We loved everything about our visit - the steak was cooked perfectly, sides were delicious (including the award-winning onion rings), and the ambiance of an old world LA steakhouse with great music and furnishings. All of the staff was excellent and friendly to us too. I definitely will return regularly!
andrew
We love the golden bull for several decades, but the only problem for us was the discomfort of the booth we were sitting in. There really was no way to get comfortable as the cushions beneath us were very worn, and the back of the booth was shared with another table, and if they moved, I would feel it throughout the meal, so other than the discomfort, it was a pleasant evening.
Catherine Butterfield
Once a year on my birthday I go to this place and order a martini, my only martini of the year. This year from my first sip I knew that someone had watered down the gin. I told the waiter, and he said, “That’s impossible.” Anyone who has ever raised a teenager knows that that is more than possible, it’s probable. A great waiter would have replaced it with another, but he stuck to his guns and I drank it anyway. There was absolutely no buzz, and as a one-martini-a-year girl, this was quite disappointing. The food, which used to be great, is now extremely average. I believe I will find a new birthday place. (PS No one wished me Happy Birthday, though I mentioned it on the reservation.)
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 2
Service: 2
Kylie Geatz (altkylie)
Stopped in here for a quick drink prior to a dinner reservation down the street. The bartender said he wouldn’t serve me immediately after looking at my license because I have a Connecticut ID that was “clearly fake”… as a 25 year old with a real CT drivers license, I tried to explain that I could show my passport as well as I was traveling for work but he was incredibly rude, dismissive and wouldn’t let me explain the situation. My friend grabbed a drink and we sat, me with water, and he pointed at me telling the other staff to watch me. Frankly, I didn’t want a drink after this interaction otherwise I would’ve escalated the situation or contacted the police to validate my identification. A gentleman sitting at the bar even commented on the rash behavior of the bartender. His overall attitude and demeanor was awful and I have never experienced anything like it. Would not recommend this establishment if you are from out of town.I can not speak to the food or the other employees at this restaurant.
Atmosphere: 2
Service: 1
Ariel
One of the best steakhouses in LA! I love the ambiance and service. Never fails to impress!! Will definitely be coming back here! They also have great non-meat options and their crispy “chicken” sandwich is fantastic.
TennisPlayer1
Marguerita's were a bit watery - steaks fantastic, as well as service. It was a cold and rainy night in LA and the warmth of the fireplace in the bar and the booth were soooo cozy.
Willis Johnson
Service is fast and efficient. Food is well-prepared American standards.Parking: Valet parking only
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Steak Frites
LarryW
The main dining room is now configured in a very strange cold way. The fireplace room is lovely but not the main room. Our server, Allie, was lovely, the salads were delicious and the host kindly comped our entrees as the two slices of prime rib that were put on hold for us were absconded by the bartender who knew how to override the system to get them for his customers at the bar. It was a strange evening at an old haunt that I've been going to since the late 70s. New ownership several years back has transformed this Santa Monica gem into a more "current" spot! Thanks again for the comped entrees but, honestly, we had our hearts set on the prime rib!
Holidaydiner
The Golden Bull is such an incredible combination of the indoor cozy old school neighborhood steak house with the new chic, fun, pretty outdoor seating, and the food and drinks are so delicious, that I don't even want to promote it because I'm afraid people from other areas will make it impossible to get a table.
Excellent service on a very busy New Year's Eve. Well-rounded, appealing menu with large variety of choices. Dessert menu unusual and appealing. Great ambience by the fireplace in the bar area booths.
Sebastien Khandjian
Laid back and welcoming atmosphere, amazing steak and good drinks.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Leila Kelly
Phenomenal food. I honestly had low expectations going in and we ended up LOVING every single dish. There’s clearly a chef with a unique vision behind each item. Indoors ambiance is classic and so warm/cozy. Almost feels like you’ve stepped back in time to the 60s or 70s when restaurants were their own entity and not part of some nameless, impersonal franchise.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Prime Rib with Yorkshire Pudding, French Onion Soup, Caesar Salad, Yorkshire Pudding
arjay
Sat in back room which is old school booths and great Always get steak frites which is always excellent Caesar is good ,onion soup great ,halibut is also excellent . Only slight disappointment was chocolate brownie , not as good as it could be Overall , great neighborhood spot
peterm
Hello - the Bull is one of my favs. The issue was the Halibut which i always order. Tasted good but had a fishy smell. It wasn't the norm. I have had this experience when the fish not quite fresh SM Sea Food However I will be back in , I live up the street.
