Rare Society sits on S Cedros Ave in Solana Beach, one location in a group that also operates in University Heights, Santa Barbara, Mill Creek, San Clemente, and Las Vegas. The concept comes from chef Brad Wise and Trust Restaurant Group as a tribute to the retro American steakhouse, built around premium cuts grilled over an American red oak wood fire, an on-premise dry ager, a cocktail program, and sustainably-sourced seafood alongside the meat.
Wise, who also built Trust, Fort Oak, Cardellino, Wild Child, and The Wise Ox, came up through kitchens including JRDN and Belmont Park before developing the wood-fired style that runs through his restaurants. Rare Society applies that same live-fire approach to the steakhouse format, pairing it with what the group describes as refined but approachable service.
The restaurant has drawn outside attention, landing on Eater's Eater 38 list and San Diego Magazine's Best of 2025, with additional coverage from The Infatuation.
Wise, who also built Trust, Fort Oak, Cardellino, Wild Child, and The Wise Ox, came up through kitchens including JRDN and Belmont Park before developing the wood-fired style that runs through his restaurants. Rare Society applies that same live-fire approach to the steakhouse format, pairing it with what the group describes as refined but approachable service.
The restaurant has drawn outside attention, landing on Eater's Eater 38 list and San Diego Magazine's Best of 2025, with additional coverage from The Infatuation.