Dobson's Bar & Restaurant

4.4

1449 Reviews

$30 and under

Californian

Make a reservation

2 people

Feb 16, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 12 times today

Experiences are available.

Neighborhood gem
Charming
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

Book your next event with us

View details

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Californian, French, Seafood
Hours of operation
Lunch Mon–Fri 11:00 am–3:00 pm Dinner Mon–Sat 3:00 pm–9:00 pm Sat 4:00 pm–9:00 pm
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
Neighborhood
Downtown
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, Takeout, Wine

Experiences

Filet & Lobster Mondays at Dobson's!
$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

Popular dishes

Brie Fondue$14.00
Baked brie, honey, dry figs, almonds, sea salt
Shrimp & Mushrooms Ajillo$22.00
Sautéed in butter, garlic, white wine, demi sauce, dry chile
BBQ Chicken Wings$16.00
Ranch dressing
Nova Scottia Smoked Salmon$20.00
Capers, olive oil, red onions, black pepper, hard boiled egg
Irish Style Mussels$22.00
Beer, shallots, onions, garlic, cream, bacon
Grilled Octopus Baja$25.00
Marinated in special sauce, avocado, cherry tomatoes, cilantro, olive oil

Soups

Paul Dobson's Mussel Bisque en Croûte$15.00
- Bowl$15.00
- Cup$13.00
Soup of the Day$10.00
- Bowl$10.00
- Cup$8.00
French Onion Soup Gratine$12.00
The classic from France
- Bowl$12.00

Salads

Chicken Cobb Salad$20.00
Grilled chicken breast, avocado, hard boiled egg, blue cheese, bacon, ranch dressing
Caesar Salad$12.00
Spanish Salad$14.00
Sliced tomatoes, blue cheese, red onions, parsley vinegar, olive oil
Salad Maison$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 Brioche$18.00
Sharp cheedar, maple bacon, lettuce, onions, tomatoes, side of french fries
Niçoise Salad Burger$20.00
Fresh grill tuna, alioli, hard boiled egg, lettuce, tomato, side of french fries
French Dip on Baguette$18.00
Roast beef, gruyère cheese, horseradish, au jus
Turkey Sandwich$16.00
Roasted turkey, mayo, bacon, avocado, lettuce, tomato
English Style Fish and Chips$19.00
Ale battered cod fish, french fries, tartar sauce
Martin's Atelier Baguette$20.00
Chipotle mayonnaise, Spanish chorizo, jamón serrano, salami, gruyère cheese, basil, tomatoes, lettuce
Chicken Sandwich$16.00
Grilled chicken breast, brie cheese, bacon, sautéed onions

Entrées

Chicken Milanese alla Romana$25.00
Marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, mashed potatoes, vegetables
Steak and Frites$38.00
6 oz filet migñon, french fries, arugula, goat cheese, salad, red wine, sauce on the side
Grilled Salmon$28.00
Grilled fresh salmon, lemon butter, potato croquette, fresh asparagus
Our Catch of the Day$30.00
Ask server about today's catch
Shrimp Linguini$28.00
Sautéed shrimp, mushrooms, tomatoes, white wine, creamy sauce
Ravioli ai Funghi$24.00
Mushroom raviolis, creamy truffle sauce, parmesan cheese

Pizzas

Pizza de la Casa$18.00
Pepperoni, onions, mushrooms, tomatoes, bell peppers, arugula
Chef's Pizza$22.00
Jamón serrano, blue cheese, mozzarella, dry figs, caramelized onions, pears

What 1,449 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.4

4.4 based on recent ratings

4.4Food
4.6Service
4.6Ambience
4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

San Diego
Californian

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Dobson's Bar & Restaurant offers a "great customer service" experience with a charming European bistro vibe. Guests laud the "excellent food," especially the "mussel bisque" and smoked salmon. It's a "true gem" with a cozy atmosphere and attentive staff. A perfect spot for pre-theater dining or a delightful night out.

1,449 Reviews

g
gustavo
San Diego
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Everything was outstanding food, drinks and the artist.
Is this helpful?
T
Tom
Los Angeles
6 reviews
3.0
6 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 3
2. Food 2
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 4
The French Onion Soup was not prepared well. The onions were not cooked and they crunched. This should not be. Fabiola's lamb was not cooked properly so it was sent back. My filet was tough. This is the second time I have had a tough grizzly filet at Dobson's.
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G
Gerard
San Diego
42 reviews
4.0
42 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
This is a charming restaurant in a historic building with excellent serivce and a good menu. However, I have to say the food that my friend ordered was well made but came slightly cool, which accounts for the lower ranking.
Is this helpful?
L
Linda
San Diego
35 reviews
5.0
35 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We went there before going to the Balboa theater for a performance and appreciated the promptness of their service. The soup (oyster and also onion) were warm, delicious and so inviting on such a rainy night. My friend had the crab cake and I had the shrimp and mushroom appetizer and we both liked our choices. Great wine list also. Definitely plan on going back when we attend our next play. Staff were very warm, helpful and respectful of our time constraints.
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D
Daniel
San Diego
11 reviews
4.0
11 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
Mussel bisque was not as good as I remember, duck a little tough, but tiramisu was fantastic!
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P
Patty
San Francisco
10 reviews
5.0
10 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We had a great dinner! Our servers were all great, the food was terrific- beet salad and linguine. Everything arrived promptly and the atmosphere is so intimate and calm!
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A
Anna Marie
San Diego
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Excellent, as always! The salmon was prepared perfectly, as was the escargot.
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M
Mark
VIP
San Diego
8 reviews
2.0
8 reviews
Dined on February 8, 2025
1. Overall 2
2. Food 2
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
This was our first time eating there ! The wine was excellent ordered the onion soup that was good! The fish was not fresh ! Had lamb chops those were nicely done!
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T
Todd
San Diego
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on February 8, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Food was delicious. Service attentive. Recommend reservations for early evening meals to guarantee a table.
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R
Ron
San Diego
4 reviews
1.0
4 reviews
Dined on February 2, 2025
1. Overall 1
2. Food 1
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 3
While I do not normally post reviews, I will make an exception this time. Dobson’s has previously been a great experience however that was not the case this time. The French onion soup was subpar with no cheese on top and presented poorly. The scallops looked like they were just waved at the heat, no sear whatsoever. The first ribeye was overcooked and the second had zero flavor. I ended up eating almost nothing. And lastly the now charged for bread service was lacking as we only received 3 small pieces and that only after asking for it multiple times. This was definitely a lackluster performance both it service and food. Dobson’s pick up your game!
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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 4.4 stars by 1449 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

Feb 16, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 12 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
Neighborhood
Downtown
Hours of operation
Lunch Mon–Fri 11:00 am–3:00 pm Dinner Mon–Sat 3:00 pm–9:00 pm Sat 4:00 pm–9:00 pm
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, Takeout, 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

Dobson's Bar & Restaurant

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Private dining

Additional information

Filet & Lobster Mondays at Dobson's!

Filet Mignon

A Must - Filet Mignon Chez Martín

Chicken Cobb Salad

Appetizers

Brie Fondue$14.00

Shrimp & Mushrooms Ajillo$22.00

BBQ Chicken Wings$16.00

Nova Scottia Smoked Salmon$20.00

Irish Style Mussels$22.00

Grilled Octopus Baja$25.00

Soups

Paul Dobson's Mussel Bisque en Croûte$15.00

Soup of the Day$10.00

French Onion Soup Gratine$12.00

Salads

Chicken Cobb Salad$20.00

Caesar Salad$12.00

Spanish Salad$14.00

Salad Maison$12.00

Signature Sandwiches

Dobson's Room Burger on Brioche$18.00

Niçoise Salad Burger$20.00

French Dip on Baguette$18.00

Turkey Sandwich$16.00

English Style Fish and Chips$19.00

Martin's Atelier Baguette$20.00

Chicken Sandwich$16.00

Entrées

Chicken Milanese alla Romana$25.00

Steak and Frites$38.00

Grilled Salmon$28.00

Our Catch of the Day$30.00

Shrimp Linguini$28.00

Ravioli ai Funghi$24.00

Pizzas

Pizza de la Casa$18.00

Chef's Pizza$22.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Review summary

FAQs

Does Dobson's Bar & Restaurant offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Dobson's Bar & Restaurant restaurant rated?

Is Dobson's Bar & Restaurant currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information