The 20-Ounce Prime Rib At This Tiki Bar In California Is Unbelievably Delicious

You walk in thinking it’s just dinner. Order a steak. Leave full. That’s the plan. It doesn’t hold for long.

The room pulls you in first. Low lighting settles around the table. Wood details and deep booths create a space that feels separate from everything outside. You sit down and the pace shifts almost immediately.

Then the food starts moving through the room. Plates look bigger than expected. Cuts arrive with weight.

You catch yourself reconsidering what to order. One dish turns into two. Maybe more. It happens without much thought.

There are meals in California that feel like an occasion the second you sit down.

That energy builds here without forcing it. The setting leans fully into its identity. The portions follow through. Nothing feels half done. By the time the meal settles in, it no longer feels like a simple night out.

That’s exactly why people don’t come here just once.

A History That Stretches Back To 1937

Not many restaurants can say they have been feeding the same community for nearly nine decades, but Damon’s Steak House holds that distinction with quiet confidence.

The restaurant first opened its doors in 1937, making it one of the oldest continuously operating dining establishments in the Glendale area.

That kind of longevity does not happen by accident.

Through the decades, the restaurant kept its character intact while the city around it changed dramatically.

Generations of families have returned year after year, and the space carries a sense of lived-in warmth that newer restaurants often struggle to replicate.

The walls hold decades of stories, and the atmosphere reflects that accumulated history in a way that feels grounded rather than manufactured.

Located at 317 N Brand Blvd in Glendale, CA 91203, the restaurant has remained a fixture on one of the city’s most recognizable commercial streets.

Staying relevant for nearly 90 years while keeping the same core identity is a rare achievement in the restaurant industry, and Damon’s has managed to do exactly that without losing what made it special in the first place.

The Polynesian Decor Creates A Totally Immersive Atmosphere

Walking through the front door of this restaurant feels like stepping into a mid-century dream of the South Pacific.

Bamboo-lined walls, thatched roof accents, vibrant tropical murals, and glowing amber lanterns wrap around the dining room in a way that signals immediately that this is not a typical steak house.

The decor has a layered, collected quality that only comes with time. Outrigger canoes hang from the ceiling, and large salt-water fish tanks add a quiet, living element to the room.

The lighting stays warm and low, which keeps the noise level feeling comfortable even when the restaurant is busy.

There is a balance between festive and relaxed that makes the space work for both casual dinners and special celebrations.

The tropical murals have been part of the space for decades, and they carry a hand-painted quality that adds to the sense of authenticity.

Staff members wear floral Hawaiian shirts that reinforce the island theme without feeling forced or costume-like.

Altogether, the environment offers a kind of sensory escape that pairs surprisingly well with the hearty, classic American menu being served inside it.

The 20-Ounce Prime Rib Is The Star Of The Menu

Few dishes at any restaurant earn the kind of steady, long-term loyalty that the 20-ounce prime rib has built at this Glendale institution.

The cut is generous by any measure, and the portion size alone signals that the kitchen takes the dish seriously.

Served with au jus, it arrives at the table with a deep, roasted crust and a tender interior that holds its moisture well.

The prime rib has been a menu anchor for years, drawing repeat visitors who plan their evenings specifically around ordering it.

The flavor tends toward rich and savory without being heavy, and the size means most diners leave with enough for a satisfying next-day meal.

For anyone who appreciates a properly cooked, classically prepared cut of beef, this dish delivers on the promise its reputation has built.

Pairing the prime rib with the restaurant’s house chopped salad rounds out the meal in a way that feels balanced.

The salad includes chopped romaine, celery, chives, and beets with a signature dressing that has developed its own following among regulars.

Together, the two dishes represent the kitchen’s strength in classic, unfussy cooking done with care and consistency.

The House Chopped Salad Has Earned Its Own Fan Base

Side dishes at steak houses are often forgettable, but the house chopped salad at Damon’s has become something diners specifically look forward to.

Included with most entrees, the salad features chopped romaine, celery, chives, and beets tossed in a signature dressing that has a tangy, creamy quality.

The combination sounds simple, but the balance of textures and flavors makes it stand out.

The beets add an earthy sweetness that contrasts nicely with the sharpness of the chives and the crunch of the celery.

The dressing is described by many who have tried it as reminiscent of the house dressing at the famous House of Prime Rib in San Francisco, which is a meaningful comparison for anyone familiar with that style.

Whatever the exact recipe, the result is a salad that holds its own against the main course.

For a side dish that arrives before the main event, the chopped salad sets a strong tone for the rest of the meal. It signals that the kitchen pays attention to the details, not just the headline items.

Regulars often mention the salad specifically when describing what keeps them coming back, which says something real about how well it is executed.

A Diverse Menu Beyond The Prime Rib

The 20-ounce prime rib gets most of the attention, but the menu at Damon’s runs considerably deeper than a single signature dish.

Thick-cut steaks including ribeye and bone-in New York strip are consistent favorites, and the kitchen prepares them with the kind of straightforward technique that lets the quality of the meat speak for itself.

Seafood options also have a real presence on the menu. Mahi mahi, salmon, and coconut shrimp offer alternatives that lean into the Polynesian theme of the space without feeling out of place on a steak house menu.

The snap peas with garlic have been called out as a standout side dish, and the twice-baked potato is another item that regulars tend to return to specifically.

Oysters Rockefeller and pulled pork round out a menu that genuinely covers a range of preferences.

