Rainwaters on Kettner
San Diego, CA 92101
Phone: (619) 233-5707
- Price:
- $$$$
- Cross Street:
- B Street
- Hours:
- Tues-Sat 11:30am-10pm
Editorial Review for Rainwaters on Kettner – by Erin Chambers
The Scene
From the San Diego's major political players, to visiting dignitaries, to lovers celebrating an anniversary, the large, luxurious leather booths at this prime steakhouse are often filled with San Diego's elite dining crowd. For over 20 years, it has balanced the upscale with the unpretentious. Service is knowledgeable, especially regarding wine pairings, and the low ceilings and dim lighting contribute to the quiet, comfortable mood.
The Food
In classic steakhouse style, order your favorite cut (they have it all from ribeye to t-bone to filet) and select from a handful of no-frills sides like grilled asparagus or baked potato. Chef Scott McGlothlin has led the culinary team for two decades and also offers a few non-beef specials like Provimi calves liver and bacon-wrapped scallops. No matter the entree, you can't miss with the hommade pecan pie or profiteroles dripping with Belgian chocolate sauce and fresh berries for dessert.
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Insider Tips
Where to SitThe Wine Vault and the East Room have private tables sequestered in the wine cellar. Call to reserve.
What to DrinkOver 100 wines available by the glass, and 1600+ bottles on the complete wine list
When to GoIt's a bit of a hike from the theater, but many are using this as a pre- and post-event spot for Summer Pops on the Navy pier.
User Reviews for Rainwaters on Kettner
01/28/2008 Posted by jomarkumar423
My wife and I went here last Sunday during San Diego Restaurant week. Like many people, we had heard great things about this restaurant, and seen it featured in airline magazines as one of America's "premiere steak houses." My wife and were fortunate enough to have a 3 course meal at a set price. We both decided to upgrade to a pepper corn fillet because that is what they are known for. Our first course came out and my wife ordered calamari while I upgrade and tried their ahi tuna appetizer. My wife's calamari was nothing spectacular, and my tuna was... well average. I guess I shouldn't have expected much, it being a steak house and all. For our main dish, the fillets came out with mashed potatoes and gravy. The potatoes and gravy seemed to be made from a mix, and while the steaks were cooked well, and very tender, it seemed to lack flavor. Not quite what you'd expect from a "premiere" steak house. We finished up with dessert. I enjoyed the bread pudding, and my wife liked her chocolate cake, though it looked a slight bit better than the chocolate cake they have at KFC. Aesthetically it was pretty dark in the place. My wife and I were initially seated by the bar (which was overflowing with people), so we asked to be moved some where else. They ended up putting us in the aisle way near the kitchen and bathroom. While this didn't bother us too much, the question remains: why would you put a table there? Overall I was pretty under-whelmed with the experience. The service wasn't bad, but it wasn't great. The food wasn't bad, but it wasn't great. For the price you're paying, I would definitely say you're not getting your money's worth. You'd probably be better served going to Morton's, or possibly Ruth Chris. Bottom line- there are better steaks out there.
Pros: Not much to say about this one
Cons: Not a good value, flavorless steak, Unusual seating, Parking
01/10/2008 Posted by patrk
Rainwater's on Kettner came highly recommended by my friends who live in Washington, D.C. When I arrived in San Diego I started looking for restaurants with a view. After two experiences that were only OK we decided to take the advice offered by my friend and tried Rainwater's on our third nite in the city. We had a wonderful time. So great, in fact, that I really wanted to take a moment to recommend them. My husband ordered the Pepper Filet which they claim is famous. After eating each and every bite he agreed. It is famous. I am not a meat eater so I tried the Dover Sole. Wonderful. Just the way it should be done in a light butter sauce. The server told us that the restaurant flies this fish in from Europe. It was so fresh. I can not say enough about our server. She was a warm and friendly person and had been at this restaurant for several years. She was so helpful and helped us to choose our wine. She guided us to a wine that was very affordable even though she knew that price was not our main concern. We will go back any time we are again in your wonderful city.
