Friday night group of 6 people. Started out with nice reception from host who quickly sat us down at our table. However, I had to after 15-20 minutes go back to host to inform her that despite multiple servers walking by and around us, not one greeted us, said hello or took a drink order. Once someone finally came over, the server was friendly. After looking at drink menu, two of the four IPA's listed were not available. Hard to believe that at least 50% of their beers on tap are out on a Friday night. I ordered the Henhouse Hazy IPA ... once it came, I immediately noted to the server that it does not look like a hazy IPA... she indicated that she thought the same but the bartender insisted. After taking one sip, it was clearly not a hazy IPA and honestly, tasted like a Modelo. Good news though is the ribeye steak I ordered was very good. To put a cap on the night, we received our $600+ bill (for 6 people) and were told an automatic 18% gratuity was added because that is required for parties of 6 or more. Can't say I've been anywhere where auto gratuity applies for parties of 6...8 I understand but 6? Normally wouldn't care but other than a very nice server & one nice ribeye (other meals were average at best but with high prices), didn't appreciate being required to tip. Likely would've tipped higher honestly but auto gratuity for 6, didn't like it. I would suggest if you haven't been there, try a happy hour and see for yourself before dropping $100+ / person. Maybe we had an unusual experience but there are better places even in Novato to drop the $$$$. Honestly surprised as the owner is not new to the restaurant business.
Emy B.
It was our first meal out (January 6) after the new year and decided to come to Blacksteer for our dinner. We actually had a very nice grand meal that felt quite decadent. We dined on their rib eye steak, shared some New England clam Chowder, had their Crab & Mozzarella hush puppies, oysters Rockafeller, and their Bordenave's sourdough bread with garlic. It was all very delicious! We sat at a booth across from the bar and our server was super kind and very patient despite how crazy full and busy the restaurant was that night. We love the new renovations and the ambience and it felt like a very lively happening place to be in Novato for a Saturday night. We will certainly be back to enjoy more meals.
Eric B.
Great bar staff. This guy Bobby, who waited on us, was knowledgeable on a variety of high-end bourbon and other spirits Ate at the bar, since the dining room was full, which it turned out to be great . Reminds me of cheers ! I will be back .
Sandra C.
Was looking forward to this steak house opening. Took the whole family. It's expensive but wanted some good prime rib. This was the worst prime rib we've ever had. Four of us ordered it and all were very disappointed. It had no flavor, was white in color, no juices what so ever. Came with some mashed potatoes and no veggies. I never complain about any meals ever but this time I asked to talk to the manager. She acted offended and said well that's not what we are hearing. If you read the reviews it's not the first time. We will NOT be going back. Very disappointed as we live close to this restaurant.
Jenny S.
First of all the good news; happy hour drinks were good. Staff and server very nice and attenative. We ordered the 2 cooked oyster versions on the happy hour menu. We received 2 dishes that are usually used for escargot, and they were sizzling hot. The oysters were the size of almonds! Not sure if we could find all 6 of them on each dish. Very chewy! Better off to stay home with a can of Geisha smoked oysters and some wheat thins. Butter had turned bad in one of the dishes, very disappointing. We live in an are where the oysters are at least the size of a baby's fist. We'll have to find redemption in another place that offers decent oysters. Then we ordered the sliders. Paper thin and no flavored meat, again a huge disappointment. We left hungry.
Elke R.
Went here for HH yesterday afternoon. HORRIBLE food quality. The 3 of us grew up eating oysters in West Marin. Excited to see three different types featured on their happy hour menu. We tried all three and wished we hadn't! They were literally the size of a thumbnail, cooked to death, and completely tasteless. Tiny pieces of tough who knows what it was slathered and drowning, in the in the various dressings. Meaning Rockefeller, butter and garlic, etc. Then came the sliders. Lopsided and thrown together. The meat was mostly gristle. We all had to pick blobs of tendon and stringy material out from our teeth and put it back onto the plates. All three of us agreed the food was an insult, expensive, and completely inedible. I'd avoid this place like the plague.
Tom M.
I loved it when it was Rickey's. Still a beautiful ambiance. First of all, they now end their happy hour at 5pm. Late lunch? I ordered their French Dip sandwich, which I ordered frequently before. A complete waste. As I told the server, once I took the meat out of the sandwich, the bread was pretty good. The "prime rib" was so tough and gristly, I literally scraped it out of the sandwich onto the plate. When I mentioned it to the server, she just walked away. I was time constrained, so had no time for a redo. Very sad. Lovely place, but I won't be going back. Have heard from others that the full dinners are spotty. Some good, Some really bad. Too nice a place for them not to get a handle on this.
