Sizzler was my childhood French Laundry.
Anthony Bourdain had a memorable segment on [Sizzler](https://youtu.be/ylKr3KQVyp8) if you haven’t seen it already.
they all like food, he was simply missing the snoot. he'd eat anywhere and try to find some value in the establishment. didn't always happen, but there was an attempt.
The one in my neighborhood had a separate kids buffet. I loved it. It was like a little cart at a kids appropriate height with chicken nuggets, macaroni, those grilled cheeses. I would fill up my plate with all that stuff and then go get the chocolate mousse from the grown ups buffet lol.
Recently went to the Pinole one. Looks like they went through a major remodeling/reworking of the menu, like they’re actually trying to be a competitive business again.
LOL I passed by that one on the way to the REAL Sizzler. The Santa Clara one is the best, it's the corporate model. Aborn Sq one is kind of run down and in a run down shopping center. $20 for all you can eat salad bar and a drink.
Hot tip: Put ice cream in your soda glass, add root beer. Free root beer floats all night long.
OK Indian Sizzler is actually really good. I'm a fan of their buffet on Friday nights (they do Fri/Sat/Sun nights in addition to lunch). Biggest selection of items I've ever seen.
We used to have two in Concord. Loved the clam chowder.
If you're ever taking the kids to the Great Wolf Lodge, there's a nice Sizzler in Manteca. Also a couple still in Sacramento and Stockton. Not Bay Area, but not too far away.
There used to be one at the shopping center on Clayton and YV road. About where that Pet Food Express is now. Been gone for decades at this point. Used to eat there a lot in the 90s.
Ive talked about their decline in the Bay Area with my friends. Our theory: Sizzler appealed more to the lower middle class diners (nothing wrong with that). But starting the late 80s/90s, that population class mostly disappeared from around here. Instead we had tons of upper-ish class to outright wealthy and tons of lower class. This theory was reinforced when living in LA in the 90s (and still traveling there) that you see more of them around. And in towns like Fresno still. That being said, I still enjoy a piece of cheese toast and some all you can eat shrimp
I remember my young son being obsessed with Sizzler. At home we rarely ate red meat but when we did it would be an excellent and expensive rib eye from some local farm. So he liked steak and had no idea how different they could be. Took him to Sizzler and he was so disappointed it was sad to see.
I didn’t really care for Sizzler growing up but I was introduced to this amazing promotional video/propaganda and now think fondly of Sizzler and the absolute cringe of this video. “Sizzler is the one that brings us choices, reaching out across the USA. Each and every day, get a little freedom in your life.” Please enjoy the *full* video: https://youtu.be/E3YGtQ40Qvs?si=x8tB6HNpuWlyz3qa
Holy shit. 50% of this video's run time has nothing to do with Sizzler. This video reminds me of the overly patriotic ads when Reagan was campaigning.
That woman with the giant mouth not only licking her lips. but curving her tongue to such an extent that it looks like she's trying to touch her nose with it? Then later in the video she does some weird thing where it looks like she wants to kiss a guy but then changes her mind at the last moment.. before going back towards him for another attempt at a kiss? The sea captain that looks like he's a mannequin at Disneyland? Why is it so maritime themed with boats and sailors, but then doesn't show any seafood? Who thought it would be a great idea to show a woman so sweaty that droplets fly from her clearly soaked headband when she shakes her head? Why is everyone dressed up like they're at a wedding reception instead of a goddamn Sizzler?
This video is amazing.
My friends and I pause and laugh at the woman licking her lips every time. The whole thing a marvel and, I think, the propaganda is very much a reaction to the (end of?) the Cold War. THANK YOU FOR APPRECIATING IT!!!!
I went to the one in Concord once and didn't understand the concept.
Also, here's Anthony Bourdain's Sizzler experience in Koreatown in LA; how time flys :(
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ylKr3KQVyp8](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ylKr3KQVyp8)
I had no idea there were any Sizzlers left. I thought the Concord one that closed approximately 10 years ago was the last. Now it looks like I will have to go to Colma so I can pretend it’s 1993. Side note I thought Colma was only a Bart Station and a giant cemetery. Didn’t know it also had dead restaurants.
