Sundance The Steakhouse

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#3 of 299 Restaurants in Palo AltoSteakhouse, Seafood, $$$$

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Sundance The Steakhouse

Review

At a glance

Open until 9:00 PM

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Website

+1 650-321-6798Improve this listing

About

Since its opening in 1974, prime steaks and martinis have never gone out of style at this Palo Alto institution. The atmosphere is very clubby with fireplaces, dark wood, sports memorabilia and plush leather booths tucked into the many nooks throughout the dining room. Famous for their slow-roasted prime rib & hand-cut U.S.D.A Prime Steaks, they also offer fresh seafood, cold water lobster tail & succulent shellfish. The 23 oz. Bone-In Rib eye Steak is the "Boss' Favorite" while the Double Cut Filet Mignon runs a close second. Sundance is respected for serving the best food money can buy coupled with value & simplicity – a welcome relief for serious food & steak aficionados. The menu is supported by an award-winning wine list that features over 400 selections focusing on highly allocated Napa Valley Cabernets & Sonoma Pinot Noirs. Exceptional ratings & numerous restaurant awards rank Sundance the Steakhouse as a true dining destination.

Features

CUISINES

Steakhouse, Seafood

Meal types

Dinner

Special Diets

Vegetarian friendly, Gluten free options

FEATURES

Accepts Credit Cards

Free off-street parking

Free Wifi

Full Bar

Gift Cards Available

Highchairs Available

Parking Available

Private Dining

Reservations

Seating

Serves Alcohol

Table Service

Takeout

Television

Wheelchair Accessible

Location

1921 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, CA 94306-1122

Free off-street parking, Parking Available

Can a vegetarian person get a good meal at this restaurant?

Yes

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Hours

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Open until 9:00 PM

Sunday

4:30 PM - 9:00 PM

Monday

11:30 AM - 2:00 PM4:30 PM - 9:00 PM

Tuesday

11:30 AM - 2:00 PM4:30 PM - 9:00 PM

Wednesday

11:30 AM - 2:00 PM4:30 PM - 9:00 PM

Thursday

11:30 AM - 2:00 PM4:30 PM - 9:00 PM

Friday

11:30 AM - 2:00 PM4:30 PM - 9:30 PM

Saturday

4:30 PM - 9:30 PM

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4.4

562 reviews

Excellent

306

Very good

179

Average

Poor

Terrible

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Yes

napavalleydiner

Yountville82 contributions

Long standing restaurant still a HIT!

Sep 2024 • couples

This restaurant has a very high rating on TA, so doesn't really need my comments. However, I just want the owners to know how much we appreciate that they have stuck with a winning formula which sets them apart from all the excellent, yet "chain-owned" steakhouse restaurants. Their individuality makes the environment warm and cosy with interesting decor. The menu is mostly standard steakhouse, but with plenty of choices and some interesting variations. First, it was not a strictly a la carte menu. Mains come with 2 sides, along with 2 vegetables and bread. This makes the expense of steak and prime rib dinners a value, especially given the generous serving sizes. At our age, we are unable to do justice to these portions, but take-home leftovers make it an amortized meal. I had their prime rib, since it's a specialty and you cannot find prime rib at restaurants anymore. The meat was perfectly done (med rare, as they recommend). I also had creamed spinach and it was excellent - better flavor than most other places. Garlic mashed potatoes were also very good, as was the sourdough bread. For an appetizer, we ordered the filet mignon spring rolls. The meat was ground and what flavor! There were 4 large crispy spring rolls and this could have been our dinner. It was fabulous and I would have it again in a heartbeat. The asian sauce and salad were great accompaniments. The only somewhat disappointing dish was the prawn puttanesca pasta. I know, why order pasta in a steakhouse? My husband loves puttanesca pastas, which are also not found everywhere. Though the shrimp were good, it was not spicy as advertised and did not have enough capers or olives (olives were oddly whole, not chopped). Final kudos go to the service. Everything came out quickly, hot and well-presented. Very efficient and attentive bussers. Our server, Tommy, embodied professionalism and experience. He balanced the right amount of friendliness and competence. He embodies the warmth of this establishment. We would definitely return when in the area.

Written September 7, 2024

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MsSixtyPlus

Sunnyvale13 contributions

Sundance Never Disappoints!

