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Style Magazine

Iron Horse Tavern in Folsom

460 Palladio Parkway, Folsom, 916-618-4322, ironhorsetavern.net

Much like the Carly Simon lyrics made (in)famous by a ketchup commercial, “Anticipation is making me wait, is keeping me waiting…” In this case, the anticipation of waiting for the restrictions to ease, so I could try the new Iron Horse Tavern. Fortunately, the sun came out, the rain subsided, and—best of all—restaurants began to open. I took this opportunity to venture to the Palladio and try the Folsom edition of Iron Horse Tavern: the sister restaurant to its popular Sacramento namesake.

Tuna Poke Nachos


The gastropub has a steakhouse feel to it with dark button-tuck, leather-upholstered booths and burnished red paint trimmed in black reclaimed wood. But thankfully, Iron Horse is not another stuffy steakhouse, as evidenced by my appetizer: tuna poke nachos. Their most popular app is a highly engineered structure of wonton chips, Sriracha mayo, spicy soy, wasabi cream, sweet onions, nori, tomatoes, avocado, and chopped ahi tuna. It was so good I considered ending the review right there and going home completely satisfied.

Garlic Shrimp Pizza

 

Next from the kitchen came the garlic shrimp pizza—a hand-crafted pie that unfortunately lacked seasoning and possibly a squeeze of lemon for some acid balance against the richness of the fontina cheese and parmesan cheese sauce. This was possibly due to the new COVID-19 rules, i.e., no condiments at the table, so I won’t judge too harshly, (I would order it again with those options available).

Hawaiian Style Ribeye Steak

 

So, do you order a steak at a place that looks like a steakhouse, but isn’t? Yes, although with one caveat: You have to like heat! The Hawaiian style ribeye—a flame-seared half-inch thick slab of steak in a soy/garlic-based sauce with enough red chili flakes to make your upper lip sweat— was bursting with flavor and spice. The entrée also came with green beans, red bell peppers, and roasted fingerling potatoes, and the sauce had just enough sweetness to leave me craving another bite.

If you’re considering dessert, no doubt you’ll witness the pyramids of powdered sugar-covered orbs ferried from the kitchen to the dining room. The beignets here have attained a cult-like following; likely the first words mentioned after saying, “I ate at Iron Horse Tavern!” are “Did you have the beignets? OMG!” True story. My theory is they’re made from pâte à choux dough, which explains their size and airiness. Whatever they’re made from, they’re delicious—and served with a trio of sauces: vanilla bean crème anglaise, berry compote, and chocolate ganache.

Beignets

 

Iron Horse Tavern would be a fun date night option, happy hour spot, or casual place to drop-in for a beverage and a bite.

Hours: 10 a.m.-8:30 p.m. (Sunday); 11 a.m.-8:30 p.m. (Monday); 11 a.m.-9 p.m. (Tuesday-Thursday); 11 a.m.-10 p.m. (Friday); 10 a.m.-10 p.m. (Saturday)
Try This: Thai Skirt Steak and Crispy Noodle Salad, Tuna Poke Nachos, Mac & Cheese Bar, Tavern Burger, Hawaiian Style Ribeye Steak, Korean Fried Chicken, Beignets, Stuffed French Toast
Drinks: Full bar; beer, wine, & cocktails
Tab: $$
Heads-Up: Weekend brunch with bottomless mimosas; happy hour (Monday-Friday from 3-6 p.m.); vegan options; extensive mocktail menu; heated patio with TVs; kids’ menu


by Lorn Randall
photos by Dante Fontana