This place has the BEST food during happy hour.The wagyu asada fries are too good, addicting actually.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ron Sessler
Nice steakhouse and seafood spot. Not the best steak I've had, but it was good. Drinks were good, as well as overall ambiance.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Scott Blacklock
Ordered the bone in New York received a ribeye, burnt and so tough I checked it for marks where the jockey had been hitting it. Side orders were salt... That's it... Just a plate of salt with a splash of vegetables.Salt grilled Broccolini stems that were like sawing bamboo. Creamed salt with spinach and salt cured mushrooms. All for a mere $400.00 for two people. Just a hot mess. I would have given 5 stars for staff if they hadn't screwed up the martini.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 4
Ellie Klee
Great place for a special occasion or a group. Shell Mac, associate board and rolls were amazing.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Parker House Rolls, The Associate
Mary N
Rare Society is one of the best restaurants for our Christmas Eve dinner. The rib eye was so tender, even when asked for well done. Mine was a bit too charred on the outside, however. The rolls were delicious, hot, and melted in your mouth. The ceasar salad was the best I had with so much cheese! The service was wonderful and attentive. Worth a visit for that special occasion.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Caesar Salad, Parker House Rolls
Dr. J Hester
If you want a spectacular dining experience with excellent food, this is your restaurant. The Associate Board, Ceaser salad, mushrooms, and the broccoli were my favorites.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Caesar Salad, Oysters on the Half Shell, Rolls, The Associate
J G
Great food and great service.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Hailee Wales-Green
The restaurant itself is very inviting! I was surprised by the host interaction plainly knowing that this was a pricey restaurant and she seemed under enthused to be there. The restaurant reservation system asked if we'd be celebrating anything when I made the reservation, however, these details were not known when we arrived. The food portions were generous but the steak sauces lacked flavor. The rolls we received were slightly overcooked and nothing to rave about. Our server, Allison (sp?), was lovely and excellent to be served by. The biggest surprise throughout the meal boiled down to the charge for both blue cheese olives in martinis and the fact the drinks were served up. All in all, the experience was enjoyable but reminiscent of visiting a chain restaurant. There was simply no spark or special experience/vibe/feeling outside of a platter of steak.Parking: There is limited parking in the area, so it's good to keep in mind while visiting this restaurant.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Rolls, Executive Steak Board
Robert Yu
The food was delicious and the service great, will definitely be back.
Wow, we found a new favorite steakhouse in SD! Everything was outstanding: food, drinks, service. I really enjoyed the decor and vibe of the restaurant, especially bar area. Service:: our server was exceptional! Exactly what I would expect from a high end steakhouse. He told us about the restaurant, gave detailed recommendations on the menu and knew about each and every item. He checked on us often and even folded my husband's napkin nicely when he had gone to use the restroom. Courses were paced out properly, but timing wise everything was a reasonable wait. We never felt rushed either. Drinks: I'm on mocktails now and was happy they had a spirit free section. I asked for a recommendation for something not so sweet and our server recommended the fools gold. It was a little on the sweet side, but not overpowering. I enjoyed it. Husband just got beers, but I'm sure their cocktails are great too. Food: we started with the Parker house rolls and they were served in a hot cast iron pan. They were soft and fluffy and topped with truffle butter and herbs. They were delicious, I just could've used a little more butter. Next we had the Caesar salad and it was so good. They really aren't kidding when they say it is topped with a lot of cheese, but who doesn't like cheese? The fried anchovies were an interesting touch, but we enjoyed them. The portion was large as well. For our entree, we shared the associate board (perfect for 2). There was a filet mignon, Denver wagyu, and a tri tip that also came with bone marrow, three sauces to compliment each steak and a beef butter. The waiter told us they go on the rare side and also the chef loves seasoning so if you're not into salt, to let them know. I saw people complain about saltiness in the food in other reviews and was a little concerned, but we didn't have a problem with it and enjoyed with no modifications. We ordered our steaks medium and they came out a bit rare so just be prepared for that. Still, no complaints as the steaks may have been the best or very close to the best we've ever had. They were melt in your mouth good, exceptionally tender. You didn't even need the sauces, but they provide them so I had to try them. We also ordered the shell Mac and broccolini as sides. The shell Mac was so creamy and cheesy, just how I like my Mac and cheese. I just felt it could've used more Mac as there was a lot of cheese sauce. The broccolini was fantastic. I loved the char and zartar seasoning that was perfectly complimented with the Greek yogurt sauce. There was nothing that we ordered that we didn't enjoy. Unfortunately, we were too stuffed for dessert, so next time! There is not parking lot, but we had no trouble finding street parking around the block. They have indoor and outdoor seating, but overall the place is fairly small. They include a 4% surcharge on the bill, which you can ask to have removed. I'd rather them just include that in the costs for the menu items, but it is what it is. Even with that, our bill was comparable to other steak restaurants in the area. I can't wait to go back!
