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Old Place Restaurant
Category: Restaurants American (New) American (New) [Edit]
29983 Mulholland HwyAgoura Hills, CA 91301
(818) 706-9001
- Hours:
Mon, Thu-Sat 4 pm - 11 pm
Sat-Sun 9 am - 4 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Loud
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
90 reviews for Old Place Restaurant
Review Highlights
"Make sure you try the noodle bake or the mushrooms."
(in 5 reviews)
"Small winery next door and lots of old time charm."
(in 6 reviews)
"Also, there is a really cool wine tasting room adjacent."
(in 10 reviews)
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90 reviews in English
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Review from Bob S.
North Hollywood, CA
2/6/2012
God damn! This place could punch me in the face and have me licking its knuckles. Everything I've had here has been exceptionally delicious. The grill is 42 years old and anything that's cooked on it comes off wonderfully seasoned to the point of demanding some degree of contemplation.
The staff is charming and about as attentive as could be while maintaining a casual atmosphere.
The menu is small, but I find that to be a benefit as I'm indecisive enough with the small number of items available.
You can easily drop $100 for dinner for two, but I think the "they're expensive" assessment is a bit much when you consider there is a $12 sirloin that is delicious on the larger side portion-wise and comes with a salad and baked potato. For what you get for the money, you're almost stealing! I found that the more I spend, I'm still getting far more than what I pay for in return. The chicken pot pie here will render all other dishes by the same name sad, obsolete gravy puddles. The rosemary rubbed chicken is grilled giving it a smoky flavor and the generous topping of mashed potatoes on top goes so well with the crust and filling.
Desserts, oh sometimes I want to come to the Old Place just for you! The apple tart is flaky and wonderful with whipped cream made just for your own dish, it's fucking beautiful in the most decadent leisure eating sort of way.
Heads up, if I've compelled you to visit the Old Place, I am proud to have helped you along. Just help yourself by making a reservation. Seats are few and they fill up fast. -
Review from Cheryl R.
Simi Valley, CA
1/30/2012 1 Check-in Here
I'm not really certain why this place has an average of 4.5 stars. Maybe with that kind of rating I was expecting more and got less.
We went on a Sunday at 12:30pm for lunch and had about a 10 minute wait. We were lucky when we went to sit at the bar, that people at a table wanted to swap our bar seats for their table. The menu is extremely limited for lunch, but breakfast is served until 2pm, so you have a few more options.
After we were seated, we waited about five minutes before our waitress stopped by and said she would bring us menus. There was a glass bottle on the table containing water that appeared to be refillable, but the contents looked a bit questionable once we poured it into the glasses, as there was stuff floating in it. As we continued to wait for our menus, a young lady came by to take our drink orders, which were served promptly (they were bottled drinks -- Dad's root beer in a bottle, along with an off brand bottled ice tea). When our waitress did finally come back, she sat down at one of the chairs at our table and asked what we would like. We had to point out that we still hadn't seen menus and she did the eye-roll and tried to apologize. When we were finally ready to order, we asked if we could have two separate checks to make paying easier and the waitress informed us that they don't do that, but she figured she could make an exception (it seriously seemed like a big deal to her).
We ordered a steak sandwich with the noodle bake and two chicken sandwiches with the wedge fries. The steak was cooked to my liking, however the long strips and fibrous texture made it difficult to take bites of it without the entire sandwich falling apart. The steak was on toasted sourdough bread with bleu cheese mayo and grilled onions. One side of the sandwich was very crunchy (almost hurting to bite into), while the other side was soggy from the mayo, onions and steak juices. It was difficult to pick up and eat, so a fork and knife were the better option. Other Yelpes raved about the noodle bake, but I just found it to be a very heavy cream sauce over egg noodles (nothing special).
The other diners in our party both enjoyed their chicken sandwiches and commented on how good the aioli was on it. Considering their plates were cleared, I would assume they liked it the wedges as well.
Overall the service was mediocre at best. We asked for ketchup which we never got (had to steal it off another table) and our plates weren't cleared until well after we finished and the waitress brought our check. Considering the size of our table, it would have been nice to have some room.
The ambience of the place it definitely that of an old rustic run down bar. Tables are close together (we were in the corner by the piano and had to maneuver around patrons when trying to get up). Unfortunately with seats that close, the noise level gets pretty loud.
Being on the infamous Mulholland Hwy probably helps to keep this place in business. I would go back again if I was in the area, but it isn't the type of place I would make a special trip for. If you are a true foodie, you may this place to be just average. -
Review from Florence L.
WOODLAND HLS, CA
1/30/2012 1 Check-in Here
Very average. The place has 4 and a half stars. I really thought it was going to be better. I'm almost sure I ordered all the "not so good" stuff there.
I loveeeee mimosas. Theirs is call the MANmosa. It comes in a big 12oz glass and it is not so good! For $8 something it is fine, but I have definitely had better a million times over.
We got the flapjacks for app. It was pretty good, but the inside tasted a little undercooked and too soft and soggy.
I ordered the veggie sandwich, which kind of sucked. So bland and flavorless and kind of cold on some parts of the veggie. Ugh! And the bread was hard as sh*t. Got the noodle bake as the side, and that wasn't so great either. The picture looks better then its taste. I should have gotten something else altogether! Boo!
The bf got the chicken sandwich. I think it was literally chicken (dry), splash of mayo on the same hard a$$ bread. Blah! He definitely did not enjoy much. Got a corn something side. That was weird and funky. Not so great.
