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Hunter Steakhouse
Categories: Restaurants Steakhouses Restaurants American (Traditional) Steakhouses, American (Traditional) [Edit]
2445 Hotel Cir N(at N Hotel Circle Pl)
San Diego, CA 92108
(619) 291-8074
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 11:30 am - 9:30 pm
Fri 11:30 am - 10 pm
Sat 4 pm - 10 pm
Sun 4 pm - 9:30 pm
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- Yes
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Ambience:
- Casual, Intimate
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
107 reviews for Hunter Steakhouse
Review Highlights
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"She recommended the Prime Rib which was incredible." In 45 reviews -
"The potatoes au gratin were delicious." In 6 reviews
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"...mashed potatoes and table-side salad were all great." In 6 reviews
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107 reviews in English
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Review from Yong L.
San Diego, CA
3/13/2012 1 Check-in Here
So on a whim I decided to tag along with some friends here for restaurant week. Right off the bat I could tell it wasn't one of those crazy high class restaurants that people often frequent during this time, but it had a nice and cozy atmosphere. My friend and I split appetizers - I got the appetizer trio, which was just fine, nothing special. But he got the potato skins, which were actually one of the best potato skins I've ever had. I don't know what's different, but the potato skins here are pretty delicious. For the soup I had their turkey soup, which was fresh and delicious. You can tell this isn't the stuff that comes from a can. The top sirloin that I ordered was pretty good as well. It wasn't the most top-notch quality of meat, but at the price it was a decent cut of meat. For dessert, I had the "chocolate oblivion," and it was delicious and decadent.
What's cool is that they have the restaurant week menu every monday, so you can get a 3 course $20 meal every week if you want. Not too bad, if you ask me. Give it a shot. -
Review from Krystle B.
San Diego, CA
4/30/2012
As far as steak houses go appearance alone at Hunter tells you what you're getting yourself into. Situated directly (repeat directly) off of the 8 freeway we entered the cabin like building, and immediately struck with the realization that we were not at a Flemings. Aside from that the atmosphere is quaint...but be warned this is not the type of place to bring a date when you're trying to impress with extravagance.
However, if you're trying to impress with taste...PRIME RIB. Tender, juicy, amazingness. No complaints. Zero complaints, i want this prime rib back in my life. The entree also came with two sides, mashed potatoes were great, broccoli came in one big chunk and was flavorless and overcooked.
I also had the appetizer trio which consisted of a shrimp skewer, teriyaki steak skewer, and chicken breast. Skip the chicken...the BBQ sauce it's smothered in left a lot to be desired. The shrimp is nothing to get excited about. The steak is surprisingly tender, best of the bunch for sure. All three are served over rice which i wish they had left out. Overall, i wish i had gotten the potato skins.
The Table-side salad arrived with the waiter toting a tray the size of a car wheel. She pointed to each of the sides i could have on my salad and slopped a meager and messy amount onto the lettuce. The salad was comparable to that of an Olive Garden soup/salad all you can eat deal. Overall, i wish i had gotten soup.
Cheaper than a fancy-fancy steak house...and at least they get the meat part right, it is a steak house after all---you're not looking at this review wondering how their salads are right?
Final thought: PRIME RIB. -
Review from Donna D.
San Diego, CA
4/16/2012
I think we hit a bad night, which is a shame since it was also our first visit and most likely our last after last night. We went for our sons birthday dinner. When I made the reservation they ask right up front if it's for a special occasion.
We arrived and got seated right away. The inside is a bit dated but still pretty nice. After we were seated we waited. And waited. Then waited some more. After about 10 minutes our server came over and said hi, listed the specials and then asked were we ready to order. And since we'd been sitting there all that time waiting for someone to come by we'd already looked over the menus and decided so we said "yes". That appeared to be the wrong answer as she got flustered, and then said she'd be back to take our order. She went to a couple other tables near us, told them she'd be back to take their orders, then circled back to us.
I don't know if she was new or just having an off night but she did not seem familiar with the menu completely. And you know how normally when you order the main course they will then ask which of the sides you'd like, or list them for you? Well we would order, she would write that down then just look at us. A small thing but still awkward. She then started to walk off until my husband spoke up, mentioning we might like something to drink as well. So finally dinner and drinks are all ordered and she leaves.
And we are back to waiting. And waiting. Finally my ice tea comes out. And that is it. It's not even a full glass and has lemon seeds stuck to the outside. 5 minutes later she came back with the 3 other drinks. A water and 2 cokes. Hardly a taxing drink order.
Then we wait some more. 15 minutes after ordering the salads made it out to us. 20 minutes after that the entrees showed up. The steak was decent, but 2 of the 4 were barely warm. The baked potatoes were not warm, at all. The rice pilaf was tasty.
We finished up then waited, yet again, for her to come back so we could request boxes and a bill.
No mention of the "special occasion" ever happened though we did get a cheerful "Congratulations!" from the hostess on the way out.
