"**Hostesses:** We arrived 20 minutes early and were informed by the hostesses to come back at 5:00 PM. When I asked where we should wait, they simply stared at me with no suggestion to sit at the bar or in lounge chairs while we waited.
**Wait Staff:** The service was absolutely AMAZING! We would rate them FIVE STARS.
**Ambiance:** The music was a pleasant smooth jazz, perfect for dinner, and the lighting created a moody, romantic atmosphere. However, I noticed that the table next to us was quite dark due to several burnt-out ceiling spotlights. The decor was nice and simple.
**Cleanliness:** Unfortunately, the booth seating was covered in crumbs, so I had to wipe it down before sitting down. The hostess waited politely while I did this, but she didn’t acknowledge the mess or call for assistance to clean the area. On a positive note, the women’s restroom was clean and well-maintained.
**Food:**
- The Hamachi Crudo appetizer was delicious and truly melted in my mouth. The tiny mandarin oranges added a delightful touch of sweetness.
- The petit filet mignon was cooked to my request of medium-rare and was tasty, but it was served warm rather than hot.
- The 10oz filet mignon was medium instead of the requested medium-rare, and it was tough to cut. It was also served at room temperature, not hot.
- The creamed spinach and garlic mashed potatoes were good and served hot on trivets, but nothing extraordinary.
- I received the Pumpkin Spice Bundt Cake as a complimentary birthday dessert. I appreciated the gesture, but it felt more like a tasty muffin than a celebratory dessert. I enjoyed it the next morning. The complimentary chocolates from the server were a nice touch to help make up for the muffin-like dessert.
**Final Thoughts:** Unfortunately, we won’t be returning. In our honest opinion, Ruth's Chris and Eddie V's offer much better options for steak, ambiance, and service. We wish Agua Caliente's The Steakhouse all the best!"