Cowboy Star Reviews

Matt and Doug were phenomenal. The food was out of this world good and both of them made sure to make us feel welcomed. The food was killer, including the New York and filet but the e rioja recommended to us was heavenly. We will be back solely because of Matt and Doug’s service

My wife and me visited San Diego last month and my son took us to this restaurant for dinner, service was good, food was excellent, a little bit pricey but definitely worth it

Excellent food. Excellent service. Excellent atmosphere. Excellent meal. Reservations a must even for a Monday. Hostess graciously moved us to a roomier table. The charcuterie platter with five meats and five cheeses comes with a listing of the meats and a listing of the cheeses. Each meat is paired beautifully with its cheese. Truly one of the best appetizers of my life. Dried cured rib cooked so perfectly and so tender it melted in our mouths. Strawberry chiffon dessert a medley of perfect flavors. The place is so civilized that new tablecloths are water sprinkled and then ironed on the table. Great red wines poured into carafe to aerate them fully. The finest dining traditions in a totally modern setting with a bustling open kitchen. Wonderful.

Although we did not have a reservation (highly recommended) we were seated fast. Great service, great food, started with one of the specials which was a fois grass with roasted pumpkin and spices and roasted marshmallows. Great flavor combination. I tried the mushroom soup with a cream of truffle (extraordinariy), and my husband had the New York steak perfectly made. Our server and José, were constant seeing if we needed anything. Will definitely go back.

Every food item was delicious. Something as simple as their rolls were very good. Very tasty oysters and steak. Added a few scallops that were cooked to perfection.

Would love to give this place 5 stars but I can't. The steak really was the best we have ever eaten...it was amazing. The scallops were exquisite, the wine was yummy and not overpriced. So let's talk about the service. It was non-existent. I hope the manager/owners read this review because you need to up your game in the people skill area. The hostesses were completely non-engaging, not a good start. They are table and number concerned and focused. That does not work! They need to be trained to make the customer their biggest priority when they walk through the door. Very little eye contact with us, just striking our names off their list and walked us to our table. So sad they missed an opportunity to wow. Our server was the same. Little to no eye contact, no time to engage us. No room for small talk. She was curt, polite and but sent the vibe of being completely uninterested in us. After about 3o minutes it was obvious that none of the staff were engaging. Matter of fact they all looked terrified. There were two guys walking around in suits, managers perhaps. Neither one of these guys talked to a single customer, shameful! They spent their entire time micromanaging staff, what a missed opportunity. So if the only experience you want is food, eat here. If you actually want an experience, which by the way only comes with human interaction, avoid this place. I need to mention that we did have one bright spot with a staff member. Her name was Laura. She was amazing. She set the tables. She always smiled, she worked very hard, she was polite, thoughtful, kind and engaging. I'd make her the new manager.

We RAVED to all of our friends after the first visit in January. What a fabulous experience it had been! How amazing the steaks had been!. We were eager to go back and enjoy another fine meal. We were seated promptly, cocktails were ok, could have been colder but not worth complaining about. Appetizers, sides & salads were all delicious ( tongue, mussels, mushrooms & Caesars) but that is not why we came. The server, who said he had been there since the beginning but his demeanor and lack of attentiveness had me wondering later if it was time for him to move on, suggested and also assured the wagyu skirt steak was not tough and very flavorful. I could not get through it. Crusty blackened on the outside, it was downright tough. My husband's regular ribeye was meally. Another had the dry aged ribeye ( he had enjoyed that method at Hall's in Charleston) and was also disappointed this time around. Of course the server never serves the plates anymore but they should at least check to see how everything was. Never did. Saturday nights are busy. Maybe you don't go on a Saturday night. Definitely DID NOT FEEL like it was a special experience. It felt like we had just spent $500 for a low end chain steakhouse hunks of beef. As you can see it left a very bad taste in our mouths.

Cowboy Star is a great dining experience. The atmosphere, creative cocktails and extensive wine list and of course the steak will not disappoint. The appetizers are delicious as well. We shared the mussels, Mac & cheese and the beet salad, then shared a porterhouse steak and a strip steak for 3 people. Morw yhan plenty of food for us. The meat was prepared perfectly as we requested. I highly recommend dining here when you have that craving for steak!

We went for dinner, birthday celebration, this was noted when we make reservations. The dinner rolls were expensive for rolls, nothing special though. The small Caesar salad was okay but lacking a tasty sauce. Now to the good stuff, the 8 oz steak filet was done just as requested and was tender and delicious. The cocktails were delicious and well made, hibiscus spritzer and Manhattan, superior. The birthday cake dessert was slowly eaten, to enjoy the flavors. If you want small dishes, go early and grab a place at the bar. Happy hour to be enjoyed.

Cowboy Star offers a great menu and attentive service. It has a rather straightforward steakhouse menu, with some fun cocktails. I appreciate that their main cuts of steak come with mashed potatoes and a vegetable, as opposed to those all being added costs. Would recommend.

Love roasted beets so I’ve tried many varieties. The ones at cowboy star were the best ever. Wonderful modern open environment.

We chose this restaurant for our dinner in San Diego based on the good ratings here on TripAdvisor. We were not disappointed! Great service, friendly staff, great food. Definitely recommend this place.

My buddy helped me get a job where he works and when I got my first Bouns check I agreed to but him a steak dinner. He wanted Ruth Chris but we were off at 3pm and didn't want to hang out for 2 hrs. We decided to have a steak lunch and we chose Cowboy Star because they were opened for lunch and they had good reviews. We were there right when they opened and arrived alongside a party of 10. We were served by Sean, he was great and the ambiance was really cool. Sean mentioned the 2 best sellers are the Dry Aged Ribeye which my buddy ordered and the 8oz Wagyu Skirt Steak which I had. My buddy ordered his medium rare and I got mine medium. We waited a good 25 minutes for our food to arrive which we both thought it was a bit too long since we were the 1st ones seated. When our steak finally arrived, they were cooked perfectly but that's when it all went down hill. I noticed that NONE of the tables had any salt or pepper and to me it sent a message that that we know how to cook a steak and you are going to get it how we think it is best for you. Unfortunately both steaks were lacking seasoning and there was no flavor. I did ask for salt and pepper which Sean brought but the lack of flavor made our experience dull. The wait and taste was NOT worth what they charge. I am paying top dollar and expected much better seasoning and taste. I was really disappointed after reading all the reviews but Cowboy Star needs to travel back in time to the Old West to get it right. Overall, I would rate Cowboy Star 6.5 out of 10.

Recently went to Cowboy Star for a family celebration and enjoyed one of the most outstanding dining experiences ever. From the very attentive, knowledgeable, friendly staff to the menu choices, perfectly cooked steaks, and excellent dessert selection, every aspect was 5 stars. Mixed drinks and wine selection matched the meal. I have dined at both the San Diego and Colorado Springs locations for business and personal meals and have never been disappointed!

If you like a cowboy casual elegance, superb steaks, outstanding staff, and a fun atmosphere, give this venue a go.. you’ll not regret it

We found this place on Thrillist.com. We didn't have reservations, so the hostess recommended the Chef's Counter. It was like dinner and a show! Really enjoyed watching the care with which the food was prepared. My husband said it was the best filet he's ever had. I got the New York Strip. It was cooked perfectly and very flavorful. Each of our meals was about $50 (and that included sides). I had an amazing chocolate martini for dessert. Everyone there was so professional and seemed to really care about our experience. I would highly recommend!

I cannot, physically CANNOT recommend this place highly enough. As a visitor from Scotland, over the last decade, every trip to San Diego HAS to include a trip to Cowboy Star. Jon and Angie are welcoming and charming. Garth, Doug et al are wizards at the bar and experts at pairings, advice and simply excellent company. Wether you are seated in the restaurant, sitting at the bar, or investing in the chefs counter (trust me, it’s worth every cent) this place is a three dimensional treat to all senses. Plus Garth makes THE FINEST Vesper known to human kind. If this place was a colour, it would be orgasmatrope.

This place has a great atmosphere and delightfully knowledgeable and enthusiastic service. The corn soup is another world of delicious. They switch it up occasionally and so it had a little bite of huitlacoche in when I went. So good! The old fashioned is strong and classic with a bourbon-soaked cherry. The steak (in my case, filet) was perfectly cooked with huge flavor and the bacon mac and cheese was a nice extra indulgence I'd highly recommend! My friends had the wagu ravioli and bone marrow and both were reportly fantastic, too. I would love to go back and celebrate an anniversary there as it's quite romantic,too!

We were in San Diego for five nights. The best meal we had in San Diego was here, and it was not a close competition. We sat at the counter overlooking the kitchen. Chefs were pleasant and informative. They even allowed us to sample some things, such as the risotto, which were delicious. I had the skirt steak with the chimichurri. My wife had the filet. Both were exceptional. Wine was great, too. Whenever we return to San Diego, we will be back here for another meal.

I found my steak to be quite tasteless and perceived a lower quality than at traditional steakhouses. It was full of obnoxious rich Mexicans making a lot of noise with no consideration for fellow patrons. On both occasions I've dined at Cowboy Star that has been the case and seems to be tolerated by the restaurant. Donovan's is a far superior experience: top-notch steaks and a very pleasant ambiance. I value discreet elegance, not flashiness and obnoxiousness. I will stay away from Cowboy Star.

Spectacular drinks, great attention by their team. Very good steaks expensive place, but worth the trip. Make sure to have reservation or dine by the bar area,

Booked ahead glad we did. Lots of restaurants sell steak but the Cowboy deserves to be named star. Great friendly service. For once the steak was cooked exactly as I asked for. Comfortable seating. Reasonable cost for the quality all round service very good experience.

Cowboy Star is a great place to go if you’re looking for a great steak. But they don’t stop there. All their food is expertly prepared and delicious. Fun bar up front that makes fun drinks. They even have a butcher shop right on site. The service could not be any better. They make you feel welcomed and glad you are there.

