Cancel

Open app

Search

Imperial Steakhouse

3.9 (354 reviews)
Closed • Closed

Order Imperial Steakhouse Takeout or Delivery

Imperial Steakhouse Photos

Business Info

IMPERIAL STEAKHOUSE ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Quiet
Good for dancing
Good for groups

You might also consider

Recommended Reviews - Imperial Steakhouse

Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
Yelp app icon
Browse more easily on the app
Review Feed Illustration

Reviews With Photos

Dining room. All original fixtures and furniture, which a lot has been restored from 1968. It's a walk down memory lane type spot for sure!
Jacqueline L.

A classic steakhouse from the 1960s (1968), that the original owners son keeps open. It's quiet and never busy, but you get a Frank Sinatra vibe upon walking into the dining room. A simple one page menu, classic steakhouse options (not cheap but comparable to steakhouses these days), and a full bar. Friendly service and worth a trip for an old-school steakhouse vibe.

Mushrooms 9/10
Peter T.

Really could be the go to standard for when you want something you could cook at home, don't want to apply the effort, and you want a little extra kick to it. The food here was an 8.99/10. It is certainly more traditional but everything is prepared to perfection. The crust on our steak was remarkable, inside, slightly more than medium rare but it was so thick, so juicy, so flavorful, it's easy to disregard. The potato skins were also awesome. Perfectly seared, nice balance of toppings and the ranch it was served with was awesome too. Mushrooms, again, traditional, but again they were cooked to perfection. Our server, Amy, was quirky, fun, and very kind. "Free" cheesecake came our way. One item of note is that the restaurant was EMPTY. From when we arrived to when we finished. There's an old school sense of royalty here decoration wise. Red velvet seats and booths, chandeliers, fake flowers, it's all pretty cool. The restaurant was very sound and solid, but silent. Come here if you have kids and want a silent evening, not if you want fun. Overall though, grade A everything.

Mike E.

Love this place, it is perfect for date night, high class vibe, affordable prices, GREAT service.. Hostess Amy is very attentive, but not needy.. The menu is pretty basic in a good way, an priced spot on. Oh and the octopus is brag worthy, priced perfect, quality is awesome and the quantity is almost too much..YUM.. Lighting is on the dimmer side, however it makes the leather interior pop.. Makes you almost feel underdressed and not worthy. Waiting for Elvis or Sinatra to walk in any minute... All in all, perfect place our date night, you SHOULD try it..!!

Pineapple margarita on the rocks

See all

10 months ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 1
Love this 0
Oh no 1

10 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

7 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

9 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

1 month ago

Best burger (non smash) & great price point! Would argue that one of the best in SD! Very hospitable staff as well

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Peter T.
488
1308
1316

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 1
Love this 2
Oh no 1
Photo of Lisa P.
104
23
1

9 months ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 2

10 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

11 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Love this place, food is always great and the staff is welcoming. Lowkey vibe with old school feel.

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Mike E.
27
89
3

2 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 1
Love this 2
Oh no 1

2 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 1

9 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

9 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of K B.
61
554
2290

4 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 1
Love this 4
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 1

2 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 3

2 years ago

Helpful 4
Thanks 2
Love this 3
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Helpful 6
Thanks 0
Love this 4
Oh no 3

1 year ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 1

9 months ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 1

4 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of A B.
123
40
1

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Snowflake J.
69
203
525

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

8 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 2
Oh no 0
Photo of danny k.
230
13
1

4 years ago

Helpful 5
Thanks 0
Love this 3
Oh no 1

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 1
Photo of Tyler L.
44
57
32

4 years ago

Helpful 3
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 1
Photo of Ron C.
52
37
10

3 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 1

5 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Elliot J.
5
226
12

5 years ago

Helpful 3
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Tiara T.
231
14
7

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 1

Page 1 of 9

Imperial Steakhouse Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - Imperial Steakhouse

On your website, it states $25 charge for split plates. If my husband and I ordered the tomahawk (32-36 oz for $110 & definitely too large for one person), would we still have to pay a split plate fee? We'd get appetizers/drinks too (not just steak)

I would think if they aren't physically spitting the meal onto two plates I would think not. When you order and if they ask if you would like to split this just say no.

