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McNamara's Steak and Chop House Reviews List
McNamara's Steak and Chop House
McNamara’s is Located in the center of the TriValley. McNamara's Steak and Chop House (patterned after the famous chop houses in Chicago) is situated near the junction of Highway 580 and 680, less than three miles from Bishop Ranch and Hacienda Business Park. Surrounded by San Ramon, Pleasanton and Castro Valley, the restaurant is within minutes from Danville, Alamo and Livermore. If you're from out of town, McNamara’s is within two miles or less of most of the major hotels.
We serve only the finest hand selected Midwestern corn fed Angus beef, aged for a minimum of 21 days. All of our fish is delivered fresh daily. Our bread is hand crafted and baked fresh 7 days per week. Our award winning wine list features some of the finest wines available in California.
See more McNamara's Steak and Chop House details
We serve only the finest hand selected Midwestern corn fed Angus beef, aged for a minimum of 21 days. All of our fish is delivered fresh daily. Our bread is hand crafted and baked fresh 7 days per week. Our award winning wine list features some of the finest wines available in California.
73 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
3.8
/
5
Rating Breakdown 73 reviews
5 stars
(24)
4 stars
(24)
3 stars
(15)
2 stars
(8)
1 star
(2)
Food
(Very Good)
3.8
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- special occasion(41)
- romantic(29)
- neighborhood gem(19)
- fit for foodies(16)
- good for groups(14)
- notable wine list(11)
McNamara's Steak and Chop House Reviews List
Review 1 for McNamara's Steak and Chop House
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Lovely setting.
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"McNamara's Steak house was a disappointment as far as the steak goes. Our fillet mignon was a little tough and flavor was not there.
Veggies were cooked just right and the service was top rate. I feel they used a cheap grade of meat because I've never had one this tough and lacking flavor. Too bad, everything else was great. Will not go back."
Veggies were cooked just right and the service was top rate. I feel they used a cheap grade of meat because I've never had one this tough and lacking flavor. Too bad, everything else was great. Will not go back."
Dined on 5/12/2013
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Review 2 for McNamara's Steak and Chop House
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Dinner for Two
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"My wife and I sat in the front patio, a very nice setting, though the leaf fall did come through from the roof and soiled our table and dinnerware somewhat. Our waiter was very friendly and helpful though when he asked how our meals were, and we started to tell him, he left abruptly not wanting to hear anything. We ordered the prime rib special with dinner salads. Both salads had some lettuce that was very brown. The prime rib was ordered medium rare, but was actually medium well. Also, as a tale away from his, never order prime rib (delicious tender cuts) with Cajun spices. Completely ruins the meat. Very poor selection for this cut of meat. The veggies and wine were delicious."
Dined on 5/04/2013
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Review 3 for McNamara's Steak and Chop House
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Best Steak House Ever!!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The first time my husband and I dined here, we were so amazed at the great atmosphere and service. It was cozy and romantic, and most of all the food was great. We only dine at this steak house. My husband does not have the desire to go to any other steak house in the Bay Area. The drinks are great as well. We are going again for my birthday May 4th. We can't wait!!!!
Cheers
Zelina"
Dined on 3/22/2013
Special Features: romantic, special occasion
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Review 4 for McNamara's Steak and Chop House
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Happy that I ignored negative
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Happy that I ignored negative reviews. Filet was top notch, chophouse salad also excellent."
Dined on 04/26/2013
2005
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Review 5 for McNamara's Steak and Chop House
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
They are always so welcoming
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"They are always so welcoming and Flavio is an exceptional waiter. He remembers what we like and is so sweet. We'll keep coming back. Love this place."
Dined on 04/20/2013
2007
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Review 6 for McNamara's Steak and Chop House
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The food was excellent, it
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The food was excellent, it was only surpassed by the service we received from Pete. We had a great experience."
Dined on 04/20/2013
2010
Special Features: late-night find, notable wine list, romantic
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Review 7 for McNamara's Steak and Chop House
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Probably better for steak
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Probably better for steak lovers. Fish was mediocre the night we were there."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2004
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Review 8 for McNamara's Steak and Chop House
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service excellent....food average.