We are from the Midwest so it’s hard to find a good steak that compares to home. The food was average, service was ok but they were busy. We would probably try a different steak place if we come back to San Diego.

Great restaurant in San Diego. Nice bar inside the entrance nd then table and counter seating inside. As the restaurant was busy (guess it always is), we sat at the counter and were able to watch all the action in the kitchen. Food was very good and service was excellent. We saw some huge desserts going out so save room.

I got picked up at the hotel to have a business dinner - so I did not get to pick the restaurant this time still it was nonetheless great in all aspects, why? .. here are the answers to that question: - we did a "walk in" with no reservations - so guess what no tables available in the next 1 hour but we sat at the bar. (and what a bar - they have more than 100 different bottles there and the wine selection is impressive - I don't drink wine but there are stores less prepared than these guys). If you mind seating at the bar I recommend you make reservations in advance. - menus where delivered promptly and the drinks followed - I went for a Pacifico (Mexican brew that I really like) and the guys have chosen some local craft tap beer. - for dinner, well I've picked a cut that you can not find very often in Europe - Bison steak (for those of you who are not accustomed to Bison meat, it is a very lean, pretty much no fat in it, very similar with beef, still a discernible different taste.) served medium rare, if you dry it further you loose the subtle taste of this meat. The stake was amazing - really one of the best I've had, seasoned just with salt and pepper so nothing was covering the taste of the meat - brilliant. Served with green beans and mashed potatoes as a side - did not need anything else to be honest. - prices - well in the fine dinning area - but worth every cent...really a steak fine dinning experience. Overall - a great place to eat, service - nothing to complain about - the prices are aligned to the quality that they are serving - it is truly an excellent place to eat - I do recommend you try it when you are in San Diego.

Excellent prepared T-bone steak. Grilled to a perfect medium rare just as I like it. My friends agreed it was a very great experience.

Awesome steaks, great service, and good bar too... This is perfect for business, couples, friends or family without kids. We did it for a family dinner and it was an outstanding experience... This isn’t a cheap restaurant at all but a classy one instead. The wine’s menu is very limited and I believe that it could be improved easily. Make sure you have a reservation.

Longing for the days of the Old West where a man can have a plate of beans and a slab of beef steak while sitting around the campfire. Well, this fine food emporium may not fill that fantasy but you will be treated too a outstanding choice of expertly prepared meals served by a great group of folks with a big smile and a ready howdy! Fun place, good eats and the prices won’t cause you too sell your horse!

Heard a lot of great things about this steakhouse so finally had the opportunity to check it out. My wife and I are huge steak fans and had very high expectations. Cons: We waited 30 mins to be seated (we had a reservation). Took 45 mins for our meal to come after we ordered. Both ordered the NY and one of the steaks had the largest piece of fat on the end (yes I know this is normal, but not when it’s 30% of the steak). Charge $4 for bread (that’s a first for me) Pros: Great location in the East village and the restaurant it’s self is very nice with great decor. Wine selection is small, but a few decent bottles at a fair price. If you want the absolute best service and IMO steak in San Diego then go to Born and Raised in Little Italy.

Dinner for four, started out with champagne and wonderful appetizers. Shift to a great red wine and DELIGHTFUL steaks. Excellent service and a wonderful experience. Might be just a little overpriced for the kind of gritty neighborhood it is in but a great evening none the less. I would definitely go there again and recommend it highly.

We were in San Diego and decided to try this place for our anniversary dinner. We chose "bar" seating which was the best decision ever. The restaurant made special menus for us that said "Happy Anniversary!" (Tears) We sat at a bar that faced the kitchen and it was mesmerizing. Executive Chef Elliot introduced himself and invited us to ask any questions about what was going on in the kitchen. I did end up asking a few, but holy cow these guys and gals were hopping. Elliot was not only working his tail off but teaching younger chefs at the same time (very calmly, I might add). It was great to watch. Luís our waiter was fantastic. He didn't hover but seemed to know when we needed something. Maaagic. He was wonderful. He had a little bowl of ice cream with Happy Anniversary written on it delivered to us. OH! Our food was PHENOMENAL. We both had steaks, one filet, one ribeye. Oh. My. God. This is a great place for steaks and great food. It is not cheap. However, if you want a quality meal it is worth it.

We found this place In February and decided to do our Valentine's Dinner there. The first time we went there we went all out on what we order from a bottle or wine to dessert. It was all amazing that we decided to celebrate our 1 year wedding anniversary there this October. It was as good as we remembered. It is worth the cost and worth the experience. I recommend going and plan on not having a budget, it will allow you to get the full experience. It is our favorite place to go in San Diego.

Stopped in for drinks at the bar at happy hour. Amazing offerings for not much money. Old fashioned was $7 !! Great service and great drinks. Stayed for dinner. The Wagyu skirt steak was superb. Great sides. Wonderful service. Excellent atmosphere. Will be back!

I work in the restaurant industry. I have for years. There are only a handful of restaurants that you experience in a lifetime that deliver such an experience that there is a sense of reverence and epic nature when you tell the story of when you went. This is one of those restaurants. In fact, I will tell you that I have been sending people visiting to San Diego to Cowboy Star based on the second-hand experience and information that I have received from friends and foodies that I respect... so I decided to stop being a parrot and become a believer. Here's how that went: (Voice in head) - "It's time to go to Cowboy Star." (Inner monologue) - "Well, that was a little random... but ah.. what the hell...." What happened is nothing short of culinary and hospitality magic. We arrived about 5 minutes late... traffic was brutal. Called a few minutes before to let the restaurant know we were running late... it is only polite to let your host know when you are not going to be on time. The host was extremely gracious and told us not to worry. Dropped off my three friends at the door and went in search of parking. I was blessed with close street parking within 400 feet of the restaurant. Arrived and they had already made themselves comfortable at the table which was in the center of the restaurant. The ambiance and decor were chic, modern and intelligent. I could have walked the restaurant for ten minutes checking it out. Which I will do next time... Got three cocktails for the friends and a coke for me... I was designated driver and we were out for a night on the town. The craft cocktails were quick to arrive and beautifully composed. My buddy had one of their mules, but made with Jameson instead of Vodka. The ladies... I have no idea, but the drinks were beautiful to look at with fresh garnishes and vibrant colors... I should have paid a little more attention... but I was saving my attention for what was to come. The ladies wanted to taste the Steak Tartar and the Mussels... I am not a big fan of either of those... so I instead chose to add the Risotto with Corn and Crabmeat... WOW!!!! The steak tartar and mussels were sublime... I was "encouraged" to try them by my tablemates... they were delicious. I am here to tell you that the risotto (which was an entree), was BREATHTAKING. Literally, I had to use all of my discipline and will to keep from taking the plate and eating the whole thing without sharing. I fought the good fight and appeared almost civilized during the tasting of that dish... right up until the very end when I fought Heidi for the last bite... It was scrumptious and so beautiful to look at, I can't help but plan to have it again next time. Then we went to the salad/soup course... again, beautiful presentation and expertly composed dishes. We each got an order... I chickened out and got the caesar salad with no added anchovies... which was really delightful. Crisp, tender leaves, lightly dressed with bacon lardons which were as amazing as they were unexpected. I stuck to my own salad, but I heard rave reviews on the soup, the wedge salad and the burrata and tomato salad... The entree course is where my fate was sealed... I talked my friend into splitting two entrees... because I couldn't decide and I figured that if he was down to share, I could do both of my two entrees... We shared the Cattleman's cut Bone in Ribeye and the Bison NY Strip. It was pure bliss. Both steaks were perfectly prepared. He asked for Medium Rare and the steak just about melted in your mouth. I asked for Medium Rare Plus... not to be difficult but rather because I wanted the marbling of the steak to melt into the steak a little more... and I have to tell you, the most mouthwatering delicious ribeye I have had in years. My buddy also got scallops which were tremendously large and beautifully seared. The ladies had steaks with shelled Alaskan King Crab meat on top... and what was delivered was gorgeous... but I waited until they had taken the required photographs and then ignored everyone else and dove into my steak and my portion of my buddy's steak. I have a pretty good vocabulary. I am proud of my ability to describe food and drink.... but there are just no words to describe the meal. It was perfect. Just perfect. And I don't think I said very much during the next thirty minutes. Just going to say this: You are going to be very pleased with yourself for dining at Cowboy Star. The wine list is very straight forward... and features some beautiful Californian wines. There are other wines on the list, but it is predominantly Californian and you will have some really wonderful names at reasonable prices. We "settled" on a bottle of Groth which was a perfect compliment to the Ribeye. Couldn't have been more pleased... and since I was only having a single glass because of my duty to get everyone home safe, I savored that glass... and it was truly appreciated. Dessert? Are you kidding?!?!?! My hero, Ashley, leaned into the table and said with the most earnest expression she could deliver "You know we are getting dessert, right?"... Like it was even a question... LOL Without a doubt the most ethereal and purely perfect version of creme brulee. I had to once again, use all of my discipline and self-control not to devour the entire thing before letting anyone else taste it. We also had the Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding, Carrot Cake and the Ile Flottante desserts. I will be honest, I didn't even taste the carrot cake... but the other two desserts were divine. I didn't have a single iota of space left to taste the carrot cake. I had to muster all of my strength to keep from trying to finish the creme brulee. End result is that the meal was so damn perfect that I am already making plans to go again. This time, I am going with just my buddy and we are going to tackle the 40 ounce Porterhouse. It is going to be a challenge that I will probably write another review on... Do yourself a favor and experience this restaurant for yourselves. It is a true diamond in a town that has only a few gems....

Waygu skirt steak was amazing! Don’t miss out the Mac n cheese and the cocktails were yummy too! Service was excellent and the ambience was pleasant

This was a great dining experience from start to finish. The restaurant has a lovely interior and good sound baffling. Even with the place full you could chat easily. The steaks are truly fabulous. So tender and cooked exactly as ordered. The service is extremely good. The wine list is large and well put together.

