Arroyo Chop House is the quintessential, classic, upscale, all American steak house. The Chop House opened in 1997, and has gained a very loyal following since then, sinking its roots deep within the city of Pasadena. I honestly think that this establishment is the best, if not one of the very best steakhouses in all of Southern California. The versatility of the restaurant is wonderful, whether you’re looking to have an important business dinner, a special occasion, or cocktails after work, Arroyo is the perfect place to do so. The dining room affords privacy in an intimate setting. If you’re looking to have a cocktail with some entertaining chatter you can always start out at the bar. The service of the staff is the best in Pasadena. Every single time I’ve dined here, the bartenders have been friendly, the kitchen immpecable, and the wait staff were helpful and spot on. I can’t think of enough great things to say about this Pasadena staple.

When I eat something I love, I become a creature of habit. The last 4-5 times I’ve dined at arroyo, my beau and I have ordered the same things. We start with a loaf of fresh bread, ordered half garlic and half plain ($5), and always order a dozen Hama Hama oysters (when in season, September-January, market price). Whoever is sourcing Arroyo with their oysters has the best damn oysters we’ve ever had — and we have had them all around the world. The oysters are the perfect texture, meaty, and have no sand whatsoever or any kind of unpleasant sea smell. Even in the fanciest of restaurants, we’ve frequently had these issues with raw oysters.

Next, we enjoy the Table Side Cesar Salad for two ($24). When your waiter rolls out his work station, you’ll see him make the entire salad table side; chopped romaine, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, home-made croutons, and a wonderful tangy Cesar dressing made from scratch right before your eyes. If you enjoy Cesar salads, this will be one of the best you’ve ever had.

After a bottle of champagne, fresh bread, oysters and our Cesar salad, we barely have any room to spare. But by this time we’ve already ordered the Porterhouse Steak ($48) to share. We opt to get the ‘regular’ Porterhouse, not the one for 2, it’s surely enough. The Chop House hand cuts their steaks fresh everyday, they are rubbed just perfect and cooked to perfection. I can’t emphasize enough how delicious the steaks are, if you haven’t already, you’lll have to see for yourself. You’re not going to get a steak soaked in butter and oozing on a buttery hot plate — I mean that in a good way. You’ll get a steak perfectly seasoned, juicy and broiled to perfection. You’ll probably even have enough left over, as we always do, for gourmet steak and eggs the next morning.

If you haven’t eaten here, do yourself a huge favor and do so. Whether it’s a special occasion or you’re just in the mood for an amazing steak — you won’t regret it.

Two thumbs up in every single way!

Check them out on Yelp.

(626) 577-7463