So on the whole, the food was "ok", the service was horrible, the prices are decent. Hunters we have driven past you for years now, finally gave you a try and now will probably just keep driving past you in the future. -
Review from Steven H.
Lancaster, CA
4/12/2012 1 Check-in Here
We are all Steak Hungry, so we'll let you know.
(later, back at the ranch...)
Well, other than the really good service, there wasn't much to get excited about.
I had the Rib Eye steak, and I don't think the person who compared this place to "Ruth's Chris" has ever eaten at "Ruth's Chris". A good Rib Eye is a stand alone cut of beef, and doesn't heed anything other than sodium or garlic, to bring out the flavor of the steak. "Hunter" covers their Rib Eye with french fried onions (like the ones in the can at the store) and some bleu cheese crumbles.
The steak itself was a decent steak for the price. It had too much connective tissue and grisle for a top shelf steak, and when it was brought to the table, it wasn't as hot as I prefer. In certain bites, it was also dried out.
I ordered a baked potatoe and broccoli for my sides, the potatoe was OK, but the broccoli was cool (not hot) and when I tried to cut it with my huge steak knife, the knife just slid off of the stalk, it was that hard. When I was able to force my knife through it, it had decent flavor (for cool broccoli), but I want all of my meal hot.
The final bill was over $120 for 3 steaks, 1 appetizer and 3 deserts, and 4 sodas for drinks, so I'll let all of you determine if the price was reasonable. As I mentioned, the service was really good, and we had fun with our server, Christine. -
Review from shawn s.
San Diego, CA
5/7/2012
Man, I really got to say, I don't write positive reviews unless I'm impressed beyond expectations! And let me tell you, for the money that you pay here, the food is absolutely BOMB! I mean I've been to some awesome steakhouses like ruth's chris, or Mr. A's or Donovans, and I am not suggesting that hunter is as good as those guys, but it is close enough (for a fraction of the price, it definitely has the best value). every time my girl and I go there, we come out stuffed with delicious food left over to eat when you get hungry after sex :p This place has never failed to impress me, but what I REALLY REALLY REALLY want to know is their secret to how they make their salad ranch dressing. The best on the planet, by far, I am not even exaggerating! This place is so amazing. I highly recommend it to anyone!
NOTE!!: I have only had their steaks and they are all bomb! My review is specifically on their appetizers, their steaks, and that AMAZING salad that they serve, but I have not tried anything else on their menu. -
Review from Valerie L.
San Diego, CA
2/27/2012 2 Check-ins Here
Hunter Steakhouse is located on end of Hotel Circle. My first time here was with friends during Restaurant Week. That's when I found out they offer the Restaurant Week menu every Monday and Tuesday! How awesome is thatttt? It's $20 for a 3 course dinner and dessert! I've been here a few times since Restaurant Week, so here's my thoughts on their menu:
*Appetizers*
Potato Skins- fried potato skin halves with cheese, and bacon. Served with ranch dressing. This is my favorite appetizer! It's delicious and the skin is a bit crunchy, which I like.
Appetizer Trio- 3 skewers with shrimp, chicken and steak. This is okay, but if you're deciding between the two choices, choose the potato skins!
*Soup or Salad*
Caesar Salad, House Salad, Table Salad or Clam Chowder. It's an extra dollar if you want the soup.
*Main Course*
Grilled Salmon
Prime Rib- ORDER THIS! It was extremely tender. Unlike my bf's Top Sirloin.
Top Sirloin- I didn't like the Top Sirloin, it wasn't flavorful and it was very chewy. Maybe they overcooked this.
*Dessert*
Carrot Cake
Chocolate Oblivion
You get to choose two sides with every main course. I like the mashed potatoes, steamed broccoli, or baked potato. I also tried the Potterhouse here, it's a pound and a half of T-bone( Filet Mignon and New York Strip). It was delicious, but I still prefer the Prime Rib to this. Overall a good and cheap dinner option! -
Review from Aaron R.
Merced, CA
4/30/2012
Hunter Steakhouse is a small steakhouse which looks like it was decorated in the 1970's and hasn't been changed since. The restaurant looks very old and is decorated with the largest empty wine bottles I have ever seen scattered throughout the restaurant.
I order the 20oz prime rib which sounds like a lot, but it is served on the bone which takes up most of that weight and ends up being about 12oz of meat. The crust on outside areas of the meat was dry, black and leathery and looked as if it had been sitting under a heat lamp for at least 12 hours. The prime rib itself had good flavor and they have some of he hottest, most flavor-able creamed horseradish I have ever had.
All things considered I would probably not eat here again, there a many other restaurants where I can get a better prime rib at a better price. -
Review from Hungry P.
Torrance, CA
3/11/2012
My bf and I ate here for our anniversary. He wanted a place that we both haven't been so he chose Hunter's. Excellent choice!!!!! Service was awesome, food was spectacular and portions were perfect. For the price you pay you definitely get your money's worth and then some. This is now my favorite new restaurant I only wish there was one closer to where I live. Our waiter Jacob was awesome along with the rest of the staff. Timing for our appetizers, soup/ salad and the entree was perfect.
