Reviews of Dobson's Bar & Restaurant (Restaurant)

kristen s

Out of all the meals we had in San Diego this was by far the best. We did not know that the dining room was upstairs and the bar downstairs so initially we were confused, as it didn't quite look like what we saw on google. Friday night the place was hopping and getting busier by the minute so we were very fortunate to get the "booth." Very rich history in this establishment and loved by the locals, so yes, the food and atmosphere is amazing. The staff was incredible and very helpful in giving us ideas of where to eat in La Jolla which we very much appreciated. Now to the food, wow, simply wow. My husband got a rib-eye steak that melted in your mouth. I the crab cake and a side salad which was good. The dressing was not homemade so that was really the only downside. My sister-in-law got the famous mussel soup which was very good. and the Salad de France. Amazing. How often do you think a salad is amazing? Yes, you need to go here.

Elaine Wardell

Peaceful

Mik Nelke

Talk about atmosphere and ambiance, as soon as you walk in your overwhelmed with mahogany and tiger oak. This place has character, the food is delicious and the prices are reasonable for downtown. If your looking for a new hip place to go this is not for you, but if your looking for landmark, and a bar, this is the one for you. Over 90 years of good times in Dobson’s and I felt it when we sat at the bar. Chef Martin San Roman brings to Dobson's a vast array of international culinary experience and creativity. Born in Mexico City, he graduated from L'Ecole Lenôtre in Paris, France. His creativity is apparent in the menu. We will definitely be returning.

Mark Maloney

Manny & The Crew are Awesome!!!

Tony Wilkey

Ok

Eduardo Trevino

Awesome place awesome food awesome cocktails awesome service

David Ruyle

Amazing and cozy. Also perfect place for a drink after work.

Donald Denny

Great spot. Jose always makes us feel welcome here. All the food there is good and the lobster bisque soup is to die for.

James Huot-Dunlap

Cozy atmosphere. We had a party of 5. The service, presentation, and food was what was expected for fine dining.

Katie Maus

Went there for lunch. We were the only people until more came in. The mgr or owner was a snooty stuck up old man who has bad things to sa y about everyone. He didn't realize how loud he was, but Still, unprofessional!!

Michael Vitali

The clams where excellent...thanks Miguel!

Bryce Roberts

Small and quiet with good food.

Antoine Meunier

Overall good food, lots of choice, service a bit slow.

Berton D

Lamb chops were excellent, great food

Davis Zilahi

"Great service, great food, beautiful location"

elvira evans

Food was really good. I rate that a 5 but dang I have to wait an hour!!!. I ordered Filet Mignon and it was gooooddd... I am not sure if they have bar tender because my Margarita taste like blahhh!!! Maybe it's not a best place for margarita.

David GM

The Chef is Word known Martin San Román also the original creator of the Baja Mediterrane Food movement

Brian Veale

Outstanding! Best business lunch in town.

Ken Brucker

One should aspire to eat there, not have your name on plaque there.

kurt anderson

Good food, great service. $10 burger

Stephen Holmes

Great spot for dinner from the Continent! The space is a store front bar with a warm loft dining area kinda like a euro hotel lobby. Service was outstanding. The waitress brought a dessert to try just for us having dinner at the end of the evening. I had the duck al orange and the wife had the mushroom ravioli- both were excellent! I highly recommend Dobson's for a escape from Baja and coastal grub into fine dining.

Niki Newmann

The cheeseburger or I should say The Burger with cheese and bacon was one of their specials that caught my eye, When you walk in, this stereotypical gangster's eatery is warm and cozy. The best customer service, attention and knowledge of the whole concept. The Burger came out cooked medium rare and was so juicy I had to grab a napkin. AAA RATING lol

Don Potenza

Great food, awesome staff, fully stocked bar. What me could you need?

21krlitros

Great food but the host was amazing. I think his name is Mark and he knows everything about everything and I am flattered I got to meet him. Super cute too

Victor Rivas Aureoles

El lugar perfecto para comer en familia, un grupo de amigos, parejas, empresarios. Tiene una propuesta gastronómica distinta y de alta calidad.

Ruthanne Fisher

Love the food, staff, and vibe here!

Marcello Hinojosa

Been coming for a long time. Birthdays anniversary etc. Soup is amazing. Lunch menu at the bar really good. Great service.