Tracie M.
Their menu is very unique. We were here for a special occasion and the cuisine did not disappoint. The service was fantastic. If you're a carnivore you'll love Rare Society
Aleyda H.
Could have been so much better but how do you say that to your server? Pros - AMAZING SERVICE!!! Attention to detail was incredible from our server to the folks picking up and making sure our water glasses were never below half point. The decor was lovely too. Service, again - amazing!Cons - the food was extremely salty. My son said the creme brulee was the best he's had ever but we went for the steak and not the dessert. This was our New Year's Eve Eve dinner and it was quite disappointing.
SanDiegoJoey D.
A Stellar Dining Experience Marred by a Political SurpriseThe short version: Exceptional food, top-notch service, pleasant atmosphere.The long version: Our first ever visit to this restaurant was made extra special by our daughters, who gifted us a $300 voucher after their awesome experience at the San Clemente location for their anniversary (my eldest daughter and her husband).I won't delve into every dish, but we enjoyed three appetizers, all mouthwatering and surprisingly generous in portions, we could have shared one and been happy but glad we got to taste three. Our main course consisted of New York Strip and Ribeye steaks, accompanied by a variety of sides--undeniably too much for us, but no complaints here! We rounded off our dinners with a shared dessert in what they call a butter cake with a scoop of ice cream on top.Pros:Steaks: Having eaten at least 8 top-tier restaurants and steakhouses in San Diego, I can confidently say that our steaks were on par, if not superior, to any we've ever had.Appetizers, sides, and dessert: Each dish, from the appetizers to the sides and dessert, was delicious. Three appetizers, three sides, and one dessert--all perfectly cooked and bursting with flavor.Service: Our server, Allison (if memory serves me right), was phenomenal! Her constant smile, attentive inquiries about our experience, and unobtrusive water refills made our evening seamless. I found myself commenting to my wife, "Why can't more places have servers like her?"Atmosphere: As a blue-collar construction worker, dressing up for a night out isn't my favorite pastime. This establishment, though not as posh as its San Clemente counterpart, struck a balance that made us feel neither under-dressed nor uncomfortable. It's worth noting that everyone that night seemed to opt for a more casual attire, akin to an evening at Olive Garden, so keep that in mind as you choose a location.Cons:Parking: While not ideal, the parking situation is par for the course in San Diego. Expect a brief stroll, but the area is generally safe, if not particularly scenic.Surcharge: Now, let me air my grievance about what I perceive as an unwelcome intrusion. It's absolute BS to find a "surcharge" tacked onto the bill, seemingly an attempt to subtly convey personal and political views. I sympathize with the challenges businesses faced during the tumultuous times of COVID, and I was understanding when costs rose. However, at what point does it transition from a necessary adjustment to, in my opinion, an inconsiderate move, or to be more blunt, a douche bag move! The answer to that question is....today, right now, it's a BS douche bag move...today!. Placing a surcharge on the bill feels like passing the buck unfairly onto the customers long after the need to do so has passed. It's time businesses absorb these costs and incorporate them into menu prices, much like we accept fluctuations in gas prices or disruptions in other industries. It's a more transparent and equitable approach for all, and doesn't leave us with a bad taste in our mouths.Overall, our dining experience was great, we'll likely return someday but want to try a few other places we found recently first, largely due to the surcharge at the end, just a sore spot for us even though the food quality and exceptional service significantly overshadow the surcharge downside. If not for the surcharge issue, this restaurant would easily have secured a 5 star rating and a permanent spot on our list of favorites.
