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Imperial House Continental Restaurant
Categories: Nightlife Bars Lounges Restaurants Canadian (New) Lounges, Canadian (New) [Edit]
505 Kalmia St(between 5th Ave & Curlew St)
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 234-3525
- Hours:
Mon 11 am - 3 pm
Tue-Fri 11 am - 9 pm
Sat 5 pm - 9 pm
- Delivery:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Late Night, Dinner
- Music:
- Live
- Best Nights:
- Mon, Fri, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- Yes
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Good For Dancing:
- Yes
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
Amin M. said: "We went for mother's brunch day and really enjoyed, the omelet was fantastic with gorgeous view and very nice staff." read more »
117 reviews for Imperial House Continental Restaurant
Review Highlights
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"Rick Lyon and the sweet jams he plays." In 45 reviews -
"Red leather upholstery, spacious, 20-30 somethings." In 8 reviews -
"love the mirror above his keyboard." In 10 reviews
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117 reviews in English
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Review from Christie P.
San Diego, CA
5/23/2012
Let's just say, mix part '50s/'60s mad men decor with a splash of '70s soft/yacht rock on the ivory keys, mix in some delicious drinks, fantastic company and .... voila... you have hit the city's most unique dining locale. I adore this place and feel like it's become one of my most favorite discoveries since living here.
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Review from Gilbert T.
San Diego, CA
5/11/2012
Been here twice.
My first visit (back in 2008), was a good time. We showed up when the piano player was doing his thing. The piano guy was pretty hilarious and talented! I had a blast.
Second visit was a few months ago, it was a very different experience, but I still managed to have fun. I live in the area now and decided to go during the day. Would recommend it to people who want to hang with their grandparents at a bar. Me, I don't mind some elderly company sometimes (there were some oldies being ridiculous).
Lighting during the day is horrible by the way. It feels like you're in a cafeteria.
Anyway, I recommend this place for the piano player in the evening.
The lighting is better after dark.(Made me feel like a gangsta bitch)
Décor is pretty rad.
Drinks fairly priced.
I'm sure I'll be back soon! After 9p.m.! -
Review from Brian K.
1/5/2012
Awww, look at you?! You're all grown up now. Whether it was your former love for overly tight H&M dresses (look, your trendy belt is holding on for its dear life; look at it, it's working overtime, trying not to burst), Ed Hardy shirts (but hey, you were the COOLEST bank teller! Ever!), beer pong ("get at me, bro!"), tribal art tattoos ("SUP!"), or a combination of such behavior you'd find in a Seth Rogan or Todd Phillips movie (you suggested an epic, Hangover-type Vegas adventure, didn't you?), one thing is for sure: your PB pub-crawling days are over.
I know, you grew very tired of the, "Haha, you're a management trainee at Enterprise Rental Car Company?" jokes but hey, the jokes on them now, right? I mean, WOW, look at you! You now contribute $25/month to your 401(k) and you now live in an East Village or Banker's Hill rental. You've come a long way but you deserve all the credit; you're a success story! Instead of on-time Mystic tan appointments, you're now getting your oil changes on time!
Sun bathing in PB? Please, you're much more sophisticated than that! Now, your retort to endless juveniles is to tell them not to wade in PB beaches due to all the "sea men" swimming in it. Bub's, Typhoon Saloon, and then burritos at Fresh MXN? No, no, no.
What you're looking for is the cusp of coolness, where hipster meets even more hipster: you want a place for "people in the know." Yeah, we get it: you're sophisticated ("I just discovered Afgani cuisine! Finally, they got their own cuisine!"), drink craft beer ("Stone and Rock Bottom? Ewww!"), and drink wine ("Pinot Grigio is my favorite!") but you still have the hipster in you.
Your ideal night out is visiting the latest gastropub and then finishing the night by listening to a cult piano player at The House.
Yeah, you've grown up but as an unpopular saying goes, you can't take the douche out of rivet- or crystal- studded True Religion's and Rock & Republic's. It's okay, the douche will always be a part of you. Every now and then between your craft beers and martinis, you'll still get the urge to order Jager bombs and The House will be happy to serve them to you all while you yell, "I love you, Rick Lyon!" in a sad, ill-advised and disguised attempt to draw attention to yourself.
"Jesus is my homeboy" = your PB, "Hey, wouldn't it be funny if we asked Ronald McDonald if the carpet matches the drapes?" days. "Rick Lyon is my homeboy" = your "I still don't know what I'm doing with my life but hey, I'm a success story" days.