Debbie E.
Wow! Munther and his crew have done it again, but even better!! Eight of us had dinner 3/3. Appetizers: Bang Bang shrimp, Crab & Mozzarella hush puppies, and a special surprise Mac and cheese crusted something . All very tasty! Butter steak, prime rib, seafood bucatini were all excellent! The butter steak and prime rib were soooooo tender. And, they brought back Munther's Butter Cake!!!!! The restaurant was full and not near as noisy as Rickey's was. Our waitress was very attentive as were the waitstaff keeping our table cleared. You must make reservations, and, you won't be disappointed!
Don T.
For a steakhouse. They have terrible meat. Very tough, full of tenants and gristle. The prime rib was eatable but tough. Everything else was good. Service is great. Mushrooms were also good. To the owner: Replace your meat vendor. Everything was perfect, except for the meat.
Dave K.
First time here with a family of five and was told we would have to hurry because it was approaching the 5 o clock dinner rush. I have never been told to hurry up with my dinner before even sitting down. Thank you Hostess for the worst first interaction at a restaurant ever. Chicken was undercookedm Shrimp was overcooked. Butter Steak was bland. Even their sauce was bland. Cocktails were strong but tasted bad. Run from this place at all costs
Food was wonderful. Steak cooked perfectly. Sunday supper dinner great as well! We will be back
Julie H.
Black Steer is excellent! We have been twice during their happy hour. We had oysters, bang bang shrimp, sliders and surf & turf bites. Everything was perfectly cooked. Tender prime rib sliders and medium rare filet for the surf & turf. Great martinis and bartender (Bobby). We are telling all of our friends about Black Steer.
Keli Gaffney
Food was ok for a steakhouse I expected better. Food did not arrive all at once for a party of 5. They were not busy when we were there.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 5
Thierry Hugand
Great little gem hidden - great food and prices -
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Don Sears
Two 6 oz filets medium rare at 40.00ea which you could not eat. Worst steak I have ever had. Nice service, good atmosphere, poor food.
Friday night group of 6 people. Started out with nice reception from host who quickly sat us down at our table. However, I had to after 15-20 minutes go back to host to inform her that despite multiple servers walking by and around us, not one greeted us, said hello or took a drink order. Once someone finally came over, the server was friendly. After looking at drink menu, two of the four IPA's listed were not available. Hard to believe that at least 50% of their beers on tap are out on a Friday night. I ordered the Henhouse Hazy IPA ... once it came, I immediately noted to the server that it does not look like a hazy IPA... she indicated that she thought the same but the bartender insisted. After taking one sip, it was clearly not a hazy IPA and honestly, tasted like a Modelo. Good news though is the ribeye steak I ordered was very good. To put a cap on the night, we received our $600+ bill (for 6 people) and were told an automatic 18% gratuity was added because that is required for parties of 6 or more. Can't say I've been anywhere where auto gratuity applies for parties of 6...8 I understand but 6? Normally wouldn't care but other than a very nice server & one nice ribeye (other meals were average at best but with high prices), didn't appreciate being required to tip. Likely would've tipped higher honestly but auto gratuity for 6, didn't like it. I would suggest if you haven't been there, try a happy hour and see for yourself before dropping $100+ / person. Maybe we had an unusual experience but there are better places even in Novato to drop the $$$$. Honestly surprised as the owner is not new to the restaurant business.
It was our first meal out (January 6) after the new year and decided to come to Blacksteer for our dinner. We actually had a very nice grand meal that felt quite decadent. We dined on their rib eye steak, shared some New England clam Chowder, had their Crab & Mozzarella hush puppies, oysters Rockafeller, and their Bordenave's sourdough bread with garlic. It was all very delicious! We sat at a booth across from the bar and our server was super kind and very patient despite how crazy full and busy the restaurant was that night. We love the new renovations and the ambience and it felt like a very lively happening place to be in Novato for a Saturday night. We will certainly be back to enjoy more meals.
Great bar staff. This guy Bobby, who waited on us, was knowledgeable on a variety of high-end bourbon and other spirits Ate at the bar, since the dining room was full, which it turned out to be great . Reminds me of cheers ! I will be back .
