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Pacific Beach AleHouse

3.8 (1.9k reviews)
Open • 10:00 am - 12:00 AM (Next day)

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PACIFIC BEACH ALEHOUSE ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Classy
Casual
Moderate noise
Good for groups

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Recommended Reviews - Pacific Beach AleHouse

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JUMBO BAVARIAN PRETZEL and FRIED PICKLES
Grace

we were excited to watch the world cup at alehouse and had just an ok experience sadly. first off, the bouncer was giving off weird energy-- he checked my ID and looked skeptical and laughed which was super strange, i was concerned he thought my ID was fake or something but he eventually let me through. my other friends said he was also weird to them too. we had a large party sitting in the beer garden which was a fun & lively atmosphere to watch the game. there was only one server for the beer garden and at times she was nowhere to be found but if she was out there it was super hard to flag her down because she wasn't looking around. when she did help us, she was a bit rude-- my friend was confused about one of the drink specials, and she gave us some attitude about it instead of just explaining it politely. her energy was just a bit standoffish and annoyed to be there. we thought the food/drinks were just ok-- the fried pickles weren't that good, the moscow mules tasted super off, and we actually had to have them remake it but even then it was still not up to par. the pretzels were good however, and a large portion which was appreciated. we also had a bit of conundrum when paying because she told us she could only do 4 separate checks for a party over 8 people even though we've done individual checks before. it made it a bit stressful to pay and it would have been nice if they just initiate a QR code ordering system or something like that, as the waitress was super hard to get ahold of and it would be easier to just pay as you order instead of trying to split the check with a bunch of people at the end. overall, not sure if i'd come here for another game day- it might have been a one-off but was hoping for friendlier service and better food/drinks. the atmosphere was very fun though so that was appreciated!

Martha W.

We stopped in for lunch and sat out on the front patio with our dog. It was nice and cool and our server was very nice and called everybody love . She took the time to chit chat also, which she doesn't have to do. We had the crab cakes which were very good, as well as the buffalo wings, which were really good and crispy the way I like them. Did not realize they brew their own beer and tried to have their IPA but they were out of it. They could have a few more local beers maybe. They also have happy hours items start at 2 until 5. There's lots of seating upstairs with ocean views and downstairs out front and on side as well as indoor, so it's a good place for a large group.

Karl Strauss Boat Shoes
Niki G.

After driving nearly six hours this past Monday and getting to my hotel, I was tired but hungry. This place was across the street and though they didn't have any vegan dishes, they did allow me to request a salad plus Impossible burger patty combo, which was pretty good given it is not a typical request there! The fries were yummy. The bartender was super nice and I felt comfortable sitting at the bar as a solo diner. Had Karl Strauss Boat Shoes IPA on draft :)

Wings
Alyson C.

The food is so good here. Wow. The wings were delicious. The fish and chips were a little bready but they had such a great fresh tasting fish inside that it didn't even matter. Our server was so nice and sweet. The World Cup was going on so it was a little crazy in there but we had a great time. The drinks were great, food was great, I will be coming back!

Burger deal
Delanie P.

Pacific Beach AleHouse was such a fun find. As a Broncos fan from Colorado, it was really cool to see the Broncos flag, definitely felt a little piece of home. It's walking distance from our hotel and right along the beach, which already makes it a win. We sat upstairs and had a great view of the ocean, which made the whole experience even better. Went for lunch and it was a super chill vibe. They also have a solid Monday deal -- $20 for a beer, burger, and fries, which is hard to beat. From what we could tell (and see from our hotel), it definitely gets a lot busier at night, so depends on the vibe you're going for. Overall, great spot for a laid-back lunch with a view.

AHI TUNA NACHOS
Brendon N.