My 2 other friends got the biscuits and gravy with a side of bacon and the mushroom and goat cheese fritata.
The biscuits and gravy were pretty bomb. She swears its the best she's ever had. I may have to agree. Fluffy, saucey and spicy. Soooo Good. And the bacon...? HELLO PIGGY! Where have you been all my life! BACON!! Gotta try the bacon! The thickest, perfectly cut, perfectly cooked, bacon. Yummy!! Bacon, bacon, bacon! I feel like that stupid dog treat commercial! Haha
The fritata seemed ok. Oops, I didn't even really ask how it was but it looked good. I do want to give this place another try. If it was just the food I had or the bf had, I definitely would have given this place less stars for food, but my girlfriends food was so good that I had to give them atleast the 3 stars.
I do want to try this Old Place again, but maybe not anytime soon! Next time... the grilled cheese for sure! Should have gone with My gut, but I tried to be healthy. That's what I get for trying to hard T_T !! Lol!! -
Review from Scooterpie S.
Los Angeles, CA
1/23/2012
A "B" Health Department Rating in a "5-Star" Restaurant? WTF?
I usually PASS on anything less than an "A" because even "A"s can be disgusting. A "B" I expect from some filthy steam-table joint. But my friends really wanted to go here so I held my nose and went in. They were packed and we were warned there would be a long wait. But the wait is because the kitchen and the service is so excruciatingly SLOW that they can't get any food out and turn the tables. And they can't get any food out because they're so busy - huh? Isn't this what you're in business for??? Get it together kids.
So after half an hour of no food yet, they gave us a free little cinnamon roll to stall us. Nice, but we'd really rather have had our breakfast. 45 minutes for the vaunted "Blue Corn" pancakes - and then they're delivered uncooked and RAW in the center - which really disgusts me - so they went mostly uneaten. I can't believe all the 5-star ratings here on Yelp because the place is really a dirty kitchey hole in the wall, no matter how pretentious the menu, and is certainly no Saddle Peak. If they ever bother to show the concern and respect they owe their patrons and get their Health Dept. rating up to an "A", I might go back to see what all the fuss is about. But not soon. I was not impressed.Comment from Tim S. of Old Place Restaurant 1/30/2012
Dear Scooterpie, I feel as though the cowboy riding the bomb… More » -
Review from Irene C.
2/8/2012 1 Check-in Here
Unique restaurant with lots of character on Mulholland in the hills between Malibu and Thousand Oaks. My boyfriend likes nighttime driving, so we stopped in for a late dinner and it was a nice break from town. Even on a week day, there was a bit of a wait around 9 pm as we didn't have reservations and the dining room is small -- about five largeish booths, some small tables, and most of the seating at the bar. We waited with a bottle of wine at the Cornell tasting room next door (reduced corkage fee at the restaurant if you buy wine there). I wasn't expecting much from the food, but everything we ordered turned out great, especially the mussels and the cheesy noodle bake. When busy, they are likely to run out of some things on the menu and due to the location, it's not like you can really run down to the supermarket and pick up more ingredients. Though this can be aggravating to some, it kind of makes it feel more like your crotchety grandparents' cabin where you just happened to stop by for dinner. Service and company were also hearty and pleasant.
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Review from Alex K.
Redondo Beach, CA
1/23/2012
Nice place to have lunch; very rustic wood decor. Sandwiches are good, about $11-12. Service was fine. There's even a winery next door. Definitely a better spot to have lunch than Neptune's if you're riding, but keep your rev-happy mindset away from here... it's a rather quiet establishment on the outside. They do take reservations if you have a big party.
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Review from Rennee D.
Camarillo, CA
2/4/2012
This has to be one of my favorite restaurants ever. The atmosphere, the experience and the food was all amazing. We arrived and were greated by a friendly host who took our names down for the reservations. It was going to be a bit of a wait but we had time, so we headed next door to the winery to enjoy a nice bottle of wine. Once our place was ready at the restaurant we headed back and enjoyed a culinary experience that completely caught us off guard. The place is so rustic that we imagined we would get an 'ol meat and potatotes dish. However, we got a very hearty, comfort-food like dish with a flair of Chef Ledesma's gourmet additions. I had the prime rib, which melts in your mouth! This place is right off the freeway (about 4 miles) and its like stepping back in time. Its a fun, lively place and certainly worth the wait.
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Review from Alexis D.
Calabasas, CA
12/25/2011
Had a really nice experience here last week. My wife and I picked the restaurant randomly thanks to Yelp. I had no idea what to expect.
We missed out on a reservation for their only 2-top table, but we went hoping to get a seat at the bar. We were first in line and got a seat within 10 minutes of arriving.
The entire wait/bar staff was super friendly and attentive. There was a feel of a neighborhood joint where they know everyone there and like talking to people. They were also helpful picking out food.
We got a meat special - bone in "natural" filet, the mac and cheese and the brussel sprouts. Everything was very good and the portions were plenty big. The meat was flavorful, with a nice smoky, fresh grilled flavor. The mac and cheese was delicious and something I will get again.
Very simply menu but with a nice set of options to give some semblance of choice. Truly a nice find and worth visiting if you're in the area. -
Review from Elizabeth S.
