This is such a tough review to write. - Rare Society San Diego - Buy Reservations
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San Diego's Best Prepaid Restaurants that are most frequently booked by customers of Rare Society San Diego
Ranked #9 in San Diego's Best Prepaid Restaurants.
😒 3/5 - This is such a tough review to write.
By 👻 @Jason A., 02/22/2023 3:00 am
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From strictly a food standpoint, Rare Society gets an A+. For dining experience, I was blown away. But the ending to our meal cast an unfortunate pall that I feel has to be weighed against the other things.So we booked my 40th birthday dinner here after hearing tremendous things about the Solana Beach location. A friend of mine handled all the arrangements beforehand, which consisted of email communication with someone from within the company.Because of our party's size we were informed we would have to accept a pre-set menu with a fixed cost per person. This was fine, and we were able to select from three separate levels ($175/$135/$95 per person). All were viable but we opted for the middle tier (titled "Associate") as it gave us more options without expecting everyone to spend too much before drinks. All the appetizers, sides, and desserts were selected for us (3-4 for each), with a salad option (Caesar or wedge) and four meat options: 8 oz filet mignon, 16 oz Cedar River prime bullseye ribeye, 20 oz 40-day dry-aged bone-in NY strip steak, or branzino.We ended up having 13 people RSVP, and my friend had to give the restaurant a final count two days before along with a $10 deposit per person, which was fine. Of course, on the day of, things happen. We ended up having nine guests in total, and so we figured worst case scenario is we lose the $40 deposit for those additional people.Dinner was, by every person's account, truly fantastic. Our server was attentive and friendly, we never once felt like we were being rushed between courses, and every food item and drink that we received was absolutely phenomenal.In terms of appetizers, the standout was the bacon which actually ended up being more of a pork belly (not complaining). Both salad options were great; the wedge was standard but had a really great quality of ingredients.I opted for the bullseye ribeye and it was perfection. I was able to try the NY strip as well and both cuts of meat were marvelous. I would recommend either but probably give the edge to the NY strip. I heard both the filet and branzino were delicious as well. The sides were good but didn't really do any heavy lifting; I'd say the standout was the roasted mushrooms.I actually forgot about dessert by the time it came out because we had already eaten so much, but man do not skip dessert here. The king of kings is the butter cake, which came out warm and topped with a sour cream ice cream. This might be my favorite dessert in SD after just one sitting. I could have eaten so much of this. The creme brulee was what you'd expect, in a good way. Unfortunately they subbed out the expected bananas foster cheesecake with a Butterfinger tart that was still excellent. Dessert got top marks across the board with the slight caveat that people were looking forward to the cheesecake.So, all in all a great dinner, one that we would talk up to everyone we know, right? Well, about that. I came back from the bathroom after a long line to find the party in a state of disarray.Apparently when the bill came, it included the $135 per person for the four people that couldn't make it. In other words, they tacked on nearly $700 extra including tax and gratuity. We were told we had been served for 13 people so we were expected to pay for all 13.This was of course ludicrous, as we had not been served enough family style appetizers or desserts for 13 people, had not received 13 salads, and had not received 13 main courses of protein. The restaurant's first solution was to bag up 4 additional raw steaks for us to take to-go and deposit them on our table. This was a huge deal and ended up being something we had to deal with for way too long.Finally, my friend who had handled the booking took over and asked to speak to the manager outside. Here's what ended up happening:1. Manager repeated the claim that we had been served for 13. This was obviously false; see above.2. Manager then tried to say they had set aside all the ingredients for our party's size. This was turned quickly by pointing out that we weren't made to select entrees until we were there. What if we had all ordered fish?3. Manager then tried to say the restaurant could have "sold" the four seats. Weak argument.4. Manager then claimed we had signed a contract, which we most certainly had not.In the end, we did not have to pay for the no-shows. They took the meat back. But the fact we had to deal with it at all really dampened the evening. Why would you risk the word of mouth from so many customers just to try and make an extra $540?Will I go back to Rare Society? Yes, absolutely. Will I caution anyone from booking a group event there? Yeah, probably. It just is what it is.Truly unfortunate that such an epic dinner was derailed so spectacularly because of greed. I imagine this place really shines in a date setting or a four-top, and that's what I'll plan for next time. Already can't wait.
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