We've been coming to P.B. AleHouse for a long time... In fact, so long that we were literally coming before it opened. Our family has been staying at The Beach Cottages (which is basically next door) during the holidays for the past 30 years. Our tradition calls for a dinner out the night before Christmas Eve, since we cook in-house the next two nights. Before the P.B. AleHouse, it was the Terrific Pacific. Over the years we may have tried one or two other places, but have been coming here every year since they opened! AMBIANCE: This place definitely has sports bar vibes, but more classy than divey. They rep flags prominently for both the Denver Broncos and the Iowa Hawkeyes, in addition to the Padres and more. Once inside, there is a bar area with seats, as well as high-boy style tables. If you turn left, you'll get to the main dining room where you'll find booths against the wall and plenty of additional tables for seating. One thing there isn't a shortage of, is TVs. There are screens everywhere, showing both local and national sports. They even have subscriptions to stuff like NBA League Pass, where they'll show multiple games on one screen. There's also an upstairs rooftop patio area, with an additional bar, heaters, and more screens. This is a great place to be during the sunset, or at night if it's not TOO cold. While it is a restaurant where kids are welcomed, they do have bouncers out front at times (usually later), likely to confirm any minors are accompanied by adults. DRINKS: One of the strengths here for sure. If you're a beer fan, you're in luck. They brew their own beer, and feature options like a sour wheat ale, blonde, red ale, Japanese lager, American stout, West Coast IPA, as well as other rotating taps. They love to show off the kegs of home brew in the back near the restrooms. If you're not feeling adventurous and want to stick to something you know, they also have options like Bud Light, Big Wave, Stella, Angry Orchard, and some stuff from Lagunitas and Firestone Walker on draft. A couple bottled/can options like Corona, Pacifico, Nutrl, Bucha, Truly, Surfside, and Suncruiser. For the drafts, they have multiple sizes available, allowing you to get a traditional pint, or more! If beer isn't your thing, they have white, red, and sparkling wine. There are also 9 craft cocktails ($17/ea), most of which we have tried. Some of our favorite cocktails include: Strawberry Fields, Basic Beach, Resting Gin Face, Just Mai Type, and the Prickly In Pink Mule. Of course they have non-alcoholic options (soda, sparkling water, coffee, tea, and even some NA beers). FOOD: They open at 11am on weekdays, and 10am on weekends, which means... BRUNCH! This goes until 2pm on Saturday and Sunday. The menu includes both breakfast and lunch options (breakfast burrito, chilaquiles, biscuits & gravy, avocado toast, French toast, plus flatbreads, burgers, tacos, and more). If that wasn't enough, they also have some additional brunch cocktails (Bloody Mary, a breakfast shot with bacon, and something called Tickled Pink, which has champagne with pink glitter). Pretty much every time we come, it's for dinner. The dinner menu is solid, and decently eclectic for a sports bar. They have some standard starters like chicken wings, fried calamari, with some more fun options like ahi tuna nachos, fried pickles, and a jumbo Bavarian pretzel. Salad options include a chicken Cobb, and a classic Caesar (with the option to add a protein for an additional charge). Moving on, they have 3 flatbreads to choose from. We've tried 2 of the 3, and they're solid... especially dipped in ranch (...what isn't tho?!). For the main dishes, they have items like burgers, sandwiches, mac & cheese, fish tacos, fish & chips, salmon, and short ribs. This most recent time we went, we shared the beer cheeseburger, a Caesar salad, and the ahi tuna nachos. All three were quite tasty, and the ahi nachos were a solid portion for the price. Another thing we order every year and enjoy, are the fried pickles. This one is served with a Sriracha ranch, which adds another level of deliciousness. They also have a Happy Hour, which is Monday - Friday from 2pm - 5pm. OVERALL: We continually have great experiences when coming to P.B. AleHouse. The staff has always been friendly and accommodating to our groups over the years. Long gone are the days where we used to roll 30+ people deep and take over most of the downstairs dining room. These days we average under 10 people, though it's still a place we look forward to coming to when we visit Pacific Beach every year. Shout out to all of the hardworking and awesome staff, both front and back-of-house. I definitely recommend stopping by if you're in the area! IG: @bbnem.eats

Fried pickles
Christine V.