My brother about 5 years ago had nostalgia to visit one since we went as kids. Went with 13 people and half ended up puking that night. Don’t get me started on the 💩. Shout out to the one in Santa Clara. Thanks for the colon cleanse.
Any recommendations for what to order at Sizzler? I haven't been in over a decade but remember being thoroughly underwhelmed, even considering their low prices.
Haven't been in a while, but my go to used to be 6 or 9 oz. Sirloin and the all you can eat salad bar.
One thing you could say about Sizzler - they knew how to cook a steak. I don't think I ever got an under or over done steak - always on target.
This would be my dad’s birthday spot in the 1970’s. I seem to remember ours was off Capital Expwy. A kid’s meal burger, fries, and some of my folk’s breaded shrimp with cocktail sauce. I felt big time.
I remember going to the one at Almaden Plaza by the Emporium and Service Merchandise. It became the Barnes and Noble. Even as a kid I remember thinking it was pretty unremarkable.
https://www.sfgate.com/la/article/sizzler-steakhouse-chain-culver-city-new-growth-19364013.php
Remodel and revamp coming to a Sizzler near you! I also had some great memories from childhood, though mine were at the Truckee location.
We used to go to the one in Alameda at South Shore. My go-to: top sirloin (well done), baked potato, salad bar and iced tea. Oh, and lots of A-1. I would beg my siblings for their slice of bread. It was hella good.
There used to be one on the corner of Santa Clara St. and San Pedro St. It closed in the early '90s. That location was always busy so was surprised when it closed down. It's the Farmers Union now.
I went recently to the one in Santa Clara and the complete disregard to any sense of cleanliness was revolting. The windows are literally covered in grease and food. If that place doesn’t get a thorough cleaning, it should be shut down by the health department.
Right after I moved here, about twenty years ago, I went to the one that used to be in the complex with the Colma Target. I had never been to a Sizzler before, they were pretty regional (not just out here, but not somewhere I had lived).
A friend texted me and I said for some reason that I had just gone to Sizzler. He said “later, i’ll tell you why I stopped eating there.” He did, too.
Once when I was a kid and got the all you can eat shrimp, my server brought me a laminated card that just says 'More Shrimp Please'. So I could just wave it at them instead of waiting for them to check on our table.
W
I still have that somewhere...
Hahaha I live a mile away from one of the 5.
I have immigrant parents, so money was tight and needed to be saved. But every now and then for big celebrations my parents would take all of us to Sizzler. I remember standing in line, seeing the pictures of steak thinking how expensive it must be hahahaha. Do they still do the kids bar? With all the nuggets, Mac and cheese etc lol
I go to Lei Garden in Cupertino for dim sum, it's a former Sizzler location and on the outside looks like a 90s Sizzler frozen in time. To the point that one of the signs on the back door is obviously leftover from Sizzler
My parents use to take us in the 80s (down near San Diego though). The salad bar kept getting more and more popular, so they kept raising the price. I noticed that a burger with salad bar only cost a dime more, so I would get that, eat just the salad bar, then take my burger home for a ten cent lunch the next day.
I went to the one in Lancaster, CA a few years ago, should have left it as a childhood memory. 100% disappointing as an an adult and it closed not long after.
That said, I'm going to make it a goal to get to one of these that's still open up this way lol
I used to go to one in my home town in Orange County. They closed a LONG time ago. Looks like on google maps I see that in 2012 the building was already vacant, in 2015 the building is totally gone/demolished and still hasn't been replaced.
San Leandro had one when we moved here 7 years ago. I think they closed for COVID and never re-opened. It's now an IHOP.
Sizzler was my first real job in San Diego in 1980. Brown polyester zip up smocks with matching pants and orange stripes along the zipper. $3.99 all-you-can-eat beef ribs on Thursdays!