Highly recommend the appetizer sampler, prime rib, and filet mignon. All sides are pretty much a win win. You cant go wrong. My bf had the rice pilaf and mashed potatoes and I had the baked potato and vegetables. Prime rib was juicy and properly cooked. My filet mignon was outstanding considering I like my meat well done. Flavor and tenderness was perfect.
Overall this restaurant is highly recommended and a "must go to" when in San Diego. -
Review from Nida K.
$20 for a 3 course steak dinner?! Geez, do they even make a profit?? Not only do they do this during Restaurant Week, they do this every Monday & Tuesday!
In terms of atmosphere and ambiance, the restaurant reminded me of Black Angus. I don't really like that look, but if you do then more power to you. We were a party of 6 and they sat us at our table. We waited for about 10 minutes and nobody came and said anything to us yet. We then asked someone passing by if we could please get a server. At first I was going to get the 3 course steak dinner, but then after hearing how much food you get, I decided to just get a cajun shrimp appetizer and mooch of my BF's 3 course steak dinner.
Our orders came out a bit messed up. There were sides that were mixed up and on the wrong plate and this and that, but it wasn't a problem. I wasn't very hungry after eating the salad and some of my cajun shrimp. Imagine buffalo shrimp as opposed to chicken; that's what it tasted like. I ended up only having a few bites of the prime rib so I can't make a sound opinion on if I liked it or not. My friends loved their steaks so I guess it's worth the money. We even had leftovers at the end to take back home.
I'm going to have to come back again and get my own steak. I'll let you know how it goes. ;) -
Review from Katrina L.
San Diego, CA
1/19/2012
I came here for Restaurant Week. One of the delights of Restaurant Week with the boyfriend is being able to cover all your bases when it comes to attacking the Restaurant Week set course menu, so we ordered everything offered except for the steak.
Starters: Potato Skins & Trio
Main Course: Broiled Salmon & Petite Prime Rib
Desserts: Carrot Cake & Chocolate Decadence Cake
Starters: Between the two I liked the Potato Skins better. The Trio is literally three kabobs of chicken, shrimp, and some other kind of meat (steak?) all drizzled in some sauce. Not my favorite as I thought each one tasted a bit tough. The Potato Skins are similar to TGIF's but the sour cream was a bit watery (unless it was ranch sauce?). I found myself just sitting back and waiting for my main course.
Main Course: I had the Broiled Salmon and was pretty impressed with the way it was cooked. It wasn't overcooked and had a strong "broiled" flavor. If you like your fish this way, order this! The Prime Rib was very succulent and juicy - it was delicious! If I had to choose one over the other though, it would be the Prime Rib that wins.
Dessert: My favorite part of their Restaurant Week Menu. I loved their Chocolate Decadence cake. It's flourless and dense, it reminding me of the Viking at Extraordinary Desserts. The Carrot Cake has more cinammon flavor than most but hit a 10 on the moistness scale.
I give it a 4/5 because I really hated the starters for the meal. Oh and the complimentary bread here is YUM - smear a lot of the honey butter they give you onto that!
For two people, our total came out to $43.10. We got a great value for our meal and were satisfied. However I'm not sure I would come back on a day other than Restaurant Week because the regular prices are kind of out of my range. Although I think I saw a menu insert for a $20 dinner special on Wednesday nights. Check it out! -
Review from Zenia P.
1/16/2012 2 Check-ins Here
"Best Prime Rib in town!"
If you try to go on one of the Holidays or a non-Holiday special occasion such as Mother's Day, Father's Day, etc. make reservations!
We didn't have to make reservations the evening I went to dinner with a couple of friends. There was no wait and we were seated right away. The restaurant is conveniently located off of the I-8 freeway (Hotel Circle area, North side), but can be missed, since it's somewhat hidden in the corner. There is a small parking area in front of the restaurant and the rest of the parking is on the street. Parking isn't that great.
I like how the restaurant has different levels with stairs going down to the bar and stairs going up to another area full of tables. They had a special of a three course meal for $20 or so that provides an appetizer, entree and dessert (similar to a restaurant week menu). I went for this deal and ordered the New England Clam Chowder, Prime Rib and some sort of Chocolate cake (it was yummy!). The food was really good. One of the best prime rib's I had in town. Although I sat with my friends from Maine, I stated that the New England Clam Chowder probably doesn't compare to the clam chowder in Maine. There were a couple of ingredients they mentioned that were missed, but it came close.
The service was good. The create your own salad option was a little weird. I didn't do the salad, but witnessed another table creating their salad to where the server provided a palate of veggies for them to create their own salad.
This is a good place to take your family and friends. -
Review from Grace H.
San Diego, CA
1/19/2012
Selecting this restaurant for the Restaurant Week experience was the best choice! The hostesses and waitresses were very generous, as were the portions.
