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    Counterpoint

    4.3 (626 reviews)
    ModerateBars, New American
    Closed 5:00 pm - 12:00 am (Next day)
    Updated over 3 months ago

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    COUNTERPOINT ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Outdoor seating
    Dogs allowed

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    Steak

    I've been here numerous throughout the years and today was kind of disappointed because I ordered a medium steak and a piece of my steak was raw and because the fries were too salty. They changed the menu yesterday so if you go just know it might be different.The service is always great though and the ambiance is okay because sometimes the music is too loud and when you are in a date it might make it a little weird especially if it's your first with them, totally not talking with experience. Anyways I'm going to keep going but I just hope they see this review so that they can try to do a little bit better. If you pay 30 bucks for a steak and fries you expect to enjoy it, not be thrown off, cause it prob was better to go to Alberto's and spend half of the money and enjoy your dinner.

    Outside
    Christine S.

    Counterpoint in Golden Hill has a warm and soulful vibe that feels inviting due to the openness of the restaurant and friendly staff. Highly recommend the cheese curds as an appetizer. They are golden, crispy outside, and oozy gooey inside. The Brined Chicken & Waffle Benedict has a delicious highly brined juicy chicken, smoky/sweet bourbon waffles. It is topped with smooth, spicy hollandaise, drizzled with honey, and every bite is rich, savory, and a little sweet, topped by two poached eggs. The home fries are golden crispy and seasoned perfectly. Overall it is a comforting and satisfying dish. The Carnitas Pork Hash is served on cast iron plate with flavorful carnitas piled on top of home fries, bell peppers and caramelized onions. The two eggs, cooked any way you like, bring a richness and creaminess to the dish. Hearty and bold, it's a flavorful option when you're after something filling and delicious. I highly recommend this meal if you are sure what to order on their brunch menu.

    Bloody Mary + Irish Coffees
    Savannah B.

    One of my favorite breakfast spots in San Diego. I was introduced to Counterpoint a little over a year ago and have been here 10+ times since. A staple for a Saturday brunch with my partner or friends! Tonight we came for dinner and was also (surprised but not) with how good dinner was! It was a Monday night so we ordered a BBQ Smash Burger (a special that came w/ fries), Ahi Tuna Tacos, and the Shrimp Scampi all to share. They graciously split the burger and shrimp scampi into 2 servings, which was such a bonus and not asked for at all. All the staff does a little bit of everything and is lighthearted and funny. The owner, Cam, takes pride in his restaurant as well as his staff and quality of food and it SHOWS. Will forever be a regular here. 10/10.

    Cako Approves!
    Mikey H.

    We were kinda driving around aimlessly and found our way in the neighborhood! I totally forgot that they reopened...even more forgetful of my last visit back in June! Friendly service and our corner table was available. They have changed the menu a little, but it's good not too much. We shared the kale salad and it was great that they split it for us! I got the shrimp scampi on angel hair, and it was sooooooo good! Some places don't give you enough shrimp but they were plentiful! S.D. ordered the birria tacos, which were new. He thought they were really good! I tried the broth and it was delicious! I was also glad they still had the Malbec from France. I noticed that they refinished the outside tables. I didn't go in and take a look at the new construction, but I'm sure it looks great! Three different workers took care of us, with Caleb stalling for time because there was a big family order at the same time. Which was the only issue because this family was loud and obnoxious, and complained about Luigi's up the street. It's over and done, let it go! LOL! Definitely looking forward to coming back! Cako Approves!

    Chilaquiles
    Melissa S.

    counterpoint is such a hidden gem! I live in the area and had been wanting to check it out forever. Went on a Saturday during brunch time and it was super chill, got sat right away. The chilaquiles were good! Also feel like they were served different compared to other spots but I enjoyed them. The service was great, our server was friendly and knowledgeable! Can't wait to come back and try different items on the menu.

    Pizza flatbread
    Christopher L.

    Great bar with good food and drinks! The bartenders and servers are cool and nice to talk to. Prices are good, lots of options from Russian river brewery if you like Pliny. The drinks are great here as well, got the Brooklyn music cocktail. The pizza flatbread is a good choice to share!

    Shrimp scampi
    Jose

    Really good food and service will definitely be back, bartenders were really attentive and handled everywith care. The upstairs is a good place if you want a quiet setting

    Allyn P.

    My wife and I absolutely loved this place. Stumbles in late night and we're kindly greeted by the friendly staff.food and drinks were amazing and affordable. Loveeeed the

    Outside
    Tristan D.

    Ambiance: The place is very spacious and beautiful. Its reminds me of a beach house with there also being an upstairs for more busier hours. Theres a lot of room and theres even tables outsides for people to sit at! Theres even a bar for customers there as well! Food: French Bacon w/ Bacon [4/5] [$17] The french toast was delicious! I didn't know jelly would've been slathered on it though the menu didn't say that and it looks slightly sloppy to be honest but the taste was definitely there! Service: The service was fast and efficient, the workers are very kind and welcoming as well. This is a neat little gem in Golden hill, the food and service is wonderful and I'd highly suggest coming here for some delicious french toast or drinks! I'd love to come back next time I visit California!

