IMPERIAL STEAKHOUSE

Steak house · San Diego

IMPERIAL STEAKHOUSE

Steak house · San Diego

1

505 Kalmia St, San Diego, CA 92101

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IMPERIAL STEAKHOUSE by Eater
IMPERIAL STEAKHOUSE by null
IMPERIAL STEAKHOUSE by null
IMPERIAL STEAKHOUSE by null
IMPERIAL STEAKHOUSE by null
IMPERIAL STEAKHOUSE by null
IMPERIAL STEAKHOUSE by null
IMPERIAL STEAKHOUSE by null
IMPERIAL STEAKHOUSE by null
IMPERIAL STEAKHOUSE by null
IMPERIAL STEAKHOUSE by null
IMPERIAL STEAKHOUSE by null
IMPERIAL STEAKHOUSE by null
IMPERIAL STEAKHOUSE by null
IMPERIAL STEAKHOUSE by null
IMPERIAL STEAKHOUSE by null
IMPERIAL STEAKHOUSE by null
IMPERIAL STEAKHOUSE by null
IMPERIAL STEAKHOUSE by null
IMPERIAL STEAKHOUSE by null
IMPERIAL STEAKHOUSE by null
IMPERIAL STEAKHOUSE by null
IMPERIAL STEAKHOUSE by null
IMPERIAL STEAKHOUSE by null
IMPERIAL STEAKHOUSE by null
IMPERIAL STEAKHOUSE by null
IMPERIAL STEAKHOUSE by null
IMPERIAL STEAKHOUSE by null
IMPERIAL STEAKHOUSE by null
IMPERIAL STEAKHOUSE by null
IMPERIAL STEAKHOUSE by null
IMPERIAL STEAKHOUSE by null
IMPERIAL STEAKHOUSE by null
IMPERIAL STEAKHOUSE by null
IMPERIAL STEAKHOUSE by null
IMPERIAL STEAKHOUSE by null
IMPERIAL STEAKHOUSE by null
IMPERIAL STEAKHOUSE by null
IMPERIAL STEAKHOUSE by null
IMPERIAL STEAKHOUSE by null

Highlights

Classic steakhouse with tableside dishes & a piano bar  

Featured in Eater
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505 Kalmia St, San Diego, CA 92101 Get directions

imperialhouserestaurant.com

$50–100 · Menu

Reserve

Information

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505 Kalmia St, San Diego, CA 92101 Get directions

+1 619 234 3525
imperialhouserestaurant.com

$50–100 · Menu

Reserve

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reservations required

Last updated

Aug 8, 2025

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22 Classic San Diego Restaurants and Bars | Eater San Diego

"Old school service and dishes served tableside are the hallmarks of the retro restaurant. And who doesn’t love the song stylings of Rick Lyon?" - Candice Woo

https://sandiego.eater.com/maps/classic-iconic-historic-old-restaurants-bars-san-diego
View Postcard for Imperial Steakhouse & Bar

danielle mahoney

Google
New Years Eve was our first time here, and it was so fantastic! The corner booth felt intimate and quiet, and the party nite menu was perfectly procured. When we were leaving the live music pulled us back in and we rang in the new year with all the locals! So much fun. Great unique space!

Patrick Braganza

Google
The steak in my opinion tasted very well. I can see it being too salty or seasoned for others, but that’s how I like mine cooked. Other than that, I do think the menu is over priced. For a steak house you pay for great food, on top of a great experience & ambience….which this place did lack in. Totally not worth spending the extra money, when you can go else where for just as good of a steak with a better dining experience. Looking online, it seems like a cool place, but in person it’s definitely outdated. If you want to come to eat a decent steak, they have it. If you want an overall great dining experience from a steakhouse, there are other places you can probably find to enjoy than here.

