Palm Restaurant of San Diego   

Plump chops and overstuffed lobsters are the hallmark of The Palm, a three-generations-old family affair known for its warm service and spirited decor. Its new San Diego location adjacent to Petco Park is the 30th for the nationwide chain. And like the other Palms, this one has its throwbacks -- the white tablecloths and wood accents are as indispensable to the steakhouse experience as the prime cuts of sirloin. What The Palm lacks, however, is the stodginess of its house-of-sin counterparts. The wait staff is friendly and knowledgeable, and the air is inviting, not exclusive. Lobster bisque and jumbo shrimp cocktail start you off in style, laying the foundation for prime aged Porterhouses, prime ribs, and the house specialty, the double steak, a 36-ounce New York strip designed for two. Popular pastas range from linguine with red or white clam sauce to spaghetti marinara, while seafood faves include swordfish steak and grilled salmon. Grab your veggies -- creamed spinach, hash browns, French fired onions -- a la carte to complete the high-octane feast. Wash it all back with a heady Italian red or one of the knockout vintages from the extensive wine list. If you find yourself swept up in the quintessential steakhouse spirit, just remember to keep your Monte Cristos in your pocket. And know that the bill can be as high as $100 per person.