Agoura Hills, CA
12/5/2011
I live just up the road from this restaurant and I am so glad it has endured all these years. The history of this spot is fantastic, and reason enough to visit. The interior of this building is original and extremely old. The bar large and fantastic, with one long bench to sit at. The booths are all wood, and extremely beautiful. They have a great menu, with a lot of variety, but I would not recommend this place to a vegetarian, as their meat is what they are most famous for. They make a fantastic steak, their duck is great, their chicken is good. They make a fantastic creamed corn. I have had brunch here a couple of times and would recommend the french toast and the Omeletes, but not their pancakes. All in all I just love this place!
Make sure you make a reservation far in advance, at least two weeks. The noise level can be obnoxiously high, it is not very good for first dates. -
Review from Laura S.
Los Angeles, CA
1/21/2012
This is an experience -- like going back in history. Tucked up in the Santa Monica mountains it is like going to Big Sur for dinner. Small, quirky and friendly, it is a great place when you're yearning for something simple and rustic. Reservations are a must, and while you wait for dinner you can go next door and have a wine tasting at the winery. It's worth it to come when it's light out to appreciate the beauty of the surroundings. It's old California at its best.
The food -- outrageous, delicious, amazing. I am going back next weekend for brunch to check it out. Take Mulholland and turn at Troutdale, quite a unique experience. -
Review from Kira V.
Ashland, MO
2/2/2012
Edwin is the best bartender. Fun welcoming and hot!!! Hello.
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Review from Melanie D.
Simi Valley, CA
11/28/2011
What a GEM of a place! With the right expectations it's a must-go on the itinerary for both locals and visitors.
What signage?
Meekly advertised at best, judging by the crowds this place draws I can understand if the motivation to improve its visibility from the road remains low.
Parking
Seems ample. All around to the left and right sides and behind the building.
Ambiance
Saloon meets restaurant but almost in an authentic vs. cheeky way. If it weren't a stone's throw from Malibu and the parking lot weren't lined with name-your-luxury-car-here, horses and saddles wouldn't be out of place.
It's small-ish...but adds to the fun!
This place is made up of one corridor lined with booths facing one long bar with bar stools and a few other tables tightly squeezed where they (barely) fit.
The Food
We just missed brunch (weekends from 9-2!) which looked superb but we indulged in hot sandwiches from the lunch menu. Everything was solid; the meats were well seasoned, the breads were nicely grilled (panini style) and the salads were not whimpy (healthy mixed greens, not watery lettuce).
Gulp..
Good wine list. Decent beer selections.
I'd avoid..
The baked pasta. They make it sound like baked mac and cheese but it simply lacks any flavor or kick.. (My opinion on this was shared by several people at the bar who ordered the same thing)
Must-do's
Reservations for dinner or big groups. A visit next door to Cornell Winery. What a local selection they have!! -
Review from Sam L.
11/24/2011
This is one of the strangest restaurants I've ever been to...and I mean that in a good way.
I was actually taken to this restaurant at night... it's off of Las Virgenes and on Mulholland... but in the hills. We went at night...so no street lights. If you roll down the window, you can here the "ribbit ribbit" of the frogs. Amazing.
When we approached the restaurant, I was beyond taken aback. It felt like I stepped into the Wild West. Seriously. It was the only thing lit on this tiny looking back road place...and you could hear country music coming from this small little shack looking place. Very rustic...and authentic. Something I would have envisioned in the middle of the south...but not in Calabasas.
You park on the street off the restaurant...and it's pitch black. I seriously needed to hold on to someone to keep from falling...and you're walking in dirt..since you really can't see in front of you...and no one was leaving at that time...so no lights at all.
When we reached the front, there were some people playing some musical instruments... I have no recollection of what they were. Something western. I'm not a musical person... but they were definitely playing country music. It was seriously like stepping into another time and place.
You have to walk up a couple stairs to get to the restaurant...which is entirely made of rustic worn wood. The inside is very small...and very very tightly packed. There is a bar...which takes up the entire right side of the restaurant. Luckily, it's an older place...so there wasn't anyone obnoxious...and it was very old-fashioned somehow. There are maybe 4-5 booths on the right side and then at the end of those there are two tables. I sat in the corner..in the tiny table. It was cramped but very intimate and I'm such a country girl at heart...so I loved it. There were a whole bunch of old farming implements on the wall...and the whole place is buzzing in the pitch black darkness.
The food was pretty good. Pretty basic country dishes. The only problem is they run out a lot of stuff. I wanted to try the chicken pot pie (love!) but they were out. I ended up having the rosemary chicken...which was huge and the mushrooms were delicious.
I hear it was an old post office...which makes sense. The bar must have been the counter...and they just added some seating on the other side. It's so quaint...and was definitely an experience I will never forget. It is like stepping back in time for a minute...or into Back to the Future III at least. :) -
Review from Sam N.
Los Angeles, CA
10/16/2011
I've been here twice. The first time I probably would have given it 4-5 stars. Second time, not so much.
I'm not one to give bad reviews because of little mishaps, as long as the food is good in the end. However, I can't bring myself to do that here.
All the food was good, as long as you're okay knowing you're probably eating a whole stick of butter over the course of dinner.
We brought our own wine not from the winery next door, which meant a $20 corkage fee. NO one alerted us of this at any point! $5 for wine next door, but $20 for your own? That's a little ridiculous. This place isn't a fancy establishment in Hollywood, it's deep in the canyon and we drove 45 minutes to get there from the city.