A hangout for the "reformed" cool crowd? It's possible.
Peace out, cool guy. -
Review from Tracey A.
San Diego, CA
4/15/2012 1 Check-in Here
Review on Murder Mystery Cafe at the Imperial House. We went here for my hubby's birthday celebration. The inviting, dark lounge type bar was just the setting for a murder mystery evening. After a G&T in a leather wingback we were invited into the dining area for our evening of fun. The characters were terrific and funny, involving the audience throughout the evening in their antics. The food was decent, not top notch, but it's not about the food. Overall, a really fun time for a reasonable cost. A nice evening out with a different twist!!!
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Review from Lindsay S.
San Diego, CA
4/3/2012
Rick Lyon is in the HOUSE!!! Don't know where to go to have thee best drinks without being ripped off? Hear music for free, dance if you want to...Happy Hour with free food, and some of the best regulars to hang out with? Come to the Imp as I call it. You won't be disappointed. Best nights are Friday and Saturday to see Rick rock the house. He is a legend! Randi is the best server and of course Felix the Ruuuuumanian Count is so great. Great mix of people and lots of fun.
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Review from Dan D.
11/9/2011
First, if you are in search of the REAL REGAL BEAGLE...look no further.
Second, if there was ever a talent in San Diego that should have their own infomercial at 4 AM it is Rick Lyon.
If you come on the weekend you will most likely be greeted by 70's piano disco superstar Rick Lyon when you enter the Imperial House. Scoot up to the bar and order a cheap stiff drink from Jim or Mike the Bartenders and imbibe while mixing in with the fun and diverse crowd. After a few you might even see Jack Tripper and Larry Dallas mackin. I hate reviewing places like this as it is a hidden gem ...but I think it is just far enough away from the crowds for the DB's and hipsters to take over.
I'd give you a better description but if you know what the REAL REGAL BEAGLE is then this place needs no futher introduction...Come on knock on their door....they'll be waiting for you! -
Review from Danny W.
9/16/2011
Rick Lyon is the pimp of all pimps. I can only imagine how many San Diego area pregnancies he's been responsible for in his career with that piano proficiency. There's something about an older chap singing and tickling the ivories that sets the mood, so if you're looking to get it in (Thank you Jersey Shore) a stop off at the old Imperial House is a step in the right direction.
It's a great first date spot. Not too loud to the point where you can't hold a convo, but not overly intimate to where you'll seem like you're trying too hard. They pour stiffys as well so you'll be fully fueled with liquid courage after a round or two. That paired with an RL 50 Cent cover and you've got it in the bag.
I can't speak for the food cause I've never eaten here, but if Rick Lyon is playing you're guaranteed a good night.Listed in: Good Date Spots, Dive Bars, The Bank
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Review from Gino S.
Miami, FL
11/23/2011
Remember the place called "Tino's" in Anchorman? Well, this is literally that place. Walking into this establishment is like walking back in time to little old San Diego circa 1974. Drinks are stiff, locals only, and the music is always right.
Best part for last is summed up in two words; Rick Lyon.
The myth, the man, the legend. His voice will soothe you. His moves will impress you. Buy this man a drink. -
Review from Machka V.
San Diego, CA
3/13/2012
Old School. You have to appreciate the charm and fortitude of a restaurant that has not changed its decor since the 60s. Love it. Service was awesome and drinks were good too. I have not tried the food yet, so only four stars for now.
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Review from Felix S.
9/28/2011
Rick Lyon! Enough said
My Neighbor works here on the weekends and insisted we go check it out.
Oh lordy lord and aren't i glad i did. The atmosphere is chill and its more of a go hang out with friends and chat place. My thing is it might be hard to chat because on the Piano tonight we have RICK LYON!
OMG I have never laughed so much. When I showed up at 11pm ummm lets just say Mr rick Lyon was wasted. He plays the music with his piano(or should i say hits the button that plays music) and sings songs. This guy should get a raise cause its pure entertainment. I think he thinks he just sold out Madison Square Garden cause he is a confident SOB. He gets into it and hits the keys which don't even go with the recorded song that is playing. He is sometimes a few keys behind the tune when singing. My eyes were fixated on him the whole night. People still go up and dance and get down. Why haven't i known about this place? Hilarious.
