As a vegan, a steakhouse wasn't really my first choice, but I came to Cowboy Star because my husband wanted to give it a try. My first experience was very good, and they were able to modify a dish to fit my vegan dietary needs without any issue. I came back with my husband to celebrate his birthday, and again I was very well treated. I was honestly taken aback by how many of their dishes could be modified to be made vegan. I ended up ordering the mushroom risotto and the grilled peach salad, and both were amazing. Both the palate cleanser and the appetizers were made vegan to suit my needs, and the waiter made sure to confirm that everything was vegan before serving it. I also really enjoyed the atmosphere and being able to watch the chefs work while we enjoyed our meals. But the most outstanding thing is definitely the service. We were treated so well the whole time, especially when it came to accommodating my dietary restrictions. I really recommend this place! read more

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A 9/10 experience I will continue returning to for until I move away. First time I heard of this place was from a bartender in DTSD. I decided to go immediately but arrived 5 minutes after kitchen closed (10 PM PST) and that's on me, but the doorman was genuinely disheartened I arrived late (not the typical "Why are you coming so late im trying to go home LEAVE" type person) and that was motivation to come back. Booked reservation for 1 (so easy) a few weeks lateron July 11th, 2026. Ordered their local oysters (small just how I love them), an intro cocktail (yummy, not over the top), bread service (the crunch equivalent to Ratatouille's bread scene), and their A5 Japanese Omi Gyu (priced at $180) at medium. U N F O R G E T T A B L E. Gamey but flavorful to have you chew and remember it long after it's been swallowed. So much so, I left 1 slice left, but truly satisfied like a steakhouse hasn't in such a long time. BUT I thought it was a one-and-done scenario. Revisited on September 5th. This time tried their Smoked Esquite (So good I kept eating it through my desert), their take on a New York Sour (damned delicious), and their take on a Filet Mignon at medium (butter smooth, juicy as intended). I closed my eyes whilst eating and the bartender asked if I was okay (shoutout to their constant service), and again, blew me away. Consistent. Elegant. Insatiably delicious. In addition, sat in a different spot and saw their pastry chef working tiredlessly: Concocted a Banana dessert (I leave it to you to enjoy the photographs and ask yourself there for the name) I will long hail it the BEST dessert I have since a Apple Vanilla Ice Cream Crumble in Monterey, CA. Beauty on the plate as was on the palatte. Effectively: Cowboy Star has won my heart in service, continuity, and class artistry across all the respective chefs in the house. I will return in the upcoming months to continue the saga: Wagyu Skirt Steak. read more

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Cowboy star had good eats and my favorite drink during my bar hopping day in San Diego. We came during happy hour so they didn't have the full menu sadly, but I will definitely be back for that. We ordered the New York steak frites and two drinks. The steak was a tad overcooked for medium rare but still so flavorful and juicy! The fries it came with were amazing as well, they reminded me of McDonald's fried but on crack. Steak is always good but the Lost Cowboy cocktail was the star of the show. The red wine float on top really made the flavor and vibe of the drink insane. We also got the Angie's painkiller, which was good but the Lost Cowboy was definitely the better drink. read more

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Sometimes, it's 8:30 pm and you're craving a steak and nothing else will do. Cowboy Star had been on my list forever, and I figured it was as good a time as any to treat myself. It was the perfect experience, start to finish. I was seated at a lil petite booth that was so comfortable and gave me a good view. My server Veronica was exceptional! Incredibly warm and welcoming the entire time, and even gave me a delicious bite of mango sorbet with green apple and tajin, and later a scoop of tiramisu ice cream on the house. I sprang for the dry aged bone-in ribeye and it was everything I wanted it to be. Perfectly seasoned, spot on medium rare, full of buttery goodness. The mashed potatoes and broccolini with it were delicious too, I couldn't resist getting the mac and cheese, but it was honestly a bit sweet for my taste. I really enjoyed my solo date here, and appreciate how great the staff were and their care and attention to detail, highly recommend dining alone or with company :) read more

Cowboy Star - Mango sorbet, green apple, tajin bonus bite - Steakhouses Near Me - San Diego, California