Livinthe Dreamoflife

Google
Mid. Our waitress and the live music buddy were the only good parts of the experience. The place was empty on a Friday night (that should have been a signal of what was to come). They were out of half the menu. They only had 1 baked potato left. 1 baked potato at an empty “steakhouse”. The steaks were cooked well, although they were very salty. This place is way too expensive for what they are offering. I miss Red Fox Room already….

Jeremy Waits

Google
Would give more than 5 stars. Amazing isn’t adequate. The folks who work here made us feel like family. They shared stories of the history of the building, including ghost stories- that’s right, apparently the place is haunted! This was in my top 5 best steaks of all time. The decor and vibe are crazy -old school upscale, classy, cozy. But again, the staff stole the show - that is until the ghost threw a plaque from a door to the ground…!!! Do yourself a favor and go experience the Imperial!

Rachel Claire

Google
Came here on a whim. This place saved our 5 year anniversary! We are “steak people” and let google lead the search when our favorite place was closed for the night. Tucked away right on the edge of Balboa Park, this place is a gem. Delicious steak, fantastic service and did i mention the “Ron Swanson vibe” the leather chairs evoke? I also apparently like martinis now because I had the best blueberry lemon drop martini ever made. Only “down side” is this isn’t an every day dining out spot due to “anniversary prices”, if you get my drift. Worth every penny though. Really appreciated Chef Dave’s personal hello at the end of the meal. We will definitely be back on a weekend for the live music in the bar!

Daniel Santiago

Google
My wife and I found this place a few years back and we never looked back! We loved everything about this steakhouse! The service is spot on and the steak was beyond my expectations. I highly recommend this restaurant to all my friends and family visiting San Diego!! My wife and I just celebrated our Anniversary here and our hostess went out of her way to make our visit here special!

Joseph Lynch

Google
Came here after landing at the San Diego airport. Not bad at all. Got the Ribeye steak. Bit salty but can't complain. Wanted steak and all the other steak places were closing early, 9pm. Live music was good as well. If I were to ever come back around here I'd stop here again.

Nancy Ramirez Santiago

Google
Our waitress Amy went above and beyond to make our experience memorable and extraordinary. The steak was as good as we remembered. Must visit when in San Diego.

Dave H.

Yelp
Booked a table for my wife's birthday. Arrived early and took advantage of good wines on Happy Hour (goes to 7pm). Had two different steaks and both were amazingly tasty. They also give you a free desert! We plan to go back soon.

Tbsdc A.

Yelp
I loved the rib-eye steak I had here! If you're craving a good steak, you'll really like their steaks. It's a meat lover's happy moment
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Oscar G. A.

Yelp
Love this place, food is always great and the staff is welcoming. Lowkey vibe with old school feel.
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Jim K.

Yelp
I love this throwback steakhouse! Red leather furnishings, small footprint, low light chandeliers, fantastic bar, top shelf beef, fantastic appetizers, and personalized service is old skool fantastic. The steaks are great. The bone marrow is fantastic. The bar is a fantastic with a loyal local following. Reasonably priced cocktails. Give this classic local spot your business!
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Brenda R.

Yelp
Food was great! Haven't had great steak like this in a while. When the steak is great, the sides aren't, but not here! Amazing as well. Only complaint is we shared the steak and got a split charge $15 added to our check.
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Peter T.

Yelp
Really could be the go to standard for when you want something you could cook at home, don't want to apply the effort, and you want a little extra kick to it. The food here was an 8.99/10. It is certainly more traditional but everything is prepared to perfection. The crust on our steak was remarkable, inside, slightly more than medium rare but it was so thick, so juicy, so flavorful, it's easy to disregard. The potato skins were also awesome. Perfectly seared, nice balance of toppings and the ranch it was served with was awesome too. Mushrooms, again, traditional, but again they were cooked to perfection. Our server, Amy, was quirky, fun, and very kind. "Free" cheesecake came our way. One item of note is that the restaurant was EMPTY. From when we arrived to when we finished. There's an old school sense of royalty here decoration wise. Red velvet seats and booths, chandeliers, fake flowers, it's all pretty cool. The restaurant was very sound and solid, but silent. Come here if you have kids and want a silent evening, not if you want fun. Overall though, grade A everything.
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Angela A.

