Entertainment and a cozy vibe

Red Fox Room
2223 El Cajon Blvd.

A long, long time ago — or so the story goes, if you take the time to read the menu — a silent film actress by the name of Marion Davies gave the Red Fox Room it’s inside décor.

The story continues that the dark, intricate wood paneling and mantel came originally from an English pub that dated back to the 1500s. Apparently Davies, who was romantically linked for many decades to the multi-millionaire William Randolph Hearst (the man who built Hearst Castle), became bored with these random pieces in storage from an old pub  and gave them away.

The inside of the Red Fox Steakhouse is definitely a reflection of that age. Some have even complained that it smells like an old attic, but that is probably because most haven’t smelled the scent of 400-year-old wood before.
The darkness, and smell, of this little restaurant and bar is oddly comforting, though. For those of you who are over six feet tall, the low ceilings and dim lighting may make you feel a bit claustrophobic, but we’re sure you’ll come to find it cozy as the night goes on.

Red Fox is, more than anything, strangely eccentric.

With its odd story and connection to Hollywood royalty aside, Red Fox has other interesting side notes. First-and-foremost, it’s a piano bar. Each night a certain gentleman will tickle the ivory keys of Red Fox’s aging, but in tune, piano with older standards such as “Purple People Eater” or other old-fashioned songs you forgot you remember.

Better than the piano nights are when the trumpet players or other musicians come to add to the live show. In addition to live music, there is food. And the favorite du jour of most Rex Fox-lovers is its steak dinner.

Even better than the steaks are the stiff drinks that are very inexpensive. If you’re of the over-21 persuasion, this is definitely the place to go for an evening nightcap, as one drink from the bartender usually sends those who are already a bit snookered into full-on inebriation.

So bring a friend, share a steak and listen to the swanky sounds of the piano as you sip a humbling gin and tonic and pretend you’re back in the twilight of the 1940s glamour era sneaking a drink in a hushed speakeasy.

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