Highlights
- Fireplace
- Great wine list
- Great beer selection
oChef » Moe’s – San Diego
Moe's - San Diego
Photo from Moe’s
Moe's at a glance
San Diego Mission Beach
- 🥩 Steak House
$$
Price per Person $71–$80
mentioned by 109 of the guests
#449 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#1 Steak House out of 2 in San Diego
Good
7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
660
Reviews
68.3%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Dish quality
- Good ambiance
- Friendly service
Frequently criticized
- High prices
- Spotty service
- Parking issues
The restaurant Moe’s, a premier Steak House in San Diego’s vibrant Mission Beach neighborhood, invites you to an unforgettable dining experience. You’ll immediately feel the cozy warmth of the fireplace, setting a perfect tone for an upscale yet romantic evening.
This historic spot offers a trendy atmosphere where you can unwind and savor exceptional cuisine.
Overview: Introducting Moe's
Moe’s offers a dining experience where the culinary offerings often impress, with many guests praising the quality of the main courses and appetizers. The overall atmosphere also contributes positively, creating a pleasant setting for a meal.
However, some diners have noted inconsistencies in the overall experience, particularly regarding the perceived value for the price. While the staff generally receives positive remarks, occasional lapses in service have been mentioned.
Good
7
out of 10
660
Reviews
68.3%
Satisfaction
185
negative
24
neutral
451
positive
Moe’s achieves a respectable Restaurant Score of 7, indicating a generally good dining experience. This is supported by a Customer Satisfaction rate of 68.3%, suggesting a mixed but leaning positive reception.
With 451 positive remarks against 185 negative ones from a total of 660 customer observations, there’s a clear appreciation for certain aspects. The Food (7.2) stands out as a strong point, frequently praised for its quality.
The Ambience (7.4) also contributes positively to the experience, creating an inviting setting. Service (7) is generally competent, though some guests have noted occasional inconsistencies.
The primary area for improvement appears to be Value (4.5), which receives an average score and is a point of contention for some patrons.
What people like
- Quality main dishes
- Inviting atmosphere
- Attentive staff
What people don't like
- High overall cost
- Inconsistent service
- Challenging parking
Moe’s presents a generally positive experience, reflected in its Recommendation Score of 7. If you prioritize a good meal and an inviting setting, it’s certainly worth considering.
However, be prepared for the potential cost. For those seeking a reliable spot with a strong culinary focus and a pleasant atmosphere, Moe’s delivers.
Just manage your expectations regarding the overall value and be aware that service can occasionally be a mixed bag.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Moe's
Food (7.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 93% of the guests
Alright, lets dive into the food! With a solid score of 7.2 and customer satisfaction hitting 71.5%, its clear the culinary experience here is generally good. Based on 361 comments, a whopping 258 rave about the amazing steaks, delicious sides, and fantastic cocktails.
Many found the seasoning perfect and the quality top-notch, with the butter cake and French onion soup frequently highlighted. However, not every bite was perfect, with 89 negative comments. Some found the ribeye temperature and tenderness inconsistent, while others noted issues with bland pasta, dry double chocolate cake, or uninspired sides.
A few mentioned steaks being overcooked or chewy, suggesting some variability in execution.
Food
361
Reviews
71%
Satisfaction
89
negative
14
neutral
258
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Amazing steaks
- Delicious butter cake
- Fantastic cocktails
What people don't like
- Inconsistent steak cook
- Bland pasta/sides
- Dry desserts
Often praised
- foodThey offer a wide range of options, from amazing cocktails and appetizers to delicious steaks and savory desserts. While it can be a little spendy, the food is worth every penny. I highly recommend the 16 oz 28-Day Dry Aged Bone-In NY Strip Steak with Lobster Man-N-Cheese.
- steakWe had walked by it often while on vacation in Mission Beach and decided to give it a shot. The food was excellent; the steak was great, the foccaccia appetizer was amazing, and they have a solid French onion soup. I was pleasantly surprised by their great kids menu, especially for a steakhouse.
- drinksMy experience at this restaurant was absolutely delicious, with fantastic drinks and amazing service. We tried the Steak, short rib, French onion soup, and a salad, all of which were great!
