04/16/09

Been eating here for 2 decades. Still a customer.

by cwkim2

Bully's is a classic watering hole, which may seem anachronistic these days. The food, however, is consistently good. I recommend the burgers, Nooner (flank steak sandwich) or Prime Rib sandwich. Each entree comes with 2 side dishes, which makes the meal a good value. The vegetables have, in my experience, always been cooked properly (i.e., not overcooked). You do need to specify how you want your steak cooked, bearing in mind that it sometimes comes cooked 1 level higher than you specify. Don't order anything complicated or fancy. This is a steakhouse. If it's broiled or grilled, you'll be fine. The quality and speed of service is entirely dependent on your server. Unlike other reviewers, when I spoke to the manager about slow service on one visit, he handled things directly. Waits can be long and the place caters first and foremost to "regulars" so if you are an occasional guest you might find the wait annoying. If you're in a rush, avoid peak hours or eat at the bar.

• Pros: Good food, reasonably priced.
• Cons: Speed & quality of service is dependent on the server.

02/11/09

After ten years of wondering i finally know...

by flightbenefits

It's great! After driving by it for years on the way someplace else i finally stopped in and am glad I did. The decor is just how i like it. Dark woods and warm leather booths with a very subdued lighting scheme but certainly not dark. An amazing looking bar with friendly bartenders everyone seemed to know and enjoy, after all this is a small locals joint but very welcoming and used to first timers coming in to enjoy what is apparently "the place" to get prime rib. I Ordered the Petite prime rib with green beans almondine and steak fries. For dessert I ordered the Creme Brule. And to wash it all down with? What else but a Long Island iced tea. For a grand Total of $35.00 and a ten dollar tip on top of that I was satisfied but not blown away. Maybe next time i'll just get dessert and a drink as the Creme Brule was quite wonderful.

• Pros: Classy cool local joint perfect for a date of just to impress friends.
• Cons: Maybe a little pricey but certainly worth it.

01/16/09

Nasty and mean owner; Overcooked Steaks

by notreallypicky

We booked for our party of 7 for New years eve-- about a week in advance. We had no problem w/ making a reservation; but upon arrival we were seated OUTSIDE in a covered patio area with patio tables and chair and ceiling heaters. We were not told we would be on the patio. This may work in 60 degree weather but not in the 48 degree New Years eve in San Diego.

We asked to move and were told all tables were reserved. My elderly parents (80's) from out of town had to eat with their coats on. I had a glaring spotlight in my face and had to wear a cap , sunglasses and a coat throughout the meal.

We had identical experiences as the above reviewer with the manager. She went out of her way to be rude. When our waitress seated us at another table the manager threw a fit, told us to move, refused to allow any drinks to be served and threatened to throw us out. We should have left. This "manager" was in fact the owner- a shocking fact indeed.

We had had great experiences at Bully's in La Jolla, now closed. This Bullys is run by a different person. The food was not cooked to order (overdone for all) and the presentation was terrible-- the food was just thrown on the plate.

AVOID this restaurant- the staff is intimated by the nasty owner and it shows. It's not a happy place. There is another Bullys location in Del Mar. Next time I will try that one.

• Pros: off I-8
• Cons: see my review- nasty, rude owner