Then our bill, which should have been no more than $120 (including the surprise corkage fee), came out to over $190! The initial addition before adding tip wasn't even right, it wasn't just a careless mistake. We nicely asked them to please change it and recharge our cards. 10 more minutes and a revised charge ... still wrong! Did they think we weren't going to notice? Did they think we were too drunk to see they were overcharging us? At this point, I was really pissed off. The waiter was less than apologetic and his attitude towards his double mistake was unacceptable.
I would have really appreciated an apology from this restaurant to keep my trust in them. I will not be changing my review until my credit card is correctly charged and I receive an apology...though I am not sure it is going to happen.
This is the second biggest city in the country...I think we'll find a new place to go next time.Comment from Tim S. of Old Place Restaurant 10/17/2011
If you order a stick of butter and eat it, how is this our… More » -
Review from lauren h.
Westlake Village, CA
11/2/2011
I love The Old Place!
The food is delicious and actually a pretty good value. I usually get the sirloin ($19) and it is enough to share.
The service is always fantastic! They treat you like friends rather than patrons.
Make sure you try the noodle bake or the mushrooms...so delicious.
The rib eye is also very good. HUUUUGE. I don't know if I could ever finish it.
Also, save room for dessert. If they have the chocolate chip cookie skillet thing, you must try it. Well worth the calories.
One more thing...make a reservation! -
Review from Mike V.
Los Angeles, CA
11/22/2011 1 Check-in Here
Not only is the location fantastic, but the food and atmosphere were great too.
The Old Place was a post office originally. Small town western feel. It's small, very small. But that's half the charm. Think 7 tables and a long bar, all wood, low ceilings and food served in skillets.
I had the clams and cheese plate, both fantastic. There's a great wine store next door. Buy there and carry over - or grab a pint of some of the great beer they offer.
There's a room for 12 in the back, a party room next door and from what they tell me, a wine tasting room up the street. Plan on spending some time around the area, it's beautiful.
I'd recommend the place highly, it's a great escape from LA and a romantic wild card in anyone's back pocket. -
Review from Jennifer G.
West Hills, CA
1/8/2012
Heaven. Great Food great service. Make sure you book ahead or you have to wait for a seat at the bar behind me!
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Review from Kevin U.
Simi Valley, CA
12/22/2011
Tonight we enjoyed an appetizer feast...Roasted Carrot Soup, Seafood Chowder, Sautéed Mushroom Skillet, Noodles w/ Cheese, Elk Sausage w/ a Balsamic Reduction and a tasty Allagash Curieux (http://www.allagash.co...). YUM!!! We enjoy the libations, food, people and ambiance of the Old Place and it is becoming one of our favorite spots.
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Review from David M.
9/18/2011 1 Check-in Here
Would be 5 stars but -1 star for being out of bacon. :(
We randomly happened upon this place and very glad to have done so! This place doesn't really take itself seriously (you'll note the "cash only" sign above the bar, panic that you don't have any cash, then ask for an ATM and be told that they do in fact accept credit cards...the sign's there as a joke).
Racer 5 on tap, and a chicken sandwich that was better than it had any right to be. The only thing that would've made the experience perfect was, you guessed it, bacon. It's right there on the menu and I would've gladly paid extra for a couple strips on my sandwich; but alas, they were out. Boo.
They were also out of the chocolate chip cookie skillet, which sounded amazing. Well, fine then! We'll just have to come back! Their breakfast looked amazing and I'd venture that their dinner is just as good. Apparently they change their menu each week, which I think is pretty cool.
The staff here are extremely friendly and funny, and made us feel right at home. This is the sort of place I'd expect to find in my small hometown in the mountains, only the food's much better here.
They have a really neat "reservation" system where there's a small chalkboard above each booth that states which tables are booked when. Brilliant! -
Review from summer o.
Los Angeles, CA
9/27/2011
My sweet boyfriend kidnapped me one night for dinner. I was bordering impatience and hunger pains when he drove us far, far, far away from our typical downtown destinations. Imagine my shock (and delight) when we wound up out in the woods at this charming little venue. It's nothing like anything else I've experienced in LA!
The decor is rustic and charming. Surrounded by trees and next to a winery, the setting is relaxing and down to earth. The food was to die for! The pot pie made me weep with happiness and the the cobbler my boyfriend ate for dessert almost made me jealous. I think he loves that cobbler more than me.
The staff was warm and friendly and the ambience was great. Be warned, it's tiny and there aren't a lot of tables--so make a reservation and don't be late. But it's worth the effort ... and the drive. Can't wait to go back. -
Review from Kent H.
Pasadena, CA
8/7/2011
My first time experience was an exception because it looked like everyone around me was having fun and treated well.
In a nutshell, I have rarely felt such disdain from a restaurant toward me as I had at Old Place.
To start from the beginning, my boyfriend heard about this place from his friend, who is a regular. We did our homework and my bf called Old Place and they put us down for reservations for 2 at 8:30 P.M. on the same day. I read other Yelp reviews said Old Place was pretty good about keeping their word on seating at the promised reservation time.
As we were driving from the Glendale/Pasadena area, we decided to get a head start and leave early so we did not get stuck in traffic. We made it to Old Place at 7:40 P.M. The place was utterly charming and had real character! It was everything the reviews and word said and promised. I could not wait to try it out, hearing patrons walk out and talking about how delicious the food was!
