Red Fox Steakhouse: Class on a Budget
by Heather Quinn

When it comes to restaurants these days, the words "atmosphere" and "class" almost always go hand-in-hand with the words "snobby" and "pretentious." San Diego's chic and hip restaurants usually cater to the rich and beautiful - conditions that exclude many recession-hit San Diegans.

So they usually settle for an uninspiring taco shop or Denny's, which serve for a quick bite but do little to create a worthwhile dining experience.

But the Red Fox Steak House, located on El Cajon Boulevard in North Park, is a relic from a different time. It's a callback to the days when dining was supposed to be an experience - but not necessarily one that has to cost an arm and a leg to enjoy. Red Fox provides a classy atmosphere, but one can wander in wearing a T-shirt and jeans, order the cheapest item on the menu and still be treated with genuine hospitality.

The menu is American, but the setting is 100 percent Old-English-pub. The walls are covered with dark, carved wood with colorful stained-glass windows and dividers filtering the light and adding to the mood. The cozy feeling the candles on each table provide, adds to the pub effect.

There's a historical reason for the authenticity of the theme. As a short story about the history of the room printed on the menu explains, the entire room was once an inn in Surrey, England dating to around 1560. The intricate, carved trim around the doors and bar came from Charles of London, according to the story, and date back to 1642.
The room ended up in the United States in 1926, after it was dismantled, shipped overseas and rebuilt in the home of actress Marion Davies. It was then stored for many years, but after it was rediscovered, it was put to use in its current incarnation.
Décor adds to the comfortable ambiance created by the old design.

The room also serves as a piano bar, with regular performances of old classics, oftentimes belted out by the bar patrons themselves to polite, encouraging applause. The music creates a pleasant backdrop. It's noticeable enough to add to the overall experience, but isn't loud enough to be obtrusive.

There's no need to shout to be heard over the music because it's only softly played. This, combined with dim lighting, creates an intimate and private feel. It is the perfect place to relax with friends after a long day of school or work, or spend quality time with a date.
The menu has a wide range of options and prices to suit every occasion and lifestyle. The typical diner on a budget will probably want to opt for the ground sirloin burger, priced at $6.95. It's one of the best burgers in San Diego, made of quality beef at a lower price than many lesser restaurants. Served with a heap of thick-cut fries, it's a filling meal for a decent price.

The menu also includes a wide range of steak and seafood, but the prices for those items are somewhat higher. The filet mignon, for example, goes for $19.95, a reasonable price compared with most steak houses.

It is a great choice, however, for a special occasion or to impress a date. In fact, the combination of the intimate, quiet setting and the delicious food make the Red Fox Steak House an ideal date destination.

-The Red Fox Steak House is located at 2223 El Cajon Blvd. For more information, call (619) 297-1313.