Dobson's Bar & Restaurant

Name: Dobson's Bar & Restaurant
Address: 956 Broadway Circle, San Diego, CA, United States, 92101
Telephone: (619) 231-6771
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.6

4.6

1434 Reviews

$30 and under

Californian

Make a booking

2 people

21 Jan 2025

7:00 pm

Booked 8 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

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
Area
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, Takeaway, Wine

Experiences

Filet & Lobster Mondays at Dobson's!
USD 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 FondueUSD 14.00
Baked brie, honey, dry figs, almonds, sea salt
Shrimp & Mushrooms AjilloUSD 22.00
Sautéed in butter, garlic, white wine, demi sauce, dry chile
BBQ Chicken WingsUSD 16.00
Ranch dressing
Nova Scottia Smoked SalmonUSD 20.00
Capers, olive oil, red onions, black pepper, hard boiled egg
Irish Style MusselsUSD 22.00
Beer, shallots, onions, garlic, cream, bacon
Grilled Octopus BajaUSD 25.00
Marinated in special sauce, avocado, cherry tomatoes, cilantro, olive oil

Soups

Paul Dobson's Mussel Bisque en CroûteUSD 15.00
- BowlUSD 15.00
- CupUSD 13.00
Soup of the DayUSD 10.00
- BowlUSD 10.00
- CupUSD 8.00
French Onion Soup GratineUSD 12.00
The classic from France
- BowlUSD 12.00

Salads

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

Entrées

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

Pizzas

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

What 1,434 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
4.8Service
4.6Ambience
4.5Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

San Diego
Californian

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Dobson's Bar & Restaurant is cherished for its "outstanding food" and "great service." Patrons rave about the "mussel bisque" and the "charming atmosphere." With a convenient location and friendly staff, it offers a "lovely experience" that keeps customers returning. Some reviews note occasional service hiccups, but overall, it's a "true gem."

1,434 Reviews

T
Tina
VIP
San Diego
88 reviews
4.0
88 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The muscle bisque was exceptional. The Niçoise salad was just ok and the fish and chips were good. Our waiter was very attentive and not overbearing. This is one of our go to places, but typically for dinner.
Is this helpful?
P
Paula
VIP
San Diego
11 reviews
5.0
11 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Feels like walking into a small European bistro. So cozy. Food is excellent and very ample portions, especially the appetizers. The smoked salmon is outstanding. Only suggestion would to add a pre- theater menu or happy hour prices, given it’s location near SD Theaters.
Is this helpful?
M
Michael
VIP
San Diego
10 reviews
5.0
10 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great food, great service, great experience. The muscle bisque was awesome.
Is this helpful?
S
Sherri
VIP
San Diego
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on 8 January 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Excellent food. Great service. Good location near courthouses and federal building.
Is this helpful?
D
Dasha
Phoenix
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on 22 December 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Absolutely loved this place, a true gem! Outstanding food, great service, perfect atmosphere.
Is this helpful?
S
Susan
San Diego
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on 19 December 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
I have deep rooted history here since I worked in the Spreckels Bldg where Dobsons Restaurant is located. It was still as delicious as ever! I love the ambiance and my memories are as alive as ever! I’m so happy it’s still here and thank you Paul Dobson! Susan Ross
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C
Chuck
San Diego
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on 17 December 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Meal was exceptional. Don't want lots of people going as it it a hidden gem and would like to be able to get a seat when we want.....stay away !
Is this helpful?
D
David
San Diego
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on 7 December 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Staff was great, food was great. Expensive and portions were a bit small.
Is this helpful?
L
Lyn
San Diego
12 reviews
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on 1 December 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We had made a reservation and asked for a quiet table and had the best location in the restaurant. The service was prompt, the food exellent, prices fair and all in all a lovely experience.
Is this helpful?
k
kimberly
VIP
San Diego
12 reviews
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on 17 November 2024
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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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 1434 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a booking

2 people

21 Jan 2025

7:00 pm

Booked 8 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
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, 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

Dobson's Bar & Restaurant

Make a booking

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 FondueUSD 14.00

Shrimp & Mushrooms AjilloUSD 22.00

BBQ Chicken WingsUSD 16.00

Nova Scottia Smoked SalmonUSD 20.00

Irish Style MusselsUSD 22.00

Grilled Octopus BajaUSD 25.00

Soups

Paul Dobson's Mussel Bisque en CroûteUSD 15.00

Soup of the DayUSD 10.00

French Onion Soup GratineUSD 12.00

Salads

Chicken Cobb SaladUSD 20.00

Caesar SaladUSD 12.00

Spanish SaladUSD 14.00

Salad MaisonUSD 12.00

Signature Sandwiches

Dobson's Room Burger on BriocheUSD 18.00

Niçoise Salad BurgerUSD 20.00

French Dip on BaguetteUSD 18.00

Turkey SandwichUSD 16.00

English Style Fish and ChipsUSD 19.00

Martin's Atelier BaguetteUSD 20.00

Chicken SandwichUSD 16.00

Entrées

Chicken Milanese alla RomanaUSD 25.00

Steak and FritesUSD 38.00

Grilled SalmonUSD 28.00

Our Catch of the DayUSD 30.00

Shrimp LinguiniUSD 28.00

Ravioli ai FunghiUSD 24.00

Pizzas

Pizza de la CasaUSD 18.00

Chef's PizzaUSD 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 bookings?

Make a booking

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information