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Wills Fargo Reviews List
Wills Fargo
A Peninsula favorite for over 50 years!
Will's Fargo Dining House & Saloon has been a legendary Carmel Valley steakhouse since 1959. Wishing to preserve this landmark, Bernardus founder Ben Pon purchased the restaurant in 2002. Will's comfortable, old-fashioned flavor has been maintained and its reputation for excellent dining and service has been renewed. Award-winning Executive Chef, Cal Stamenov has a passion for high quality, local ingredients: naturally raised meats, freshly caught fish and organic vegetables. Using new and traditional recipes, he has created outstanding menu selections including aged-to-perfection steaks, tasty seafood, lamb, pasta and more. Our wine list features an excellent representation of local, Monterey County wines.
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34 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Rating Breakdown 34 reviews
5 stars
(19)
4 stars
(8)
3 stars
(4)
2 stars
(3)
1 star
(0)
Food
(Outstanding)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- neighborhood gem(11)
- good for groups(8)
- fit for foodies(7)
- notable wine list(7)
- great for outdoor dining(6)
- romantic(5)
Wills Fargo Reviews List
Review 1 for Wills Fargo
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Pretty darn mediocre where the food is concerned, which was surprising considering that it's part of the Bernardus group. But the wine list is quite good, with an emphasis on local wines from smaller producers. Service is good, if a bit unpolished, and the staff are friendly and attentive. The room is fun, like an Old West saloon, which fits the Carmel Valley atmosphere."
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: notable wine list
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Review 2 for Wills Fargo
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Local joint makes good
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"For a steak, lobster tail and wedge salad this place is a good local restaurant. Nothing special but it gets rid of the cravings."
Dined on 04/07/2013
2010
Special Features: good for groups
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Review 3 for Wills Fargo
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
made a reservation weeks in
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"made a reservation weeks in advance as it was a very special occasion. Had requested a nice table, we got a table next to the kitchen entrance. Service was very poor, server appeared disinterested, did not know specials and was sloppy. Was recommended but will not return. Food very expensive for what it was."
Dined on 04/05/2013
2013
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Review 4 for Wills Fargo
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Very fun menu. There are
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Very fun menu. There are zoom nice fish and vegetarian options. Great selection of local wines."
Dined on 04/06/2013
2006
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem
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Review 5 for Wills Fargo
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Our party of 4 found the food
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Our party of 4 found the food to be good but not exceptional. Steaks for 2 of us and lamb chops for the other 2. Our waiter was excellent."
Dined on 03/30/2013
2008
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Review 6 for Wills Fargo
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Old-fashioned steakhouse and saloon with vegetarian and non red meat options. Very friendly service. Everything is delicious. It has a real local cowboy feel to it. We didn't eat outside but saw that there are tables in a garden and people were out there. Good desserts. Generous portions and reasonable prices."
Special Features: neighborhood gem, kid-friendly
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Review 7 for Wills Fargo
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Outstanding food and service!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
"Outstanding food and service! On the advice of our waitperson we had the Ribeye and it was incredible. The Fennel Leek Soup and Portobello Mushroom stuffed with Spinach and Feta were also a highlight for the evening. Definitely a "do-again"."
Dined on 03/13/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 8 for Wills Fargo
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
A great place for folks seeking
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"A great place for folks seeking a quiet evening in an inviting atmosphere with efficient and discreet servers bringing forth great food. All in all, it was a very pleasant experience."
Dined on 02/27/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 9 for Wills Fargo
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
had a party of seven and to
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"had a party of seven and to a person, it was a great experience. gotta love the baskets of hot garlic bread."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2010
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Review 10 for Wills Fargo
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Reasonable Spot in the Valley
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Nice spot with good outdoor seating when it is warmer. Decent food with prices that are a little high for the quality. Service was a bit slow as the place did not have an empty table (ATT ProAM). Waiter was great and helpful making the evening enjoyable."
Dined on 02/09/2013
2004
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Review 11 for Wills Fargo
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Our waiter, Jason, was simply
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Our waiter, Jason, was simply great ... very attentive & friendly. A delightful evening ... we'll return soon!
(PS: Hope I got Jason's name right ... wine residue ... ha)"
(PS: Hope I got Jason's name right ... wine residue ... ha)"
Dined on 01/19/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Wills Fargo
Based on the average of (23) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.4
/
5
1 out of 1 recommend this product
Food
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.6
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate