Exactly 50 years ago, a couple of avid horseracing fans who worked in the racetrack business formed a partnership and opened one of the most iconic restaurants in San Diego. Lester Holt and George Bullington opened the doors to Bully’s in La Jolla and it quickly became famous for its juicy Prime Rib steaks, red leather booths, and the famous Leroy Neiman paintings that adorned the walls.
In 1969, Bullington and Holt opened their second Bully’s Restaurant, called Bully’s North located only a mile from the Del Mar Racetrack. Over the years, Bully’s North became iconic as a favorite place for the thousands who flocked to watch horse races at the Del Mar Racetrack during the summer race season. Bulley’s North was a family establishment with a long list of regulars who boast that they have been dining at the restaurant for more than 30 years. Famous people like Betty Grable, Desi Arnez and Lucille Ball were patrons at Bully’s.
Sadly, Del Mar is saying goodbye to Bully’s North. I have lost a place of my collegiate memories when I lived in Del Mar on Calais Drive. The Del Mar Historical Society is reportedly digitizing some of the art that used to hang in Bully’s. http://www.delmarhistoricalsociety.org/index.html
The owner of Bully’s is currently in escrow selling the property, comprised of four lots, to Beverly Hills-based Hillstone Restaurant Group. Construction in Del Mar has begun.
Bully’s East remains open.
https://bullyseastsd.com/san-diego-mission-valley-bullys-east-about