The Bull Pen

Beloved Redondo Beach Steakhouse, the Bull Pen Is a ‘Cheers’-Style Hangout | Eater LA

"A veteran family-owned restaurant and bar in Redondo Beach, opened in 1948 by Cliff Miner and still run by his descendants, this neighborhood institution feels frozen in time with an early-1980s interior—pintucked black vinyl booths, Tiffany-style lamps etched with caravel ships, wood-paneled and red brick walls, bull-themed decor, low ceilings and a mirrored back bar that give it a lived-in, 'Cheers'-like warmth. The compact, largely unchanged menu centers on charbroiled steaks and seafood with classic steakhouse sides (baked potato, garlic mashed potatoes, sautéed vegetables), tableside salads, rotating soups, and starters like hot, crisp onion rings and clam chowder packed with fresh clams and potatoes. Standouts include a longtime burger dressed with lettuce, tomato, grilled or raw onions, pickles and mayo (originally sold in very limited quantities), a Thursday–Sunday prime rib with creamy horseradish and au jus that becomes an off-menu prime rib melt with leftovers, and seasonal specials introduced quarterly; the bar pours generously, offering martinis, Manhattans and other classics. Live music—often '70s and '80s rock on Saturday nights—keeps the tiny dance floor packed, while longtime staff (including bartenders with decades of service) and a memory-driven service culture mean regulars are greeted by name and have their customizations remembered. The overall vibe is old-school and utterly welcoming: a cozy, dimly lit place where community, continuity, and ritualized comfort dining create a sense of reunion on every visit." - Jessica Chaintreuil