Service at a sit-down restaurant is very important to me, since it affects the way you enjoy your atmosphere and your food. I booked a table for 13 people; however, as usual, we college students run late due to classes, and on top of that, the fact that our watches are always set to "asian-time" does not help punctuality either. We were about to be 10 minutes late, so I called the restaurant to ask them to hold the table for us despite our tardiness. They were very understanding about it, and I was very reassured at the hostess's sweet tone of voice. Most busy restaurants would not tolerate this, but I am glad Hunter Steakhouse did, because the food experience was even better!
When we sat down to order off the Restaurant Week menu, they informed us that aside from the 3 course menu from Restaurant Week, we also may receive an additional 2 sides with our meal, and a soup/ salad. DAMN, so it is as if I'm paying $20 for 2 meals portion-wise? I'm down for that. Quantity-wise, this place is WORTH IT.
Our food was also delicious-- although the appetizers were not as special as I thought they would be. Being the only pescetarian in the group, for the main course, I ordered the Salmon on the Restaurant Week menu-- VERY delicious. It was perfect-- not too dry, not too chewy, and perfectly drenched with some garlic butter sauce. The dessert was also a great ending to the night-- you get a choice between a bold chocolate oblivion cake and a sweet carrot cake.
The quantity was definitely nothing to argue about. Food coma on the drive back. -
Review from Chrissy N.
San Diego, CA
10/9/2011
Finally was able to stop by Hunter Steakhouse during restaurant week.
Holy cow! The prime rib was delicious..seriously probably one of the best prime rib I have ever had. I've had a lot of prime rib in my day. The au jus was perfectly seasoned dipping goodness. I typically love horseradish sauce, but the one they have here had TOO much of a kick. I couldn't eat more then just a tiny dab.
The service was very fast and friendly. I like the bread they give you to start with.
I suggest getting the carrot cake for dessert, it is perfectly spiced with just the right amount of frosting/icing. Yum!
I'm so glad I found this place. It will now be my regular go-to for when I'm in the mood for some amazing prime rib. -
Review from rachel b.
San Diego, CA
Updated - 2/13/2012
We went there back in Jan 19 2011 and I went there again for the anniversary
We mad the reservation for the booth and then when we arrived there, maybe its not busy and she just took us to a random sit...I asked her that we booked a booth to celebrate our anniversary, and she gave me a mean look said , " no, look at that, its all full"
and then I asked if we can sit somewhere else, "the place is not even busy at all", then she kind of refused until I asked if we can sit behind the stair
Afterward, she has given us a very mean look and made us really uncomfy to be in this restaurant
This is a nice restaurant, why they hired someone that is not professional at all
They might change the management or something? they should train her be a better host before hire her.....
I left a review back then said its an awesome place
No doubt that the prime rib is good and food is great
but this is a total disappointing....1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/19/2011
This place is awesome
The prime rib tastes so good, the best thing is they chose pretty good rib ,… Read more »
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Review from Ray L.
San Diego, CA
9/20/2011
Thank goodness for Restaurant Week or I wouldn't have found this place.
Every carnivore should try it, excellent $20 deal includes:
Choice of appetizer, soup or salad, entree, side for the entree (recommend potatoes au gratin), dessert
I'm a fan of the excellent service, friendly bartender, and cute hostesses.
Only reason I subtracted a star was because the prime-rib was a bit too fatty. Perfectly cooked though.
Definitely going back. -
Review from Shelly U.
Oakland, CA
1/25/2012
We went here for Restaurant Week and it was pretty amazing considering the other Restaurant Week options and pricing. For $20, I got:
-potato skins
-caesar salad
-Prime Rib
-steamed broccoli (which was really just a big steamed CROWN of broccoli)
-mashed potatoes
-dessert (carrot cake or gluten-free chocolate fudge cake)
This place looked pretty small but still fancy. Food was amazing and I'd definitely come back just for their prime rib! -
Review from Melissa S.
Garden Grove, CA
4/9/2012
Went here the other day with a friend on a whim. Loved the place. I ordered the petite prime rib which came with the house salad, and I chose onion rings and mashed potatoes for my sides. I loved the salad selection, our waiter put in whatever we wanted right in front of us. Also, I ordered my prime rib medium rare and it was absolutely perfect: pink, tender, but definitely cooked.
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Review from Edie G.
San Diego, CA
2/14/2012
We went in a group to try the Anniversary Special....it was amazing. I Absolutely love the table side salad. They were very busy, we had thankfully made reservations, so the wait to be seated wasn't bad. Service was a little slow...but I personally didn't mind I thought it gave us time to visit with each other between courses. And if people want fast food then a sit down restaurant isn't the best choice for you. Good food takes time to prepare. We are looking forward to going back.
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Review from Robert R.
San Diego, CA
1/17/2012 1 Check-in Here
So a friend and I went here for their restaurant week deal, which was $20 per person. I will start off by just cutting to the chase and saying this was one of the best meals I've EVER had.