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So, when more than a handful of people, San Diego locals recommend a spot - I had to make sure I dropped in last week while there for Comic Con. BE SURE TO MAKE A RESERVATION! Service was excellent. From the host/hostess, to the server, expo and chefs and other FOH staff who all made sure I was taken care of there at the Chef's Counter. I'd go back just for the service alone. Always nice to experience top notch attention. Food was excellent. If I had to leave a short review, I'd just use one word - excellent and call it a day. The flavors of the dishes. The taste and balance of the drinks. The perfectly prepared Ribeye (Black & Blue). The dessert that wasn't too sweet. And especially the bread that seemed like it was made with crack because I was hooked on my first bite. To give you and idea of the line up: The C-Star Caesar The Cattleman's Cut Bone-In Dry-Aged Ribeye Broccolini and Mashed Potatoes Roasted Bone Marrow Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding Drinks: Prairie Blossom C-Star Old Fashioned 2022 Sinegal (Napa) Yes, I devoured all of it. I even bought more bread. For me, it was that addictive. I'd do it all over again. The whole experience was excellent. read more

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This restaurant has stood up to the every changing San Diego, the service and food quality have remained outstanding, we have been coming here for about 15 years now and each time we are left satisfying with a beautifully done steak and excellent old fashioned. You are never rushed I just truly wish they offered more in their dessert menu; I don't enjoy fruits due to an allergy so there wasn't a lot to choose from- a creme brulee or cheesecake even a brownie would have sealed the deal The layout has adjusted throughout the years and there's way more seating then before with the additional bar seating which may make those seats feel a little less intimate but we prefer it and watching their kitchen staff is wonderful they really do an incredible job. For those new to the experience you can plan on about $100 a person We split an appetizer 2 cocktails and had a steak each with an add on of sauce and came to about 225 read more

One of the best steaks I've had in San Diego . Service was good . Always packed . So book ahead . read more

Cowboy Star is one of my favorite steakhouses. This time I came to try their happy hour. i just flew back and thought to myself, steak sounds yummy. I made it right before happy hour ended, and I have really wanted to try their happy hour. I parked on the street and walked over, immediately offered a bar seat- I was alone so worked perfectly. I was greeted and given a menu. I ordered the skewers, fries, and deviled eggs. I ordered a martini- not on happy hour but they make a good one. Everything was delicious. I did ask for a little salt for the beef skewers and it was to my personal tasting. The portions for happy hour were surprisingly large. I absolutely ordered more than I could eat. But walked out spending $50 for a quality meal. Can't wait to go back. read more

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we came here for happy hour before a concert and we absolutely loved it. It's a really good diverse menu with a lot of options. we got the sliders and the meat was so juicy and delicious and I love the assortment of sauces that come with the fries as well. We did also get the deviled eggs, which was such a good bite and so underrated. We also love the Caesar salad. It was perfectly dressed and umami. Our server was great as well. They have good cocktails and I would 10 out of 10 come back. read more

Cowboy Star - Steakhouses Near Me - San Diego, California

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Cowboy Star is my favorite date night spot. Whether it's an intimate dinner, Happy Hour drinks, or enjoying the atmosphere at the bar, it always feels like the spot to be. Amazing bartenders and very attentive servers. Obviously, the steaks are fantastic but don't sleep on the best charcuterie plate downtown. read more

Cowboy Star - Charcuterie plate. - Steakhouses Near Me - San Diego, California

We came in for the first time for happy hour and Garth was amazing! Food was great and drinks even better. Will definitely be coming back because of the quality of service , took the time to learn our names and suggested different things for us to try! read more

Cowboy Star - Beef Skewers Deviled Eggs - Steakhouses Near Me - San Diego, California

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Came in today for my fiancé's birthday. Not only is the food incredible but our service was over the top. Mark helped us out with everything we needed and gave us great recommendations. Definitely can't wait to come back and try some more cuts read more

Cowboy Star - Steakhouses Near Me - San Diego, California

My husband and I went there on a Friday at 5pm for dinner and our server Mark was great. He really took care of us and knew exactly what to do, very knowledgeable of the entire menu and their summer specials. Now the food! Amazing high quality steaks. I ordered the filet mignon and my husband the bone-in dry-aged ribeye. The wedge is simply amazing! A must try! Plus, a very special amuse-bouche. I'll definitely be recommending this place. read more