Oh and Iman the cocktail girl is amazing. Cute fun.
Coming back and back. Block from my house i think so. -
Review from Glenn W.
San Diego, CA
1/21/2012
These comments pertain to the Mystery Cafe dinner only.
The food was horrible. This was the worst dinner I've eaten out that I can remember.
The show was even worse! It was impossible to follow any story line with all the distractions. This wasn't much about a mystery, more about trying to get a laugh. But the humor was juvenile and ridiculous, and the players were rude, crude, obnoxious and hackneyed. What an ordeal: 2-1/2 hours! I kept looking at my watch wondering when this torture will end.
I scratch my head at all the 5 star ratings. The players will mock, ridicule and bully innocent patrons who are just trying to have a fun night out, all for the purpose of trying to get a chuckle out of the audience. I don't agree with this type of comedy. If you're out for a laugh, try an improv comedy show instead! -
Review from Beverly V.
San Diego, CA
1/16/2012
NOT worth the Goupon coupon value!
Do NOT waste your time and money on a terrible show and tasteless, low quality meal.
Loud screeching actors gave me a headache! -
Review from Mike M.
San Diego, CA
8/27/2011
I just came home from the Imperial House and felt compelled to Yelp this establishment. We celebrated a going away party for a good friend of mine. The Imperial House rocks. Why you might ask. Because of one man, Rick Lyons. The dude gets down. He plays everything. Rock, pop, smooth jazz, hip hop, gangster rap I mean the guy can play EVERYTHING. He is seriously a one man band.
The food and drinks are great too. If you're looking to get drinks and I mean a drink. Come here. Drinks are stiff, not that watered down bullshit you get at almost every bar in the Gaslamp. Where the drinks are almost all ice and you pay $10 for it.
The decoration seems dated and I mean that in the best way possible. I dig it. It works. I would recommend they not change a thing. If you are ever in the area and haven't experienced the musical talents of Rick Lyons come check him out. I hear he's there 5 nights a week. -
Review from Mark M.
5/26/2011 ROTD 12/24/2011
You know how there are certain things that when you're friends don't like them...you have to start reconsidering if they are your friends or not. Like if your best friend of twenty years says "You know, I just don't think Dumb and Dumber is that funny." That is a deal breaker. Because NOTHING is funnier than "We've got not food...we've got no jobs...OUR PETS HEADS ARE FALLING OFF!" (http://www.youtube.com...).
Similarly, if I meet anyone, ANYONE (including you, Mom) that has ANYTHING negative to say about Imperial House, I just might have to punch said person right in the mouth. If I even hear a whisper of "Well, I just thought Imperial House was ok..." Give me back your American card...because you, sir...you are a Communist!
The thing about Imperial House is that it is an experience...not just food. Upon entering, you are whooshed back into something like a circa 1970's Las Vegas mob scene, The lights are dim, and everything is push-button, red leather, even the five-foot-tall chairs at the tables!
The thing I liked the most was that they didn't give us our menus right away. They sat us, gave us some bread, took our drink orders, and then, after we got comfortable, brought over a menu for us to look at. Imperial House isn't about turning tables, it's about slowly enjoying your meal! That's why waiters in tuxedos make your baked potato or flaming dessert to order AT your table. What's more patriotic than a fire hazard?
So, if you have at least an hour, and you want a true, old-school, American dining experience, check it out. If you don't like it...I have some Seal Team 6 members I would LOVE to introduce you to. -
Review from C M.
San Diego, CA
7/17/2011 5 Check-ins Here
This review is for the dining room; not the bar area or the show.
Imaging going to one of the older, albeit up-kept neighborhoods in your town. Then imagine going to one of those old restaurants that were a big deal to go with your parents when you were a little kid. Now imagine that whole thing taking place a few decades ago. You're close to the time-warp you enter when dining at the Imperial House.
Dark wood, dim lighting, gigantic chairs and large curved booths. Are those frosted leaded-glass windows? Are those waiters in tuxedos? The dining room has an actual captain!
Service was unparalleled. Really. This was the best service I've seen in San Diego, in California, in most places in the West. You have a team assisting you and there's no need to ask for anything -- they are proactive.
Initially warm bread is served with pesto sauce for dipping. I found this unique and very enjoyable. Even the menu is a throwback with items like coques St. Jacques and Steak Diane, which you just don't see anymore. Other gems were traditional escargot and cobb salad. Think all the traditional staples of yesteryear, all still delicious today.
