"Quality, quality and quality are what we always give our customers. That and the best steaks in California," says Popadopoulos.

Popadopoulos came to America from Alexandroupolis, Greece, in 1973. After working in a few restaurants in the United States, he purchased the Creekside Inn in 1983. Since that time, Popadopoulos, his wife, Toula, and their two children have only served traditional American cuisine.

Popadopoulos learned to cook when he arrived in the United States.

"I never cooked in Greece. I don't even know how to cook Greek food. People used to ask me why I didn't serve Greek food since I'm from Greece. I tell them that I serve what I know. And I know steak," Popadopoulos says.

In 2000, Popadopoulos was given the California Meat Backers Outstanding Beef Menuing award by the California Beef Council. The plaque hangs at the entrance of the restaurant for all to see. And if you miss it, Popadopoulos will be proud to show it to you.

"We used to have a big sign out front that said 'Best Steaks in California,' but we took it down. But the steaks are still the best," says Popadopoulos.

The Creekside Inn also offers prime rib, rack of lamb, pork chops, chicken-fried steak with gravy, and meatloaf dinners. On Friday nights the special is live Maine lobster.

"One thing we do that restaurants don't do anymore is serve an appetizer. We serve our customers fresh, warm bread and a very good cheese fondue. Everyone seems to enjoy it. It's a little something extra," says Popadopoulos.

Stepping inside the Creekside Inn is like taking a step back to a time when most restaurants had linen tablecloths and napkins arranged attractively on the tables. The lights are slightly dimmed for a romantic atmosphere. There are booths for a cozy dinner as well as tables for larger groups.

The dessert selection includes New York­style cheesecake, mud pie, champagne sherbet or Popadopoulos' own homemade rice pudding.

And for the adventurous diner, karaoke nights are Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights in the bar, which is just off the dining area.

"We have the largest selection of music for singers in the Bay Area. People like to work up an appetite! And the dance floor helps work off dessert," says Popadopoulos.

"We are family-oriented here. We like to see a whole family coming in to enjoy a meal. Sometimes the only time a family is all together is for dinner. It should be nice. We cook and they visit with each other," says Popadopoulos.

The Creekside Inn is available on Sundays for private parties of 35 or more people and banquets of up to 180 people.

"We had a wedding here not long ago. They set up an arch covered with flowers and had the ceremony and the reception right here. It was beautiful," says Popadopoulos.

"For lunch we serve a few different salads. We have prime rib lunches as well," says Popadopoulos.

"This is a nice place to work," says Bobby Ponzio, who has been the daytime bartender for the past six months. "They make everyone feel like family here. Customers or waiters—we're all family."

The Creekside Inn, located at 544 W. Alma at Hwy 87, is open Monday­Thursday, 5 p.m.­9 p.m., and Friday, 5 p.m.­10 p.m. Lunch hours are weekdays, 11 a.m.­2:30 p.m. Call 408.289.9781 for information on the banquet facilities and to make reservations for six or more.