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Imperial Steak House

Name: Imperial Steak House
Address: 505 Kalmia St, San Diego, CA, United States, 92101-1629
Telephone: (619) 234-3525
Price range: $50 and over
Rating: 4.1

4.1

65 Reviews

$50 and over

American

Top Tags:

Imperial Steak House

Imperial Steakhouse & Lounge formally known as (Imperial House) Has been proudly serving San Diego in the Bankers Hill District since 1969. We offer a classic steakhouse atmosphere with prime steaks.
Imperial Steakhouse serves a range of Prime steak cuts , dry-aged never frozen. Any selection can be paired with a wine from our wine list.

Imperial Steakhouse offers the best affordable prices for a great tasting steak dinner in San Diego, with free side dishes . We have an awesome Chef with more than 35 years experience from Texas,

Chef D (Dave).

Imperial Steakhouse & Lounge offers seasonal, specialty craft cocktails, as well as classic cocktails and accommodating friendly service. We offer three private dining rooms for your event needs including private parties, celebrations or business meetings.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Feb 1, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 1 time today

Order delivery or takeout

Other options

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Cuisines
American, Steak, Steakhouse
Hours of operation
Dinner Tue–Sat 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Bar Tue–Thu 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–1:00 am
Phone number
(619) 234-3525
Website
http://imperialhouserestaurant.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive chef
Chef Dave Walker
Catering
we cater any big or small party or event in our restaurant or we can deliver for a small fee, 25 people minimum. please send us and email or call us at any time.
Private party facilities
we have a large banquet room that accommodates over a 100 guest, also a private dinning area, that are available by reservation only.

Location
505 Kalmia St, San Diego, CA 92101-1629
Neighborhood
Banker's Hill
Cross street
between 5th and 6th ave across Balboa Park
Parking details
free parking after 5pm in the LAZ parking lot, across the street
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Dancing, Delivery, Entertainment, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

New Year's Steak Dinner
3 course Steak Dinner 16oz prime Ribeye steak-scalloped potatoes-asparagus-bread rolls-Caesar Salad-Dessert
- per person$98.00
Tomahawk Steak$130.00
34-36 usda prime tomahawk I marbled for flavor. Served with a side of your choice
Cowboy Steak$70.00
22-24 oz usda prime bone in ribeye I marbled for flavor.. Served with a side of your choice
Porterhouse$70.00
22-24 oz usda prime porterhouse I richness of a strip and tenderness of a filet. 34-36 . Served with a side of your choice
Delmonico Ribeye$59.00
14-16 oz usda prime boneless ribeye marbled for flavor. Served with a side of your choice
Cowgirl Ribeye$59.00
14-16oz usda prime bone in ribeye marbled for flavor. Served with a side of your choice
Texas Filet$60.00
8-10 oz cut of tender corn-fed richly flavored - slightly firmer. Served with a side of your choice
New York Strip$60.00
14-16 oz usda prime - richly flavored - slightly firme. Served with a side of your choice
Steak & Lobster$85.00
8-10 ounce Texas filet and 8 ounce Lobster tail, served with any side of your choice
Baja Lobster Tails$75.00
2- 8 oz. warm water lobster tails cooke puerto nuevo baja style. served with Mexican rice, Beans and homemade flour or corn tortillas
Ranchero Chicken or Fish$50.00
our choice of chicken or cod fish smothered in a tomato based ranchero sauce. served with rice-beans and homemade flour tortillas
Braised Lamb Shank$45.00
lamb shank slow braised in a tangy and sweet sauce with pomegranate juice. served best with mashed potatoes
Creamy Garlic Parm Chicken$50.00
succulent, pan fried chicken in a creamy garlic parm sauce served with vegetables and mashed potatoes

Steak Sides & Desserts

Served at the Bar and Dinning Room 5-10pm

Aparagus$10.00
Green Beans$10.00
Broccoli$10.00
Mashed Potatoes$10.00
Scalloped Potatoes$13.00
Baked Potato$13.00
Cheese Cake$15.00
Mud Cake$15.00
Mocha Mud Cake
Creme Burlee$15.00
rich custard topped with caramelized sugar

Cocktails & Martinis

We Are Working With Limited Staff, Please Order at the Bar or Wait for Bartender. Thank You for Understanding

