Dobson's Bar & Restaurant

06/28/08

Great food...Fantastic Service!

by shopgirlkz at Citysearch

My family and I stayed in the gaslamp district recently and were dissappointed with the many tourist trap restaurant settings... then we found Dobsons. Mr. Dobson greeted us with a wonderful smile and warmth I've not seen in a host/owner in a very long time. He is genuine and gracious. His bartendar was outstanding- we enjoyed him so much we decided to stay at the bar and eat our dinner. The scallops were some of the best I've ever had. Overall great food and truly a wonderful environment. Thank you Mr. Dobson!

05/20/07

Great Lunch, Great Happy hour and GREAT service

by sugarywitch at Citysearch

I have never had a better bartender in San Diego. The service was exceptional, so friendly and comfortable but also polite. This place seems to have a ton of regulars which is always a good sign. I've only had sandwiches and oysters, but both were very good. The wine list is also quite nice and the servers are always willing to make recommendations. The bar, while small, has such a pleasant atmosphere, lots of conversation between the patrons and the guys behind the bar make this old school place the kind of dying breed I'm sad to see disappearing. Lunch or Happy Hour at Dobson's can not possibly disappoint.

• Pros: Great Bar, GREAT service
• Cons: Small

09/05/06

It is just the best Restaurant in San Diego

by luciano777 at Citysearch

Great Food!! After 22 years Paul Dobson still in the door!!

What I like about the bar is that you always meet somebody important

• Pros: Great Food
• Cons: none

Storied downtown haunt home to power lunches by day and theatergoers by night stands the test of time south of Broadway.

by Erin Chambers at Citysearch

A curved green awning just across from Horton Plaza marks the entrance to the old boys club-style dining room with a long wooden bar, dark leather booths and brass accents. The City Hall and big business sets that fill the place with high powered dealings at lunchtime are replaced after hours with Downtown's cultured crowd who stop in for special pre- and post-theatre nibbles. The famous mussel bisque topped with a pastry crust leads the charge on the French bistro menu. At lunchtime, the fresh oysters and the "bar room burger" can only be topped by the salty smoked duck and arugula salad with sweet brandied cherries. In the evening, a unique "after theatre" menu features small plates like crab cakes with mustard sauce, grilled chicken breast and heirloom tomato and eggplant puree. Classic creme brulee and seasonal berries with Chantilly cream standout on the simple sweets menu.