We finally made it to Rare Society, a local spot with major California vibes. This place had been…read moreon our list for a while, and we were finally able to get a reservation on the day we wanted. Overall, the experience was very pleasant. I'd probably go back more often if it weren't for the parking fee at UnCommons, which still feels silly for a local strip mall.
Service: (5/5)
Jarred was our server, and he mentioned he was from the original San Diego location. He was knowledgeable, friendly, and efficient throughout the night. I also really appreciated that they remembered my birthday, from the host to the server, everyone acknowledged it, which made the experience feel extra thoughtful.
Ambiance: (5/5)
Classic, low key, and fun. It's the perfect spot for date night, group dinners, or after-work catchups with friends.
Food: (4/5)
We enjoyed most of the dishes, though a few were just okay.
1. Caesar salad (5/5) -- I personally loved it, though some of my friends thought there was a bit too much pecorino.
2. Beef tartare (5/5) -- It looked simple, but the flavor was clean, authentic, and very well executed.
3. Steamed clams (4/5) -- Very tasty, though I personally prefer clams in a white wine sauce.
4. Shrimp cocktail (3/5) -- The shrimp didn't taste especially fresh, and we weren't fans of the Old Bay seasoning on top.
5. Parker House rolls (4/5) -- We ordered two rounds. The second batch came out a little too salty, but overall they were great. Slightly pricey for bread, in my opinion.
6. The Executive Board (4/5) -- We ordered this as our entrée and added extra lamb chops. My friends especially enjoyed the lamb chops. The steaks were very good overall, though some of the end pieces were slightly overcooked.
7. Potatoes, mushrooms, and broccolini (5/5) -- All the sides were delicious.
8. Butter cake (4/5) -- Very good, but a touch too sweet for me personally.
9. Bananas Foster cheesecake (4/5) -- Unique, interesting, and delicious.
Overall, it's definitely a spot I'd recommend for locals looking to celebrate a special occasion. The service, ambiance, and overall dining experience were all solid.