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The ambiance was excellent from the start--dim lighting, warm and welcoming staff, and a really comfortable atmosphere. We were seated in a half-circle booth, which I highly recommend if you can request it. I've also sat at a table in front of the kitchen before, which is fun for watching the chefs, but the booth is definitely more comfortable for a relaxed meal. Our waiter was great and even let me try a few different wines, which I really appreciated. We started with the Japanese Omi Gyu carpaccio, which was delicious and very high quality. It has a thin, rich, buttery texture. It was amazing, but for the price ($60), I personally wouldn't order it again unless you specifically love that type of premium raw beef experience. The bread was a standout--warm, buttery, and perfectly toasted. Our whole table kept talking about it. For my entrée, I had the filet mignon with mashed potatoes, and it was honestly one of the best steaks I've ever had. I'm very particular about my steak and have tried places like Ruth's Chris, Fleming's, Starlite, Outback, and Black Angus, but nothing compares. I ordered it medium-rare, and it was cooked perfectly with incredible flavor and tenderness. It was balanced, not over-seasoned, and cooked exactly how I like it--real precision from start to finish. Overall, the service was great, the food was high quality, and the experience felt special from start to finish. read more

Cowboy Star Restaurant and Butcher Shop on Tenth Ave offers some of the best steaks in town. Dry-Aged beef as well all the classics such as Filet Mignon, New York Strip, Porterhouse and Ribeye. On this visit, I was excited to come back to Cowboy Star as its been years since my last visit. They definitely made some really good changes with increased seating a more intimate dining area. The night started of course with bread - buttery, soft and so fresh its melts in your mouth. Second on deck was the wedge salad which had one of the fattest piece of pork belly and it was so good that I could eat a whole portion. With my main I went with the 18oz Dry-Aged T-Bone cooked medium rare from Snake River Farms. I didn't know much about Snake River Farms but from what I am told that their beef is top notch and sure enough, it was one of the best steaks I've had as it texture and taste was outstanding. For sides - always have to get the creamed spinach which was great and always a nice side to compliment the meat. We ordered the Mac and Cheese as well and that was excellent as well. One of the great things that sets Cowboy Star apart from the rest is the complete dining experience. A friendly staff from the front of the house to the back of the house, service was excellent. Each staff had personality and were fun to chat with. Highly recommend Cowboy Star if you are wanting a steakhouse with an excellent experience from start to finish. You won't be disappointed, its well worth the visit. read more

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**Cowboy Star -- Yeehaw for Happy Hour! ** I absolutely LOVE Cowboy Star, and in my humble (but clearly correct ) opinion, **the happy hour is the best in town.** Great food, great drinks, great people, and enough temptation on the menu to make "I'm just stopping in for one" a hilarious lie. This is an easy **5-star ** for me. I especially have to give a shout-out to **Cassandra, Kaleb, Victor, and the whole crew**--they always make the experience even better. They know how to make you feel welcome, and that goes a long way. Now, if I could make one tiny suggestion to my fellow patrons: **the restaurant could use a dress code.** I'm all for casual, but wife-beaters and cutoff Daisy Dukes on some of the customers aren't exactly doing Cowboy Star any favors. There's "Western chic," and then there's "I just escaped from mowing the lawn at a trailer park." But hey, the food is fantastic, the happy hour is fabulous, and the staff is terrific. So saddle up and go. **Cowboy Star gets five stars from this cowgirl!** read more

We came here to celebrate my son's graduation. We had reservations at 7 and arrived a little early. We were lead inside to a large booth. We were given drink menus, regular menus, and the specials. My son ordered the prairie blossom which was basically a floral margarita. My husband got a sangria and my mother-in-law got a glass of cabernet sauvignon. The prairie blossom was sweeter than the usual margarita. The sangria was fruity and dry. My mother-in-law liked her wine which went well with the steak she ordered. My son and mother-in-law both ordered the special aged rib eye. I got the mussels and my daughter got the Mac and cheese. My husband also got a rib eye steak but from the regular menu. The beef was cooked to a perfect medium rare. They were tender and full of flavor. The dry aged just had a bigger beef flavor. My mussels were good and plentiful. Unfortunately, a few of them had sand which made it slightly unpleasant. Another sticking point is having to pay for bread service. It was good but not $10 good. Overall a good meal. read more