Jack & Coke$10.00
Bacardi & Coke$8.00
White Mexican$15.00
Silver tequila-RumChata-Kahlua and cream.
Skinny Spicy Mezcal$12.00
Mezcal, lime juice, Serrano chile and agave syrup
Margarita Ancho Grande$12.00
Tequila, liquor Ancho Reyes, agave nectar, lime juice
Spicy Tamarindo Cocktail$12.00
Tito's Mule$13.00
Bulleits Mule$13.00
Makers Mark Oldfashioned$13.00
Bulleit Manhattan$13.00
Titos White Russian$15.00
Palomas$11.00
Tequila, grapefruit and lemon
Chelada Ancho Reyes$10.00
Beer - Ancho Reyes Liquor and lime
Gray Goose Martini$14.00
Spicy Tamarindo Martini$12.00
Ketle One Espresso Martini$14.00
Skulldriver$8.00
Crystal head vodka-orange juice

Beer-Tequila-Bourbon-Whiskey

We Are Working With Limited Staff, Please Order at the Bar or Wait for Bartender. Thank You for Understanding

Relay IPA$8.00
Thorn Relay IPA
394 (Draft Beer)$8.00
Delicious IPA$8.00
Blonde Ale$8.00
Societe Brewing: This is a light- to medium-bodied ale, with a low malt aroma that has a spiced and sometimes fruity-ester character
Thorn Hazy$8.00
The beer is typically hazy because it's not filtered like other beers. These IPAs are also often double dry-hopped – infused with twice the hops later in the brewing process
Barrio Lager$8.00
light, crisp taste that is mellow and smooth
Modelo$6.00
Stella$6.00
Coors Light$6.00
1942 Don Julio
- per shot$30.00
Mccallan 18
- per shot$40.00
Herradura Legend
- per shot$28.00
Red Breast$18.00
Four Roses$12.00
Bourbon
Angels Envy$12.00
Casa Amigos Tequila Reposado$12.00
Whistle Pig 10 Year$12.00
Don Julio Blanco
- per shot$11.00
Patron Silver
- Per Shot$10.00
Piggyback 6 Year$10.00
Rye Whiskey
Makers Mark$15.00
Jameson$10.00
Mexican Oldfashioned$10.00
Made with Abasolo Mexican whiskey
Screwball
Peanut Butter whiskey
- per shot$8.00