What nights do you have live music?

Friday and Saturday night. This Thursday we have Latino Night

Do you take reservations?

Open table or through the website, and calling in.

Do you have outdoor tables and are dogs allowed if you do?

No, we don’t for both questions

Are children allowed?

Yes but not at the bar.

Has Rick Lyon resumed performing?

He’s no longer working with us

Is Prime Rib served daily?

We don’t served prime rib.

Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

You might also consider

ALTITUDE Sky Lounge

ALTITUDE Sky Lounge

4.0(1.7k reviews)
1.5 mi•Gaslamp, East Village
•$$

Altitude Sky Lounge in downtown San Diego has an absolutely beautiful rooftop view. From the top,…read moreyou can enjoy views of both the waterfront side and the downtown skyline, and honestly the scenery alone makes it worth visiting. To get inside, you have to go through the hotel entrance and then take the elevator to the top floor. There was no issue going up or down, and everything moved rather quickly considering we visited on a Friday night. Up top it was a little crowded near the edges where everyone was taking photos, but people moved around pretty quickly so it was still easy to get some really good pictures from the rooftop. I didn't order any drinks, so this review is based solely on the location and the views, but once you're up there it's just absolutely beautiful. We stayed for about 20 minutes, enjoyed the views, took in the atmosphere, and then headed out. Definitely worth checking out if you're in San Diego.

I've been here multiple times before heading out for a night on the town, but this was my first…read moretime visiting during the daytime. It was nice to switch things up and catch a sunset from the rooftop. The drinks are always solid and this spot has become a staple first stop before hitting Gaslamp.

Photos
ALTITUDE Sky Lounge - The perfect drink paired with the perfect view!

The perfect drink paired with the perfect view!

ALTITUDE Sky Lounge - Altitude is situated on the rooftop of the San Diego Gaslamp Marriott. Enter through the hotel lobby & take our express elevator to the sky!

Altitude is situated on the rooftop of the San Diego Gaslamp Marriott. Enter through the hotel lobby & take our express elevator to the sky!

ALTITUDE Sky Lounge - Birthdays, bachelor-/rette parties, private events or just a regular happy hour - we're downtown San Diego's preferred special event spot!

See all

Birthdays, bachelor-/rette parties, private events or just a regular happy hour - we're downtown San Diego's preferred special event spot!

Prohibition - Our famous Prohibition Old Fashioned

Prohibition

4.0(1k reviews)
1.3 mi•Gaslamp
•$$

As I approached the old law office, we found a line wrapped outside ensuring ID was confirmed prior…read moreto entry. Our group was surprised as is was 2115, it's been open for about an hour and a half and packed. As you enter this old law office down a staircase one would find the "speakeasy statutes/rules" to maintain the 1920s atmosphere-- we loved the setting, the people, the drinks, and of course the live music!! One would not be disappointed. The cocktail menu was on an old record, which I thought it was so clever. Back to the rules, seems pretty easy! They mention to keep an open mind with the drinks as they do not carry vodkas, redbull, Budweiser or bulls**t. Mentioned a dresscode, more so be classic and states be respectful and don't be a di*k. I couldn't agree more with the rules. I don't think there is good at this establishment, as our group just came from dinner I wasn't looking for food. Just spirits, live music and a good time. Highly recommend if you are looking for live music and uniquely crafted cocktails.

I am writing this review to bring a serious safety and security issue to management's attention. On…read moreMay 18th. around 10pm, I was at this establishment and was unfortunately dealing with a male date who became erratic, weird, and made me feel unsafe. Multiple bystanders witnessed his behavior but failed to intervene, assuming it was just "relationship drama" After the man finally left, the venue's security completely misread the situation. Instead of checking on my well-being or ensuring the aggressor had left the premises, security targeted and chased me as if I were the problem. It is incredibly disappointing and dangerous for a business's security team to lack the basic situational awareness and training required to identify the actual victim in a situation. I felt entirely unprotected by the staff here. I hope management takes this as a serious sign that their security team needs immediate retraining on bystander intervention and de-escalation, rather than harassing women who are already in vulnerable situations.

