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Came for dinner this time and vibes are still so fun and eclectic!! Our server was so kind and the food was yummy. I loved that you were cooking the steak yourself. Such good sweet potato fries. Drinks were just okay- not super impressed with their cocktails. Flavor combinations are a tad odd. Had fun regardless!
Insideout is easily one of the most stunning spots in San Diego! The rotating decor is absolutely breathtaking, making the entire space feel like an immersive, artful experience that changes with the seasons.The menu rotates too, and the food is just as impressive as the visuals. Every dish is incredibly cute, beautifully plated, and finely prepared with a clear attention to detail. The fish was exceptionally fresh, and the sushi was top-tier. To top it all off, the service was fantastic--the staff was warm, attentive, and really elevated the whole dining experience. If you want a meal that is both a feast for the eyes and the palate, this is the place to go!
The food and drinks were delicious, and we all had enough to take home for leftovers. The vibe of this place is magical, and our waiter (whose name has sadly slipped my mind) was energetic and made our visit extra enjoyable. Everyone should visit insideOUT while they're in San Diego!
This is a rare 5-star review for me; so far I have given less than 5 year to date. So, what that means is that it is easy to "Pump up the volume" for a review, thinking it's helping a place, but I vote based on what I like. What I like is 40% Service or Experience, 35% Food or Item(s) quality, and 25% CPA (Convenience, Price, and Ambiance), and I have a forgiveness factor. That being said, this place was so impressive, driving by multiple times and looking at it while looking for a parking space. I will tell you about the $80 ticket...later. When we walked in on a Thursday with a reservation, it was comfortably full like a Friday. I always say "an early reservation beats the rush," and it paid off because when we left, it became "nightclub" full of locals. The decor, later found out to be a themed restaurant, was so impressive with lights, foliage, and flowing water that I felt like a kid in Toys R' Us (R.I.P.). Our wait for being on time was less than my 15-minute patients, and we were seated in our requested "anywhere but near the kitchen" seating. Our waiter was very cordial and did not ask HAYD or CIHWA every 25 minutes, nor did he ignore us. We were left alone to eat. I know this because I saw him "eye-check our progress a couple of times." That's the sign of a good waiter/tress. Our special drinks were on point, and the large-portion dishes were a 4.5 by themselves. As a high-quality home chef and a military chow line platter, I was impressed with the presentation, so I had to ensure my camera skills paid homage. I suggest finding a place to park and walking to the restaurant if you drove, because the alleyway to the right of the entrance is patrolled. :0) Can't wait to return and try something new and see what the theme is. I suggest making a reservation because you won't get a table by walking in and "enjoying the experience of eating" there.
Love this place! Super cute seasonal decor all the time, it's such a gorgeous restaurant perfect for birthday dinner as girls dinners, etc. I love coming for happy hour and this time we got these really two cute drinks. The service was great and the drinks were even better! Parking can be a little bit difficult in the area, but it's in a super walkable spot. Note that the bathrooms are up against a window, so passerbyers can see your feet under the stall, along with you washing your hands afterward!
InsideOUT is known to be a hip spot in the heart of hillcrest, SD. Very LGBTQ fun vibes, loud music playing in the background, etc. They refer to it as an urban oasis, located within a residential red building (Eitol Towers) So, for RSVP's online, it won't let you book for one person, so I decided to walk-in for the experience. Luckily, I was able to get a seat when I walked in. The host was super nice and explained how the table seating worked. I chose to sit in the outdoor area; it has different levels as well. Down below, you can see the lively ambiance happening with the other clients. A bar surrounded by groups and having a great time. A nice waterfall decoration running behind the bar. Has the aesthetics of a nice upscale bar/lounge. Restroom are shared with both genders, male and female. So don't be alarmed when visiting here and using the restrooms. They play pop music in the background which can definitely get you in the mood. Menu is Mediterranean based as well. For my experience, the service was a bit slow, but eventually I got my drink and an appetizer. Prices are on the higher end here, FYI. Maybe because it was during Happy hour and it was busy. I decided to order one of their cocktails and went with Evan Williams Old Fashioned (evan williams bourbon, black walnut bitters, demerara syrup) 5/5 smooth and delicious, for those who are fans of whiskey this is a must try. For food, I went with a fancy appetizer: BRAISED BEEF SHORT RIB TERRINE (served cold with cherry-fig mostarda, dijon, house pickled vegetables, toasted baguette) I was not a fan of how the beef was served because it just reminded me of "wet dog food" but I still ate some of it. I really enjoyed the fig jam with the toasted baguette. 3/5 This spot is more appropriate for groups or dates, I came alone to experience the "hype" but really, in my opinion, it is too "hyped up" on social media. It was an "ok" experience. I'm not no influencer either so I'm being honest.
