I'm so excited to see this post and especially the recipe for the best cheesy garlic bread from Pop's Steakhouse in Santa Ana. I grew up in Tustin and my parents would take me to eat at Pop's and we always enjoyed the atmosphere, the employees, and especially the food. Most especially the garlic bread. My mom asked the waitress for the recipe every time we ate there with no success. I believe one waitress finally gave her a hint that it had mayonnaise and butter, sprinkled with garlic powder and paprika because she suddenly started making garlic bread that way :) It was good but it was not nearly the same or as good as Pop's. Great memories going there.

There was laundry next door.

By the way - just found a post on this site - to actually make "today's" version of infused garlic oil. There are several listed - but am betting the one by CM - Garlic & Herb Infused Oil - will be the best (just eliminate the herbs)... instead of sitting for days - (in today's time)... Olive oil & garlic cloves - microwaved and placed aside for 20 minutes to infuse flavors.

Am SO glad I did read all the reviews. You guys must have "fantastic" memories of Pop's. Unfortunately, was not as lucky as you to have visited or known the restaurant you are describing.
Know ONE thing for sure after reading your reviews.... am going to break this down as close to individual size as possible - and make this before this week is out. It cannot possibly be an fantastic as the original - but will get it as close as possible.
You guys should all meet - for a memory circle to recoup everything from your childhood - to being kin - to working there... WOW!

I was the garlic bread maker at Pop's for about a year, 1960-1961. Pop had passed away and "Mom" ran the restaurant, Norm filled in as a cook. I may have my volumes off but I started with a gallon jar filled with Wesson oil. A cheesecloth bag filled with garlic cloves had been soaking in the jar for several days. I don't know if Mom had added anything else to the oil. I mixed this with a 5 gallon can of mayonnaise. I cut the French Bread lengthwise and spread the mayonnaise on the bread, sprinkled on Grated Parmesan cheese with a large pepper shaker and added a light coat of Paprika. I baked it until the mayonnaise had melted and it had a golden color. It was cut into around 1-2 inch slices and placed on a napkin in a basket. Each loaf made 4 baskets.

Otto, did you chop the garlic cloves that went in the oil or leave them whole? About how many cloves or how large was the cheesecloth bag? Thanks for sharing this info. My parents went to Pop's and loved it!

When I was a kid daughter back in the 60's my Mom used to take us kids to visit one of the waitress. Her name was Bea Morales. The garlic bread was the bomb loved it glad to see the recipe available. Thanks!

Oh my gosh! Bea! I'm Gary's sister and our Grama owned Pop's. Bea was such a kick.. she was so quirky. I have to add about the recipe, they forgot to tell you to sprinkle Parmesan and paprika on the bread before cooking it. My mom still makes this bread, and hers always turns out very close to the restaurants.

Are you still in Idaho? My wife and I are thinking about moving to Twin Falls.

Yep, I was born in Santa Ana. In the 50's our family would treat ourselves to dinner and a show at the Orange drive-in. I remember getting to order a Salisbury steak only to find that it was a hamburger patty! Loved the garlic bread and the cool medal plates on a wooden planks!

I grew up in Santa Ana in the 50's and 60's as the oldest of nine kids near 17th Ave & Grand. I was sitting here at my desk pealing an orange and remembering the smell of TreeSweet across from Pop's and goggled Pop's Restaurant Santa Ana, CA and found your replies. I too remember the bread and the cheese sauce that you could get on your baked potato. Good times and memories for sure!! Thanks Gary. (P.S. I used to deliver the Register Newspaper and I remember the building of the 4th Street underpass at the railroad track which is if I recall sadly took out Pop's).

Rick, the underpass was on First Street. Pop's was on Fourth Street. Yes, the Treesweet factory was across the street. Gram sold the building to a man who turned it into a metal shop. He also razed her house next door and built apartments. it was so sad to see the house where I spent so many wonderful weekends destroyed.

Gary, my memory mixed up 1st St and 4th St. I'm sitting here peeling another orange and remembered Treesweet's smell and checked Pop's again and saw you response. Thanks for the memory adjustment. I remember that we could smell Treesweet was running over at my elementary school (St. Joseph's). Thank you and your family for my early childhood and family memories of special dinners at Pop's Steak House!!

When I lived in Santa Ana California, we always went to Pop's Steakhouse loved the steaks but was crazy about the cheesy french bread. I have searched everywhere for the recipe, but of course couldn't find it. I can't tell you how many years ago that was.

My Gram owned Pop's Famous Steak House. I loved Gram's garlic bread with her famous "schmear". As long as Pop's was in business she refused to give out the recipe, not even to family or friends. I was the bread maker for a few years and I didn't know her recipe. When Pop's closed she sent the recipe to the Troubleshooter column in the Orange County Register. I've tried to make it and it never comes out like it did at Pop's. I always wonder if she changed the recipe just enough to keep hers unique.

Would you by chance have a picture(s) of Pop's Steak House as it appeared in the 50's and 60's? My parents took me there frequently as a child and it was their absolute favorite restaurant at the time. Mine too. Some of my graduating class members have been currently talking about this restaurant and one has located its approximate location on 4th street, but can't determine which building it was actually housed within. Thanks for your help. Ron Moreland

The restaurant's address was 1061 east 4th and her house next door was 1067.

Gary and Cindi, I think we may be related if pops was a Wolff or a Schmidt.

Yes, Gram's name was Clara Wolff.

Hi Jennie, I'm just seeing this reply. Pop was Max Wolff, he was married to our Grandma.

I would love if you and Gay could call me so we could talk. My number is 626 833 6245. I'm trying to find out more about this part of the family.

Oops, it was supposed to say you or Gary. My apologies.