Once we got there, we checked in and they told us we had to wait until 8:30 P.M. That was fine, so we sat outside and talked. Soon, more patrons arrived, including a celebrity sighting! At about 8:25 P.M., they started calling out guest names for seating.
We sat right outside the front door, while they started calling out guests to be seated. We didn't hear our name, but wanted to make sure, so we went in to check again. They told us they were running behind, and there would be a big turnaround for the 8:30 reservations soon.
So we waited, as slowly more, larger parties were seated. We understood they were busy, and waited with the people in front, until there was just two more parties around 8:50. My bf went in to check again, and they said we were next.
Finally, when we were called in, the last of all the parties (though the first to arrive), I was directed to sit at the bar, at the very edge where there was barely enough room for one and a half person. As this was my first time, I wasn't sure if that was right... They told us on the phone the reservations were for tables, but we could easily sit at the bar if there were free seats.
To think, we waited almost an hour and a half to sit in an area we could have sat when we first arrived. My bf and I were a little disappointed; my bf explained the situation to them, and they told us these were the only seats available and table reservations were made THREE WEEKS in advance.
It made no sense, as when we called earlier in the day, they took down our reservations and promised a table. When we finally explained the situation again, the man apologized and said he had our table. After a minute, he instructed us to follow him. We found out our table was occupied by two teenagers, who were being kicked out; I noticed each table had the night's reservations, and our name was written on the chalkboard for 8:30 P.M.
At this point, I thought perhaps the teenagers stole our reservations (like in the movie "Date Night").
However, our perky waitress came to take our order and in a snappy tone, told us we kicked out two teenagers because we were LATE for our reservation. Apparently, because we were "no-shows", the teenagers took our reservations, but now had to be kicked out mid-way through their meal because of us showing up.
It seemed like everyone we encountered was making us feel bad, and had disdain for us wanting to eat there. We had to explain to the waitress that we were waiting right outside the door for almost an hour and a half. She then asked if we checked in, like it was our fault for stupidly waiting and doing nothing.
I told her we checked in TWICE (actually, we checked in three times). After she understood the story and apologized for the mix-up, she went to get out drinks. To soften the blow, the drinks were on the house, but I felt I had to keep my guard up in case someone was going to come and accuse me of something else.
After the shaky introduction, I have to say our waitress did a wonderful job during such a busy night. The food was absolutely DIVINE and mouth-watering. We had the noodle and cheese bake, the sirloin steak, rosemary chicken, and strawberry shortcake.
Then there was live music! Old Place has true character, and I can see why people love it. I fell for its charms too.
Although we waited for a long time and the service was mixed, the food was worth it.
However, after I left the restaurant, I still felt uncomfortable and guilty... I've never had a restaurant make me feel like I did something wrong and shouldn't have dined there. The first impression of this restaurant we planned our whole day around was not a great one.
Thus, I will probably not return (at least for a while) even though the food was amazing. My negative experience outweigh the positive for the evening.
My honest, lukewarm review and patronage will certainly not sway anyone's opinion on Old Place, as they have something more than enough customers want.Comment from Tim S. of Old Place Restaurant 8/17/2011
My deepest apologies to you and your partner, I do remember… More » -
Review from Sheri C.
Los Angeles, CA
6/19/2011
We went for an early dinner because it gets crowded, and it was packed, as we anticipated. But, we had reservations and didn't have to wait. This is western cowboy atmosphere, not found in the Valley, Westside or most other parts of Los Angeles...a nice reprieve from the city, though there were some celebrities there.
Just after we ordered, the electricity went out! It was rather exciting, but got a little smokey from the oak wood burning grill. The food came and it was great. The steaks and stew were very good, and the sides and dessert were excellent.
I look forward to trying their brunch. -
Review from Sid P.
Los Angeles, CA
5/11/2011
I love this restaurant - not for the food - but the totality of the experience.
Itching to find something different to do with another couple other than the same ho-hum dining experiences of late (take your minds out of the gutter) the Old Place Restaurant seemed perfect.
I have no true sense of where exactly we drove out to - the ride was long (about an hour or so from Downtown) - the roads became steep - the air was chilled and then as if out of nowhere the Old Place appeared...
The location seems straight out of Hollywood casting...
An old shack (actually an old post office) that looks like it should have fallen down long ago - surrounded by pine trees.
Far enough away from Saturday night West side pretentiousness - Los Feliz Hipsters and East side scenesters but still Los Angeles (at least to me - I believe it's actually in Agoura).
The feeling is relaxed (wear jeans) - the people are real (and so are their tans...).
Inside the restaurant seating is tight so you will need to make a reservation to secure a table (well - booth) for one of the three nightly seatings at either 5PM - 630PM and/or 830PM.
Waiters are brisk and efficient. No attitudes - so keep yours in check.
The menu is straight forward and basic. If you are a vegetarian this is not a place for you.
Beer and wine only (so if you're an alcoholic it might not be for you either - and if you're an alcoholic vegetarian well then I'm not so sure if I know any places for you...).
Highlights are the steamed clam starter. Everyone seems to have them swimming in a garlicky broth with plenty of bread to sop it up on their tables.
We also ordered a Mushroom Gratin served in a cast iron skillet when the owner stopped by to tell us he had foraged for the mushrooms himself from the surrounding area - we didn't doubt him one bit.
It's hearty food - Mac & Cheese and Brussel Sprouts with Bacon next coming to our table.
Then the main courses arrive - the Steaks...
