Saddle Peak Lodge

Tucked away in the Santa Monica mountains above Malibu, Saddle Peak Lodge feels like stepping into another world entirely. This historic building—which once served as a Pony Express stop and later a hideaway for Golden Age Hollywood stars—has transformed into an upscale steakhouse with serious hunting lodge vibes. Think roaring fireplaces, taxidermied animals on the walls, and three floors of themed dining rooms including an attic mysteriously filled with tiny boats.

The menu here is a carnivore’s dream, particularly for those adventurous enough to explore beyond typical steakhouse fare. The Chef’s Game Trio is the star attraction, featuring beautifully prepared elk, bison, and other wild game with creative accompaniments like bacon-blueberry jam and curried peaches. If exotic meats aren’t your thing, they’ve got you covered with classic steakhouse offerings—think bone-in ribeye, jumbo asparagus, and an indulgent mac and cheese that delivers exactly what you’d expect from a place like this.

The dining experience here is unlike anywhere else in LA. Whether you’re seated by a crackling fire or out on the patio taking in mountain views, there’s a theatrical quality to the whole affair. Weekend brunch is particularly scenic, and the eggs benedict on croissant is not to be missed. The cast-iron johnnycake with maple butter is another crowd favorite that’s as fun to say as it is to eat.

Saddle Peak Lodge is the kind of place you visit for a special occasion or when you want to impress out-of-town guests with something uniquely LA. Come hungry, order the game trio, save room for the bread pudding, and embrace the rustic fantasy of it all. Just maybe skip the whiskey flight they’ll inevitably offer—there’s only so much hunting cosplay one can handle in a single evening.