Positive online reviews persuaded me to select Santa Barbara's Bouchon to celebrate my 50th birthday recently. What a disappointment!
There is nothing special about the architecture, decor, service, or food. In fact, I'd judge Bouchon to be sub-par in every category. It's an ordinary retail space with budget framed poster art, a standard 8' ceiling that feels even lower, and hard wooden chairs as the only seating option. Dim lighting appears to be their only attempt at creating ""atmosphere"". The so-called ""garden patio"" is six small tables crammed into the space between the front door and the sidewalk. The view across the street is the side of a Vons supermarket.
Service was exceptionally slow. Our entrees took well over an hour, even on a quiet Tuesday night. One dish had to be returned to the kitchen, and that took an additional 30 min. The rest of us had completed our meals before the redone dish arrived at our table.
The NY steak was tough and hard to cut, even with a steak knife. The salmon had to be returned to the kitchen twice -- first it was overcooked and dry, then served (30 min. later) seared outside/raw inside. Inedible. Their most popular dessert, the chocolate lava cake, is tiny -- about the size of a small cupcake. Definitely not a shareable size.
Our party of five is a pretty easy going group. But, we all left Bouchon saying it was about the worst dining experience we've ever had. If I knew then what I know now, I would have selected Wine Cask or San Ysidro Ranch instead.
Cons: Uninspired space. Slow service. Incompetently prepared food. Overpriced.
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