Albie's Beef Inn
Albie's Beef Inn is a San Diego tradition, having occupied its berth on the east side of Mission Valley, a major travel corridor flanking Interstate 8, since 1962. It's got that classic steakhouse feel--overstuffed leather booths, wood-paneled walls adorned by old paintings in ornate gold frames--and a menu that fits right in. Nothing novel here, just good old T-bones, filets, rib-eyes and other meat-and-potatoes fare.
Albie's Beef Inn
1201 Hotel Circle South
San Diego, CA 92108
(619) 291-1103
netsv.com/albies
Bully's East
Another San Diego institution, Bully's East and its northern neighbor, in the ritzy North San Diego County city of Del Mar, are known for good, solid, down-home steaks and prime ribs, served amid a classic steakhouse decor. Not much has changed since Bully's first opened its doors in 1971, and as far as regulars are concerned, that's a good thing. For lighter appetites, the Bully Burger is not to be missed.
Bully's East
2401 Camino del Rio South
San Diego, CA 92108
(619) 291-2665
bullyseastsd.com/
The Butcher Shop
The Butcher Shop is a uniquely San Diego experience. Think old world Chicago elegance, with dim lighting and lots of red--plush red leather booths, thick red carpeting, and red-hued wood walls. Toss in the thickest steaks you've ever had and you're well on your way toward describing the quintessential Butcher Shop experience. The Butcher Shop, true to its name, also serves Certified Angus Prime Rib, veal, chicken, Australian lobster tail, king crab legs and shrimp.
The Butcher Shop
5255 Kearny Villa Road
San Diego, CA 92123
(858) 565-2272
butchershop.signonsandiego.com
Donovan's Steak and Chop House
With two San Diego locations, Donovan's Steak and Chop House is one of those impress-your-first-date places. You feel you're entering a mansion straight out of the Gilded Age, and there's even a dress code--no shorts or flip-flops. The servings are generous and dependable, and the restaurant prides itself on serving only USDA Prime-graded steaks, from corn-fed cattle straight from the Chicago stockyards.
Donovan's Steak and Chop House
570 K Street
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 237-9700
4340 La Jolla Village Drive
San Diego, CA 92122
(858) 450-6666
donovanssteakhouse.com
Ruth's Chris Steak House
Also boasting two San Diego locations, Ruth's Chris is part of a national chain--but like Starbucks, being part of big chain isn't necessarily a bad thing. Here, the specialty is flash-cooked steaks, topped with butter and parsley. And judging from reviews, there's nothing tastier. All side dishes are a la carte, and Ruth's Chris is considered one of the most expensive steak houses in San Diego. But regulars don't seem to mind.
Ruth's Chris Steak House
1355 North Harbor Drive
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 233-1422
11582 El Camino Real
San Diego, CA
(858) 755-1454
San Diego, CA 92130
ruthschris.com
