Reviews & Press
Simply put, The Peninsula's Favorite Steakhouse.

Sundance is proud to be featured in several local, national & international publications. Click on the links below to check out selected reviews, articles and spotlights.

“Like so many steak houses, Sundance has perfected the masculine formula of rare meat, dim lighting, dark wood, and enough decorative golf clubs, sculling oars, and sports-abilia to make the ‘men-folk’ feel expansive. Sundance is Palo Alto’s original steakhouse, opening nearly a quarter century ago along the El Camino and catering all the while to Stanford’s meat needs. Steak sizes range from the challenging to obscene and come with minimal bells and whistles.”

“Sundance has attracted a loyal following by serving a small but well-chosen array of entrées that are centered on, but not limited to, a passion for beef. The restaurant won again because the chefs buy only properly aged Angus beef and then hand-cut it at the restaurant. Sundance also features fresh-daily seafood, shellfish, chicken & three kinds of pasta.”

– Best Place for STEAK, 1990 thru 2010  * 20 years!!
– Best Place to take Mom & Dad, 2001 & 2002
– Best Place for a Martini, 2007 & 2008
– Hall of Fame Winner – Best Steakhouse 2011-2014

See featured article.

Award of Excellence, Every Year since 1992

“It’s a legendary, family owned steakhouse in Palo Alto. The ambiance is very cozy and romantic and the food is delicious.” -Q&A with Dr. Condoleezza Rice

See article.

“Rounding out the Readers’ Choice list is a steakhouse famed for its rich, masculine charm.  From slow-roasted prime rib to bacon-wrapped filet mignon, steak here is served large and fresh-cut in house by servers intent on letting you relax and enjoy.  Sundance’s large collection of single malts and ports make for a perfect beef chaser.  Fine dinning indeed.” See article.

Since its opening in 1974, beef and martinis have never gone out of style at this Palo Alto institution. The atmosphere is very clubby with fireplaces, dark wood, sports memorabilia, and plush leather booths tucked into the many nooks throughout the dinning room. Famous for their prime rib, they also offer fresh seafood, lobster tail, shellfish, and of course their aged USDA prime graded steaks. The menu is supported by extensive award winning wine list making this steakhouse one of the best on the Peninsula. Let owners Galen and Aron Fletcher make your dining experience one to cherish and enjoy. See article.

“As the world becomes increasingly frazzled, a meal at Sundance is the perfect excuse to slow down and savor a delicious meal in a restaurant with a storied history of excellence.” See article.

The Sun never sets on Sundance. Now in its 40th year with the second generation in charge and the third generation already on board, it’s a family-run success story still going strong. See article.

Since its opening in 1974, prime steaks and martinis have never gone out of style at this Palo Alto institution. See what people are saying.

“What a great restaurant. We had a group of five for my dad’s birthday. Very cool “classic” atmosphere inside with the booths. We sat at the booth with the fireplace across from the table. I would recommend this booth if you can get it. The steaks were fantastic along with the side dishes.” See what people are saying.

“Sundance’s clubby ambiance, cultivated over decades, is certainly special, but its tradition of quality food and service has proven to be a time-tested formula for success.” See article.

“Top-notch food, attentive service, an excellent wine list and décor that exude old-school charm.” See article.

“Old world elegance with new world technology seems to fit this establishment in that they work as a team with a positive attitude that is infectious and results in their guests being content and satisfied. As one major corporate president put it – ‘The Little Jewel of Palo Alto.'”

“Great steaks and red meat cry out for great red wine, which led this family-owned bastion of beef to do a serious job of assembling a wine list. The menu mostly delivers up the classics, like prime rib, grilled Midwestern steaks, and chicken teriyaki. But there are a few departures, too. Sundance has a lengthy list with more than 400 choices and doesn’t skimp when it comes to variety or country of origin. Included among white wines is a long list of popular Chardonnays, while the lineup of Cabernets and Merlots is well over 100, from ‘A’ (Ahlgren Cab) to ‘Z’ (ZD Reserve Cab). In addition, there’s a ‘captains list’ of high-end Cabernets that includes several vertical collections and older vintages and some absolute gems from France including superb Bordeaux vintages such as ’82, ’89, and ’90.”

Reviews
  • Outstanding, went out with some family and friends, everything you would expect for a special night out.  Service, spot on point, quick attentive, right at your every need.  Food, fantastic had the prime rib (only way to go) came out perfect and cooked to my order.  Clean, sparkling restrooms, clean linen tables.  Management, came around regularly and made sure our needs were being met, addressed every manner professionally.  What can I say I really really liked this place, if your looking for a special night out or a great steak, this is your place.

    – Doug S.
  • Been coming here with family since I was a little girl. The best steakhouse in the Bay Area! I highly recommended the Filet Mignon or the Prime Rib. For pescatarians, the Ahi Tuna Sashimi is TO DIE FOR. The mud pie desert is also a must have if there is room left. I think probably the only thing they could improve upon is the preparation of the shrimp because most of the time it is rubbery but then again this is a steakhouse not a fish market. Other than that, everyone including the people who refill your water are friendly, humble and hard working! More recommendations: strawberry daiquiri, creamed spinach, potato skins, tempura shrimp, filet mignon, prime rib, Irish coffee (ask for Buena Vista style), ahi tuna, Sonoma salad, for lunch get the filet mignon burger, and mud pie

    – Elena C.
  • Great place! The atmosphere is very intimate and relaxed. The staff is very friendly and attentive, so we never felt ignored.

    Try their Prime Rib! At medium rare, it melts in your mouth. Paired with delicious fresh horseradish, and possibly the best au jus I’ve ever had.

    Would highly recommend this place; especially for an intimate date.

    – Perry A.