We ordered two Bone-In Rib Eye steaks (which we each split amongst the four of us). It was good - are we talking Peter Luger good - No - not even close... It's two notches down from local chains like Maestros (sorry folks - Maestros is a chain and not near one of the best steak houses in the country - if you think so - you should get out to New York - Chicago - Dallas or Oklahoma City a bit more often to eat your steaks...) - but for less than $25 per person for steak - it is an incredible bargain and a solid contender for best steakhouse at this price point.
Our steaks came with the choice of either Baked or Mashed Potatoes. We opted to try each. The Baked Potatoes were fine - the Mashed not so fine (kind of more like paste castles).
They have other entrees on the menu - like Grilled Half Chicken, Veal and Fish Specials - but you should come here for the steak as you will see almost everyone else does.
For dessert -- we ordered an Apple Cobbler and a Chocolate Chip Cookie concoction that covered the entire bottom of a skillet with a mound of whipped cream on top - if it sounds tasty it's because it was.
Overall a pretty amazing outing on an otherwise average Saturday night.
I do love this Old Place. -
Review from Lindsay H.
Los Angeles, CA
9/14/2011
We had a lovely birthday dinner for my friend. We started next door at the winery for a tasting, and then made our way over for the 8:30pm seating. The staff was gracious and lovely---they made it easy to make reservations ahead of time for the party. Our party was large (9) so we reserved the "mailroom" in the back. The ambience is wonderful there, and we were served by the head chef himself, Oscar, who is delightful. The food was rich and delicious, the portions huge, and the wine was fantastic. Oscar was even able to accomodate a non-dairy person in our party and customize an entree for her.
It was a special night and full of great memories. I would definitely recommend this, it's worth the drive. The decor, the ambience (we listened to Johnny Cash!), and the earnest love of delicious food make this place a gem in Los Angeles. -
Review from berklie b.
Ventura, CA
9/9/2011
I love this place, everything on the menu is exceptional!
My only complaint is the (breakfast) biscuits & gravy (my favorite dish ever) WAY TOO MUCH SALT. I've tried it several times to give it a chance but it majorly burns my mouth and too unpleasant to eat. Also one time there was full on peppercorns that I would chew and realize, oh, those are peppercorns!, and I had to spit them out, the flavor became so horrible.
Sorry Old Place, I love you but please let up on the salt & peppercorns
:-) with the biscuits and gravy???? -
Review from Mary I.
Santa Monica, CA
6/8/2011
Great place, tasty food, always packed. Great steaks, excellent meat and cheese platter, extensive wine list.
Make a reservation! It's such a small place, you will be waiting a while if you don't.
Also, be prepared to wash any of the clothes you wear there. They will smell like fire. -
Review from Eric L.
7/24/2011 1 Check-in Here
Absolutely fabulous! I have come to Old Place a few times with friends and family and absolutely love this place. I wish I had known about it many years ago as I would have become a regular a long time ago.
The moment you walk in you are enveloped in the most amazing smell of wood, grill, and amazing rustic foods which drive you hunger wild. I suggest getting there for an early dinner at the bar as it fills up quickly and the wait can be a while.
Once at the bar you are greeted by some of the best personal service you may ever experience, you genuinely feel like you are at home. the bar is well stocked with wine and beer, including Olympia! Once the drinks get under way you are treated to a very simple and well done menu that has great rustic grill selections in addition to seafood and some very nice appetizers. Its good to stop by frequently as they always have a rotating specials including exotic cuts of meat.
Old Place is a great spot to dine and experience some great history -
Review from Alex A.
Beverly Hills, CA
1/3/2012
this palace was a 5 star but the food has gone way down hill. i had a few bad meals in a row here and im bummed out. i really love this place but the food needs some work. i think it has to do with the fact that they have a new chef.
the desserts have suffered the most. the bread pudding was amazing now it awful.
they need to start severing ice creamComment from Tim S. of Old Place Restaurant 1/3/2012
Who ever this person is they are obviously just being… More » -
Review from Robert P.
Malibu, CA
11/19/2011
Up front some logistics first. There are 3 seatings, 5, 6:30. & 8:30 of which you need a party of at least 4 to qualify for a reservation. And if there's a reservation for your table after you they will not let the party wait. You're out the door. "You don't have to go home but you can't stay here."
The atmosphere is what you'd expect to find in a mountain town in Utah or Colorado, not the hills off of Kanan in Malibu/Agoura. such a cool place.
The food is excellent. The rib eye is cooked to perfection and enormous. The chicken is the size of a turkey and the beef stew is plenty big and tasty too. Hearty meals is what to expect, no dainty West L.A. meal that will have you searching for fast food an hour later.
The Brussels sprouts with pancetta and apples is a must if it is offered. The have a very nice wine list that isn't excessively marked up either.. A bottle of Turley Zinfandel for $50 is really pretty well priced.
Save room room for desert and be prepared, they're as big as the entrees! -
Review from Melissa E.
Escondido, CA
6/4/2011
I went here last Fourth of July with some friends. We started out with wine tasting next door and then on to dinner.
It is rustic and loud and full of history, just like the website promises. We had the first table just inside the door so it wasn't too noisy.
The food was yummy and plentiful. Everyone enjoyed their meal. Of course we were so full we didn't really have room for dessert.
The wines being offered were wonderful. One that was on the menu that weekend was from Emilio Estevez's winery.