First, we were brought out a small loaf of pumpernickel bread, with the BEST butter I've ever had. Sounds menial, but I wouldn't mention if it it wasn't this good.
Next we were brought appetizers. We shared all of the following: potato skins, beef terriyaki skewers, barbecued chicken skewers, and grilled shrimp - all on a bed of what my friend called "the best rice of my life". So far, PERFECT.
Next was salad. I got the caesar, and my friend got their house salad. For his, they brought out this wheel of vegetables, and custom made it right at the table - great show!
Next was the main course - top sirloin. I had a side of onion rings and au gratin potatoes, while my friend had a baked potato and broccoli. Both of our steaks were prepared EXACTLY as ordered, and I will say the au gratin potatoes were the best I've ever had BY FAR.
Lastly, we finished with desert - I had a chocolate cake with raspberry drizzle, he had carrot cake. The desserts were immensely enjoyable, and yet the least enjoyable part of the menu. I say that just to emphasize how good everything else was!
Service was impeccable, as we were never left wanting the whole time.
And again, all of this for $20 - I felt like a thief as I was walking out.
Note to the manager of Hunter's Steakhouse - you MUST charge more for this! You're short selling yourself on just how amazing this experience was! -
Review from Phuong T.
San Diego, CA
2/21/2012
My boyfriend and I were in the mood for steak and they're usually expensive so we went to Hunter Steakhouse 'cos of their $20 dinner deal. We went there on a Monday night so parking wasn't a problem and we were immediately seated at a table. We were planning to order from the $20 menu but then last minute decided not to. We had lamp chops for starters and then both ordered top sorloin. The food was alright... The bread that they bring out to everyone when they seat you is extremely good. I think it's probably my favorite. I don't think I'll come back unless I'm really craving for their bread. Not the best food/steak I've tasted but it's alright.
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Review from John M.
Arcadia, CA
2/10/2012
Great service, menu selections, prices & service. Good parking. I liked the prime rib.
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Review from Charles T.
Tustin, CA
1/20/2012 1 Check-in Here
Made reservations beforehand but ended up waiting half an hour to get seated. The place was really nice and great service. But they ended up bringing out the wrong appetizer and there was also hair in my food which was terrible. But the prime rib was delicious for restaurant week
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Review from ALBERT L.
San Diego, CA
1/11/2012
Jewel tucked away - old school steak house atmosphere, the fireplace in the bar sets the mood for date nights (guys you can get 50 points bring your lady here... (not a good high end drink selection). The food is TOP notch, better than most high end restaurants in San Diego... Had prime rib, steak with blu on top and pasta is great.. Not impressed with the appetizers tho but main dish was excellent..
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Review from Alex H.
Chula Vista, CA
1/19/2012
Came here for restaurant week with a group of 8, writing this while waiting for desserts.
In summary, the food for me was great it was just the service that was bothersome. For more info, read below.
Our waitress, her name was Kim, was rude from the get go. She seemed rushed and trying to go through the process rather than the other waitresses and waiters. She took a long time to get drinks and our food. When we asked other servers for things, things came instantly. The food was pretty good. I ordered potato skins and the filet. The potato skins were a little burnt on the bottom but still good, my filet was cooked proper and tasted good.
However, my other friends ordered their steaks well done (I know, blasphemy but that's what they like) and it was medium well, but more medium. One of of my friends told our waitress who just took it and walked away, the manager came back about 5 minutes later, with the same steak that was recooked without even an apology. The few pieces she cut were well done, but the part she hadn't was still medium well. At that point my friend was grossed out and couldn't do it. When our waitress came back to check on her, she did apologize for it.
Our waitress was really rude, unhelpful, and very unimpressive compared to the other severs we interacted with. When I asked her for more lettuce on my salad that she was stingy with, she gave me a dirty look. She was clearly being stingy to keep the rest for another table without having to fill up. If we asked her for something, like forks for dessert, she told us she would then put things in the computer and came back after a minute or two with forks. If it wasn't for the fact we were a group of 8 and 18% gratuity wasn't added, we wouldn't have left her with much. While looking at the bill, she also charged a $1 extra for getting soup, which wasn't mentioned or stated on the menu, but we figured a $1 wasn't worth it. If the manager reads this, I do want to make note that she had about 30 people to serve so perhaps she was just overloaded with orders. -
Review from Vitamin B.
San Diego, CA
1/19/2012
Come hungry.
Came here for Restaurant Week. Arrived about 10 minutes late for our reservation... no problem, they sat us right away in the small dining area next to the fireplace. Perfect.
So for $76 (including tip!) this is what we got:
- full loaf of brown bread with the best butter ever,
- 2 appetizers (potato skins and trio of steak/shrimp/chicken skewers - both delish),
- clam chowder for me, made-to-order salad for him,
- prime rib for each of us with 2 sides each (potatoes au gratin and onion rings for me, baked potato with everything plus steamed broccoli for him),
- 2 desserts - carrot cake and chocolate cake, both of which were boxed up as leftovers because we were already way too full,
- 2 glasses of Robert Mondavi pinot noir ($7.25 each) and one $6 Longboard Lager.