Honestly I want to tell the world about this restaurant! It’s a very classy place but there doesn’t seem to be a dress code. The staff are so professional! The food was unreal. You can tell it’s some of the highest quality food and it’s sourced locally! Your trip to San Diego will be incomplete if you do not visit Cowboy Star.

We were recommend to go to Cowboy Star by the Innkeeper where we were staying and as it was only a block away we decided to try it out. We booked the previous day and the only availability they had was either up to 5:15 pm or after 7:45 pm . We decided on 5:15 pm. The restaurant has a fairly small frontage with it own butchers shop next door. As you enter there is a full bar area to the left with high stools by the bar where you can drink and or eat together with a couple of tables. The main restaurant area is long with an open kitchen on the right where again there are high stools so you can have a meal overlooking the kitchen area. We were seated at the rear of the restaurant and although there were only 2 of us we were seated at a table for 4 which was very roomy. We ordered some bread to go with our pre-dinner drinks. The bread was served in a hot skillet and consisted of 4 rolls which were excellent. We were also served a small amuse bouche of ham, melon & creme fraiche which was very good. We decided to share the charcuterie & cheese board for starters. This was amazing - 5 different cheeses and 5 different meats presented alternatively around a slate board with 6 pieces of toasted baguette and with chutneys, honey & candied walnuts in the centre. It not only looked amazing but it tasted amazing — blue cheese, duck rillettes, hams etc. An excellent starter. For our main courses I had the 10oz New York Strip cooked medium whilst my wife had the 8oz filet mignon cooked medium well. Both dishes were served with mashed potato and French beans. The steaks were cooked to perfection and really were melt in the mouth. It was one of those really enjoyable evenings with great food and service so we decided to share a creme brûlée whilst I ordered an Irish coffee. The creme brûlée was lovely and a great way to end a meal whilst the Irish coffee although on the small side was a proper Irish coffee and definitely one of the best I have had in the USA. The service matched the meal — it was excellent. The restaurant was full wishing 30 minutes of our arriving and all the staff were busy. Our server was friendly, helpful and very attentive. Our water glasses were continuously filled up as was our wine glasses. Despite the number of customers there were no long waits between courses, You could certainly have a cheaper meal elsewhere but this is a great restaurant,good value for money and we had a superb meal.

We were celebrating my wife's 70th birthday so I wanted to surprise her with an unplanned dinner adventure. I have been wanting to try this restaurant for the past year so this was the perfect opportunity to do so. Since this was impromptu, we did not have a reservation and we arrived about 5:30 to a half full restaurant. It took a little wrangling with the hostess to seat us but she said we had to be done by 7:15 PM. That wasn't a problem. You would think with the name "Cowboy Star," that it would be a somewhat informal western style restaurant but that was the wrong assumption. It is indeed a foofy downtown steakhouse with good food and good service with pretentious waiters who constantly try to upsell you on every item. A little too foofy for me. The prices a very high here. The steaks ran from $50 to $200. They feature imported Japanese beef too. I usually order New York strips but upon the waiter's recommendation, I ordered a 14 oz. ribeye because it was supposed to be more flavorful. It was actually less flavorful than the last fillet I had. It was cooked to perfection. My wife ordered a petite filet and loved it. I would recommend it but be aware of the high pricing and waiters who try to upsell you. I probably won't go back because I can get a better steak at Donovan's for slightly less and a wider menu selection.

Nice ambiance. We had a filet and the bone in New York strip. Food was average, not quite what I expected from the reviews. Gave a 4 because the ambiance was nice.

The restaurant is a far cry from the classic American steakhouse. It’s noisy and pretentious. The food is nothing to rave about and is over-priced. We were trying to have a business conversation but there were roudy and obnoxious Mexicans yelling and drinking without anybody asking them to keep it down.

Completely amazing !!! The food and service was fantastic! Highly recommend! Requires a reservation get the bread it’s so good !!

My husband chose this restaurant after some research and it was a real hit with us. We sat at the bar rather than one of the restaurant tables and enjoyed watching the bar activity whilst waiting to eat. They have mechanised the bar shelving so when the bar staff need a bottle from a high shelf, the shelf drops down. Kept me entertained anyway! At first I wasn’t going to order a steak but then went for steak frites at the last minute and was so glad that I did as it was cooked to perfected and absolutely delicious. My husband felt the same about the steak that he ordered. Then I chose the caramelised upside down pudding with cherries and cherry ice-cream. Absolutely delicious! The staff were extremely professional and helpful and the decor is warm and cosy. It was not a cheap meal but worth the money in our opinion.

We sat at the chef's counter and really enjoyed talking with the kitchen staff. We saw many meals prepared and all looked amazing. We are not huge meat eaters and yet still ate the most delicious steaks. They were able to accommodate my no gluten and no dairy needs without sacrificing quality. We also had a drink at the bar and it too was fun. This is a great spot when you are in San Diego

I ate here twice during two different business trips to San Diego. The first time, everything was very nice except my steak just did not have flavor. Rib eye, so should have been flavorful. I thought this might be a fluke, so went one more time and similar steak experience. Everything else is excellent—apps, sides, etc. Service was very good. Not sure if I will return.

My husband and I went to Cowboy Star a week ago to celebrate my birthday and we couldn’t be more pleased with our dining experience. From the beginning the customer service was amazing. First it was Melody who greeted us with a big smile, was very friendly, and made us feel appreciated as customers. She went above and beyond when I asked for a different table and sat us at a booth instead! I wish there were more hostess like her! Our waiter, Adam, follow up with an equally friendly attitude and outstanding customer service. He took his time to tell us about the menu, answered our questions, and made sure to check on us often. The food was amazing! Great presentation. Our steaks were cooked to perfection. We are very picky when it comes to dining out and our experience at Cowboy Star ranks among the best we had!

We thoroughly enjoyed dinner last night at Cowboy Star. We started with the Beef Tartare and a Charcuterie Plate before moving to entrees. My Filet was excellent! We had a great experience at premium prices... Glad we brought our own wine and took advantage of their $25 corkage fee... this saved almost $100 and made the cost more palatable.

There's lots to like about this place. The drinks are inventive and refreshing. The service is sensational - we were a party of 8 and they were extremely attentive. The sommelier is knowledgeable. And the bread pudding is phenomenal. Unfortunately, their signature steaks are weak. My wife had the filet, ordered Med rare, while I had the dry aged ribeye off the bone. These are supposedly the most popular items, but both were such let downs. My wife's filet was not very tender and my ribeye just tasted poor. San Diego is not known for steakhouses but this is by far one of the worst vis a vis other steakhouses in town which are average compared to gems in the US or WW. If you want to stay local, head up to Bobs in Carlsbad as you won't be disappointed

Was in San Diego for a few days, and wanted a nice date night restaurant for the one meal without the little one. Cowboy Star delivered. We sat at the bar, and had a great bartender. The cocktails were some of the best we've had (being able to lightly carbonate in the mixer was a new touch for me, and was a great way to add fizz without the usual addition of champagne). We conveyed that we weren't in a rush, and the bartender paced the meal perfectly. An Indian spiced bratwurst was one of the appetizer specials, and it was unique and tasty. My wife had the tartare, and loved it. For our entrees, my wife had the scallops (outstanding flavor and portion) and I had the skirt steak. The skirt steak was delicious, but I probably would go with a standard cut in the future @ $50+. Cheaper skirt steaks already have that fatty richness, and while this was better, it probably wasn't worth double the cost. Overall, the meal was great, but the service and ambiance were even better.

Really enjoyed lunch here with large group. Excellent cocktail choices. Menu is varied from salads and sandwiches to steaks. Everyone enjoyed their meals. Waiter very nice. Highly recommend.

Nice steakhouse that I've been wanting to try located on the edge of the Gaslamp District. I can't say much for the neighborhood as it's pretty run down but Cowboy Star had a pretty upscale interior. The wait staff were friendly but might need a bit more training about steaks. I ordered a bone out ribeye cooked to 135 degrees and the waitress kept asking how I wanted it cooked. Finally had to ask her to go and talk to the cook and see if he understood how I wanted it. He did, but come on! It's not that difficult to understand, especially with a cut of meat selling for $47.00. Kind of a rush to turn the tables too. Felt like they wanted us out so they could sit another customer. Not bad, but I won't be coming back.

Absolutely the best steak in San Diego. The dry aged rib eye is one of the best I have ever tried. Now I have had steaks at Gallagher Steakhouses in New York, Las Vegas, Ruth Chris, Morton’s, DK’s in Hawaiian, Delmonico, Craftsteak, Lawry’s. None of them compared to the dry aged rib eye here. I mean it was absolutely delicious and tender. I had the marrow, tartar, but the steak was the best, not to say anything else was bad in fact it was all Excellent but again the steak was outstanding. Sorry I keep going on about the steak but it’s true. Service is excellent, as good as a 5 Star fine dining experience but without the coat & tie. We had a total of 5 wait staff doing what is supposed be done at this restaurant, everything from clearing used dishes, adding and removing silverware when needed, crumming the table, man you don’t see this being done anywhere now days. Kudos to the old school service the way it’s suppose to be. They do it right, double thumbs up

For the dry-aged 14 oz off the bone rib eye we got 6 narrow strips of salty steak that did not look like 14 oz. About 20% of the meat was fat and gristle. At $56 plus a $5 charge for sharing (which was not mentioned on the menu or by our server), this is one highly pretentious establishment.

We had a reservation for the counter, so that we were able to wath the guys preparing food, a fine experience when you love this. The welcome was warm, attentive and competent, around 2 mins from entering we were seated. First of all, a good and fast service, attentive but not pushy. We had steak tartar as starter, very fine and freshly made. The steaks were cooked as ordered, the sides were fine, but overall a little bit oversized for a German, but tasteful. The wine list is typical, fine selection, expensive as usual but not overrated, as it is the food, too. We left this restaurant with an excellent steakhouse experience, having left around 300 bucks for 2 persons, but also giving 20 % gratuity, which was the true value for this. Coming back? Of course on my next visit to SD.