Photos
Prohibition
Prohibition - El Fruterio featuring Azunia GBOD single barrel reposado tequila

El Fruterio featuring Azunia GBOD single barrel reposado tequila

Prohibition - Live Jazz/Blues/Roaring 20's kinda vibe! My kind of bar/lounge! (5/5)

See all

Live Jazz/Blues/Roaring 20's kinda vibe! My kind of bar/lounge! (5/5)

Part Time Lover - The bar at PTL San Diego

Part Time Lover

4.3(506 reviews)
2.1 mi•North Park
•$$

Fun speakeasy in North Park. Probably the most popular bar in the area. The DJs are unreal and this…read morespot always has the best music. The drinks are creative and fun. The vibe is immaculate: dim-lighting, wooden furniture, nice wallpaper, and dark curtains. Cute but very overpriced vinyl shop in the back, it's more for show. It gets insanely busy here every night. There will always be a wait after 9 PM. Wait isn't long, but it's essential as it gets PACKED inside. Seating is always full and people will throw hands for a table. There is minimal room to stand. Unfortunately, there is NO DANCEFLOOR :,( The bar lines are INSANE and can be hard to follow. But the bartneders are patient and helpful when it's finally your turn. While I warn about the crowds, this place is awesome. 10/10 one of the best spots in San Diego, the staple of North Park.

This is a nice establishment, especially for lounging with a date. Very clean and nice drinks too…read more A little pricey however that's the norm in this area for the more popular out of towner type spots. The servers are friendly. But you have to be patient as they are often quite busy. The record store and records theme is what they present online but to be honest that is only a minute section of the establishment. It definitely doesn't describe the theme of the place neither. The worker in the record section simply ignored me when I tried to purchase a record and after a minute I had to ask for him to please ring me up. No apology from him. No biggie, I still had a decent time drinking here.

Photos
Part Time Lover - Bikini Kill (Serrano tequila blanco, mango, guava, tamarind, xila, lemon)

Bikini Kill (Serrano tequila blanco, mango, guava, tamarind, xila, lemon)

Part Time Lover - Record store to the left. Bathroom straight ahead

Record store to the left. Bathroom straight ahead

Part Time Lover - Bar area

See all

Bar area

False Idol - Isn't it gorgeous?!

False Idol

4.4(1.4k reviews)
0.8 mi•Little Italy
•$$

My False Idol experience was memorable, albeit blurry toward the end! My boyfriend and I had been…read moreon a half-day tour beforehand, but I saw that False Idol was near our hotel and I insisted we stop in for a cocktail before calling it a night. I knew it was a speakeasy but he did not. I was trying to double-check on my phone that Craft & Commerce was the right restaurant its housed in (yes) when he tried to jet set off down the block "to keep looking" rather than listen to me. I yelled, "MOTHER!" by accident and then he did truly leave me hahaha. He resurfaced a few minutes later, and then we walked in. It was 5:15 at the time, so 15 minutes after opening. I had NO IDEA how popular this spot was, nor anything about its nation-wide reputation. I actually didn't know that until two days ago when a Yelp-friend at home here in Richmond, Virginia, exclaimed excitedly when I told her we stopped in. The host who greeted us was kind, informed us there had been a line to get in that day, but that they had one barrel left; we jumped on it of course. It was happy hour, so the first cocktail I ordered was dirt cheap at $9. It was the Imperial Hawaiian with gin, rum, lemon, pineapple, and orgeat. I really shouldn't have ordered a second drink after that one, but I did have the classic Saturn later on in the night and it was absurdly good! Definitely my favorite of the two. The moody tiki vibe was so cool and fun. They even had frogs you could play on the tables. We had some fun neighbors too, which livened up the experience even more. We had a great time and both walked out heavily buzzed. We were asleep by 8 that night, but it was worth it!

