Saddleback Grill

Saddleback Grill

It looks like a majority of our members would prefer to
switch away from Billy Bear's for second-Wednesday
mixers, and substitute the more upscale Saddleback Grill.
A quick round of 'ayes' at the last mixer was 10 to 1 in favor
of the switch. In my experience, the best response to
oncoming revolt is to run in the same direction!

So, I went over to the Saddleback to check it out. And
WOW! What a surprise. The pork chop dinner that I ate
erased any doubts that the Saddleback can deliver. The
chop was thick, tender, juicy, full of flavor, and nicely
trimmed. It was just excellent. If there were more restaurants
like this, I could apply for a job as a restaurant reviewer,
because it is easy to rave. The top-rated Antlers has
serious competition for the title of “best fine dining
restaurant on the mountain.” I'm not the only one who thinks
so; a second opinion is here.

Even though the Saddleback is upscale, the prices are
reasonable. My meal cost about half again what I'd expect
to pay for a similar meal at a coffee shop. The current
Saddleback menu is here.

The Grill at the Saddleback Inn has gone through a closing
and reopening within the last three months. I got all set up
for a singles' happy hour at the Grill, announced it in ROTW
and everything, and a few days before the first happy hour
the restaurant consignor abruptly went out of business. I
tried moving the happy hour to a sports bar. But I quickly
gave up on the sports bar, because most in our group
seem to prefer upscale venues. The exception is the
sawdust-casual-yet-popular Neo's.

Anyway, the owners at the Saddleback Inn apparently didn't
like having a restaurant gathering tumble-weeds right in
their lobby, so they refurbished the Grill and reopened it
themselves. Those sad-looking carpets at the Grill have
been torn out and replaced with nice new ones. The decor
has been upgraded. The food has improved also. I
remember it being pricey, and good but not exceptional.
Now it is reasonably priced and positively world-class.
You'll have to join us at 6 pm on second Wednesdays to
see for yourself.

The Saddleback happy hour is 4 to 6 pm, every day (except
when closed on Sundays and Mondays). Drinks are half off.
We have been meeting for a happy hour at the Antlers,
once per month. If we decide to add another happy hour,
making it two per month, a good locale might be at the
Saddleback.

My main reservation about pulling out of Billy Bear's is that
it leaves those of us in Crestline without a Wednesday
mixer in our immediate area. The nearest mixer to
Crestline will now be on third Wednesdays at the Antlers in
Twin Peaks, 4.6 miles and 12 minutes driving time from the
Crestline Depot. Half of the singles in our mountain area,
some 1600 strong, live in Crestline. Click here and here if
you can't believe there are that many. We have members in
Crestline, and I am VERY sincere about wanting to keep
your membership. It is just that there isn't a restaurant in
Crestline that has generated widespread enthusiasm. I am
asking you to drive the extra distance to the Antlers. I would
also back a Crestline alternative, such as a Taco Tuesday
at the Stockade.

The interior has been renovated.

The Grill is at the Saddleback Inn.