OVERVIEW
IS THE QUALITY OF THE PRODUCT/SERVICE WORTH A VISIT?
LB Steak is an upscale restaurant that offers multiple zones to cater to multiple customer bases: Part of the interior has dim lighting conducive to intimate dining and the other part, with window seating, offers ample natural lighting that is perfect for business meetings and office parties with views of the outdoor seating area and the Row.
The exterior pet-friendly area is strategically designed to both allow patrons to people watch on the Row when the weather is nice AND draw curtains to shield diners when it gets breezy or chilly. The wait staff and bussers work as a team to ensure that customers receive their food and beverages in a timely manner.
One of the servers, Jill, who was a knowledgeable server and gracious hostess, suggested that I try the WHITE GULF PRAWNS and CEASAR SALAD.
CAESAR SALAD: ROMAINE LEAVES, ANCHOVIES, PARMIGIANO REGGIANO, GARLIC CROUTONS $14
WHITE GULF PRAWNS: SAUTÉED WITH GARLIC AND CAYENNE, CROSTINI $18
The garlic sauce was so delish, the yummy crostinis weren’t enough- I had to use extra bread, which they bring to you to select from four options.
BLACKSMITH’S MULE with Tito’s Vodka, Apple Ginger Shrub, Lime, & Ginger Beer $16
This a nice option to start off your meal and have a chance to unwind. It is one of the bartender’s creations and recommendations.
MAINE LOBSTER BISQUE: FRESH MAINE LOBSTER, CHIVES $18
If you enjoy an elegant presentation, then you will have fun witnessing one of the servers pour the soup base over chunks of real lobster right at your table.
BREAD They bring four options to you to select from on a breadboard: There was one with olives that I really enjoyed with fresh butter- a real treat.
SHRIMP AND CRAB COBB: CRAB, SHRIMP, AVOCADO, HEARTS OF PALM, TOMATO, LOUIS DRESSING 20
Since I love avocado and shellfish, I ordered this salad. All the ingredients complimented each other nicely.
LOBSTER ROLL: MAINE LOBSTER, CELERY, SCALLIONS, REMOULADE, TOASTED BUN, HOUSEMADE CAPE COD STYLE POTATO CHIPS 20
I love lobster so in addition to the bisque, I had to try their popular lobster roll. It is a tasty alternative for those who love the more common crab salad sandwiches offered at many restaurants (which I also love).
CASHEW PINEAPPLE UPSIDE DOWN CAKE: PINEAPPLE, RUM RAISIN ICE CREAM, RUM SAUCE 14
This is a nice option for dessert if you enjoy something with a bright fruity quality.
BROWN BUTTER BLONDIE: POPCORN ANGLAISE, CARAMEL CASHEW POPCORN, TAHITIAN VANILLA BEAN GELATO, CARAMEL 11
VEUVE CLICQUOT, DEMI SEC: 375 ML $25/GLASS $75/BOTTLE dessert wine
And for dessert, I paired this varied treat that offers creamy and crunchy with salty and sweet, with a glass of champagne from the dessert wine list- a wonderful combo to wrap up a gourmet meal. Personally, I enjoy an after-dinner drink, especially sweet beverages like port and champagnes on the sweeter side.
HOW PET-FRIENDLY IS IT?
The San Jose location of LB Steak is located on the very pet-friendly Santana Row– which I must admit, I was surprised how truly pet-friendly “The Row” is: there are doody bag dispensers at multiple locations and stainless steel dog bowls in front of the majority of shops.
The staff also brought out water in a nice stainless steel bowl without the need for a cue. They do not offer a complimentary treat nor do they have an official pet menu; however, I was able to order an unseasoned kids’ burger for my dog, Lovie.
The entire staff, from the hostesses to the servers, was all very friendly to Lovie. We felt welcomed. They also let us sit in an area with some space so Lovie could stretch out and I did not have to feel constrained or concerned about Lovie bothering other patrons or my equipment getting knocked down.
IS IT CONVENIENT OR A PAIN IN THE —?
There is time-restricted free street parking that can be very competitive depending on when you get there. There are also covered lots. I took advantage of the gated off-leash “pet area” in a free parking lot located where Olin dead ends. The designated “pet area” in the back of the lot offers an opportunity for your dog to do his/her business before visiting the businesses on the Row. The pet area has packed sand to run on and a doody bag dispenser. The Row also offers plenty of places to dispose of waste and opportunities for pet-friendly shopping and along the way to fine dining at LB Steak.
If window-shopping is not enough activity, I would suggest taking advantage of Los Gatos Creek County Park. Lovie and I both love going here- in fact, I wish it were closer and we live by many popular parks. The event coordinator for the trio of restaurants (Left Bank, LB Steak and Mesa), Jill, recommended it to me and it was right up our alley. It is definitely worth driving the 5 miles/ 15 minutes to enjoy the trails and segregated dog areas. Check out my pReview for a sneak peek.
LB Steak of San Jose’s Santana Row is pretty easy to find, it is fairly close to the Stevens Creek exit off I-880 or the Winchester Boulevard exit off I-280. I will say that I have turned right off the freeway too soon and ended up heading towards the Westfield Valley Fair mall instead by mistake and then had to drive an additional 5-10 minutes to get back to Olin.
The closest 24/7 emergency vet is Silicon Valley Veterinary Specialist located at7160 Santa Teresa Blvd in San Jose. This clinic is over 15 miles away or a 20-minute drive, which is pretty far. The closest vet is Pet Care Animal Hospital located at 700 S Winchester Blvd Suite 10 in San Jose, but it is only open 9-7 PM Monday through Saturday (closes 6 PM).
*[Please note: We provide the veterinary locations as a reference and resource, not a referral or endorsement].