Yelp
My boyfriend and I have been here I think maybe twice. The first time was maybe a year or two ago. There is two different sections. I remember sitting on the side where there wasn't the bar or stage the first time. Kinda dark inside. Sitting on that side of the restaurant made us feel like mobsters. Leather booths. It was cool. I remember the steaks were amazing. Nice steak dinner date. The second time we went, I think there was a new owner or Chef because the menu was totally different and a lot more expensive. Even a side of bread was $3. The food was good and service was totally fine. I just was really surprised with the change of menu and how crazy the prices were.
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Mike E.

Yelp
Love this place, it is perfect for date night, high class vibe, affordable prices, GREAT service.. Hostess Amy is very attentive, but not needy.. The menu is pretty basic in a good way, an priced spot on. Oh and the octopus is brag worthy, priced perfect, quality is awesome and the quantity is almost too much..YUM.. Lighting is on the dimmer side, however it makes the leather interior pop.. Makes you almost feel underdressed and not worthy. Waiting for Elvis or Sinatra to walk in any minute... All in all, perfect place our date night, you SHOULD try it..!!
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Miracle B.

Yelp
I am admittedly not a steak expert, but I think I can adequately distinguish good vs. bad steak. I was super excited to celebrate a birthday here with a steak loving family member, but I was disappointed by the food options, the cost, and the texture of my steak. The ambiance and service were definitely spot on! I just wish the food had been more enjoyable. I won't be returning unless it's exclusively to enjoy their bar and live music, which were lovely.
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Aaron T.

Yelp
We went there for our daughter's college graduation. There were a few items we would like to try but were out. Those were Roasted Bone Marrow, Tomahawk and Prime T-Bone. Ended up ordering Caesar Salad, Porterhouse, Dallas Filet, and some side dishes. The Porterhouse was great, but the Dallas Filet was a little bit overcooked for a medium rare. Overall, it was a great experience! Side story. I left my sunglasses at the restaurant. They shipped them back to me in two days. I really appreciated it.

Meagan M.

Yelp
Would absolutely NOT recommend. We showed up and were the only one's there, made reservations thinking it'd be busy. Arrived and didn't have our reservation written down, dining room lights weren't on, music wasn't on. Should've left when they said they didn't have any tea. Politely asked if the lights could be turned up a tad bit more as my grandmother accompanied us and we were the only ones there. I understood the ambiance of the place but thought they would let this slide. Waiter later then came out and notified us there were no baked potatoes, as the waiter chuckled. EXCUSE ME?!?! How are you a steak house and don't have potatoes??? As one of us was ONLY having a potato. We got up and left, wasn't a good experience at all and customer service could definitely be improved
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Anna L.

Yelp
I'm reluctant in leaving this review as I don't want to share this secret gem with many! Everything about the imperial house exceeded my expectations. By far the best steak, grilled octopus and lobster Mac and cheese of my life. The service, quality of the food and atmosphere was outstanding. We will be back next week for another amazing experience!
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K B.

Yelp
Happy Hour Review Located in the heart of Banker's Hill, across the street from Balboa Park and a restauranteur icon that is also layered with San Diego History. You will leave happy if partakng in this quiet low light happy hour iconic lounge. The restaurant is on the left side the lounge is on the right side. No frills HH and still only two 13inch TV's. Happy Hour is underrated. But the food, prices and choices are good. Sure there may be one waitress but she is quick to respond and take care of your needs. You must def check it out. Trust me, locals know the best happy hours can be energetic but sometimes you just want to chill after work, be around happy people and eat good food with delicious drinks. If you fall in one of these categories, check it out: You like quick bites with good flavor and memorable portions Your budget is between $5- $9 each quick bite You're cheating on your partner and you know for sure they won't find this place Highlight Actual food matches pictures Crab jalapeno bites are a must-have Real potato skins from grown up potatoes Night piano bar singer is the main reason to visit here
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Steve P.

