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Valencia Club is a timeless roadhouse, first opened during the 1930's along what was U.S. Highway 40, in the small Placer County town of Penryn. Over the 70+ years, the club has had it's ups and downs, but back in 2010, it was sold, thoroughly remodeledd, and opened under new ownership. As of this writing, the club is thriving, and is serving cold beer and delicious food. As with all restaurant reviews I publish, I have no affiliation with the restaurant reviewed, and there is no monetary gain on my part, as I am simply a person who likes to eat, and I love to write-up, and publish my dining experiences.
Photo: Valencia Club has been in the same building, at the same location since the restaurant opened back in the 1930's. Back in the day, Taylor Road used to be U.S. Highway 40, before I-80 pushed it's way through the Sierra Foothills in the late 1950's. The classic neon sign dates from the 1950's. It's mid-Tuesday afternoon, March 05, 2018, and I'm in the mood for a delicious lunch and a cold beer at Valencia Club.
Photo: As you enter the restaurant, the first thing you'll see is the large wraparound bar, and lots of "old school" bar stools. On this rainy Tuesday afternoon, there are four patrons at the bar, and friendly Michelle is performing bartending and food server duties. The four patrons at the bar were colorful locals, and were discussing all topics, ranging from local ranching to current politics. As you guessed, it's 3:19 in the afternoon, and since "happy hour" begins at 3, the bar features $3.00 draught beers, and $1.00 tacos.
Photo: The bar is at the end of the main room, which has quite a few tables, a large dance floor, and a stage. Live music happens every weekend and there are many evenings that feature karaoke. When the current owners took over back in 2010, they did extensive remodeling, but the left the 1950's "old school" charm in place, but thoroughly modernized the infrastructure of the building. The dining room and dance floor definitely retains the "roadhouse charm" of a bygone era.
Photo: One page of the three-page menu. I had originally planned to order a burger, but my friendly server let me know that since today was Tuesday, every Tuesday is "Taco Tuesday," where if you purchase two tacos, the third one if free. So I decided to ditch the idea of a burger and concentrate on tacos. Now... which one to choose, beef, chicken, fish or carne asada? After about 30 seconds of soul searching, I went with three fish tacos.
Photo: The posting of weekly "happenings" at the club, the specialty drinks offered and the beer on tap is posted above the bar. Check out the names of the last two titles under the "Drinks" section of the menu...
Photo: There's a little case on the bar tat holds enhancements for your beer, or for your drinks.
Photo: Valencia Club has an open kitchen, where you can look through a window and watch the two chefs in action. I am a total "sucker" for restaurants where you can watch the chefs prepare meals.
Photo: My friendly server, Michelle, brings my order of three fish tacos, along with a helping of salsa, with a smile.
Photo: Thanks, Michelle, for snapping my photo, as I prepare to enjoy a late lunch of three fish tacos, and a draught Budweiser beer.
Photo: My order of three fish tacos, along with a cup of salsa. Today was "Taco Tuesday," so I got the third taco for free! Such a great deal... The menu describes the "Fish Tacos" as, "Corona battered Atlantic cod, with VC's homemade coleslaw and sweet chili sauce. I describe the tacos as delicious. Each taco starts out with two tortillas - flour or corn - I chose corn, as that's my preference in tortillas, and corn goes especially well with fish. Each taco has two pieces of battered cod, deep fried perfectly. The taco is topped with tangy coleslaw, and drizzled in sweet, red chili. This makes for a delicious taco! The tacos arrived hot and juicy from the kitchen about 15 minutes after I placed my order. The tortillas were warm, moist, and when you picked up to taco to enjoy, the tortillas didn't break apart. The fish was deep fried to a golden brown, crispy on the outside, moist, juicy and tender on the inside, and not a bit greasy or oily. The coleslaw added a nice touch, as there's nothing better than a bit of cabbage, along with mayonnaise to make for a delicious fish taco. The chili added a slightly sweet touch, which rounded out these delicious tacos. Combine the atmosphere of a classic 1950's highway roadhouse, frequented by colorful, local patrons at the complete bar, cold beer on tap, friendly service, and outstanding food... you have the Valencia Club, Penryn's classic roadhouse. Valencia Club Copyright(c) 2019 eRench Productions. All rights reserved. We've been on the web since December 22, 2002.
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