So much food! The only thing that was mediocre was the broccoli... and it was fresh and a huge portion, just boring compared to the rest.
Our server Kaylee was great, if a little rushed, but hey, they were super busy. Perfect level of attentiveness without crossing the line to intrusive. Atmosphere was nice too... good lighting, no overtly cheesy décor, nice warm fireplace... the only thing lacking was music.
We had no issues with parking (others have complained it sucked).
Best part? Turns out they have this $20 menu every Monday and Tuesday!! We are definitely coming back.
Oh and if you are a vegetarian, you shouldn't be eating at a place that has "Steakhouse" in the title, let alone Yelping it!!! Ignore that review. -
Review from Kat A.
Mountain View, CA
5/10/2011
This place was a place that my boyfriend and I discovered on our trip to SD.
The food was great. We got their sliders and they were delicous. I thought it was really cool that the bar was downstairs and it was a dim light room with a bar and tvs. as well as behind, there were tables and couches.
The bartender, Sam was great. I told him that I wasn't much of a drinker and to make something for me. He asked what I liked and he suggested a lemon drop. Now i know taht is a popular drink, but what he did which I thought was cool was the presentation of the glass. He peeled a lemon and it crazy sit on the rim of my glass and suger on the rim as well.
Sam was great throughout the whole time. Giving us suggestions of what was good around there as well what is not. My boyfriend and I drank a lot that night and Sam called a cab for us. He was so nice and helpful. -
Review from Natalie R.
San Diego, CA
1/19/2011
I've seen this place a million times, yet have never been there (probably because it's not much to look at from the outside). We decided to check it out for Restaurant week. It was crowded, but we were seated right away. We were lucky enough to get Sam as our waitress..she was awesome! For only $20, this is what I got:
*Appetizer - three meat skewers (steak, chicken and shrimp) on top of a bed of rice
*Cesar salad
*Half-pound prime rib with choice of two sides
*Carrot cake
Everything was really great, especially the prime rib (cooked to medium rare perfection). Sam explained that it had been cooking for 16 hours, a true labor of love! Some of the best prime rib I've ever had! The portions were generous, and everything seemed really fresh. They have several locals beers on tap too...the Firehouse Hefeweizen was delicious. Apparently, they offer the same $20 deal every Monday & Tuesday. I was impressed and will be back again! -
Review from Lena P.
San Diego, CA
1/19/2011
I saw this restaurant listed on the SD Restaurant Week website. My friend and I decided to go for their $20 meal [per person].
Atmosphere-
We sat downstairs, which was a bit small. The decor was nice; 2 t.v.'s and a fire place. I felt like I was at a ski cabin, comfy at my table :]
Our order-
[Mine]
*Potato skins: Had a nice crunch from the potato skin. Came with ranch dipping sauce
*Cesar salad: pretty like any other Cesar salad out there
*Prime rib: With my choice of two-sides, fries and veggies. It was good, there was nothing that stood out about it though. Came with horseradish dipping sauce.
[Friend]
*Mini Skewers: Steak glazed w/ Teriyaki sauce, Chicken w/ smokey sweet BBQ sauce, and Shrimp w/ garlic butter.
*Clam chowder: For $1 more you can get this soup.
*Top Sirloin: His choice of two-sides, rice pilaf and broccoli. My friend said it was good.
Service-
Our server, Charlotte? I'm sorry I kind of forgot her name but she was really friendly. She made sure our meal was to our liking and that our drinks were kept full.
I would come back. -
Review from Jay B.
San Diego, CA
8/1/2011
We went to Hunter again this weekend, and I have to say that this place - the food and the service - has consistently blown my expectations out of the water. This is our second time dining here, and the bartender Sam has always shown us the best time. He's knowledgeable and efficient and warm, and can make a mean drink out of seemingly nowhere. This isn't a craft cocktail lounge, and yet he seems to make everything amazing.
Hunter Steakhouse isn't going to be the best meal you've ever had. If I want to spend $200, I can find a better quality steak. But for even one rung under top top top shelf, Hunter is where it's at. Go on the weekend to see Sam! He's the best! -
Review from Geoffrey L.
San Diego, CA
2/27/2011
Good value on prime rib. That's about all the good I can say.
And that positive remark assumes that your prime rib comes out the right temperature the first time. Ours didn't. We ordered it medium rare and got medium well. The waitress amazingly ADMITTED that all their prime ribs are precooked medium rare and heated up. What?! So what happens if you order rare? Do they put it in the time machine?
Wines by the glass are decent but infallible: Woodbridge, Mondavi, Berringer, etc., etc., yawn, yawn. Our mystery Sonoma Cab by the bottle was fantastic and not that badly overpriced. They do not list the vintages, however, so you just have wait and see what the staff brings.
