Black Angus Steakhouse

My wife and some friends decided to have dinner together with the hubbies. We all live somewhat spread around the bay area and Black Angus in Vallejo was a central point for all of us so we met there.  I had never been to a BA before but I figured it would be similar to Outback, which is one of the few chain restaurants that I actually enjoy going to. Boy, was I wrong. First of all, it was 98 degrees outside and the A/C was broken in the bar area which is where they tried to seat us. When we told them that we wanted to sit in the regular dining room (with working A/C) we were told that they were going be too full with folks with reservations (we did not have one). So, we said thanks but we were going over to the Olive Garden and the waitress said she would double check and guess what? They found a table for us in the main dining room. We were there for two hours and the five tables nearest us were never seated. The room was half empty the whole time!  So much for all the folks coming that had reservations.

I brought my own wine and their corkage fee of $8 is fair so that was alright.  I ordered the Filet Mignon and Lobster tail.  Now, I know that the "sea food" in a steak house is often times so-so.  I knew it was going to be a frozen lobster tail, but that would be OK. Frozen lobster tails, properly prepared can be delicious.

My 6 ounce filet was cooked properly (rare) but was severely under seasoned.  It was not a tasty piece of meat at all.  The lobster tail was WAY overcooked. The top surface was dried out like it had been under a heat lamp for hours if not days.  The interior of the lobster was also pretty dry.  Dipping in the clarified butter was a must to get enough moisture to chew and swallow without having to wash it down with water.

The garlic mashed potatoes were OK but drier than I would normally prepare.  The fresh green beans with bacon were actually pretty good and well prepared.

All four items were kind of scattered on the plate somewhat haphazardly. I give them a C- for  presentation.

The price for this mediocre meal?  $31.   There are a number of fine dining restaurants in my home town of Santa Rosa where $31 would buy me a VERY fine entrée.   As far as I am concerned, the BA offering was abysmal for that price.

I was not alone.  One of the other husbands ordered the Prime Rib and what arrived on his plate was the most pathetic slice of Prime Rib I have ever seen.

If you want a good steak and need to pick from the chains, go for Outback.  I see no reason for me to ever visit a Black Angus again.

20 mins. At table in bar no service! With 2 mangers sitting at tne bar watching the game on tv.

I want good food, a friendly atmosphere, and a big selection  They have it all here and I don't come here for the steak.