Donovan's Steak & Chop House

Poorly managed and poor wait staff. I rarely give a poor review, and I have only eaten there once, but the experience was so poor that I feel I needed to let others know what happened. I went in the evening after dark and they seated me on the patio overlooking the water. It was quite cool and there was a strong wind coming off the water. I had to ask to have the barrel table started and fire warmed. They brought a tank out and then discovered it was already full, so I could sit back down while they closed the door. They have patio heaters, but wouldn't turn them on and never asked if I was comfortable. I ordered the ribeye chop medium rare. It arrived last after all the other food, and it was bloody raw. I sent it back explaining to use a temperature probe to make sure it was medium rare. In less than 5 minutes the same steak with my single cut in it was back. I cut in next to the first cut and it was exactly the same. Both times the waitress dropped it off and left without checking. She went back inside where it was warm without checking to see if the food was ok. I had to take the steak back inside myself and return it to the waitress, and tell her I didn't want a third attempt. My visit had been about an hour already, and I was tired of eating sides and my appetizer. The manager came out to see if I lived locally since she seemed concerned I would tell other locals. She took the steak off the ticket and I paid for the rest. She asked me to give them another chance, but I don't think it's really worth trying when the cost is very high and there are so many other really good places nearby. I highly recommend Hotel Coronado and Island Prime for a nice evening meal. I've had both multiple times at the same time in the evening and never had anything but a really excellent experience.

What a wonderful place! My husband and I visited here a couple years ago when I was only visiting San Diego and loved it. I love here now and we went again the day after Valentines Day. It was just as good as we remembered! The only change was the menus have a neat back light now. The staff is great and the food is marvelous. The atmosphere is classic. Our waiter was attentive and very helpful when it came to suggesting a red wine both my husband and I could enjoy (he prefers dry, I prefer sweet, and the waiter suggested a pleasant medium). Really enjoyed the experience and food.

Brought my wife here for her birthday. Almost every staff member wished her a happy birthday. They saved us a seat right next to the ocean view windows. We watched a beautiful sunset. The waiter and his support staff were all friendly and professional. Food was fresh and delicious. We shared a big steak entree and they were cool with it. Great experience!

Unbelievably great service and even better food. Steaks were perfectly cooked to each order and the view was spectacular. Still my favorite restaurant in La Jolla and San Diego.

Great food and views! One of the best steaks I have ever had, cooked perfectly. The drink service took awhile and was a bit slow, but everything else was wonderful.

Great food. Started with the appetizer the Seafood Tower, then had a ribeye steak. Everything was fantastic the wait staff was absolutely great.

A wonderful venue for a special occasion. Great food, service and views.

Lamb chops, wedge, filet, bone in NY with crab legs and brownie for desert. YUM!