Yelp
Other than when I try to call to make reservations, you can't because the phone just hangs up on your automatically. I think the phone goes straight to the Chef not sure but other than that. Came in a group of nine the other night. had a great time our server, Sara was fantastic. Food was phenomenal, but they didn't have everything that we wanted on the menu but what they substituted us with was perfect. Also, the lady working in the bar was really cool as well.
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Vanessa B.

Yelp
GO SOMEWHERE ELSE! We decided to take a chance and try something new, usually when we want a steak we walk over to a steak house in downtown since this is where we live, I looked up reviews of steak houses and this one came up, with good reviews and some bad, we should have listened to the bad ones When we first got to the restaurant, they asked if we had reservations, we did not and waited about 5 mins for a table, ordered a Cesar salad, nothing special, a tomahawk and a baked potato. While waiting for our food, I took a sip from my water, once I put it on my mouth I noticed two lip stick marks on the cup, I was stunned and I knew we should have left then, I called the waiter over and told him, he kind of laughed and said sorry then took the cup to replace it. Our tomahawk came out, which was okay, nothing special, same as the baked potato. When we got our bill, the waiter let us know that he gave us 10% off the bill for the lip stick on the cup, again he chuckled about it. Long story short, there are so many other nicer and better steak houses in the area or down the street, please do not waste your time here for the pour cleanliness and not notable food.
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A B.

Yelp
I went here tonight and was sorry I did. On their website they indicate that their steaks are "prime". NOPE!! These are NOT prime steaks. I go to steakhouses all the time and buy prime cut steaks when I want one at home. I ordered the Delmonico. It was tough and dry while heavily salted with burnt chopped garlic. Garlic does not taste good when it's been blackened. I asked for a side of bernaise. NOPE!! They don't have it like it says they do on the website. May I have a glass of ice tea? NOPE!! We don't have it. Why am I the only one in this entire restaurant? I would like to answer that but I think it would hurt their feelings. The waitress (was also the bartender I think) was sweet and nice and asked if I wanted to take my steak home in a to go box. No thanks. It was dry and tough. She replied "well, you just don't know about steaks". Ummmm yes I do. A "prime" steak is supposed to be tender and not chewy. I didn't ask her but she was nice enough to take 20.00 off my check. The one star is for her. The rest of the restaurant doesn't get any stars. I wasn't going to write a review but after the rude passive aggressive comment the manager "Dave" gave to the woman who had them cater her wedding I had to take a stand. Dave, you are just rude and you should never talk with a paying guest like that. I won't be back.
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Dawn D.

Yelp
Came here to celebrate a friend's birthday, and we were the only table. I was worried because sometimes that can mean that the staff isn't trying as hard as they're not in that busy flow, if that makes sense. But that wasn't the case! Our server, whose name I can't recall (I'm sorry!!) had just celebrated a birthday, so him and my friend v bonded over that fact. The menu had quite a few great looking items with the smallest steak weighing 8 oz. I ordered the Dallas Filet, and it was absolutely delicious! My friend ordered the Cowgirl med-rare, and it was a little under, but he didn't want to make a fuss about it as he enjoyed it anyway. The decor and music, while dated, is perfect. There are dozens of other steakhouses that people go to if they want a modern vibe, but very few give that feeling of nostalgia and of a simpler time as Imperial Steakhouse does. I chose to sit by the table with av red light fur the ambiance, but it did make for a difficult time when reading the menu. I personally feel that the prices were higher than the value. For example, the cheapest steak is $58 and doesn't come with any sides. Each side is sold individually for $10/plate, which is quite inflated in my humble opinion. Although, I will say that the mashed potatoes were quite tasty and the asparagus was, as well! All in all, I would suggest this place for an intimate dinner date, and I would return.
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Snowflake J.