False idol is a tucked away Hawaiian themed speakeasy behind a restaurant. Reservations are…read morerequired so be mindful of that before going. Once inside seating is first come first served so the place is insanely crowded with people trying to get drinks. Service is a little confusing as the waiters will come up to you with a menu asking for your order instead of an order at the bar type of thing. Once we actually got a seat things were okay. The menu is mostly rum drinks since this is a rum bar however since I'm not the biggest fan I ordered the only thing with tequila on the menu. My drink was actually really good, it was refreshing, not too sweet or strong at all. I just wish there would be more variety.

Photos
False Idol - Tiki themed decor

Tiki themed decor

False Idol - Rum barrel

Rum barrel

False Idol - Back bar rum selection

See all

Back bar rum selection

Mothership - Amazing decor

Mothership

4.3(931 reviews)
1.7 mi•South Park, Golden Hill, North Park
•$$

Favorite cocktail bar in San Diego! We make it a point to come here every time we visit. The inside…read moreis incredibly well-decorated and detail-oriented. It really feels like you've stepped onto another planet. The whole space-themed concept is so fun, from the drinks to the food. Every cocktail we've tried has been delicious and surprisingly strong. The cups are super cute too, and we somehow always end up buying one to take home. The staff are very friendly and helpful, especially if you can't decide what to order. It's a really casual and fun spot for date night or hanging out with friends.

I love a bar with a curated vibe, and Mothership is definitely it. My friend booked a reservation…read morehere and our table was ready when they said it would be! I got the Tracking Device, and my friends got the Mindkiller and Away Mission. The Tracking Device was zeroproof and a very delicious mocktail! The tang from the lime and floral taste from the hibiscus made it very pleasant to sip on as the night went on. The cocktails here are STRONG, so drink accordingly lol. My friend couldn't finish his entire Mindkiller drink because it was so strong, but he did enjoy it. The bathrooms are super cool, and the interior is very trippy and chic. I'm a big fan of how much effort and attention to detail the creators put into this location.

Photos
Mothership - The bar area

The bar area

Mothership - Mindkiller

Mindkiller

Mothership - Vegan (?) soft serve

See all

Vegan (?) soft serve

Noble Experiment - Strawberry cucumber Gin cocktail

Noble Experiment

4.5(1.9k reviews)
1.2 mi•East Village
•$$

My brother-in-law and I were looking for places to drink....And we just wanted somewhere chill. We…read moreknew that any bar by tacos el gordo would be too wild for us, so we walked a couple blocks and approached Noble Experiment. I would say this was probably our highlight of our trip in San Diego. Garrick, the bartender there, was super accommodating. Not only was he and the other bartender were making damn good drinks, they would legit talk to you. The ambiance of the place is cool too. Felt like I was going inside some continental room like John Wick. Definitely my vibe and definitely coming back. But if you ever get Garrick as your bartender, you're in for a treat!

The Noble Experiment: 9/10…read more Aesthetic & Ambiance: 9.5 - This place gives "speakeasy haunted mansion" vibes. You walk into the barrels, down the mirrors, and into the skull room...IYKYK no less. The waits to get very deadly so make sure to put your name on the list early. Service: 9/10 The host was chill, and we had Quintin as our mixologist. There are no menus he told us, he just went off of our flavors, and palate, so I can't really speak for how to order the same drink. First drink: 9/10 (profile) Vodka bases with cucumber and strawberry. Second drink: 8.5/10 (profile) Smokey, deep old fashion. Overall a MUST-GO to if you're in the area stopping by!

Photos
Noble Experiment - Spiced banana flip! Delicious!

Spiced banana flip! Delicious!

Noble Experiment - Bartenders creations.

Bartenders creations.

Noble Experiment - Skull wall

See all

Skull wall

Imperial Steakhouse - lounges - Updated May 2026

Loading...
Loading...
Loading...