Frommer's Review
Located down the street from Spago -- so you know it's expensive -- is one of the best steakhouses in Southern California: Mastro's. Typical of an upscale steakhouse, the dimly lit dining room on the first floor has a dark, leathery, serious men's club feel to it, so be sure to request a table on the second floor, where the bar, live music, and cool vibe are located. Slide into a plush black leather booth, order a Mastro Dry Ice Martini (which comes with the shaker, so it takes only one to get a groove on), and start off the feast with an Iced Seafood Tower -- a massive pyramid of crab legs, lobster, shrimp, clams, and oysters the size of your palm. Oh, and I've found the beef: Fred Flintstone-size slabs of hand-cut USDA beef served on sizzling plates heated to 400°F (204°C) so your steak stays warm and juicy throughout the meal. Forget the greens -- the only side you need is the Mastro Mash, a big bowl of creamy mashed potatoes mixed with sour cream, chives, bacon, and butter. ("I'll have a Diet Coke with that.") The bad news is that a bone-in rib-eye runs about $50; the good news is that one will feed three normal-size people. The white-jacketed waiters are friendly and attentive; be sure to say hello to the manager, Jin Yu -- he's got some great stories to tell about this celebrity-filled joint.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without
notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before
planning your trip.