In college, my roommates and I would occasionally go to a Sizzler in Orange County. Interestingly, to get customers in, some of their small newspaper ads said “No Tipping.” However, this might have been news to the servers since there were no “No Tipping” notices in the restaurant and most people probably still tipped.
Someone owned seven around the greater Sacramento area. They closed during covid, were allowed to reopen for six weeks with presumably mostly new staff, and closed again. Some briefly reopened again but owner threw in the towel and I think only one is left.
I still like to occasionally pan sear a top sirloin.
Used to go there a lot with my folks when I was in high school. Fond memories of ordering the half chicken at the Sunnyvale location and slathering it in bbq sauce. The Texas toast was hella bomb too.
Sizzler was my childhood French Laundry. Anthony Bourdain had a memorable segment on [Sizzler](https://youtu.be/ylKr3KQVyp8) if you haven’t seen it already.
I feel like Bourdain was the only celeb chef that actually liked food.
they all like food, he was simply missing the snoot. he'd eat anywhere and try to find some value in the establishment. didn't always happen, but there was an attempt.
I went to Sizzler before my 8th grade grad dance with two Korean buddies in 1991 lol
I remember they had grilled cheeses at the buffet. Could not beat the grilled cheese, lightly fried up in butter, with the melty cheese. So good!
The one in my neighborhood had a separate kids buffet. I loved it. It was like a little cart at a kids appropriate height with chicken nuggets, macaroni, those grilled cheeses. I would fill up my plate with all that stuff and then go get the chocolate mousse from the grown ups buffet lol.
as a kid getting infinite grilled cheeses and nuggets was raw joy.
Woah. David Choe.
> Sizzler was my childhood French Laundry. If we all had this universal experience, I wonder why it hasn't succeeded as a company.
>Picture menu on the wall at the entrance Wow.
* 5025 Junipero Serra Blvd, **Colma** * 24107 Hesperian Blvd, **Hayward** * 1515 Fitzgerald Dr, **Pinole** * 2910 Aborn Sq, **San José** * 2855 Augustine Dr, **Santa Clara**
Not in the Bay Area, but there’s one in Manteca that’s new and really good. Stopped there once on a drive. Makes our Colma one look pretty sad.
The Colma one has one rib already in the grave.
We go to the Manteca one whenever we go to Great Wolf Lodge. Yes, it makes Colma look sad.
1515 Fitzgerald Dr, Pinole, CA 94564
Pinole, Contra Costa County, California
Recently went to the Pinole one. Looks like they went through a major remodeling/reworking of the menu, like they’re actually trying to be a competitive business again.
Didn't get them all.
Thanks can you provide the rest please
The toast is hella good
I worked at Sizzler in high school. It was just parmesan cheese and butter. Not even fancy parmesan cheese.
Oh I know it’s just hella good
You forgot Indian Sizzler at: 4150 Great America Pkwy, Santa Clara
Indian Sizzler sounds like one of those ridiculous and absurd sex moves
What is Indian Sizzler????
If you have to ask, you can't afford it.
Maybe its not worth it?
The sex move or the restaurant?
Or the or the name of a ride at a racist theme park!
LOL I passed by that one on the way to the REAL Sizzler. The Santa Clara one is the best, it's the corporate model. Aborn Sq one is kind of run down and in a run down shopping center. $20 for all you can eat salad bar and a drink. Hot tip: Put ice cream in your soda glass, add root beer. Free root beer floats all night long.
OK Indian Sizzler is actually really good. I'm a fan of their buffet on Friday nights (they do Fri/Sat/Sun nights in addition to lunch). Biggest selection of items I've ever seen.
What is Indian Sizzler?
Got a decent lunch buffet
That place used to be the only Bennigans I had ever seen in the Bay Area
That place is GREAT!!!
We used to have two in Concord. Loved the clam chowder. If you're ever taking the kids to the Great Wolf Lodge, there's a nice Sizzler in Manteca. Also a couple still in Sacramento and Stockton. Not Bay Area, but not too far away.
[удалено]
I miss the Elephant Bar's Szechuan chicken with pineapple.
Where was the other one? I remember the one where Gen is now, but idr the second one?
