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Imperial Steak House

Imperial Steak House, 505 Kalmia St, San Diego

4.1
RESTAURANT RATING: 
VERY GOOD
4.1 out of 5 (162 Ratings)
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1.1 miles Old Globe Theatre
About Imperial Steak House
The Spotlight on Imperial Steak House

Hearty Steaks & Laid-Back Vibes Near the Music Scene

Imperial Steak House is a no-frills, classic American steakhouse in the heart of San Diego, just minutes from downtown concert venues. Known for its generous portions and old-school charm, this spot delivers a satisfying meal in a welcoming, casual setting. Whether you're heading to a show or just winding down, it’s a reliable choice for flavorful food without the fuss.

Why Concert-goers love it

Just a short drive or walk from several popular San Diego music venues, Imperial Steak House is a solid pick for a pre-show dinner. The service is known for being quick and friendly, helping you make it to your seat on time. The atmosphere is relaxed, making it easy to unwind before the energy of a live performance. Plus, the hearty menu means you won’t go hungry during the encore.

Who this Restaurant is great for

  • Groups of friends looking to fuel up before a night out
  • Solo travelers grabbing a bite before seeing a favorite artist
  • Couples enjoying a romantic weekend with dinner and a show
  • Fans who want a low-key spot with solid food before the music starts
  • Budget-conscious concert-goers who want value without sacrificing taste

What People Say

Reviewers on TripAdvisor and OpenTable praise the excellent steaks, friendly staff, and reasonable prices. Many return visitors mention the generous portion sizes and the feeling that it’s a “hidden gem” away from the tourist-heavy areas. The casual vibe makes it easy to relax, and the straightforward menu gets high marks for consistency.

Areas for Improvement

Some diners mention that the décor feels a bit dated, and that parking can occasionally be a challenge during busy times. But most agree these are minor issues compared to the overall value and quality of the food.

The Bottom Line

If you’re looking for a reliable, satisfying meal before a show in San Diego, Imperial Steak House hits the mark with great steaks, quick service, and a laid-back vibe.

Average Price
$30 and under
Cuisine
American
Dress Code
Casual Dress
Opening Hours
Dinner
Tue-Sat 5:00 pm-10:00 pm
Bar
Tue-Thu 5:00 pm-9:00 pm
Fri, Sat 5:00 pm-1:00 am

Imperial Steak House Customer Reviews

Many have visited, but none have returned to tell the tale. Will you be the first to write a review of Imperial Steak House?

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TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

Imperial Steakhouse Restaurant is #1973 of 5285 things to do in San Diego

4 of 5 stars4 out of 5
By: randallblaum, San Diego, California
Sat 13 Jan, 2024
l Our server and the nice lady who greeted us made us feel very welcome. The ribeye and filet were cooked perfectly. That said, $10 for a side of broccoli (5 small crowns) was unacceptable. And...

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5 of 5 stars5 out of 5
By: caineuk1, United Kingdom
Sun 27 Oct, 2019
l I've walked in to the Imperial for a late beer on many occasions and its always has different patrons. Last night had the Halloween crowd dressed to the nines and was very good fun.

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5 of 5 stars5 out of 5
By: JoAnn K, San Diego, California
Sun 30 Dec, 2018
l I ordered the Cowboy Bone-in Ribeye. It was fantastic. The steak was top quality, perfectly grilled and seasoned to perfection. Also had the yummy baked potato. We shared a top notch shrimp...

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Imperial Steak House 505 Kalmia St, San Diego