Steak Pit is Back!!!
Ivan W. Halperin
of awsome steaks, chops, a perfect oil and vinegar salad, home fries. It was nirvana for a
carnivore. Seating only 40 people, ruled with an iron fist by its owner, Joe Gothard, the Steak
Pit offered splendid service in a confidential environment. No walk-in business, the front door
was kept locked and opened only if you had a reservation.
The Steak Pit was a favorite among entertainment and financial magnates and high government
officials. More than one president was rumored to dine there and over the years I personally saw
a governor, a few U.S. congressmen, and even Bill Casey, then the head of the CIA, contentedly
eating in a truly "confidential" environment.
The original Steak Pit closed about three years ago when Joe and his treasured wife Toni began
to suffer ill health. Two of their sons, Robert and Greg, have recently opened "Joe's Steak Pit"
at 370 North Fairfax, Los Angeles 90036, (213) 936-4796.
The feeling of the orginal Steak Pit has been well-preserved. In was an almost unnerving exper-
ience: even the same faint aroma of incense, *PRECISELY* the same awesome quality of food
and service. A couple of major changes: a boned 16-oz chicken breast is available for those
who prefer a more modern diet and they serve lunch (smaller portions, same items; go ahead
. . order the dinner sized steak).
I had a "classic" Steak Pit dinner: Salad with their perfect oil and vinegar dressing; endless
supply of fresh garlic bread, the "16 oz" top sirloin which certainly looked about 18 oz, fresh
homefries . . . with tip it was about $40.00.
The "Steak Pit" was a very special place; Robert and Greg are clearly on the way to creating
that same special, private environment. Reservations are MANDATORY, if you don't have a
reservation you don't get in. Period. Even if there're available tables. "Joe's Steak Pit,"
named in honor of their father, who still comes in periodically, is well on the way to becoming
a carnivores heaven and a worthy successor to the original Steak Pit.
Ivan