The steamed broccoli had the right crunch and right salt. The filet mignon was also juicy and smoky.
The shrimp on the shrimp cocktail was dry and mushy with partial shells still on. The potatoes au gratin were more like a French onion soup. Nasty.
I can see why this place has such poor service ratings. Our waitress was a bit ditzy (as evidenced by the admission above). As we went through bread dishes, appetizer dishes and side dishes, we began pushing them aside. No one bothered to buss a single dish. To make my point, I piled all of the dishes at the edge of the table into a heaping slanted scrap pile. They finally got the point that night. Let's see if they do overall. -
Review from Lisa W.
1/21/2011 5 photos
My friends wanted to come here for restaurant week because it was cheap for the price ($20 for a 3 course meal) The wait was so long, it took about an hour before they seated us, and even when we got in the service was SO SLOW. SOOOOO SLOOOOOW. very slow, like a snail trying to beat a turtle...
anyway, we brought a bottle of wine (corkage fee of 10, which was a good deal) the food- service was slow. appetizer: skewers was like a mini dinner, turned out to be really good. bread was sweet and warm and good. however, i got the clam chowder, which the waiter DID NOT tell me it was $1 extra. I was a little annoyed because number one, he was slow for everything, number 2 he didn't even disclose that it was a dollar extra-which turned out to taste like a tree bark had a weird after taste, and third he barely even came around to fill anything. and he didn't even open our wine til the appetizer part. sheesh.
the entree-my sirloin was okay. the mash potatoes was luke warm, broccoli was one big one you have to cut it, it was hard an raw. the dessert was probably the best part, the chocolate mousse tasted like a mix of cheesecake and ice cream-it was the best thing.
overall it was ehh. good for the price though. but expect to wait and wait and wait, slow service. -
Review from Pedro Adrian E.
San Diego, CA
2/15/2011 1 Check-in Here
I came for the prime rib and for $16.99 I got a 3/4lb prime rib, a baked potatoe and a clam chowder soup for entree.. not bad
THE PRIME RIB (which I ordered medium) was juicy and tender just the way I like it... would comeback definitely again -
Review from Paula L.
San Diego, CA
1/14/2011
I absolutely love this place! The food is exceptional, the setting is elegant but casual, the drinks are good too!
It is quite hard for me to steer away from the lamb Hunter offers, my wife will normally have one of their steaks, always exceptional.
I have been to Ruths Chris and Donovan's downtown, I still say Hunter Steakhouse is the best and the parking is even great! Compliments to the management, Staff and Chefs! -
Review from April P.
1/28/2011 1 Check-in Here
This was the only restaurant my friends and I checked out during Restaurant Week. I was kinda disappointed when I heard that their 3-or-4 course dinner special for Restaurant Week wasn't all that special at all; they have every Monday & Tuesday. And as far as if you're looking for a random location to eat, I'm sure people wouldn't see this place off the freeway since it is a little hidden. I never knew this spot even existed. And parking here sucks. Luckily I had my disabled parking placard so parking wasn't an issue.
Service overall was okay. Friendly and nothing exceptional and nothing horrendous. Everyone ordered different things from the menu and everyone was pleased with their food. I had the potato skins, caesar salad, top sirloin with steamed broccoli & wild rice pilaf, and the chocolate mousse pie. I thoroughly enjoyed everything except for the main course. It wasn't anything to write home about. I definitely needed the steak sauce to go with the top sirloin steak since there wasn't much to it. But the potato skins, salad, and dessert were great! I also liked that you also had the option of choosing your own ingredients for a salad of your own if you didn't want caesar salad.
We were seated downstairs where the bar is so it was nice to have something watch on TV while we were waiting in between courses.
Don't think I'd come back here. Not a bad deal for $20 but for a steakhouse, I expected their steak to be their best thing on their menu and that wasn't the case. -
Review from Jared G.
4/3/2011 1 Check-in Here
Ive been here two times in the last few years and i like coming here. Its a great place to get a steak dinner at a reasonable price.
When i come here i get a steak that is stuffed with mushrooms ( i cant remember the name) but it is really delicious! My girlfriend turned me on to this steak and she was totally right its really good. The side dishes are actually really good as well. The mashed potatoes were better than i was expecting. The portions sizes in relation to how much you spend is surprising. Our steak dinners were only about $20 and they were hard to finish. They have specialized cocktails there as well.
Its a great place for a nice steak dinner and after two visits i can safely say i will be back!
Oh yeah and the service we have experienced here has always been above average! Good job! :) -
Review from Dan P.
1/23/2011
Like some others, decided to check this place out for restaurant week. The $20 for 3/4 courses is actually they have every Monday and Tuesday so you TOO can have this experience when restaurant week is over. Would you want this experience tho? Let's find out!
Parking... sucks. There's a lot there with about 10 spaces, half of which are probably taken by the staff who work there.
The staff overall is pretty friendly but the service was definitely on the slow side. We WERE seated in the corner though, so that may be why.
