Such a disappointment. We made reservations for a birthday dinner before a show at the Civic, and we walked in ready to order, having looked at the menu online. 75 minutes in, we still had no food. Had to stand next to the kitchen and grab it to go, and eat it cold three hours later. It was gross by that time. We also had called earlier and asked about ordering a specific dish from the lunch menu for our child's dinner. They said no problem. When we tried to order it, the waiter said they didn't even offer it. They were very nice people but we will not return. And we were charged full price in spite of all the apologies.

Dobson's 8 oz. filet steak is soft top prime cut, on par with Ruth Chris. Decor similar to Indianapolis St. Elmo Steakhouse a lot of dark wood paneling. Service attentive. A bit less formal more like a bar environment resembling narrow NY restaurant. Duck breast tasty and moist. Tiramisu smooth texture. House cabernet the same, not bitter/tart. White Russian bar drink potent. Hit all the marks for a 2 bill dinner for two. Has upstairs seating with balcony overlooking lower bar. You need reservations unless maybe you might elbow up to the bar counter. Mixed green salad as expected plus ordered really good and crusty crunchy sourdough and sooo soft bread inside. Would visit again.

One of the best restaurants I have been to in San Diego County. 5 star in ambiance, beverage and food. Small but alot of history. The Bartender and server were the best, knowledgeable and attentive. The food was so flavorful. Wine was delicious. Desserts were out of this world. I will be back for sure.

Best spot we went to in San Diego. Service was high class and on point. Prices are fair. Decor is classy and elegant, live music playing the perfect songs in a great tone to set the mood, and the food was excellent. The mussel bisque is the best bisque of any kind I've ever had. It's a travesty to not get it. Tiramissu was unbelievably good as well, thick cream with the perfect amount of coffee flavor as to not over power it. If you're visiting its a mistake to not come here.

Dinner was delicious. The bread is worth the extra cost. Such a nice atmosphere. Entree was really good and was super hot and fresh. Service could have been a little better but wasn't too bad. Parking available across the street underground for $10. Would definitely come back.

Highly overrated. This place is boomer-fancy. The mussel-bisque is outstanding and stands on its own. The venue is great too. However, the other dishes on the menu are sub-par and highly overpriced. The ‘aged ribeye’ is not aged and is likely just a USDA choice cut, if that. It had grill marks on it, a non-existent sear, was not aged, and was very chewy. Longhorn has better steaks than this place. Wine menu is very small and missing old world wines so good luck getting a good pair with a steak. Basically don’t go unless you want the bisque. Way better choices for similar money.

The was ok. I enjoyed it and it was good. I love the wooden bar. Feels very cozy.

I had an amazing experience at Dobson in San Diego. The Prime Ribeye I ordered was cooked to perfection—exactly how I like it. The house bread served with butter was a delightful addition to the meal. To complement the flavors, I enjoyed two local IPA beers. Our server, Lino, provided exceptional service throughout. I can’t say enough good things about him. Overall, a fantastic dining experience that I would highly recommend.

Came in for the Beef Dip Sandwich that did not disappoint had the Mussel Bisque as the side. The Bisque was amazing! Great service and loved the old time ambience.

This place is great and low key off the unbeaten path. Great atmosphere for a date or just meeting up. This place was established in 1984 but is kept very well. There's outdoor seating but the ambience is the best. Staff is friendly and knowledgeable. Please I recommend the shrimp linguine and the mussel bisque (most sold item).

Our bartender was awesome. Told us some history about the bar. Loved the food and the drinks. Visiting from Orange California.

The escargot was noteworthy because it came in the shells, this was the first time I've come across that. I ordered the filet medium rare, it was a fantastic taste. The best appetizer was definitely the mushroom and shrimp thing (forgetting the word). The baked brie was amazing.

Quaint bar/restaurant near Civic Theatre where we enjoyed dinner before our show. Pricey, but very tasty. Crème brûlée, my favorite dessert, was surprisingly meh due to the fact that the entire ramekin must have been placed in the oven to crystalize the sugar because we couldn't touch the sides of the dish as it was scorching hot. Also the custard was more runny than firm due to the overheating. Otherwise, a terrific dinner.

This was our 1st time there, Alex our waiter was amazing and they had live music at 730, definitely will go again and again

Great restaurant tucked away in a corner of downtown. Food was amazing and the service was amazing as well. The only reason I'm giving it 4 stars instead of 5, is how small the place is. Outside of that, I'd most definitely go there again...and again.

I Highly recommend this place. •Delicious menu •Beautiful historic space •Large wine selection •Full bar •intimate And most important GREAT service!

two days ago was our first time in this restaurant. But It is obviously not the last. We enjoyed the evening very much with the attentive service, with the excellent cuisine and booze and with the honest pay. We will definitely visit there in a short time.