Prices, however, have kept up with the times and don't give you that sense of nostalgia. They are not unreasonable for the experience you get.
Imperial House is a great change of pace for a nice dinner, ironic as that statement comes across in today's age. Grab some old friends and head over to Banker's Hill to make some new memories in one of their red leather booths soon. -
Review from Soo H.
San Diego, CA
8/4/2011 1 Check-in Here
Interesting place! The decor is old style expensive steakhouse on the dark side. Nice view of Balboa Park out the window. Wish there were less obstructions as I love looking at the park. It was pretty quiet as there were only 2 other tables in use on a Wednesday evening around 6pm.
The service here is very good without being obtrusive.
I had the $27 New York steak. It tasted great and was medium well as requested. Not quite as good as Donovan's but close and a better deal. A bit better than Black Angus but also a bit more expensive.
The french fries were big fat ones like at Red Robin. They were very good but could have used the magic seasoning they use at Red Robin. Onion rings were also very good.
I tried Mari's Filet Mignon and it was also great.
I'd come here again if I was visiting Balboa Park and in the mood for a great steak. -
Review from Christiane D.
San Diego, CA
7/5/2011 1 Check-in Here
This review is primarily on the dinner, mystery cafe (5 stars) however it gets a 1 star deduction for the bar area before the show.
The Show:
It's amazing and I would bring people here time and time again. The actors are great with the improv and play off anything from wardrobe malfunctions to people interrupting to someone leaving for the bathroom. They do a great job of playing off one another and the crowd. On top of that, the way they incorporate the crowd is great. The actors really know what they are doing and how to do it well. The show itself is 2.5 hours long, but you wouldn't know because of the entertainment and how they break up the story with each course. As for the food, it's what you expect for a mass produced dinner show, not terrible by any means, but definitely not gourmet beyond belief. The wedding show we saw we incredibly entertaining and if you have yet to see it, I would highly recommend going because it is great.
The Bar:
Ricky Lyons is the MAN and anyone who says differently should rethink their strategy on life. He is 100% awesome and if you haven't heard his smooth jams yet, then you are missing out. His keyboard abilities are great and I would love to have him at a family function or Christmas party, no doubt.
As for the bartending staff, we have another situation. When we arrived at the bar before the show, it felt like it took entirely too long for our bartender to get our simple glasses of wine. Now the bar wasn't that busy and I asked for two of the same thing in order to prevent confusion, and it still was a project in order to receive and pay for our drinks. My friend ordered two of the same beers to alleviate any confusion and he only received one after a long wait to pay. The 'tude of the bartender was starting to get more snarky and he seemed that he was overwhelmed with what was going on. Overall, it may have been a bad day or maybe too much at one time. I don't know. I just wasn't overly impressed with his moves.
All in all, this place is rad and if you haven't experienced it yet, swing by to hang out with the locals on a Saturday night. -
Review from Sara Y.
12/15/2010
If you are looking for a little throwback to a 1950s, gin & tonic sipping, kind of era, Imperial House is your place. The carpet has not been changed for about 30 years, the red, vinyl, round booths are in tact, and during happy hours, you can catch Rick Lyon tickling the electronic ivories and covering Neil Diamond tunes.
During Happy Hour, this place hosts a free buffet of treats, plus you can order appetizers from the menu at half price. Randi is the best happy hour waitress anyone can ask for too. The crowd is awesome - older gents in their red sweaters and tan trousers litter the room. Get there early to get a good parking spot surrounding the restaurant.
Big Love to you, Imp. House. I will always be a faithful barfly patroness.Listed in: Lush Lures, Dive Bars and Seedy Watering…
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Review from tayla s.
San Diego, CA
2/6/2012
Solid performance! Strong drinks. ok food, good even considering the mass production to feed the whole theatre. Friendly staff. Gets you in the show and in the having a fun time mood!
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Review from Nicole H.
San Diego, CA
3/24/2011
Picture the Most Interesting Man in the World from the Dos Equis commercials....
Now picture what his basement looks like....
aaaand you have Imperial House. Kind of kitchsy, looks like our grandparents style of decorating puked up in here, but with stiff drinks, overstuffed leather chairs, the eclectic Bankers Hillian regulars, and the musical stylings of Rick Lyons you can't help but have an awesome night. -
Review from Bonsuela G.