I went to InsideOUT with a few friends the other night and the space itself is definitely the highlight. The inside is so cool and hard to fully describe, but it feels like you're being transported into a tropical oasis. The atmosphere alone makes it worth checking out. As for the food, it was just okay. We ordered the cheese board, Brussels sprouts, tartine, prawns, and the lemongrass chicken. Nothing was bad at all, but nothing really stood out either or felt especially memorable. I'd still go back because the vibe is great, and I've heard they have a fantastic brunch that I'd love to try next time.
I am dying to come back during a holiday for when it is more decorated! I loved this place and the service. Can't wait to come back.
Definitely 5 stars place. Very picturesque and fairly tale spot. Gorgeous! Very gorgeous! Its worth to wait for table. Reservation is the most! Parking is lil bit too tricky. Customer service is the greatest...Food was delicious. I ordered salad with shrimp and there is no doubt that they marinated shrimp very carefully and grilled one by one! Everything was very balanced taste wise. I cant wait try this place at night while the brunch time the menu is very limited but quality. The entrance is 18+ so no kids and its adult heaven. Very chill and unique! Be prepared to take lit of gorgeous pictures!
We tried out this spot while in the area and it was a great find. It's located beneath an apartment complex, with a large patio area that was vibrantly contemporary. Our waitress was nice and explained their menu to us. We kicked off the meal with IO's Chips & Dip, Marrakech margarita and saffron sultan old fashioned. The chips were light and crispy and paired well with the creamy dip. We tried to order the Australian hot stone but they ran out, so we opted for the applewood smoked pork chop and unagi glazed Atlantic salmon. The salmon was plump, not too salty and wasn't overpowered by the ponzu broth. The pork had a unique flavor of sweet and savory and was well balanced together. We capped off the night with their crema catalina that was perfectly sweet and creamy. Definitely try this spot if you're in the area but get there a bit early from the dinner rush to avoid missing out on some dishes.
Popped in for drinks and I had the new version of the old fashion and it was superb. It quite sure about the decoration on it but it was tasty. They have a new Mediterranean theme which is great. Much more understated than most themes but very. I've.
What a great experience this was. We had a great seat next to the small pond inside the restaurant. We were celebrating my birthday and, just the seating alone, made this a special experience. The server was great. We asked lots of questions and they were answered quickly with great recommendations. We were there for brunch.I had the tender kale & roasted butternut squash scramble. My friend had the simple breakfast. We both really enjoyed our choices. For my birthday, they provided a wonderful chocolate cake. Everything is yummy. I highly recommend making reservations. They get very crowded. Check their hours too. They are unusual and have brunch and dinner on some days.
Last night was one of my top dining experiences. Everything about IO was great. Literally every bite and sip was so delicious. And the decor was so thoughtful, refined yet relaxing. My friend is ready to redecorate his place with Moroccan lamps now. The only negative was our fault...we decided to go two days ago and the only reservation left was at 8:45. I think IO more beautiful at night, so we were looking forward to it nonetheless. We arrived around 8 and ordered a bottle of wine in the waiting area/courtyard ramp. Such an interesting layout, but it works! We got to sit at a table right next to the waterfall and pond. Our server was very nice. Probably the only slip-up in service, was that our main came out when we had barely put a dent in apps. We were probably chatting and sipping on wine too much? The expo realized, kept the mains, and said take your time. Then he brought out mains when we were ready. Everything on the menu sounded amazing. My friend and I decided to both get the steak on the hot stone. It comes out raw and you have to keep track of time to cook it how you like it. You can choose flavored salts and butters and sauces for the side. We also shared the pickled strawberry salad. It had lots of toppings, flavor, and textures. The pozole verde was also excellent.
