A return to steakhouse dining at the Red Fox (By Frank Sabatini Jr.)
Restaurant, North Park

Feels Like the First Time

By Frank Sabatini Jr.Fans of steak, jumbo shrimp cocktail, and martinis served in a dim and rustic atmosphere are thrilled over the long-awaited return of the Red Fox Steakhouse and Piano Bar in North Park.

The restaurant had operated since 1954 across the street, in The Lafayette Hotel. But when it lost its lease with the hotel a couple years ago, the ownership decided to build a brand new structure on the north side of the street to continue the legacy.

In doing so, much of the restaurant’s antiquated Tudor paneling, plus an ornate fireplace mantle, were utilized to successfully recreate the historic ambiance at the new location. Those items and other décor originate from an old inn in Surrey, England. Some of the pieces once belonged to actress Marion Davies before they were acquired by the Red Fox in the 50s.

When popping in recently for a jumbo shrimp cocktail, we found the lunch and dinner menus haven’t changed much since it opened. Signature standouts still include crab cakes, top sirloin with lobster tail, fish and chips, teriyaki chicken breast, Irish Cream cheesecake, and other nostalgic fare that goes down nicely when snuggled into a tufted red-leather booth within the pub-like atmosphere.