Welcome to Arroyo Chop House
Pasadena's Arroyo Chop House offers the finest traditions of the classic all-American steakhouse, while exuding a youthful energy that gives the time-honored dining concept universal appeal. The strikingly handsome restaurant—inspired by the Arts & Crafts architectural style for which Pasadena is famous—is clad in rich mahogany and its cozy booths are bathed in the seductive glow of stylish chandeliers and sconces recreated from the Craftsman period of the early 1900s. Mustard walls with polished wood wainscoting are lined with oil paintings from a prestigious art gallery and comfortable arm chairs encourage lingering with friends over an after-dinner drink. Festive groups of diners congregate at tables dressed in crisp white linen, set with elegant china and topped with delicate stemware that suggests the restaurant is very serious about its award-winning wine program. A polished wood bar, illuminated with dramatic amber light fixtures and retro lamps, draws a good-looking, sophisticated crowd sipping classic martinis, single-malt Scotches, and flutes of fine Champagne.
A sophisticated mural by acclaimed artist R. Kenton Nelson, depicting the sporting and social life of the 1930s leisure class, is painted above the bustling open kitchen run by talented chef David Tellez. The cuisine at Arroyo Chop House is reminiscent of the legendary steakhouses of New York or Chicago, with USDA Prime beef, dry-aged for six weeks and hand-cut daily, taking center stage. But first, guests enjoy classic starters like chilled jumbo shrimp with a potent cocktail sauce, Alaskan crab leg cocktail, Caesar salad, or sliced beefsteak tomato with marinated red onions and bleu cheese. The generously-portioned main attractions include filet mignon, rib-eye, a massive porterhouse, and New York strip, as well as double-cut lamb chops, veal chop, rotisserie chicken, and a 32-ounce prime rib with all the trimmings. While the perfectly seared, juicy steaks—quickly broiled in a 1,500-degree oven—hardly need any embellishment, the kitchen prepares superb sauces (e.g. bearnaise, peppercorn-sherry, bleu cheese-smoked bacon, cabernet reduction) to further enhance the experience. Traditional steakhouse side dishes include Lyonnaise potatoes, creamed spinach, gargantuan baked potatoes, massive asparagus spears with hollandaise sauce, and Arroyo Chop House's famous onion rings. The ultra-fresh seafood, which arrives daily from the world's most pristine waters, includes ahi tuna, swordfish, and, of course, 2½-pound whole Maine lobsters. Classic desserts such as chocolate-pecan pie, New York cheesecake and lemon bread pudding round out a sensational steakhouse experience, but chocolate or Grand Marnier souffles make the evening truly decadent.
Naturally, the wine list at Arroyo Chop House, loaded with over 225 selections and supported by an inventory of 3,000 bottles—much of it handsomely displayed throughout the dining room—is a perennial recipient of the prestigious "Award of Excellence" from Wine Spectator magazine. Designed to fully complement the hearty steakhouse fare, the list is incredibly deep in full-bodied reds, from some of Bordeaux' most exalted chateaux to celebrated cabernets from Napa Valley, as well as intriguing finds from boutique wineries across California and around the globe. Prices are reasonable and an extensive selection of wines by the glass is offered. A charming, secluded patio is the best spot in all of Pasadena to enjoy a glass of cognac while digesting one of America's best steak dinners.
Situated next door to its sister restaurant, the acclaimed Parkway Grill, Arroyo Chop House is located just off the Pasadena Freeway, making it not only a Rose City favorite, but also a convenient destination for discriminating diners from throughout Greater Los Angeles. Its clubby good looks and all-American menu make the Chop House a natural for a wide variety of occasions, from businessmen closing deals, tourists soaking up the flavor of historic Pasadena, families celebrating special occasions, and couples stealing romantic moments. Arroyo Chop House has been recognized as "Best Restaurant in Pasadena" four consecutive years by Pasadena Weekly, and has received accolades in national food and travel publications. Arroyo Chop House is a venture of brothers Bob and Gregg Smith, innovative restaurateurs who have shaped dining trends in Pasadena for over two decades. Other venues operated by Smith Brothers Restaurant Corporation include Parkway Grill and Smitty's Grill in Pasadena, Vibrato Grill, Jazz...Etc. in Bel-Air, and their chain of casual Crocodile Cafes.
