Larsen’s Steakhouse in Valencia is a hidden jewel, well worth the effort to find it.
Because getting into Larson’s is not obvious. It is located within the Westfield Valencia Town Center. That is easy to find via the usual assortment of Android and iPhone apps.
As you approach the restaurant you will easily see the “Larsen’s Steakhouse” neon sign. And you will immediately notice a brightly lit patio with heaters and an entrance doors just below and to the right of the Larsen’s sign. You can see past the entrance inside to several TV monitors with the usual gamut of sports games on. That is BJ’s Bar and Grill, that is NOT what you want.
So walk up to the Larsen’s neon sign and proceed left. Just there is a nondescript door with very small lettering stating “Larsen’s Steakhouse” and the ‘LS’ logo above. That’s the right spot.
The interior is clean, comfortable, and inviting. There’s white walls with lots of dark wood accents, white table cloths. The two times I’ve been there they had live music in the lounge playing.
The Martinis were excellent. Nicely chilled stems, well prepared, and amble. The barkeep asked if I wanted it stirred or shaken, offered several options for garnish, and allowed me to sample the gin before specifying my choice.
On that note, I sampled the Uncle Val’s! Very very intense juniper with subtle accents of citrus and herbs. But the juniper easily overpowered all flavors. I had Val’s in my second Martini and it was good. But I think that it is better suited for a G&T.
Larsen’s is the only Restaurant that I’ve visited recently that has Nolet’s Gold! So if you’re looking to try this elite and highly rated and reviewed gin, here’s a great place for it. While I would have loved to try Nolet’s Gold, it was just a bit outside my price comfort range. But I’m saving my nickels for the right occasion.
Overall I give Larsen’s Steakhouse the coveted two Stems. This is a place that I would definitely go for the Martini alone.
For Gin selection, Larson’s gets an A. Their selection includes: Bombay, Bombay Sapphire, Tanqueray, Tanqueray Ten, Tanqueray Rangpur, Beefeater, Beefeater 24, Hendricks, Boodles, Caorunn, Uncle Val’s, Plymouth, St. George Botanivore, Nolet’s Silver, and Nolet’s Gold.