5 months ago
Came here on a brunch date and absolutely loved it! The avocado toast was delicious and a very generous serving. The real star was the crumb cake - it was a massive piece of delicious cake, I would definitely come back here just for that! The mimosas and coffee were great too. Overall the ambiance, outdoor seating with fire pits, and beautiful pink cherry blossoms make this a great date or girls night place! read more
9 months ago
Inside Out San Diego was the perfect spot to celebrate my husband's birthday brunch. From the moment we arrived, the ambience set the tone--welcoming, stylish, and relaxed. Our waiter, Grant, provided exceptional service throughout the entire experience. He was attentive, friendly, and made sure everything felt effortless and special for the celebration. Grant you made our day with your presence. The menu was fabulous and everything we ordered was delicious and beautifully presented. The drinks were truly spectacular and complemented the meal perfectly. You can tell a lot of thought goes into both the food and the overall experience here. We left feeling happy, pleased, and already talking about coming back. Inside Out San Diego is a great choice for a special occasion or a relaxed brunch with excellent food and service. We will definitely be back! read more
I needed a brunch venue for celebrating a few birthdays that happened to coincide in my family so I made a reservation here. Tip: reservations on OpenTable exactly 30 days before, set an alarm on your phone because they will go fast! I wasn't sure what to expect because this was all of our first time at insideOUT but I can proudly say it did not disappoint! From the moment you step inside, it's wonder and whimsy galore. We had the enchanted oasis theme which has very Alice in Wonderland vibes and includes cool decorations like big butterflies and large mushrooms (makes you feel like you're shrunken down into an actual wonderland where no inch of space is unused). Atmosphere is top notch. So fun and immersive. Honestly, your photos will come out so beautiful from literally every angle of this place. I loved just walking around and putting my camera setting on portrait mode and taking pictures of the group because everything came out like a photo shoot with all the vibrant colors in the background too. It would have been enough to just have great ambiance but they go the extra mile and create equally amazing dishes across the board too. We knew we wanted the french toast from seeing it online and when we saw it passing to another customer in person I think our whole table was drooling. It tasted even better than we could have anticipated. We are not whip cream people at all but for some reason the vanilla flavoring in the whipped cream was Heaven and the strawberry balance was divine. I'm so glad we got to try this before it goes away on the menu (but honestly the oatmeal raisin sounds just as good and is one of the many reasons we are actually coming back in just a month again haha) Every single person in the group (and we have some very picky eaters) practically licked their plate clean. There were no leftovers whatsoever in the very best way possible. I get it because I personally thought the Loco Moco was one of my favorite things I've ever eaten. The bulgogi seasoning in the patty meat was incredible and the flavors worked so well together! Everything was cooked and seared perfectly and I probably could have somehow made room for eight more servings it was that good. As if that wasn't enough already with fantastic food and atmosphere, on top of that is the personable aspect to this place. I really enjoyed that our waiter made so many jokes with us and kept the vibe light. Then, when my mom recognized the chef himself and asked if it was him he was absolutely a sweetheart. He shared the personal details behind each dish we ate, shared the family stories that inspired them which transformed the delicious food into a meal journey for us, every bite become pure emotion and stories. I was honestly so touched with the amount of time he took with our table, with the love he puts into each menu item, and how clearly he values each dish he brings to life. His service was next level in every way and I am so honored we got to speak with him in this capacity. It really elevated our experience. I also really love that menu doesn't stay stagnant and that it's part of the vibe to change up whats offered seasonally with different theming. There is a thoughtfulness to this restaurant which other places lack. We are already planning to come back for the oatmeal French toast alone, and it's just an added bonus that the decorations will be all new as well. I have never been so excited to be a repeat customer to somewhere. I will definitely now add this to my recommendations for anyone who comes into town that loves fantastic food, amazing atmosphere, and top-notch passion from a very talented chef. San Diego is very lucky to have a gem like this! I feel like many birthdays and anniversaries to come are going to be celebrated here for me and my family in the future! Thank you insideOUT!!!!!! Wish I could give you guys six stars because it was really that good of an experience! read more
2 months ago
Such a cute place! The theme always changes. Food is okay but you mostly pay for the experience. Make sure to reserve in advance read more
Business owner information
Liz M.
