We were at the Gaylord for a staycation and decided to have dinner here our second night (went to the Old Hickory on night one, reviewed separately).
Before we even sat down, I asked the hostess to ask the chef about the buns for the burgers. I cannot eat egg and REALLY wanted a burger with a bun. They weren't too busy so she went and asked. Their buns do contain egg but they said they could use sourdough bread for my burger. YAY! :)
(yes, I can order a burger wrapped in lettuce but a burger needs a bun so that all of the flavors soak into the bun. It is all a part of the experience)
We have been on the hunt for the perfect burger in San Diego (refer to above paragraph, that burger *must* include a bun sans-egg) and we *FINALLY FOUND IT*!!!!
We both ordered the Wagyu Beef Burger - medium rare. Mine without onion rings or aioli and sub sourdough bread for their bun. It was everything I wanted it to be and more.
First, I love that they asked how we wanted it cooked. Just like the bun, a properly cooked burger is definitely part of the experience. It was juicy and flavorful. It was SOOOO good that I didn't even put condiments on it. Their fries were crispy and tasty, also very good. I am sad to report that I couldn't finish my burger (or my fries). I don't know why we didn't decide to split a burger instead. I think that we were so excited that I could get a burger with a bun that we forgot that my appetite is that of a bird.
They have oodles of TVs - just like a sports restaurant should. We were there for the World Cup and NASCAR Race the Base weekend, so got to watch both on giant screens. Our waitress was Felicia. She was very nice and patient with me when I gave her my 'special' burger order, when I apologized she even waved me off and told me that mine isn't the worst order she's ever had (it's comforting to hear even if it wasn't true).
My only complaint is the noise level, it wasn't even busy and it was too loud. I cannot imagine how terrible it would be when they're busy. I hate to sound like an older person here, but why don't restaurants plan on noise level? It's not like it's a new concept. Sound dampeners got a long way into helping make the experience more enjoyable. I'm not 'just' there to watch sports, I want to have a conversation with the people at my table.
Transportation/Parking
Parking - They do offer valet parking and have a parking garage (I believe that both are for a fee, and any validation they do at dinner is not for the entire amount). I believe there was free on-street parking and there's a gravel lot in between the Gaylord & the marina that people were parking in.
Trolley - About a 20 minute walk from the Blue Line trolley. It's a straight shot down H Street, and I believe it's sidewalked the entire way.
Ferry - There is a ferry from the SD Convention Center to the marina beside the Gaylord. It's $15 one way. At the time, there is no sidewalk connecting the marina to the hotel. It is a short walk and not too busy with traffic.
We'll definitely be back!
I always feel like I need to apologize for not taking photos, my personal opinion on pictures of food is that they really need to be done by professionals. But, thank you for reading my review! read more