- French onion soupWe had walked by it often while on vacation in Mission Beach and decided to give it a shot. The food was excellent; the steak was great, the foccaccia appetizer was amazing, and they have a solid French onion soup. I was pleasantly surprised by their great kids menu, especially for a steakhouse.
- cocktailsI'm so upset that we discovered this place on our last night in Mission Beach. The service was amazing, and the cocktails were fantastic. The steak was perfectly cooked, and the charcuterie board was by far the best value we found in San Diego.
- butter cakeThe Brussel sprouts were the best I've ever had, generously topped with saffron. For dessert, the butter cake was highly recommended and, although not something I'd typically order by name, I'm very glad I did – it was the best dessert on the menu. However, on my second visit, I tried the double chocolate cake, and it was dry, suggesting it might need a new recipe.
- steaksMy experience at Moe's was fantastic! They offer a wide range of options, from amazing cocktails and appetizers to delicious steaks and savory desserts. While it can be a little spendy, the food is worth every penny.
- FoodFood:5
- brussel sproutsWhile the drinks were great and the salads were good, our steaks were unfortunately overcooked, dry, and unseasoned. We also ordered four sides; the mashed potatoes were dry and seemed premade, the mac and cheese lacked sauce, the brussel sprouts were good, and the green bean casserole was completely devoid of flavor. We spent a significant $1, 000 for this dinner.
- shrimp cocktailshrimp cocktail was very flavorful
Frequently criticized
- foodThe food looked incredible but fell short unfortunately.
- steakWhile the food looked incredible, it unfortunately fell short. My sauce was runny, the spaghetti was bland, and the steak was somewhat chewy with very light seasoning – not what was expected for a $95 plate. The kids' mac and cheese was yummy, and the desserts and appetizers were liked.
- mealsThe other meals were delivered about 35 minutes later
- pastaOrdered pasta and 28 days aged steak. Both tasted very bland.
- steaksour steaks were overcooked, dry, and unseasoned
- mashed potatoesWhile the drinks were great and the salads were good, our steaks were unfortunately overcooked, dry, and unseasoned. We also ordered four sides; the mashed potatoes were dry and seemed premade, the mac and cheese lacked sauce, the brussel sprouts were good, and the green bean casserole was completely devoid of flavor. We spent a significant $1, 000 for this dinner.
- quality foodI expected better quality food.
- scallopsThe scallops were slightly soft and stringy, rather than firm.
- sea bassit was a woefully small cut
- wedge saladsThe sea bass was a woefully small and lukewarm cut. The asparagus with peas side dish was absolutely horrid, and the wedge salads were also quite small, unappealing, and unappetizing. The French onion soup was the only dish that was on point.
If you're looking for a good steakhouse experience with standout desserts and drinks, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be aware that while many dishes shine, there might be some inconsistencies, particularly with certain steak preparations or side dishes.
Service (7 out of 10)
mentioned by 80% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark with a good score of 7. Many guests, 107 to be exact, raved about the attentive and professional staff, often highlighting excellent service and skilled bartenders. From personalized anniversary cards to genuine connections, the team often goes above and beyond to make you feel welcomed.
However, the customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 67.7%, indicating some room for improvement. About 49 guests experienced issues like poor service, unprofessional attitudes, and feeling rushed out the door. Disorganized communication and inattentive staff were also noted, suggesting inconsistency in the overall service experience.
Service
158
Reviews
67%
Satisfaction
49
negative
2
neutral
107
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Attentive, professional staff
- Skilled, friendly bartenders
- Personalized thoughtful touches
What people don't like
- Unprofessional staff attitude
- Inattentive, rushed service
- Disorganized communication
Often praised
- serviceMoe's Steak House has truly set a new standard for steak perfection. The service was equally outstanding, with staff demonstrating impeccable attention to detail and genuine passion, making us feel like honored guests. Insightful recommendations and ensuring a perfect dining experience were hallmarks of their service.
- staffWe had a great experience at Moe's for our 10-year anniversary. The staff went above and beyond to make us feel special, even surprising us with a personalized anniversary card—such a thoughtful touch! The food was incredible, especially the steak, which was perfectly tender and full of flavor.
- bartendersOn a June afternoon, it was pretty busy but we found places at the bar. The bartenders are skilled, usually busy, but willing to share stories of good times in the bar.