We had a fantastic dinner at Cowboy Star. Steaks were great, sides were outstanding, drinks were generous and service was A+. It’s definitely pricey, and at that price point, expectations are high - and they were definitely met.

Don't waste your time going to one of the chain steak places in town. This is a very unique steak restaurant. Very high quality meat and owners and staff that care. Make sure to make reservations!

We both ordered steaks, one skirt and one filet, and they were fabulous! I debated getting a sauce but opted to just do the steak. I'm glad I did because the flavor was superb! Both came with a scoop of mashed potatoes and 3 asparagus spears. They also order their food from local areas that I recognized. Normally I would have leftovers but these servings were just perfect for one meal. Not too big but not too small. We also had a chocolate chip bread pudding that was really tasty. The atmosphere is a western theme and pretty cozy. Overall very nice.

The bar was busy at 4:50 before the dining opens at 5. I was seated by the kitchen but at a table (they have counter seating). I started with the Cowboy Star Manhattan at $14. It was okay a little light on the Rye. I had the 12oz New York medium rare. It came with very good mashed potatoes and green beans. The steak was trimmed almost perfectly and it was nicely salted. Full of flavor and tender.

We had an exceptional server, Luis, for our night at the kitchen rail tables. Watching the fantastic symmetry of the line cooks, appie cooks, charcuterie/salad tender and expo and line cooks made for a interesting night-"dinner and a show" The steaks and food was prepared with care and was delicious. Just a 15 minute walk from the Civic Theatre so very convenient for a night out.

Amazing high quality steak house! We went on a Sunday evening to celebrate a birthday. We made reservations much earlier in the week. We arrived a little early and got drinks at the bar... old fashioned, mule and martini. All were very good. Our server was fantastic - explaining the menu in detail, answering questions, filling water glasses, and wine glasses. We brought wine and paid the corking fee ($25). We ordered bread service - the buns are fresh and warm and the special butter melts into the rolls! Amazing! We also ordered sherry beet salad (recommended), organic greens, and a wedge. The beet salad was delicious - the horseradish creme was smooth and the beets, chives and grated cheese garnishes perfect. Even for someone not caring for beets they did not taste earthy and were very good. The greens and wedge were also delicious - healthy portions and tasty! We ordered the bison New York steak (10 oz) medium rare, the 8 oz filet (one with crab and one without) and the 12 oz filet. All steaks were served with broccoli I snd nagged potatoes on a hot plate. The steaks were all juicy and tender - but the filet seemed most tender and just melted in your mouth! Steaks cooked well do not need any sauce, but we tried the pepper sauce and it was a nice addition. We ordered the creamed spinach and the carrots sides and it was plenty when added to the meal to share as sides. Both were delicious, the carrots were tender, but my favorite was the spinach with a nice cream sauce and cheese on top. We ordered chocolate chip bread pudding topped with chocolate ice cream, caramel sauce and a strawberry and shared between the four of us as the meals alone had filled us up! And ended the meal dessert with port wine. Everything was exceptional! Prices are high but for the quality and service definitely worth it! Easily a great place for special occasion dinners if you enjoy great steak but be sure to make reservations and be prepared to spend over an hour enjoying the meal!

Pathetic, a steakhouse that can't figure out how to cook a medium-rare after three tries. But, they give you your money's worth in salt. Pathetic.

I was in San Diego for work and went out with coworkers for a dinner. This place had great reviews and they were correct. This was probably the best steak I have ever eaten. The service was great also with a nice atmosphere.

We use "Restaurant week" as an opportunity to check out date night spots with $50 dinner deals. The menu looked good and we had never tried this place so a Friday night reservation at 7pm was the plan. We arrived a few minutes early and were seated immediately. That's when I decided I wouldn't want to go back. Nothing ruins a date night faster than a table for 2 squeezed between 2 other tables for 2. There was a couple seated on one end and 2 open 2 tops. I asked the hostess for the other end and she said no because they had to seat from one side to the other. We should have just left at that point but decided to stay. There was a very nice booth open for 2 that was seated after we arrived as well. That added "Insult to injury." The bright side was good service and drinks. The grapefruit Martini with a Jell-O shot was one of the best martinis I've ever had -and worth the $20 because it was smooth and not sweet at all, just perfectly balanced. The restaurant week menu included steak tartare so we tried it. It was very good. The petite filet was closer to rare than medium rare and had to be cooked up. The peppercorn brandy sauce was slightly sweet. The hub tried a 14 ounce ribeye -dry aged and enjoyed the dinner. The steaks were accompanied by a dollop of whipped potato and green beans. Good but not special. I noticed cheese stuffed squash blossoms set up for the pork chop that I requested instead of potato/beans, but the waiter couldn't do that but he did offer it for additional cost. Cabernet by the glass options were only 4 choices. Dessert options included bread pudding with ice cream topping rich and filling. It was a $250 dinner for 2 and not anything special. The ridiculous 3 side-by-side tables for 2 squished next to each other made it a no go for me in future. Too many other restaurant options to choose from with better seating options for date nights.

Celebrating my Dad’s Birthday we wanted to try something new and after reading reviews and checking out the menu we decided to try Cowboy Star. As always we asked for server recommendations and everything was great. You would expect great meat and we actually split the steak so we could try the sides. Expensive for a deadpan we will definitely return.

good steak restaurant, good food, good service, good wine card. but....not cheap. Bison was good steak

When you visit a fine dining restaurant you expect high prices and yes this is the case. it's expensive but when you taste the food you forget about the price, the quality and flavor and superb.

I was there for lunch, so instead of the star attraction (steak), I had a burger and fries. Burger was cooked to perfection and featured bourbon-carmelized mushrooms. The fries were good, but nothing out of the ordinary. Would definitely eat there again, and perhaps try something more interesting next time. As for the space, it's stylish and inviting, and there's a chef's counter where you can sit to watch the action.

Our barmaid at happy hour suggested the best steak in town is at Cowboy Star and she was spot on. Our Wagyu beef tongue starter was delicious and the steak mains were fantastic. Our Napa Red was delicious. Had no room for dessert but the Mont Blanc sounded so good. Highly recommend- the staff are great!

This restaurant was recommended by a bartender, so we have it a try. There were many other steakhouses on Fifth yet we decided to get off the beaten path. The short trip was well worth it. The place was very busy, so make reservations. We sat in the bar. Food and service was the same. Steaks were great. Done to perfection. Sides were great. Dinner was so good we skipped dessert.

OMG, first time here but I can guarantee we will be back. My first bison steak, it is amazing, juicy and delicious, my new favorite steakhouse. Easy to find right off the route 163 and strain onto 10th few blocks later your there.

The name may conjure up a backyard barbecue but this would be far from reality. This is one of the finest chop house restaurants in the city if not the state. The service is terrific. The wait staff is appears to be intuitive. The food without fault. There have been other steak houses in San Diego and for the most part have been adequate (excepting the old Donovan's in UTC). The parking is a bit of problem but after 8 there is a parking lot right across the street.but before that only street parking. A valet would be nice.

Was by far and away the best service and food I’ve had in SD. The steak was PERFECT. Garth was awesome. Oh and the Old Fashioned was amazing. Not much more I can say beside I will be Bringing my family and friends here when they come to visit. Best in SD.

probably the best filet steak to date. the bison steak was just as good. the atmosphere is great. watch your parking meter as the meters only have a 2 hour limit and the food is so good it may take you more the 2 hours to complete the meal, desert and coffee.

Awesome food, service and hospitality. Onion Soup, Mussels/Clams, Wedge, NY strip, Tenderloin, dessert all outstanding, Thank you to all the staff from the hosts, servers, runners and everyone in the kitchen including the utility workers for making this an amazing dinner experience. They all truly understand the meaning of exceeding expectations. Thank you!

We went to Cowboy Star on 2/26/19 to celebrate our engagement. The food was amazing. I had a caesar salad and a filet mingon. My finance had the NY Strip. I was not sure about the restaurant because of the name ( i was thinking texas roadhouse type) but it was a nice dark, romantic atmosphere. The food was excellent- top notch. They even added a congrats to the top of our menus which was a super special touch. This is a really nice, great restaurant. would recommend for a nice dinner out.

Had dinner with my wife son and his girlfriend as it was recommended by a friend. Service was good but steaks left a lot to be desired. Our guest check averaged $120 per person so I expected something more. I am not sure I would go back again

We arrived a few minutes early and were seated at the chef’s table until our table was ready. The hostess was very welcoming. The chef came from behind the counter to give a guest a steak she purchased for her pitbull. Once he passed her the steak, he pet the dog then went right back to the grill and touched some bread. After we gasped and jumped up he got some hand sanitizer. We informed the hostess of what occurred and informed her that we were leaving. The manager and another gentleman went over to the chef and said something. The manager walked right pass us and didn’t apologize. Avoid this place! This is very unsanitary.

This restaurant is rated one of the top steak places in San Diego, and it is located in a lovely physical space with wonderful servers and great service. I ordered the onion soup as my starter, and my wife had the Local Organic Greens salad. The onion soup looked great and had an impressive and quite tasty melted cheese coating. The soup itself, however, was too much on the sweet side for my liking. I don't mind a little sweetness in my onion soup, but that was the dominating flavor here. My wife really enjoyed her salad, and I likewise enjoyed the sample of the salad that I tried. For dinner I had the Wagyu Skirt Steak, which was prepared as I had requested and which was the most tender skirt steak I have ever had the pleasure of enjoying. My only complaint is that the steak was excessively seasoned with pepper. I love a little salt and pepper on my steaks, but this had so much pepper you might describe it as au poivre (without the sauce). Speaking of sauce, I had ordered the Chimichurri to accompany the steak, but the excessive pepper seasoning on the steak overpowered the Chimichurri. My wife ordered the Woodfired Rack of Lamb, which she really liked. It came out undercooked from what she requested, but they gladly prepared it properly once she pointed that out, and she really enjoyed it. The total bill, without drinks but with tip, came out to a little over $200 people for the five items described above (the steak sauce is a separate charge). For that price, I was expecting a little better.

