Spencer's for Steaks and Chops

11/06/09

Good food on some visits

by CDBN at Citysearch

We have been going to Spencer's for years. Over the past 3 years there has been a definite decline in the quality of the food. On some visits it's really good. On others- not so much.

There was a time when Spencer's was the place to go. Our company held many business dinners there on a regular basis; often dining in private. However, because of what has become their 'consistently inconsistent' food preparation, my employer will no longer allow me to book client dinners at Spencer's.

Upon the last visit in July 2009, the food was overcooked, dry and the vegetable sides looked bad. The baked potatoes that were once creamy and delicious, were very obviously overcooked and the bottoms were very brown. We were compensated with a 3% discount on a $1812.00 bill.

However, in April of 2009, the story was just the opposite and it truly was like being at the original Spencer's. I really hope to be able to book more events there in the future as well as do some personal dining.

• Pros: Wait staff, location, nice place for a quiet dinner
• Cons: Over-priced, food is not consistent

06/25/09

One of the tops!

by derfffff at Citysearch

I dined here a while back ago, took my nephew for his graduation. I have to tell you that I have eaten at several steakhouses in New York City (where I reside) and this outdid ALL of them!!! Definitely one of the juiciest steaks I've had and my nephew REALLY appreciated the Alaskan king crab legs. Next time I'm in SJ, I'll be taking my nephew again!

• Pros: Great food
• Cons: Maybe a little more knowledge on service

06/15/09

Great for when you don't want to leave your hotel

by texanka1883 , Citysearch Contributor at Citysearch

We had just spent 8 days in Yosemite and were stopping off at the Double Tree San Jose before heading out on a plane the next morning. The last thing we wanted to do was get dressed and go out for dinner. Spencer's provided room service, but with the 22% service fee, the $5 room service fee and the $3-5 tack on per item we decided just to go downstairs and dine there. I called ahead because we were in flip flops and shorts and made sure we would not offend anyone. The hostess on the phone said, "Sure no problem" so we headed down. When we got downstairs the dinning room only had (4-5) tables occupied, but we asked to be tucked away in the bar because of our appearance. The bartender, Scott, greeted us and promptly took our drink order. I ordered the lamb chops, rare and my traveling companion ordered the prime rib. A decent salad accompanied our order, but veggies were $7-$9 a la carte...but big enough to share. We ordered hashbrowns au gratin. The timing between the courses was perfect, not too long and not too short. Everything was spot on and delicious. We made it out of there for $140 with tip. That was (2) cocktails each, salad and entrees, no dessert.

• Pros: Accomodating staff and great food
• Cons: Overpriced and everything was a la carte

08/29/07

The best Steakhouse around!

by naminator at Citysearch

I eat at Spencer's about twice a month. I've eaten at Mortons and the Grill on the alley, but this place is the best! The service is amazing and they go out of their way to make sure you have a great time. I start out every dinner with a specialty cocktail. They have some really fun martinis and they seem to change featured drinks. The Spencertini, their award winning martini, is my favorite. I think it has pear and strawberries; regardless, it's so good! One to try also is the Cucumber martini. It sounds odd, a martini with cucumber in it , but it really is to die for. They also have three different mojitos. The Maltese Mojito (it's ingredients are a mystery to me) is innovative and awefully good. I'm getting thirsty!

Everything on their menu is fantastic, but my favorite is the Bone-in ribeye with the Hash Browns au gratin (bacon and cheddar cheese melted inside, soooo goood!). The sides are huge so order only what you can handle. If you're ever in at lunch, try the peppered steak sandwich. It has sliced ribeye with melted cheese on top. I'm hungry just thinking about it. The service staff is extremely knowledgable and very accommodating. I do business lunches and dinner there all the time and it's great place to bring clients.

This place is just Rocks!

07/14/07

Disappointing Experience, Don't Be Lured In!

by babadada at Citysearch

The dining experience left me feeling hollow and regretful of having spent my time and money there. It was a classy con-job they pulled over on me and my wife. The decor was impressive upon entering and the staff was friendly and attentive. We ordered our fillet mignon with sauces that were suggested by our server. The order was paired with a simple side salad. When the salad arrived, it was bland and uninteresting with only romaine lettuce and flavorless croutons. When the steaks arrived they appeared delicious and were cooked properly, but the quality of meat was well below that of what you would find at a chain restaurant like Outback lacking any buttery tenderness that this cut of meat should possess. The flavor of the meat wasn't pleasing and there was also a fair amount of sinew as well. The paired sauces were decent, but lacked an appetizing appearance. No sides come with the meal (besides the salad) and are all sold a la cart at inflated prices. When the check arrived we discovered they charged an additional $6 per sauce! The server was not shy to ask us what sauce we wanted paired with the meat and there was no indication that this wasn't included in the price. This cost was not disclosed on either the menu or by the server. The total bill for two steaks was $101 (included a $14 glass of wine) not including the tip. Unless you are only interested in impressing a date that has no appreciation for good food with an expensive meal I would avoid this restaurant and favor far less expensive alternatives to please the pallet.

• Pros: Service was friendly
• Cons: Food was overpriced and of poor quality. More hidden fees than my phone bill.