Dec 2023 • couples

We have been visiting Sundance Steakhouse for many years for birthdays and anniversaries. Food quality, service, and ambience are consistently excellent. Our visit in December 2023 was no exception. From a superb fried calamari app to 7 oz filet to 10 oz strip steak, everything was perfectly cooked to order (calamari with crunchy breading but tender inside—not a rubbery bite in sight!) and steaks (medium rare, just as ordered). Steakhouse wedge salads delivered crisp lettuce and abundant dressing, bacon, tomato and onion. Creamed spinach and loaded baked potato came in good sized portions. We had enough left over to make a complete repeat meal tomorrow! Speaking of leftovers, they were packaged with care in separate containers for cold salad, meat entrees, vegetable sides. This is a small courtesy that many restaurants overlook in the rush to plate it all up in one container. Service is courteous, friendly and efficient without being cringingly self-important. I love visiting Sundance and can’t wait to go back.

Written December 10, 2023

JJBlondie

Denver2232 contributions

Wonderful steak and prime rib

Oct 2023 • business

We had an extremely large group, and they were able to accommodate us with a reservation in a semi private room in the middle of the restaurant. We shared some excellent appetizers , including sashimi, filet spring rolls, calamari, crab cakes and shrimp. For dinner, I chose the prime rib and house salad. It was perfectly cooked, medium rare. And came with creamed spinach and buttered vegetables. The service was excellent and our waiter did a great job keeping up with a table of 16. I would definitely eat here again.

Written November 19, 2023

Elizabeth F

184 contributions

GROSS FOOD. Seriously.

Jul 2024 • family

I was really shocked by how ratty and awful this place was. REALLY- look somewhere else. I had a chicken dish that was so disgusting that I ate 3 bites. My daughter had a filet mignon and it came out undercooked (for MR!!!!!!!) TWICE. Two times. She finally just ate some of it. The server was not particularly interested in why I had not touched my food or the steak mishaps. A TOTALLY miss in our book. Choose elsewhere.

Written July 22, 2024

MsSixtyPlus

Sunnyvale13 contributions

A local treasure, a superb steakhouse.

Aug 2023 • couples

This place always exceeds expectations. We returned to Sundance after a 3-year hiatus due to COVID lockdowns and general caution about over-exposure to indoor dining. To our delight, our experience was better than ever. From the hibachi ahi and filet mignon spring roll starters to the filet and prime rib entrees to the berries and grand mariner dessert, everything was spectacularly delicious. In the apps, a slightly sweet sesame dressing over cucumber slices took the buttery ahi and pickled ginger to new heights. As always, their beef is always cooked as ordered and vegetable sides are perfect. Service is unobtrusive and efficient (busters) and gracious and friendly (server). This restaurant is a local treasure and we are so happy it survived the pandemic and is still top notch!

Written August 23, 2023

TooFrequentTraveller

Paris454 contributions

Unsatisfactory reception - left standing in entrance. Dark room with uncomfortable booths. Food ok, not special.

Dec 2024 • couples

Unsatisfactory reception and service. Salad & Steak ok - sides need some more flavor. Surprisingly unsatisfactory reception - Maître D’ completely ignored us and was more occupied talking with the hostesses about balancing table workload than being welcoming. He and the hostesses left us standing without update for a long time. Choice of seating area is either a room with highly uncomfortable booths that is way too dark; or high top tables with TV screens. Disappointing.

Written December 22, 2024

TravelWarrior200

Pasadena166 contributions

Best prime rib anywhere

Jan 2023 • none

I hadn't been to the restaurant for a few years but we had a lunch meeting here. The prime rib is possibly the best you will find anywhere. Perfectly cooked and with excellent sides. Our waiter, Dave, also was terrific. He recommended the clam chowder and he was right; among the best chowder you will find anywhere. Free parking on site, although limited spaces. Outstanding in every respect.

Written January 19, 2023

norinori-san

Shinjuku7623 contributions

Roast beef style steak

Apr 2024 • business

I visited this steakhouse in Palo Alto because it is a well-known steakhouse. The restaurant recommended the prime rib, which was similar to roast beef. It was delicious. They also have a good selection of wines, but the prices are high.

Written April 13, 2024

MarcieBCA

Palo Alto83 contributions

"Great Ambiance & Delicious Food"

Feb 2020 • none

My friend had asked for a booth so it was easy to hear each other and not hear too many others. The menu had almost too many choices.The Chicken Arugula Salad sounded great and it was. The bread they served had a crispy crust and chewy soft interior. It came with a dish with olive oil and balsamic vinegar but they were more than happy to bring butter as well. Asking for water with no ice, and a wedge of lemon, was no big deal, which extended to refills of no ice water too! My friend ate every bite of her Asian Chicken Salad which I know means she liked it a lot. Our server was very pleasant and attentive. The dessert menu had a nice selection of things, but since I took home about 1/3 of my salad, I couldn't justify getting dessert. However, two Andes mints on the way out were the perfect ending to a wonderful meal.