San Diego, CA
10/12/2010
Dark medieval times-ish decor.....CHECK.
Dim red lighting.....CHECK CHECK.
Rick Lyons simultaneously melting your heart and tickling the ivory...CHECK CHECK CHECK.
I'm always amazed at how crazy-screaming-yelling-clothes-falling off-slumping-over-on-the-ground-sloppy-dancing drunk people are up in heezy every time I stop in.Listed in: Fancy Broad Boozing
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Review from David D.
San Diego, CA
9/20/2010
Love this place! Rick Lyon brings a whole dynamic of his own which adds to the fun of the evening. He is truly unique to the San Diego nightlife.
The drinks are stiff and cheap. Should you have the opportunity, you must try the slushee shot/drink. It will give you the brain-freeze you've been looking for.
There tends to be 2 crowds:
-The people gearing up to go out downtown
-The people who left downtown for a late night bar
The dance floor is usually packed after midnight with the latter.
I also love that I can wear a suit or a hat and shorts and will fit in regardless. -
Review from rite r.
San Diego, CA
5/22/2011
First off I'm writing my review based on my experience in the restaurant. I read the reviews about this restaurant and noticed that most of it was about their lounge/bar area and mystery dinner nights. I had a such a disappointing experience here.
My husband and I went here on a Friday night at 5pm to celebrate our anniversary. We had reservations so they knew that we were coming. Still they were not ready and so along with another group , we had to wait while they got dinner service set up.
Atmosphere: It was dead. There was another group of about 4 people the whole time we were there. It's has really old decor which is the look they are going for. It was pretty quaint. The vinyl seat squeaked every time I moved.
Service: He was not happy to be there, that's for sure. He didn't even try to smile or be personable. His face and attitude even changed from I don't care to be here to I just want to be out of here when we handed him our Groupon voucher. Service was awful.
Food: Here we go....
Their SEASONAL vegetable was vegetable that is available year round.
Their bread was MICROWAVED perfectly.
Their onion rings were RE-FRIED nicely.
Their steak was not very good. For the price they charge, you are better off eating at Apple bees, at least your steak is cooked perfectly and not cold in the middle.
My one star is for their awesome BAKED POTATO! Thank God for that, at least we didn't leave hungry. -
Review from George P.
1/22/2011 1 Check-in Here
We went here to attend the Mystery Café Dinner Theater. This was a great time! The food was much better than I was expecting! Drinks were a bit spendy in my opinion but I usually drink at home. As we were leaving we heard the Piano player entertaining in the bar and he was pretty good! If we didn't have to pick up our kids we might have stayed a while.
Mysery Café Is what gives this place 5 stars!
Sláinte! -
Review from Dominic K.
San Diego, CA
4/10/2011
If you haven't been here, you have to come and experience it for yourself. It's kinda like a mafia looking place inside/ The god father lol, no joke! some people call it the regal beagle. The bar food is not too bad, I would recommend the fish tacos or the cajun prime rib tid bits. The drinks are pretty reasonable, 5 dlls for well drinks is not too bad I must say. My favorite drinks here are a bloody mary or an old fashioned.
Rick Lyon,the piano guy is awesome! you can request Elton John, The Beatles to the Eagles. You wont regret your experience. -
Review from ruggy j.
10/21/2008
Ever have one of those restaurants, bars, CDs, movies, etc... where you revisit it for the first time in ages, and you ask yourself, "why the hell don't I come here/listen/watch this more often?" Well, my friends, Imperial House is just that for me.
This place is classic. It's pretty much the Red Fox Room, but in Bankers Hill. Dark, red, disgusting carpets, cheap drinks that'll knock you on yer ass and of course, the one and only Rick Lyon on keys. Homeboy's been playing there for over 30 years. It's pretty incredible. He plays all sorts of classic butt rock songs, and tunes to get nekked to. Three or four glasses of whiskey/soda just might result in an indecent exposure citation as he croons in the corner of the room.
They have food as well, but I haven't tried any. Usually, I'm just looking to get as smashed as possible for as little as possible. Hence, a $15 meal isn't typically in the cards when I'm at Imperial House.
This little slice of San Diego history is just the thing to break up your boring dive bar routine. Chances are, if your grandpa and grandma are locals... they probably conceived your parents after drinking vermouth here.
