One of San Diego’s most iconic restaurants opened in 1971 when J.D. Dahlen and George Bullington, known as Bully around the horse track, wanted to expand their Bully’s Restaurant in Del Mar.
“They wanted to have a presence ‘way out east’ in Mission Valley. They found an empty A&W stand just off I8 and Texas Street. I have a picture of two ladies in front of the A&W in my office and I look at it every day to remind me where we’ve come from,” said Derek Dahlen, son of J.D. Dahlen and current manager. 
Walking inside, you’ll see a who’s who of San Diego in the photos lining the walls, the displayed sports jerseys, and other sports paraphernalia. “Players for both the Padres and the Chargers would come in after games for a meal and a visit. Each player and coach had their own spots they liked to sit at. Junior Seau sat right here playing his ukulele,” Dahlen said pointing to a seat at a high-top table.
“We’re known for our prime rib. The original vision in 1971, which we continue until today, was to serve prime rib to every diner’s preferred degree of doneness. From rare to well-done, whatever level you desire you can get it. We get our beef from the Midwest, age it for 21 days, and cook bone in. That keeps the integrity of our cooking procedure and makes the meat succulent and juicy. You can order a whole prime rib or half prime rib for a dinner party or for an individual dinner an 8 oz, 11 oz, 16 oz, or 38 oz cut. We’re also known for our atomic horse radish and flavorful au jus. You can just buy these two condiments separately if you want,” Dahlen said.
If you’re in the mood for something else, they offer a variety of steaks, burgers, BBQ prime rib bones, pork chops, and a few fish dishes such as Salmon, Halibut, or Swordfish.
“Our lunch menu is similar to the dinner menu. We’re known for our Cobb salad, with Cajun Prime Rib and Cajun Chicken,” Dahlen noted.
Brunch is offered on the weekend. Saturday’s is for Pozole Soup and Sunday’s is for Albondigas Soup. For standard breakfast, try a classic Eggs Benedict or Steak Eggs or an omelet. If you can handle spicy “Over the Border” breakfasts there are choices such as Chilaquiles, Enchiladas Suizas, or Chorizo Potatoes and Eggs.
This is a restaurant that reminds one of the television show Cheers, where everyone knows your name. Everyone is a friend, and everyone is welcome. Another huge benefit is that they serve food until 12:15 am. So, if you’re feeling peckish after a game or if your plane arrived late and you’re hungry you can get a meal here.
Located at 2401 Camino del Rio South, reservations are recommended. Call (619) 291-2665 or go on Open Table to reserve your time.
Go to: bullyseastsd.com/ for current information and specials.
– Robin Dohrn-Simpson is a local food and travel writer. Reach her at: robindohrnsimpson.com.