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I love this place. It doesn't matter whether you're at the bar or in a booth. Warm, relaxed atmosphere, some of the best bartenders in SD, and food that is consistent, prepared right, and absolutely delicious. Bar this time with colleagues from out of town. Happy hour. Exceptional. Thanks To the team here for never letting me down. If you skip dessert you're missing a major reason this place is so well loved. It's not just the steaks. read more

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Came here for Christmas eve dinner and it was so cute and cozy, and food was good. We got to try steak with creamy horseradish sauce, beets, french onion soup, as well as cocktails. I forgot the names, but cocktails were sweet and good. I really liked the beets, it came with some sort of cream, I think mascarpone, it was so yummy! Also french onion soup was so rich and good. Steak was huge and I liked it came with sides. read more

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Cowboy Star came highly recommended by my friend who lives in Little Italy and knows the San Diego food scene well and it absolutely lived up to the hype. Service was excellent from start to finish: attentive, knowledgeable, and well-paced without feeling rushed. They have a strong wine selection that pairs beautifully with the menu, and everything I ordered was delicious and cooked perfectly. As expected for an upscale steakhouse, it is on the pricey side, but the quality, execution, and overall experience justify it. The ambiance is cool and energetic, and the restaurant was packed, which says a lot. Overall, a great steakhouse experience and definitely one I'll be returning to. read more

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My party of 7 walked in for happy hour with no reservation. It was so busy and packed! we were SO LUCKY that 6 seats opened at the bar and we quickly sat there, staff was sooo accommodating and so friendly! We quickly ordered food and drinks before happy hour ended, I appreciated our waiter (I believe his name was Daniel? sorry I don't remember) and the hospitality he provided!! The STEAK was the BEST steak I have had so far, it MELTS and was so JUICY! Talking about it makes me salivate! overall first impression of this place was amazing. Will definitely come back to cowboy star for the steak and service!!! read more

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What a lovely place to take your date!! I felt so special it was just beautiful. I am a huge fan of steak and have tried many. The rib eye was impressive and these mashed potatoes were to die. I wanted more and more and still think about them. I was let down by the Brussels they were dry and needed a sweet chili drizzle or even some kind of balsamic reduction. I asked our server and they couldnt accommodate me. It would have made this dinner. I also felt my brussels were a little burnt. I still won't hesitate to come back. There are plenty of other dishes I would love to try. Ohh I forgot all anout the rolls. They were fantastic!!! I had to stop myself before I couldnt eat anymore. Soo soft and buttery. read more

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So much cow! We ordered the 40oz porterhouse for two, and I think it should really be advertised for four. We stuffed ourselves and still ended up taking the bone and one piece home. Definitely could have been more comfortable eating less of it. It was cooked perfectly and very salty as a steak should be. Steaks come with a side of mashed potatoes and green beans, and they were good and super buttery. We also got the bread service, Caesar salad, and side of mushrooms. All were good. At this point, I was stuffed to the brim and skipped dessert even though I had originally planned on it. Drinks were hit or miss. The Rancher's Elixir was fantastic. Whiskey Sour and Aloha Cowboy were meh. Service was attentive. They checked on us frequently. Parking on metered street spots weren't an issue early on a Saturday night. read more

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Phenomenal happy hour. It was pretty busy on a Thursday night and hard to find a spot at the bar and our group basically stiff in the outdoor patio spot but they were good about accommodating us We got a variety of appetizers Spinach and artichoke dip - amazing fries - huge portion with three dipping sauces, so good 3 sliders - tasty and easy to share Deviled eggs - we're good but not my favorite read more

The service was great. We had a table reservation and got there a little early so we sat at the bar. Once our table was ready they moved everything over for us. The steak was flavorful but just slightly overcooked. Mac and cheese was really good as well. We hadnt even ordered it but saw it at another table and knew we had to try. It is extremely dark inside though, had to use a flashlight to read the menu. read more

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Cowboy Star is one of the best steakhouse experiences in San Diego. The atmosphere is intimate and polished without feeling stuffy, and the service is attentive and seamless. Steaks are cooked perfectly, the sides are rich and shareable, and the French onion soup is genuinely the best I've ever had, deeply flavorful and perfectly balanced. Solid cocktail and wine options round out the experience. Consistently excellent and always worth it. read more