If you were having your last meal this might be the place. We were a party of 6 with no reservations but they took care of us. Service was good food was worth the price. The rolls pictured were the best I ever had!

If you are craving steak for dinner Cowboy Star is the place to go. Not only was the food appetizing, but the overall dining experience was great. Everything from the quality of the service to the ambiance of the restaurant. For my meal I ordered the summer corn soup followed by the Dry Aged Ribeye Cattleman's Cut 18oz. Both items were simply delicious! I only managed to get a picture of the soup because right when the steak came out, I dug right on in as it incited my appetite. The only regret of the meal is that I wished I had saved room for dessert....next time Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding you will me mine!

What can I say about this place other than everything was excellent. Fantastic decor, super attentive staff, very friendly and helpful. Excellent choice of food. Superior steaks, one of the best steaks I have had in all my travels of the world. Excellent wine selection, and guidance if we needed it. A truly amazing special visit for us visiting a close friend in SD. So special. Thank you.

Cowboy Star has not disappointed. We've gone twice for 2 separate dinner celebrations. The service is timely and polite, the steaks are perfect, and the drinks are delicious. It's an excellent destination for an evening out. I strongly recommend adding a side of mac and cheese.

We had our 48 th anniversary dinner here. Enjoyed it immensely. Excellent food and service. Next time we are in San Diego we will return.

The restaurant music and ambiance was great as well as the French bottled sparkling water. We ordered two dry aged ribeye steaks, one bone in and another with out. It was unfortunate that the steaks were not tender and of the quality expected in dry aging process. Instead they were chewy and tough. We let the waiter know about the tough steaks and he stated the if we decide to come back we should have ordered the wyahu skirt steak. Additionally the waiter took our order wrong with my wife's sides. I over all understand when food quality issues happen but when they are brought up to staff they should be addressed appropriately.

No cowboys in sight but our hotel managed to squeeze us into a side slot at the bar in front of the chefs.We were served by Glenn and Crosby was the Chef who found time to chat to us and do his job as well. This turned out to be one of the best meals of our trip.We chose to share starters and Ribeye Steak which was perfectly cooked and presented, we were sat shoulder to shoulder with other patrons but contrary to other reviews this was not a problem. Enjoyed the whole experience thoroughly and would thoroughly recommend the Cowboy Star as a must go to location

Don't make a mistake: this restaurant might have a rustic look, but it is top class food and drinks at top prices! I enjoyed the salmon tartar starter and shared part of the MASSIVE steaks of my colleagues during a company dinner. We still could not finish all meat, what a waste! Everything had a great taste was cooked exactly to the requested point. The sides were good portions to share and had great taste. The wine selection in excellent, as was the excellent personal service that we received. Thank you, this was a lot of money well spend!

It was my first day at San Diego when I decided to search for a spot to eat a lunch steak , we ordered sirilion and ribeye , the sirilion was just amazing I guess the name was butcher

Has it's pros and cons. We had reservations at 8:30 but weren't seated until 8:50. We were placed at a 2 person table crammed between 2 other 2 person tables (they split up a 4 person table- they had clearly overbooked their reservations). This made it impossible to get up without having to ask the other patrons to get up out of their chairs. We were literally less than a foot away from each table- which made it impossible to hear our own conversation- and we could hear every word of their conversations. Bread was great, salad was good, Mac and cheese was great, but my husband's New York Strip was just mediocre. He ordered it medium-rare but it was medium, and he said it was tough. We usually go to Mastros and he said the steak doesn't even compare here. Disappointing since we were celebrating his 40th Birthday. Probably won't return.

One of THE BEST Steaks Ever!! My wife and I live a good steak and these were among the best we ever had!! The muscles appetizer was also awesome and so was the bread pudding dessert. Great atmosphere and service as well!!

Good service and tasty appetizers and sides. Steaks were of less than average quality. My 14 oz dry aged ribeye at $56 was about equivalent to an Outback’s. My wife’s strip steak was ordered medium but was barely medium-rare...many complaints about steaks from our large group that dropped over $2,500 and left disappointed.

The restaurant truly lives up to the hype surrounding it. The steaks are just perfection in each bite. A great cocktail selection, wine selection and ambiance that makes you feel relaxed and is quiet enough to have a nice dinner conversation. The waiter we had was perfect - nothing was left to chance. The table was crumbed frequently to keep it impeccable at all times, our waiter brought out the steaks to explain the marbling and even suggested some nice side dishes to share. We were all thrilled. While the food was terrific the top notch old fashioned service really took this over the top!

Unbelievably yummy restaurant with phenomenal service. They started us off with a "palate starter." No idea what was in it, but it was great. The bread was homemade and delightful. I had the filet with a scallop, and it was so incredible- I could eat there once a week if my budget and travel schedule would allow it! For dessert, if they have the chocolate chip bread pudding- you HAVE to try it!

Venue fine but in an iffy location; loud all male military group seated very near booths, and worst was very thin cheap piece of meat at superior prices.

This was absolutely a magical meal! It wasn't just the food. To begin the hostesses recommended I sit at the Chef's Counter - great suggestion as I was dining alone and it was great to watch the staff prepare the meals. Everyone went out of their way to say hi to me and if someone brought out a sample or serving they took the time to explain what they were bringing me. The waiter recommended the Steak Tartar which was cut from a filet. The chef delivered it and explained all that went into it including the quail egg on top. Simply divine! My entree was a ribeye and cooked to perfection. It truly was one of the best cuts I've ever had....tender and flavorful. They followed with a sample of "bone marrow" ice cream - yup bone marrow and spectacular! I finished it all off with my favorite dessert - creme brulee and was not disappointed. The best part - watching the cooking staff work their magic. Each one of the seven people working behind the counter knew their role intimately and performed it with precision. Several times I overheard the chef sharing tips and tricks on presentation, cooking etc. and always with respect for the person he was instructing. That's true leadership right there! So here's my tip - DO NOT MISS the opportunity to experience this little treasure!!!

Went this past week with friends for dinner. We had a great meal. The steaks were cooked perfectly. Side dishes were all amazing. Service was great. I have no complaints about the service or food, but the atmosphere is a little loud. Hard to have a conversation at the table.

This restaurant is a favorite of purs. The salads! The steaks! The Fries! The wine list! The service! All fabulous & fun.

Eaten here many times. My son lives very close by. Last night we ate there for happy hour. Good wine and well served. My son had a beer. I have ordered the mussels several times. This time they were not good. Different chef I guess different bar staff as well My son had the Wagu. Yuck! I lived in Japan 3 years. This was NOT Wagu beef chewy Pity to see a neighborhood place go down.

Nice ambience. Very accommodating service. Food was good, too. Unfortunately, there is only one vegetarian dish on the menu.

Went for dinner with a friend and was seated in a quiet area in the back, which made conversation easy. Not an overly loud restaurant, considering how open and popular it is.Started with a custom cocktail and also had a reasonable priced (for a restaurant) bottle of wine for dinner. Nice selection on the menu but known for the meats. Started with the Caesar salad and went with the filet and the rib eye and had the chef prepare and slice each on the same platter for sharing. Excellent and attentive service. Pricey but what you would expect for this level of service and food quality in San Diego.

Pricy but one of the best steak we ever had. Mostly recomended. Size of steak is big so make sure you come ready for. Dont miss the brious desert

Strip Steak was cooked to perfection. The quality of the cut was top notch. Surprisingly, the mussels appetizer may have stolen the show. I love mussels and have eaten them in a variety of locations and dishes, but I have to say this was the best. The house cured bacon in the mussels ap melted in your mouth. Its a smaller restaurant and provides a more intimate experience than a chain steak house. Bartenders were slinging craft cocktails. Great place in SD. I will go back there again next time I'm in town.

Amazing from start to finish. Amazing Manhattan. Foie Gras appetizer that was the best I've ever had, (at $50.00 it better be and it was). 35 day dry aged ribeye was worth every penny. Followed by the best desserts. I can never come back here again because it just doesn't get better.

When we arrived the restaurant was packed, but we were promptly shown to our table and met by welcoming smiles and a really attentive waitress. Both the cocktail list and wine list was extensive, and I settled on a lonestar cocktail which was fantastic (although not as alcoholic as I would have liked). The food menu was the perfect size, not too huge you struggle to chose, and not too small to struggle to pick. We had children with us and the waitress suggested splitting a steak as she advised portions were substantial. Delicious steaks came expertly cooked and our boys were served perfect smaller steaks that were still big enough for an adult! The mash was delicious and the greens cooked to perfection. We had a huge Mac n cheese side which was so good but we barely touched it as so full from our mains. This was kindly boxed up for us. We all shared one dessert, a yummy chocolate brownie with malted ice cream. Not a cheap meal but worth every penny and our best in San Diego.

I had an excellent experience tonight at this restaurant. The food was as advertised, exceptional steak. The service was friendly and prompt without being overbearing. The atmosphere is warm and comfortable without feeling stuffy. It is a rad small, so make reservations. Loved the rolls

Sat at the bar and had a great meeting and wonderful food and wine. The bartenders were terrific. Every recommendation they made was spot on.

Great selection of steaks in all price ranges. Perfectly prepared. Interesting mix of cocktails. Service was very accommodating of my unusual party (clients but group included 10 year old) and a late added guest. Brussels sprouts and mushrooms were excellent sides. Restaurant was not too loud.

Birthday Dinner for 4 people in January ($400 including tax and tip but no alcoholic drinks). Probably the best service I have received from any restaurant in 40 years! However, my steak and my son's steak was full of fat, fat fat (we both ordered the Ribeye). He left a large portion (50% of his steak on his plate. I only had several bites of mine. Took the rest home. Didn't eat it. Threw it away. Would I go again? I don't think so. If I did I would definitely NOT order the ribeye...

