"The old adage that looks can be deceiving was never truer than in the case of Jack's Grill."
Last night, we decided to commemorate our 17th anniversary of calling Redding our new home. Over the years, we've explored nearly all the local gems, but one place had somehow eluded us: Jack's Grill, the oldest restaurant in town, steeped in 87 years of history.
The vintage ambiance of Jack's adds to its charm, evoking a sense of nostalgia with its classic decor and warm, inviting atmosphere. Stepping into the establishment felt like a journey back in time. Crisp white tablecloths adorned each table, conjuring images of a bygone era. The old bar, a polished mahogany masterpiece, echoed with the charm of yesteryear, while the original decor whispered stories of the past. Yet, the true allure of this beloved establishment lies in a single, compelling reason: their exceptional selection of prime steaks, expertly prepared and served to perfection.
The structure has largely retained its original charm, with only a few notable changes.
"Believing that "if it ain't broke, don't fix it," they have resisted the temptation to modernize the restaurant."
It's the retro vibe that's one of its draws, but people come to Jack's for its choice of steaks.
The history of Jack's Grill is a colorful one.
Built in 1935, the two-story structure on California Street originally housed a second-hand store. In 1938, the owner leased the downstairs to Jack.
Now, during this era, Redding was a bustling boomtown, teeming with thousands of men who flocked to the area seeking opportunities. Many came to labor on the railroads. Others were drawn to the ambitious construction of Shasta Dam, a monumental project that promised good jobs, and still, a considerable number sought fortune in the nearby mines, driven by the lure of gold and wealth. The air was charged with the energy of hard work and hope, as each man pursued his own piece of the American dream. In the truest spirit of the Old West, the town thrived with a lively, untamed atmosphere, where California Street stood out as a notorious haven of indulgence. Lined with bars, hotels, and restaurants, this vibrant strip offered an array of temptations. Among its varied establishments were several houses of ill repute, including the upstairs quarters of Jack's Grill, which operated as a brothel for a brief, scandalous period in the 1940s until WW2 broke out.
Of the numerous bars that sprang up during that era, Jack's is the only one to survive. Eighty-seven years and counting...
One of the vintage paintings presents a scene of an old-time sheriff, his weathered face emanating a sense of authority as he sits solemnly in a sturdy wooden chair. One night, a boisterous patron stumbled along the dimly lit streets, bar-hopping, his breath heavy with the stench of whiskey. Just hours earlier, he was in jail. While sitting there at the Bar in Jacks, he became increasingly enraged by the disapproving gaze of the badge-wearing lawman portrayed on the canvas. In a drunken fit of rage, he brandished his pistol and fired five shots at the painting. Remarkably, all five bullets struck within a mere four inches of the gleaming badge, leaving gaping holes in the fabric of the artwork and puncturing the wall behind it. Little did the man know that the Sheriff was sitting at the bar; the man was arrested and spent a few more nights in jail. The bullet holes are still in the painting and on the wall.
The Food
We don't indulge in going out for steak dinners very often, so I find myself out of touch with current pricing trends. This is Redding - how high could it be? The 10 oz New York steak was priced at a staggering $44.95 each. My husband nearly choked at the cost, but after a moment of contemplation, he resolved that we could at least indulge in this culinary experience and check it off our list. I doubt we will go back, and to be honest, I have no desire to part with such a hefty sum. It feels more like a one-time experience, a singular opportunity that stands firmly on its own.
✅
In stark contrast, the rest of the dishes fell flat, with the old-school salad being particularly disappointing. It consisted of a base of chopped iceberg lettuce, paired with bland, canned green beans chopped up in the salad. Although served family-style, the salad was excessively drenched in oil and vinegar, leaving an overpowering tang that overshadowed any freshness. The vinegar was particularly sharp, which didn’t quite suit my palate.
The New York steaks were undoubtedly the best I have ever had - perfectly tender with a delightful char that adds a smoky richness to each bite, and cooked to a succulent medium-rare inside. Accompanying the steak was a fluffy baked potato topped with a pat of melting butter, alongside mediocre garlic bread.
But the steak...
The steak was truly the highlight of the meal, with its rich flavor and perfect sear.
PS. I wish I could have captured some photographs, but the interior was so dark and bustling with people. The cozy space could barely accommodate 50 guests, yet as the evening went on there were lines stretching outside, waiting to come in. We strolled right in without a reservation just after opening having no idea that Tuesday evenings tend to be their quieter nights -
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