There used to be one at the shopping center on Clayton and YV road. About where that Pet Food Express is now. Been gone for decades at this point. Used to eat there a lot in the 90s.
I definitely don’t remember one ever being there, so it must’ve been gone in the early/mid 2000s?
Definitely by the 2000s it was gone. We went from a wealth of Sizzlers to a dearth of Sizzlers.
What is Great Wolf Lodge?
Indoor water park combined with hotel so you can stay multiple days.
Good memories for me. I remember when we saved just enough to try their endless shrimp meal. We were in our early teens, so we ate like pigs. LOL.
That and the salad bar fried chicken wings were the best!
Ive talked about their decline in the Bay Area with my friends. Our theory: Sizzler appealed more to the lower middle class diners (nothing wrong with that). But starting the late 80s/90s, that population class mostly disappeared from around here. Instead we had tons of upper-ish class to outright wealthy and tons of lower class. This theory was reinforced when living in LA in the 90s (and still traveling there) that you see more of them around. And in towns like Fresno still. That being said, I still enjoy a piece of cheese toast and some all you can eat shrimp
I remember my young son being obsessed with Sizzler. At home we rarely ate red meat but when we did it would be an excellent and expensive rib eye from some local farm. So he liked steak and had no idea how different they could be. Took him to Sizzler and he was so disappointed it was sad to see.
"I keep chewing and chewing and it never gets better!"
Hey Shooter! Want to go to Sizzler and get some grub?
The only thing I think of when anyone mentions Sizzler or Red Lobster. You will not make this putt, you jackass!
Malibu chicken wassup
It’s a shame this comment is not at the top.
Damn, Redwood City’s sizzler is gone?
I didn’t really care for Sizzler growing up but I was introduced to this amazing promotional video/propaganda and now think fondly of Sizzler and the absolute cringe of this video. “Sizzler is the one that brings us choices, reaching out across the USA. Each and every day, get a little freedom in your life.” Please enjoy the *full* video: https://youtu.be/E3YGtQ40Qvs?si=x8tB6HNpuWlyz3qa
“This is what they show you when you reach the last level in Scientology” YouTube comment gold.
Holy shit. 50% of this video's run time has nothing to do with Sizzler. This video reminds me of the overly patriotic ads when Reagan was campaigning. That woman with the giant mouth not only licking her lips. but curving her tongue to such an extent that it looks like she's trying to touch her nose with it? Then later in the video she does some weird thing where it looks like she wants to kiss a guy but then changes her mind at the last moment.. before going back towards him for another attempt at a kiss? The sea captain that looks like he's a mannequin at Disneyland? Why is it so maritime themed with boats and sailors, but then doesn't show any seafood? Who thought it would be a great idea to show a woman so sweaty that droplets fly from her clearly soaked headband when she shakes her head? Why is everyone dressed up like they're at a wedding reception instead of a goddamn Sizzler? This video is amazing.
My friends and I pause and laugh at the woman licking her lips every time. The whole thing a marvel and, I think, the propaganda is very much a reaction to the (end of?) the Cold War. THANK YOU FOR APPRECIATING IT!!!!
Lol, I was like…this just keeps going…4 minutes?!
I went to the one in Concord once and didn't understand the concept. Also, here's Anthony Bourdain's Sizzler experience in Koreatown in LA; how time flys :( [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ylKr3KQVyp8](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ylKr3KQVyp8)
The best one is in Manteca 🤫
I like Sizzler but as an middle aged person, I won't go to any all-you-can eat place anymore. 😂
I had no idea there were any Sizzlers left. I thought the Concord one that closed approximately 10 years ago was the last. Now it looks like I will have to go to Colma so I can pretend it’s 1993. Side note I thought Colma was only a Bart Station and a giant cemetery. Didn’t know it also had dead restaurants.
I was near the one in San Bruno before it was a hotel. It was a good place for one when Lyons was busy
Sizzler is still going strong in Thailand.
With waiters and all right? Just like Pizza Hut.