We frequent restaurants in San Diego quite often and this was a wonderful surprise. By the name I was skeptical but after I got my nose out of the air in the first 5 minutes we were there I found some of the best service and chophouse style meal in the city. The steak was great, the fish I'm told was to die for and the service was attentive without being intrusive.Parking of course is a problem with no valet but we "Ubered" it from an area that had parking. We certainly will be returning.

I went in knowing that this would be a nice, expensive steak. All was well til the end. Decore - Excellent Food - Excellent Service - Stopped Don't pay with cash and expect ANY money back. First time EVER that I put cash in a folder and never saw anyone again. I wanted my receipt back and change. I did NOT plan to leave a 37% tip. Staff walked past several times and would not give us the time of day once the check was picked up. The waiter didn't even interact with us once the cash was laid out. He used the floor manager to finish the interaction. NEVER AGAIN will I return. I'll walk right on by....

The service here is impeccable! The waiters and bussers are on top of everything. They anticipate your every need before you are aware of needing it! Water glasses are constantly filled, napkins refolded every time you leave the table...amazing! The food is good but not exceptional.

I was a solo diner on a bustling Saturday evening and so was given a seat at a bar that placed me with a wonderful view of the kitchen--indeed, through the plexiglass shield I was about 18 inches from the work station of one of the line cooks whose work kept me entertained for over 2 hours. It was fun to watch the food being made and watch the chef 4 feet off to my left run the pass but EATING the food was the real treat. I started with the shrimp cocktail that featured 5 or so very large and perfectly cooked shrimp served on a bed of ice. My 14-oz ribeye was a perfect medium-rare and deeply flavorful. The accompanying garlic mashed taters and the grilled asparagus were also excellent. Dessert put me over the top but the bread pudding with a huge scoop of chocolate gelato was great even if I could not quite finish it. It was a great steakhouse experience and for me as a hobby chef, also a better-than-Broadway show to watch the cooks at work!

Great meal! We both had the filet; excellent.......excellent staff; food spot on........casual, fun..........nice alternative to the national chains......will be back.

How did I miss this for so long? There is a Happy hour in this neighborhood place happening M-F 3-6pm in the bar at C-Star. The place is an upscale steakhouse but around the bar were special bar bites and drinks for 1/2 off. I first considered the beef skewers but the barkeep Garth recommended the trio of sliders for $8 and a blonde draft beer for $4.50. It was a Thursday and it was lively. The people in this East Village neighborhood know about this happy hour as it's one of the best in town. It has a Western flair with cowboy posters.

They went above and beyond!!!! This was the best service and food we had while visiting. The even put Congratulations on the Bread Pudding for our son becoming a Marine. They did an incredible job and they made us feel like we were Royalty!!! You must come to celebrate your special occasion here!!!! Thank you sooooooo much!!!!!

We celebrated our anniversary at Cowboy Star during a recent vacation trip to San Diego. A friend in the industry recommended it. Our server Luis encouraged us to get the Wagu skirt steak over the fillet and I'm so glad we listened. Easily the best steaks we have ever had. The wine was exceptional as were the brussel sprouts. The mussels were good, not great. The service was truly top notch. Our server was very attentive to our odd food restrictions and offered helpful alternatives. They even made us a custom dessert for our anniversary as a surprise as we could not order anything on the dessert menu (food sensitivities). I highly recommend cowboy star!

The food and service at Cowboy Star was superb. From the fresh rolls and butter to the dessert everything was excellent. Steaks and mashed potatoes came out perfectly, very tender and flavorful. Our server Luis and the entire staff made for a perfect experience, topped off by a special dessert plate to celebrate our anniversary.

Went to dinner here with my business partner before a meeting and was disappointed to say the least. Our table was clearly lost in the face of other larger tables around us. Don't get me wrong, the food was good, but when you are paying prices that are comparable with Morton's or Capital Grille, you should expect the service that goes along with it. Menus not delivered, orders not sent out, steaks not cooked to order are all reasons to go somewhere else. Will not return.

My wife and I finished a two week Californian road trip in San Diego at the beginning of November ‘17 and for our last night, before catching up with family, we booked a table at Cowboy Star. Having sampled the delights of Californian seafood, San Franciscan new age cuisine and everything in between, a steak house with a refined edge sounded like a lovely way to finish things off. On entering the staff treated as warmly and there was a gentle buzz about the place. Although it must be said that compared to the rest of the bars and eateries in the Gaslamp district of San Diego Cowboy Star was certainly not as busy - this may be explained by its prices and the clientele it is aiming at however. We were seated quickly in a dice two person booth towards the end of the restaurant, a nice touch, but a little close to the waiters’ station if you wanted to be super picky. Having been on ‘American portions’ for two weeks by this time we felt that we didn’t want to go over the top and order to much and were happy to take a sharing approach. Our server was polite and knowledgable but I have to say in a place like this his ‘patter’ was the first sign of a restaurant, perhaps, pushing a little bit too hard to stand out for the wrong reasons. We went with the ribeye steak to share with a side of mac n cheese (my wife’s must have favourite) and the sprouts - if you’re not looking to take a ‘box’ home - this will be PLENTY. At $14 the Mac was the size of a British entree and you could easily imagine having that at home in a pub in London or anywhere across the country for your main meal for a similar cost if not cheaper outside of the capital. I might be a spoilt Londoner but if I’m honest I wanted the steak to taste of more - there were longer hung steaks on the menu, but if you are taking the time to be the kind of restaurant Cowboy Star pertains to be I think your ‘average’ steak should taste just as good as everything else - this is perhaps where American meritocratic dinning lets itself down - bigger and more expensive should not always mean better. The amuse bouche and palate cleansers felt unnecessary for a restaurant were you could order a Coors Light and wear a baseball cap - I don’t want to take anything away from the intention but I think perhaps letting the main food speak for itself and taking away a little bit of the ‘flair’ could do wonders. Having shared a main steak and two sides, two glasses of wine and a single cocktail the bill was surprisingly hefty. California is undoubtedly expensive, and having spent two weeks here this year and many a time in my life to date in this wonderful state I can say it is more so than ever but is just a fact of life. Cowboy Star however felt a little bit too much so, and again, if I’m honest I have had better meals in Santa Barbara, Monterey and even Santa Monica for less money that delivered more food and more on value. Overall I do not believe Cowboy Star to be a bad restaurant and I applaud their butcher shop next door to restaurant approach - but Hawksmoor it isn’t and I think you could find better for the money you’ll undoubtedly end up spending.

This is an amazing steak place. Ok, it is a chain. But this is a great chain, much like numerous other high end steak chains. But this place is different. It is really beef beef beef. My wife and I came here with our friend Albert. The three of us came here two years ago too and loved it. Albert and I shared Beef Tartare and it was glorious. Jackie really liked her salad. Albert and I got bone in ribeye. Jackie got a filet. We were all pleased. Unlike many other high end steak places, these meals come with potatoes and vegetables. Albert and I all shared bone marrow again with our main courses. They were great but there just isn't that much marrow in these bones. I wish they would have told us that it would not be enough marrow. But please. We had beef many ways, all great. That is enough.

Everything was fresh and delicious! Steaks, apps, drinks, service! Wow. The wine pairing recommendation was splendid. The old fashioned was hands down the best I’ve EVER had. The wait staff were attentive, friendly and professional.

The atmosphere here is very relaxed, the wine list is nicely varied, the steaks very good and the desserts excellent. As repeated in reviews here, the service was attentive with multiple servers taking care of us. For me, bordering on intrusive, but I think that was perhaps as we had a large party. They won't let you go without anything, that's for sure. I had a ribeye, a little overdone, really good but honestly not the best I've had in a steakhouse for sure. The vegetables were mashed garlic potatoes and asparagus. Both were again good, but nothing special, so maybe go with the mac and cheese next time. All things considered, it's really an excellent restaurant. If I lived in the area, I definitely would return multiple times until I've tried everything on the menu. The bar area was really quite relaxed and had a neighbourhood feel, and the bartender was gracious.

In the past, we've always had a great experience and wonderful food here. However, on this visit, we had some flaws that were a bit more 'major'...we had a steak requested med well that came very undercooked and, when we requested a properly cooked steak, they just took the slices, put them back in the oven, and returned the steak like pieces of leather, as though that would be okay for the high price you pay at this restaurant. It was a bit embarrassing to have to send the steak back 'again' and frankly, in a restaurant touting their excellent butchering and cooking of meats, this just shouldn't have happened and seemed lazy. We also had fish with canelloni bean that one of us thought tasted good, and two others (who were sharing) thought the fish might have been bad or something - it just tasted off. However, this wasn't shared with the server since one person DID like it, so no fault of the restaurant. Lastly, the sauce that was to be served with my husbands steak never arrived so he never got his black peppercorn sauce to go with it. The appetizers were good, the wine was good, but when you are going to a STEAK restaurant, they should jump through hoops to make sure that everything - especially the steaks - are worth raving about. We haven't been here for at least 1.5 years, so maybe it was just a fluke, or maybe something has changed....The management is always helpful and caring, so if we are in the city again, we will give it another try but this time, it was very average, and we even took a first time guest who wasn't very impressed :(

Everything about this place is average with the exception of the price. I’m really not understanding the draw and it’s frustrating for me to spend a lot of money for a mediocre meal. This was my 3rd time at this establishment and each time I’ve left I thought “well, I’m not going back there.” This time I ordered SRF special which I know the farm very well as I order a ton of their Gold Grade waygu. Theirs lacked flavor and was dry. I wasn’t even sure if It was actually SRF. Which is sad I can buy and cook a better steak myself. There are a lot better options such as STAKE in Coronado for this price range.

