When asking yourself about something to do near me in San Diego with a group of friends or family, consider
The Lion's Share
Why The Lion's Share is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
The Lion's Share is a remarkable dining destination in San Diego that stands out as a sophisticated and adventurous hotspot to meet up with friends. Known for its distinctive menu featuring exotic and game meats such as elk, fennel sausage, venison sliders, and unique charcuterie platters, it offers an unparalleled culinary experience that appeals to carnivores and food explorers alike. Beyond its innovative food selections, the establishment boasts an excellent happy hour and a carefully curated drink and beer selection, making it an ideal spot for gatherings that combine good food with classy beverages. The ambiance is both edgy and cozy, featuring an eclectic and somewhat dark decor that creates an intimate atmosphere perfect for socializing or celebrating special occasions. Patrons often highlight the attentive and knowledgeable staff who elevate the overall experience with personalized service and special tasting events, such as tequila tastings. The Lion's Share also encourages reservations due to its popularity, underscoring its status as a must-visit venue. These elements collectively make it a great place to catch up with friends over unique dishes and sophisticated drinks in a stylish setting.
Here's what people think of The Lion's Share
As of recent, The Lion's Share holds a 4.7-star rating based on 1839 reviews.
User reviews of The Lion's Share generally reflect a very positive consensus, with a high rating of 4.7 out of 5 based on 1,839 reviews. Many customers praise the restaurant for its creative and flavorful dishes, particularly noting the quality and variety of game meats and sausages. Positive feedback also highlights the excellent drink menu and the knowledgeable, friendly staff who enhance the dining experience through attentive service and engaging events like tequila tastings. The atmosphere is often described as cool, edgy, and intimate, which many find enjoyable for both casual nights out and special gatherings. However, some negative reviews mention occasional issues with customer service, describing treatment as poor or impersonal, and a few felt the food did not live up to expectations. Despite these criticisms, the majority of guests recommend The Lion's Share for its unique menu and inviting ambiance. Overall, the reviews suggest that this restaurant is a beloved gem in San Diego’s culinary scene with minor downsides that do not significantly diminish its appeal to adventurous diners and groups looking for a memorable spot to enjoy sophisticated meals and drinks.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Bronxbomber4ever
Absolutely fabulous experience. The tacos were bursting with flavor and the meat was so tender it melted in your mouth. The venison sliders were juicy and thick. Every bite was perfect. Washed it all down with two shanties. I took the bread pudding to go and it did not disappoint.
Timmy Doesn’t Share Food
If you’re looking for one of the best bar/restaurants in San Diego, this is it. Everything we ordered was delicious, but let’s not beat around the bush—the Bison Tartare absolutely stole the spotlight. Like, full standing ovation. Service was solid across the board, the vibe was effortlessly cool without trying too hard (which is rare), and the whole experience felt like finding a secret level in the San Diego dining scene. Great food, great drinks, great energy—what more do you want, a medal? Just go.
bartellj
I came for Happy Hour and had an amazing experience! It was really fun to taste a bunch of appetizers lots of exotic meat. The drinks were really good. It’s pretty pricey so this would definitely be a special experience. This is a really popular place so you wanna go during happy hour or make a reservation well in advance the service was great and the atmosphere was really fun. I’ll definitely come again. ***came back a second time and was even better than the first! New items were fantastic! Try the bison tartar!!!!!! Frog legs and beet salad were also top-notch!
Bonnie Ye
I wanted to find an unique place for a nice dinner. This place has met my expectations. The decor and ambiance were elegant and fun. The menu is simple. We were not hungry so we got two dishes to share. The bison tartare was served on a bed of mashed potatoes and bone marrow. The flavor was great and it was good on the roasted sourdough bread. We also ordered elk chops. When it first came out, it wasn’t hot. It seems like it’s been sitting on the counter for a bit. It tasted more like medium instead of medium rare. We spoke to the waiter about it and he immediately offered to make us another one. When the new one came out, it was steaming hot and it’s medium rare like what we expected. The sauce was a bit too salty for my taste. I wasn’t a fan of corn gnocchi (i think). I was too full so I didn’t get to try their bread pudding but it sounded amazing. Overall, the service was great. The price was a bit expensive but not too expensive for the kind of food you get.
Toni Allen
My friend found this place and made reservations for 7 for my birthday. The food was amazing and the drinks were too. We got the sliders, frog legs, broccolini, Bolognese, Burger and beets and everyone loved everything. My young daughter was with us and they gave her a basket of small toy animals to play with which was helpful because it's definitely an adult dinner place. It is a bit loud so it was hard for everyone to talk and hear but we all enjoyed the food, drinks and atmosphere so much.
How to reach The Lion's Share
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Why The Lion's Share may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at The Lion’s Share with your friends? The Lion’s Share in San Diego is a uniquely captivating destination that goes beyond the typical dining or drinking experience. It offers an eclectic, intimate atmosphere reminiscent of a natural history museum mixed with a sophisticated bar and restaurant. With a stellar 4.7 rating from over 1800 reviewers, it’s clear this spot consistently delivers for its guests. Whether you’re looking to celebrate a special occasion or simply catch up with friends, this venue’s creative cocktails, adventurous menu, and striking décor create a perfect backdrop for memorable outings. The space invites conversation with its moody lighting, leather chairs, and surrealist animal-inspired artwork, setting the stage for meaningful connections and shared discoveries. It’s a place where you can enjoy elevated comfort food—such as wagyu steak frites and exotic meat platters—along with inventive, richly flavored cocktails that spark curiosity and delight. For groups who enjoy both unique culinary experiences and a welcoming, cozy vibe, The Lion’s Share makes hosting a meetup feel both exclusive and fun.