Was looking forward to this steak house opening. Took the whole family. It's expensive but wanted some good prime rib. This was the worst prime rib we've ever had. Four of us ordered it and all were very disappointed. It had no flavor, was white in color, no juices what so ever. Came with some mashed potatoes and no veggies. I never complain about any meals ever but this time I asked to talk to the manager. She acted offended and said well that's not what we are hearing. If you read the reviews it's not the first time. We will NOT be going back. Very disappointed as we live close to this restaurant.
First of all the good news; happy hour drinks were good. Staff and server very nice and attenative. We ordered the 2 cooked oyster versions on the happy hour menu. We received 2 dishes that are usually used for escargot, and they were sizzling hot. The oysters were the size of almonds! Not sure if we could find all 6 of them on each dish. Very chewy! Better off to stay home with a can of Geisha smoked oysters and some wheat thins. Butter had turned bad in one of the dishes, very disappointing. We live in an are where the oysters are at least the size of a baby's fist. We'll have to find redemption in another place that offers decent oysters. Then we ordered the sliders. Paper thin and no flavored meat, again a huge disappointment. We left hungry.
Went here for HH yesterday afternoon. HORRIBLE food quality. The 3 of us grew up eating oysters in West Marin. Excited to see three different types featured on their happy hour menu. We tried all three and wished we hadn't! They were literally the size of a thumbnail, cooked to death, and completely tasteless. Tiny pieces of tough who knows what it was slathered and drowning, in the in the various dressings. Meaning Rockefeller, butter and garlic, etc. Then came the sliders. Lopsided and thrown together. The meat was mostly gristle. We all had to pick blobs of tendon and stringy material out from our teeth and put it back onto the plates. All three of us agreed the food was an insult, expensive, and completely inedible. I'd avoid this place like the plague.
I loved it when it was Rickey's. Still a beautiful ambiance. First of all, they now end their happy hour at 5pm. Late lunch? I ordered their French Dip sandwich, which I ordered frequently before. A complete waste. As I told the server, once I took the meat out of the sandwich, the bread was pretty good. The "prime rib" was so tough and gristly, I literally scraped it out of the sandwich onto the plate. When I mentioned it to the server, she just walked away. I was time constrained, so had no time for a redo. Very sad. Lovely place, but I won't be going back. Have heard from others that the full dinners are spotty. Some good, Some really bad. Too nice a place for them not to get a handle on this.
Wow! Munther and his crew have done it again, but even better!! Eight of us had dinner 3/3. Appetizers: Bang Bang shrimp, Crab & Mozzarella hush puppies, and a special surprise Mac and cheese crusted something . All very tasty! Butter steak, prime rib, seafood bucatini were all excellent! The butter steak and prime rib were soooooo tender. And, they brought back Munther's Butter Cake!!!!! The restaurant was full and not near as noisy as Rickey's was. Our waitress was very attentive as were the waitstaff keeping our table cleared. You must make reservations, and, you won't be disappointed!
For a steakhouse. They have terrible meat. Very tough, full of tenants and gristle. The prime rib was eatable but tough. Everything else was good. Service is great. Mushrooms were also good. To the owner: Replace your meat vendor. Everything was perfect, except for the meat.
First time here with a family of five and was told we would have to hurry because it was approaching the 5 o clock dinner rush. I have never been told to hurry up with my dinner before even sitting down. Thank you Hostess for the worst first interaction at a restaurant ever. Chicken was undercookedm Shrimp was overcooked. Butter Steak was bland. Even their sauce was bland. Cocktails were strong but tasted bad. Run from this place at all costs
Restaurantji Recommends
Food was wonderful. Steak cooked perfectly. Sunday supper dinner great as well! We will be back
Black Steer is excellent! We have been twice during their happy hour. We had oysters, bang bang shrimp, sliders and surf & turf bites. Everything was perfectly cooked. Tender prime rib sliders and medium rare filet for the surf & turf. Great martinis and bartender (Bobby). We are telling all of our friends about Black Steer.
Food was ok for a steakhouse I expected better. Food did not arrive all at once for a party of 5. They were not busy when we were there.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 5
Great little gem hidden - great food and prices -
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Two 6 oz filets medium rare at 40.00ea which you could not eat. Worst steak I have ever had. Nice service, good atmosphere, poor food.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 1
Service: 4