In the mid-80s Dad was going through a divorce and I was officially grown up being in the first or second year of college. I'd graduated to grown up dinners at a real restaurant with Dad (yes, now I realize that if had a salad bar, maybe it didn't quite qualify, but there'd be a real steak....) Just the two of us, where he would share, probably too much, about the emotions he was going through. Inappropriate? Maybe, but I felt a man and someone whose opinion mattered. He may no longer remember those times, but I do. So cheers to the old S&A, a comfortable way station on life's journey.

@Plus_P_Plus

3 жыл бұрын

Cheers to the rest of the journey

@Wosat

3 жыл бұрын

Such unusual poignancy in a KZread comment; I had to reply. Cheers, indeed.

@craigmanning2439

3 жыл бұрын

As a dad that has gone thru a divorce. I can understand why he shared too much, but no one wants to hear crap about their mom. It is incredibly hard and the fact he shared shows that he felt a bond with you. Does not make it appropriate but in retrospect you should feel like he trusted and felt a bond with you. Glad you feel like it was a good memory and cut him some slack(again not saying it was right, we are not perfect.)

@matthewobrien4639

Жыл бұрын

@@craigmanning2439 Joe Seeking didn't say it was his Mom. It could have been his step mom.

A good middle class restaurant that went away when our middle class went away

@danny-li6io

3 жыл бұрын

Well said!

@danny-li6io

3 жыл бұрын

@@soulchorea yep, totally!

@lawschoolpro

3 жыл бұрын

Boy did you nail it.

@golden.lights.twinkle2329

3 жыл бұрын

Everything around me (in AZ) is Mexican and Chinese. The local steak place was torn down and is now a Starbucks. The local Bennigans is boarded up and derelict.

@floydsemlow8253

2 жыл бұрын

@@golden.lights.twinkle2329 bennigan's 🥺 I tended bar at a bennigans in Mentor Ohio, even that seems so far back these days , steak and ale restaurant were iconic!Boy times sure have changed restaurants, bars toys, People,The 🌎 🤮🤦... absolutely Depressing

Oh I miss Steak and Ale ! My late wife and I went every year for anniversary. Prime rib and Lobster 🦞🦞😍😍

@30roundz

3 жыл бұрын

Bless her soul🙏

@ericaparrott5608

3 жыл бұрын

Love your heart

@richardfromatlanta8551

3 жыл бұрын

God bless

@connieklein4401

3 жыл бұрын

I also went with my late husband on our anniversary. Kind of brought tears to my eyes.

@PaulTesta

3 жыл бұрын

What a nice memory. Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord. Thanks for sharing!

When I was a kid in the '80s, going to Steak & Ale was a special thing.

@areguapiri

3 жыл бұрын

It was.

@darlingdeb7010

Жыл бұрын

VERY!! Had the vibe of a very expensive place.

I miss those restaurants that had different individual rooms. It felt really cozy.

@appleforever6664

3 жыл бұрын

Food was tastier back in the day.

@jwl2469

3 жыл бұрын

The individual rooms would've definitely helped during this pandemic with having to keep diners separated.

@imaxjunior6531

3 жыл бұрын

I so agree, one of the best going out to eat experiences i've had, so unique.

@werearethedreamteam3724

3 жыл бұрын

it's sad but the good old days are over.

@jwl2469

3 жыл бұрын

@@werearethedreamteam3724 I hope not… because that means everything is downhill from here. I don't know how long it'll last, but during the pandemic, at least in the NY-area, there's been a resurgence of Drive-In Theaters. Maybe, a bit of the "simpler days" will make a comeback.

Was a Kitchen Manager at a couple different locations/cities from 76-80. And it wasn't ever considered 'casual,' this was where you didn't wear jeans and t-shirts and actually impressed your date. I believe you'd be turned away if not appropriately dressed but everyone knew it was dressy. This was a place for special occasions and great meals. This was not Sizzler or Bonanza by any means. It also had an upscale bar business and some of their locations had famous bars. Plus the place was dimly lit by mostly candles and quite romantic. A real golden era there for awhile. I was proud of the quality and integrity of the food we served.

@TitoTimTravels

3 жыл бұрын

Yeah, Bonanza was the noisy family hangout (we went a lot). Steak & Ale was for special occasions. 😎

@darrenbarsness3693

8 ай бұрын

Same here75-80 ,then worked at bennigans

Used to hang out at the local Steak & Ale. Their lounge had a fireplace and overstuffed leather chairs and sofas like an English gentleman’s club. No juke box, no loud parties, and drinks served at your chair. I miss it.

@themagus5906

2 жыл бұрын

Just wear a cheap Goodwill suit at happy hour on a Friday night, picking up the girls from the nearby Nutri-System offices! Ah, those were the days....

