IMPERIAL STEAKHOUSE, Tijuana Travel Guide

Free Guide: San Diego's 1969 steakhouse legend: premium grilled steaks, live piano vibes, tableside flair, and Irish-Texas hospitality in Bankers Hill's elegant hideaway.

A brief summary of IMPERIAL STEAKHOUSE

San Diego's 1969 steakhouse legend: premium grilled steaks, live piano vibes, tableside flair, and Irish-Texas hospitality in Bankers Hill's elegant hideaway.

Nestled in San Diego's Bankers Hill, Imperial Steakhouse delivers classic 1950s steakhouse elegance with premium, never-frozen steaks grilled to perfection by Texas-born Chef Dave. Enjoy tableside preparations, live piano music, a lively bar with craft cocktails, and an old-school ambiance featuring red leather booths and comfy armchairs. Open evenings with moderate pricing, it's ideal for special occasions, offering hearty steaks, fresh seafood, Tex-Mex twists, and complimentary desserts.

1.5–3 hrsTime to spend
$$Mid-range
IndoorSetting
5 / 5Mobile signal

On-site amenities

  • Restrooms
  • Drink options
  • Food options
  • Seating areas
4.2 Very good · 162 Google reviews
Plan your visit

Opening hours

  • MonClosed
  • Tue5 pm–10 pm
  • Wed5 pm–10 pm
  • Thu5 pm–10 pm
  • Fri5 pm–2 am
  • Sat5 pm–2 am
  • SunClosed

Opening hours as listed on the venue’s Google Business Profile. Hours can change for services and special events, so check with the venue before you go.

Address
505 Kalmia St, San Diego, CA 92101
Phone
Website

Getting there

Driving

15-min drive from downtown San Diego; street parking or nearby lots available, $5-10/hr.

Public Transit

Bus 3 or 83 to Laurel St, 5-min walk; $2.50 fare, 20-min total from city center.

Rideshare

Uber/Lyft from airport, 10-min ride, $15-25; drop-off at door.

Discover more about IMPERIAL STEAKHOUSE

Classic Steakhouse Heritage

Since 1969 in Bankers Hill, Imperial Steakhouse has embodied timeless steakhouse tradition. Irish-owned with a Texas grill master at the helm, it serves prime cuts—dry-aged, never frozen—alongside fresh seafood and creative Tex-Mex. The 1950s-inspired decor includes grand pianos, bull skull accents, and intimate lounges, creating a clubby retreat from San Diego's bustle.

Prime Cuts and Culinary Highlights

Standouts include the Cowboy Bone-in Ribeye, Tomahawk, and Porterhouse, praised for tenderness and flawless grilling. Sides like baked potatoes and mashed potatoes come gratis with entrées, while tableside spectacles such as Bananas Flambé add flair. Craft cocktails, stiff drinks, and a robust wine list complement meals. Vegetarian options and Baja-style dishes ensure variety for all palates.

Lively Lounge and Entertainment

Beyond dining, the lounge pulses with live music, piano performances, and occasional karaoke or comedy. Happy hours draw crowds for unwinding, while private rooms host events with live piano. The bar crafts seasonal martinis and classics, fostering a festive vibe perfect for mingling or celebrations.

Ambiance and Service

Red leather banquettes, ornate doors, and warm lighting evoke old-school luxury. Attentive staff balance privacy and care, making it a local favorite for dates, family dinners, and business meets. Though sides can be pricey, steaks deliver exceptional value in a city of high-end spots.

Practical Details

Located at 505 Kalmia St, reservations recommended as last seating is 9 PM. Evenings only, closed Mondays and Sundays, with extended weekend hours. Parking available nearby, blending accessibility with an exclusive feel.

Evendo Review Centre

Reviews from Google
By star rating

Guest reviews

Best time to go

Quietest: Jan, Feb & Mar · at 3am or at 6am or at 12pm

How busy it gets, month by month Estimated
  1. Jan: 67% of the busiest month, one of the quietest
  2. Feb: 67% of the busiest month, one of the quietest
  3. Mar: 78% of the busiest month, one of the quietest
  4. Apr: 78% of the busiest month
  5. May: 89% of the busiest month
  6. Jun: 89% of the busiest month
  7. Jul: 100% of the busiest month
  8. Aug: 100% of the busiest month
  9. Sep: 89% of the busiest month
  10. Oct: 89% of the busiest month
  11. Nov: 78% of the busiest month
  12. Dec: 100% of the busiest month
How busy it gets, hour by hour Estimated
  1. 12am: 20% of the busiest hour
  2. 1am: 30% of the busiest hour
  3. 2am: 40% of the busiest hour
  4. 3am: 10% of the busiest hour, one of the quietest
  5. 6am: 10% of the busiest hour, one of the quietest
  6. 7am: 30% of the busiest hour
  7. 8am: 50% of the busiest hour
  8. 9am: 60% of the busiest hour
  9. 10am: 40% of the busiest hour
  10. 11am: 20% of the busiest hour
  11. 12pm: 10% of the busiest hour, one of the quietest
  12. 1pm: 10% of the busiest hour
  13. 2pm: 10% of the busiest hour
  14. 3pm: 20% of the busiest hour
  15. 4pm: 30% of the busiest hour
  16. 5pm: 70% of the busiest hour
  17. 6pm: 100% of the busiest hour
  18. 7pm: 100% of the busiest hour
  19. 8pm: 90% of the busiest hour
  20. 9pm: 80% of the busiest hour
  21. 10pm: 60% of the busiest hour
  22. 11pm: 40% of the busiest hour

Busy times are Evendo estimates for a typical year, to help you plan. Actual crowds vary with events, school holidays and the weather.

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