Rebecca Holliday

Mussel bisque THE BEST And bread too. Small place with lots of character. People are super friendly

Danielle Wells

Still think this place has some of the best pizza in CA. I've been a few times and have always had a few stand out pizzas. There's always a creative special to try out. Its a small place to visit so seating is at a premium. But its worth it.

Christie Crane

californian food and the setting here is great. a preferred evening place. certainly worth going back to. this place has a great atmosphere. menu is like a place in miami i enjoyed

Yannick Mfoulou

Great time at Dobson’s. Jose the waiter was a great host, excellent knowledge of the menu and always a gentle attention to his guests, in both English and Spanish. The food was delicious, with veggies, meat and scallops cooked just right. Tried the house Cab Sav and it was just the perfect match to the dish. We had a great time, thanks again.

susi diaz

My friends and I had the best time last night

John Beck

A great old school Chicago/Boston Banker/attorney wood bar with truly unique and amazing food and great service. Never disappoints!

Misty Tower

Awesome food and great service. The chocolate mousse cake was devine!

Ivette Torres Coto

El lugar es hermoso acogedor el edificio tiene alrededor de 100años eso sin mas le da un toque unico. La comida es espectacular , el Chef Martin San Roman esta en constante renovacion. Barra completa bueba lista de vinos

Cindy Boomer

Charming traditional restaurant. Fabulous food, elegant interior. Pricey but worth it.

Jason Cushnie

Great food, wonderful atmosphere. The server was exceptional.

Alan Pulsifer

Mussel bisque was phenomenal. Great old time atmosphere.

Zenitraz Official

Food and Service beyound expectations

Arnoldo Aquino

Excelente atención, la comida super deliciosa un lugar muy agradable y super especial

steve moses

Dobson's has been on my list of places to try for many years. However, this is the first time we actually made it in for dinner. It was worth the wait, everything was excellent. We started out with their mussel bisque and salads both of which were done incredibly well. We each had the filet mignon Chez Martin medium rare which was perfectly cooked. My only complaint there was that by the time the steak was brought to us it was only just slightly above room temperature. Finally we finished with the Tiramisu and blackberry tart desserts. The desserts were excellent. Everything we ordered including the wine was, I thought, reasonably priced for what it was. Everything was clearly made with First Quality ingredients and quite a bit of care and skill in the preparation. We will definitely make time to come back again.

Diana Glen

Came upon this place and we were able to get in only because it was early enough, but I would recommend a reservation. Absolutely delicious food and very good service.

Nicholas Scott

This has been one of my favorite spots for meals and cocktails. They feature a mussel bisque that will take you away with a smile. Great fresh fish and steaks. Try it, you will like it!

Bertrando Bart

This is a great little place near the grove. Definitely worth the walk to check it out. The meats are great, but the real differentiated is their vegetables. Tamarind slaw, and sambal corn stand out. Top it with some balsam and the composition is perfect.

Karl Steinberg

The mussel bisque is a legendary must. They had a barbecued pork special the day we were there and it was huge and the most delicious pork I've had maybe ever.

Michael Shoaf

Met some people for work. Kind of packed. Great location though! Be sure to get a table. Standing at the bar is a pain!

Jesse Lamb

A friendly, cozy place in the Gaslamp. I stop here every time I come to San Diego.

Beverley Ireland

The curry muscles & crusty bread was delicious!!! A great dining experience and the server was perfect! First time there, but I will be back soon! In fact next week!

Margaret Marr

Excellent

Angie Ernest

Great service - devine food. Araceli is the best hostess and waitress! Michael is the best bartender. Muscle Bisque is a MUST followed up by the Seafood Linguini.

Amy Bouchard

Had a lovely, quiet dinner here. Food was outstanding. No loud music. Great for conversation. Ask the bartender - Alex - if he has any ghost stories to share.

Darian Smith

Great "Intimate" spot in San Diego!

Brian Burmeister

Always awesome!!

Darian Sparks

Nice historic feel, great food, employees are friendly and knowledgeable

Susan R.

The food was a big failure. We tried the mussel soup and it only had a couple of mussels. We ordered scallops but they were all out. They also charge $5 for a piece of bread. This is beyond ridiculous. Our server was great but unfortunately the food disappoints so we won't recommend or return.