My prom date took me to the Steak and Ale for our pre prom dinner. I remember feeling so beautiful and classy sitting there in my Gunne Sax gown

I had my Wedding rehearsal dinner at the Steak & Ale in Temple Terrace Florida on December 20, 1991 & I am still married to the same person for almost 30 yrs!

@Nezmund

3 жыл бұрын

Congrats!

@womandela7225

3 жыл бұрын

When we first moved to FL we lived in Temple Terrace for a year. That was in the early seventies. Nothing but orange groves around us.

@rubicon-oh9km

3 жыл бұрын

I lived in Oldsmar and worked there. Good chance I was one of your waiters.

@ralphu.7568

3 жыл бұрын

"19,991"!!!!! Are you from the future?!

@cdldriver2348

3 жыл бұрын

@@ralphu.7568 yes

When the Steak and Ale in Springfield, MO closed, it was re opened as Jimm’s Steakhouse and Pub. It is basically the same format as the old Steak and Ale, and they are doing great.

@flounder31

3 жыл бұрын

Good to hear that. A group of us drove up from Carthage for our HS Prom to go there when it was still hanging on in 1993. Really pretty good, especially for a chain.

@pachord1

3 жыл бұрын

I remember the Heritage cafeteria at Springfield MO, but not Steak and Ale.

@anderander5662

3 жыл бұрын

I don't live too far from Springfield in Northeast Oklahoma.... I might have to make a trip. There were three Steak and Ales in Tulsa, now all gone

@AA-zv6yo

3 жыл бұрын

Yep its great.

@ThemissouriTraveler

3 жыл бұрын

Absolutely. It’s amazing

Both my sister and I worked at our local S & A. I was a hostess, she was a bar server in their lounge. This is the place where we celebrated birthdays with our family growing up and even after my HS graduation ceremony. Many memories of awesome dinners with my parents at this restaurant. I loved the super cold salad bar and their filet mignon with baked potato. Loved the atmosphere with small rooms, cozy and warm.

@xoxxobob61

3 жыл бұрын

I worked for them and it was hell on Earth. All they ever cared about was profits not employees. I find it amusing that they eventually went bankrupt selling meat & baked potatoes.

@PR-nq4dt

3 жыл бұрын

@@xoxxobob61 So what's new all big company's care about profits only!

@werearethedreamteam3724

3 жыл бұрын

there's always a saying,nothing good lasts forever and everything eventually comes to an end.

@robertclark4509

3 жыл бұрын

@@xoxxobob61 what did you think Bob the owners who took a chance and invested all there money and worked hard and worried late nights. YOUR a snowflake who thinks the world owes you for working ....Get a life

@xoxxobob61

3 жыл бұрын

@@robertclark4509 I was merely responding to what it was like to work for them & it wasn't pleasant. The Owners eventually sold out to a Corporate conglomerate that also owned Bennigans & other chains so Profitts do matter.

A simpler time when a family could go to a restaurant and it was an event.

@drinkthekoolaidkids

3 жыл бұрын

Some where between now and then we lost our way .

@areguapiri

3 жыл бұрын

That was how we learned manners and etiquette.

@fatdarryl3586

3 жыл бұрын

ahhh yes, good ole segregation

@theofficialphoenixtv5765

3 жыл бұрын

@@fatdarryl3586 Unless you're being sarcastic which i hope you are *stares intently at you * This was 1966 Segregation all the bullshit that came with it end 2 years prior. No lie those steaks looked good though

@fatdarryl3586

3 жыл бұрын

@@theofficialphoenixtv5765 ahhh yes point was made

I still find myself missing their sautéed mushrooms. Absolutely the best ever.

Wow I remember going there as a kid in the 70s. At that time it was a special event to go out to dinner especially these kind of places. Thanks for all the great memories 🤔

@frankrizzo4460

3 жыл бұрын

@Goh Modley lower middle class 🤔

@Leguminator

3 жыл бұрын

I was just discussing going as a kid with a friend of mine recently, it was indeed a special event because it hardly happened. My mom cooked every day. It was even a huge treat to have a glass of Pepsi on a Saturday night, one bottle was shared amongst us kids.

@padraig5335

3 жыл бұрын

@Goh Modley He said a special event...

@humboldtharry4248

3 жыл бұрын

@Goh Modley Classic! Fits this discussion well 😆

In December of 1984 I proposed to my wife at the Steak and Ale in Jackson MS. The mayor was there that night and bought us a drink, which I thought was really nice, especially since neither of us actually lived in Jackson and didn't vote for him. Lol.

@Visionary_Watcher

2 жыл бұрын

Great story

My first job was at steak and ale started in the dish room ended up a bartender started when I was 16 stayed until I was 22 when I joined the USAF !!! 54 now retired from the USAF and now work as a liquor distributor !! but I still miss the days at steak and ale

Good prime rib and salad bar. I liked the little loaves of bread they brought to the table before ordering. It was kinda fancy back in the day. Always got there early to get the rare prime rib.

