A steakhouse for Auburn: Oakhouse set for grand opening in historic White House building

The management team at Oakhouse Restaurant, Lounge & Venue and members of the Auburn Chamber of Commerce gathered in the bar area of the new restaurant Wednesday for a casual conversation before a ribbon-cutting ceremony. One question stood out: Why open a steakhouse in Auburn? "It seemed that's what everyone was asking for," said executive chef Chris Townsend. "It was the one thing Auburn was missing." Not anymore. Following three soft openings, Oakhouse's grand opening is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 15, in the White House building at 130 Maple Street, across from the Historic Auburn Courthouse. "We've been holding back some of our flagship steaks for that day," Townsend said. Hours are 5-9 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, according to Oakhouse General Manager Sam Howard. The lounge downstairs, described on its website oakhouseauburn.com as a "vibey cocktail bar," is open from 4-10 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. The restaurant has a fresh, clean appearance featuring plenty of light and a view of the courthouse, depending on where one sits. Gone is a staircase that Townsend said "took up quite a bit of space and made a corner of the restaurant "unusable." There is a private dining area for a larger group, and diners can eat outside. Capacity is 74 inside and 36 outside. Howard said reservations are recommended, though "a few tables are blocked off for walk-ins." Said Auburn City Manager Sean Rabé, "From the city's perspective, I've been looking forward to something like this for a long time. With this building opened, it's such a key piece of real estate in the city, so cheers to you." Townsend was born and raised locally, a Del Oro High School graduate who said he made a "quick departure for Portland and sharpened my teeth on cooking." Back home, he was the first head chef at Red's Bistro in Loomis, owned by his dad, Russ Townsend. Chris Townsend also worked at Monkey Cat and Carpe Vino. Howard said she moved to the area 4½ years ago and didn't see Auburn as "just a stomping ground from here to Tahoe. Today, she said, "We've built amazing relationships with our vendors, the construction crew, our neighbors, the courthouse. It's just a tight-knit community, down to earth. Why not want to work here, be part of the team, right?"