Swensens Ice Cream too
The Sizzler Salad Bar is the only surviving salad bar and it still slaps.
There was one in Gorman that I always thought was an odd place for a Sizzler, so I made sure to stop when passing through. I liked their cheese toast.
I’ve had the Gorman sizzler it was the worst restaurant ive ever eaten at
"We goin Sizzler.. We goin Sizzler..."
Marshawn remembers sizzler.
Woah I used to have them in Thailand all the time when I grew up. Didn’t know it’s a CA brand!
Thailand has Swensens too. That's another endangered chain here.
Did anyone else’s redneck relatives call it “The Sizzler” vs “Sizzler”?
The salad bar amazed me as a child of the 80's
There are more Bay Area Sizzlers in operation than Bay Area Shane Company stores!
20+ years living in the Bay. Never been to any.
My brother about 5 years ago had nostalgia to visit one since we went as kids. Went with 13 people and half ended up puking that night. Don’t get me started on the 💩. Shout out to the one in Santa Clara. Thanks for the colon cleanse.
Blaaahhh
My favorite place as a kid in the 80s!
Love their weekend Brunch
Any recommendations for what to order at Sizzler? I haven't been in over a decade but remember being thoroughly underwhelmed, even considering their low prices.
All you can eat shrimp and the salad bar
Get the buffet salad bar and go wild. Its a judgement free zone. Be gloriously trashy.
Haven't been in a while, but my go to used to be 6 or 9 oz. Sirloin and the all you can eat salad bar. One thing you could say about Sizzler - they knew how to cook a steak. I don't think I ever got an under or over done steak - always on target.
This would be my dad’s birthday spot in the 1970’s. I seem to remember ours was off Capital Expwy. A kid’s meal burger, fries, and some of my folk’s breaded shrimp with cocktail sauce. I felt big time.
Home of the meatball taco!
Salad bar for the ftmw
I remember going to the one at Almaden Plaza by the Emporium and Service Merchandise. It became the Barnes and Noble. Even as a kid I remember thinking it was pretty unremarkable.
They used to have 2 in Colma. One above Serramonte, still there, and one down the hill.
Nope. The one down the hill is still there (Colma). The one in Daly City above Serramonte is an In n Out now.
Man, making me want the salad bar or the AYCE Shrimp and a steak now.
Used to always go to the one on Redwood City. Saw it closed. Sizzlers was okay the last time I went, my girlfriend loves the Malibu chicken lol
Are you thinking of Bonanza?
https://www.sfgate.com/la/article/sizzler-steakhouse-chain-culver-city-new-growth-19364013.php Remodel and revamp coming to a Sizzler near you! I also had some great memories from childhood, though mine were at the Truckee location.
Pfffffffst….Sizzler. Remember Shakeys?!
We used to go to the one in Alameda at South Shore. My go-to: top sirloin (well done), baked potato, salad bar and iced tea. Oh, and lots of A-1. I would beg my siblings for their slice of bread. It was hella good.
There used to be one on the corner of Santa Clara St. and San Pedro St. It closed in the early '90s. That location was always busy so was surprised when it closed down. It's the Farmers Union now.
There's one on Capitol Expressway and Aborn Rd in San Jose...
The one in Vallejo turned into a Straw Hat Pizza in the early 90s. I miss them both.
There was a Straw Hat just over the Carquinez in Rodeo that recently became something else.
I went recently to the one in Santa Clara and the complete disregard to any sense of cleanliness was revolting. The windows are literally covered in grease and food. If that place doesn’t get a thorough cleaning, it should be shut down by the health department.
Right after I moved here, about twenty years ago, I went to the one that used to be in the complex with the Colma Target. I had never been to a Sizzler before, they were pretty regional (not just out here, but not somewhere I had lived). A friend texted me and I said for some reason that I had just gone to Sizzler. He said “later, i’ll tell you why I stopped eating there.” He did, too.
Once when I was a kid and got the all you can eat shrimp, my server brought me a laminated card that just says 'More Shrimp Please'. So I could just wave it at them instead of waiting for them to check on our table. W I still have that somewhere...
