(Dined 08/29/25 FR @ 6:30pm): I saw neither any bronze or birds at this place!
After a long afternoon touring investment properties with my realtor, we kept things easy and ended the day at Bronze Bird for a casual meal. We were staying overnight at The Westin San Diego Gaslamp Quarter where the restaurant was located, so the convenience was a major factor. Personally, I always liked to try in-hotel restaurants, and this one looked very inviting. Could this eatery be more than a bronze in our books, or would we end up giving it the bird!?
PURCHASE(S)
Barley And Sword Brewing Co. Bier Von Bayern Hefeweizen Beer 16floz Draft ($9.00): Rich amber color, banana bread cloves aroma, low body, banana bread malt wheat flavor, smooth finish, and banana bread wheat aftertaste. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=24&select=-_5ELLmIqfSaoJA0-04n-g
Fried Brussels Sprouts ($14.00): Made with pancetta, lardons, balsamic glaze, and goat cheese, this was a flavorfully-masterful way to start our dinner big enough to be a meal on its own! https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=0&select=FsFypZrbgIzeucQitTL9ZQ
Ketch Brewing Celestial Navigation IPA Beer 16floz Draft ($9.00): Golden amber color, hoppy piney aroma, low body, hoppy piney tropical flavor, crisp finish, and bitter hoppy piney tropical aftertaste. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=0&select=zB7OaUe9_pCDSHlhhUSseg
Fish & Chips ($24.00): Three small pieces of beer-battered crispy cod, as good as they were, the portion size wasn't the best. The spud sticks were nicely seasoned with a crispy crunch. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=0&select=RklxW25ITGBxc52sCj9RXw
Barley And Sword Brewing Co. Union House American Pre-Prohibition Lager Beer 16floz Draft ($9.00): Golden amber color, malty aroma, low body, earthy malty flavor, crisp finish, and bitter malty aftertaste. My favorite of the bunch. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=0&select=dZF5wt9a9kQDWZoy-anm9Q
6pc Fried Churros & Nutella ($14.00): Chewy, cinnamony, and nutella - 'nuff said! https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=0&select=WZFafLun5M9qGszHK7b4eg
Buffet Breakfast (COMP): All your favorites fresh and plentiful! https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=0&select=8O8z2owkZclvo9aoFU1fIA
SERVICE
We were warmly greeted by the host who led us to a table just off the bar area, provided us menus, and shortly returned to take our order. Everything came out at a relaxed pace, the manager even stopped by to chat for a bit, gave me a brewery glass mug, and the entire evening went really well. The following morning, the staff during the breakfast buffet was courteous, continuously stocked all food offerings, and were good about cleaning. Everything was amazing - thank you!
PARKING
Overnight Underground Parking Valet Only (Varied; $60.00 this instance): We stayed at the hotel, so sadly this was my option. Otherwise, if you weren't a hotel guest, use any other method to get here and save yourself money - 'nuff said!
ATMOSPHERE, DÉCOR, AMBIENCE
A clean modern open space with a well-appointed bar area https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=0&select=rWv6nZe8E9zLxRn6UPewTw and a multiple assortment of chairs and tables https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=24&select=d9c6iNG00ovxLWHLpnoqPQ throughout the area. Decent natural lighting through the various windows while numerous hung electric ceiling lights filled in the rest. There were TVs at the bar and no background music. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=24&select=VZhZI3Pi6Zsz2afom23YSA
ATTIRE
Totally casual, so I would normally be in a t-shirt, boardshorts, and flip-flops.
OVERALL
Bronze Bird turned out to be the perfect way to end a busy day and a good night's sleep. As expected, the prices were elevated for a higher-end hotel, but they weren't crazy. All of the food was incredible, but please offer a bigger portion for the fish and chips. The food menu was varied enough https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=24&select=IaRXPXWDbFzZEH0mHFBWOg while I wished their beer selection https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=0&select=JEYhk2cP1Vz1l8_hIil-Hg was more varied. I found very good value based on the prices, service, and experience noted above (TOTAL paid experience was around $87.00 BEFORE any discounts, points usage, and/or tip). And, they accepted my credit card of choice... AMEX! 4.0 STARS read more