Absolutely wonderful, our bartender Mike was knowledgeable, and fun !

californian food, yeah, so good. The service was friendly and sociable. It has a nice feel to it. Wish it was closer to my house, I would come every week.

One of my preferred spots for tasty californian food. Visited Fri evening I think. Bring your hunger - portions are generous.

A preferred place for delicious Californian food. food was so tasty. service is typically great.

This spot is good! Good rates, large portions and the employees are regularly very welcoming.

A fav place for tasty Californian food. Entered near nine, it wasn't busy. Staff treated us so kindly.

Amazing salmon. Tastey drinks, seems like they sneak up on you. Very friendly and nice atmosphere especially with the life band upstairs.

Nice cozy restaurant with a competent chef. Our waiter was professional and attentive. Their seafood bisque was awesome!

We ate at the bar and had so much fun! Happy Hour 5 to 7 with great offerings! Beautiful wood bar, intimate dining upstairs.

Three of us went here based on the good reviews. I was quite disappointed. Our waiter was not very attentive. The bread was over cooked and the meal portions were very skimpy for the price. Wish we would have went somewhere else and will definitely not be going back.

I was in San Diego for 3 nights, and chose 3 restaurants for dinner before hand. This one was my favorite by far. Live jazz music, incredible food, great service. Thank you to the entire team at Dobson's! I will absolutely recommend dinner here to anyone visiting (or living in) San Diego.

Simple and tasty french food. Genuine atmosphere. Good service. Went for the bisque, the bike en croute and the filet mignon. Very happy with that. They offered us dessert for the birthday we were celebrating 🥳

My steak was overcooked (asked for medium) and very dry. Shouldn't need to drown the steak in sauce to make it edible.

What a nice place for dinner. Food and service are awesome. This is a small place, and sitting downstairs (across the bar) gets a lot of traffic. So, if you are looking for a more quiet place with 2 or more people , go upstairs. And if you are a single person, maybe sitting at bar (having the back to the traffic) is the better choice.

I loved this place for a pre theater dinner. We shared the mushroom ravioli, it was so delicate yet filling and also had the filet mignon which was cooked to perfection. I loved dining in the mezzanine area upstairs, it was quaint and romantic for our date night. I think we’ve just started a tradition for our pre theater dinners.

My habit: After having been in the restaurant/food service business for over 15 years from dishwasher to management I inspect and reflect on the restaurants I patronise. Experience: Went to Dobson's for dinner after the ballet & were sat immediately (A+). We were ahead of the dinner crowd so this should have happened even with our reservations. Noticed we were not greeted simply taken to our table (F-). We were sat on the second floor immediately overlooking the bar. The waiter was prompt but did not introduce himself or welcome us (F-). Did not ask if we had been to Dobson's before. He did not state if there were specials or what soup of the day was so I don't know if there was and must assume there were none. He did state we made good food choices when we ordered (A+). Cleanliness: The wrought iron banister is caked with grease, covered in dust, bread crumbs and ? (F-). This filth then falls into drinks and the ice as well as food on the bottom floor (F-), The top of the picture frames as well are covered in dust which then will fall/float into food plates (F-). The condiment holder for sugar was also not clean (sugar and other was on the bottom which shouldn't happen after just one day) which then tends to also question the cleanliness of the other condiment containers and shakers (not washed and/or sterilized daily (F-)). The top of the wooden display case for liquor bottles is covered with a layer of dust which is obvious from a moved bottle (F-) which also means that the bottles themselves are not wiped down regularly and that filth falls into the drinks when poured (F-). Food: Beef stroganoff and pork chop plates are bland and both need to be seasoned much better, beef appeared to be off color/boiled/still can't pinpoint it (F-). We both used salt and pepper to add seasoning which shouldn't be done. Bread was served warm which is always a plus (A+). Butter was hard and not spreadable (F-). Wait staff: The waiter was prompt - but again we were ahead of the dinner crowd (A+). We were not asked how everything was after dinner plates were served (F-). He lacked the courtesy, thoughtfulness and expertise/training of asking if we were done and simply took the plates, and bread away (F-). Ice tea was not topped off or refilled (F-). The bread was not offered simply brought and I then found I was billed for it (F-). A different waiter? introduced himself to the surrounding tables but did not follow thru with us which my wife noticed (F-). At the end of our meal he simply brought the bill and thanked us. Exiting: We were not thanked or asked to return as we exited, simply ignored (F-) Overall: The experience was not memorable and we would not return. I even joked that we should have driven to a casino for dinner. Suggestions: Retrain the wait staff, teach the staff on how to clean and sanitize, reevaluate your cooking and ingredients or your cook. I am intentionally avoiding the title of chef.