Milani L.
I really enjoyed Rare Society! My family and I have a tradition of going to have a nice dinner every holiday season and we decided that this would be the spot for this year. Located not too far from Balboa Park, the area was relatively clean! Parking may or may not be a challenge depending on what time you go. We had my grandma with us who is handicapped so my only downfall is that its not too handicap accessible at least parking wise.The place itself was nice and clean. It was very well kept and and the ambiance was really nice. It had a clean and modern feel to it while hints of an older steakhouse vibe. Service was really good! I felt that our waitress was constantly checking up on us and she was super friendly. She was patient with us in helping us understand the menu. I enjoyed being greeted the second we walked up. One thing I did like was the handicap elevator they had to help individuals get to the bathroom. That's the part that was very accessible for handicap individuals.The food was amazing. The parker house rolls were some of the best rolls I've had. They were just the right amount of salty and they melted in my mouth too. It left me wanting more. The bacon was good! It was more like pork belly but the gochujang glaze was so good! It had a smokey taste to it. Now the steamed clams were really yummy! I liked the broth it was in and I really enjoyed dipping the bread in it and soaking it all up. The waitress told us people would even ask for the broth alone. Now the meat. That was so good. It was the type of meat that melts in your mouth. I really enjoyed putting the bone marrow on the meat too. The banana foster cheesecake was so good! It wasn't overwhelmingly sweet. And the butter cake, super fresh and the ice cream was kind of like a sour cream ice cream but I liked it a lot. I had the tiki driver mocktail, super refreshing!It may be on the pricier end but that's because its a steakhouse. Everything we got I say genuinely matches the price. If my wallet can afford it again, I would love to come back. I really enjoyed my time here.
This place has the BEST food during happy hour.The wagyu asada fries are too good, addicting actually.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Nice steakhouse and seafood spot. Not the best steak I've had, but it was good. Drinks were good, as well as overall ambiance.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ordered the bone in New York received a ribeye, burnt and so tough I checked it for marks where the jockey had been hitting it. Side orders were salt... That's it... Just a plate of salt with a splash of vegetables.Salt grilled Broccolini stems that were like sawing bamboo. Creamed salt with spinach and salt cured mushrooms. All for a mere $400.00 for two people. Just a hot mess. I would have given 5 stars for staff if they hadn't screwed up the martini.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 4
Great place for a special occasion or a group. Shell Mac, associate board and rolls were amazing.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Parker House Rolls, The Associate
Rare Society is one of the best restaurants for our Christmas Eve dinner. The rib eye was so tender, even when asked for well done. Mine was a bit too charred on the outside, however. The rolls were delicious, hot, and melted in your mouth. The ceasar salad was the best I had with so much cheese! The service was wonderful and attentive. Worth a visit for that special occasion.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Caesar Salad, Parker House Rolls
If you want a spectacular dining experience with excellent food, this is your restaurant. The Associate Board, Ceaser salad, mushrooms, and the broccoli were my favorites.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Caesar Salad, Oysters on the Half Shell, Rolls, The Associate
Great food and great service.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The restaurant itself is very inviting! I was surprised by the host interaction plainly knowing that this was a pricey restaurant and she seemed under enthused to be there. The restaurant reservation system asked if we'd be celebrating anything when I made the reservation, however, these details were not known when we arrived. The food portions were generous but the steak sauces lacked flavor. The rolls we received were slightly overcooked and nothing to rave about. Our server, Allison (sp?), was lovely and excellent to be served by. The biggest surprise throughout the meal boiled down to the charge for both blue cheese olives in martinis and the fact the drinks were served up. All in all, the experience was enjoyable but reminiscent of visiting a chain restaurant. There was simply no spark or special experience/vibe/feeling outside of a platter of steak.Parking: There is limited parking in the area, so it's good to keep in mind while visiting this restaurant.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Rolls, Executive Steak Board
The food was delicious and the service great, will definitely be back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Caesar Salad, Carrots, Rolls, Executive Steak Board, Pickled Fried Onion Rings
Food was great!