@slackblabbath8528

3 жыл бұрын

Great prime rub

@slackblabbath8528

3 жыл бұрын

Rib

Loved going there; I still smell the memory. It was our temporary get away from a from a cranky teething baby who just turned 40 today!

Thanks for the video and memories and making us all sad. Steak & Ale was THE place for years. It was classy and still casual. So many family and company occasions there. Never had a bad steak. Every time you hear about a once great company that was “bought by so and so, sold to someone else, purchased by some other financial group, etc. it always ends the same way, disaster and disappointment.

I went here for my Uncle's wedding reception. Of course, the marriage didn't last long, but the memories do.....

When Dining Out was a fun experience ☺️😕

@MisterMikeTexas

3 жыл бұрын

COVID took care of that! 😡

@kat35lulu88

3 жыл бұрын

It was a classy place...... miss those times.

@zezmereldazezmerelda4653

3 жыл бұрын

sheri-- indeed! people wore nice clothes on the airplane! i remember running to catch a connecting flight at O'Hare in heels. those were the days!

@gkprivate433

3 жыл бұрын

yes. when going out was a somewhat special occasion. It was savored and enjoyed, maybe with new or old friends. Things were so much simpler in the 60s and even 70s. People of today's generation can not imagine there not being 34 fast food chain restaurants in town. No constant face book or twitter. Talking and meeting up was relished

@Johnny-ht3qh

3 жыл бұрын

Absolutely, when traveling on vacation in the station wagon. LOL, I remember every one of these places, wow!!!

I had a Top-40 band that used to play at Steak and Ale in Southfield, MI and also Farmington Hills, MI in the 80's. Miss those days, too....

I was a General Manager for Steak and Ale back in 1998......In Winter Park Florida......It was mainly seniors that loved Prime Rib and drinking......My restaurant was always in the black....we never went red .....

0:45 The Steak & Ale on Spring Valley Rd in Dallas, TX. Took my girlfriend there in 1972. Good memories...

@conchrepublictheband

3 жыл бұрын

Was that close to Valley View Mall?

Their 3 for 1 drink specials made many weekends a blur!

@Plus_P_Plus

3 жыл бұрын

That's what I'm talkin' about

@luv2cook.

3 жыл бұрын

@@Plus_P_Plus uh oh! TGIF❣️

@brianstevens3963

3 жыл бұрын

Especially if you indulged in long islands !!! that could result in a quick evening

@Plus_P_Plus

3 жыл бұрын

@@luv2cook. Lol!!!

I worked at two of them as a busboy/salad bar attendant, and later as a prep cook. The first in Knoxville, TN, the second in Miami, FL, right up the road from Burger King HQ. By then, Steak and Ale and BK were owned by Pillsbury, so Mr. Brinker would visit our location a couple of times a year. I still make a couple of the recipes: burgundy mushrooms, and the chicken/Kensington Club marinade. Great place to work. Lots of good memories

Steak and Ale was my dad’s favorite restaurant. Whenever I visited him, we would go there and eat. I loved that place and still think of it often. The food was great and so was the atmosphere.

It was a wonderful elegant restuarant! I remember Benigans, but many went out of business.

The Steak & Ale in Detroit was the first "fancy" restaurant I ever when to as a child. My uncle took me and my sister. We were so excited that they had an All-You-Can-Eat Salad Bar. We kept running back and forth to the salad bar. What I remember most was how nice everyone was to the two little crazy black girls running excitedly to the salad bar every 15 minutes.🥰

@danielbesser4602

3 жыл бұрын

Was this the Steak And Ale in Southfield? I worked as a busboy and then a waiter at that restaurant from 1981-83, it helped put me through Wayne State. Great memories of that place and the people who worked there and the customers

@microtasker

3 жыл бұрын

Used to go to the one across from Oakland Mall. Won my girlfriend over there and taking her to Mountain Jacks, we eventually married.. She'd never been to a place like that before. Sad to see it go.

@TheMechanicj

3 жыл бұрын

@@jm1178 you wasn’t around in the 60s and 70s were ya lol back then sin coir was a big deal now in 2020 no one sees color

@chrismunro3624

3 жыл бұрын

I’ve been to the one in Southfield and the one in Farmington Hills. Years ago we had a company party in the loft of the Steak and Ale in Farmington Hills. Very unique buildings.

I had forgotten about Steak and Ale, we don't have them where we live. Really does jog the memory!

sometimes I'd go for happy hour and get overwhelmed... but they allowed me to cry. Love this place. Thank you.

These were some of the most beautiful chain restaurants ever built. I loved architecture as a child and going to these was so exciting for me because I loved the interiors and stained glass.

