El Chorro Lodge   

The staff at El Chorro Lodge take pride in a 60-year tradition of fine food, uncompromising class and breathtaking mountain scenery. The menu lists hearty staples such as charbroiled steaks, prime rib rack of lamb and beef Stroganoff. El Chorro's ocean fare includes swordfish, crab cakes, fresh oysters and orange roughy. On Sundays, the lavish outdoor brunch draws diners from throughout the Valley. Rustic in design with its copper treatments and Western artwork, the landmark lodge features a roomy patio famous for its view of another important Valley landmark, the majestic Camelback Mountain. A well-timed dinner on the patio comes with the mountain in the distance, the stars above and the lodge's signature sticky buns before you. -- April Bryan