Yelp
This menu has numerous spelling errors and appears to have been written by someone with poor grammar skills. Additionally, the menu lacks vegetarian options, side dishes are very small and the cheesy dishes tasted moldy. The dining room has a charming ambiance, but it may not be suitable for those who prefer a brighter and more modern setting. The music from the dive bar can be quite loud, which diminishes the Frank Sinatra ambiance. The steaks are charred on the outside but come out hot. However, if you plan on sharing a steak, be aware that there is a service fee for an extra plate. Unfortunately, there is no kids' menu available, and the restaurant does not accommodate modifications for food allergies. And when ordering a medium-rare plus this request for steak temperature doesn't exist at any steakhouse. When Chef Dave chatted, we noticed his breath smells so bad like rotted meat. We spoke to locals after our dinner and we received confirmation that his breath smells awful! With 40 years in the industry, he looks about 50 years old... a legend in his own mind.
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Ivy U.

Yelp
This steak was everything and it was huge! I couldn't finish it all the night of, so the rest because lunch for work the next day. Let me tell you, this steak was seasoned perfectly! No steak sauce needed here. It was pricey, but worth it for sure.

Tiara T.

Yelp
Went to try this restaurant out because the menu and food looked good online. However, it was super weird vibes, kinda dark and eerie inside. We were the only party there to eat which we thought was kind of odd. Didn't trust eating there. Maybe its a restaurant in disguise for something else? Took our party to STK in san diego and everything was AMAZING! Would not recommend this restaurant based on the ambiance and people that work there

Mike T.

Yelp
Very poor everything ,OLD dirty and dated decor.Bathrooms were super Gross ,OLD .We had the NY Strip and Chicken Marsala ,Neither was Tasty.Both tasted like they were Frozen.Even the side broccoli was limp ,warm at best .Service was Ok but slow and food and drinks were Very $$$$$ def will not be back .Place needs to be nuked and rebuilt !!!!
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Ellen L.

Yelp
I was really happy to make my sister's 60th birthday party outfit old imperial house which is now imperial steakhouse. It's 1950s glam on the inside of the dining room and a cool bar off to the right when you walk in. Hadn't been there since Covid so we were both really happy. I made the online reservation through their website. The next day I received an email saying my reservation was canceled. No explanation, no sorry about that, no nothing. So I called to ask why that happened and all I got was excuses from the man who answered the phone. Ruined my sister's 60th birthday dinner. And that "Make a reservation "button on your website is your responsibility.
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abigail P.

Yelp
Beautiful 1950'a style, with mouth watering tender steak that was perfectly served with mashed potatoes. Yum! Waitress was so nice and attentive. My son enjoyed every minute of it. Will come again, for a relaxing dinner with family.
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Ron C.

Yelp
The food was great the service excellent. Only draw back is I could not get my steak done black and blue. Otherwise great place . As others have said do not judge by the outside . It also has a bar with a piano so you can go listen to a little music and have your after dinner cocktail !
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danny k.

Yelp
The Worst. Worst worst experience ever! I have been coming to this place 30 plus years. The chef came Out and kicked us out because the chef screwed up our order so much the chef could Not handle the downfall of his kitchen and decided to kick us out. MINUS 2 in reviews.
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Sherre L.

Yelp
This place is so good! Definitely worth going. Don't be turned off by what it looks like outside, once you get inside it's a romantic restaurant that has a lot of history. We were told it was one of the first steakhouses in San Diego. The waitress was nice, and so was everyone else we met. The food was absolutely to die for. The steak was perfectly cooked, and so were the sides. They do recommend you have a reservation so they can cut ur steak for you and have it ready to cook at your reservation time, but we showed up without a reservation and we were fine. Everything was perfectly seasoned. Definitely go! My least favorite item was the side of green beans, but they weren't bad, just not my favorite. The asparagus was better, and I loved the potatoes (I got two types).
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Tyler L.