Charming bar with good atmosphere.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 4
We loved everything about our visit - the steak was cooked perfectly, sides were delicious (including the award-winning onion rings), and the ambiance of an old world LA steakhouse with great music and furnishings. All of the staff was excellent and friendly to us too. I definitely will return regularly!
We love the golden bull for several decades, but the only problem for us was the discomfort of the booth we were sitting in. There really was no way to get comfortable as the cushions beneath us were very worn, and the back of the booth was shared with another table, and if they moved, I would feel it throughout the meal, so other than the discomfort, it was a pleasant evening.
Once a year on my birthday I go to this place and order a martini, my only martini of the year. This year from my first sip I knew that someone had watered down the gin. I told the waiter, and he said, “That’s impossible.” Anyone who has ever raised a teenager knows that that is more than possible, it’s probable. A great waiter would have replaced it with another, but he stuck to his guns and I drank it anyway. There was absolutely no buzz, and as a one-martini-a-year girl, this was quite disappointing. The food, which used to be great, is now extremely average. I believe I will find a new birthday place. (PS No one wished me Happy Birthday, though I mentioned it on the reservation.)
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 2
Service: 2
Stopped in here for a quick drink prior to a dinner reservation down the street. The bartender said he wouldn’t serve me immediately after looking at my license because I have a Connecticut ID that was “clearly fake”… as a 25 year old with a real CT drivers license, I tried to explain that I could show my passport as well as I was traveling for work but he was incredibly rude, dismissive and wouldn’t let me explain the situation. My friend grabbed a drink and we sat, me with water, and he pointed at me telling the other staff to watch me. Frankly, I didn’t want a drink after this interaction otherwise I would’ve escalated the situation or contacted the police to validate my identification. A gentleman sitting at the bar even commented on the rash behavior of the bartender. His overall attitude and demeanor was awful and I have never experienced anything like it. Would not recommend this establishment if you are from out of town.I can not speak to the food or the other employees at this restaurant.
Atmosphere: 2
Service: 1
One of the best steakhouses in LA! I love the ambiance and service. Never fails to impress!! Will definitely be coming back here! They also have great non-meat options and their crispy “chicken” sandwich is fantastic.
Marguerita's were a bit watery - steaks fantastic, as well as service. It was a cold and rainy night in LA and the warmth of the fireplace in the bar and the booth were soooo cozy.
Service is fast and efficient. Food is well-prepared American standards.Parking: Valet parking only
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Steak Frites
The main dining room is now configured in a very strange cold way. The fireplace room is lovely but not the main room. Our server, Allie, was lovely, the salads were delicious and the host kindly comped our entrees as the two slices of prime rib that were put on hold for us were absconded by the bartender who knew how to override the system to get them for his customers at the bar. It was a strange evening at an old haunt that I've been going to since the late 70s. New ownership several years back has transformed this Santa Monica gem into a more "current" spot! Thanks again for the comped entrees but, honestly, we had our hearts set on the prime rib!
The Golden Bull is such an incredible combination of the indoor cozy old school neighborhood steak house with the new chic, fun, pretty outdoor seating, and the food and drinks are so delicious, that I don't even want to promote it because I'm afraid people from other areas will make it impossible to get a table.
Restaurantji Recommends
Excellent service on a very busy New Year's Eve. Well-rounded, appealing menu with large variety of choices. Dessert menu unusual and appealing. Great ambience by the fireplace in the bar area booths.
Laid back and welcoming atmosphere, amazing steak and good drinks.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Phenomenal food. I honestly had low expectations going in and we ended up LOVING every single dish. There’s clearly a chef with a unique vision behind each item. Indoors ambiance is classic and so warm/cozy. Almost feels like you’ve stepped back in time to the 60s or 70s when restaurants were their own entity and not part of some nameless, impersonal franchise.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Prime Rib with Yorkshire Pudding, French Onion Soup, Caesar Salad, Yorkshire Pudding
Sat in back room which is old school booths and great Always get steak frites which is always excellent Caesar is good ,onion soup great ,halibut is also excellent . Only slight disappointment was chocolate brownie , not as good as it could be Overall , great neighborhood spot
Hello - the Bull is one of my favs. The issue was the Halibut which i always order. Tasted good but had a fishy smell. It wasn't the norm. I have had this experience when the fish not quite fresh SM Sea Food However I will be back in , I live up the street.