What 65 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.1

4.1 based on all time ratings

4Food
4.4Service
4.3Ambience
3.8Value

Noise • Quiet

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Filters

B
Brynjo
Orange County
10 reviews
vip
4.0
10 reviews
Dined on November 5, 2022
overall4food5service4ambience4
Imperial served one of the best steaks I’ve had in years. It was prime grade strip expertly seared to medium rare plus as I requested, and well seasoned with a balanced blend of salt, pepper, and perhaps some garlic salt. Sides of mashed and al a carte asparagus were luxurious and fresh. The resturant was almost empty on a Friday Night, which was odd, since the “old school” decor consisting of plush deep seated high back leather arm chairs, wood paneled room with opulent crown molding and art work beautifully complements the equally opulent fully stocked bar on other side of foyer.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Phoenix
2 reviews
vip
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 28, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience3
Let's start with the environment, it is very outdated and may scare you off; however, power through and order food because it is phenomenal. I ordered a Manhattan steak and the Tomahawk steak. Both were cooked to perfection, so juicy and nice render. I also order the spicy garlic shrimp, keep in mind you only get 6-7 shrimp and two Texas toasts, but it was very good. I would HIGHLY recommend this place and it would be a shame if people did not try it solely on the way it looks.
TG
ThomasG
San Diego
5 reviews
vip
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on June 1, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Dave is an excellent chef, he always comes out to great us and to check on the food. His steaks and lobsters are always on point. Frankie, the waiter, is always a pleasure to see. Remembers our names, shows great hospitality and always makes sure our food comes out flawless. He even picked up that we didn’t enjoy one of the apps and removed it without us even having to ask. Class act. Definitely recommend this place for the Steaks and Lobsters. Hidden gem
r
rogerp
San Diego
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on May 15, 2022
overall4food5service5ambience3
Great food and service. Would have liked the room to be a bit lighter. Hard reading the menu.
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Diego
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on April 8, 2022
overall1food1service1ambience1
Please have the owners call me. Serious concern 619-518-3356
TG
ThomasG
San Diego
6 reviews
vip
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on April 8, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Frankie is an amazing server, very friendly and professional with service. Dave is the chef in the back and makes epic steaks! I’m
OT
OpenTable Diner
Atlanta
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on February 26, 2022
overall1food1service1ambience1
Incredibly overpriced microwaved sides and steaks…. Do not trust the other reviews… i think the owners created multiple accounts…
TL
TLo82
Chicago
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on January 16, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Superb dining experience. Quiet venue. Excellent steaks. Highly recommend.
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
1 review
vip
1.0
1 review
Dined on December 29, 2021
overall1food1service3ambience3
Horrendous food for the price.
AT
AlanT
San Diego
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on December 18, 2021
overall5food5service5ambience4
One of the few original retro steak restaurants in the Bankers Hill area. Delicious steaks with a no nonsense menu.
C
Cole
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 16, 2021
overall5food5service5ambience5
It was a pleasant place to enjoy a nice dinner.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on December 4, 2021
overall5food4service5ambience5
Great service, great food
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on October 31, 2021
overall4food4service5ambience5
The place is old school steak house It was empty when we eat due to planned party later in the evening The steaks were cooked just as we ordered them Our server was very friendly and stop by just often enough to check if we needed anything but not so much we could not enjoy our dinner It was a fair value for the quality of the meal
DR
DanR
Exclusive
16 reviews
5.0
16 reviews
Dined on October 23, 2021
overall5food5service5ambience5
Old School steakhouse, very good
TG
ThomasG
San Diego
6 reviews
vip
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on October 15, 2021
overall5food5service5ambience5
Dave (Chef) & Frankie (server) run a great restaurant
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Diego
11 reviews
vip
4.0
11 reviews
Dined on September 11, 2021
overall4food4service3ambience4
Interesting place. Stereotypical old school dimly lit red leather steakhouse, with live music and a biker-bar clientele. Steak was good!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 1, 2021
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food!!! Didn’t know what to expect when I walked in. I was completely pleased with the entire experience. Amazing steaks…
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Diego
12 reviews
vip
4.0
12 reviews
Dined on April 15, 2021
overall4food4service5ambience4
Went and had my birthday dinner. Arrived at 7pm and bacially had the entire place to ourself. Fun and friendly staff.
JD
JenniferD
San Diego
7 reviews
vip
4.0
7 reviews
Dined on April 3, 2021
overall4food4service4ambience4
My husband and I enjoyed a delicious tomahawk steak that we split. There is a splitting fee. The restaurant was quiet and adhered to social distancing. We would come here again for dinner.
R
Robin
San Diego
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on February 23, 2021
overall5food5service2ambience5
Our server could’ve beeb a bit better. Continually had to remind him of what we asked for and things of that nature. My surprise birthday cake wasn’t good, it would’ve been nice if they asked for a flavor preference. The steak was AMAZING. Loved the seasoning, will definitely be back.
LP
LandonP
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on February 14, 2021
overall1food2service3ambience3
This place was an expensive mistake. Everything looked like it was 50 years old. The steak was very good but the sides and appetizers were terrible. The scalloped potatoes tasted like ashes with shredded Costco cheese that wasn’t melted on top. The mashed potatoes looked like they were from KFC without the flavor. The calamari only tasted like the greasy batter. I will never go there again.
JR
JohnR
Dallas
35 reviews
vip
5.0
35 reviews