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We came here for my son's bday dinner given the fun theme and enticing steak menu. We had a reservation and were quickly seated at our table. (I regret not requesting a booth and was told it would be an extra hour to wait for a booth, so we took the table. But the half moon booths look awesome). Our waiter was somewhat stoic but professional, was knowledgeable about the menu and gave good recommendations. There are several serving staff who fill water, bring bread and clear tables which is nice. Service was truly excellent, plates were cleared quickly and my water was never below 3/4 full. The steaks were cooked perfectly- crisp and buttery. Steaks come w mashed potatoes and broccoli and we ordered a side of mac n cheese to share which was big and definitely sharing size (we even brought some home) Although they charge for the bread you MUST try it. It's basically a divine appetizer and one serving is enough. We enjoyed the bread pudding and banana cream pie for dessert and both were very tasty. I have no complaints at all and would def return for a good meal. Price is on the higher side but it's downtown and for the quality of the food was on point. I have lived in San Diego for 30 years and cannot believe I've never been to this restaurant, which apparently has been here for 18 years. If you're looking for a trendy western themed dinner spot, with delicious food, make a reservation at Cowboy Star! read more

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I made reservations on Mother's Day. First time there and quite honestly underwhelmed with the food. Ambience was nice and chill. Nothing out of the ordinary. Rolls 3/5 ( our first order was a little doughy) Ribeye 3/5 ( bland) Porter steak 3/5 (bland ) Mac and cheese 2/5 (gritty texture) Mash potatoes 0/5 (taste like box mashed potatoes) Banana pudding 1/5 ( it was not pudding it was a tiny piece of cheesecake like thing) Service 3.5/5 Our waiter was an older gentleman with mid service. I was expecting more for taste and service and I was sadly very underwhelmed especially with the prices being high. read more

They accommodated a slightly bigger party than we had reserved which was so kind of them. The service was outstanding and my entire party enjoyed their steaks. The star of the show was the mussels and bone marrow starters along with my pork dish. Each so flavorful, unique and outstanding. This is such a fantastic place to have happy hour, special occasions or just a night out. The sangria hit the spot too! read more

Cowboy Star - American Duroc Pork Roulade - Steakhouses Near Me - San Diego, California

We had a great experience overall at Cowboy Star. Our waitress was very kind and had some excellent drink recommendations, although we didn't see her much throughout the evening. Thankfully, Ruby really picked up the ball. She was attentive, friendly, and made sure we were taken care of. We started the night with dinner rolls and the wedge salad. Both so good! Loved the heafty piece of bacon that they gave us with the wedge salad. And omg the bread was crazy amazing! Maybe some of the best steakhouse bread I've ever had. It melted in our mouth! For dinner, we had the 21 day-aged ribeye, the 12oz New York strip which included mashed potatoes and green beans which were amazingly seasoned and flavorful. I think I had a allergic reaction to the green beans. They they had some type of nut with them, but they were delicious and I survived lol! We also had a side of macaroni and cheese which was so flavorful and creamy and delicious. It also came with chunky little pieces of bacon, which was a nice touch on the crispy top. Everything we ordered was flavorful and well prepared. My dry aged ribeye was cooked perfectly, but it lacked a bit of flavor, and the chimichurri could have used a touch more salt. One thing worth mentioning is that you have to pay for the bread, but once you taste it, you understand why. It's seriously delicious and absolutely worth it. The only real disappointment was that we were celebrating a birthday, and unlike most high end restaurants, there was no complimentary dessert. We were charged for it instead for the Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding which was delicious. It's not a dealbreaker, but a small gesture like that goes a long way. Overall, great food, wonderful service (especially thanks to Ruby), and a warm atmosphere. We'd definitely come back. read more

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It has been quite some time since I've been here. the Bar is no longer in a separated room and it's open to the rest of the restaurant (looks great!). the bartop seating was packed but there were some low seats available. i pulled up and a server brought me a menu. I ordered the Margarita (x2) and the steak skewers. perfect marg (which is why i ordered a 2nd one) skewers were delish and honestly enough food for me but i had more time to kill and wanted to try a second item. i opted for the deviled eggs which were amazing! i really wanted to try the potato skins..i need to come with a friend so i can share some food !!! read more