Went there on my very first date in Jax Fl. Went back many times...loved the Prince and Pauper dinner. My girlfriend always got the fried shrimp. They were always open on Christmas Day. Thanks for the memory.

@Tomatohater64

4 ай бұрын

That's right. I forgot they remained open on most major holidays, including Christmas. My family ate there for Christmas in the late 70s and those were some of the best meals I ever had. Their steaks were unbeatable for the price. Yummy.

What a great channel !! Subscribed !!

I loved Steak & Ale. We used to go when on vacation in Florida. All good things seem to just fade away :(

@ericwilliams9440

3 жыл бұрын

Last ate at a S & A in st. Pete's beach Fl in 2004.

@Sandkei

3 жыл бұрын

@@ericwilliams9440 We ate at the one on Druid & 19n in Clearwater for the last time. It was on the way out at that time. Ordered a Spanish coffee & the bar tender didn't know how to make it. Used to be excellent :(

Built in 1977, there was one in Middletown NJ on 35N. Closed in 2008. Been abandoned & might be gone now.

@ordinarynonplayercharacter2142

3 жыл бұрын

They knocked it down and built a strip mall where it used to be.

@bassbastard650

3 жыл бұрын

No way, I remember that one. I grew up I’m Middletown. Remember friendly’s and Sebastian’s pub! Great days. Two guys, hunan house, shamrock diner.

@mascara1777

3 жыл бұрын

Yes, it's gone.

I worked at the one in Houston Texas in the mid-to-late 80s. It was the one on I-10 and Wirt Road. There were quite a few of them in Houston! Thanks this brought back memories.

@christiangonzales7429

2 жыл бұрын

There was also another one on I-10 near Wilcrest as well. The sign stood up for many years after it closed.

@LisaHouserman

2 жыл бұрын

@@christiangonzales7429 I remember! Thanks!

In High School circa 1975, Steak & Ale was the swankiest place in town to take a date. We never thought of it as a reasonably priced casual restaurant at all. It was First Class all the way to us. "Where are you taking my Daughter tonight young man?" "Steak & Ale Sir." Never failed to impress the Dads. Proved you were a Man of Culture and Taste. Heck, we even dressed up to go. Formal Bell Bottoms and my best Hawaiian Cowboy Shirts no less. I swear I can still taste that Kensington Club Steak with French Onion Soup. And the Salad Bar, which was unknown to me before that time, had real Croutons instead of saltine crackers like the Hoi Polloi were forced to endure. Yeah, we were living large at Steak & Ale. Thanks Recollection Road. You sure know how to make a body go all Misty Eyed.

This was the place for special celebrations in the 70's. Great memories!!

I always loved S&A. French Onion Soup & Salad, Baked Potato and of course a Juicy Filet. Brother it don't get much better than that!!

@Tomatohater64

4 ай бұрын

Oh my goodness, their French Onion soup was beyond magnificent; I'd eat two crocks of it. 🤣🤣🤣

My prom date and I went there for dinner! I always regarded it as one of those “special occasion” restaurants, there and Red Lobster. My, how times have changed.

We really miss that chain. Remember how they had those pewter plates at the salad bar and kept them chilled?

@PolPotsPieHole

3 жыл бұрын

yes,,,,loved the Salad bar

@andrefecteau

3 жыл бұрын

the top end restaurant I worked at had an amazing salad bar...folks, in the day, put on a nice outfit, hit the place for prime rib and the salad bar? C'mon, it's too easy, food was all handmade, used to watch the sisters hand batter the fried cheese and make the cornbread...oh to end the shift with a piece of that bread was amazing

@acnacn1861

3 жыл бұрын

The blue cheese salad dressing was the best!!

@andrefecteau

3 жыл бұрын

@@acnacn1861 it's so easy to make, take mayo, add pickle juice and real blue cheese, stir and enjoy!...it kills me how the simple things were lost

@JeffHongchang

3 жыл бұрын

I remember them. The restaurant was a family favourite through my childhood. My Dad was losing it towards the end of his life and would always ask why the plates were cold whenever we went. It got to be so frustrating we would just leave him in the car while we went inside an ate. I wish we could go back in time to thos days.

This video is for you John Massa, John and I worked together at Steak and Ale Melbourne FL in the early 80"s while in High School. John was my best friend at the time and many great Memories. Sadly John passed away February 3rd of this year.. This is the last video I shared with him before he passed. I'm sure he enjoyed it. I'll Alwayz remember working together with John at Steak and Ale.. And enjoyed the great food he would cook there. May you rest in peace now John and if there's a Steak and Ale in Heaven, I'm looking forward to meeting up with you there and go down memory lane. Best Friend Alwayz. Greg

Back in the day this was considered a upscale restaurant. I loved the one we had people dressed nicely! No pajama pants,side ways baseball caps or sagging pants there!😨 Food and Service was always excellent!! Now I don't even try and eat out!!! What we have now is The Trash industry in sit down restaurants!! Or people look like a bunch of pigs at a troff at any buffet!!!! Upscale and fine dining chains have gone!😩

@ascotberks2018

3 жыл бұрын

Really? Still upscale fine dining, McCormick and Schmidt, Ruth Chris to name a few.