- ServiceService was professional and so friendly
- bartenderHowever, I didn't have the heart to send it back as it was a holiday. The bartender was very welcoming and friendly, which was a positive aspect of the evening.
- waiterthe waiter knew it wasn't for celiac and appropriately advised
- AlexaAlexa as our server and she was awesome.
- server Henryserver Henry was extremely knowledgeable
- wait timeIt was a busy evening, and the staff informed us they were shorthanded in the kitchen. However, we didn’t wait too long for anything. Our drinks arrived shortly after ordering, followed by our appetizer, which were delicious crab cakes.
- Alithanks to Ali who I believe was training Madi and he did a phenomenal job
Frequently criticized
- serviceThe old ownership would have been much more welcoming. This was a joke and a sad excuse for service.
- customer serviceThe quality of customer service in this place was appalling
- kitchentold me the kitchen was closed
- kitchen closing timekitchen closes at 9 (when all other indications and messaging clearly says until 10)
- managerLet the manager know that I was disappointed how my expectation of what was advertised didn’t match reality, he simply said “sorry”
- ManagerSpoke to Casey the Manager and in kinder words, essentially told me to pound sand
- MashaWe were trying to have a good time this night; however, two staff members ruined our experience. First, Sarah was yelling at my daughter, and then Masha, the manager, was even worse. They were not professional and not nice, even if your food is good.
- SarahSarah was yelling on my daughter
- ServiceService was friendly but spotty
- attitudeshe also had the worst attitude.
So, should you go? While the service can be truly outstanding with attentive and professional staff, be aware that some guests have encountered unprofessional attitudes or rushed experiences. If youre looking for a place with the potential for stellar service, its worth a try, but keep in mind there might be some inconsistencies.
Ambience (7.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 55% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot generally hits the mark, earning a 7.4 score and a solid 75.5% customer satisfaction. With 74 positive remarks out of 98 total, guests frequently praise the overall vibe and ambience, often describing it as a warm, sophisticated, and classy steakhouse experience. Many appreciate the music selection, clean space, and the inviting bar seating.
However, not everyone finds it perfect, with 20 negative observations. Some find the atmosphere a bit too loud, especially in the bar area, or describe it as too dark. A common concern is the challenging parking situation, and a few guests have noted issues with uncomfortable or small seating arrangements.
Ambience
98
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
20
negative
4
neutral
74
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great overall vibe
- Classy, upscale decor
- Awesome bar area
What people don't like
- Can be too loud
- Parking is tough
- Seating uncomfortable
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at this restaurant was great. The service was excellent, and the atmosphere was wonderful. I particularly enjoyed the filets, which were terrific, cooked exactly to order, and very flavorful.
- ambianceMoe's Steak House provided an exceptional dining experience, delivering perfection from start to finish. The warm and inviting ambiance, coupled with impressive décor, created a sophisticated yet comfortable atmosphere. The A5 Wagyu steak was a culinary masterpiece, cooked to perfection and melting in our mouths with its rich, marbled texture and exceptional flavor.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:4
- barThis is the kind of place you know is great as soon as you walk in. On a June afternoon, it was pretty busy but we found places at the bar. The bartenders are skilled, usually busy, but willing to share stories of good times in the bar.
- vibesWe spent a significant $1, 000 for this dinner. The vibes were good, but the food quality was so poor that we wouldn't return. Overall, the food had little to no flavor.
- bar areaIt has an amazing bar area
- placeLoved this place so much
- restaurantthis restaurant is very small and it’s popular
- vibethe vibe was awesome
- Sinatra vibeMy experience at this restaurant was exceptional. It's a great steakhouse by the beach with a sophisticated "Sinatra" vibe. I started with the "Campfire" smoked old fashioned, which was a very nice, whiskey-forward take on this classic.
Frequently criticized
- Moe's experiencerobbed of the Moe's experience
- Moe's securityMoe's security fight and chase off a homeless person
- ParkingParking is a bit tough
- Parking spaceSomewhat difficult to find parking
- bar areaThe bar area was pretty loud
- boothsbarely fit 3 normal sized people in the booth
- comfortcomfort was…meh
- darkTo dark and noisy for an old man like me.
