Little did I know that a really good steak dinner at Steer Inn in Orange was just around the corner from our home. I knew Steer Inn existed, but I wrote it off because of the look from the outside, and the location. Located right at the Eastbound 22 Freeway exit for Tustin, this really isn’t an area know for the culinary arts. But at the urging of my coworker Dick, I added Steer Inn to my list of places I needed to check out eventually. I’m glad that eventually turned in to finally because what I discovered at Steer Inn was a great steak at a great price, with the old school family style steakhouse atmosphere that you don’t find much today.
We started off with a side of Onion Rings. We both decided that although they were ok, they weren’t really our preferred version. They were coated with a tempura type batter, that can only be appreciated when they are piping hot, as the rings cool down the breading becomes chewy. This side would be much more appreciated with a larger group of people because there were just too many for us, and the flavor is sort of dull after a couple.
Mrs. DanGarion ordered their Specialty Steak (just under $13), it’s an 8 oz. USDA Choice Sirloin Steak. Along with the steak you get your choice of soup (Clam Chowder) and salad, potatoes (Baked, Mashed, or French Fries) and garlic bread. The steak was cooked perfectly to the requested Medium Rare preference of the Mrs. and she loved every bite of it. She also really enjoyed her baked potato which is served with either a sour cream sauce or butter blend (she got the butter blend).
Here is a short video of her still sizzling steak at our table.
I ordered the Chicken Fried Steak (@$11) which was a breaded tenderized 1/4 inch cut of beef that stretched about three-quarters of my plate, topped with a creamy chicken gravy. For my side got the mashed potatoes, a perfect sphere of chunky mashed potato goodness topped with the same gravy. My steak was better than many I have had recently, but as I got close to finishing it, I couldn’t help but feel that the gravy was too salty for its own good.
We were the first customers for the night, since we headed to dinner early (4:00), so our waiter was very attentive to us, and checked on us a couple of times throughout our meal. We both commented that although you wouldn’t be able to fool someone, that a place like this is Morton’s Steak House, Steer Inn fills in as a great choice for when you feel like a steak, but don’t feel like paying steak house prices. I’m sure someone will laugh that I’m comparing the two, but sometimes you just don’t really need the “Morton’s Experience”. If you are looking for somewhere to take your family and feed the kids, Steer Inn will fit the bill and not break the bank.
[xrr rating=3.5/5]
Steer Inn
801 S Tustin
Orange, CA 92866