Dined on December 30, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
An old favorite, can't find the dark red leather booths and warm wood paneling in many places any more. Steaks were perfect as was the service. And - thanks for being open and an island of civilization.
TG
ThomasG
San Diego
6 reviews
vip
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on November 7, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing steaks and lobster! The service was solid and the owner was welcoming.
MS
MikeandSteph
San Diego
11 reviews
vip
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on September 12, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful dinner. This was our first time and will be back!
BS
BobS
Washington DC
1 review
vip
1.0
1 review
Dined on August 30, 2020
overall1food1service3ambience1
I gave 1's because 0 wasn't an option. The place is OLD....food was almost edible ....prices were HUGE. I was expecting a Mortons and got something from the 60's. Waitress was nice.
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Diego
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on July 11, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing steak! Only thing disappointing was the available seating outside. Which was 2 tables. Otherwise best steak I’ve ever had. Highly recommend the Manhattan Cut Filet!
b
bb1769
San Francisco
34 reviews
4.0
34 reviews
Dined on March 1, 2020
overall4food3service5ambience4
This is definitely a traditional steak house, complete with traditional furniture and ambience. Staff are very friendly. Food was good, but I wouldn't say outstanding. We ordered the filet mignon and the salmon entrees. The filet was done to our request. The salmon was, to my taste, rather underdone, though they didn't ask how I'd like it. My only con about the place really is that it's quite expensive: $50 for a 8-oz (if that) filet, and all you get is the steak; potato, salad or veggies are all extra.
E
Emily
San Diego
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on February 16, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent meal and service. A restaurant we frequent often. After dinner it is fun to have a drink at the bar. Great bartenders and music. A fun atmosphere.
B
Becca
New York Area
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on February 12, 2020
overall2food1service1ambience1
The prices are outrageous. Can’t even share without a $20 price. The waiter was watching us eat the entire time. It was very strange.
JT
JodyT
Sacramento
12 reviews
vip
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on January 25, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Had a great dinner Friday night at Imperial Steak House. Very old-school but great quality and value compared to other steak houses I've been to. My rib-eye was cooked perfectly. Service was outstanding.
CS
CSS12
San Diego
25 reviews
vip
2.0
25 reviews
Dined on December 20, 2019
overall2food2service4ambience3
I had read the reviews, but wanted to experience the food for myself. I was hungry and right across the street. It was early, so they we’re giving discounts for their “Happy Hour.” They seated me right away and I ordered a martini. It was good, but they didn’t offer blue cheese olives (something a good steakhouse would have). I ordered a wedge salad that was mediocre. The tomatoes tasted bad and they weren’t chopped up. Then I ordered a Fillet Mignon - and stressed I wanted it well done (I know that everyone gives me a hard time about it, but that’s the way I like it!). When it came out it was rare...not even medium rare. The nice server took it back and when he returned with it, it was still red inside. I took a few bites along the edges...but that was it. I will mention that the steak was over-seasoned because that was in one of the reviews I read. They were right. I like seasonings but this was over the top. Overall, I must say that my experience wasn’t good and I will not go back. However, I will say that the server was extremely nice.
JA
JoAnna
San Diego
38 reviews
vip
5.0
38 reviews
Dined on December 8, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
This place should be a local landmark. Frank was our server and he was an angel
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Diego
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on October 27, 2019
overall5food4service5ambience4
So much fun! Great food, strong drinks, throwback to a bygone era. I’d definitely go back.
p
peter45
Toronto
21 reviews
vip
3.0
21 reviews
Dined on June 29, 2019
overall3food3service5ambience4
We have gone twice in last few weeks and sadly I doubt if we will go back. The service was more then outstanding but food choices not on the menu reflects a problem. Not having a baked potato or other choice items on the menu is not right. Offering PRIME steaks and seasoning them so much that it masks the taste of the meat is not right which questions whether the meat is prime or??? Have loved this place for years but something has happened.
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Diego
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 11, 2019
overall5food4service4ambience4
Pianist doesn’t actually play requested songs
BH
BrendaH
San Diego
6 reviews
4.0
6 reviews
Dined on March 31, 2019
overall4food5service5ambience4
Our evening was grand! We went to the Imperial Steak House to celebrate a milestone, Frankie, our wait-staff was fantastic the shrimp was delicious. The scallop potatoes melted in your mouth and the asparagus was grilled nicely. I had a wonderful piece of cheesecake for dessert, he had rich creamy ice cream. We will be back!
SB
SueB
Orange County
10 reviews
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on February 28, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
We were a group of 8, and we all thought our steaks were done just perfectly. The food was beyond excellent. Very quiet, very comfortable chairs, excellent service. The steaks are pricy but worth it.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Unspecified
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on February 17, 2019
overall3food3service5ambience5
I enjoyed my meal (sweet & tangy salmon) while the others who had the surf and turf said theirs was on the salty side. Overall, it was a decent experience although the company of friends can do that as well...
DG
DowntownGirl
San Diego
76 reviews
vip
4.0
76 reviews
Dined on December 9, 2018
overall4food3service5ambience4
The staff & service is excellent. Nice having chef greet guests. Our steak were good, but not great as anticipate and represented by waiter
SV
SVjb
San Diego
51 reviews
vip
4.0
51 reviews
Dined on December 2, 2018
overall4food5service4ambience4
This is primarily a steak place. The meat is excellent, but expensive. The staff is attentive and definitely select a flaming dessert. Old school classic table-side show.