Yelp
I was hesitant to try this place as I had not heard any positive or negative feedback from anyone in my culinary circle. Boy oh boy was I impressed. I'll start with the environment and the "vibe". This place had it, has it and is on track to keep it. There are obviously some regulars, in which I had great conversations with. I now see why they are regulars. The food,.... SUPERB! My Manhattan filet was to die for. Cooked absolutely perfectly; I couldn't have asked for a better prepared piece of meat. The chef came out and introduced himself, very down to earth and quite hospitable. This place doesn't seem to be that busy... I don't know for how long. Once people get wind of how wonderful this place is... there will be a month wait for reservations. This is one of San Diego's few hidden gems. Throw back to the 70's inside, food thats tried and true. I will be back again and again. Did I mention how wonderful the scalloped potatoes were? How about the gal behind the bar? She's amazing and on top of her game. 2500 stars, top notch, high quality.... Perfect!
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Thomas G.

Yelp
Diamond in the Rough - I have been coming here for about 2 years now consistently. It is my go to spot for a solid steak and lobster. Keep it simple when you come here. Straight entrees, and get drinks straight up or a glass of wine. Frankie is the main server here, and he does an amazing job! Always a class act, shows some love, and a solid experience. Dave is the chef and always comes out to say hello and check up on you. This is not a pretentious location, if you are looking for a scene to be "seen" in, this probably not your location. It's the go to spot for business meetings and quiet intimate dinners with people you want to actually connect with. Place is a diamond in the rough.

A T.

Yelp
Cowgirl rib-eye and porterhouse steaks were delicious! Great service Quiet ambiance very relaxing
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Elliot J.

Yelp
My Wife and I had one of the most unusual meals ever here, however we did have a great time. I've put this review off for a couple of weeks to try and be as fair as possible. The dinning room is beautiful, like an classic steakhouse or gentlemen's club updated and fresh. The service, even given this time of COVID recovery, was excellent. Cocktails were good and strong. wine list very limited but some nice choices. Now the odd part, appetizers are all bar food - nothing at all sophisticated as the place looks...no cold seafood?? The salads (choice of 2) was fair to poor; my wife's house salad was acceptable but my caesar was bland underdressed and the grated cheese was either as old as I, or Kraft from the shaker. Dessert likewise was ok, nothing to remark on. The steaks was very very good, cooked well and a nice cut and quality. Sides were ok, also limited...no mushrooms at a classic steakhouse? There was piano player in the cozy bar area, so we had after diner drink there to listen for a while. All in all, if you just want a nice steak entree (and I don't recall anything else on the menu) in very pleasant atmosphere with a cocktail or glass of wine, it's a great place. If you expect something similar to a Morton's or Del Frisco's or Lou and Mickey's (which are around the same price point I should add) then forget it. Go prepared for a very nice but quirky place.

Sherry ..

Yelp
This is an old San Diego restaurant that has been given a new twist. It looks exactly as it did and I, as a native San Diegan, am happy about that! The food is good and the ambience is like going back in time but you hater out-of-staters wouldn't know about that.
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Armando Z.

Yelp
The staff was great, informational and courteous in recommendations. My wife and I came for dinner and had the filet tips and lamb and man it was delicious! I strongly suggest the lamb when you come, I would definitely return- the ambience and feel of the environment and design of the place was exquisite. It was a romantic, nice dinner we both enjoyed.
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R D.

Yelp
Been going to this place since it opened & although it's changed somewhat since Al V. owned & operated it, the feeling is still the same. Much like a favorite & familiar thing you have to hang onto, every so often I have to dip in & have a meal here. Obviously memories are long-standing of the meals we had when we weee kids with table side service & the best Caesar Salad I've ever had. The steaks are as remembered & have that charbroiled flavor that seems to be a requirement when you are sitting within the old school steakhouse, and of course their high back chairs.
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Johnny L.

