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Stanford's - Walnut Creek Reviews List
Stanford's - Walnut Creek
Welcome to Your Neighborhood Restaurant & Bar! Whether you're craving fresh seafood, a gourmet burger, a perfectly prepared steak or another of our delicious offerings, come join the neighborhood crowd for lunch, dinner or our award winning happy hour. Signature dishes include our cedar… plank-roasted warm brie, our famous barbecue ribs, and delicious cocktails created by our experienced team of local bartenders.
See more Stanford's - Walnut Creek details
93 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
3.7
/
5
Rating Breakdown 93 reviews
5 stars
(21)
4 stars
(39)
3 stars
(20)
2 stars
(12)
1 star
(1)
Food
(Very Good)
3.7
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.8
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- good for groups(36)
- great for lunch(28)
- special occasion(24)
- neighborhood gem(23)
- vibrant bar scene(20)
- romantic(18)
Stanford's - Walnut Creek Reviews List
Review 1 for Stanford's - Walnut Creek
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Good happy hour but service wasn't
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"This is a known spot for happy hour so we reserved a table for our extended family for a post grad late lunch/happy hour on a Sunday afternoon. The apps were good, as usual, but the service was awful. We waited 20 minutes before the server approached our table even tho she stood at the ordering station about 2 feet away from our table for much of that time. The lounge area was not particularly busy but even if it had been, a gesture like stopping by our table to say 'I'll be right with you' would have gone a long way. Then, once we ordered food and got drinks, checking back for water and/or soda refills was also not a priority. Not the celebration, happy scene we were hoping for."
Dined on 5/19/2013
Special Features: good for groups
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Review 2 for Stanford's - Walnut Creek
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Neighborhood Gem
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We had a poor experience a few months back and decided to give this place another chance. They did a wonderful job with food and service. Notable was the prime rib sandwich. One of the best I have had and my wife ordered it. My choice on our next visit."
Dined on 5/17/2013
Special Features: good for groups, vibrant bar scene, neighborhood gem
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Review 3 for Stanford's - Walnut Creek
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Nice outside dining
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We were there for the Mother's Day brunch. The food was ok, the servers were good and attentive, and the outdoor dining was great."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining, great for brunch
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Review 4 for Stanford's - Walnut Creek
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Mother's Day Dinner
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Went to Stanford's for the first time on Mother's day since it was close to our son's college campus. The greeting as soon as we walked in was welcoming. We had reservations and was seated immediately. The service was outstanding and the menu had something for EVERYONE. We started with the wings sampler and all three flavors were great - I also enjoyed the pickled vegetables that came with the wings. I had the ribs - super tender, falling off the bone, my daughter a salad and my wife and son both had steaks. Everyone enjoyed their meals and everyone sampled from others plates. We sat outside on the back patio and enjoyed the great weather. We will definitely return, a few more times to enjoy other items on the menu."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining, romantic, neighborhood gem, kid-friendly
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Review 5 for Stanford's - Walnut Creek
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
mother's Day Gem
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We selected Stanford's because my mother likes the restaurant. It has both basic comfort food (love the mac n cheese) and enough special meals for those more adventurous. The staff is outstanding with some of the best service I have seen."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining, great for brunch, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 6 for Stanford's - Walnut Creek
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Not for day time
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Poor)
1
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Too dark. Served stale bread. Not great save for the bar maybe"
Dined on 5/12/2013
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Review 7 for Stanford's - Walnut Creek
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I went to Stanfords for the first time, me and my boyfriend are always looking for some where to other than the same ole same ole such as the cheesecake factory or the Elephant bar etc. Stanfords was very unique I love the atmosphere and the vibe, you have a special occasioin or a girls or guy night out or you just want to watch the game, this is the place for either event, the food was excellent the drinks were good, I didn't really like the mudslide they made me but the raspberry lemon drop was great!! I would recommend Stanfords to anyone."