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 4
Restaurantji Recommends
Wow, we found a new favorite steakhouse in SD! Everything was outstanding: food, drinks, service. I really enjoyed the decor and vibe of the restaurant, especially bar area. Service:: our server was exceptional! Exactly what I would expect from a high end steakhouse. He told us about the restaurant, gave detailed recommendations on the menu and knew about each and every item. He checked on us often and even folded my husband's napkin nicely when he had gone to use the restroom. Courses were paced out properly, but timing wise everything was a reasonable wait. We never felt rushed either. Drinks: I'm on mocktails now and was happy they had a spirit free section. I asked for a recommendation for something not so sweet and our server recommended the fools gold. It was a little on the sweet side, but not overpowering. I enjoyed it. Husband just got beers, but I'm sure their cocktails are great too. Food: we started with the Parker house rolls and they were served in a hot cast iron pan. They were soft and fluffy and topped with truffle butter and herbs. They were delicious, I just could've used a little more butter. Next we had the Caesar salad and it was so good. They really aren't kidding when they say it is topped with a lot of cheese, but who doesn't like cheese? The fried anchovies were an interesting touch, but we enjoyed them. The portion was large as well. For our entree, we shared the associate board (perfect for 2). There was a filet mignon, Denver wagyu, and a tri tip that also came with bone marrow, three sauces to compliment each steak and a beef butter. The waiter told us they go on the rare side and also the chef loves seasoning so if you're not into salt, to let them know. I saw people complain about saltiness in the food in other reviews and was a little concerned, but we didn't have a problem with it and enjoyed with no modifications. We ordered our steaks medium and they came out a bit rare so just be prepared for that. Still, no complaints as the steaks may have been the best or very close to the best we've ever had. They were melt in your mouth good, exceptionally tender. You didn't even need the sauces, but they provide them so I had to try them. We also ordered the shell Mac and broccolini as sides. The shell Mac was so creamy and cheesy, just how I like my Mac and cheese. I just felt it could've used more Mac as there was a lot of cheese sauce. The broccolini was fantastic. I loved the char and zartar seasoning that was perfectly complimented with the Greek yogurt sauce. There was nothing that we ordered that we didn't enjoy. Unfortunately, we were too stuffed for dessert, so next time! There is not parking lot, but we had no trouble finding street parking around the block. They have indoor and outdoor seating, but overall the place is fairly small. They include a 4% surcharge on the bill, which you can ask to have removed. I'd rather them just include that in the costs for the menu items, but it is what it is. Even with that, our bill was comparable to other steak restaurants in the area. I can't wait to go back!
Their menu is very unique. We were here for a special occasion and the cuisine did not disappoint. The service was fantastic. If you're a carnivore you'll love Rare Society
Could have been so much better but how do you say that to your server? Pros - AMAZING SERVICE!!! Attention to detail was incredible from our server to the folks picking up and making sure our water glasses were never below half point. The decor was lovely too. Service, again - amazing!Cons - the food was extremely salty. My son said the creme brulee was the best he's had ever but we went for the steak and not the dessert. This was our New Year's Eve Eve dinner and it was quite disappointing.