Yelp
Disclaimer: this review is only for the service as we never even got a chance to try the food. We were looking to try something new and perchanced upon this place. We made Saturday night reservation and showed up what appeared to be a closed restaurant from the outside. They were setup for valet but no one was working out front. We entered the dark venue and saw that a few people were at the bar, we assumed locals and tenants from the building it was housed in. There was no hostess to welcome us, but instead, an overworked server who was unwelcoming and questioned if we had made resevrations. Both myself and my friend were dressed business casual wearing a collard shirt and dress jackets. We affirmed we had made reservations as the gentleman walked off. Then another server came asking the same questions and I showed her my reseversation confirmation on my phone. Again, she was equally unwelcoming and walked off. We looked over the menu and prices were significantly higher than nearby Mr. A's entrees, which is a renowned high quality restaurant in San Diego. So we left belieiving dining here could only ruin our evening and went to Mr. A's instead, which turned out to be an epic experience. I later spoke to my friend who has been a neighborhood resident who said he had similar experiences before.
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Robyn M.

Yelp
UPDATE: The owner contacted me about my 1 star review, pointing out that I'd not even been able to taste their food before leaving the review. I would have loved to taste their food. We were offered a steak on the house which was a nice courtesy. We declined due to the service received the night before. We wouldn't want to eat at a place where they can't take 2 seconds to greet and acknowledge your presence in a 30 minute time span, even if it's free. We had reservations made the day before, the table should've been set and prepared for us as expected customers. But we didn't even get asked if we wanted water for 20 minutes. I understand Covid issues, but then limit your reservations if you can't meet minimal hospitality expectations for the reservations booked. If we had just walked in, I could understand. But they were expecting us as customers. 30 minutes with no contact or even so much as a "hello I'll be right with you," from our waiter is not acceptable. Who cares what the steak tastes like if no one is courteous (or available) enough to even speak to your table? Book less tables, retrain or hire more staff to accommodate your eager customers so that we will be the last to walk out hungry and unacknowledged. It only takes a second to acknowledge the table. A second! We didn't even get that courtesy. And when it was pointed out to the waiter, he said he didn't see us. Not possible, he passed us multiple times to speak with the 40 year anniversary couple. So, I am hoping the owner will take time to address that internally, instead of private messaging me with excuses, dismissive explanations and a free steak. I'm still shocked at the poor service and lack of accountability from the owner on why the service was so poor. Hopefully they'll honestly consider my review and no one else will experience this. Made reservations. In town for little romantic getaway. We LOVE a nice, top-quality steak dinner. We were really impressed with the Yelp reviews. We liked that the location is outside of the busier more touristy areas. We just wanted a really nice, quiet dinner. The waiter walked past us at least four times. He never greeted or acknowledged us. Ever. Not once. We eventually closed our menus thinking maybe he thought we were still deciding and didn't want to disturb us. But, he hadn't even introduced himself, said hello, offered us water, or anything I'd expect even at a local commercial pancake house. After about 20 minutes, the lady who sat us down ended up going up to him and pointing out our table to let him know we hadn't been helped. I was shocked to hear him say he hadn't seen us. I couldn't think of a reasonable explanation how that could be possible. We waited another 10 minutes and still no sign of our waiter. We decided we'd just quietly leave. I give one star because there is a small lot across the street for parking. That's convenient. Recommendation: Go to Flemings or Butcher Cut for a yummy well prepared steak. You'll have to make early evening reservations or tough out the crowds.
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Alex G.

Yelp
I had a tomahawk with mashed potatoes last week. It was one of the best steak I've had in a very long time. It was perfectly cooked, and the flavor of the side dish complemented the steak. I recommend your making a reservation and head down to Imperial Steakhouse ASAP!
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Brad B.