Dined on 5/03/2013
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining, great for brunch, notable wine list, romantic, hot spot, great for lunch, special occasion
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Review 8 for Stanford's - Walnut Creek
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
we have been to this rstaurant
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"we have been to this rstaurant many times for lunch; excellent service and food and the staff went out of their way to help us with our very elderly parents...thank you"
Dined on 04/27/2013
2003
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, great for lunch
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Review 9 for Stanford's - Walnut Creek
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
The food was great and it
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The food was great and it was brought to us in good time. But we were very disappointed with the wine list or rather the availability of those listed. We ordered a bottle of pinot noir and they didn't have it. There was no suggestion of a comparable wine from the server. I chose another bottle but it was only so-so. Then we wanted a different bottle and requested a petite syrah and was told it wasn't available and again no suggestion. We were not picking the cheapest prices either. We just gave up at that point and waited until we came home to have more wine."
Dined on 04/20/2013
2009
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Review 10 for Stanford's - Walnut Creek
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Booths are too small for bigger
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Booths are too small for bigger people."
Dined on 04/20/2013
2008
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, notable wine list
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Review 11 for Stanford's - Walnut Creek
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Restaurant Week
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We went for Stanford's Prix Fixe menu during Walnut Creek Restaurant Week 2013. Looking at the regular menu (which I have never tried), the options seemed fairly typical - pastas, burgers, etc. - but the restaurant week menu was a little more exciting with rack of lamb and a salmon-halibut braid. With the common fare, the restaurant had an ambiance of a nice place to go while still being kid-friendly for families. We were very impressed with the service and speed in getting our meal, even with being very busy for restaurant week. Finally, our dessert - the Triple Chocolate Napoleon - was incredible. A chocolate cake with salted peanut caramel topping served with fresh whipped cream, white chocolate ganache and fresh strawberries."
Dined on 04/19/2013
2013
Special Features: kid-friendly
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Review 12 for Stanford's - Walnut Creek
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Not the first time we have
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Not the first time we have dined at Stanfords, this is one of our favorite restaurants. Our waitress was very friendly, attentive but not intrusive. I had the prime rib and salmon. The flavor was good although the prime rib arrived a little cool for my liking. My wife had halibut which was awesome. All in all I could easily recommend Stanford's as a good dining value."
Dined on 04/19/2013
2013
Special Features: good for groups, kid-friendly, late-night find, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 13 for Stanford's - Walnut Creek
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Its a consistant place with
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
"Its a consistant place with solid food."
Dined on 04/05/2013
2002
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 14 for Stanford's - Walnut Creek
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Went for a casual dinner on
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Went for a casual dinner on Sunday evening, and it was a good choice. The food and the service were very good."
Dined on 03/31/2013
2008
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 15 for Stanford's - Walnut Creek
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Great service, a little noisy,
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Great service, a little noisy, great food"
Dined on 04/05/2013
2010
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, kid-friendly, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 16 for Stanford's - Walnut Creek
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
My group of ladies felt comfortable
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"My group of ladies felt comfortable and well taken care of. Each person at the table commented on the good taste of their meal.(Very positively.) We go there because the wait staff is always right on top of things and seem to care if we have all that we wish in the way of food and drink. We also appreciate that they allow us to chat when our meal is done and don't encourage us to rush out. We get together once a month and really like catching up and can do so without feeling rushed. We also appreciate the friendly attitude of the servers, which we do not always get when we go other places. We planned to go elsewhere, but no reservation was available at the other spot,and Stanford's was our first choice as a replacement restaurant."
Dined on 04/02/2013
2007
Special Features: good for groups, great for lunch
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Review 17 for Stanford's - Walnut Creek
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Brunch menu threw off our waiter
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We were excited to try Stanford's after seeing it so many times while visiting Walnut Creek. We went for the Easter Brunch with a reservation but surprised that it wasn't very full at all. We had a group of five including one child. Our waiter was very nice but seemed a bit awkward and nervous when taking our order. There was a special Easter brunch which seemed to throw him off a little. And when we ordered a side of vegetables for the child's meal that the waiter said would have steamed carrots, broccoli, brussel sprouts, etc, the manager delivered what looked like the equivalent amount of garnish: 5-7 string beans. When we asked why there weren't mixed vegetables, he said the waiter gave us wrong info since it was a special brunch menu"
Dined on 03/31/2013
2006
Special Features: good for groups, special occasion
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Review 18 for Stanford's - Walnut Creek
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Food was good to average.
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Food was good to average. Drink (Grand Manhattan) was average but less than expected based on prior visits."
Dined on 03/31/2013
2010
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Review 19 for Stanford's - Walnut Creek
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Menu is limited. Food is overpriced
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Menu is limited. Food is overpriced and the fajitas were gross. Service was good. Happy hour bar food there is better than overpriced dinner menu."