@guac1967

3 жыл бұрын

yea i remember back in the early 80;s this was a high class restaurant that was expensive to go to.

@andrefecteau

3 жыл бұрын

I worked in the industry back in the 80s...this thing was popular but the world just moved on, yeah people now just dress like trash, gulp down corporate garbage food and don't even care...no wonder 78% are obese...it will change again with local, fresh and farm to table...but I'm like most I NEVER go out to eat anymore...I can cook it much better and cheaper.

@brianstevens3963

3 жыл бұрын

@@ascotberks2018 it doesn't have to be upscale to be a good steak house I know of a couple in Tampa that are far better than those chain restaurants you just named !!! they are pretty good places but not much better than longhorn or outback !!! stay away from the corporate bullshit !! they are mainly visual

@andrefecteau

3 жыл бұрын

yeah, took a cruise a few years ago..was same, looked like Denny's with 2000 people, all those "restaurant save" shows they used to have? Yep, crappy food was biggest issue, no one cooks anymore! I worked in a black tie restaurant as waiter, food was amazing...long gone, sad.

It was where me and my husband would go on our anniversary every year. We were so sad when they closed. The last time we ate at Steak and Ale was June 2004 New Orleans area. Thanks for the walk down memory lane!!

Was a manager at S&A during the 70s in Tampa & St. Pete. Great job and good business experience. Met lots of good people and lots of wonderful memories.

@Tomatohater64

4 ай бұрын

Steak and Ale was awesome. Great food, cool atmosphere, and nice, friendly service - nothing like today.

We loved going to Steak and Ale. Great place. Wish it would come back.

Steak & Ale was awesome. Had a lot of great times with family at S&A during my childhood. Wish they would bring it back in a big way.

My new favorite channel. Born in 1977 and this brings back so many memories. Thank you. 👍🏻

Steak and Ale was my favorite place to go out to dinner!! My Wife and I had MANY great dinners there with family members! It was ALWAYS a good dining experience! We had many wonderful times and memories there! So sad it closed!!!!!

I used to work for the company (Metromedia Restaurant Group) that owned the Steak & Ale, Bennigans and Ponderosa brands. This was in the 2000's. They were based in Dallas TX. I was in their IT department and was laid off when they outsourced their operations. There used to be a delapidated Bennigans near me in Mesa, AZ. It sat there boarded up for years with two dead palm trees out front. I've eaten at a Steak & Ale in White Plains NY and a Bennigans in Orlando, FL.

I was a manager at Steak and Ale back in the day in Charlotte, NC

I worked at a Jolly Ox in Virginia Beach, Virginia in the late 1970s. Great place and a great job for a high school kid.

There is a steak & Ale restaurant in Fort Wayne, Indiana. It has been around since the 60’s and has a thriving business, in the face of many other casual dining chains and locally owned white table cloth restaurants

My Mamaw and I used to go here when I was a kid (Mid-late 90's) Thanks.

Their food was always excellent. My family went to the one in Pittsburgh on Route 19 once or twice a month in the 1970s.

That was one of those special places that becomes a true core memory as a child. Born in 86, i remember going once when i was really little. Its was a rare fancy dinner out for my family. I just remember feeling so impressed to be at a place like that. Its as if i automatically turned on my 6yr old litte kid "adult mode" and was on my best behavior as a lady and looked around the restaurant in awe. With my dads side, i went to VERY expensive resturants with his parents all the time but for some reason, Steak & Ale really stood out in my mind and has stayed with me forever. I hardly remember the other restaurants.

I so remember when I was a kid with my parents and my brother! They had the most delicious steak and these delicious marinated mushrooms! It would have been so cool if they would have had to Steak and Ale l as nautical themed and a fireplace! Steak and Ale in my city was always a medieval Tudor house! I was sad when Steak and Alel went out of business. However the Bennigan's restaurant in my neighborhood made the hamburger so well done I nearly broke a tooth! So, I disagree that Bennigan's had the same quality as Steak and Ale!! Thank you for sharing this really awesome Steak and Ale restaurant and it is really cool that it did merge with Bonanza and Ponderosa! I also enjoyed going to the Ponderosa restaurant with my parents and brother is a kid!

@msr1116

3 жыл бұрын

Google Steak and Ale mushrooms and some recipes will pop up.

@wantingoneangel8976

3 жыл бұрын

@@msr1116 +Thanks for letting me know:)!! I will have to Google it:)!!!

@msr1116

3 жыл бұрын

@@wantingoneangel8976 ....Sure thing...glad I could help.