Oh.....even better than dessert was looking up at someone who had just walked in the door and realizing it was John Cusack!!
Go hungry, soak up the atmosphere and have fun!! -
Review from Jacqueline F.
Calabasas, CA
5/18/2011 1 Check-in Here
One visit, so far, looking forward to more. We had to check out The Old Place as many of our friends had told us about it, so we checked it out about a month ago...What A kick!!! The "Old West" ambience, coupled with the tasty food, made for a very fun experience. I definitely recommend getting some wine next door-great tip from our friends-just so you can drink it out of the water glasses(again, kickin it old school).
I can recommend the Seafood Chowder, and feel free to dunk the bread into it. Everything we had was delish, and I'm looking forward to going again this coming weekend. -
Review from Reed T.
Thousand Oaks, CA
5/19/2011
Old school charm matched with old school flavors makes The Old Place, well, old school, and that's just how they like it. Come in for a taste but they don't care if you don't. The Old Place is off the beaten path, parking is a biatch, and I almost got attacked by a rabid peacock...but I would go back in a second.
We arrived on a whim after wine tasting and sat at the bar which was a good decision because it gave us the feel of eating at the OK Corral. The whole time we were eating I thought a cowboy was going to burst through the door spinning his sixshooter in the air. Unfortunately this did not happen.
Everything is cooked in a wood burning stove making all their meat delicious. I had the rosemary chicken and it was up there with the best chicken I have ever had. My date had the steak ('atta girl!) and the thing was a beast and cooked perfectly. Plan on your clothes smelling like a bonfire but that is worth really good meat anyday. I like that they have random beers on tap and the bar is original from the day they opened. All the waitresses are very friendly and the crowd is friendly as well. I was rubbing elbows with a guy who I eventually was calling Uncle and I wish he was my real Uncle. Just talking with this local salty dog made the trip worth it in itself.
I would have given them 4.5 stars but there is a "B" rating in the window. Didn't ask why in fear of being hung in the town square, but c'mon, how can you not earn an "A" these days. Whatever though, even the best of us got a B every now and then (Chemistry).
Cheers -
Review from Lisa B.
2/24/2011 1 Check-in Here
I've ridden by this place hundreds of times on my motorcycle and bicycle. It always looked like some hokey tourist trading post to me. Then one rainy night I was driving by the place and it was quite crowded. It looked uber inviting and I made a note to look into it. Ironically the next day, I picked up L.A. Magazine and this cool looking place called "The Old Place" appeared on the front page of their "Hidden LA" issue.
I ended up there last Sunday after a horrifically hard training ride. It was getting dark, it was cold and I decided to stop at The Old Place for a Baileys & Coffee. I propped my bike up on the porch and pulled up a seat (the only seat left) at the bar. Says a lot about the place that no one seemed to be bothered by my lycra cycling kit and Sidi shoes. Considering I was surrounded on all sides by guys in leathers, I fit right in.
It's a relatively cramped space with a long bar, some long booths and five or six small tables and that's it. The 70 or so year old building is part of the old town of Cornell, not far from the famed Rock Store. I hear in the old days when the current owner's father ran the place, all he served was steak and clams.
Since they reopened, they have a larger menu and while you wait for a seat, you can check out the Cornell winery and pick up some wine to have with dinner. It's a comfort food potpourri of yuminess. They have a wide range of wines, good beer on draft and the bartender isn't hard on the eyes (he knows it though).
We weren't exceptionally hungry, so we ordered the Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Apple and Bacon, Noodle Bake and the cheese and cured meats plate. Buyer beware! The cheese and meats plate is big enough for four people. The Brussels were amazing and the Noodle Bake was an A++.
The place is doing a good book of business. The tables although empty when I arrived, were all reserved. They have little black boards up that show resies every hour and a half from 5PM to close. They were all full.
I noted some reviews from people who took issue with reservations and limited space for large parties. Anyone who's seen the place should know this is not a venue for large parties and understand the soul of restaurants like this one. If you call to make a resie and don't get a live person on the phone, you should pretty much figure, you don't have a resie.
This will be a regular stop for us.Listed in: Woodland Hills is hot; no I…
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Review from Elaine P.
Thousand Oaks, CA
2/24/2011
A good place for breakfast. The best Blue Corn Pancakes ever.
My BF and I like to find excuses to ride our motorcycles to breakfast over the weekend and The Old Place is one of our favorites.
The building is camp with its fixtures made of recovered wood parts from old construction and its whale bone behind the bar. You have to walk outside to the back of the restaurant, to enter the restroom but that doesn't bother me. It's clean and well appointed.
Cell phone junkies: in this location you're deep enough in the canyon that you'll have no AT&T service. My secondary Verizon phone works, though.
When you arrive, you'll likely be greeted by the bartender. I have never seen a male bartender there. A friendly female wearing jeans and a t-shirt is usually there, armed with coffee, champagne, and mimosas on a Sunday morning. But you don't have to sit at the bar. If you want, you can sit at a booth. The booths are huge; like they'd fit 8 bikers, armored jackets and all, easily.
Last time we went, there were three of us on three bikes. We parked behind the old rusty wagon and chose a booth, which we rattled around in. A cheerful, young, waitress wearing a peasant blouse, arrived quickly to give us our menus and take our drink orders. We ordered coffee and orange juice, which arrived promptly, along with cold water.
