Salt Creek Grille Orange County

Salt Creek Grille Orange County reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Review summary

1. N

   Nicole VIP

   Orange County26 reviews

   4.0

   Dined 1 day ago

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 3
   4. Ambience 4

   Everything started off great exept we were seated at the very back of the restaurant, which felt a bit disconnected from the main vibe. We asked if we could move to a different table, but were told the place was too busy. Unfortunately, a few things left us disappointed. Online it clearly says they’re open until 11 PM, but by 10 PM the staff had already started cleaning up and packing things away. They were moving tables around us, making noise, and honestly, it felt like we were being pushed out. When we asked our server what time they closed, he just said, “We’re already closed,” with no effort to make us feel welcome or let us know we could still enjoy our time. It was awkward and uncomfortable, so we decided to just leave. On our way out, we noticed plenty of people still sitting and enjoying their meals in other areas. So why were we made to feel like we had to leave? It was our friend’s anniversary, and sadly, the evening didn’t end on a good note. A little communication or even offering us to sit by the firepit, like other guests, would’ve made a big difference. Just disappointed with how we were treated.
   

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2. T

   Tracy

   Central Kentucky3 reviews

   1.0

   Dined 1 day ago

   1. Overall 1
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 1
   4. Ambience 5

   We made a reservation, confirmed the day before that per the request it would be outside (was told 'yes') and when we showed up there was no table, we were told it was first come first serve, we asked for a manager and were told they were all in a meeting then finally got a manager 20min later who found a table for us...waited another 15min for it, and then horrible service. Beautiful place, good food, but not sure I'll come back.
   

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3. R

   Ruth VIP

   Detroit9 reviews

   2.0

   Dined 2 days ago

   1. Overall 2
   2. Food 2
   3. Service 2
   4. Ambience 2

   Staff was doing clean up at bar while we were eating, not pleasant.
   

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4. R

   Roberta VIP

   Orange County12 reviews

   5.0

   Dined 2 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 5

   Great food. Service even better. Try it… you’ll love it.
   

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5. J

   JIM VIP

   Palm Springs / Palm Desert Cities63 reviews

   4.0

   Dined 5 days ago

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 4

   First time for Salt Creek Grille. We were celebrating a friend's birthday. Our server was excellent. She was attentive but not intrusive. To start the celebration, we all ordered cocktails that were made to perfection. Kudos to the bartender. Three of us ordered the coffee crusted NY steak, and it was cooked to order and well seasoned. The sides were ala carte and the only disappointment was the Brussel sprouts. They were quite dry and fragrant. It needed more balsamic dressing. For our friend's birthday dessert they provided a Tres Leche. It was okay. When we're in the neighborhood again, we will come back.
   

   Salt Creek Grille Orange CountyResponded 3 days ago

   Hello Jim, Thank you so much for choosing Salt Creek Grille in Dana Point, CA to celebrate your friend’s birthday—it means the world to us to be a part of such a special occasion! We’re thrilled to hear your cocktails hit the mark, the service felt just right, and the coffee-crusted NY steak delivered on both flavor and execution. We also truly appreciate your honest feedback about the Brussels sprouts and dessert—it’s insights like yours that help us continue to improve and refine the experience. We’re so glad to hear you’ll be back when you're in the neighborhood, and we look forward to welcoming you again with warm hospitality and even better Brussels sprouts next time!
   

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6. D

   Donald

   Las Vegas2 reviews

   5.0

   Dined 6 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Always Great even better than lasttime great food nd ambiance
   

   Salt Creek Grille Orange CountyResponded 3 days ago

   Hi Donald, Thank you so much for your kind words and for joining us again at Salt Creek Grille in Dana Point, CA! It truly means the world to hear that each visit gets better and that you enjoyed both the food and ambiance—we’re always striving to elevate every guest experience, and your support lets us know we’re on the right track. We can’t wait to welcome you back for another memorable meal by the coast!
   

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7. j

   jonathan

   Orange County3 reviews

   3.0

   Dined on 18 May 2025

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 2
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 4

   Very loud room and expensive for the value. Our $70 filet was slightly bigger than a ping pong ball and a few order came out not as requested. Our waitress was very sweet and the foodrunners were very nice too. I think there are better places to go for this kind of money.
   

   Salt Creek Grille Orange CountyResponded on 18 May 2025

   Hi Jonathan, Thank you for sharing your honest feedback about your visit to Salt Creek Grille in Dana Point, CA. We’re glad to hear that our waitress and food runners made a positive impression with their kindness, but we’re truly sorry the overall experience, including the portion size and order accuracy, didn’t meet your expectations. We appreciate your comments and will use them to improve so we can provide better value and service for all our guests. We hope you might consider giving us another chance in the future.
   

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8. N

   Nicholas

   Las Vegas2 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on 18 May 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Chef’s special stuffed grab was amazing. The lighting in the tree makes the outdoor experience truly something special.
   

   Salt Creek Grille Orange CountyResponded 7 days ago

   Hi Nicholas, Thank you so much for your kind words and for dining with us at Salt Creek Grille in Dana Point, CA! We're thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the chef’s special stuffed crab—it’s a dish we take great pride in—and that the ambiance of our outdoor space, especially the lighting in the trees, added something truly special to your experience. Creating a warm and memorable setting to complement our food is what we strive for, and we're so grateful you took the time to share. We can’t wait to welcome you back again soon!
   

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9. H

   Helen VIP

   Montreal10 reviews

   2.0

   Dined on 17 May 2025

   1. Overall 2
   2. Food 2
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 2

   It depends what you’re into I guess but Salt Creek just isn’t for us. If you’re local and are seeking a dining experience similar to Nick’s, Oak or Fig 313 for example, this isn’t it. This place is more like an overpriced Olive Garden at a good location. Service was good (Melissa & Austin were so sweet) and the patio looks great (minus the bright white LED lights in the trees…soft warm lights would make a big difference). The food & drinks are just average, not memorable or something you must come back for. It does its job, it feeds you, it just doesn’t delight you. We ate inside and the old dirty carpeted floors are mood killers. The dividers, the small sugar holders with Splenda packets, the noise levels, the folding station right there where staff wrap the silverware… I don’t know what it is but it gives Applebee’s vibes. I’m sure they have their niche clientele, we love to see local businesses do well, so we wish them luck!
   

   Salt Creek Grille Orange CountyResponded on 18 May 2025

   Hi Helen, Thank you for sharing your honest feedback about your experience at Salt Creek Grille in Dana Point, CA. We truly appreciate your kind words about Melissa and Austin’s service and are grateful you enjoyed the patio space. We’re sorry to hear that some aspects, like the ambiance and food, didn’t meet your expectations—your detailed insights about lighting, decor, and overall atmosphere are very helpful as we strive to improve. We value all perspectives and hope to continue growing and evolving to better delight every guest. Thanks again for supporting a local business and taking the time to share your thoughts. He hope to serve you again.
   

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10. R

    Richard

    Las Vegas2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 17 May 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5

    Excellent food! Service was great. Prices a little steep
    

    Salt Creek Grille Orange CountyResponded on 18 May 2025

    Hi Richard, Thank you so much for your kind words about the excellent food and great service at Salt Creek Grille in Dana Point, CA! We truly appreciate your feedback about pricing and strive to deliver an exceptional dining experience that reflects the quality and care we put into every dish. Your support means a lot to us, and we look forward to welcoming you back soon for another memorable meal.
    

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