Interesting. They sure as hell don't make em like they used to.

I enjoyed Steak N Ale. Their prime rib. And that salad bar!!!!

Roseville, Minnesota location was superb. The aroma of the place has never left my imagination.

We so miss this chain .

Thank you for the memories. I and my family were regular S&A customers from the early 70s on until closing. Did not know about the owners either , Enjoyed, Thanks later from Texas.

French Onion Soup...their trademark. Really enjoyed the fare. Reasonably priced, delicious food and a nice atmosphere.

@Tomatohater64

4 ай бұрын

Best French Onion soup I ever had.

I never ate here but I get nostalgic looking at it. I'd see it all the time back in my home town. It always looked like a good place to go.

I really miss the Steak & Ale we celebrated a lot of birthdays there.

I love your videos. They take me down memory lane. Awesome job on this video!

In the 1970’s-80’s we used to eat at the Steak & Ale in Corpus Christi Texas. Our favorite room was the library with its fireplace. The Corpus store always had good food and good service.

My dad did contract work putting in telephone equipment for Steak and Ale at the Dallas headquarters back in the mid 1970's. He and a friend of his had their own business maintaining and installing telephone equipment. Steak and Ale was their main account for a year.

I can remember going there on occasion with my parents when I was a kid in the 70s, my dad used to say, "let's go to Aeak and Stale" and I do recall the one we went to had a fireplace.

Loved the Steak & Ale in Bradenton, Florida. We went with other couples quite often.

In the late 80s, I got together with my parents and we went to Ohio to visit my grandmother, and my aunt and uncle (my mother's brother). They all lived in the Youngstown suburb of Hubbard, which was on the Pennsylvania border. They took Grandma and us out to dinner at the Ponderosa just over that border in PA. We had the buffet, and I remember it was quite good. It was a good time and visit, and I feel like I'm about to cry now that I brought it up. I miss them all! The 21st Century hasn't been kind!

@Wa3ypx

3 жыл бұрын

My wife worked at that very Ponderosa, it was a shit hole. Before I met her, my father and I dropped in for a quick supper. I swear I ate Great Dane.

@MisterMikeTexas

3 жыл бұрын

@@Wa3ypx Weird, I don't remember it being that way. But our visit there was in 1988.

@Wa3ypx

3 жыл бұрын

@@MisterMikeTexas Yeah, this was before. In the 70s. Things might have changed. Any way, the building was torn down and an O'Reilly Auto Parts sits there now.

When I was young we went there all the time. Great restaurant ! I miss them...

Many great nights at the Middletown NJ Steak and Ale. Loved that joint!

Sizzler, Bennigan's and Steak and Ale - childhood classics. I hardly ever eat at full-serve restaurants anymore, but I'd make an exception for those!

I Loved Steak and Ale! So good!! Went with my first serious boyfriend; it was where we went for a "fancy " meal. He's gone now too, "diabetes complications" Happy memories!

In my home town of Vienna Virginia, we had the "ale" word restriction for restaurants so we had the Jolly Ox name. I loved that restaurant. The food was excellent but the combination of the food and the atmosphere of the place made it a relaxing and comfortable place to go out and have dinner or a drink. Great memories.

I worked at a Jolly Ox in Alexandra Virginia in 1975-76. Great times, great salad bar, amazing employees!

Steak and Ale Morse and Maize rd Columbus Ohio. My parents owned the Shell Station next door...Great memories!

My Steak & Ale story: I Used to have a friend who lived in an apartment. His Nextdoor neighbor was a cook at the local S&A. My friend and I were hanging out. The neighbor knocked on the door after he got home from work and asked if we were hungry. He hefted a paper bag full of uncooked steaks from the restaurant. Said they were expiring and were going to be thrown out so his manager let him take them home. It was a lot of meat. It was 1:00 AM when he fired up his grill. I ate a sirloin, a strip and a ribeye steak. It was so good. I left to go home after that, but my friend told me he grilled the entire bag of steaks. It was a memorable night. Three weeks later, the neighbor was riding his bike home from work. Got hit by a car. Messed him up really bad and he got let go from Steak and Ale. He moved to Florida after that. So, no more steaks.

@shadowlouise

Жыл бұрын

THEbadIb, Sorry for your loss. Did you ever try to locate your old friend?

@THEbadlnb

Жыл бұрын

@@shadowlouise sometimes there are friends that are best left to the past. This is one of those situations. My friend (at the time) was is sort of person who’s friendships and relationships have a shelf life. When his 1st wife divorced him in 1987, he moved on to a new wife and friends. He is on his 5th wife now and hangs out with other people. I have no idea what happened to the neighbor who got hit by the car. He got a large insurance settlement before he moved to Florida. Never saw him again.