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"First time here, and I'll come back again to try some other menu items. Service and greeting was very nice. Was refreshing to have dinner at a place where you can actually hold a conversation. Honestly, the food was a bit mixed in quality. Had wonderful crab cakes an a very fine bisque. Asked for and got an end cut of prime rib...and it wasn't particularly flavorful or tender. My dining partner ordered scallops...which were decent, then got a pretty stale serving of bread pudding for desert. The rest of the experiance was good enough to give the food another shot. I'll come back and try some other menu items. I think this place has real possibilities."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2012
Special Features: romantic
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Review 9 for McNamara's Steak and Chop House
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
They need to make an effort
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"They need to make an effort for better quality good, we experience overcooked, bad seasoning, and unexpected food (Carpaccio was not prepared correctly)"
Dined on 03/29/2013
2011
Special Features: romantic, special occasion
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Review 10 for McNamara's Steak and Chop House
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
THE FOOD AND SERVICE WAS EXCELLENT.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"THE FOOD AND SERVICE WAS EXCELLENT. I'M GOING BACK TONIGHT 22 MAR 2013! CAN'T WAIT!!!!"
Dined on 02/16/2013
2006
Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 11 for McNamara's Steak and Chop House
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Best anniversary dinner
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I took my girlfriend here for our one year anniversary and it was great. My girlfriend absolutely loved everything. The dinner was a fantastic way to celebrate a special occasion"
Dined on 03/15/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, scenic view
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Review 12 for McNamara's Steak and Chop House
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Always a treat!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great as always! Food is tremendously delicious and portion sizes are out of this world! If you go to Costco, Livermore, you can buy gift certificates ($70 for 2 $50 gift certificates)... a real steal!
Our bill (for 5 people) was $255.00; of which we used 4 $50 gift certificates (for which we paid $140).
AWESOME VALUE!"
Dined on 03/15/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 13 for McNamara's Steak and Chop House
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
year 9
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"This was the first time I had even seen guests in jeans and baseball caps. Steer clear of the front dining room, way too loud and bright...I'll be back, as I always do, but i will go back to my regular table."
Dined on 02/23/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list
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Review 14 for McNamara's Steak and Chop House
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
March Birthday Girl
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We had rib-eye steak, prime rib with jumble shrimp, the steak were cooked to perfection, but the rib-eye was the best to us. They provided a special birthday treat of bread pudding with ice cream it we very good, and I don't event like bread pudding. We had a lot of fun laughing (but not too loud) and were not told to keep the noise down, and we stayed very late to closing and no one tried to rush us out the door...so these are a good thing in my book. We enjoyed the evening."
Dined on 03/09/2013
2011
Special Features: romantic, special occasion
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Review 15 for McNamara's Steak and Chop House
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Fabulous dinner celebrating
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
"Fabulous dinner celebrating our daughters 11th birthday. She likes steak and said this was the best she ever had. The piano player set a relaxing atmosphere. Thanks McNamara's!"
Dined on 03/08/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, kid-friendly, romantic, special occasion
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Review 16 for McNamara's Steak and Chop House
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
We have used this restaurant
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We have used this restaurant many times for private and company outings as the menu and wine list offer many options, the food is delicious and the service attentive. We treated another couple on this Monday night visit to celebrate my friend's birthday and the service was a little uneven. Our appetizer to share came with the salad and soup course and the wrong potato sides came with 2 of the entres. This happens but the waiter had to check his notes before he offered to correct it. The food was delicious as always and a birthday dessert with candle was brought to the table but no additional dessert menus so ordering for the rest took a while; just uncharacteristically off."
Dined on 02/18/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 17 for McNamara's Steak and Chop House
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
best steak and lobster I ever
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"best steak and lobster I ever had"
Dined on 02/14/2013
2004
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 18 for McNamara's Steak and Chop House
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Valentines Day Dinner at McNamaras
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This is my second time dining here and I plan on making it at least a quarterly event this year. They did not set a fixed priced menu or heavily mark up for Valentines Day like most higher-end restaurants do (which I really appreciate). The Porterhouse was the best I've ever had and my girlfriend really enjoyed the fish special. As long as I live in the Dublin area Mcnamaras will be my special occasion destination. Candlelight, Manhattan on the rocks and a Porterhouse grilled to perfection... What could be better."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2011
Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 19 for McNamara's Steak and Chop House
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Definitely not a "fine dining"
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Definitely not a "fine dining" experience. Owner's have a "Ho-Hum" attitude toward customer's and show a lack of sincerity...We sense they've been in business too long and are bored with the restaurant business and it shows."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2010
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Review 20 for McNamara's Steak and Chop House
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Very old fashion. More suited
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Poor)
1
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Very old fashion. More suited for an older age group."