The bartenders are all great, but especially Sarah and Paul. They are very knowledgeable, especially with some of the more obscure classic drinks; provide great service and are extremely friendly. It is the number one bar in KC, with better cocktails than the highbrow places.

californian food and the scene at this location is great. It was so savory. Service is consistently great. The bill was average for the menu. Food is like a place in Baltimore I liked.

My best colleague and I decided to go to a restaurant nearby. The staff greeted us with that big smile, and they directly showed us to our seats. The menu also explained thoroughly, and they will answer all your questions happily. The food was both beautifully presented and delicious. I will never forget this wondrous experience! Highly recommended!!

I had a house white and Jim had a blonde ail on draft and we both enjoyed our meal and drink. It reminded me of places in Paris and Cadiz. There was pleasant jazz music to accompany our meal. The ambiance is fantastic because it’s a narrow bar with a few tables on the first floor with stairs leading to a loft type area above.

It's tough to come by good sushi in Illinois, and even more difficult in the suburbs. BUT - Blufish nailed it. This place has a great ambiance, really good rolls, quality service, and reasonable prices. It has quickly become a favorite of mine when I go back home, and I'll continue to go here if they are open!

Nice place to visit

californian food and service here is great. Very tasty. The service was helpful and kind. Prices were average for the menu. Kinda of like a restaurant in Los Angeles I loved to visit.

californian food and the feeling at this place is great. The service was very helpful and observant. Prices were average for the menu.

A top spot for californian food. Visited about four, it was not full. The service was very kind and attentive.

I ordered the mussel bisque and burger for take out. The bisque was really good, although very rich, but the accompanying bread may be even better. The burger was delicious and the staff was especially friendly. Definitely want to come back and dine inside, looks very cozy and intimate with an old world romantic feel for the restaurant and bar.

Great service! Amazing food!!

Good spot for delicious californian food. Food was so appetizing. The staff was very helpful and observant. The place has a cool feel to it. I see why this place has a lot of positive reviews.

Fine, small restaurant in downtown San Diego close to the Westin Hotel and US Grant hotel. The cuisine has a French influence, the food was great, and the service was very friendly. I had a house white and Jim had a blonde ail on draft and we both enjoyed our meal and drink.beautiful and atmospheric.

A fav place for quality Californian food. very filling. i will be back with my friends. it has a nice feel to it.

Comfortable, clean, welcoming atmosphere. Perfect family restaurant. Highly recommended! Comfortable, clean, welcoming atmosphere. Perfect family restaurant. Highly recommended! :)

Excellent service & food in a historic building. You can enjoy talented musicians from the outdoor area on Thursdays & into the weekend. There is a feeling of community while in this restaurant that is rare to find & much appreciated ❤️.

californian food and the setting at this location is excellent. Very tasty. The service was friendly and sociable. The bill was average for the menu. If it wasn't far from my work I would come by more.

A favorite place for tasty Californian food. One of the best spots in the area. Looking forward to coming back with my coworkers. It has a cool feel to it. I can see why they have a lot of good reviews.

The spot is amazing and spacious, the meals was delicious and the rates were very reasonable. fast, efficient service and very friendly staff members. Highly recommended.

I am happy that I have the opportunity to visit your restaurant and try your delicious menu. I would not have considered trying before. I'm sure I will have great dining experiences. I also love the ability of the staff because they are fast in getting my orders! Love it!

"Very classy and the prices are higher."

Soooooo good! Amazing food & awesome staff. Fan for life

californian food, awesome. the staff was very friendly and attentive. this place has an awesome atmosphere.

Food was good but the place is hot

californian food and the feeling here is super good. Entered near nine, it wasn't busy. The staff was very sociable and kind. Prices were average for the menu.

A fav place for tasty Californian food. Visited at eight, it was not full. Service treated us so kindly. The place has a great feel to it.

californian food and the feeling here is very good. i wanted to post a food pic but it looked so good i couldn't stop. there was fast and courteous service. food is like a place in baltimore i loved.

Our food was delay and the service was a bit slow.

Food was good!

Perfect on a chilly night! Delicious brisket sul lung tang with equally delicious ggak doo ki (radishes). The restaurant is small, not so easy to find, but service is fast and you're in and out full and satisfied!

Great food. The mussel bisque was amazing. The live music added to an already awesome meal.

Always a honor to dine here. As a SD Resdient, I always can expect nothing but the best here. They have dinning upstairs as well and a beautiful bar. 5 Stars!!

Food was great, but having only one casheir when the line is really long, doesn't help. Service is friendly but having an extra cashier wouldn't hurt.

Great food, drinks and service 😁