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Has Anybody Been To The Burbank Smoke House and can tell me about it?

The Smoke House used to be a wonderful place to have dinner. It was warm and inviting; a place where you could relax enjoy good food while not be inhibited by an overly formal and inhibiting experience. It was also not overly expensive. I haven't been there in years and am thinking of taking a young couple there to dinner. The on-site menu looks terrific, but there are no prices listed and I don't want to step into a situation where it will be too late when I find out that I really couldn't afford it. Can anybody give me a heads-up as about the food and service, and can I plan on a tab not to exceed $125.00? I'd appreciate your comments.

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  1. Good news: Thae atmosphere is still much as you describe, and as long as you don't all order lobster and keep the alcohol to a minimum, you shouldn't have much problem keeping the bill for three under $125.

    Bad news: Although I've been a big fan of the Smoke House in the past, I have to admit I think the food and service have gone a bit downhill in the last few years. If you're looking for a reliable and relatively inexpensive "old-school" restaurant in the general vicinity, consider the Tam O'Shanter in Atwater Village, or especially Musso and Frank in Hollywood.

    Good news: The garlic cheese bread is still fantastic. And if someone else was paying, I'd still go in a flash.

    Smoke House Restaurant
    4420 W Lakeside Dr, Burbank, CA 91505

    Tam O'Shanter Inn
    2980 Los Feliz Blvd, Los Feliz, CA 90039

    Musso & Frank Grill
    6667 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028

    4 Replies
    1. re: maxzook

      Agreed maxzook. I love the Smoke House but the food leaves much to be desired. The Tam is much better, excellent prime rib!

      1. re: maxzook

        Hi, maxzook: Thank you for your response. You have succeeded in making me much better, because my first choice thus far in the Smoke House, Interesting that yoiu should recommend the Tam O'Shanter. My wife and I used to love it. In fact, I mentioned it to my granddaughter and she felt that it would make him uncomfortable because it's too fpormal. Thankjs, again.

        1. re: maxzook

          musso and frank is way out of budget; it would, in all likelihood, cost more than twice as much as jwrites4u can spend

          1. re: westsidegal

            Thank you westsidegal. Now that I have found the menu and prices for the Smoke House, I don't think I can make that, either. This is such a special personal event that I'm trying get the best with a very limited budget. I appreciate your trying to help. But then again, it seems that every time I ask for help at Chowhounds, you're always there to to lend a shoulder. Can't tell you how much I truly appreciate it.

        2. The Smokehouse is a nice establishment. Service is good, and the food is fine. I'm not sure if you'll be able to make your tab. They serve everything a la carte there, and if you have drinks or wine, I believe that your tab might exceed your limit. Everyone seems to love their cheese bread, but I'm not particularly fond of the orange-glo cheese powder that tops their garlic bread. I do enjoy their clam chowder with an additional shot of sherry or brandy. While the steak is good, it's not the best steak that I've ever had.

          2 Replies
          1. re: attran99

            Thanks, attran99: You said the mafgin word (at least for me). Clam Chowder (New England or Manhattan?) If we were to have one drink each and one bottle of wine, what would your estimate be for the three of us including gratuity?

            1. re: jwrites4u

              Clam chower is New England-style. If you still plan on dinner, with drinks, a (good) bottle of wine, tax, and gratuity, you'll be closer to the $300 mark than you would be to the $125 mark.

          2. If they are up for an old school vibe steakhouse I say take them.
            found the menu after all the typing below.


            i'd say the avg. price for a entree is about $25-30 they have early bird specials which will ease the pocketbook.
            I'm 45 and have been going since my early 20's because I love the time machine feel and the martini.
            Monday is 1/2 off bottles of wine.
            It will be in Holiday splendor now.
            Food is good not great more about the ambience of the place.
            Go every year for christmas dinner.
            Lunch is a good option on a saturday it's dark and cozy, less expensive.

            3 Replies
            1. re: johnnyshungry

              No question you could make the budget for lunch, but the OP said dinner. Which based on the menu you linked would be a pretty close thing if the $125 is to include alcohol and tip.

              And yes, I love their cheese garlic bread. I also love Cheetos.

              1. re: maxzook

                Damons steak house in Glendale Tiki fun ?
                Tam o'shanter about the same price point.
                I don't get the cheese bread but boy it sure has it's follower's.
                I do enjoy it while I am sipping that martini
                Born and raised in burbank so got a soft spot for the old smokehouse.
                If the smoke house is to much what about one of the 3 mexican places within a few blocks festive and casual not the best but... think it's don cuco's ?

              2. re: johnnyshungry

                Thank you johnnyshungry. You have given me some good information. I will certainly consider it. (Gee, I'm trying to remember what it felt like when I was 45. I am now 84!)