Had a business dinner at Cowboy Star and it was SO GOOD! High end, pricy, but the food is so delicious. Perfect spot for a date night or anniversary. If you go, try the wagyu appetizer....it's the best! Don't forget about dessert either.

Cowboy Star offers a great atmosphere with great food and service. From the moment we walked through the door; - We were greeted and seated quickly without a reservation. - Had a seriously awesome waiter (Thanks Jeremy!) - Delicious dinner and dessert (The bread pudding is a 10/10, house secret, get it with vanilla and dark chocolate ice cream, heaven!) - One of the best espresso martinis we've ever had! Thank you Cowboy Star! (Now we have a west coast spot)

We have been wanting to come here for about a year, with all the covid craziness we just stuck close to home and supported the local restaurants nearby. This was a milestone birthday so I wanted a very good steakhouse. This was a great choice. We started off in the bar for a couple of drinks waiting for our table, I had Smoke wagon margarita, nice zesty kick to it. Made with Jalapenos making it nice and spicy! Our table was ready very quickly and we were seated in a crowded dining area. Very nicely decorated nicely lit and very clean! With recent covid scare the employees were doing a very good job cleaning and disinfecting the tables when diners would leave. I saw at least two tables being scrubbed when not in use. The employees were very thorough in their work! The servers working our table were all very polite, professional and informative about what was available that night. They made recommendations from side orders to wine and desert! They were all great! The most important thing about a restaurant is the food, if it isn't good I could hardly recommend it to anyone....this food was outstanding and I recommend this place to everyone. I had the 8 oz Wagyu skirt steak and it was wonderful! I added the peppered mashed potato's and followed the servers recommendation on wine selection. It too, was delicious. On a personal note, I am on a restricted diet that does not allow me to have many "greens", as in vegetables, I told this to the head server and everyone that brought food to our table made sure there were no greens in mine....it just added to the level of service we received. They were all awesome! I cannot say enough good things about the food, the staff or the restaurant in general. I usually end my reviews saying if your in the area this place is worth stopping in.....this place is a destination in itself. Highly recommended and well worth the time and price

My husband and I were looking for a new place to celebrate our 23rd anniversary. I made reservations and we had a wonderful celebration dinner and drinks. I got a top shelf type margarita and it was so good that I got another one! Our meal was prepared perfectly. I like that their steaks come with side dishes. The hostess and waiter both said Happy Anniversary which was nice. Our dessert plate also said Happy Anniversary.

So every time my wife and I are in San Diego, we do a couples night out with her brother and his wife. Last time we went out, we selected Donovan’s in La Jolla and left disappointed. It’s actually become a joke with us because anything that could go wrong, went wrong. New trip, new restaurant selected and I’d be lying if I didn’t say I was hesitant to pick this year’s restaurant. Cowboy Star was what I selected and WOW, we’re we all delighted with the choice. Parking isn’t the easiest if you go early because the parking lot across the way is limited to store customers only earlier in the evening. If you go later, then you can pay to park there. Walking up to the restaurant isn’t the greatest as the surrounding area smells, but you’d be making a BIG mistake to let that prevent you from experiencing this place yourself. First, I’m not a seafood guy, but my wife and the others are. Order the oysters! We went through two dozen. The sauces they prepare, especially the vinaigrette sauce is AMAZING and was directly responsible for the second order. When the waiter asks for drink choices, try the Hogan’s mule. I’m not a big mule drinker, but this thing was worthy of ordering. We opted for filets, and each one of them were cooked to perfection and seasoned perfectly! My brother-in-law said it best when he said “I can’t remember a better streak that I’ve had.” The same goes for myself. The sides come with the dinners, but I wanted asparagus, specifically, grilled asparagus! The chef was kind enough to prep it for me and it didn’t disappoint! For those that love asparagus, I hate it when it comes out wilted and limp. Not here, it is was grilled to perfection! Apps were amazing, steaks were among the best I’ve ever had, and it didn’t stop there! Order the Bread Pudding for dessert. Yes, many people skip on dessert when eating out, but I had read that this place had fantastic desserts, so bread pudding was it and I was never happier to over eat! How much did I enjoy our night at Cowboy Star? Well, just look at how much time I took to write this review. Stop in, enjoy, and thank me later for pushing you over the hump when deciding where to go out for dinner.

Eaten here many times. My son lives very close by. Last night we ate there for happy hour which is probably the best in the area, but ends too early. Good wine and well served. However, the food quality has gone down. I have ordered the mussels several times. This time they were not good. Different chef I guess different bar staff as well My son had the Wagu. Yuck! I lived in Japan 3 years. This was NOT Wagu beef chewy Pity to see a neighborhood place go down.

Food: 7/10. Above average, not spectacular. Large portions, good flavor. No wow factor from any particular dish. Service: 5/10. Hostesses, wait staff outside of waitress were friendly. Waitress was rude, curt and unwelcoming. Restaurant was not busy enough to warrant this behavior. Overall: 6.5/10

Food here was good. My wife got the ribeye and I got the Halibut. I also got a whiskey sour. Wasn’t my thing but I’ve never had one. We sat a table that you could see the dessert station and it was awesome. The lady making desserts was super nice. She made the experience for us. We tried the Mexican Street Corn ice cream and surprisingly it was awesome. I would eat here again.

Checked multiple sites for best steak in San Diego. Cowboy Star was at or near the top of all lists. We were very impressed. The food was superb and the service was excellent. Our thanks to Adam and the team.

Steak is their business. and it shows. the New york strip I had was tender and tasty with the right amount of pink in the middle. The waiters are very knowledgeable about the type of steak and how it should be cooked and the sauce if any that would go with it.

This restaurant which was suggested by a local met all expectations. Staff was quick and friendly. The cocktails were on point. But more importantly, the steak was devine. Ive been to many steak houses but the aged steak was one of the most tender and flavorful that I've had in awhile. Worth a stop if youre in the gaslamp district.

The steaks are cooked to perfection. The wait staff is attentive. We enjoyed both a filet and a rib eye. There was more to the plate than our stomachs could hold. So yummy. there were very accomodating to diet restrictions.

My wife and I when with 2 of our best friends to the Cowboy Star Restaurant & Butcher Shop in San Diego last night, and had a very tasty Dinner. We started off our dinner with one of the best and different Old Fashion drinks I have ever had. It was delicious ! Glenn our server then delivered us a delicious amuse-bouche stater spoon which had goat cheese and other item on it. We then shared some delicious homemade very tasty bread rolls. Our next dish was a C-star Caesar salad which had crisp little gem lettuce, bacon lardoons, shaved parmesan, house made caesar dressing, and a white anchovy garnish. We then shared a 40 oz. Porterhouse steak which was sliced and cut PRIME "Natural" Monson Ranch Beef, which was aged for 21 days. The steak was very tender and I enjoyed it with some Peppercorn sauce on the side. We also shared some side dishes of Mashed Potatoes with creamy butter and Lava salt, Foraged Mushrooms, which was a seasonal selection of sautéed wild mushrooms, and some sauteed Broccolini. Cowboy Star has a very nice Bar Area, and na private dining room for larger groups. A very high end restaurant with some good food.

Our steaks were good, so were our salads, but service was disappointing. We were seated at a tiny table and our server seemed like he thought he was doing us a favor waiting on us. We were celebrating our anniversary, so the service was a real letdown.

The restaurant has a cowboy theme but is very casual, remember me of Outback Steakhouse. Unfortunately the prices are more like the Four Seasons, very, very expensive. We had the porterhouse steak, it was well cooked but it’s taste was nothing but ordinary. All sides are an additional cost. Make sure you have an expense account if you eat there.

I felt like the food was very overpriced for the quality of food I received. That said, the service we provided was very good.

My daughter took us here for my belated birthday celebration and I had one of the best dining experiences in my life! Absolutely amazing! Where do I start, service was impeccable and their attention to detail exceeded my expectations. The menu that our host server handed out to us had a "Happy Birthday" greeting on it, which was a pleasant surprise considering that I have dined at numerous establishments and this being the first time I've seen this. Ordered their steamed mussels, simply delectable chardonnay broth. Shared their 40 oz. Porterhouse steak with my daughter and enjoyed every bite very tender beef and cooked to perfection. Sides were equally delicious, roasted bone marrow spread over slices of baguette and mac & cheese with smoked garlic, bourbon shallots and back lardoons. As a finishing touch ordered their chocolate chip bread bread pudding in a warm butterscotch sauce and dark chocolate ice cream that was served with a "Happy Birthday" greeting written on the plate with chocolate and a candle. I can't impress enough about the quality of service and attention to detail. What a celebration! A little pricey but well worth the trip to this excellent establishment.

The food, service and atmosphere are all top notch. The steaks are excellent, as always, the oysters were amazing and the wine was wonderful. The service was some of the best I have experienced in quite a long time. It was our son's birthday and they went out of their way to make this a memorable meal and evening. A big thank you to the entire Cowboy Star team. We will definitely be back next time we are in SD!

Service was subtle, which I like. They kept their eye on our conversation and we were not rushed at all. The food was good. I would recommend it if you are looking for a good, sophisticated steak dinner.

If you’re looking for a really great steak, look no farther. They not only have great steaks, but everything on the menu is incredible. Then to top it off the staff makes this a very fine dining experience. They care so much about their food, they use tweezers to place the garnish exactly on the plate were they want it. Quality and presentation go hand in hand. If that’s still not enough for you, the cocktail and wine list are just as incredible. If you like what you had to eat, stop by their butcher shop and pick up so meat to take home.

I had dinner here twice during a convention. First night was on a private occasion with a party of 5, second night with a party of 12. On the first occasion my steak (dry-aged bone-in rib-eye) was excellent, on the second it was just ok (much smaller and no real dry-aged flavor). I imagine that catering for a lager group always leads to a loss of quality (or they ran out of dry-aged rib-eyes). Service was flawless on both occasions. Price tag is high. Furthermore I have to say that during this trip I had better steaks than at Cowboy Star (for example BLT and Gallagher's in LAS or Boa in LAX).

