Barona Oaks Steakhouse - Lakeside

Fantastic steakhouse! We both started with the spinach and goat cheese salad, and I couldn’t resist the cream of mushroom soup (I never pass up the chance!). I opted for the New York strip, while my companion chose the hickory smoked rib eye. Everything was delicious, especially the freshly baked bread with jalapeños. They offer all the classic cuts, along with prime rib and a buffalo rib eye. I can’t wait to work my way through the rest of the menu!

Best steakhouse ever, service is incredible, food fabulous, ambience excellent, piano player unbelievable if you ever get a chance, its value on the trip and prices for the amount of food you receive. The cream cr...delicious

I have to eat here once in a while just to remind myself of what a top of line steak tastes like. Perfect steak, perfect drinks, perfect service. Not as pricey as you would expect. What more could you ask for?

This restaurant is obviously one of the most attractive place in the neighborhood. Every time I go there I am truly happy. They preserve their very high level service and the topmost level of meals they give. You will be always satisfied with this place. Very recommended.

If you're looking for a dark, classy, old-school ambiance perfect for a special evening, this is the place. It's the ideal spot for a prom date or to propose to a loved one, and the prices are reasonable. Barona has several smaller restaurants in the casino, all of which are good, but the steakhouse truly stands out. It used to be the buffet before the bingo room closed and they relocated. What a fantastic decision that was! As another reviewer mentioned, the atmosphere here feels removed from the typical casino vibe. The highlight is Mr. Jonathon, the amazing piano player who fills the air with classical melodies, setting a relaxed and enjoyable tone. The dining room itself is beautifully adorned with subtle colors and lighting, and the seating is quite comfortable. As soon as you sit down, a staff member brings you water – bottled, elegant, and definitely not tap. You’re quickly served a delightful basket of assorted bread, including cracker bread and jalapeno bread, accompanied by real butter pats. We don't drink much, but the wine and cocktail menus are certainly tempting. While all the waitstaff are impressive, Danny stands out as the best. He has been there since 1995 and is, in my opinion, one of the finest servers we've encountered anywhere. We started with a jumbo shrimp cocktail (five large shrimps) and, knowing how generous the portion sizes are, we skipped the salad or soup. My husband ordered the royal cut of prime rib (rare and still on the bone), which came with grilled vegetables and a baked potato. I opted for a 2 lb live Maine lobster, complete with beautifully grilled vegetables and a baked potato also stuffed with lobster! Both meals were outstanding; my husband's prime rib was succulent and flavorful, while my lobster was sweet, fresh, and perfectly prepared. It was served with claw meat intact and a small dish of melting butter sitting on a candle to keep it warm throughout the meal. The grilled veggies on both plates were tender and cooked to perfection, and my lobster-stuffed baked potato was a delightful surprise. Danny was attentive without being intrusive, showcasing perfect customer service. We wanted for nothing during our meal, and it’s refreshing to have a server genuinely happy to serve us, making it easy to leave a generous tip. This is our go-to restaurant for special occasions, and as long as the food and service remain top-notch, we’ll keep coming back. Additionally, once you finish your meal, you can enjoy some gambling, and if you're lucky, like we were tonight, you might just win! Also, be sure to take advantage of the valet parking – it's complimentary unlike other casinos where you pay a fee. We tipped them well for the prompt service. In my humble opinion, Barona is the best casino in San Diego County, and we’ve tried them all. P.S. Don't forget to check out the restrooms near the Italian restaurant below; they're as luxurious as those in upscale hotels or Las Vegas casinos.