Hello Jacob, thank you for dining with us and your valuable feedback.…
13 days ago
10 months ago
Had reservations for a few weeks (always recommended) and the experience did not disappoint. Always try to get a table outside but just know, it can change if there's rainy weather. We went during spring when they had it covered in pink flowers. So romantic! We snagged Benedict, omelette and shared the French toast. It's amazing for brunch and we'll be back for dinner! read more
19 days ago
Sorry I can't remember the seasonal cocktail names and forgot to take a photo of the menu! OMG but don't sleep on this place during the winter. It is magical. I often feel sad during this time being so far away from my family and away from snow. BUT this place knows how to turn up the seasonal joy. It is beautiful and magical. And the service is outstanding for how busy it gets. Also the food really surprised us with the depth of flavor and presentation. The music is loud which is the only tricky thing with a big group. But 100% recommend checking out for the holidays. read more
The service and the food were wonderful! Every 20 or 30 minutes or so it snowed!!! and it just looked like a Christmas winter wonderland! Highly recommend but you need to make a reservations way in advance! The decorations are just everywhere and gorgeous so perfect ambience for Christmas . read more
Business owner information
Liz M.
Hello Jana, thank you for dining with us. We hope to provide you with…
Second time eating at insideOut and I was blown away! Christmas decorations were spectacular, foam snow was super cool, and the food was incredible! Can't believe how amazing it was! 10/10 Service was a standout, our waiter was beyond amazing! Food was delicious Charcuterie combo plate 8/10, bread was a weak point Soup 9/10 excellent New York Steak 10/10 au poivre sauce is the best I've had in years. Overall better than Steak 48 Herb Bread 10/10 incredibly flavorful but not overly seasoned, fantastic Can't recommend this place enough, decorations are stunning. Only gripe is that the herb bread should be listed as an appetizer/starter. It's too good to be hidden as a side read more
5 months ago
The service was excellent. Cocktails were delicious. The Challah French toast was excellent. The Moco Loco was delicious. Everything was yummy. Nothing has changed. The restaurant is still excellent. Highly recommend read more
6 months ago
My oh my. This place was insane. While visiting San Diego for our anniversary, my boyfriend booked a reservation for this lovely restaurant. The ambiance was absolutely stunning and I can't wait to come back when they decorate it for different season/holiday! We got pork chop and lemongrass chicken coconut curry and as you can see, we devoured our food. It was amazing. Nathan was our server and he was absolutely amazing! read more
This is a great place to enjoy brunch on Sundays. The food is always on point and priced good. The service is top tier, everyone is attentive and accommodating. The different seasonal decore is fun and adds to the vibe. Things to consider: 1. The farmers market in temporarily right outside the restaurant. Plan parking accordingly. 2. You may want to consider Uber 3. Their brunch hours are set read more
1 year ago
3.5/5 stars I've been wanting to visit here since I saw it on Instagram, so I was glad to have been able to make a reservation for brunch. We got to enjoy the "Enchanted" experience, which included decorations like a magical fantasyland. I do have to say the ambiance was on point! Service wasn't great since they seated us 10 minutes past our reservation time. They also didn't fill up our water quickly enough. For my dish, I tried the Kalua Pork Benedict ($23). The poached eggs were nicely cooked with the runny yolk, and the pork was pretty tender. It was unique to have the Benedict on a Hawaiian roll. I didn't love the sriracha sauce and I personally don't prefer macaroni salad. read more
6 months ago
I would recommend getting a reservation when coming here. I did not do that, but was still lucky enough to be seated with my party. If you do not get one, you will not be able to sit where it's all pretty and you will have a 90 minute time limit. If you place a reservation online, you have to add put a card down. The decor is beautiful to look at. I enjoyed looking around and seeing all the pretty colors and flowers. The gentleman who helped us was great. The food was tasty, everyone in my party enjoyed their food. My aunt loved it. read more
23 days ago
6 months ago