    Blackened ahi sandwich
    Neikan M.

    Okay, here's the thing. I took a bite of my ahi tuna steak sandwich, and it was good! Nice tuna, good aioli and crunchy slaw. But... I then took a bite of my girlfriend's Chicken and Cheese Tortellini and it was soooo much better. Another friend ordered the Cheesesteak sandwich and it was much better than my order. So, overall, I know the food here is great but I ordered the wrong thing unfortunately. I would definitely come back.

    Menus
    Suzanne A.

    Awww man!!! What happened to you? Granted, it had been a good solid year since I have been here, but what happened?? Arrived last night at 5:30. Server arrived promptly, but placed the dirtiest menus on my table! I feel like he noticed it and immediately covered it. Not took it away to get me a clean one...nope hid it under the others. While the other menus have also seen better days! Where is your pride? Based on this I wanted to leave, but was waiting on a friend. Tried to contact him. Needed WiFi password (which I have previously received). Was told they don't have WiFi as it interferes with cable. Ummmmm.....what??!! This Place is walking distance for me. My neighbor bar/restaurant to go to. Thinking I've stayed away for this past year for good reason. Most likely not returning either.

    Brussels sprouts with kimchi sauce

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    2 years ago

    Amazing spot with amazing drinks! Customer service and quality is unmatched! Conor is the best bartender in San Diego!

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    5 years ago

    Super cute spot! Drinks were great, service was on point! Food was amazing. Had a great time!

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    Page 3 of 16

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    Common Stock - Charred Brussels -- love!

    Common Stock

    4.7(1.2k reviews)
    2.5 miHillcrest
    $$

    I am honestly surprised I have not written a review for this place yet, I found this place in 2021…read more I bring visitors here all the time, and it has become my ultimate comfort food spot. I tend to keep it simple and order the same items every time. My go to is the crispy Brussels for $14 and the chicken sandwich for $16, and I usually rotate in the parmesan fries for $10. While they do offer other dishes that are worth trying, these favorites always keep me coming back. The service and ambiance are consistently great. It is located in Hillcrest, so the area is always lively, which adds to the overall experience. The energy, combined with the quality of the food, makes it a reliable choice whether I am dining with friends or hosting out of town guests. Parking can be a bit challenging, but that is typical for Hillcrest. I usually plan ahead and look for street parking nearby.

    3 stars for the food, 5 stars for the drinks, so I gave em 4 stars. Got the brussels sprouts and…read moreartichoke hearts and they were doused in far too much sauce and insanely salty. I love the vegetables for what they are and want sauce and seasoning to enhance them, not be the star of the show. Got the hot honey chick and pork belly bao buns which were pretty good, nice and fluffy. Drinks wise, I got the blueberry bramble as well as the berries & cream (both vodka drinks). they were fantastic, so refreshing. Old fashioned was also top notch! server was wonderful and kind. the ambiance is amazing and is a great spot for a date or cozy evening with friends.

    Photos
    Common Stock - Espresso martinis!

    Espresso martinis!

    Common Stock - Roasted Carrot & Parsnips

    Roasted Carrot & Parsnips

    Common Stock - Great food & drinks ....friendly welcoming service !!! Thank you HARVEY !!!!

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    Great food & drinks ....friendly welcoming service !!! Thank you HARVEY !!!!

    Carbon Angela’s Kitchen - Skirt Steak with a Red Bell Pepper Chimichurri Sauce and Mixed Organic Vegetables

    Carbon Angela’s Kitchen

    4.7(269 reviews)
    1.3 miSouth Park, North Park
    Family-owned & operated
    Established in 2023

    This place was great! Amazing Food, great service, small and cozy space that they made work very…read morewell and made it welcoming. Everything we tried was delicious! It was a place that I look forward to going again and again. Truly special especially how at the end of the night we got to witness the owner and the cooks share a meal together, sing, laugh and enjoy each others company as if it were in a villa somewhere in Italy. I absolutely recommend this place. Our experience there was fantastic!

