Tucked along North Brand Boulevard in Glendale, California, Damon’s Steak House has been serving up thick steaks and tropical drinks since 1937. This legendary spot blends the bold flavors of classic American steakhouse cooking with the laid-back, colorful charm of a Polynesian tiki bar.
From its bamboo-lined walls and outrigger canoes hanging from the ceiling to its famous 20-ounce prime rib, Damon’s is truly one of a kind. Whether you’re a first-timer or a longtime regular, there’s always something exciting to discover on the menu and in the atmosphere.
The Legendary 20-Ounce Prime Rib
Few things in the food world can stop a conversation cold the way a perfectly carved 20-ounce prime rib can. At Damon’s Steak House in Glendale, this showstopper arrives at your table glistening with juices, cooked to your requested temperature with impressive consistency.
The slow-roasted beef is tender enough to cut with minimal effort, and the seasoned crust adds a savory punch that keeps every bite interesting. It comes paired with au jus for dipping and a side of creamy horseradish sauce that balances the richness beautifully.
Portions are genuinely generous here, and many guests happily take leftovers home. Reviewers frequently call it the highlight of their visit.
If you only order one thing at Damon’s, this is the one that earns the most bragging rights at the dinner table.
The Iconic Tiki Bar Atmosphere
Walking through the front doors of Damon’s feels like stepping into a mid-century tropical fantasy. Bamboo lines the walls, vibrant murals of island life stretch across every surface, and outrigger canoes hang dramatically from the ceiling overhead.
Dim amber lanterns cast a warm glow across the dining room, creating an atmosphere that feels both cozy and adventurous at the same time. Giant glowing saltwater fish tanks add another layer of visual wonder that makes the space feel alive.
Customers consistently rave about the decor, calling it one of the most visually rich dining experiences in the entire Los Angeles area. With Trader Vic’s and Don the Beachcomber long gone from the local scene, Damon’s stands as one of the last true tiki sanctuaries in Southern California.
Every corner has something new to notice.
The Famous Mai Tai Cocktail
Ask almost anyone who has visited Damon’s what they ordered to drink, and the answer is almost always the same: the Mai Tai. Served in a ceramic tiki mug dripping with tropical personality, this cocktail has earned its own legendary status at the restaurant.
Reviewers describe it as strong, cold, and perfectly balanced, with rum that doesn’t hide behind layers of sugary sweetness. One guest even compared it favorably to the classic version served at Trader Vic’s, which is high praise in the tiki world.
The bar staff are known for being friendly and generous with their pours, making the whole experience feel genuinely hospitable rather than transactional. Whether you are celebrating a birthday, a date night, or just a random Tuesday, the Mai Tai at Damon’s sets exactly the right mood from the very first sip.
The House Chopped Salad
There are salads, and then there is the Damon’s house chopped salad — a dish so good that guests are still thinking about it the next morning. Made with crisp chopped romaine, celery, chives, and beets, it arrives dressed in a tangy, slightly creamy house dressing that has become something of a local obsession.
Several reviewers have drawn comparisons to the famous salad dressing at the House of Prime Rib in San Francisco, which tells you everything about its quality. The beets add a subtle earthiness that makes the whole bowl feel balanced and satisfying.
Best of all, this salad comes included with dinner entrees, so it never feels like an afterthought. It is the kind of starter that raises your expectations for the rest of the meal — and Damon’s consistently delivers on that promise with everything that follows.
A Steakhouse with Roots Going Back to 1937
Not many restaurants can claim nearly 90 years of history, but Damon’s Steak House wears its age like a badge of honor. Founded in 1937, this Glendale landmark has outlasted trends, recessions, and the slow disappearance of classic tiki culture across Southern California.
The walls are decorated with murals and artifacts that have been part of the space for decades, giving the restaurant a genuine sense of heritage rather than manufactured nostalgia. Guests often describe feeling like they have stepped into a time capsule the moment they walk through the door.
That kind of longevity does not happen by accident. It comes from consistently good food, loyal regulars, and a staff that genuinely cares about every guest’s experience.
Damon’s has watched Glendale change around it for generations, and somehow it keeps getting better with age.
Perfectly Cooked Steaks Across the Menu
Beyond the prime rib, Damon’s entire steak lineup commands serious respect. The bone-in New York strip and ribeye are both crowd favorites, with reviewers consistently praising the flavor, char, and precise cooking temperatures.
One guest described their bone-in NY strip as excellent after the prime rib sold out that evening, proving that even the backup option at Damon’s can steal the spotlight. The kitchen clearly understands how to handle quality cuts, applying heat and seasoning with the confidence of a team that has been doing this for a very long time.
Steaks arrive with your choice of sides, and the spinach and twice-baked potato are both highly recommended by regulars. Whether you prefer your steak rare or well-done, the kitchen at Damon’s has a track record of getting it right, making every visit feel like a dependable treat.
Oysters Rockefeller Worth the Splurge
Ordering the Oysters Rockefeller at Damon’s is one of those decisions you will not regret. Rich with spinach, herbs, and a golden breadcrumb topping, each oyster delivers a warm, briny bite that feels indulgent without being overwhelming.