Food is really not a big deal. I had the prime rib with the skewers appetizer, tomato zucchini soup, and some sort of mousse cake for dessert. Skip on the skewers for sure. The meats were rubbery and kind of stale tasting. The tomato and zucchini soup was pleasant and I'd recommend it if they have it. Prime rib was quite good, not mind blowing (and I always want to have my mind blown). The horseradish sauce they serve with it is potent so watch out. I got broccoli as my side and it is one big chunk of broccoli, cooked a bit on the raw side. I kind of liked that actually. The mousse cake was decent. A bit "solid", not light and fluffy like mousse.
Value-wise, I'd say it's decent considering prime rib anywhere else is at least 15 buckso. This is all given you go when they have this dea; (Mon/Tue) I didn't really take a look at the regular menu for prices so I can't say how value is overall.Listed in: Mmm Steak
-
Review from tammy n.
Chula Vista, CA
1/17/2011
made reservations for 7:15pm didnt get seated til after 8pm could we have waited any longer?! probably...
THE WAIT TIME WAS HELLA LONG AND TO TOP IT OFF WE SPENT ABOUT 3 HOURS IN TOTAL THERE TO FINISH OUR MEAL BECAUSE EVERYTHING TOOK SO LONG!
came here for restaurant week. potatoe skins were ok prime rib was good side dishes not really. the bread and butter were yummy. carrot cake was good.
LONGEST DINNER EVER! not worth it. and parking sucks!!! -
Review from Ayami H.
7/24/2010
Tried this place with my cousin + his family while we were down in San Diego for Comic Con (!!) He heard good things about it so we decided to try it out. Atmosphere was dark, quiet and nice... I didnt feel out of place at all with my bat man shirt... ok a little... ok A LOT!
Anywho, ordered the only salmon dish ($23), came with your choice of salad or soup, and 2 sides. I had the veggies + wild rice. Fiance had the prime rib with broccoli and onion rings.
The salad was made at our table, the waiter asking us what we'd like in our salad, just like a mini salad bar! Fiance said his prime rib was one of the he has ever had... better than charlie browns :) my salmon was a bit dry but it was still good. veggies + wild rice was really good.
I'd come here again except they dont have much of a variety when it comes to fish or chicken... but then again, what should I expect at a steakhouse right? -
Review from Benji L.
San Diego, CA
1/19/2012
I tried this place out for restaurant week with my wife. It was worth way more the $20. The portions were large which suited my appetite perfectly. For appetizers we had the hunters trio and the tater skins. The chicken skewer was a bit dry but the shrimp and beef skewers were excellent. The tater skins were damn good (if you like crispy tater skins). For our entrees the waiter recommended the house specialty prime rib and the salmon. The prime rib came out nice and juicy. But it was the petite cut which was a little too thin for my taste. However the flavor made up for the size. They also had fresh horseradish sauce (not that cheapy cream stuff) that tore my nostrils up...... That's how I like my horseradish sauce!!! My wife had the salmon which was DA BOMB! It was a perfect balance of crispy outside and moist inside. One of the better broiled salmon I've tried AND it was 9oz! The sides, clam chowder and the dessert were aight. Nothing to really talk about there, but the tableside salad was pretty cool.
All in all the food was totally worth the money... Service was really good. Only downside was that we made reservations for 7:30 and didn't get seated til almost 8:00. Well I guess it was restaurant week so long hair don't care. Well worth the wait and now they have the restaurant week menu every Monday and Tuesdays. -
Review from Serena H.
San Diego, CA
9/26/2010
After a mediocre restaurant week experience a few nights ago....we stumbled across Hunters, the highest rated steakhouse semi close to La Jolla, Good for Kids, and only a (hell yes) $$.
We all ordered a restaurant week special and I'm sorry to say this, but I life literally half my food uneaten...no, I'm not saying the food wasn't good--in fact, the steak was so juicy and tender, the shrimp and steak skewers so lip-smacking good, and the carrot cake that went missing after about 30 seconds on my plate....I just couldn't fit it all in my poor stomach.
You ready? 20 bucks here got us 3 skewers (steak, shrimp, chicken), one New england clam chowder (or table salad bar), Top Sirlon or Prime Rib or Salmon with TWO sides, and a to-die-for carrot cake (or chocolate mousse)...I feel full just thinking about it.
I felt like I was eating at a buffet.. the food just kept on coming, and I just kept on eating and eating.
You get the ambiance of a date-like fancy restaurant, but you don't feel out of place wearing some jeans or shorts (though you can opt for something classier and still feel at home). Got kids or a crowd? We didnt feel embarrassed with a 5 year old cousin but rather quite comfortable. My aunt usually steers away from "fancy" feeling restaurants like these, but I promised here that this place was kid friendly and I was so relieved that it was. YES.
To get to the bottom of it, a damn good birthday dinner :)
Check it out. Bring a date. Or your 5 year old cousin. I promise you'll love it.