    Carbon Angela's Kitchen in the heart of South Park is a standout, unique restaurant. This is…read moredefinitely a perfect spot for your next date night or the place to go for dinner for any occasion, like a birthday, or better yet, my birthday! Yes, I will be there next month with my whole gang celebrating with me on my special day! Our reservations were early, arriving on time @ 5:30 it was a bit quiet with only two other tables, but not for long. In no time every single table was filled. The restaurant was busy and the wine was a'flowin'! This quaint and very special restaurant reminds me of a small restaurant in San Diego in the 1980's, "Ciao Bella". It was located downtown on 4th Ave., it was also chef-owned. When you dine at a chef owned restaurant you are most likely destined for greatness, or a great meal! This is the case at Angela's Kitchen 'Carbon', because there is pure authenticity in her dishes and a whole lotta' love delivered in each plate. The subtle, warm decor is welcoming and the music is played at the perfect level. Just the right ambiance. Once seated, you'll be promptly greeted and the attentive wait staff will have your wine delivered pronto. What a selection they have. I started with the prosecco and moved on to the Sangiovese which complimented my pappardelle perfectly. My friend ordered the grilled salmon and had the Montepulciano Abate Pietro. The delivery of their fresh bread with garlicky pesto, and another with tomato, which I think was a focaccia. Just amazing. We asked for olive oil to compliment the bread: it was the very best of quality with a dark Sicilian olive green hue and the smoothness with the polyphenols and antioxidants dancing in my mouth. Yum! I asked for a side of Parmigiano and they brought a nice square ramekin full of finely grated cheese, Perfection!! These are the details that make me fall in love with a restaurant, causing me to return again and again. Both of our entrees were executed perfectly, the vegetables were grilled leaving a slight char, and the salmon was grilled just right leaving a tender center. My pappardelle was dressed in the deepest, richest mushroom + beef cheek fusion of flavors with whispers of some kind of red wine like maybe the Nero d'Avola that they feature on the menu. WoW!! This is a dish that you want to take your time savoring. Every bite surpassed the last, and then a sip of the Sangiovese and I was in fresh pasta heaven. Just when we were winding down and reeling from being overwhelmed by the amazing food, Angela came to our table with cannoli. It too was amazing! This was such a kind and unexpected gesture from the chef/owner. Grazie mille, a domani!

    Photos
    Carbon Angela’s Kitchen - Arugula Salad

    Arugula Salad

    Carbon Angela’s Kitchen
    Carbon Angela’s Kitchen

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    The Rose - Perfect oysters

    The Rose

    4.2(481 reviews)
    1.2 miSouth Park, Golden Hill
    $$

    It has been a while, but honestly, every time I've driven pass, it's been really busy! But when of…read moremy old, and I can say this now, college friends said "it's been too long, let's meet up..." I suggested here. Warm friendly greeting when we walked in. I told the hostess we didn't have a reservation and was just coming in for a drink. She gave us a nice table inside. We ordered a bottle of prosecco. "Let's celebrate the end of the school year!" We also ordered a chicken empanada and a mushroom empanada...both very good! The pickled vegetables were delicious too! Service was wonderful as always! Again, I would be here more often but it's always busy. Although, coming back is always special!

    Finally got to try The Rose and it didn't disappoint!…read more Excellent drink and food selection. Loved most everything we got. The Cabernet was a slam dunk. Empanadas, bomb. My filet mignon, delicious. Bread basket served with creamy butter, perfect. My friend also loved her oysters and split pea soup. The olive oil cake was great in flavor as well, only note would be that it was a little dry. But loved the sauce that was on it! Service was spectacular. Everyone was so nice and warming. Indoor and outdoor seating. The outdoor seating area is so cute too. Absolutely will be frequenting this place more often.

    Photos
    The Rose - Inside

    Inside

    The Rose - Quiche with goat cheese and seasonal veggies. Crust and top were burnt. Not slightly toasted, burnt.

    Quiche with goat cheese and seasonal veggies. Crust and top were burnt. Not slightly toasted, burnt.

    The Rose - Storefront

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    Storefront

    Juan Jasper kitchen & Wine - Inside of crab hushpuppies

    Juan Jasper kitchen & Wine

    4.7(141 reviews)
    0.5 miGolden Hill
    $$

    Alright. Enough with the nonsense Juan Jaspar…read more The staff is not friendly, unless you're a regular. The staff enjoys chatting with customers more than doing their actual JOB. The staff is entitled, upright and annoying. They don't have a proper waiting list system. You can't pay with your cc, only zelle and or venmo. Juan Jaspar is VERY dog friendly, like over the top. There's literally more dogs than people. They have sketchy chairs outside for you to wait until their heart desires. One tip for this desperate little place: time your tables to 90 mins max. You don't have the square footage nor the grit to keep it up. I do not recommend this place to myself nor anyone else. I am banning myself indefinitely from Juan Jaspar. Trust your gut people. I said I wouldn't go back and I did. That was mi mal.

    Five star spot all the way! Ambiance, service, food... I cannot wait to come back to this place…read more My friend and I shared a hamburger, fries, and the arugula-beet salad. Everything tasted so fresh and flavorful. Menu looks simple, yet the server assured us they can make other items that aren't on the menu (like steak frites) because of the butchery next door. I will have to make another visit to try the steak frites and their desserts next time. Although there aren't many seats, the atmosphere is cozy and the service is friendly.

    Photos
    Juan Jasper kitchen & Wine - Wall of wine

    Wall of wine

    Juan Jasper kitchen & Wine - Scallops specials with a glass of wine and Pellegrino.

    Scallops specials with a glass of wine and Pellegrino.

    Juan Jasper kitchen & Wine - A great kitchen staff

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    A great kitchen staff

    Counterpoint - bars - Updated May 2026

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