La Cave

Brings back the feel of restaurants with a dark moody vibe. Kind of Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis,Jr. era. Honestly doesn't look like much from the exterior. It's the elevator ride down & the doors open to a very different era. Hence the red hue to all the photos. My iPhone was not able to color correct even close to reality.Entrees selections are showcased on a glass enclosed cart,reminiscent of old school restaurants. Back in the day, the gentleman's menus listed prices, while the women's menu did not. Probably due to extreme price fluctuations of product, prices were not listed. Saves on menu reprinting too, I imagine. A bit uncomfortable as a guest though. Really wanting my fav rib eye steak (16 oz.!), I took the plunge.Had the pear flower martini. Love a good cocktail when eating out. This one didn't disappoint. Had a sip of my MIL's raspberry lemon martini. Tasted like candy. This one could be dangerous since you're not even aware it contains alcohol. The wine list wasn't over the top. Every affordable. You can find a decent glass of wine. We did by the glass Pinot Noir & Merlot. The list may not please a high end wine connoisseur.Started with the shrimp cocktail appetizer. 4 plump, moist jumbo shrimp (u13-14) sat atop a robust cocktail sauce & lettuce mix. Loved this combo. If you're a true cocktail sauce lover, you'll need to poke around though. Personally I like a little lettuce for textural contrast.Dinner entrees come with soup or salad. Photos can't do justice due to lighting. Nice iceberg lettuce with beets & cuc. Since the soups are house made, I ordered the navy beans & ham soup. Perfectly uniform pieces of ham means someone back of house has serious knife skills or they used a chopper.Not knowing the prices, my MIL & I did order the 16oz. Rib eye & twice baked potato (house specialty). Our steaks were presented as ordered. Seasoned well, juicy & well marbled. A winner. Although the twice baked is a signature, it was a bit over-broiled. Next time I'll get the baked potato or rice pilaf. My brother-in-law really liked the pilaf. Yes we are Asian, mostly eating plain white rice. But we can appreciate rice cooked well. Not dry, sticky or over watered. Shared the double chocolate cake. Rich dark chocolate, dollops of whipped cream. Very shareable.Although the pricing wasn't listed, I'd return in a heartbeat. As many locals do. A stones through from Newport, it's a great little steakhouse. Old school, dark & cozy. On a Tuesday night, most men came in wearing hoodies or casual jackets.Besides, a 16oz. Ribeye dinner well prepared at $67 is a great value.

We're delighted that we finally visited La Cave; not having looked at all of the interior pictures, it was truly an adventure approaching the door, walking downstairs, into ... the (dimly-lit) cave! Service by the entire staff was marvelous from the start: the cheerful-&-welcoming hostess, our friendly-&-attentive (and appreciatively unrushed) server, the sharp-&-efficient support staff, and even a visit from (our thoughts) the manager -- so elegantly old school!Given the ambiance, it was fitting starting with a classic martini as our apertif (great, by the way); in addition, we ordered Sauteed Mushrooms (nicely seasoned and so tasty). Their soup of the day, Manhattan Clam Chowder, was unlike any we'd tasted (thicker in consistency and comfort-food delicious). Between the 2 of us, our selected entrees: 9 oz. Filet Mignon and 16 oz. Boneless Ribeye; both were generous in size, cooked as requested, tender, and full of flavor (my husband noted his ribeye was well-marbled, extremely juicy, and the best steak he's had in a while). Our menus did not include prices (yikes!), yet I see posted pictures of menus with prices.Disappointed by more-&-more of the restaurants we've turned to for their food, service, and ambiance -- especially for special celebrations, it's wonderful discovering La Cave remains a nostalgic, romantic classic.

I love coming here!The double stuffed potatoes are good. The steaks are good too. The service is always good. I never have any problems here. I always come in without reservations and they always get me in. I like the darkly lit vibe tot he place. Its always nice here.

Cool speakeasy-type spot, located underneath the building. It was reminiscent with old school artwork. The service here was great, everyone was super attentive and I loved the way they explained the menu. That being said, the food was very okay. The lobster bisque and cheesy bread were great, but the steak and the twice baked potato lacked flavor--not sure if it's worth the price (which is hidden on the menu). Cool experience and ambiance, but not sure if Ill need to come back

A steak that cuts like butter and terrific cocktails and service. First time and won't be the last!

Steaks are good although Mastros is better. Service is great. Chill vibe. Paper plane cocktail is good.

9 months ago I left a review obviously I had a few to many to drink. When I read it today, I was appalled (spelling wise) This restaurant is amazing. I can't say enough good things about them. I've been going here for more than 20 years. The young lady who owns it and her Daughter that runs it with her are fabulous. It's a must see. Best steaks in the OC, It's a must have. Way to go guys! . Can't wait to see you again and I think I'm going this weekend.

How can I give a single star to a place with excellent food and service? They do not put prices on the menu! It felt like there was something sneaky going on so I braved the socially awkward request for prices and it was painful. After asking our server to name those prices, he stopped halfway through, as if the process was too awkward for all of us (it took awhile for all 18 items). And because they have items over $90, this feels shifty and socially manipulative- especially if you're hosting the table as we were. One of our guests was planning on ordering lobster that night, and gasped out loud at the $98 announcement of the price. And that wasn't even the most expensive entree!! Our guests changed what they ordered, which again was uncomfortable since we were hosting. It put both us and our guests in an awkward place and affected our evening in an uncomfortable way. If we ever decide to brave the waters again, I will ask if they've switched to a priced menu. The only thing I can imagine is that they're going out of business and want to take advantage of as many high checks as possible, because this certainly is not a practice that makes me want to return- especially as a host!!

We have been there many time spanning across many years and have seen a decline every time. This last week, we went just for drinks and apps and sat the bar. The bartenders have quite an attitude, so don't plan on chit chat. The food was good, but our steak was overcooked! And the ambiance seems to be declining (clean wise) and had a slight smell. I understand they want to keep it "authentic" but a few upgrades here and there would help!

This place is always so much fun. As you enter the elevator and go downstairs, you get the 1970s feel right away. Dark, leather booths and a very nostalgic feeling. The servers have all been there a while and are super friendly and helpful. The food it's incredible and hard to finish, but I hate to waste any bite. We had the warm carrot cake for dessert this time and it was incredible how the icing began to melt. Outstanding.