@shadowlouise

Жыл бұрын

​@@THEbadlnb Thank you. I was actually thinking of the victim. I like your use of "shelf life" in describing relationships. Too bad we can't stamp such people with "Best by" (or "bye") and expiration dates. It would save a lot of heartache. Somehow, they are always able to find replacements for each emptied vessel.

@THEbadlnb

Жыл бұрын

@@shadowlouise the guy who got hit would ride a bike 7 miles to work. He was a cook at Steak & Ale. He was riding his bike home late and got hit from behind. His bike went under the car, and he went into the windshield in a seat position. He was on lots of pain meds and sore. I want to say he got $40,000 from insurance, but he used all the money to buy a TV component stereo system, a fancy water bed, a truck, a new bike and then move to Florida. He roommate moved to Some small Island in the Bahamas and then moved back. I stayed friends with my friends first wife for several years after he moved on. It was a strange time in my life. I think maybe he thought something happened between me and his first wife. Nothing could be farther from the truth. But that’s what he would have done. That’s what he has done to all his wives.

Went to Steak & Ale on my first date in the 70's. The salad bar was out of this world!

I used to go every year on way home from Renaissance Faire in Tuxedo ny. There was a Steak and Ale in NJ on Route 17. Great medieval decor, stained glass windows, and fantastic salad bar.

We used to go as a family or with family and friends every Sunday in ft lauderdale Florida. I’m from the west coast but moved as a teen to south Florida. I hated living there but looking back I have good memories like going as a family every Sunday. Sad that it’s gone.

I worked as a dishwasher and busboy at the Jolly Ox/Steak & Ale in Seattle Northgate area. I worked their with my best friend and Sister. It was a great job and good people.

My dad introduced me to Steak & Ale in the late '70s or early 80s. It was the one on Route 17 South just above Paramus NJ. This was the place he took clients to and they were always pleased with it. My wife and I loved it. Great food and reasonably priced. I was a fan of the Prime Rib. The décor was nice with good table settings, including the butter served in a chilled pewter server. They had one of the first electronic notification boards when waiting for a table. Looking at all the comments below, all of them say how much this place was loved. It just doesn't make sense why it went out of business. A good explanation wasn't provided except for for some competition. Perhaps the parent company dragged down S & A? Well, maybe I'll check out some of the S & A menu choices at Bennigan's!

@scottnix4991

3 жыл бұрын

What started the decline of S&A is the same thing that's happening to Applebees now. Some smug self-appointed "cool people" decided that S&A was "like totally un-hip man". Other smug people who wanted to appear just as cool and sophisticated as the first group of trolls piled on and it became "fashionable" to slander a great restaurant. I call it the "Nickleback Syndrome".

@R32R38

3 жыл бұрын

@@scottnix4991 Applebee's is doing better now. Their 2 for $20 special is a big hit and they're benefiting from the rapid decline of Ruby Tuesday's, long one of their main competitors.

@scottnix4991

3 жыл бұрын

@@R32R38 Glad to hear that. My town had three locations. Never had a bad meal at any of them. We have one left and it's struggling.

@ohok3608

3 жыл бұрын

Wall Street Graebblers get a hold of ANY going concern, come in, siphon off the money, sell the assets, declare BK and write it off on their taxes.... you know who.....

Thanks, Ascot, Boss hogg, Andre, Brian, Harry, Phil, The great stories , make the comment section fun .

that was my all time favorite bring it back

Typical story. The owner gets greedy... they sell out... and then the restaurants go to hell. So much for the customer service. Greed destroys this country. That’s why we’re in the state we’re in here in the US. It’s too bad more people don’t care for others the way our parents generation did. Of course, this man who started ‘Steak and Ale’, must have been the exception. Because, he had to have been from that era.

@21stcenturysucks54

3 жыл бұрын

It,s called Reaganisim.

@21stcenturysucks54

3 жыл бұрын

+@James SS Mom and Pop stores and all the nice eating places I remember were more than plentiful during Johnson, Nixon era. As were beautiful American Cars and electronics. Will not even bother during Eisenhower-Kennedy era. Nothing was made by Red China.

@saltress1126

3 жыл бұрын

💯 % agree 😒

@victorlewis7935

3 жыл бұрын

American businesses turned to china to manufacture their goods and everything went to shit!!! Good old capitalism!!!!

I worked at a Jolly Ox in Alexandria, Virginia in the late 70's to early 80's. First as a cook then as a bartender. Good memories of those days.

I loved Steak and Ale.... I am so sick of these wrap crap and sushi places nowadays

@bobdonovan34

3 жыл бұрын

So go to a steak place.

@Wa3ypx

3 жыл бұрын

Have you watched "Food that Changed America" on History Channel? Its all about fast. Nobody has time, an hour out of their day to sit down (without a cell phone) and dine comfortably.