What activities does The Lion’s Share offer that make it ideal for a group meetup? At its core, The Lion’s Share excels in providing a culinary adventure. The menu features a wide range of exotic meats —think wild boar, elk, venison, buffalo, and even camel pastrami—offering diners the chance to try something new together. Sharing these exotic dishes, such as the sausage platter or venison sliders, encourages a communal dining experience perfect for groups. Beyond food, the drink options are a highlight, with a carefully curated selection of craft beers and artisanal cocktails that showcase innovative flavor combinations. This makes cocktail tasting or pairing drinks with different dishes an engaging group activity. The standout happy hour is also a strong draw, providing a lively and affordable opportunity for friends to gather and enjoy both cocktails and snacks. The intimate seating arrangements and friendly service further encourage relaxed, long conversations, perfect for a social night out. Whether your group rallies for dinner, drinks, or both, The Lion’s Share’s blend of distinctive cuisine and dynamic bar options offers something for everyone to enjoy collectively.
Why is the ambiance at The Lion’s Share so well-suited for gatherings? The venue’s design is dark and intimate, with a vibe that sets it apart from typical restaurants or bars. The walls are adorned with surrealist portraits blending humans and animals, creating a conversation-starting art installation within the dining space. Taxidermy pieces, including a giant bearskin rug and a stuffed peacock, add to the extraordinary décor, giving the place an exotic and adventurous feel. Seating is plush with leather chairs that invite guests to linger and relax comfortably. For groups, this environment feels both private and immersive, helping everyone focus on the moment and the company without distractions. The lighting is carefully calibrated—not too bright to be harsh, yet enough to see the intricate details in the art and food presentation clearly. This atmosphere suits anyone looking to escape the everyday, turning a meetup into an experience that feels truly special. It’s a place where the setting itself can be part of the shared memory created among friends or family.
How does the food at The Lion’s Share enhance group experiences? The adventurous menu is designed with sharable plates and unique meats that ignite curiosity and tasting conversation amongst guests. Dishes such as the elk and fennel sausage, wild boar sliders, venison, and the Exotic Sausage Board cater to carnivores looking for new flavors beyond standard fare. For groups, sharing multiple dishes encourages variety and tasting rounds, which is both fun and satisfying. The use of distinctive seasoning and thoughtfully crafted accompaniments—like chimichurri butter for wagyu steak frites or eggplant puree paired with elk flank rubbed in sumac—elevates the meal from ordinary to refined. This balance between comforting and bold flavors ensures that both adventurous eaters and those with more traditional tastes find something delightful to enjoy. Additionally, the kitchen’s attention to quality and presentation makes the dining experience picturesque and Instagram-worthy, giving guests another reason to bond over their collective meal and share their discoveries.
What makes the cocktails at The Lion’s Share perfect for socializing? The bar at The Lion’s Share is known for its imaginative cocktail menu crafted with quality ingredients and a creative flair. Signature drinks include complex concoctions like the Black Magic Woman, which blends vodka, rum, amaro, coffee liqueur, and fruit bitters to deliver richness and depth in every sip. Another example is the Forward Moonwalk, featuring mezcal, agave, and pink peppercorn-infused Aperol, offering a clever balance of smoky, sweet, and spicy notes. This thoughtful approach to drinks invites guests to explore flavors together and share recommendations. For groups, this creates an interactive experience akin to a tasting adventure, where each person can try something new and talk about their impressions. Happy hour brings additional value with discounted drinks and creative specials, making it an ideal time for people to gather after work or before other evening plans. The skilled bartenders contribute not only with great flavors but also with engaging service, often sharing stories behind the cocktails or spirit tastings, which adds a personal touch to the meetup.
Why is The Lion’s Share’s location and accessibility important for a group gathering? Conveniently situated near San Diego’s Seaport Village and hotels, The Lion’s Share is easy to reach for locals and visitors alike. Its central location in downtown San Diego means that groups can combine a visit here with other nearby attractions, such as the New Children's Museum or local wineries, making it a versatile choice for a day or night out. The venue’s relatively small, intimate space means reservations are necessary, which helps groups plan in advance and ensures a smooth experience upon arrival. Accessibility by foot, car, or public transport minimizes stress for groups traveling from different parts of the city or staying nearby. Being in a vibrant area also means that after enjoying the restaurant and bar, groups can easily continue their night at other local spots, making The Lion’s Share a perfect starting point for social outings. This ease of access and proximity to other popular destinations enhances the venue’s appeal for meetups.
What special experiences does The Lion’s Share offer beyond food and drinks? Beyond the menu, The Lion’s Share hosts occasional special events such as tequila tastings, where staff introduce guests to the nuances of different spirits. These curated experiences contribute to the venue’s reputation as a place that encourages curiosity and a deeper appreciation for its offerings. Staff is known for being knowledgeable and enthusiastic, engaging with guests to elevate the overall experience. The unique décor and art also make the venue feel like an interactive gallery, where guests can admire and discuss the intriguing animal-themed pieces and taxidermy while enjoying their meal. Such features make gatherings here immersive and mentally stimulating, perfect for groups interested in culture as well as cuisine. Whether a meetup is casual or celebratory, these extra touches ensure that time at The Lion’s Share lingers longer in memory.
In summary, The Lion’s Share in San Diego stands out as a prime destination for group meetups thanks to its distinctive atmosphere, adventurous menu, exceptional cocktails, convenient location, and special experiential offerings. Its rich combination of culinary innovation and immersive environment makes it an ideal rallying point for friends and family seeking meaningful shared moments.