- dining room experienceI'm not impressed with the dining room experience.
- experienceThe French onion soup was the only dish that was on point. Overall, it was a forgettable experience, especially at $125 per person after gratuity.
If youre seeking a classy, vibrant steakhouse vibe for a special evening and dont mind a potentially lively atmosphere or a bit of a hunt for parking, this place is definitely worth a visit. However, if quiet conversation and easy access are top priorities, you might want to consider other options.
Value (4.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 31% of the guests
While the overall score for value sits at an average 4.5, some guests really hit the jackpot, especially with their happy hour deals. Many rave about the incredible happy hour 3-course menu and social hour as a great deal, offering best value for quality food. It seems finding the right time to visit can make all the difference, with happy hour specials being a clear highlight.
However, the customer satisfaction for value is quite low at 27.9%, indicating a significant number of diners feel otherwise. With 27 negative comments compared to just 12 positive, many found the experience expensive and pricey, with some feeling robbed by the bill that can add up fast for what they received. The price point often didn't align with expectations.
Value
43
Reviews
27%
Satisfaction
27
negative
4
neutral
12
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great happy hour
- Excellent social hour
- Value for quality
What people don't like
- Very expensive
- Often overpriced
- Bill adds up fast
Often praised
- happy hourthis place also has a great happy hour
- social houramazing happy hour...I mean "social hour"
- $$$$Well worth the $$$$
- Happy Hour specialsHappy Hour specials are only available at the bar
- PricesPrices seem right for location and type of food
- billThey did take it off of the bill
- happy hour specialsThe staff is awesome, and they make great craft drinks with a good variety of craft beers. We visited the area for the week and found ourselves coming back every night for their awesome happy hour specials from 4-6 PM. Matt and G provided good company behind the bar and were a no BS crew.
- valuebest value we found in SD
- value for qualityGreat value for the quality of food
Frequently criticized
- pricefor $450+ tip for 3 people, I think I might be inclined to find a place that’s more comfortable
- billour meal for 4 adults (no desserts) with drinks (no bottle of wine), tax, and tip was over $600. Yikes!
- Price per personWe had a party of 11 with a reservation made over a month in advance, but unfortunately, our experience wasn't the best. While most of the food was good, the lobster Mac n cheese was a disappointment, considered a robbery for $21 due to its poor quality and small portion. Everything else was pretty good as expected.
- pricesService was friendly but spotty- two entrees came out and then we sat for several minutes until the last one arrived, and the bottle of wine we ordered didn't arrive with the food; we had to flag down the waiter and ask for it again. At the prices Moe's charges, everything should be on point, and sadly, it wasn't when I dined there. So I'm taking a star off for the sad potato and uneven service.
- $40Just spent $40 on a scoop of sorbet and butter cake
- advertisedOpenTable said $150 ended up being $165
- expensiveIt was fairly expensive
- food priceThe food is expensive
- gratuitycharged 20% gratuity because of the group which was not deserved
- icewhine about an extra $3 for ice
If youre looking for a great deal, aim for their happy hour or social hour specials, as these seem to offer excellent value. Otherwise, be prepared for a potentially pricey' experience where the cost might not always align with expectations, especially for regular dining.
How are the prices at Moe's?
You’re looking at roughly $79 per person – reported by 109 diners. That puts it in the $71–$80 category. For a Steak House, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average is $79, many guests actually spend more, with the largest group opting for meals over $101. This shows a good mix of options, from solid mid-range to more premium experiences.
This chart shows what people usually spend per person, using the 109 most recent reviews.
How this restaurant’s value for money compares to similar spots in San Diego.
Overall, for a Steak House in San Diego, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It offers options for a solid mid-range meal, but also allows for a more indulgent, premium experience if you’re looking to splurge a bit.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Moe's
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Romantic Date
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Moderate
7
Great Service, Disappointing Food
The menu and drink experience looked really fantastic, making us eager to eat here. Our wait service was amazing and did not disappoint. While the food looked incredible, it unfortunately fell short.
My sauce was runny, the spaghetti was bland, and the steak was somewhat chewy with very light seasoning – not what was expected for a $95 plate. The kids' mac and cheese was yummy, and the desserts and appetizers were liked. We tried several specialty cocktails which were also excellent.