@richardeast3328

3 жыл бұрын

@@bobdonovan34 Man that's a great ideal Einstein.

@Intheknow12

3 жыл бұрын

@@richardeast3328 its also a great idea

@carpballet

3 жыл бұрын

Like lettuce wraps?

Really hope they succeed! So sick of the cookie cutter Applebee's and all the rest. These buildings were obviously not thrown together, they were designed with some attempted authenticity. I always perceive them as somewhat upscale because of the attention to detail and quality of materials, the food, and the friendliness and professionalism of the staff. Got to find me a bennigan's!

My first experience with Steak and Ale was back in 1979 in South Bend, Indiana. I really enjoyed that experience and the few other visits to that restaurant. It had a warm, cozy, inviting vibe inside the place. The external Tudor-style architecture was visually eye-pleasing and inviting. Of course the food was excellent as well. The restaurant served with its entrees a sweet, dark, small bread roll called, Squaw Bread at the time. It was an odd name to be sure but I shrugged my shoulders. Into the 21st century, by mutual consent all across the nation the term, Squaw Bread was condemned and dropped. At the time the waitresses I saw were typically attractive, slender women in their late 20s to mid-30s. Their Steak and Ale waitress uniforms were also eye-catching, especially to a young man as myself. Their attractive uniforms comprised a black turtleneck, long-sleeve pullover or thin sweater, a red Tartan vest, red Tartan miniskirt, black pantyhose and black shoes. I remember visiting that Steak and Ale at least two, possibly three more times. I returned to South Bend for a visit in June 2002 and went back to that same Steak and Ale with two friends. The place looked pretty much the same. I was not surprised that the waitress uniforms had changed in accordance with more strict political correctness of the day. The waitress uniforms now consisted of a long-sleeve white blouse, Tartan vest, black slacks and black shoes. The waitresses weren't the same pretty types I recalled of my youth. Well, things change. What didn't change though between 1982 and 2002 was that the Steak and Ale waitresses didn't smile. No matter. I still very much enjoyed the pleasing dining experience of Steak and Ale. I was really bummed out when I learned in 2010 that all the Steak and Ale restaurants had closed on the same night. There's been a long struggle to resurrect Steak and Ale. As of this writing, the first resurrected Steak and Ale has probably reached completion in Burnsville, Minnesota. But on the Internet I was disappointed to see that it looked like a bar and grill. There was no Tudor external architecture. The inside looked like a flashy bar and grill but not the warm, cozy, inviting atmosphere and vibe of the classic Steak and Ale. The probably excuse is well, this is the 21st century. But that 2024 new Steak and Ale would not entice me to visit it if I was in the Burnsville area.

Had my baby’s baptism party at Steak & Ale. Had all rooms except bar....choice of 5 entrees. It was awesome !

My favorite dish at S&A was "The Prince and the Pauper" . We also loved their ice cream drinks.

@billywatts889

Жыл бұрын

Yes I remember making those as a cook such great memories

Dang that brings back memories. I miss Steak and Ale and Bennegans.

I worked at a Steak and Ale for about a month in 1985. It was a step up from the Rustlers that I worked at, and I quit after an accident in the kitchen left me with 40 stitches... It was a cool place to though.

There used to be a Steak and Ale by the mall in Westminster, Colorado (which is also gone) along with a Bennigan's. The problem with successful chain restaurants is once they are sold to a larger company the quality always declines. Modern places like TGI Friday's, Applebee's, Chili's, etc. now are all basically fast food with a liquor license. The food is prepackaged crap, the drinks are made with syrupy mixers (not a real bartender in sight because they cost more) and there is no emphasis on service.

Steak and ale was a treat. Casual wasn't as casual as today tho. Great steaks and good service. Pondra rosa was more casual for sure. Great video.

I worked as a Prep cook for 2 years at the one in Plymouth Michigan back in the late 80's was very good food. We made everything fresh really learned a lot working there!

My wife and I held my Mom’s & Dad’s 50th Anniversary of their marriage in 2004 at a Steak & Ale. The dining areas differed in decor, but this one had been constructed to allow the walls to slide into pockets, leaving a huge banquet hall. My Dad was an outdoorsman , hunter, fisher, hiker…and he loved it; I just happened to notice there was an S&A near my where they lived and remembered a friend from college had worked at one as a “serving wench”. lol It was a wonderful celebration they shared almost 200 family and friends. I have no siblings, so these life milestones were always up to me to plan. Fortunately, I had found my true love and she did most of the work to pull this together. I’m happy we were able to commemorate and honor them! Obviously, I’d have done something special for their 60th Anniversary, but sadly, my Dad passed away in 2011, after 57 years of marriage to his true love. I’ll soon celebrate my 33rd wedding anniversary and all I can say is “Thank you, Mom and Dad, for teaching me things that I didn’t realize I was learning, or even needed!”