really nice). One of the highlights of the restuarnt is the big fire pit in the middle of the resturant were you can sit and get cocktails. Canyon's is a one of a kind experience that is sure to tickle your taste buds and create a new place that will be your usual place!
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Review from Mike C.
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA
12/30/2008
The food is good, nothing great. But the prices are obnoxious. Drinks are about $8-12. Food is basically $20 and up. So expect to pay 60 for 2 people. Service is very good. I never see the place to busy, and can be nice when you just want to have a quiet time with a friend or family. If the prices were better, I would probably come here a more often. I just really think it is well over priced for what is being offered.
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Review from Jake A.
Surprise, AZ
3/11/2008
All-around good place. Large Menu. Restaurant is a little higher end, but the food quality represents that. They do lunch and dinner and have a bar area.
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Review from Robert D.
Hudson, MA
3/5/2010
Nothing special