This restaurant was very beautiful and it was a pleasure having dinner there. Sitting there at a table next to the water looking at all of the beautiful things in this courtyard that they had created is amazing. Service was fantastic! It was a great experience for my husband and I. food was amazing. We met one of the owners and had a nice conversation. Everybody that was there we're all smiling at each other. Having a good time. It was a great vibe! Can't really say enough about it. Make sure you make a reservation if you want to get a table. Thank you to everybody at inside out. You made our experience fantastic! read more
5 months ago
Inside OUT was so so nice and beautiful. Our server was so attentive, he was great. Thank you Julian The food was amazingly delicious. Will be coming back real soon. Great birthday lunch read more
First timer here! The experience alone is worth it! Very interesting interior, an Alice in Wonderland motif! Good amount of seating indoor and outdoors. Drinks are very strong (be prepared), food was fantastic. I got the 'stone cooked filet, where I cooked to taste at the table. The service was attentive and made some great suggestions. Overall a great experience, of note: if you come to eat , you NEED to make a reservation. read more
6 months ago
Always love returning to inside out for the themed decor. I'd never gone in December and it really delivered with the fake snow and everyone sitting in the main area had umbrellas! Sitting at the bar was also fun to see everything from afar without being "snowed" on. Mi didn't get a picture of my meal but the salmon was tasty. read more
Walking into Inside Out feels like stepping into a whimsical dream--cherry blossoms, soft lights, water--it's a fairytale. We started with the crostata, an interesting fusion of flavors, made even better with prosciutto--savory and delicious. The chips and dip weren't my top favorite, but oddly tasteful. For mains, I had the filet with Brussels sprouts--what a presentation! You finish cooking it on a stone to your liking, with salts and butter options. My son loved his salmon, my husband had the filet with cowboy butter, and we were all satisfied. The cocktails were delightful--my Paper Crane was cute and tasty, and even the Old Fashioned was solid. Service? Top-notch. Our waiter was amazing, and we even got a pic with Paris. Truly a 5/5--this is a must-visit when in San Diego! read more
6 months ago
What a spot! I came here to kick off a bachelorette party and I was seriously impressed. The decor in the place down to the tables were all beautiful. My mom asked me if they name it "insideOUT" because they're bringing the outdoors in.... Something to think about! There is a whole upstairs and indoor/outdoor vibe. What a place to explore! I had the Empress 75 for a drink and enjoyed it. It was subtle and veryyyy easy to drink. The truffle sweet potato fries were a perfect base being soft on the inside and crunchy on the outside. The ranch paired perfectly! Our server was attentive and checked back in frequently. I will note that the urinals for men and handwashing for women are in front of a window and 100% visible to any passersby's. We waved to a man doing his business and he was a good enough sport to wave back and be a bit silly. read more
InsideOUT in Hillcrest is such a beautiful and unique spot. I came in April when they had their spring décor up, and it honestly felt like stepping into a little oasis--pink flowering trees, a peaceful waterfall, and a super relaxing atmosphere. It's an outdoor, hybrid-style venue tucked under an apartment complex, which adds to the whole vibe. Just note they have limited hours. The food was solid. I ordered the 8 oz filet mignon and eggs, which comes out on a hot rock so you can cook it to your liking. It's a cool, interactive experience. The drinks were a highlight--especially the espresso martinis. So good. But the best part (aside from the atmosphere) was the service. Marshall was amazing--super friendly, patient, and gave great recommendations that really elevated the whole experience. Overall, a great spot if you're looking for a beautiful setting, strong drinks, and excellent service. Definitely a vibe. read more
Food : 4/5 Service: 5/5 Ambiance: 5/5 A group of friends and I spent a wonderful couple hours in this beautiful venue for brunch. The outdoor atrium area was decorated with flowers and trees to create a magical setting. It was a warm day so they had some umbrellas and fans running to help keep us comfortable. Everyone enjoyed their meals, mocktails and service. The kind waitress even brought out a dessert for the birthdays we were celebrating. We will definitely be back! One tip - make a reservation! read more