Yelp
I've been coming here for years and years so I'm shocked to see that I've never taken a few minutes to throw down a review. Actually, now that I think of it, I've only been here for drinks and entertainment, never for an actual meal. Because of that, I'm leaving one star off of my overall rating, which I'm sure will be filled once I bite into that gorgeous burger that headlines the photo section on Yelp - it looks fantastic! I will say that the vibe, the staff, and the entertainment rate as some of my favorites in San Diego. What can I say, I simply love the feel of a very old-school steakhouse! Add Rick Lyon as the soundtrack and you've got yourself a killer little off the radar kind of place that serves as a gathering point for locals with a story to tell and tourists seeking salvation (and a cold drink) from the neighboring Balboa Park. When all is said and done, this is a fantastic SD staple. Can't wait to try the food!

K G.

Yelp
Hands down one of the best steaks we have had! Everything was outstanding from the drinks, the crust on the steaks, service and the owner/ chef even came out to make sure the steaks we cooked to our satisfaction!
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Austin S.

Yelp
If you are looking to have a nice and quite INDOOR dining experience, come here. They allow 3 parties inside at a time. Mushrooms that went on the steak were phenomenal. Chef came out to say thanks and rest of staff with great.
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Adrian M.

Yelp
This place is a hidden gem!!! The steaks are fenomenal in a classic steak house setting!!! But if your looking for a place with cocktails and great bar food, I recommend the wagyu burger. I'm a Addison on Saturdays there is a live piano man that takes request that you can dance to till 1 am!!!
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Jeremiah B.

Yelp
I want to rate this place higher, but I think I was there too early. I went there, as I enjoy piano lounges, but the piano player was just setting up and didn't start his set until later in the evening. So my friends and I sat at the bar and had a drink and some appetizers. Drinks and food was fine, but I just wish we could have enjoyed the entertainment. I will come back when the piano player is performing!

Monika M.

Yelp
Went for a nice dinner, ordered the Del Monico and it was perfect melt in your mouth deliciousness... honestly the only thing I didn't care too much for was the table bread.. very hard and crunchy... not the way I'd like table bread.
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Kelli L.

Yelp
We went here for my boyfriend's birthday and enjoyed it! There was only 1 other group there when we arrived at 6:30pm, and another group didn't show up until after we paid. The steaks were great and we liked the scallop potatoes way more than the mac & cheese. We'll definitely be back.

John T.

Yelp
A hidden gem! Classic old school decor adds to the service, atmosphere and food quality! We finally went in (after being in the neighborhood for a few months) and loved the drinks and pulled pork. Definitely a local joint that should be rediscovered!
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Devon L.

Yelp
It's hard to describe what this restaurant is like- there simply isn't anything else quite like it (anymore!). It's like dining at your private posh club that only has a handful of other members. The decor takes you way back - no Edison bulbs and distressed wood here. It's velvety and elegant, with beautiful beveled windows that look across 6th Ave to Balboa Park. They just serve a few tables a night (but there are lots of tables and cool round booths - so it never feels crowded) but you need to make a reservation, and the steaks are delicious. Not a huge menu, but several solid choices, and there is a companion bar in the building that makes great cocktails. Plenty of time to chat with the waiter about the history of the place - since it's so quiet. We love taking my father-in-law here because with his hearing aides normal restaurants are just too noisy.
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Mina N.

Yelp
Such a nice ambiance, with great staff. The steaks were amazing. My boyfriend had the Prime Tomahawk and I had the Delmonico (boneless Ribeye), with scalloped potatoes on the side. Super flavorful steaks... It was perfect for our Valentine's Day dinner. I highly recommend and we will definitely be back.
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Jason L.

Yelp
Rick Lyon makes the keys his b*tch Felipe makes the bar his b*tch Plan accordingly. Cheers.

Mike R.

Yelp
Best steaks on the west coast!! Rib eye is delicious! Best service and live music fr Kevin brings back normalcy during these times,, David Walker (Manager) makes it happen!! Awesome place.
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Mike L.

Yelp
Wow, 1st time eating in a restaurant since COVID-19 messed things up. This was our 1st time @ Imperial. Our server Frankie was on point! Steak was super flavorful, sides tasty, what can I say? Insider tip...try the mac n cheese!!! Thanks for the sense of normalcy!