Review: Bentley’s Steak & Chop House Encinitas

The steakhouse genre is alive, well and thriving in Encinitas. This is not just a special-occasion restaurant, but a place where you can devour boldly seasoned, oversized cuts of beef and comfort food classics without bracing yourself for the check. On any given evening, you will find plenty of couples and business people unwinding from a hectic day, as well as families gathering for good conversation in comfortable and friendly surroundings.

Bentley's Steak & Chop House 

West Village Shopping Center, 162 S Rancho Santa Fe Rd - Reservations (760) 632-9333

Bentley’s Steak & Chop House identifies with many of its high-end peers, exuding a traditional, yet elegant, steakhouse charm, complete with classic dark mahogany tables dressed in white linens and a lavish lounge with a granite-top bar. Happy hour can be quite the draw, and for good reason. The lounge menu provides great deals on house favorites, perfectly paired with specialty cocktails, fine wines, and beers on draft or by the bottle. Synonymous with Southern California culture, Bentley’s also boasts a stunning and spacious outdoor patio that is a shady daytime respite from the summer heat, as well as an elegant nighttime rendezvous, complete with decorative lighting and heat lamps to negate the evening chill.

So what sets this San Diego steakhouse apart from the competition? Without a doubt, it’s the personal touch from owners Tom and Diane Fulkerson, who are dedicated to making every diner’s experience memorable. It’s highly likely they’ll be the greeters at the front entrance, offering patrons a warm welcome to their home away from home. Residents of the Olivenhain area for 28 years, the Fulkersons are committed to delivering a first-rate experience to the community, not only for their neighbors, but also for visitors from all parts of San Diego and beyond.

For starters, Executive Chef Javier Aranda kicks it up a notch with an imaginative version of ahi nachos, topping wonton chips with ancho chili mayonnaise, ginger wasabi aioli, diced cucumber, avocado, cubed ahi and garnishes of marinated seaweed. Another beloved favorite is the roasted portobello mushroom stuffed with sautéed shrimp, mushroom duxelle and spinach, layered with melted Parmesan and jack cheeses.

"My recipes are a collection from different restaurants I’ve worked at over the years," Fulkerson explained. "Chef Aranda has been with us since day one, and he manages our kitchen impeccably well. For us, consistency is the name of the game."

Many guests opt for staple comfort food items such as the New England clam chowder, four-cheese macaroni dotted with rock shrimp, or an oven-roasted chicken cordon bleu stuffed with Black Forest ham and covered with Mornay sauce. Others may venture toward a dish that highlights light and bright flavors, such as the fresh mixed green salad, which incorporates seasonal berries, sweet walnuts and bleu cheese with raspberry dressing. A favorite for lunch or dinner is the world-class burger, a generous half-pound of in-house ground filet and New York steaks, prepared in several unique and tasty combinations, and paired with crispy fries to complete the meal.

A neighborhood favorite, the prime rib is seasoned and caramelized, then roasted in a special oven at a very low temperature for several hours to maximize tenderness and flavor. Guests can also choose from an excellent selection of hand-cut, char broiled steaks served juicy and sizzling, or thick-cut lamb chops from New Zealand and Australia. Other options include a cider maple-glazed pork chop with apple chutney or succulent baby back ribs. Meats can be paired with zesty sauces for dipping including whiskey peppercorn and a tangy barbecue.

"It’s Midwestern, grain-fed beef that’s antibiotic-and hormone-free, and aged for 21 to 28 days," Fulkerson explained. And unlike other high-end peers, many of the main dishes also include a choice of potatoes au gratin, garlic mashed potatoes, loaded baked potato, wild rice pilaf or the daily vegetable.

Although this is a high-class steakhouse, don’t overlook the chicken, fish and pasta favorites. Fresh seafood entrees include Cajun salmon, shrimp fettuccine Alfredo, shrimp scampi, Alaskan crab legs lobster tail or a fresh catch daily special. An extensive wine list makes for an easy choice to pair with any entrée by the bottle or glass. "We don’t offer many boutique-type wines per se, but we definitely have a widespread list of great labels," Fulkerson said. "Our philosophy is to purchase the best wine we can find."

Be sure to visit on Sunday, when you can dive into a scrumptious brunch full of classic favorites including eggs Benedict, French toast and various scrambled choices. But don’t overlook the unique dishes, including Omelet Cordon Bleu with Black Forest ham and diced grilled chicken with Parmesan and jack cheeses. Other specialties are the huevos rancheros or Border Scramble packed with chorizo, corn relish, green chilies, black beans and cheese, garnished with avocado slices. Sundays and Monday nights are also a treat, where you can order a full dinner for only $15, including two sides.