Ok the insideOUT concept is SO cute !! Obsessed with the interior, design, & layout of this entire place. The waiter was great & attentive, we just did drinks & my mocktail was sooo delicious. My friends got espresso martinis & relayed they were strong & delicious! read more
I had this place bookmarked since last year because of the recommendations. This was our monthly Mom's Night Out Date Night. We made reservations for 4:30pm, and scored front row parking. The minute we walked it, I was digging the vibes. Our beautiful hostess Sky sat us in the courtyard in the back corner. It was the perfect spot to people watch and take in the full experience. Shortly after we were seated, our cute and charming server Cristian greeted us with a warm smile and made stellar recommendations. We took advantage of Happy Hour and indulged in cocktails and mocktails. For noshes, we ordered Falafels, Truffle Brussels Sprouts and the Chilean Sea Bass. The Falafels were accompanied by this creamy hummus, perfectly pickled cabbage and crisp cucumbers. YUM-O! The Truffle Brussels Sprouts were cooked and seasoned to my liking. They were addicting, I could have eaten the whole dish by myself. The Chilean Sea Bass was served with a creamy puree, potatoes and bacon. You have to get a little bit of everything for the perfect bite. All the staff were attentive, we never felt rushed. We are actually encouraged to stay which was nice to linger a bit al fresco and just catch us with my girlfriend. We left around 6:45pm and the place was packed. I would definitely come back to hangout again during the early hours. read more
I brought my cousin for her birthday for brunch. There was plenty of parking on the bridge next to the restaurant. We were greeted and seated promptly. It was a gorgeous day so we sat outside. I was a bit underwhelmed with the ambiance, but I found it was not a themed set up yet. So will try again because I hear great things. The food was typical brunch food. I ordered a bottle for mimosas and they had different selections of juices than your average oj and pineapple juice. My cousins got Bloody Mary's and enjoyed them. Service was good and we did not feel rushed. read more
6 months ago
This is by far my favorite restaurant in San Diego! They decorate their patio seasonally and it makes for the best selfies or epic group friend pics! My favorite time to go is October when they have the "Enchanted Forest" theme going on! Giant mushrooms, giant butterflies, giant flowers, cute flamingos! It's just freakin' cool as hell! Ok so the food... holy hell the food is *kisses finger tips* chefs kiss! They have this Australian Hot Stone filet that is served on a hot slab that you cook yourself and it is TO DIE FOR! I usually order the Hot Stone Filet or their Bosc Pear Salad (IN-freakin-CREDIBLE). One time for brunch I ordered the Kalua Pork Benedict and I've never had anything more delicious in my WHOLE ASS LIFE! And I don't usually do Benedicts even, so that's saying a lot for me! It's not Chili's cheap, but it's not overpriced, and the menu offers a great variety for people who have different needs or preferences. I do usually dress up for this and consider it a nice dinner or a nice brunch. But that might be relative to the person, I just like a good reason to dress like a fancy badass queen! . Did I mention how handsome the waiters are?! Well, the waiters are SO HANDSOME! Soooo the drinks... the drinks are fun, festive, delicious, colorful, and they have an incredible variety! They have custom cocktails for each of their seasonal themes and they often have cute little trinkets with them! Like a little mushroom charm or a Xmas elf clinging to the rim of a martini glass; it's just freaking DELIGHTFUL! I take ANY AND ALL of my friends here whenever they come to visit San Diego, and I brought my daughter here for her 18th birthday! If you haven't been to InsideOut, you are not LIVING! 18 and over. But no review is complete without mentioning the bathroom. You have to at least walk by the restaurant to understand the epic bathroom situation. I won't even tell you actually, it's just a surprise you have to discover for yourself. The decorations, the food, the ambiance, the service; best restaurant I've ever been to! Hands down. Ok, I will let you all read other reviews now. Hope to see you there! And don't worry, I'm not sponsored and I don't work there, I'm in government logistics haha! read more
Not only will you get all your instagram worthy pictures at this restaurant, but you'll also get DELICIOUS food! Loved everything we ordered, service was top tier, and the entire restaurant was so aesthetically pleasing. 10/10, will be back! read more
7 months ago
Business owner information
Matthew R.
