Message from Vernons Hidden Valley Steakhouse
Flash back to the long gone days of the Prohibition Era. Often cloaked behind the guise of a restaurant, the ever so popular "speakeasy" was a place where one could imbibe in their favorite alcoholic beverage while enjoying the posh atmosphere, live entertainment, and elegant food. Vernon's Hidden Valley Steakhouse, "thus far one of Albuquerque's best kept secrets," according to Gil Garduno local restaurant critic, brings back the appeal and ambiance of the long gone speakeasy in new world splendor. Unassuming and hidden behind a door through Los Ranchos Liquors, Vernon's boasts a cozy and intimate dining area with slick black diamond plaster walls, rich red planked ceilings, and elegant music. The environment is worth the adventure itself. However, the food is most notable. According to Gil, "Vernon's has established itself as a popular dining destination among those in the know."
Insider Pages Reviews for Vernons Hidden Valley Steakhouse
I LOVE Vernon's!!! We went there for a surprise Birthday dinner for my boyfriend, & I couldn't ask for a better dinner experience. My boyfriend was very surprised by the whole thing. He was curious to know who "joe" was. hahaha A little apprehensive at first, but a VERY enjoyable, memorable, evening.
Posted 09/10/09 | Report Abuse
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Latest reviews from Citysearch.
Fine Dining?
by samanddave25
This was the second time I had vistied this steak house, the food was very good, the service not so much. But what really got me was the fact that I was forced to order an Entree.
We had ay late reservation (7:30), I didnt want to eat a huge meal that late so I ordered a salad and a bowl of soup. I was informed by the waitress that I HAD to order an entree. I advised her I was not hungry enough for all that food and that a soup and salad was all i wanted. I was FORCED to order an entree.
This is NOT okay with me. I want to order what I want when I dine out.
Pros: Ambiance
Cons: Rules
Posted 08/11/09
mediocre
by DWDP
The knock 3 times and ask for Joe gimmick to enter the restaurant is silly and dumb. Our waiter was patronizing and felt he had to instruct us on the experience of fine dining. My $55 dry aged T-Bone had OK flavor but was less than an inch thick. These prices are over the top and for less money you could have a dinner at Peter Luger's in Brooklyn or Gene and Georgetti's in Chicago, 2 of the best steakhouses in the world.
Pros: none
Cons: overpriced, patronizing service, kitchy concept
Posted 04/24/09
One of a Kind Desert Speak Easy
by StreetTalk
I was part of 2 couples that went for this unique, big city, east of the Mississippi experience. First, you really have to look for this place on 4th Street, which lends serious credibility to the claim of speak easy anonymity the restaurant strives to create. Once inside, and your eyes adjust to the muted lighting, you kind of expect to see flappers and zoot suits wandering about, stirring their mixed drinks, looking for their certain someone. Yeah, it's really like that. The bar is small, well stocked and very capable. The hostess seated us within minutes of our reservation in the main dining room. Our wait staff was attentive without being annoying. Our food was prepared as ordered - except for one steak that needed to go back on the grill for medium well. The place was alive, and it was fun just to take it all in. Compared to the standard cookie cutter restaurants that have big names, big rooms, big noise, big lines and big prices, we found Vernon's to be a great out of the way, sneak up on you, speak easy value. If you like a cozy, yet lively dining experience this one is worth a trip to 4th Street with your special someone.
Pros: Atmosphere, Service, Attentiveness, Food
Cons: Gotta love small restaurants
Posted 02/20/09
Novelty restaurant offers good service and decent food
by paquime
The novelty of a prohibition-era restaurant plays well here. Service is attentive and wait staff enjoy pampering their customers. Alas, if only the food matched the enthusiasm, ambiance and service. The lamb chops were tops, while the rib eye was only average. The veggies were terrific, but the spud was over-baked. For such account-breaking prices, at the least for the Albuquerque market, food ought to be consistently exceptional.
Pros: Ambience, Attentiveness, Novelty
Cons: Some food items only average
Posted 01/29/09
Best Steak in Albuquerque!
by Devdan
I have had the opportunity to eat at Vernon's Hidden Valley Steaks on numerous occasions. Each visit is more pleasurable than the previous! Hands down Vernon's has the best steak in Albuquerque. Also, the atmosphere makes your dining experience fabulous. It is fashioned like an old speakeasy of the Prohibition Era. The door to enter Vernon's is hidden in the back of a liquor store. You have to say, "Joe sent me" to get in! I love the coziness with the fire place and live piano.
My favorite menu item is the filet mignon - it melts in my mouth! I always get the 6 oz so that I have room for the bruschetta (love it!) and chop salad. My husband loves the prime rib. He also starts with the shrimp cocktail, skips the salad, and finishes with an amazing creme brulee. The food is superb and the atmosphere makes the evening even more special.
I recommend Vernon's to anyone who is looking for a great meal! You will enjoy a true "big city" dining experience in little old Albuquerque - you will think that you are in Chicago or New York. It is a perfect place for a romantic date or to take someone that you really want to impress!
Pros: ambiance, service
Cons: none!
Posted 10/08/08
Vernons Steak House, a resturant with a VIBE!
by claytonk
By far the best dining experience my husband and I had since moving to NM from Scottsdale, AZ. Vernons had a good vibe and the speak-easy setting was unique! EXCELLENT wine list. Our steaks were cooked perfectly. A restuarant we would definitely return to!
Pros: Wine list, ambience, menu selection
Posted 10/08/08