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Doesn't disappoint! Tried their house rolls this time and wanted to bring back 2 orders home . Service was great , our server was attentive and funny. I got the New York Strip again and my partner got their dry aged ribeye . read more

Cowboy Star - Parker House Rolls - Steakhouses Near Me - San Diego, California

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I've dined at Cowboy Star on a couple special occasions and the service is always on point and very personable. The quality of the steak is top notch and I love the dim ambience that steakhouses share. Most recently I stopped in for happy hour and was not disappointed. I grabbed the last seat at the bar. I ordered the potato skins and the beef skewers. The skewers were by far my favorite during happy hour. They also serve a mean C-stat Old Fashioned. If you haven't given them a try, you should! read more

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Love the atmosphere and service here AND the food is spectacular. Recently came for a birthday dinner. Started out with some fantastic blue cheese stuffed olive martinis. Had to pair those with some oysters- fresh and nice presentation. Bread service delightful. Moved onto the wedge salad- BACON. We all had different cuts of steak- Filet, NY Strip, and Ribeye. All cooked to perfection with excellent flavor. What I love about this steakhouse is all of the steaks come with sides, we had asparagus and mashed potatoes. We did have to add on a few sauces and horseradish. We did also have a bean and corn dish that was amazing. I loved that they had a Coravin section of their wine menu so I had to grab my favorite Pinot Noir. Espresso martinis for dessert along with a knock your socks off banana pudding. Everything was amazing and we WILL be back. read more

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The sun is shining brightly and there is a line to get in. Inside the lights are low. The classic steakhouse atmosphere. I see steaks in a refrigerated case for purchase. Lovely meat. Friendly hostess guides us to our table. There are many attractive options on the menu but steak is what I'm here for. Fries were not crunchy but the flavor was amazing. Texture was soft and fluffy. 14oz ribeye steak from double r ranch was aged 21 days. I found it tender and juicy. Cooked medium as requested. Lightly seasoned with salt and some butter the flavor was delicious. Cowboy Star is one of my favorite spots to get a steak. Service was excellent. The team kept our drinks filled and our used dishes were promptly taken away. Server was very knowledgeable. read more

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Absolutely abysmal. The waiter couldn't hold onto a basic glass of ice water if their life depended on it. Watching them dump a full river of arctic slop directly onto a customer was like watching a clumsy child try to balance a tray for the first time. Zero dexterity, total incompetence. Ambiance: Miserable. They run the air conditioning at full-blown Alaskan winter settings, making the dining room feel like a meat locker. If you enjoy shivering while sitting in a pool of your own drenched clothes, this is the spot for you. Overall: 1/5 stars. Unless you want a side of hypothermia with your meal and a server who treats water glasses like bowling balls, avoid this place at all costs. read more

Came here for my birthday to enjoy one of the best steaks in San Diego. The inside is very large with plenty of seating. Would recommend making reservations. The service here is impeccable. They are very attentive. The steaks were also very good. They are cooked to perfection. Would look to come back. read more

Cowboy Star - 14 oz. Ribeye Steak - Steakhouses Near Me - San Diego, California

I'm so grateful for having had the opportunity to celebrate my birthday at this masterpiece of a steakhouse. Everything was perfect, the ambiance, our waiter, I believe his name was Mark, the drinks, chef Arnold ( súper agradecidos por el servicio) read more

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Visited here for an early dinner and my continued birthday celebration month! I always look forward to my meals here as I know service will be impeccable, the food phenomenal and the ambiance friendly and intimate. This meal I chose the filet mignon accompanied by mashed potatoes, veggie along with a dark beer. Absolutely melt in your mouth delicious! Chocolate chip bread pudding was a must for dessert. I await my next meal experience with bated breath. read more

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If you're looking for a classic steak house, look no further. From its leather seats, wooden architecture, mood lighting, and old school western movie posters, Cowboy Star delivers not just on food but also on ambiance. They have a great happy hour food and drink menu during the weekdays from 3-6, perfect for those that want to try out several things. Happy hour food was flavorful and filling. The place does get busy, so come early. If sitting at the bar, look up and check out their rotating ceiling liquor shelf. read more

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