Felipe Loza

CHEF MARTIN IS INCREDIBLE

Mexicans lol

Fabulous

Daryl Gordon

It was like going back in time to the 40’s and eating at an upscale restaurant/bar in downtown San Diego. It appears that over the years they have not done anything but preserve the look and the feel of the restaurant. It was recommended that I have the mussel bisque...so I did and it did not disappoint. To add to my experience, the service was top notch. I would highly recommend this place for any occasion.

Beaux Mullikin

Dobson's is amazing!

Brian Remmers

Great food great staff historical building with a great story, ask about the clock on the wall too funny

Steve Hermanson

We really enjoyed Dobson's. Very friendly, excellent service, great food, appropriately priced drinks- couldn't ask for more.

Victoria Blair

Amazing experience! The bartender was welcoming, friendly and a great source for things to do. Many people are prone to have angst towards tourist but it was the complete opposite. He took the time to give us suggestions and directions. A definite must!! Quick walk from Dolores Park.

Judy Wheatley

Excellent burger and fries. Great service

Joseph Hicke

Old style bar and restaurant. The food is good and the atmosphere is nice. Hey a reservation for sure as it is very small

Joe Ramirez

Food was great, but if you look like a "regular Joe" they will treat you like are so. I really was expecting more from this palce

Christina Blanco

Great service and amazing food!

ls92101

The mussel bisque is pretty good however, the french dip sandwich was awful. Looks like a cool place that would do very well in SF, or NYC but seems to struggle here. The owner seemed nice and said goodbye as he was leaving but I was more keen on having a good meal than being friendly with Mr. Dobson.

J

Very nice and respectful.

Christine Marie

Great food Love the atmosphere

Michael Barbat

A San Diego institution. The food and service is first class. This place is a crossroads in San Diego.

Amy Howard

Good atmosphere .Inconsistent quality of food. Chicken not cooked thoroughly. No offer to reimburse for extra wait time and bad overall experience. Nice for aftra work drinks with professional colleagues .

Frank Bean

Service is excellent

Susan Marshall Gordon

Great food. Very accommodating when we realized we had an earlier show than we thought.

Stephen Ephland

Great ambiance for a romantic dinner out or a casual drink at the bar.

Mr la

Great food. Amazing experience

Kevin Leeman

Awesome food and drinks. Love the desserts and friendly service. Great ambiance.

Vanessa

The price is a little steep for the portions. I had a crabcake and it was super cold inside I had to return it. Their bisque was so delicious, this made me give them a higher rating for the crab cake fail. I would probably go back, but i would probably end up eating somewhere after being that the portions are TINY

Clara Zaragoza

Exquisita sopa de mejillones

Cesar Barraza

Nice food

Cze Low

Interesting restaurant

Rachel Grossman

Me before cup of coffee. ;)

Seann Triubhas

Cute interior. I especially enjoyed the upstairs cozy environment, but I didn't like passing through the stench of mildew that sits in the staircase/kitchen area. Food is alright, service is slow at lunch, and prices are a bit steep for the amount of food, but not bad overall.

Judy Schultz

Great place! Great food and ambiance.

Chr Becker

good food nice atmosphere

Jose Antonio Jimenez

The best place

Karen Doughty

Food is great. Service is good albeit a little slow if you are on the clock. Had the Chicken Cobb And it was delicious. Chicken was warm, big piece of avo, yummy olives and orange slices, cherry tomatoes and egg with a delicious avocado ranch dressing.

Ruben Rosental

Very good attention,great food ,parking available next dor for a fee.

Annadine Lemar

Had a fabulous time at the bar! Michael was our bartender and very accommodating and friendly. Food was great, had the Oysters Rockefeller though they were different than I've had they were exceptionally good. We also had the Pizzaladiere... Yummy!

Daichi Siegrist

The famous mussel bisque is fantastic!

Bob Thompson

Paul and company putting out great burgers, steaks and chops and a welcoming Happy Hour! 30+ yrs now !

David Leuterio

The lobster bisque is a must! Try to make to Dobson's anytime I'm in SD

Devon Mcfarland

Californian food and the atmosphere at this place is great. I will be back with my relatives.

Paul Walter

The food was delicious, with veggies, meat and scallops cooked just right. Great old time atmosphere!