This can also serve as a great barometer if you're taking out a female for the first time. If you're a dive bar kinda guy and she gets wigged out walking through the front doors... she might not be your speed. Trust me (from experience), this method of date filtering is tried and true. Just call me Dr. Phil.Listed in: Straight retro!
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Review from Chun P.
Updated - 1/3/2010 7 Check-ins Here
NEW YEARS EVE = EPIC FAIL!
Do people actually read my reviews? When did this place get so popular?
Me, and 19 others, attempted to relive last years awesome New Years Eve. We arrived around 10:30PM, and there was a LINE! There is NEVER a line at Imperial House! So we all sucked it up and got in line...5 minutes later, a limo bus pulls up...30-40 people start herding out. The bouncer lets all of them in ahead of the people in line! WTF?!?!?!
The CHUN P. group, still waiting outside in line, gradually gets more and more angry...our womenfolk are cold and cranky. We decide to abandon to go back to JAMIE M.'s place to finish up the night and start walking away...
The bouncer, suddenly feeling guilty, decides to let all of us in! Great Success? Well no quite...we get in, and it is PACKED! At least 2-3 times more crowded than last year...no tables, hardly any standing room, hard to get a drink., and I saw two guys almost get into a fight?! At Imperial House?
After 10 minutes of these shenanigans, we call it quits and head back to JAMIE M.'s to finish off NYEs...thanks JAMIE! :)
Rick Lyon...we still love you...we'll try to get there earlier next year and we'll be back on "normal" weekends! :)2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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1/7/2009
New Years Eve at Imperial House....AWESOME!
1) No Cover
2) No Lines
3) Free Glass of Champagne at… Read more »
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Review from Stephy S.
San Francisco, CA
4/17/2009
Not even a rare flash rain storm of like, 1/4 of an inch worth of puddles could stop me from racing across town and soaking my slip on shoes to get into the door to see... Rick Lyon. Oh how he is the man.
If there's one thing, along with like, 4500 other things you should know about me, it's that I love kitsch. I love old school. I love dark bars with old men and if there is a red leather booth to boot, well, slap me on the ass and call me dee-lighted, because those are my kinda places!
The Continental's bar is no exception to this. It's old, it's red and it has the resident piano player that's been there since the get go. The drinks were well poured, the people having drinks ranged from old with sport jacket to new with wet shoes, but all got along famously and were there to definitely soak up a little nostalgia. Good times :)Listed in: San Diego Hot Spots, San Diego Bars
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Review from Joe C.
La Mesa, CA
9/13/2008
First, I'm only reviewing the lounge. Second, I cant believe I'm giving this place five stars. But for some inexplicable reason, this place is it!
Back in 1978, my grandparents, too tired to take care of thier large house in Mission Hills, packed up the Beverly Hillbily mobile, moved to Bankers Hill, and leased the penthouse on the southwest corner of the Imperial House Tower. I was just a pre-pubesant squirt, but remember comming down to the lounge with my grandmother for an occasional club sandwich and obligatory shirly temple. The walls were covered with gawdy 70's woodcarvings and the tall wingback chairs were covered in red faux leather. The place was dimely lit, and there was alway some guy in a leisure suit plinking away, on the piano, some tune by Johhny Mathis.
Well, a buddy called me after the Padre game last night (we lost, no suprise) and told me he had found this awesome bar, and that I just had to come over. He said it was the 'Imperial' on Kalmia and fifth. "The Imperial House" I asked, "that place is a dive!". It's full of old people in polyester!".
"No, Dude, you've got to come here, I with some friends, and Rick Lyon is live." "OK dude, I don't know who Rick Lyon is, but it sounds like you guys are at least into some good drinks.".
When I stepped into the lounge......BANG!
I stepped right back into 1978. I swear to you, this place hasn't change so much as the napkins. The same dark lighiting, the same ugly wall treatment, and damn if the chairs arn't the same ones I used to squeek fart sounds out of as a kid. And there, on his karao-casio was 'Rick Lyon', the original pianoman reincarnate! I had to slap myself, because I surely had slipped into some sort of dream-state/time-warp/twilite-zone. The sights, sounds, and even smells all brought me crashing back. I was 10 years old again.
This whole campy, eclectic, Mod Squad meets Barney Miller experience was a bit depressing but somehow also very titilating. It was a step back to another era of tacky decor and rediculous tastes, and culminated with leasure suit larry singing Forever in Blue Jeans!
It was great! -
Review from Alli J.