One longtime reviewer summed it up simply: try them if you like oysters. That straightforward endorsement carries real weight when you consider how competitive the appetizer game can be at a steakhouse of this caliber.
They pair especially well with a cold Mai Tai before the main course arrives.
Appetizers at Damon’s are designed to build excitement, not fill you up before the real show begins. The Oysters Rockefeller hit that balance perfectly, offering enough flavor and texture to feel special while leaving plenty of room for the steak or prime rib waiting in the wings.
Order them without hesitation.
Coconut Shrimp Done Right
Coconut shrimp is one of those dishes that sounds simple but is easy to get wrong. At Damon’s, they get it very right.
Reviewers specifically highlight that the kitchen does not skimp on the coconut coating, which means every shrimp arrives with a thick, crunchy exterior that shatters satisfyingly on first bite.
The tropical theme of the restaurant makes coconut shrimp feel like a natural fit here, and the kitchen leans into that connection with confidence. Paired with the right dipping sauce, it becomes one of the most fun and crowd-pleasing starters on the menu.
For groups dining together, this dish is an easy crowd-pleaser that works for almost everyone at the table. Whether you are visiting for the first time or returning for your tenth dinner, the coconut shrimp at Damon’s is always a reliable and genuinely enjoyable way to kick things off.
Backyard BBQ Favorites on the Menu
Damon’s menu stretches well beyond steaks, and the backyard BBQ section is proof that this kitchen has range. The pulled pork and brisket have earned loyal fans of their own, thanks to a unique house BBQ sauce that stands apart from the standard sweet-and-smoky blends found at most barbecue spots.
One reviewer described the sauce as having a very unique quality that paired brilliantly with the mac and cheese, which is itself a comforting, well-executed side dish. That combination alone makes a compelling case for exploring the non-steak side of the menu.
For guests who want something a little more casual and rustic alongside the tiki ambiance, the BBQ options deliver exactly that energy. The flavors are bold and satisfying, and the portions are generous enough to leave you pleasantly full without feeling like you overdid it.
A genuinely underrated part of the Damon’s experience.
Seafood Options That Surprise and Delight
Steakhouses and seafood do not always mix well, but Damon’s manages to pull it off with genuine skill. The Mahi Mahi and salmon are both praised by reviewers, with one guest calling the Mahi Mahi excellent during a visit to this classic old-school tiki bar.
The salmon with smashed potato is a particular standout, described as delicious by a returning customer who specifically mentioned it among her favorite dishes at Damon’s. The kitchen applies the same care to its fish as it does to its steaks, which is not something every steakhouse can honestly say.
For guests who want something lighter or simply prefer seafood, Damon’s offers a genuinely satisfying alternative to the beef-heavy menu staples. The snap peas with garlic are also highly recommended as a side pairing.
It rounds out the menu in a way that makes Damon’s accessible and appealing to a wide range of diners.
The Dole Whip Dessert Experience
Not everyone expects to find a Disneyland-quality dessert at a steakhouse, but Damon’s keeps surprising its guests. The Dole Whip served here has been specifically compared to the iconic version at Disneyland by a reviewer who clearly knows their frozen treats.
Creamy, tangy, and refreshing, this pineapple soft-serve is the perfect way to cool down after a rich, satisfying meal. It fits the tropical tiki theme of the restaurant seamlessly, feeling like a natural conclusion to an evening spent surrounded by bamboo walls and island murals.
For families dining with kids, the Dole Whip is an automatic hit that makes the whole outing feel extra special. Even adults who skipped dessert plans find themselves reconsidering when the server mentions it.
Sometimes the most unexpected menu item becomes the one everyone talks about on the drive home. At Damon’s, that item is absolutely the Dole Whip.
Exceptional Service That Keeps Guests Coming Back
Great food can only take a restaurant so far. What truly keeps people coming back to Damon’s is the warmth and attentiveness of the staff.
Multiple reviewers have singled out specific servers by name, with one guest crediting her server Mary for making her 80th birthday dinner feel genuinely magical.
The team wears floral Hawaiian shirts that match the tropical vibe of the restaurant, and their energy matches the outfits — relaxed, welcoming, and genuinely happy to be there. Servers are known for giving spot-on recommendations and checking in at the right moments without hovering.
For first-time visitors who feel a little unsure about the menu, the staff makes the experience feel easy and comfortable from the start. One reviewer specifically noted that the team sensed his nervousness and immediately put him at ease.
That kind of hospitality is rare, and at Damon’s, it feels completely natural.
Location, Hours, and What to Know Before You Go
Planning a visit to Damon’s Steak House is straightforward once you know a few key details. The restaurant is located at 317 N Brand Blvd in Glendale, California, and opens daily at 3 PM, closing at 10 PM every night of the week.
The phone number is +1 818-507-1510, and more information is available at damonsglendale.com.
Parking in the area can be tricky, as several reviewers have noted that street parking near Brand Boulevard gets competitive during dinner hours. Arriving a few minutes early or planning for a short walk from a nearby lot is a smart move.
Prices fall in the moderate to upper range, with most entrees approaching the $40 mark, but the generous portions and exceptional atmosphere make it well worth the spend. With a 4.4-star rating across over 1,700 reviews, Damon’s has clearly earned its place as one of Glendale’s most beloved dining destinations.