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing
- Surfaces sanitized between seatings
- Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
- Sealed or wrapped utensils used
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily
- Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
- Contactless payment available

FAQs

Imperial Steak House does offer delivery in partnership with Postmates and Uber Eats. Imperial Steak House also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (619) 234-3525.

Imperial Steak House is rated 4.1 stars by 65 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Feb 1, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 1 time today

Order delivery or takeout

Other options

505 Kalmia St, San Diego, CA 92101-1629

Additional information

Cross street
between 5th and 6th ave across Balboa Park
Neighborhood
Banker's Hill
Hours of operation
Dinner Tue–Sat 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Bar Tue–Thu 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–1:00 am
Cuisines
American, Steak, Steakhouse
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
free parking after 5pm in the LAZ parking lot, across the street
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Executive chef
Chef Dave Walker
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Dancing, Delivery, Entertainment, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://imperialhouserestaurant.com/
Phone number
(619) 234-3525
Catering
we cater any big or small party or event in our restaurant or we can deliver for a small fee, 25 people minimum. please send us and email or call us at any time.
Private party facilities
we have a large banquet room that accommodates over a 100 guest, also a private dinning area, that are available by reservation only.

This restaurant now offers Takeout

Imperial Steak House

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Other options

Additional information

Prime Steaks & More

New Year's Steak Dinner

Tomahawk Steak$130.00

Cowboy Steak$70.00

Porterhouse$70.00

Delmonico Ribeye$59.00

Cowgirl Ribeye$59.00

Texas Filet$60.00

New York Strip$60.00

Steak & Lobster$85.00

Baja Lobster Tails$75.00

Ranchero Chicken or Fish$50.00

Braised Lamb Shank$45.00

Creamy Garlic Parm Chicken$50.00

Steak Sides & Desserts

Aparagus$10.00

Green Beans$10.00

Broccoli$10.00

Mashed Potatoes$10.00

Scalloped Potatoes$13.00

Baked Potato$13.00

Cheese Cake$15.00

Mud Cake$15.00

Creme Burlee$15.00

Cocktails & Martinis

Jack & Coke$10.00

Bacardi & Coke$8.00

White Mexican$15.00

Skinny Spicy Mezcal$12.00

Margarita Ancho Grande$12.00

Spicy Tamarindo Cocktail$12.00

Tito's Mule$13.00

Bulleits Mule$13.00

Makers Mark Oldfashioned$13.00

Bulleit Manhattan$13.00

Titos White Russian$15.00

Palomas$11.00

Chelada Ancho Reyes$10.00

Gray Goose Martini$14.00

Spicy Tamarindo Martini$12.00

Ketle One Espresso Martini$14.00

Skulldriver$8.00

Beer-Tequila-Bourbon-Whiskey

Relay IPA$8.00

394 (Draft Beer)$8.00

Delicious IPA$8.00

Blonde Ale$8.00

Thorn Hazy$8.00

Barrio Lager$8.00

Modelo$6.00

Stella$6.00

Coors Light$6.00

1942 Don Julio

Mccallan 18

Herradura Legend

Red Breast$18.00

Four Roses$12.00

Angels Envy$12.00

Casa Amigos Tequila Reposado$12.00

Whistle Pig 10 Year$12.00

Don Julio Blanco

Patron Silver

Piggyback 6 Year$10.00

Makers Mark$15.00

Jameson$10.00

Mexican Oldfashioned$10.00

Screwball

Overall ratings and reviews

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Cleaning & sanitizing

FAQs

Does Imperial Steak House offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Imperial Steak House restaurant rated?