Jennifer Meloche

Can't get enough of this place. The Mussel Bisque is exceptional! They serve it with a puff pastry shell baked on top of the bowl, and a drizzle of sherry tableside. Don't forget the warm sourdough...

Leslie Howell

Nice staff, great atmosphere, good food

Yvonne Keller

Great restaurant, bar and fun people watching.

Ea G

Order anything from the menu you won't be disappointed. A Friendly and professional staff make Dobson's the dining standard for decades.

Renee Papritz

(Translated by Google) The recommended bisque of the day is really special ... (Original) El recomendado bisque del dia es realmente especial...

Joe S

A San Diego classic! Just try their muscle bisque and the house made bread is the best in town.

Coast Group

always a good time @ Dobsons

cze low

Nice restaurant, good steak and famous mussels bisque

Leroy Hardy

My fav spot for delicious californian food. It was so savory. Service is typically good. This place has a cool feel to it. Mood here is similar to Fresno's scene.

Mark Elkin

Nice atmosphere. Easy walk to Balboa Theater. Interesting backstory - go there to find out.

Dennis Bithoulkas

If you're on jury duty, this place is a decent lunch option that isn't fast food.

Jim Kidwell

Friendly staff and great food.

Dubs Montgomery

Nostalgia and ambiance! Beautiful place.

Dan Minteer

Great food and great service

Charlie Mack

Went here for a business dinner. Reservations were set up with a fixed menu. It took foreverrrrrr to get service and the food. On the bright side, the house wine was good.

Charlie Upham

A sentimental spot for me. A great place for lunch, drinks, pate, and mussel bisque. The rest of the menu is a shadow of its heyday.

Daniel Tisch

Friendly place to dine solo at the bar. Tasty mussel soup.

Frank Radomski

I highly recommend the Sea Bass and short ribs.

Ambrosha Martinez

Without reservations they sat us outside next to the heater. It was so wonderful, it was quiet, warm and almost had a feel of being in Europe. Dinner was great!!!

JM Stumpfel

Used to enjoy the mussel bisque with sherry before going to the opera. It's a beautiful restaurant and bar where you don't feel overdressed if you are going to see a performance at the Civic Theater after dining or coming back afterwards for a night cap. Makes for a beautiful evening.

Erika Aarestad

Great food and staff although that muscle soup is a bit overrated for me

Marcus Bourassa

A bit cramped, but a nice feel, good atmosphere, and pleasant staff. I wish the prices were a bit lower, but they're appealling to a wealthier clientele than the gaslamp.

Rose Collins

Ok place for tasty californian food. Service is consistently great. This place has a nice atmosphere.

Janelle Warnecke

Amazing food and service. Highly recommend if you are in the area.

Fred Lin

(Translated by Google) (Original) 這是一家位在聖地牙哥市中心的 風味餐館， 與我同行的友人告訴我這家餐館以經在這邊開了接近25年的時間。 開設這家店的老闆就是Dobson， 目前已經沒有在這邊工作。 不過根據店裏面服務生的說法， 他還是常常會在店裡面用餐以及跟客人聊天。 這老闆是乎是一個有趣的人， 除了開設這家餐廳之外，他同時也開設了另外一家公司來經營美國到古巴的旅遊事業。 與我同行的友人就曾經在他的帶領之下一起到古巴去旅遊。 這家店的淡菜海鮮濃湯 非常有名， 所以我就點了一份來試試看。 就很像在台灣平常看得到的 其實酥皮濃湯一樣， 湯被送來時碗的上面也蓋著一層濃濃的酥皮。 在用湯匙戳破酥皮的同時， 濃濃的海鮮味也就從碗裡飄了出來。 再加上一點點奶油雞洋蔥的味道， 我感覺非常喜歡這道他們特色的菜。 我們後來同時也想用了沙拉煎干貝以及起司蛋糕， 味道都非常的可口。 另外店裡的客人雖然非常多， 但氣氛卻相當不錯也不會吵雜。 整體來說， 我非常推薦來這一家餐廳用餐。

Isa Ahearn

Dobson's food is second to none. We thank chef Martin San Roman for accommodating a party of 23 with an awesome menu. The artichoke salad was well balanced with its lemon mustard vinaigrette, the escargots en croute were a delicate surprise for our English students, the prime rib was cooked to perfection, the crepe cake a la mode satisfied our curious taste buds, and the cherry on top was the cordial; a shot of aged Tequila Martin San Roman, aromatic, smooth, and a true piece of conversation. The service was outstanding too. We'll be back sans doute.

