I was left to my own devices one recent Saturday afternoon and I thought, “You should treat yourself to some lunch.” I agreed with myself and began a little internet search to figure out where to go for lunch that was somewhat nearby. I was on call for work so I needed to be able to get back to a computer if necessary. After some hunting, reading menus and blog posts, I decided to go somewhere I had never been before: Bully’s East.
Since I was going to lunch and only treating myself, I figured it wouldn’t cost quite as much. Plus, they had a menu item that made my mouth water as soon as I read about it. I took some reading material with me and drove over to Mission Valley to check out Bully’s East.
The interior is quite dark – very typical of steakhouses as far as I’m concerned. I got a cozy booth all to myself next to the bar and proceeded to start reading since I already knew what I was going to order.
To my surprise my lunch item came with 2 sides. This is one of them, a simple Garden Salad. Dressed with a balsamic vinaigrette the salad was crisp and had a little veggie variety. I didn’t really care for the dressing – it didn’t really taste like balsamic – it tasted kind of watered down so I didn’t finish my whole salad.
I got the Prime Rib Melt ($13.95) for my lunch along with a side of garlic mashed potatoes. The sandwich is on sourdough bread with grilled onions and provolone cheese. On the side you get a cup of au jus and some horseradish sauce. I carefully spooned some au jus onto my meat before digging in. The prime rib was thinly sliced and tender and had lots of melted, gooey cheese. Think souped up patty melt! I could have gone for my bread being slightly more crisp, but still this sandwich was super tasty.
The garlic mashed potatoes were pipped in a pretty way onto my plate and were very smooth and creamy. I ate half of my sandwich and half the potatoes so I could have leftovers. I had to reign myself in to not eat all of the mashed potatoes in one sitting, they were so creamy and good! I saved my leftovers and had them the next day for lunch. I reheated the sandwich and the potatoes in the oven for a little while and they held up quite well the next day, so I was able to spread out the cost of this meal as well. Score!
This really was quite an indulgent meal – I wouldn’t normally want to spend this much on a lunch item, but I was feeling generous to myself. It was totally worth it.
Bully’s East
2401 Camino Del Rio South
San Diego, CA 92108-3701
(619) 291-2665
Hours
Mon-Fri: 11AM – 2AM
Sat-Sun: 10AM – 2AM
That sandwich looks delicious. I agree that $13 for lunch is a bit much but every once in a while, we should all treat ourselves.
I really like Bully’s… lots of food and nice beefy meats. I also like a good beef dip sandwich, and one made with prime rib sounds indulgent! Good for you, treating yourself to a tasty lunch!
i’ve always wondered about this place. I think there’s a coupon in the entertainment value book, or was the coupon in the reader? i forget. sorry, thinking and typing aloud. your sandwich looked pretty good – i’d totally eat that!
I have been wondering about Bully’s for years – I just felt it was high time to treat myself to a crazy priced sandwich – boy, was it good! Except for that salad dressing… I think I’m going to make some garlic mashed potatoes this weekend…
Food looks great Mary! It’s been ages since I’ve been here. I like the dark cavern like atmosphere.
A lot of steakhouses seem to have that “dark cavern” feel. I dig it!
Bully’s East is the best! You cannot beat the atmosphere, it is like slipping back in time. My favorite place to sit is at the low bar, and think of what is probably going on in a smoke filled back room in that place.
Make my mouth water! This looks delicious!