Thank you we put our hearts into our home!
If you've seen this place all over social media, believe the hype, especially during the holidays! We stopped by during Christmas and they absolutely went ALL OUT with the decorations. Between the glitzy lights and the golden leaves, walking in felt like stepping into a total fantasy land. It is absolutely stunning. We had dinner plans elsewhere, so we just came in for appetizers, but the food was solid. The Chips and Dips were fantastic (the dips were super tasty), and the Roasted Brussels Sprouts were cooked perfectly--nicely crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The service was good, too. Just a heads up: You definitely need a reservation. It's in a trendy part of University Heights and gets packed fast. Highly recommend for the vibes! read more
3 months ago
The good ..amazing service , cool vibe, great drinks . The salmon dish was wonderful, the French onion dip delish . The Cesar Salad a big miss for me ..tough chicken and uninspired dressing . The roasted potatoes very dry and not much flavor . The dining area is very busy and loud in a fun festive way :) We will come back for sure but sit "outside" and explore more of the menu . read more
I had been wanting to go to insideOUT for the past few years, after seeing photos of their holiday displays, but, unfortunately, I always was a bit late making my reservation. This year, I reserved early, and my husband and I went to dinner. Anyway, it was a rather blustery evening. so we were dressed in our holiday coats and sweaters which proved practical, as the restaurant is really all outdoors. They do have heat lamps which were very appreciated. Anyway, the place was absolutely spectacular! We were seated just near the water, yes the seats surround a pond. Periodically, they would play, "Let it Snow" and suds would start coming out of the sky. They provided me with an umbrella for the "snow". We very much enjoyed the several Christmas trees, lights, elves and merriment. We were given a small menu with a list of the Christmas cocktails. As we had come specifically the holiday theme, we figured it best to order from the specula menu. For our first round, I chose "Under the Mistletoe" which was a lovely gin and cranberry cocktail. My husband chose "Clear Winter Night" which was a chocolate mint cocktail that we thought may be overly sweet, but was actually a clear vodka drink that had all of those flavors without being creamy or overly sweet. Both drinks were delicious and beautifully presented, so we then decided to later try two more drinks off the holiday menu. I chose Nutcracker's Relief, which was a pistachio Mai Tai. It was really good, but a bit too sweet for me. My husband got the Partridge in a Pear Tree, a slightly pear-flavored Old Fashioned with a few twists. We started with the I.O, Chips & Dip, with was a take on the old school onion and potato chip dip. For our entrees, my husband chose the Filet Mignon on Australian Stone, which he enjoyed. They brought it out on a hot stone that he then used to cook each slice of filet himself. He got the hang of it, but the last few slices were a little overdone, as they were on the stone the longest. I chose the Vol Au Vent, which was a glorified pot pie with truffle. I actually chose it specifically because of the truffle. Well, there was some very visible shaved truffle on the dish, but aside from that, there was no truffle flavor. Also, unfortunately, the dish was under seasoned and the chicken was a bit dry despite being in a sauce. Service began great. Our server was attentive and took time to describe the menu, get the heat lamp to the right temperature, and took time to take several photos of us when requested. Unfortunately, there was a lull, before our meals came when we were out of order and had already decided on our second drinks. Our glasses (both cocktail and water) sat empty. We then had to ask the food runner for our server, however, after that, things went smoothly again. After dinner, we walked around to check out the rest of the decor and take a few photos. I really enjoyed the experience. The drinks were great, but the food was just OK. I am giving four stars as I would recommend the experience, but perhaps I would just come for drinks and appetizers the next time. read more
8 months ago
My daughter and I loved this place! The restaurant's theme changes a few times a year. We visited for breakfast, but we were told, dinner reservations are necessary. I can't wait to go back when they've decorated for spring. Food and drink prices are restaurant average, but you have to visit at least once to see how pretty it is inside. Oh, there is a surprise that happens when it rains or snows, I won't spoil it read more
1 year ago
This bar is fun, the servers are great, and the ambiance is so pretty. Great place to take photos and hang out. Unfortunately the food and drinks aren't a hit here. We ordered the pozole (soup of the day), mezcal Baja prawns, and the garlic parmesan & herb french bread. For drinks, we ordered the Empress and Ruby's Nectar. Everything is ok, but not great, and pricey. I'll probably come back when they do a theme night. read more