San Jose, CA
12/21/2009
The Imperial House is a fun treat. Recently, Saturday, my friend's company hosted their HOLIDAY party at this venue. Imperial House offers a mystery cafe, which is what the company booked out.
5 actors portray a western town where a murder takes place and it's up to the audience to guess who. The trick is that the murder takes place the last 2 minutes of the show and then you guess. Aside from that there's a lot of audience interaction where they have you 'moo' and 'oink' for points.
It's fun and very unique. Since everyone in the room were friends, we ran into the problem of constant audience chatter, but I assume if you go on a night with strangers, it will be far quieter and a little more fun.
The food is why I'm knocking this place a couple stars. The salad was frozen! The actors are also the wait-staff so you can imagine that this is a very family oriented, passed down from generations entity. I opted for the roast beast and while it was tasty, it was also very well done-- I like my meat pink and juicy!! It's hard to cater for large groups so I get it but I wish the quality of food was just a titch better.
Fun venue for something totally random/different. Not side-splitting funny, and I think the script could use some work, but definitely a unique experience. -
Review from Alyssa W.
San Diego, CA
3/23/2008
Fuhgedabout the others! Are you rrrrrrrrrready to hear about the top secret lunch palace? This is the best value in town if service and quality food at reasonable prices is your thing. Sure, I've been there for drinks - it's well-known for all of that. I've been there for dinners, and the dinner theater. I've had the flambe desserts made tableside. But, what people like me enjoy the most is lunch!
Hush hush, let's make some offers you can't refuse. Clandestine rendezvous over lunch - this is your place. The DA and I seem to like the table for four, in the farthest corner. My posse and I always get there first.
From the moment you arrive, you know it's a step back in time. The free valet service, the canopied entryway. Swing open the big, dark doors, and you are greeted by a coat of armor and Felix, the matre de. Felix has been there since way back when. Check out his picture on the wall. That picture was from back in the day, he'll tell you. Try not to chuckle too much when he rrrrrrrrrrolls his r's.
Lunches tend to run anywhere from about $8 to $12. Each day there is a special posted on the inside cover of the menus. Each meal comes compete with sides. My faves are the fish, especially the Friday specials and clam chowder to die for. Mahi Mahi is great. Another good lunch is the Chicken Morengo, which has a couple of shrimp and a great sauce. Oh, be sure to ask for pesto sauce to use instead of butter on your pre-lunch bread. Mmmm!
When you get there, tell Felix or Hector that Alyssa sent you! Ciao! -
Review from kevin k.
San Diego, CA
5/27/2007 1 photo
My friends and I love to get wrecked here.
red vinyl booths, regular passes by the waitresses to freshen your drinks, and...Rick Lyon: God of the casio keyboard, playing all the hits from the 60's, 70's and 80's. (http://www.myspace.com...)
they also serve bar food till I think 11:30 or something. -
Review from Irene S.
9/15/2008
+ giant shots of fernet.
+ rick lyon (i still love him, even if he refuses to play free bird).
+ super cozy booths.
+ dancefloor.
+ mostly awesome bartenders.
+ conveniently located.
- the people who live upstairs. -
Review from Aaron T.
El Cajon, CA
10/21/2008
If I was an old Irish guy who liked to get his drink on in old guy type places while listening to another old guy playing songs on a keyboard and singing songs by other old guys, this would be my place.
Fortunately for me, I have some Irish in me somewhere, and I can't wait to be an old guy! I'm getting a head start and going to the Imperial Room to talk about the old days. I can't wait till I can just "putter around" with the few old ass friends of mine that havent died yet of some shitty old person disease and we'll drink ourselves into that red mahogany coffin!
Cheers to the imperial House! -
Review from Chris M.
San Diego, CA
Updated - 2/7/2009
Rick, Rick, Rick... I am transfixed by the sweet love you make with the casio! Tickling the ivories the way you do leaves me breathless every time I am in your company - which, sadly, isn't nearly enough.
Last night was a masterpiece! A Rembrandt on a sonic canvass!
How you outperformed yourself is one of lives many wonders. A treat I hold dearly. Everyone there must have thought what I did - was that last number played specifically for me?1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/14/2008
Looking to transport back in time when lounges were king and only the best would do? Look no… Read more »
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Review from S C.