Dined on 02/15/2013
2006
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Review 21 for McNamara's Steak and Chop House
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Would have been excellent
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Would have been excellent except that they seated us near a family with a child that screamed too much. This restaurant needs to get rid of their high hairs or seat families with children in a room that isn't as high in demand. Other then that we were happy."
Dined on 02/09/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic
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Review 22 for McNamara's Steak and Chop House
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Awesome
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Everyone was very professional and everything was pleasant which left a huge smile on my face."
Dined on 02/09/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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Review 23 for McNamara's Steak and Chop House
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Food, atmosphere very nice
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Food, atmosphere very nice and beautiful restaurant. Service was not so great. You could tell that they were "shorthanded". We were told on the phone that we could bring 2 bottles & charge was $20.00. We thought that was quite good. After we were seated, a very pleasant lady brought us a bucket for our champagne & asked if I was the person who called. She obviously was the one who answered the phone. Our server poured/filled our glass 2 times. We poured the rest because our server was so busy. At other restaurants, we are use to having the server pour our wine. Then we got our bill and the charge was $40.Owner said sister quoted us $20 per bottle. Not true. It's the principle not the $$$"
Dined on 02/09/2013
2013
Special Features: romantic, special occasion
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Review 24 for McNamara's Steak and Chop House
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
Very, very disappointing...we
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Very, very disappointing...we went with two other couples and it's a sad statement when the one positive note you can say about a steakhouse was that the salad was good. Not sure what was going on that evening (it was a Saturday) but the wait between the courses was excessive. The surrounding diners were also not experiencing enjoyable meals or service. All 6 of our meals came out to us luke warm; meat, potato and vegetable - all just barely warm. Then the dishes were picked up in two shifts and the 3 of us waited while meals were placed under heat lamps... this did not help as only one meal (that was re-done completely) was the only one done properly. Can't say any of us will return..."
Dined on 02/09/2013
2009
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Review 25 for McNamara's Steak and Chop House
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
This was my girlfriend's birthday
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"This was my girlfriend's birthday dinner. She ordered a filet medium rare, but it came obviously RARE (cold center). And the crispy onion ring side was cold. After Luis brought new onion rings and took the steak back and returned (with a complete new plate, potatoes, veggies - nice I think) it was still too rare. When Luis asked if this was better, she told him it was still cool in the center, and he said "Oh, you wanted medium-rare..." She pointed out that WAS how she ordered it, and he said that this was his fault, he misunderstood. Disappointing."
Dined on 02/08/2013
2011
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Review 26 for McNamara's Steak and Chop House
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Crab & Lobster Bisque was
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Crab & Lobster Bisque was overly salty. Salads were ho hum. The meat was very disappointing. My two petite filets were overcooked, just barely pink when I had ordered medium rare and where was the crab that was supposed to be on top? The server took the overcooked meat back and returned with a medium rare steak that was half the thickness of the first one. One other person in our group had the prime rib and it was very thin & too salty to eat. It was also sent back. Not being folks who usually return food, this was very surprising. We have eaten here before and had excellent meals. This was so disappointing that we will not return, nor will we recommend this restaurant. I expect a steak and chop house to get the meat cooked right."
Dined on 01/29/2013
2005
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Review 27 for McNamara's Steak and Chop House
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We have eaten there two imes
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We have eaten there two imes and had excellent meals and very enjoyable."
Dined on 01/23/2013
2004
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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Review 28 for McNamara's Steak and Chop House
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
We had a wonderful time and
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We had a wonderful time and the food was excellent."
Dined on 01/19/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 29 for McNamara's Steak and Chop House
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
My wife and I had dinner before
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"My wife and I had dinner before we went dancing in the city and this was a great way to start the evening. The steak with crab is fantastic and all mashed potatoes should be made with horseradish. The atmoshpere was really good and we had a great romantic dinner."
Dined on 01/19/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 30 for McNamara's Steak and Chop House
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
I would come back to Mcnamara's
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"I would come back to Mcnamara's again and again, the food and wait staff were amazing."
Dined on 01/19/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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Review 31 for McNamara's Steak and Chop House
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Our food, overall, was excellent.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Our food, overall, was excellent. Service is always excellent and it's a lovely place."
Dined on 01/18/2013
2007
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Ratings-Only Reviews for McNamara's Steak and Chop House
Based on the average of (42) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
3 out of 5 recommend this product
Food
(Very Good)
3.7
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate