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Dobson's Bar & Restaurant, San Diego, CA

Dobson's Bar & Restaurant

4.6
4.6
1428 Reviews
$30 and under
Californian

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2 people
19:00
Booked 7 times today
Experiences are available.
  • Charming
  • Neighbourhood gem
  • Good for special occasions
Dobson's Bar and Restaurant is a hidden treasure in the heart of Downtown San Diego/Gaslamp Quarter. For the last 40 years, this has been the hot spot for business lunches and frequented by many local and nationwide celebrities. Paul Dobson, the namesake for Dobson's bar and restaurant, is one of America's few professional Bullfighters. The food is California cuisine with a touch of Italian, French, Spanish and Asian cuisine. One thing that both local San Diegans and Zagat can agree on is that this is one of the top restaurants in San Diego. Due to the limited seating and popularity, reservations are highly recommended. Owner Paul Dobson "works a room better than Sinatra", which explains why this "local tradition" downtown remains, "after all these years", a "high-powered, hobnob spot"; the Cal kitchen "serves up delicious, innovative food, along with old standbys" ("have the mussel bisque and think of heaven").

Order delivery or takeout

Private dining

Private dining

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Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Californian, French, Seafood
  • Hours of Operation
    Lunch Mon–Fri 11:00–15:00 Dinner Mon–Sat 15:00–21:00 Sat 16:00–21:00
  • Phone number
    (619) 231-6771
  • Website
    http://www.dobsonsrestaurant.com/
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Executive Chef
    Martin San Roman
  • Catering
    We offer catering for private events. Please call the restaurant to inquire about details.
  • Private party facilities
    Dobson's proudly introduces our new Private Dining Planning Department! Your ideas and our expertise will create just the right menu. You can even rent the whole restaurant for your private event!!! For more information please contact us directly.
  • Private party contact
    Marcos Luciano: (619) 231-6771
  • Location
    956 Broadway Circle, San Diego, CA 92101
  • Area
    Downtown / Gaslamp
  • Cross Street
    Broadway
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cafe, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Takeaway, Wine

Experiences

  • Filet & Lobster Mondays at Dobson's!

    US$59.95 per person

    Multiple dates available
    Join us every Monday night 4 to 9 pm. 8 oz Filet Migñon and 4 oz Wild Lobster Tail Au Gratin Mashed Potatoes Fresh Vegetables Bordelaise Sauce Butter and the Choice of Dobsons Famous Mussel Bisque or Caesar Salad for only $ 59.95 plus tax
    Filet & Lobster Mondays at Dobson's! photo

Menu

Dobson's Famous Sourdough Bread and Butter service $1.75 per person. Ask your server about our desserts

Appetizers

  • Brie FondueUS$14.00

    Baked brie, honey, dry figs, almonds, sea salt

    • Shrimp & Mushrooms AjilloUS$22.00

      Sautéed in butter, garlic, white wine, demi sauce, dry chile

      • BBQ Chicken WingsUS$16.00

        Ranch dressing

        • Nova Scottia Smoked SalmonUS$20.00

          Capers, olive oil, red onions, black pepper, hard boiled egg

          • Irish Style MusselsUS$22.00

            Beer, shallots, onions, garlic, cream, bacon

            • Grilled Octopus BajaUS$25.00

              Marinated in special sauce, avocado, cherry tomatoes, cilantro, olive oil

              Soups

              • Paul Dobson's Mussel Bisque en CroûteUS$15.00

                • BowlUS$15.00
                • CupUS$13.00

              • Soup of the DayUS$10.00

                • BowlUS$10.00
                • CupUS$8.00

              • French Onion Soup GratineUS$12.00

                The classic from France

                • BowlUS$12.00

              Salads

              • Chicken Cobb SaladUS$20.00

                Grilled chicken breast, avocado, hard boiled egg, blue cheese, bacon, ranch dressing

                • Caesar SaladUS$12.00

                  • Spanish SaladUS$14.00

                    Sliced tomatoes, blue cheese, red onions, parsley vinegar, olive oil

                    • Salad MaisonUS$12.00

                      House salad, tomatoes, black olives, gruyère cheese, glazed walnuts

                      Signature Sandwiches

                      Choice of Soup of the day / French fries / Salad

                      • Dobson's Room Burger on BriocheUS$18.00

                        Sharp cheedar, maple bacon, lettuce, onions, tomatoes, side of french fries

                        • Niçoise Salad BurgerUS$20.00

                          Fresh grill tuna, alioli, hard boiled egg, lettuce, tomato, side of french fries

                          • French Dip on BaguetteUS$18.00

                            Roast beef, gruyère cheese, horseradish, au jus

                            • Turkey SandwichUS$16.00

                              Roasted turkey, mayo, bacon, avocado, lettuce, tomato

                              • English Style Fish and ChipsUS$19.00

                                Ale battered cod fish, french fries, tartar sauce

                                • Martin's Atelier BaguetteUS$20.00

                                  Chipotle mayonnaise, Spanish chorizo, jamón serrano, salami, gruyère cheese, basil, tomatoes, lettuce

                                  • Chicken SandwichUS$16.00

                                    Grilled chicken breast, brie cheese, bacon, sautéed onions

                                    Entrées

                                    • Chicken Milanese alla RomanaUS$25.00

                                      Marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, mashed potatoes, vegetables

                                      • Steak and FritesUS$38.00

                                        6 oz filet migñon, french fries, arugula, goat cheese, salad, red wine, sauce on the side

                                        • Grilled SalmonUS$28.00

                                          Grilled fresh salmon, lemon butter, potato croquette, fresh asparagus

                                          • Our Catch of the DayUS$30.00

                                            Ask server about today's catch

                                            • Shrimp LinguiniUS$28.00

                                              Sautéed shrimp, mushrooms, tomatoes, white wine, creamy sauce

                                              • Ravioli ai FunghiUS$24.00

                                                Mushroom raviolis, creamy truffle sauce, parmesan cheese

                                                Pizzas

                                                • Pizza de la CasaUS$18.00

                                                  Pepperoni, onions, mushrooms, tomatoes, bell peppers, arugula

                                                  • Chef's PizzaUS$22.00

                                                    Jamón serrano, blue cheese, mozzarella, dry figs, caramelized onions, pears

                                                    Last updated: 24 December 2023

                                                    What 1,428 people are saying

                                                    Overall ratings and reviews

                                                    Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

                                                    4.6
                                                    4.6 based on recent ratings
                                                    • 4.6Food
                                                    • 4.7Service
                                                    • 4.5Ambience
                                                    • 4.5Value

                                                    Noise • Moderate

                                                    Loved For

                                                    • San Diego

                                                      Californian

                                                    Review summary

                                                    AI-generated from verified diner reviews
                                                    Dobson's Bar & Restaurant offers a charming and intimate dining experience with "great food" and "amazing service." Guests rave about the "mussel bisque" and exceptional menu offerings. The atmosphere is enhanced by live music, adding to its appeal. While seating has been noted as tight, the attentive staff make every visit memorable.

                                                    1,428 Reviews

                                                    1. kimberly

                                                      San Diego

                                                      12 reviews

                                                      vip
                                                      5.0

                                                      12 reviews

                                                      Dined 6 days ago

                                                      1. Overall 5
                                                      2. Food 5
                                                      3. Service 5
                                                      4. Ambience 5
                                                      It's always a good choice. Charming, tasty, good service and live music later.

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                                                    2. Garry

                                                      San Diego

                                                      1 review

                                                      5.0

                                                      1 review

                                                      Dined 6 days ago

                                                      1. Overall 5
                                                      2. Food 5
                                                      3. Service 5
                                                      4. Ambience 5
                                                      We Love this place….always feel like we are in New York!

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                                                    3. funda

                                                      New York City

                                                      1 review

                                                      5.0

                                                      1 review

                                                      Dined 7 days ago

                                                      1. Overall 5
                                                      2. Food 5
                                                      3. Service 5
                                                      4. Ambience 5
                                                      Exceptional. Food, service, our waiter Juan was awesome. We were a table of 6, overlooking the restaurant by the railing. Such a beautiful venue and great atrmosohere. Once they changed the music to more jazz, Sinatra etc it really made the place shine. Nice work Dobson’s. Can’t wait to come back.

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                                                    4. Scott

                                                      Phoenix

                                                      1 review

                                                      vip
                                                      5.0

                                                      1 review

                                                      Dined 7 days ago

                                                      1. Overall 5
                                                      2. Food 5
                                                      3. Service 5
                                                      4. Ambience 5
                                                      Tremendous food and service as always! Great mussel bisque

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                                                    5. christine

                                                      Anchorage

                                                      5 reviews

                                                      5.0

                                                      5 reviews

                                                      Dined on 12 November 2024

                                                      1. Overall 5
                                                      2. Food 5
                                                      3. Service 5
                                                      4. Ambience 5
                                                      The food and service was awesome! Our server was spot on

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                                                    6. Daniel

                                                      San Diego

                                                      15 reviews

                                                      4.0

                                                      15 reviews

                                                      Dined on 10 November 2024

                                                      1. Overall 4
                                                      2. Food 4
                                                      3. Service 5
                                                      4. Ambience 5
                                                      Overall, great experience as always. The duck is a mainstay for us every time we come here but this time it was cooked just shy of inedible, which was super disappointing. That’s a lot of money for a very small portion of meat, and to have it be cooked so poorly is incredibly frustrating. We’ll be back, because I know it’s usually good, but if that was the first time I had tried the duck, I’m pretty sure it’d have been my last visit.

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                                                    7. Jill

                                                      San Diego

                                                      6 reviews

                                                      vip
                                                      1.0

                                                      6 reviews

                                                      Dined on 6 November 2024

                                                      1. Overall 1
                                                      2. Food 2
                                                      3. Service 3
                                                      4. Ambience 3
                                                      We were seated and given water. Waiter came to take our drink orders but we were never given a wine list. Had to ask for the wine list after we were given the happy hour menu. Drinks took a long time to arrive, my food order arrived all at once, even though I told them to bring my appetizer with my husband’s entree. Windex and a rag was on the ledge right behind my chair along with a large scented candle - the kind of candle you would see in a bathroom! Waiters kept bringing us the wrong food- they seemed very disorganized. Seabass was $48 and very small - maybe 3oz! Crab cake was mostly breading and low quality crab. Wine list is mediocre. On top of all this, they added the 4% service charge to the bill. Overall not good and will never return. It was election night and the restaurant was crowded, you’d think they would have planned ahead with staffing.

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                                                    8. gissel

                                                      Baja California

                                                      39 reviews

                                                      vip
                                                      5.0

                                                      39 reviews

                                                      Dined on 3 November 2024

                                                      1. Overall 5
                                                      2. Food 5
                                                      3. Service 5
                                                      4. Ambience 5
                                                      ESTUVO DELICIOSO TODO, UNA GRAN EXPERENCIA !!!!!!!

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                                                    9. Maria

                                                      San Diego

                                                      3 reviews

                                                      vip
                                                      5.0

                                                      3 reviews

                                                      Dined on 3 November 2024

                                                      1. Overall 5
                                                      2. Food 5
                                                      3. Service 5
                                                      4. Ambience 5
                                                      We had an exceptional dining experience at Dobson’s Bar and Grill. Every aspect of our meal was remarkable. We began with the Escargot, which was delightful, especially when paired with the warm sourdough bread. For our main courses, we chose the Beef Stroganoff featuring filet mignon and the filet mignon with mashed potatoes, they did not disappoint. Both dishes were truly impressive. WOW! Thank you for a fantastic evening!

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                                                    10. Tania

                                                      San Diego

                                                      2 reviews

                                                      5.0

                                                      2 reviews

                                                      Dined on 3 November 2024

                                                      1. Overall 5
                                                      2. Food 5
                                                      3. Service 5
                                                      4. Ambience 5
                                                      My husband and I have been coming here for about 15 years. We are in love with the mussel bisque and get it every time! The staff is extremely friendly, accommodating and very attentive. We’ll be back soon!

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                                                    FAQs

                                                    Dobson's Bar & Restaurant offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (619) 231-6771.

                                                    Dobson's Bar & Restaurant is rated 4.6 stars by 1428 OpenTable diners.

                                                    Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

                                                    Make a booking

                                                    2 people
                                                    19:00
                                                    Booked 7 times today
                                                    Experiences are available.

                                                    Order delivery or takeout

                                                    Google Map for Dobson's Bar & Restaurant

                                                    956 Broadway Circle, San Diego, CA 92101

                                                    Additional information

                                                    • Cross Street
                                                      Broadway
                                                    • Area
                                                      Downtown / Gaslamp
                                                    • Hours of Operation
                                                      Lunch Mon–Fri 11:00–15:00 Dinner Mon–Sat 15:00–21:00 Sat 16:00–21:00
                                                    • Price
                                                      $30 and under
                                                    • Cuisines
                                                      Californian, French, Seafood
                                                    • Dining style
                                                      Casual Elegant
                                                    • Dress code
                                                      Business Casual
                                                    • Parking details
                                                      Street Parking
                                                    • Payment Options
                                                      AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
                                                    • Executive Chef
                                                      Martin San Roman
                                                    • Additional
                                                      Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cafe, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Takeaway, Wine
                                                    • Website
                                                      http://www.dobsonsrestaurant.com/
                                                    • Phone number
                                                      (619) 231-6771
                                                    • Catering
                                                      We offer catering for private events. Please call the restaurant to inquire about details.
                                                    • Private party facilities
                                                      Dobson's proudly introduces our new Private Dining Planning Department! Your ideas and our expertise will create just the right menu. You can even rent the whole restaurant for your private event!!! For more information please contact us directly.
                                                    • Private party contact
                                                      Marcos Luciano: (619) 231-6771
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