Always love coming here! The ambience is always on point, it's like a magical wonderland for every holiday. Even when it's not decorated, it's outdoor seats are beautiful. The food here is always great, brunch and dinner are always on point. The menu isn't huge, but they are great at what the do. Service is always fast, and everyone is super friendly. read more
I came here for my friends birthday dinner in November, the interior is so fun and aesthetic! The snow is such a whimsical touch!!! The chilaquiles were fine, not bad but nothing really special. I tried a sausage from someone else's breakfast plate and it was very dry and bland. The espresso martini was festive and tasty. The service was good, the waiter was friendly and helpful with our large party. Parking can be a bit difficult, street parking only. I would come here again for the vibes and to try the dinner menu but probably not for brunch. read more
I have been waiting two years to make it into the holiday "experience" and it was pretty epic. The light show and decor are very fun and festive (although sensitive viewers or those who get over stimulated should avoid). I was in high seasonal heaven and this place is a well oiled machine. I splurged because it was my birthday and went all in for the signature steak, a cocktail and dessert. I will say with the prices being pretty steep, I would think they could throw in some bread complimentary but everything was delicious and they have an army of helpful perky staff. It's all for the insta and ambience and the good food is a bonus. read more
The heart and flair of Hillcrest combines to deliver a dining experience that doesn't disappoint. I can see why it's best to make reservations for InsideOUT. After arriving shortly after opening for brunch on Sunday, the place fills up fast. It's in the heart of the farmers market so it's a bit of a walk to get there but once you're in, the party begins. The atmosphere is fun and lively with everyone having a good time, enjoying their food, drink and company. The menu has something to offer for everyone whether it's sweet or savory. They have a decent drink selection and do bottles of bubbly with your choice of juice mixers. The fried chicken and waffles were some of the best I've had and the Dutch apple pie French toast was very decadent. They were even kind enough to give us a slice of chocolate cake for the birthday celebration. The wait staff are all friendly and give good tips on what to order. The place is clean and has a fun atmosphere. My only issue is that because of the location, parking is a real issue so don't expect to get a close spot if you're coming on a weekend. read more
More info about insideOUT
1642 University Ave
Ste 100
San Diego, CA 92103
Hillcrest
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(619) 888-8623
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http://insideoutsd.com
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Ask the Community - insideOUT
Does the Christmas experience go all day, so if we went between 12-2pm?
It is an all day thing.
For the holiday decor/fake snow/etc, does this last until new years or end after Christmas?
Based on past years -it is up till New Years.
How's the parking?
Street parking, I took an uber because I know Parking in the area can be tricky so be prepared! But worth it!
When do you put up all of your christmas decor?
We do it beginning of November we are launching Enchanted Thursday Sept 11th.
How long will the Spring Oasis last?
I believe they changed it out on May 18-19 to the summer theme.
I know they say this place "isn't for kids" which I usually take as meaning young kids. Would a 12 year old be out of place here? Like, more of an 18-21+ vibe?
It is 18+ only.
Is Emotional dog allowed at outdoor seat?
Only service dogs allowed. No emotional support NOT ALLOWED indoor or outdoor here
When making a reservation for the enchanted forest the outside dining is where it's decorated correct? I'm scared to make the wrong reservation
Yes the outside patio area. :)
How can I go about reserving a table on a Friday say around 5pm a week prior? I tried looking on open table app and nothing is available? Does that mean the reservations are full a week in advance?
Hi, it could be there are no tables available. I booked my reservation a month out.
Am I able to bring a 9 years old to the restaurant? Thank you so much 😊
Unfortunately it's 18 years & up
Is it better to sit inside or outside?
My preference is to be seated outside, as it's much more beautiful and always lovely to dine outdoors.
Hello what is the theme inside right now? TIA
I believe no theme at the moment but I believe they will when it's closer to Valentine's Day.
What time does brunch go until?
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