STK Steakhouse — Restaurant in San Diego

My bf and I decided to give STK a chance in early May. I’m writing this review now because I’m still haunted by the aftermath of our experience which was traumatic to me (literally, as someone with sensitive emetophobia). I got a flashback which ruined my appetite-so I know I have to get this off my chest. He was out in San Diego for 3 months for work- our home being Honolulu. I visited him, and he was very excited to bring me to a fancy restaurant out in San Diego. Now, I have been all over the world, 35 different countries, have eaten in amazing steak houses, have eaten in some sketchy restaurants- NEVER HAVE I EVER, had an experience after eating at any restaurant, as I had had at STK. My partner and I ordered the Tomahawk steak, we were both excited to see each other after being apart, and excited to try this new “fancy” restaurant. Firstly-the tomahawk, which I recommended we get because I like tomahawk, came out undercooked. We asked for medium rare. They took it back, assumed they popped it into the microwave, and it came back out better. We also ordered the lobster Mac n cheese, which was maybe 3 pieces of lobster…this was maybe our fault-as I told my bf to not order lobster Mac n cheese anywhere, because restaurants usually cheap out on these dishes and give barely any lobster, and if they do-it’s the tail (the cheapest part of the lobster). The only good food were mashed potatoes. Cut to the disgusting part of my experience: before we even finished the steak I start to experience horrible stomach pains. I had to take Tylenol which I thankfully always have on me during this meal. We paid and left, my bf had to help me walk back to our parking spot down the street because of how much I was leaning over, feeling sick and having stomach cramps/pain. Mind you- I eat meat regularly and have never had an issue. We get back to his hotel room, half an hour later he runs into the bathroom and starts violently puking. Like yelling between hurls. I was worried we would get a noise complaint because of how violent and loud it was. As someone with emetophobia (fear of vomit), I ran into the living room of his hotel room and had to hold my head between my legs, covering my ears because of how loud and disgusting it was. This went on for about 7 minutes straight. We are both less than 21 years old and in good health- I can guarantee the steak was expired or not cleaned properly, etc. I still think about that night to this day.

Update: 9/1/25- owner reached out (their public response seen below). I emailed immediately as they asked. Still no response?? They just responded publicly to show they “care” but months later no response to my email. Don’t waste your time...

I had really high hopes for this place but the food and service fell very short. Made a reservation and when we got there they told us we could wait at the bar until our table was ready. There was no room at the bar so we waited about 10 minutes. Then a girl came up to my friend and I and said a name that wasn’t mine then said our table is ready. I responded that is not my name and she said “it’s not?” And walked away.. it was a Latin name and I am a Latin woman so that was kind of insulting.

When we got seated, the waiter came and asked us for drinks and my friend ordered sparkling water and I just asked for water.. to my surprise they brought out a carbonated bottle of water and a Fiji water bottle.. didn’t even give me the option.. I am someone who feels strongly about single plastic use so I was taken back by this. Not as taken back when I saw that it cost $9 when I didn’t ask for that. We ordered the Guava Berry Kiss and Hibiscus Sparkler, both gin drinks and they were way too sweet and watered down. Pretty disappointing.

For appetizer we ordered the Blue Iceburg which was half a head of ice burger lettuce which wasn’t in the description.. for sides we ordered Asparagus, Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes and Parmesan Truffle Fries. The asparagus wasn’t impressive. Nothing special. The mash potatoes were loaded with butter when you took a bite.. good flavor but just felt super heavy. Parmesan truffle fries were pretty good and I am glad they weren’t bad because they’re fries so that would have been upsetting.

My friend ordered the filler from the small menu. And I ordered a medium Ribeye fillet from the medium menu. When they came out they were the same size.. and my ribeye was so charred on top so when I cut into it, it was rare.. I told the server and he took it back and I actually ended up ordering the Ribeye Spinalis. Who he as really a thick shirt steak.. we ordered the red wine and chimichurri sauces on the side. I was eating my food and dipped the steak in the chimichurrt and it picked up a super hot pepper in there that I ended up choking on. I coughed for about 4 minutes before I could even drink water. My ears were on fire and it was just so embarrassing and uncomfortable..

The vibe in here was like it wanted to be a party scene with the dj randomly screaming in the middle of dinner.. but all in all I have to say this plan is more trendy than actually having good food and I am going to be particularly about my experience because my check for two people was $330 and that did not include tip. So if you are wanting to go somewhere nice and trendy with good food. Save your money and go somewhere that is worth it. Too many problems to...

I typically don't leave negative reviews, I usually just don't return with my patronage. But felt inclined to leave this review for the less than pleasant treatment we received. Came in with my family after my nephew’s basketball game and the server was amazing, but the male host was passively rude. Came in a bit early for a 9:30 reservation and asked to be seated. Restaurant was pretty much empty, but the host, with a clear chip on his shoulder, said their policy was to seat parties only when majority of the party was present.

Interestingly my nephew had a boot on his foot for injuring his ankle, but we were still refused to be seated. He did however offer for us to sit outside in the cold or at the bar while we wait. I assumed the treatment was because we weren't dressed up enough to be treated decently.

My parents showed up a few minutes later and my Dad that typically uses a cane is just uncomfortably leaning against the arm rail in the entrance waiting to be seated, while other parties that arrived after us are seated before us. Finally, I ask the host if it is okay that my Dad can at least have a seat since he clearly can't stand for long periods of time. We were finally offered to be seated at our table.

Food was decent, but definitely overpriced for what it is. Nothing was spectacular or worth returning for. A lot of the menu items could be found at other mediocre steak houses. Server was great, suggested menu items and how to order for a larger sized party.

Look over to my right and think it's kind of odd there are two people seated at an 8 person table. And then after our main courses come out see the rest of their party join them. Just wondering why our party with TWO physically impaired/disabled people couldn't be seated just because majority of our party wasn't there, but the table next to us clearly could be seated with only two people present since the majority of their party showed up later. I would like to add that they too were also underdressed in comparison.

Would brush this type of treatment off at a cheaper establishment. Especially since we were celebrating my birthday, but $1k later and we were not impressed by the food or treatment we received. Also, our steak was served at almost room temperature.

Just had a 20 course dinner at Nobu the night prior to celebrate my sister’s birthday, although I will admit we were dressed more appropriately, that experience was worth the hefty bill. This place was definitely not. Will not be returning to this establishment. They definitely need to do better especially at the price point they’re at. The service...