Eat meat to your heart's content without restraint—steakhouse requires you to cut off your tie first before dining!

By MOOK Travel Life Network Editorial Team, compiled and reported by Liao Qiyu
 

When visiting the U.S., having a hearty steak meal is a must-do experience. There are many classic American steakhouses, and among them, Pinnacle Peak in San Dimas stands out as both classic and quirky, blending Western cowboy flair with American humor to make steak dining even more fun!

Opened in 1967 in the U.S., Pinnacle Peak is located right on the famous Route 66. Its old-school Western-style interior was originally designed as a steakhouse targeting the blue-collar crowd. Affordable prices allowed families to enjoy delicious meals together, and even after nearly 50 years, that original mission remains unchanged. Upon entering, guests are advised not to dress too formally—the restaurant hopes you’ll dine casually. That’s why a sign at the entrance boldly declares “Ties Not Allowed.” And this isn’t just for show—if you enter wearing a tie, the staff will take out scissors and snip it off on the spot, then hang it on the walls or ceiling.

The tradition of cutting off ties reportedly started when a manager once refused to remove his tie while dining. The restaurant staff took matters into their own hands and cut it off. The angry manager then demanded that his tie be pinned up along with his business card in a prominent place to publicly declare himself a victim of the restaurant’s tie policy. Over time, this act of declaration became the restaurant’s most entertaining gimmick, attracting many customers eager to experience it. The tie-cutting process is quite entertaining, almost like a lively performance. Staff ring bells, cheer, and invite other diners to join in the fun. Once the tie is cut, they attach the owner’s business card before nailing it to the wall as a keepsake. Dining here feels like being in a jungle of ties. Of course, some guests even go out of their way to wear a tie just to experience the spectacle!