The Old Place does not have carbonated soft drinks on tap or bulk-brewed iced tea. If you want iced tea, you'll have to choose from a narrow variety of bottled brew. Coming to think about it, I've never seen ice at The Old Place. If you're the kind of diner who likes unlimited beverage, coffee will be your best alternative. The water is presented in a corked bottle (attached neoprene cork with o-ring), which is certainly original. I'm not sure what that's all about -- it makes me wonder if they're on well water with one source and queue up the water bottles that way... or if it's just part of the charm. Either way their "tap" water is crisp and there is plenty of it.
Their orange juice is delicious, tastes freshly squeezed with the perfect amount of pulp. Their coffee is not bad either, and if you ask, the waitress will bring you a bowl of whipped cream to slop over the top :-)
Now for the food. Keep in mind we've only been there for breakfast. Even though people rave about the frittatas, they're really only OK for me. I thought they could have used some pizazz. Also, they're made with potatoes. I'm more accustomed to Italian style frittatas, made with pasta. They're large with plenty of fresh eggs and other goodies. Maybe you'd like them, but I thought they were a little bland.
But their starchy stuff... OMG. Their sticky bun is ridiculous. And HUGE. Order one to share among 2 or three people and that will almost be breakfast by itself. It is served in a little cast-iron skillet and covered with nuts and gooey stuff. Yum-yum!
I highly recommend the blue-corn flap-jacks. They invoke an OMG moment of savory, earthy deliciousness. They have the perfect texture and aroma. Once they arrive in front of you, you can't wait to dig in. Order the short-stack if you get anything else (such as sausage), because they're very filling.
And now the sausage. Yes, sigh, it's home-made and HUGE. One order of sausage can be shared between two or three people, as well. In fact, you could probably go there with three people, order ONE each flapjacks, sticky bun, and sausage, and still have food left over. But I digress. One order of sausage consists of two big patties, larger than the patty you get in a quarter-pounder. They're made with high-quality pork and plenty of spices with just a hint of heat. My only criticism is they could use some salt inside of them (user-applied salt on the outside can't suffice), and more sage. And they're just a tad dry. I know people are paranoid about undercooked pork but sometimes they go a little overboard.
We haven't ordered the breakfast steaks but we've seen them and they look godly. I think I'll be trying that the next time we go there. When we do, I'll update this review.
Tourists if you want a hearty breakfast before wine-tasting in the Malibu area, this is the place for you. I've heard the place can get crowded in the afternoon / evening. But for breakfast around 10:00AM we've had no problem with seating. -
Review from Heather B.
Redondo Beach, CA
5/27/2011
I came for breakfast.
Before even talking about the food, cutest place ever. I wish it wasn't so far away, because I want to try more things from there. Old westerny and just awesome.
The best thing was these blue corn meal pancakes. They were probably the best pancakes I've ever had. So good. And blue.
Don't be like me, and think that the "cash only" sign above the bar means they are cash only. Its just for looks! -
Review from Si L.
Thousand Oaks, CA
10/25/2011
Awesome atmosphere with some cool beers. Expect an eclectic crowd and some standing around before you get seated because its usually packed. Definitely a must go.
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Review from M T.
Malibu, CA
10/3/2011
Want to escape from LA and not leave town??? NOW YOU CAN!!! What a playground for food and wine lovers!!! The Old Place makes you feel like you are on vacation and forget you live around the corner. The rustic decor and surrounding natural landscape make this such a special place. Such a relaxing and peaceful place.
The food was amazing and the service may just be the friendliest in Los Angeles. One of the best things is they FEED YOU! The portions are huge and so delicious! The wine list is great but the winery/art gallery next door is so much fun and $5 corckage fee is VERY reasonable.
If you want a special place to enjoy your evening, look no further. The Old Place is THE PLACE to eat, drink and be merry! -
Review from Lisa R.
Santa Monica, CA
4/23/2011
5 stars for doing what they do best and sticking to it. If you want a soy latte look elsewhere, but if you want a plain cup of joe to go along with some wicked flapjacks or delish frittata in an iron skillet, this is your place.
Love the old cowboy feel and that it's mostly locals.
Fantastic bar with great wine and beer only.
Excellent, unpretentious service. Food comes out quickly, servers are really responsive.
Took some out-of-towers for brunch and it was an excellent combo of scenic drive from Santa Monica and excellent food.
Portions are huge, so if you don't come hungry, consider sharing. -
Review from J C.
Marina del Rey, CA
7/18/2011
I love this place so much, I almost didn't want to post a review so I could keep it as my little secret! Order the sirloin rare, it will feel like heaven exploded in your mouth. The restaurant is TINY and they only take reservations for parties of 4 or more, and it is totally out of the way for me, but I don't mind trekking out there because the food is amazing. The atmosphere is super casual and I don't mind at all waiting to sit at the bar to eat so long as I can enjoy my tasty meat dishes!
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Review from Catherine P.
Camarillo, CA
2/19/2011
What a great find! Being at the Old Place is like stepping back in time or at least being in some small town instead of just outside a giant megalopolis. The rustic cooking is a perfect match to the environment.
The goat cheese, spinach and sun-dried tomato frittata was delicious and hearty. The cinnamon roll was an extremely dense and sweet bomb. Delicious but best shared with others.
We went for breakfast and we're looking forward to trying other items on their lunch and dinner menu. FYI - The Peter Strauss Ranch across the street was a lovely place to walk off the food coma after breakfast.
