Date Night Steakhouse
We are always on the hunt for a new date night spot in San Diego. With so many options, it can be overwhelming to find a spot that not only is classy, but somewhere that feels like your neighborhood spot. Rare Society is that perfect combination of class and comfort.
The exterior patio of Rare Society - although not as intimate as the indoor booths, it has a lovely fire pit!
About Rare Society
This newcomer to the San Diego scene has a unique story that we must tell. Owned and operated by the culinary minds of TRUST restaurant group. This property is the former Hundred Proof restaurant that was also owned and operated by TRUST restaurant group. After years of providing the community with fantastic comfort foods and strong cocktails they re-shifted their business plan to a more upscale and classy establishment.
Rare Society is set in the mid century golden age of steak houses were menus were adorned with beautiful seafood towers, opulent steaks, and enough booze to thoroughly lubricate any conversation. Rare Society pays homage to this time with enough of the classics to satisfy your parents but with enough flair to entertain the younger crowds. Take for example there Parker House rolls, a classic dish consisting of buttered delicious bread rolls akin to the rolls you would might get at Thanksgiving with your grandmother but these are coated with truffle butter and are elegantly displayed in a large cast-iron skillet perfect for the gram.
With several intimate booths and a handful of large tables they are set up for a good mix of large parties and intimate dinners for two. This review was done during Covid so they have a large outdoor patio extending into the street to accommodate the guests. We sat on their permanent patio and were very impressed with the outdoor fire pit and plenty of heaters that made us feel very welcomed.
If you don't have time for a full dinner I would highly recommend cozying up to the bar. With a throwback to Hundred Proof, Rare Society has a strong cocktail program and I would definitely recommend sampling at least one of their specialty cocktails.
One of their booths is adorned with this framed neon sign!
The Drinks
As a steakhouse, Rare Society has an incredible drink list. Whether it be a rich Napa cabernet, a unique cocktail, or a local craft beer, Rare Society has a good spread of all. What we enjoyed was a good mixture of wine and cocktails, here's what we got!
RYE ALMONDINE - rye whiskey, sloe gin, pimento dram, orgeat, lime - $13 (pictured)
LOUIS ROEDERER ‘BRUT PREMIER’ Champagne - $17
SADDLEBACK, Cabernet Sauvignon - $18
EXAMPLES OF OTHER SELECTIONS
ESPRESSO MARTINI - vodka, herbal liquor, coffee liquor, espresso, bay leaf, condensed milk - $14
MODERN TIMES Ice Pilsner - $8
BOTTLE - FROGS LEAP Chardonnay - $52
BOTTLE - ERIC KENT 'SMALL TOWN' Pinot Noir - $65
We loved all of the drinks we got especially the Rye Almondine cocktail, it was way too easy to drink, yeah it was sophisticated enough to impress me. My girlfriend loved the champagne, although it was a little expensive the quality was fantastic.
The Starters
What else is a better way to start the meal then a warm buttery roll? I'm not sure what is better so please let me know! The starters are Rare Society are diverse and showcase the talent in the kitchen. There are so many things to get it was hard to pick but here's what we selected.
PARKER HOUSE ROLLS house cultured truffle butter - $9 (pictured)
BEEF TARTARE - cornichon, egg, parsley, truffle mayonnaise, salt + vinegar chips - $16
EXAMPLES OF OTHER SELECTIONS
BACON - gochujang glazed, chive - $11
OYSTERS ROCKEFELLER - bechamel, spinach and arugula, fennel, bread crumbs - $18
TRUFFLED BEEF WAYGU SAUSAGE - potato mousseline, dried fruit gastrique, buerre noisette, chervil - $17
They have a very deep starters menu, not just your typical steakhouse starters of a few salads and maybe some shrimp cocktail. Expect tons of flavor and some truly unique starters. My only criticism is that they can be very heavy so don't fill up on these and save room for your steaks!
The Meats
Here's the main event! Rare Society as a very deep selection of meats. From the petite filet mignon at 5 ounces to the 22 ounce 40 day dry aged bone in ribeye. Rare Society has a cut for everybody. Since it was just the two of us we decided to get our own steaks. However if you are feeling adventurous they do have several boards where you can share a chef’s selection of steaks. Perfect for a large group or an adventurous couple.
16OZ PRIME CEDER RIVER RIBEYE - $48 with Garlic Herb Butter (pictured)
5OZ FILET MIGNON - $30
EXAMPLES OF OTHER SELECTIONS
10OZ DURHAM RANCH WAGYU TRI TIP - $34
14OZ SPICED DRY AGED PORK CHOP - $32
22OZ 40 DAY DRY-AGED BONE-IN RIBEYE - $81
The steaks were absolutely phenomenal, with a gorgeous crust on the exterior, they were crispy and perfectly prepared. You get to select a sauce to go with your steaks and I chose the daily rotating market butter. Today it was a garlic herb butter which melted perfectly into my steak and just made it even better. I managed to snag a bite of my girlfriends filet mignon and it was spectacular!
The Sides
The sides to a good steak are almost as important as the steak itself. At Rare Society there are so many delicious sides it can be hard to choose this is what we got but honestly there isn't a bad choice there.
ROASTED ASSORTED VEGGIES - $9 (pictured)
WHIPPED POTATOES - $9
EXAMPLES OF OTHER SELECTIONS
PICKLED FRIED ONION RINGS - $9
ROASTED MUSHROOMS - thyme, garlic, egg yolk - $9
TRUFFLED CREAMED SPINACH - $9
As you can see most of the sides are relatively traditional. These are all served family style so be sure to get a few to share with your group!
The Desserts
Desserts are the final notes in the story of Rare Society. They focus on classic flavors is desserts are comforting and absolutely hit the spot in concluding this epic meal. They have a limited amount of options or what they do have each fits a specific flavor group. What we got below:
CHOCOLATE LAVA CAKE - Mr. Trustee Ice Cream - $12
EXAMPLES OF OTHER SELECTIONS
BUTTER CAKE - Sourcream ice cream - $12
Cocktail - HOT BUTTERED RUM - aged rum, whipped butter, warm spices - $13
This chocolate lava cake was exactly what we needed to end our night. The warm chocolate cake broke way to a nice molten center. it was ooey, gooey, and oh so delicious. The scoop of ice cream provided by their sister restaurant Mr. Trustee was perfectly soft, and was so flavorful.
Summary
Overall Review: 4.6/5
Rare Society is a gem in the Hillcrest neighborhood. With a classic menu that appeals to all ages. This is a perfect weekday steak night option.
Food Review: 4.8/5
The food is absolutely spectacular. Executed perfectly with large portions yet with plenty of technique its a perfect mix.
Drink Review: 4.5/5
The drinks at Rare Society are awesome. Strong, well balanced, and moderately priced. Only thing bad to say is that their wine list is much smaller than their competition.
X Factor 4.3/5
The restaurant inside is beautiful, the gilded ceiling, the cozy booths, the fun neon signs. However the neighborhood leaves something to be desired. It is in an odd place that is not walkable, nor around much else. Not a major problem, but not as fun as downtown.