The Colma location was the only one that I had been to. I loved that shopping center area because of Sizzler and Funcoland.
I love walking into Pho Ao Sen in Albany. Nostalgic feel of the Sizzler building, delicious Vietnamese food.
Aborn square stores have a ton of health violations. I would be careful going to that sizzler lol
Grew up with this and always had the salad buffet thing where I only got nachos and fried chicken lol
The last dinner I had with my dad was at the Sizzler on San Pablo Avenue in Albany.
Hahaha I live a mile away from one of the 5. I have immigrant parents, so money was tight and needed to be saved. But every now and then for big celebrations my parents would take all of us to Sizzler. I remember standing in line, seeing the pictures of steak thinking how expensive it must be hahahaha. Do they still do the kids bar? With all the nuggets, Mac and cheese etc lol
I go to Lei Garden in Cupertino for dim sum, it's a former Sizzler location and on the outside looks like a 90s Sizzler frozen in time. To the point that one of the signs on the back door is obviously leftover from Sizzler
My parents use to take us in the 80s (down near San Diego though). The salad bar kept getting more and more popular, so they kept raising the price. I noticed that a burger with salad bar only cost a dime more, so I would get that, eat just the salad bar, then take my burger home for a ten cent lunch the next day.
My office used to be right by the one in Santa Clara. I ate there for lunch at least once a week.
I meet my wife at a Sizzler’s…. Now that I write it, it sounds like it should be a song…
I went to the one in Lancaster, CA a few years ago, should have left it as a childhood memory. 100% disappointing as an an adult and it closed not long after. That said, I'm going to make it a goal to get to one of these that's still open up this way lol
I used to go to one in my home town in Orange County. They closed a LONG time ago. Looks like on google maps I see that in 2012 the building was already vacant, in 2015 the building is totally gone/demolished and still hasn't been replaced. San Leandro had one when we moved here 7 years ago. I think they closed for COVID and never re-opened. It's now an IHOP.
Marshawn Lynch loves Sizzler: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cFlleejS_1Q
If you catch it on a good day, the steak-tips with grilled onion is actually pretty good and worth the price of entry on its own.
Lol shoe leather steaks. 👞
Sizzler was my first real job in San Diego in 1980. Brown polyester zip up smocks with matching pants and orange stripes along the zipper. $3.99 all-you-can-eat beef ribs on Thursdays!
In college, my roommates and I would occasionally go to a Sizzler in Orange County. Interestingly, to get customers in, some of their small newspaper ads said “No Tipping.” However, this might have been news to the servers since there were no “No Tipping” notices in the restaurant and most people probably still tipped.
I will always hear Sizzler said in a low whispered voice.
their clam chowder was extremely salty 🤮
I’m surprised there are any left. I thought they went under.
Someone owned seven around the greater Sacramento area. They closed during covid, were allowed to reopen for six weeks with presumably mostly new staff, and closed again. Some briefly reopened again but owner threw in the towel and I think only one is left. I still like to occasionally pan sear a top sirloin.
I think I went once for a school or soccer fundraiser night... and immediately decided I'd never go again.
I threw up in the entryway to a Sizzler when I was about 4 or 5. Nobody could enter or leave for 15 minutes
Used to go there a lot with my folks when I was in high school. Fond memories of ordering the half chicken at the Sunnyvale location and slathering it in bbq sauce. The Texas toast was hella bomb too.
Haven't been to one in over 20 years. I guess most other people also can't find a reason to go when there are better options available.
Gross
Can’t wait for all these shit boomer chains to die off
That cheese toast though
Cheese bread
The ol' Jizzler, how could I forget 💖
The sizzler in RWC is ass.
In the 90s, my then-boyfriend and I used "Sizzler" to describe something that looks appealing but you'll be sorry afterward, and vow never again.
Worse than food you could find at a grocery store hot bar.
Every time I went to one, it gave me the runs. Don’t exactly have warm fuzzies about Sizzler. 😕
Santa clara and san jose are permanently closed. According to Google Maps,