8. Shaw's Steak House & Tavern

Horrible!!!! Though we have been to Shaw's before and enjoyed it, I will never go there again!!! Valentine's Day we had reservations at 7:00 p.m. When we arrived just before 7:00 there was a bottleneck in the entry. People with reservations for 5:30 were still waiting - they were not honoring reservations at all. The hostess said reservations were just so the staff knew how many people to expect - no guarantee of seating. The manager wouldn't come out - but when he finally did he basically scolded us for whining. Don't go to Shaw's with a large group or if you think you can get a reservation because you can't!

best ribeye i have ever eaten.this is a great place.

Originally from Chicago, where you can only get great steaks, my family tried Shaw's at the recommendation of the employees at our hotel. It was definitely a very filling meal, but they seemed very overwhelmed by our large family (10) gathering. We were told we would be served no problem, but our 10 minute table took almost 40 minutes to set up. The staff kept reassuring us it would only be a few more minutes each time someone inquired. We were assigned one waitress at the beginning, who mysteriously disappeared for the rest of the night, with two different ones replacing her. Somehow, our the orders from the two pushed together tables got separated and we had one table served 15 minutes after the other. It was very slow in the rest of the restaurant, but we still had subpar service. Overall, the food was pretty good, and there certainly was a lot of it! But do not attempt a large party here...very unprepared.

Have eaten there several times and while the service was not perfect every time, they were still worthy of my repeated business. I am of the option restaurants should be given a second chance. Meal consist of a relish plate (celery, carrots, black olives, pepperchinis and green onions) crackers and a mild salsa are brought to the table when you first sit down, soup or salad and Santa Maria styled beans and French bread with the main course. I have consumed several different steaks and have yet to be disappointed, they have on a couple of occasions created a special plate of a small rib eye and a couple of beef ribs. Definitely more food than I needed. As with most dinner houses the meat will be cook a little to the rarer side, so I would recommend asking the serving person prior to making your order. They are one of the few restaurants that cook the beef ribs fresh rather than par-boiling. If you are a person who does not like your food seasoned than you will not be happy with your meat (I like a good season steak). They serve steaks, ribs (both beef and pork), chicken, pork chops, as well as seafood. Meals range in the mid $20 but nothing over $40 in price (all early bird meal are under $20). If you are not full by the end of your meal they have some nice deserts (I have seen them but I am to full to enjoy them). The full bar is nice and many of the wines offered are from the local area. Yes I have had to wait a couple of time but it’s a sign there is good food ahead. They do take reservations and calling head on Fri, Sat or Sun I would recommend.

Would never go back. Horrible service and over seasoned steaks. For a good dining experience don't go to Shaw's.

By far the weakest restaurant of MGE. Had horrible service ... it ruined our whole experience and will never go back. It's a wonder that people still go in there to eat. The food's good, but it's not worth the wait or the aggrevation of the staff.

This is, in my opinion, the best steakhouse inside Santa Maria. The place is always crowded, and parking is inadequate in their lot, but you can always find something not too far. The food is done perfectly, with the Santa Maria Barbeque flavor you'd expect. Sides are weak, but what you should expect from a steakhouse type restaurant. The interior is reminiscent of a Marie Callender's, the service is adequate. Come here for perfectly done food, quality meats.