For anyone dining in a group with mixed tastes, the variety means that most people at the table can find something that appeals to them.

The kitchen also occasionally offers specials that rotate and add seasonal variety.

The breadth of the menu reflects decades of refinement, with items added or adjusted over time based on what the restaurant’s community has responded to most positively.

Generous Portions Make Every Visit Feel Like A Real Meal

There is something genuinely satisfying about a restaurant that does not ask diners to squint at small plates and wonder if they ordered enough.

Portion sizes at Damon’s lean toward the substantial, and the kitchen does not seem to treat generosity as a liability.

The 20-ounce prime rib is the most obvious example, but the same spirit carries through to the sides and appetizers as well.

The twice-baked potato is a full, loaded portion rather than a token accompaniment. The coconut shrimp arrives with enough shrimp to feel like a proper dish rather than a tasting sample.

Even the chopped salad, which comes included with most entrees, is sized to actually contribute to the meal rather than serve as decoration on the plate.

For diners who have grown accustomed to portions shrinking quietly over the years at many restaurants, the experience at Damon’s tends to feel refreshingly old-school in the best possible way.

Splitting an entree between two people is genuinely possible without either person leaving hungry, which is a practical consideration worth knowing before ordering.

The value-to-portion relationship at this price point is one of the things that keeps the dining room consistently busy throughout the week.

The Tiki Bar Adds A Festive, Relaxed Energy To The Space

The bar area at Damon’s carries the same Polynesian aesthetic as the dining room but with a slightly more relaxed, social energy that suits the setting well.

String lights and a seashell chandelier add to the warm, ambient glow that makes the space feel inviting rather than loud.

The bar is not an afterthought here; it is a functioning part of what makes the overall experience feel complete.

Ceramic tiki mugs are part of the presentation, and they add a tactile, nostalgic quality to the bar experience that is hard to find elsewhere.

The bar setup reinforces the idea that Damon’s is as much about the atmosphere as it is about the food, and the two elements support each other well.

Seating at the bar tends to fill up on busier evenings, so arriving earlier in the dinner service window can help secure a spot.

The restaurant opens at 3 PM daily, which makes it possible to arrive before the dinner rush and settle in at a comfortable pace.

The hours run until 10 PM every night of the week, giving diners flexibility in timing their visit. That consistent schedule makes planning a visit straightforward without needing to check for day-specific closures.

Family Gatherings And Celebrations Feel Right At Home Here

Something about the combination of generous food, warm lighting, and festive decor makes Damon’s a natural choice for group dinners and milestone occasions.

Birthday celebrations are a common sight in the dining room, and the staff tends to handle the energy of a celebratory table with attentiveness rather than indifference.

The space is large enough to accommodate groups without feeling cramped. The menu’s range also helps when feeding a table of people with different preferences.

Steak lovers, seafood fans, and those looking for hearty sides can all find something that works for them without anyone feeling like they compromised.

The inclusive nature of the menu makes coordinating a group dinner less stressful than it can be at more narrowly focused restaurants.

The dining room has a lively background hum on busy evenings that adds to the celebratory atmosphere without making conversation difficult.

Tables are spaced in a way that allows for a sense of privacy even when the room is full.

For anyone planning a birthday dinner, anniversary meal, or family gathering in the Glendale area, the combination of atmosphere, portion size, and menu variety makes Damon’s a reliably solid choice that tends to satisfy most of the people at the table.

The Pastrami Sandwich Has Quietly Developed A Devoted Following

While the prime rib draws most of the headlines, the pastrami sandwich at Damon’s has earned a quiet but passionate group of regulars who argue it belongs in the conversation alongside the best versions in the Los Angeles area.

The meat is sliced at a thickness that holds up to the other components without becoming unwieldy, and the peppery bark adds a layer of flavor that distinguishes it from more basic preparations.

Melted Swiss cheese, tangy coleslaw, and Russian dressing come together on warm toasted rye to create a sandwich that feels fully realized rather than assembled.

It arrives alongside shoestring fries and a chopped salad or soup, making it a complete meal rather than a lighter alternative to the steak options.

The overall presentation is straightforward and unfussy in a way that lets the quality of the ingredients carry the experience.

For anyone who visits primarily for the steak and has not yet tried the pastrami, it is worth considering on a return visit.

The fact that a tiki-themed steak house in Glendale produces a pastrami sandwich of this caliber is one of those pleasant surprises that adds to the restaurant’s overall appeal.

It reflects a kitchen that takes multiple parts of the menu seriously.

What To Know Before The First Visit

A few practical details can make the difference between a smooth evening and an unnecessarily stressful one.

Parking in the immediate area around 317 N Brand Blvd can be tight, particularly on weekend evenings when the restaurant is at its busiest.

Arriving closer to the 3 PM opening time tends to make both parking and seating easier to manage without a long wait.

The restaurant does not require a dress code, and the casual-meets-festive atmosphere of the tiki decor means that most outfits feel appropriate.

The dining room fills up on weekends and for special occasions, so calling ahead at (818) 507-1510 to check on availability or make a reservation is a reasonable step for larger groups.

Weeknight visits generally offer a more relaxed pace while still delivering the full experience.

The menu leans heavily toward meat and seafood, which is worth knowing for anyone with dietary restrictions before arriving.

Specials are sometimes offered that may include non-meat options, so asking the server about the current specials is always a good move.

Overall, the atmosphere rewards guests who come without rushing, settle into the tiki surroundings, and take their time working through a meal that was clearly designed to be enjoyed slowly.