Ordered the Wagyu skirt steak. It was amazing. Perfectly cooked. Our group of 4 sat at the chef's table. Got to see the kitchen at work. Very unique experience. Our server Glenn (aka Canadian Carl) was awesome. Great personality and knowledgeable. We also enjoyed conversing with Josh who was doing prep in the kitchen. He offered up some suggestions for other spots in San Diego to see and visit. If I'm back in Diego some day I'll be back at Cowboy Star. Thanks Glenn and Josh for making making a great meal a great overall experience too.

This establishment crafted and delivered a special evening for a group of associates and friends that met in San Diego for a quick weekend. The reservations were for 1800pst and for four persons. The table was ready when we arrived and the table location was perfect. We brought several bottles of special wines with a 1997 Shafer Hillside Select being the prize of the night. Our server, Joshua, is a level 1-2 sommelier and handled the wine prep with professional ease. The wine was absolutely perfect after 20-30 minutes decanted. The meal was the "STAR" of the evening. Terrific appetizers, salads, soups, and bread. We all went overboard on our steak selections and all of us were beyond blown away by the prep and flavor. We tried to resist desserts but failed when we opted for bread pudding and creme brulee. Decadent and delightful. Needless to say the company, wine and service only enhanced the experience of a great meal that will be a memorable reason to return ASAP to Cowboy Star. You should make this a must if you enjoy flavorful steaks and great service.

Good steak houses tend to be much the same. When they try to be overly original the results are often unsatisfying. Cowboy star manages to be unique and subtly different very successfully. The service as one would expect is outstanding but what we lived is the New York strip , Caesar salad and other sides - while classic - had their own personality. Everything was excellent.

We decided to give this place a try as a romantic getaway dinner and we got to the restaurant 10-15 minutes earlier than our reservation. So we decided to have a drink at the bar first. What was so cool was the shelving contraption they used to access the bottles. With limited space, this one of a kind machine was built that displays all the top spirits. The bar tenders were quite skilled and generous pourers as well. When seated we decided to have the bone in rib-eye steak and it was done so well. As an appetizer we split the scallops entree. The decor was nice and we would definitely return to this restaurant!

Saturday was here! I was so excited that we were finally going to the infamous Cowboy Star. Sadly, that feeling of excitement turned into sheer disappointment. We arrived a few minutes prior to our reservation and waited about 20 minutes or so to be seated. We were seated in the back room. The waitress wasn’t overly friendly. She did her job but didn’t flash a smile or engage in any type of conversation beyond “can I take your order”. My NY had a tremendous amount of fat on the end. I expect some marbling but not to have to cut off that much of my steak and just set it aside because it was pure fat. On a positive note, my steak was cooked perfectly. The salad was average. We left completely underwhelmed. I was so sad that I wasted a date night on this place. The food fell flat, ambiance was lacking, and the customer service was average. I don’t understand how this place has such high reviews... 1000 percent go to Born & Raised if you want a culinary experience.

Very reasonably priced steak that was good in a beautiful ambience with great service. I would recommend this spot for couples dining or family dining. Get the French onion soup and the chocolate mousse for dessert too !

Me and my wife decided to come here for Happy Hour. The vibe is great, service is outstanding and the food was phenomenal! One of the best happy hours in San Diego! We will absolutely be back!

Thoroughly enjoyable! Our steaks were delicious, the bacon macaroni and cheese was to die for, and the service level was phenomenal. Enough to feel spoiled, yet not over doing it. We will definitely go back

Cowboy Star is a steakhouse located in San Diego's East Village. It has a rustic look, but the food and drink are top notch, at top prices. Meat is the star here, and our steaks had a great taste and were prepared perfectly. Each steak came with a vegetable and potato. Sauces, bread roles, and sides are available at additional costs. I really liked the cheesy grits. The wine and cocktail selection is excellent, as was the excellent personal service that we received. A lot of money, but well spent.

We have eaten here twice and have had exceptional dining experiences both times. The staff is extremely knowledgeable and helpful in guiding choices. Drinks and dinner are prepared with style and pride. Although pricey, you get what you pay for, and I will be back again and again! Bravo!

With all the steakhouses in Gaslamp district we had locals suggesr this and WOW! 40 ounces of goodness. Great food and a cool hangout! We highly recommend

Great restaurant with excellent food. Steaks were wonderful! We were seated in a spacious booth with a great view of the chefs at work. Noise level was perfect so that you could actually have quiet conversations. Will definitely return again on a future trip.

This is one of those places where if I could give more than 5 stars, they would easily get 10 stars! I have heard about this place for quite sometime but missed out when they first opened and then most recently, because of COVID, I wasn't sure if I would ever get a chance. But recently have been staying downtown and found they are only a few blocks away and open for indoor dining, so no more excuses for not trying. We went for lunch the first time and two later, back for dinner. It's quite stunning when you go inside. Upscale, but not pretentious and with a definite "old school" feel to the place from the bar where you can get full service (along with some amazing drinks) to just the way the staff interacts. They seem to be quite engaged with the customers in conversation; it was obvious some of the customers were regulars and they just have a way of taking care of the guests to make you feel they really care about you being there and wanting you to have an excellent dining experience. When we came for lunch, we tried the sliders. Of the three (and all were good) it was the pulled pork that had me wanting to order that for a full meal. I can't even think of another pulled pork sandwich I've ever had better than this one! I had the "Old Fashioned" for my drink and again, I honestly don't think I've ever had a better one! We came back a few nights later for dinner. I was a little apprehensive the way you are when you've had something so terrific, you fear it won't be as good the second time around. It was even better! To start I had The Wedge salad. Not only does it come with an amazing blue cheese dressing, it comes with thick cut bacon strips. And when I say thick, I mean you need to use the steak knife that comes with the meal. I followed the steak up with the Ribeye Steak. I normally go for the filet mignon but I have been told by friends the Ribeye here is one of the best. They weren't wrong! I like my steak a little pink in the middle and normally would order medium-rare but the server told me they tend to a bit more on the rarer side and suggested getting it medium. His suggestion was spot on! My steak came out the most perfect pink center and was cooked absolutely to perfection! My first bite into this amazing steak told me I had made the right choice. Almost anytime I've ordered a ribeye, I've been disappointed but this was without question one of the best steaks I've ever had. Although I was feeling quite satisfied, I wanted to push my luck and give a dessert a try and while I know they are known for their bread pudding, I cannot pass up crème brûlée. I know it sounds like I'm repeating myself, but it really was the BEST crème brûlée I ever remember having! And no doubt a glass of red wine would have gone perfect with this meal, I had to have another of their amazing Old Fashions. If you are in San Diego, whether visiting or you live here, you should absolutely come here. This restaurant belongs on every "what to do when in San Diego" list and should be on everyone's top five restaurants in San Diego. My only disappointment is we are moving out of California in a month and I only have a few more days to visit Cowboy Star again before we leave. From the relaxing but elegant interior, to the attentive and friendly staff and to the AMAZING food, it has been one of the top dining experiences of all time for me. Don't miss out on this San Diego treasure!

Cowboy Star is very entertaining place cause when I get there I get very relaxed and chilled and don't wanna leave the place even the staff trying to get us out of the place that we stay too long to bother the people. I'm just kidding they are great people serving us in Cowboy Star's. The chef is also a great guy cooking lambs way the best way I like. He's struggling too much I think he is a real gem in the beaten off places. He is a great guy. Anyway the food arrives as the best time we always expect. We order the same meal entering the Cowboy Star so we don't have to wait longer periods. The food comes in a real challenge, the taste is also a great challenge rather than the other restaurants doing the same food. Amazing food ever every time. I wonder how they are doing always in the best way they can do.

My fiancée and I love the occasional steak and usually go to Flemings or Ruth's Chris . A friend told us about CS and I'm so glad she did! We ordered a filet and the waygu steak which was more on the fatty side like our waiter explained the menu . It had a good rub on it but a little too fatty for my liking. The sides were also very good . We will return for sure . Cowboy Star also offers a good happy hour half off!

Incredible dining, casual but top notch service and food! From pre-dinner drinks to dessert, the food/service did not disappoint. Charcuterie board was amazing, and the waiter/chef recommended the bison strip steak which was outstanding. Wine list had options at all price points. I will definitely return!!

Stumbled upon this place by accident....WOW....so glad we did! Everything was perfect! We had the caesar salad which was big enough for 2 people and then the dry aged NY strip...perfectly cooked and seasoned....so good...once of the best steaks I've ever eaten to be honest. Also had the scallops, perfectly cooked and very tasty. And carrots for the side, again perfect in every way! Generous wine pours by the glass...they even let you taste before you decide, which should be the way it is everywhere in my opinion! Service was excellent, we never felt rushed as we wanted to sit and enjoy our food and drinks. I highly recommend reserving the "counter seating" which gives you a ring side view right in front of the kitchen We were too full for dessert, but what I saw looked very good. I would highly recommend this place and next time we are in San Diego we will return!

we sat at the counter overlooking the kitchen. it was very entertaining and everyone was so welcoming. the mussels and halibut cheeks were phenomenal. would definitely return.

The boyfriend and I came here at the tail end of their Monday eve happy hour (which, by the way, is the BEST deal of any happy hour we've ever been to). We ordered so much food...sliders, umm, delish, kabob, ummm, tasty. I would not re-order the arugula salad. It lacked appropriate flavor via the vinegrette. The steaks we ordered (on the bed of mashed potatoes) were to die for. And the skillet bread was something special with the warm butter slab and the sprinkle of sugar. We'll come again...but we hear that we got lucky finding a seat for happy hour. It's no secret that it's a deal!

Truly a wonderful place to dine. Fantastic service, comfortable surroundings and wide selection of food. The bison burger was exceptionally good: the downside: you will never go back to hamburger. If steak is on your mind, be hungry. Very excellent service.