Dined on 03/29/2013
2007
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Review 20 for Stanford's - Walnut Creek
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
This was not my first visit
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This was not my first visit to Stanfords. Because I am a vegetarian, my menu choices are limited, so I ordered the same meal this time as I had before. While it was very good, the quality had slipped a bit from my last visit (for example, greasy fries without the delicious seasoning I'd remembered). That said, I always enjoy meeting my friends at Stanfords. We were warmly welcomed, the restaurant is quiet enough for nice conversation, and the food is reliably good (but I can only speak for the veggie burgers!)."
Dined on 03/25/2013
2003
Special Features: great for lunch
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Review 21 for Stanford's - Walnut Creek
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
While the food was good, I
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"While the food was good, I wouldn't call it great. I had the Petrale Sole, which was fine, but again not a rave. The vegetables were under done in my view. The bright side was that the service was excellent - very attentive and friendly. The ambiance was good."
Dined on 03/23/2013
2005
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Review 22 for Stanford's - Walnut Creek
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Always good food. Close to
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Always good food. Close to parking structure. Wide drink variety. Beer on tap."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2009
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 23 for Stanford's - Walnut Creek
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Stanford's has really gone
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Stanford's has really gone downhill over the years. The quality of the food and attention to detail are not there anymore.It really use to be a great place."
Dined on 02/23/2013
2009
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Review 24 for Stanford's - Walnut Creek
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Excellent food, service top
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Excellent food, service top shelf"
Dined on 02/23/2013
2013
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic, great for lunch
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Review 25 for Stanford's - Walnut Creek
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
R. Besold
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Superb...I've been to Stanford's Restaurant a number of times and it has always been excellent. Not only has the cuisine been delicious, beautifully arranged on the plate, and served piping hot, but the staff has also let me enjoy my dinner with friends without being hurried. The result is that I have always recommended this restaurant to others and have taken new friends to it as well. This is a treasured restaurant on my list."
Dined on 02/20/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 26 for Stanford's - Walnut Creek
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Love Stanfords
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Stanford's has been my family's favorite restaurant since the kids were small (for about 14 years). The food is always good, but the service can be a bit spotty at times. Lately, the restaurant management and staff seem to be making a real effort to keep the customers happy. The bar is nice, dark and intimate and the restaurant is warm and inviting, with booths and tables. I prefer the booths because they are more intimate. It's always one of the top three restaurants I recommend."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, romantic, great for lunch
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Review 27 for Stanford's - Walnut Creek
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
It's hard to mess up fish 'n chips
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"It's hard to mess up fish 'n chips but Stanford's did it. The fish tasted like it had been deep fried for an hour and the "chips" were soggy. Even the cole slaw was bad; it had a bitter after-taste."
Dined on 02/09/2013
2013
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Review 28 for Stanford's - Walnut Creek
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
yumminess!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"great food/service! loved the birthday Creme brûlée!!!!"
Dined on 02/01/2013
2013
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 29 for Stanford's - Walnut Creek
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Not Good! Regular Customer...
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This is a regular spot for us. They missed on all accounts. Our server was beginning her first night and hopely last night at Stanfords. She was not trained well and missed on all accounts. The chicken dish and chicken sandwich were both dry and without flavor. My steak was overdone with a demiglaze too much sauce masking the flavor of the meat. They might have lost a good customer after this dreadful experience."
Dined on 02/01/2013
2010
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Review 30 for Stanford's - Walnut Creek
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Always a favorite. Food is
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Always a favorite. Food is great, atmosphere is conducive for group discussions and service is friendly and professional."
Dined on 01/28/2013
2012
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 31 for Stanford's - Walnut Creek
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
This was our first time and
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This was our first time and the food was good, we had a really good server. We called ahead for a reservation so there was no wait time. The atmosphere was good, we had an overall good experience. The only negative thing was my dad ordered the Steak Fajitas and they were not very good, but other than that we had a great experience. We would definitely come back when in the area."
Dined on 01/25/2013
2012
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, late-night find, neighborhood gem, romantic
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Stanford's - Walnut Creek
Based on the average of (62) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
3.8
/
5
9 out of 10 recommend this product
Food
(Very Good)
3.7
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.7
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate