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Dobson's Bar & Restaurant, San Diego, CA
Dobson's Bar & Restaurant, San Diego, CA
Dobson's Bar & Restaurant, San Diego, CA
Full () - Dobson's Bar & Restaurant, San Diego, CA
Dobson's Bar & Restaurant, San Diego, CA

Dobson's Bar & Restaurant

4.4 (1471)
$30 and under
Californian
956 Broadway Circle, San Diego, CA 92101

Make a booking

2 people
MonTueWedThuFriSatSun
19:00
animated flamesBooked 17 times today
Experiences are available.

About this restaurant

  • 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").

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
  • 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
  • Area
    Downtown / Gaslamp
  • 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!

    US$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
    Filet & Lobster Mondays at Dobson's! photo

Private dining

What 1,471 people are saying

Dobson's Bar & Restaurant reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

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
  • 4.5Service
  • 4.5Ambience
  • 4.2Value

NoiseModerate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Dobson's Bar & Restaurant is a cherished spot, especially for pre-theater dining. Known for its "wonderful food" and "excellent service," it offers a cozy atmosphere reminiscent of a European bistro. Standout dishes include the "mussel bisque" and "outstanding French-style cuisine." While some note room for improvement, many find it a "hidden gem" perfect for various occasions.
1,471 Reviews
  1. carmen

    Las Vegas5 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We were in a time crunch before a show & we weren't sure we'd make it but we got a nice table upstairs and made it to the show with 5 mins to spare. The host and Jose, our waiter, were terrific. The food was outstanding, as always, and served quickly. Next time we will know to make our reservation earlier.

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  2. Linda VIP

    San Diego32 reviews

    3.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We had a reservation and called to let the restaurant know we were on our way. When we arrived, there was not a table available. We have been here many times and have never had this happen. It was opening night for a Broadway show which is why they were so busy, but we were surprised they couldn’t honor our reservation. That being said, we were lucky to find seats at the bar and the food and service were excellent.

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  3. Ann

    San Francisco14 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Another delightful pre-show dinner at Dobson’s! They were on their toes with a full house, getting everyone out for the Civic Theatre. Scallops were good but I prefer a bit more sear. French onion soup was so rich and delicious. Wait staff is very kind and helpful. We are already looking forward to our next visit!

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  4. Helle

    San Diego1 review

    3.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 4
    Food was great. Service was not up to the standard we are used to at your restaurant.

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  5. Howard VIP

    San Diego23 reviews

    1.0

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 1
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 4
    We have been to Dobson's about 8 times in the last few years. We typically go before seeing a play at the Civic Theater. We have not some not so good service before but last night took the cake! I made reservations for the bar area. They were not busy. Maybe 4 people at the bar two tables outside and on other table downstairs. We were told to take table anywhere. Were given a menu and followed with water, so far good and then it went downhill. The waiter came by seconds after we got the menu and we were not ready he said he would be back. About ten minutes went by and he flew past us about 6 times there and back but did not stop. Another waiter said have you ordered and we told him not yet. He DID take our order for two plates of the fish and chips. It took a while before it was served. The fish was good but thought it might be a bit crispier and fries were tasty but not a lot. The waiter stopped right after we got the food to see how it was and that was the last time we saw him or any other waiter. We tried to signal to two of the waiters that we would like a box, the bill and a bag. We almost had to trip on to get him to stop...(came close). He brought all the above to the table a few minutes after requesting it. I gave then the payment before it hit the table so we would not have to wait any longer. We used to enjoy going there since it is close and not loud as so many places are downtown. Pretty sure we will not be back.

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  6. Randall VIP

    San Diego70 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We took some new friends here and, yet again, wow was the order of the day. We all had the filet mignon (in three different preparations) and 100% across the board - home run. Drinks were amazing and the service just does not get better. Our friends were so impressed with the level of comfort, service, and food, that we spent 2 1/2 hours for dinner and it seemed like about 45 minutes. Always perfection!

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  7. Mike

    San Diego6 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 15 May 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    Service, meal, & ambience was perfect for pre-theater dining!

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  8. Laura

    San Diego2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 10 May 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    My favorite place downtown, particularly before a show.

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  9. Jamel

    San Diego2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 4 May 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    It’s our second time here and this time we brought our friends to try their wonderful food. We absolutely love the service here every time. Our server Jose was great and very attentive. We always love seeing the Manager Lino and the bartender Michael (and his lovely wife Molly). This place has definitely become our go-to restaurant.

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  10. Kevin

    San Diego1 review

    1.0

    Dined on 27 April 2025

    1. Overall 1
    2. Food 1
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 1
    Don't bother. They don't manage reservations appropriately and oir plates and table was sticky and filthy. We walked out less than 5 minutes after being seated.

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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 1471 OpenTable diners.

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

  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. San Diego
  4. San Diego
  5. Downtown / Gaslamp

Make a booking


animated flamesBooked 17 times today
Experiences are available.
Google Map for Dobson's Bar & Restaurant

956 Broadway Circle, San Diego, CA 92101

Additional information

  • Cross Street
    Broadway
  • Area
    Downtown / Gaslamp
  • 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
  • Phone number
  • 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
  • Privacy policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Impressum
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
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