Renata Nixon

I only give it four stars because my food wasn’t as hot as I like. It wasn’t cold.... but felt like it had been in the warmer and had started to cool. We came for a work dinner and other than that minor detail the food was actually really good. The service was also excellent!

Luz Myers

I absolutely love their mussel bisque! The texture and flavor is so full and creamy! The puff pastry that comes with it is amazing! I first came for pick up, but a couple weeks later, I decided to try the food while dining in!

Mike Hosley

Fabulous, would give it more than 5 stars, if possible! Very well managed by the team that has taken the reins since Paul Dobson built up a well heeled clientele, the place has a rich history, and is popular with very prominent lawyers and professionals, sports celebrities, and Mexican nationals who cross the border for business deals... OFF THE HOOK service, food, ambiance, and management- can't say enough about this place. Used to the the "press room" which was the go to place back in the day when the print news and reporters were working at the newspapers and it was and still is a place to network with the most influential and nicest crowd of businesspeople.

Danny Hernandez

The muscle bisque is what they recomend and now I know why. Thank you jose, you were awesome.

Flavia Lemos

Absolutely AMAZING! Great service, delicious food and wine! Shannon greeted us with a warm welcome and a friendly smile. Lino served us the entire night in a very efficient and friendly way. We’re all amazed by the team! The food was awesome and we had a great time!!!

Mariia Arkhypova

Excellent experience. Great service, delicious food.

C D

We had a nice lunch here. Really neat place with a cool history. And the food was great.

Gustavo Garcia

Great food & service

John Deeney

the food is good in this noisy and crowded restaurant right downtown, and people have a good time talking to the friendly staff (especially the owner/host) and diners at neighboring tables. it's not quite high-style gourmet dining but does feel "big-city" unlike most of san diego's more popular dining spots. drinks and wine are good and quickly served, and the kitchen does a good job with standard menu items.

Aaron Martella

Great service from Michael and Adrian. Food is amazing. Mussel Bisque will blow you away

Leonardo Mccarthy

Outstanding spot for tasty Californian food. Arrived at six, it was not packed. I look forward to going back again. This place has a good feel to it.

Ken Baker

Faded glory, but this downtown classic remains an important spot for business lunches and the after work cocktail debrief and rendezvous. Dobson's mussel bisque is still a must start to any meal - yes to the sherry. The Dobson burger surpassed my modest expectations but there are many good menu choices. Paul still keeps his watchful eye on the proceedings. Visit soon.

Al. B.

From the opening game opening season game at the stadium walking through the gas light district after having drinks ending up at this restaurant Dobbs unbelievable yes theme from San Francisco I have House of Prime ribs crustaceans this restaurant Pub bar was over the top unbelievable I I I'm speechless

Peter Sydoriak

Excellent restaurant! Small and cozy, very good food and service. Definitely a go to place.

Leslie Rivers

Good spot for quality californian food. Good place to hang and eat some good food. The bill was fair.

Donna McLoughlin

Delicious

Mark Matzeldelaflor

If you are in town, it is worth whatever plans you need to rearrange to get here. Try the mussel bisque... absolutely out of this world with the flavor combination and buttery, flaky crisp on top.

Arthur Paul

Must go during happy hours.

Addy Z.

Great tasting food and customer service!

CH Low

Good restaurant in central San Diego

Jinghe Huang

Worst service ever. Wrong food for twice and eventually cancel it without any noticing.

Emmery Holmes

What a gem. Outstanding food and excellent service. The place has an old school high end vibe. Wood, glass and framed pictures adorn this cozy little place. I sat at the bar. The bartender was amazing, great service, witty and polite. I had a salad and fresh bread with a pint of beer, it was absolutely outstanding.

Craig Brown

Craig Brown Executive Chef opened Restaurant with Paul Dobson in 1984 We were Fab! Not as on point now as my years but it will always be a Great Place, Paul Dobson is a Master of charming intelligent conversation..

Kevin Van Veldhuisen

(Translated by Google) Very nice lunch! (Original) Erg lekker geluncht!

Alejandro Valle

Mussle bique is a must have! Great food and can be very convenient before a play at the SD Civic theater

Ray Ewing

Always good