A Stellar Dining Experience Marred by a Political SurpriseThe short version: Exceptional food, top-notch service, pleasant atmosphere.The long version: Our first ever visit to this restaurant was made extra special by our daughters, who gifted us a $300 voucher after their awesome experience at the San Clemente location for their anniversary (my eldest daughter and her husband).I won't delve into every dish, but we enjoyed three appetizers, all mouthwatering and surprisingly generous in portions, we could have shared one and been happy but glad we got to taste three. Our main course consisted of New York Strip and Ribeye steaks, accompanied by a variety of sides--undeniably too much for us, but no complaints here! We rounded off our dinners with a shared dessert in what they call a butter cake with a scoop of ice cream on top.Pros:Steaks: Having eaten at least 8 top-tier restaurants and steakhouses in San Diego, I can confidently say that our steaks were on par, if not superior, to any we've ever had.Appetizers, sides, and dessert: Each dish, from the appetizers to the sides and dessert, was delicious. Three appetizers, three sides, and one dessert--all perfectly cooked and bursting with flavor.Service: Our server, Allison (if memory serves me right), was phenomenal! Her constant smile, attentive inquiries about our experience, and unobtrusive water refills made our evening seamless. I found myself commenting to my wife, "Why can't more places have servers like her?"Atmosphere: As a blue-collar construction worker, dressing up for a night out isn't my favorite pastime. This establishment, though not as posh as its San Clemente counterpart, struck a balance that made us feel neither under-dressed nor uncomfortable. It's worth noting that everyone that night seemed to opt for a more casual attire, akin to an evening at Olive Garden, so keep that in mind as you choose a location.Cons:Parking: While not ideal, the parking situation is par for the course in San Diego. Expect a brief stroll, but the area is generally safe, if not particularly scenic.Surcharge: Now, let me air my grievance about what I perceive as an unwelcome intrusion. It's absolute BS to find a "surcharge" tacked onto the bill, seemingly an attempt to subtly convey personal and political views. I sympathize with the challenges businesses faced during the tumultuous times of COVID, and I was understanding when costs rose. However, at what point does it transition from a necessary adjustment to, in my opinion, an inconsiderate move, or to be more blunt, a douche bag move! The answer to that question is....today, right now, it's a BS douche bag move...today!. Placing a surcharge on the bill feels like passing the buck unfairly onto the customers long after the need to do so has passed. It's time businesses absorb these costs and incorporate them into menu prices, much like we accept fluctuations in gas prices or disruptions in other industries. It's a more transparent and equitable approach for all, and doesn't leave us with a bad taste in our mouths.Overall, our dining experience was great, we'll likely return someday but want to try a few other places we found recently first, largely due to the surcharge at the end, just a sore spot for us even though the food quality and exceptional service significantly overshadow the surcharge downside. If not for the surcharge issue, this restaurant would easily have secured a 5 star rating and a permanent spot on our list of favorites.
I really enjoyed Rare Society! My family and I have a tradition of going to have a nice dinner every holiday season and we decided that this would be the spot for this year. Located not too far from Balboa Park, the area was relatively clean! Parking may or may not be a challenge depending on what time you go. We had my grandma with us who is handicapped so my only downfall is that its not too handicap accessible at least parking wise.The place itself was nice and clean. It was very well kept and and the ambiance was really nice. It had a clean and modern feel to it while hints of an older steakhouse vibe. Service was really good! I felt that our waitress was constantly checking up on us and she was super friendly. She was patient with us in helping us understand the menu. I enjoyed being greeted the second we walked up. One thing I did like was the handicap elevator they had to help individuals get to the bathroom. That's the part that was very accessible for handicap individuals.The food was amazing. The parker house rolls were some of the best rolls I've had. They were just the right amount of salty and they melted in my mouth too. It left me wanting more. The bacon was good! It was more like pork belly but the gochujang glaze was so good! It had a smokey taste to it. Now the steamed clams were really yummy! I liked the broth it was in and I really enjoyed dipping the bread in it and soaking it all up. The waitress told us people would even ask for the broth alone. Now the meat. That was so good. It was the type of meat that melts in your mouth. I really enjoyed putting the bone marrow on the meat too. The banana foster cheesecake was so good! It wasn't overwhelmingly sweet. And the butter cake, super fresh and the ice cream was kind of like a sour cream ice cream but I liked it a lot. I had the tiki driver mocktail, super refreshing!It may be on the pricier end but that's because its a steakhouse. Everything we got I say genuinely matches the price. If my wallet can afford it again, I would love to come back. I really enjoyed my time here.