Written February 7, 2020

Rowena A

San Francisco61 contributions

Great Steaks!

Jan 2020 • none

We've always driven by but never tried it until a friend told me that they had great steaks. My partner's birthday was coming up and she's a steak lover - perfect! I knew right away that it was a great restaurant since it was packed for a weekday. Altho' it's says it's a steak house, you could also order pasta or seafood. I loved our waiter, Brandon, who never failed to check on us and even gave us a complimentary cup of their clam chowder (delish!) since the kitchen was really busy and our order was taking longer than usual. Loved everything we ordered - jumbo prawns linguini, ribeye steak and standard cut prime rib. Their serving portions are substantial so come hungry or you'll have a lot to take home (not a bad thing, either). Since I mentioned in my reservation that it was my partner's birthday, I knew they would serve her a little something for dessert. I was wrong - they served a huge slice of ice cream cake (coffee, my favorite & it was good) that we could not consume! I would definitely return..

Written January 16, 2020

LiliB92672

San Clemente151 contributions

Classic Prime Rib restaurant in the South Bay Area

Nov 2019 • none

Had gone here years ago but had forgotten about this place. Tried it again recently, specifically for their "sunset dinner menu" - a discount menu offered before 6p.m. on a selection of their regular dinners. It was so good, we returned three weeks later and brought 2 other couples along. I suggest you start with happy hour in the bar, featuring wine beer and some classic cocktails for about $6-$8. Then from 5pm-6pm, take advantage of the Sunset dinner posted on their website. 5 selections at $32 and 5 at $26, all regular size complete dinners, including soup or salad, vegetable of the day and potatoes or creamed spinach. The prime rib at $32 is as good as it gets, cooked perfectly, generous portion. It’s the best discount on the sunset menu, the other options are only a few bucks off regular price. This place has a classic old school environment. Very friendly service and excellent food, get there by 5pm. If you have room, order the mud pie to share for dessert!

Written January 4, 2020

Manish Khanna

Mumbai389 contributions

These are STEAKS!!!

Feb 2022 • none

Was here with my son as a going home dinner. Had saved up for a good Steak Dinner till the last night. And we were NOT disappointed! We both had the 13 Ounce steaks, mine with baked potato and his with veggies I think. We started at the bar with sparkling wine and the squid starters till the table was ready. Moved to our table and got in these amazing steaks, Cooked Medium rare to perfection, amazing prime beef, melt in your mouth. Paired with a nice red wine. Service was attentive and prompt. The place was FULL so that speaks for itself! In the Stanford Area, this is your steakhouse to go to.

Written July 11, 2022

truccolo

Sao Paulo647 contributions

Best Prime Rib in the world

Nov 2021 • none

I reviewed the Sundance a few years ago with the title "Best steak in the area". In a new visit, I declare its Prime Rib as the best of the world. And I have so much authority to do so as any food critic or magazine, because it is impossible to really tell what dish is the best of the world if you haven't tasted all (relevant) option. And nobody has done it, too many good places to eat in this tiny blue planet... But in MY world, of MY experiences, no Prime Rib has reached Sundance's perfection standards. I keep going there overtime and be rewarded with an unbelievable Prime Rib... ...always following a Clam Chowder soup, as they also happen to make the best Clam Chowder of the world. MY world! Service is top also, flawless. Always.

Written February 11, 2022

marc n

74 contributions

Incredibly mediocre meal!

Dec 2024 • friends

Such a disappointment. It’s a lovely ambiance. Service was great. BUT…the prime rib was awful. Tasteless. One member of our party’s dinner was cold. Mine was overcooked. No excuse for such mediocre quality given their prices. There are so many much better places at this price point.

Written December 12, 2024

John H

San Jose373 contributions

Solid, but was expecting more

Jul 2022 • couples

Filet mignon spring rolls : 3.5/5. I thought it tasted good. Gf thought it was a tad bland. We were expecting strips of steak but it tasted like grounded meat. Dipping sauce really salty. Salad given was good. Diver scallops: 5/5. Gf loved it. Sauteed mushrooms: 4/5. I like it. Gf did not (and normally she loves mushrooms). As an Asian, it would be perfect with rice. Organic tomatoes: 5/5. Gf loved the balsamic. Bone in ribeye: 3.5/5. It was fine. I've had better. Boneless ribeye: 3.5/5. Gf said it was bland. Two entrees, one appetizer and 1 cocktail. Came out to around $220, not including tip. Service was really good, and not overbearing. Small private parking lot, with small parking stalls.

Written July 31, 2022