The bar atmosphere was awesome, especially for a date night. Although we wouldn't eat here again, the service and the appearance of everything were terrific.
- wait service10
- kids mac n cheese8
- Desert and apps8
- food3
- sauce2
- spaghetti2
Price per Person
- $91–$100
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
8
Great Service, Decent Food
My experience at this restaurant was largely positive, primarily due to the outstanding service. Our server was exceptionally friendly and attentive, making the dining experience memorable. The food was decent, though the desserts could use improvement.
- service10
- food7
- desserts3
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Moderate
6
Steakhouse Vibe, But Sad Potato
I really want to love this place. It's got that classic steakhouse vibe, and the steaks are quite good. Likewise with the brussel sprouts, and the "Animal Style" arancini were a fun spin on an Italian classic.
But the Loaded Baked Potato. $13 gets you a spud cooked just enough to be edible, with a dollop of sour cream, a couple bacon bits, and a puddle of butter on the surrounding plate. How do you mess up a baked potato?
At that price point I expect to see a caddy with sour cream, chives, bacon, and some butter so I can load it up myself, and cook the thing til the skin's crispy and the inside fluffy. Service was friendly but spotty- two entrees came out and then we sat for several minutes until the last one arrived, and the bottle of wine we ordered didn't arrive with the food; we had to flag down the waiter and ask for it again. At the prices Moe's charges, everything should be on point, and sadly, it wasn't when I dined there.
So I'm taking a star off for the sad potato and uneven service. The steaks are mighty good, though.
- steaks9
- brussel sprouts8
- arancini8
- Loaded Baked Potato2
- Service4
- prices3
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Underrated Steakhouse Gem in SD!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's an underrated steakhouse in San Diego. The service was excellent, and we really enjoyed our pre-dinner cocktails.
They have a solid selection of choices, making it hard to decide. We tried the filet mignon and the cacio de pepe, both of which were outstanding. Even the brussel sprouts were among the best we've ever had.
I believe a well-run restaurant excels not only in high-end dishes like steak but also in lower-priced entrees, and this place delivered on all fronts. I would definitely go back.
- steakhouse9
- service10
- pre dinner cocktails9
Price per Person
- $91–$100
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Loud
7
Excellent Service, Lacking Food
My experience at Moe's was a tale of two halves. The service was truly EXCELLENT, and the vibes were amazing, making the place feel classy and upscale. Our server, Lorraine, was incredibly sweet, funny, and professional – some of the best service I've received.
However, the food was where the experience fell short. It was quite expensive, and I felt the dishes didn't meet my expectations. The duck was not good; it was very salty with an odd taste, and I don't recommend it.
The pasta lacked the flavor I had hoped for. The steaks, however, were cooked perfectly and tasted good. If I were to return, I would definitely stick to the steaks.
- service10
- vibes9
- classy and upscale9
- loud3
- food3
- expensive3
What Moe's offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Table service
- Dessert
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Paid parking lot
- Usually difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
Atmosphere
- Upscale
- Historic
- Cozy
- Trendy
- Romantic
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere can you expect at Moe's?
When you step into Moe’s, you’ll discover an atmosphere that is both upscale and historic, yet wonderfully cozy and trendy. It’s designed to be romantic, making it an ideal spot for special occasions or a memorable night out in Mission Beach.
Do you need reservations to dine at Moe's?
Yes, dinner reservations are highly recommended at Moe’s, especially given its popularity as a top Steak House in San Diego. You can easily plan your visit, as the restaurant accepts reservations to ensure you secure your preferred seating.
How does Moe's generally perform across different aspects?
Moe’s holds a Restaurant Score of 7, indicating a good overall experience. Its Food (7.2) and Ambience (7.4) are strong points, while Service (7) is generally competent. However, Value (4.5) is an area where opinions are more mixed.
What do customers particularly enjoy about dining at Moe's?
Many guests appreciate the quality of the main dishes, especially the steaks, and find the atmosphere warm and inviting. The staff often receives praise for being attentive and friendly.
Are there any common concerns or drawbacks mentioned by diners?
Some customers have noted that the overall cost can be high, leading to mixed opinions on value. Additionally, occasional inconsistencies in service and challenges with parking have been mentioned.