San Diego, CA
9/18/2010
I write this review for the bar only. Heheheheheee...Love this place! There are not too many spots in SD where you can have:
1) A great time
2) Stiff Drinks for Cheap
3) And the musical talents of Rick Lyon to keep you entertained all evening.
If you own an Affliction shirt, stay downtown. Don't mess up a good thing! -
Review from Benjamin E.
San Diego, CA
1/6/2009
Hit up the Imperial Bar for NYE 2008 and had a blast! The interesting thing about the IH is that it is part of this really cool condo complex, so you see a lot of the residents hanging out there regularly.
The place is a crazy mix of 20/30 somethings and 60/70 year olds! But I dig it! Drinks are WAY cheaper than Downtown, and the vibe is very mellow. Great service, and a fun evening. Can't say that I'm awed by the piano guy, but after a few drinks, he's a superstar!
Definitely check this place out as a fun evening hangout! -
Review from Mike H.
San Diego, CA
7/28/2010
IHCR is the perfect place for a "Mad Men" experience. You are greeted by the manager complete with a Salvadore Dali mustache and ushered into the dining room appointed with leaded glass windows, Naugahyde covered booths, and matching chairs on wheels.
The menu is equally old school; appetizers, Coquilles St. Jacques, Escargots Bourguignonne, and Spinach Salad Flambé (prepared table-side, of course), main dishes, Roast Rack of Lamb Jardinière, Chateaubriand Bouquetiere for Two, Steak Dianne (also prepared table-side), Calamari Steak Almondine, desserts, Bananas Flambé, Cherries Jubilee (again prepared table-side). Check-out their web site for a complete listing.
So 4 people arrive at 6:45 to dine and 1 ecstatic dinner and 3 less than happy diners leave around 9:30. So what went wrong? The food was also prepared with a 60's sensibility.
While the Coquilles St. Jacques tasted heavenly they were swimming in butter not good for the dieters in the group. The Spinach Salad tasted heavy without a balancing acid to offset the bacon and sugar.
The Chateaubriand Bouquetiere, a beautiful steak (enough for 4), cooked perfectly tasted flat. It was devoid of spice, not even the garlic salt rub that is used today to enhance flavor.
The daily specials were priced significantly cheaper than the regular menu but rather being 'special good', they were especially bad with cheaper cuts of meat and smaller portions.
The other restaurant patrons table conversations centered on who was leaving what to whom. I wished they would turn up their hearing aids and not talk so loud but, they did pick up their oxygen tanks and left around 7:30.
Since I'm the ecstatic diner the place gets 4 stars. In addition to the excellent, "Mock Turtle Soup à l'Anglaise au Sherry" (a 1983 award winner according to Felix the manager), I also liked having my food cooked in butter, the table-side flambé service, and a perfectly cooked side of beef (Felix also assured me I could specify a rub next time).
Look for an update as I plan on returning soon to see if Felix will follow through on his promises.
My fellow diners would give IHCR two stars one for the atmosphere, one for flaming dishes and probably will not return.
FWIW the bar was empty when we arrived and almost full with a doorman/bouncer checking id's when we left. -
Review from Laura H.
9/29/2010 1 Check-in Here
IT WASN'T ME!! Yes, I was the bday girl and yes I had been winetasting all day, and ok I was attempting the running man, but it was not my fault that a precious glass of free champagne ended up in shards covering the dance floor.
This was a great place to be the only people there on a Saturday afternoon post-winetasting. The lack of a crowd meant there were fewer people to embarrass ourselves in front of, and lots of room on the dancefloor.
I have to deduct a star because the piano player was at the bar, but not playing. I think he was actually waiting for us to leave...but why, he'd rather play for an empty room than for enthusiastic dancing winos?? Why, Rick Lyon, why??
On the next visit, I promise no broken glass if piano man promises to play. Deal?? -
Review from jason T.
Newburyport, MA
7/27/2008
Some people think this place is really cool because of how wierd it is inside. I am not sure what to think.
I personally think it just looks like an old lounge that Hunter S. Thompson would drink at. and that in some ways, that makes it cool/very cool/lame/wierd/creepy/fun/interesting...definetly unique.
It smells like cheap perfume and and pleather. It is very dark and has the same staff working there they had when they opened 30-40 years ago...and again for some reason, it all just works. It makes no sense and it screws with my head.
The food is good and the drinks are strong.
I have no opinion on this place. It is too unique to judge. I think people should try this place, you will not forget it.
