Cool Eats in San Diego: Steak

1. BULLY’S – MISSION VALLEY, DEL MAR $$$

Bully’s for steak and award winning prime rib has been a local favorite since 1967. This place is about as traditional as they come. A very laid back dark ambiance with red lighting and black and red booths for seating, Horse racing paintings, sporting memorabilia and few artistic naked women adorn the walls and prove the history. The staff is always great and the food is terrific. It was started by George Bullington, a jockey agent at Santa Anita racetrack.

A variety of cuts and weights of beef from the 7oz top sirloin, a teriyaki Top Sirloin to the 24oz Porterhouse, New York and Filet Mignons cuts dominate the menu. All the meat is moist and juicy with a charbroiled surface. Steaks come with the usual faire of salads, and baked potatoes to accompany the meal are included in the price. This is a red meat place, while they do serve some seafood items, Steak and the Prime Rib are the dead ringers. Always very busy, a testament to how good it is.

For a great mexican flavor try the Steak and Enchilada, a great steak accompanied by a cheese enchilada.

We cannot finish this review without mentioning the award winning prime rib. Choose your size, cooking and even a blackened prime rib on the offering. You can get an 8oz to a mega 32 oz cut available. If you have a date, Cool Stuff SD highly suggests the Prime Rib Full cut dinner for two. A horseradish crusted Prime Rib specialty is also available.

As reviewed Bully’s East  – 2401 Camino Del Rio South with lots of parking. (619) 291-2665. There is an additional parking lot above just in case. The other location is in Del Mar at 1404 Camino Del Mar and is a favorite for horse racing fans after a day at the races.  Call (858)755-1660

2. GASLAMP STRIP CLUB – GASLAMP $$$

This place has a twist and is just a whole lot of fun. Think you’re America’s best griller? You can cook your own steak at this Gaslamp Restaurant. A social gathering occurs around the several indoor barbeque islands appropriately stocked with all the spices. You may be asked to share a few cooking secrets and show off your talent!

You can sit down at a table, like any good steakhouse. The restaurant has red and black décor on the walls and wrap-around booths. The waitresses will take your order like any other, you just pick your side dishes, your steak and the meals come with a large family style salad in a chilly stainless steel bowl to kick off your dinner. Cool Stuff SD suggests the creamed spinach and blue cheese scalloped potatoes for sides. Get your drink and salad and chill out (just like the bowl!) When you are ready, be prepared for a platter with your raw steaks wrapped up, a basket of garlic bread and some tongs. Simply step up to the near tableside barbeque and prepare your steak just the way you want it. Don’t forget to throw your bread on the BBQ! When you arrive back at your table your scrumptious side dishes will be delivered fresh out of the kitchen to compliment your dinner.

340 Fifth Ave. in the Gaslamp. (619) 231-3140 and now open in the Golden Triangle part of La Jolla at 4283 Esplanade Court. Call (858) 450-1400

3. RED TRACTON’S – DEL MAR $$$

Just north of Del Mar and a skip from the race track is a 50 year old steakhouse, Red Tracton’s.

Red Tracton’s legacy of excellence is one not to be missed. Offering an unpretentious sense of sophistication to its local patrons and visitors alike, this steakhouse is one any meat lover can’t afford to miss. One will never leave hungry after dining at this spot. Red Tracton’s is known for serving only the finest in Prime Beef. The menu offers the freshest and highest quality of Eastern Prime Meats. Red’s is famous for their “Green Goddess Salad” and incredible Lobster Bisque. Choose from a huge array of steaks and sizes, cooked to mouth watering satisfaction.

The staff is friendly and accommodating, there to service your every need. The ambiance is reminiscent of the old steakhouses of the 50s and 60s. Big red leather booths and dim champagne colored lights create an era of days gone by. Elegant oak furniture make this the perfect place to enjoy a steak and a glass of Napa Valley wine.

550 Via de la Valle in Del Mar / Solana Beach Call (858) 755-6600

4. SASKAS – MISSION BEACH $$

A local favorite since 1958, Saska’s for steak is the place. If you are craving the standard faire of a salad, baked potato and a juicy steak in a casual atmosphere, paired with late night dining, you can’t go wrong with this one. Located just 1 block from the ocean on Mission Boulevard in Mission Beach, Saskas is definitely a landmark. Leave you suit and tie in the laundry basket, because an attire of shorts and flip flops is just fine. Enjoy a fireside table on a cool, winter, beach night. A great friendly staff awaits you, and this steak won’t break the bank.

The “Duke” and the “Saska” are our favorite picks for Steak. Try the Blue filet and you sure won’t be moaning on your way home!

The Mission Beach steakhouse is open until midnight during the week and 1am on Saturdays.

Located at 3768 Mission Blvd, show up early or call for reservations. Parking is tough, but the valet option is convenient for 3 bucks. Call (858) 488-7255.