We came and got a nice table in the shade on the patio on the first floor with a bunch of TVs with sports on. Started with two of their brews Hoppy one and a Mexican lager and the Bavarian pretzel and fried pickles. wow!!! The pretzel! The jalapeno cheese fondue and honey mustard with the pretzel!!! I'm a wimp lately and had to ask for regular ranch too with the fried pickles but tbh the Sriracha ranch was so good. We then tried the BBQ chicken flatbread and a classic burger with garlic Parmesan fries and another round of beers. The flatbread had real chicken breast seasoned well and it was delicious. The burger was good too. We had the best waiter Bradley and he guided us through the menu and really knows his stuff. His service was exceptional. We had such a great time here and couldn't finish so we had leftovers. Come enjoy great brews, great service, clean restrooms and really delicious food. Thank you. we will return!

Sebastian A.

Pacific Beach AleHouse is one of those spots that gets everything right. The food was excellent, with great flavor and generous portions. The drinks were just as impressive, and their happy hour deals are hard to beat. The atmosphere really stands out--fun, lively, and perfect for hanging out with friends or enjoying a casual night out. Between the great food, amazing drinks, and awesome vibes, it's easy to see why this place is so popular. I'll definitely be coming back and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a great spot in Pacific Beach.

BEER CHEESEBURGER with sweet potato fries
Christina K.

This Alehouse is right at the beach and it is a popular place to have a drink and get some great food. The bar counter has a raised door so it opens up and has an outdoor as well as an indoor bar area. The bartenders were very attentive! As soon as we sat down they were there to greet us with menus. What was nice was there were at least 3 bartenders and they all helped us, ensuring we didn't need anything. We started with the Italian Flatbread. I was shocked! The flatbread was SO GOOD! I especially liked the flatbread part, it was stiff and sturdy and had crunch. It solidly held the ingredients on top - also delicious. I would definitely get this again. Next, we got the Beer Cheeseburger with sweet potato fries. The burger is big and we shared it as well. The patty is juicy and cooked to our liking at medium temp. The sweet potato fries also came out crisp and hot. Overall - a great experience from start to finish.

Anita M.

Went here tonight with a couple friends! I was pleasantly surprised we got sat right away outside during sunset. Service was quick and friendly. I ordered the Mac & cheese which was seasoned well and I liked the breadcrumb topping. I'd get this again! My friend liked her burger and fries. It's a nice spot for drinks, food (meals and apps). Great spot by the beach and they have an upstairs also. We would have liked our server to check in with us once after we got the food.

Sunsetter
An L.

The soft shelled crab burger was to die for. I would choose the crispy fried soft shelled crab over a beef patty any day. It was a flavor explosion in my mouth from the crisp red onions to the creamy tartar sauce. I craved this burger immediately after just finishing it. I had to resist the urge to order another one.

Absolutely delicious FISH TACOS
Adam S.

Oh man oh man! We're spending the week in San Diego and trying different local spots for dinner each night. This was where we ended up tonight and it was phenomenal. Our waiter Gabe was top notch, recommended the fried pickles (a hit) and helped me choose between the fish tacos and the fish and chips (I chose wisely). He was super friendly, we had a great chat with him about fried Oreos, showed him some pics from our trip to the zoo today, and just had an absolute blast. It was a quiet Tuesday night, but I can see a place like that absolutely hopping on the weekends. My wife was impressed by the house margarita, and my kid loved his Shirley temple. It's a definite recommend from me, and I wasn't even there for the craft beer! A+ all around!

Menu
Sky T.

Classic beachside restaurant with good bar food and vibes. Great for groups as well! They are opened late which was good for my group of friends that were traveling into town. They also have a second level deck which gives some nice views and they have a fire when it's colder. I ended up getting some truffle fries and a burger and both hit the spot. Simple and cooked well. The service was friendly and also gave us some good recommendations in the area.

Pacific Ale House in Pacific Beach outdoor seating

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Good food. Nice staff. Broncos HQ in San Diego was an interesting twist. We will definitely be back soon.

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3 months ago

Found the burger and impossible burger quite bland. Great service on a busy Saturday night!

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We love grabbing quick cocktails at alehouse. Turner is our favorite bartender, he is quick with a joke.

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Pacific Beach AleHouse Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - Pacific Beach AleHouse

What's the happy hour menu?

$2 off all guest drafts, 1/2 off bottles of wine, $10 featured cocktail of the week and $5 for all house beers, fried pickles, wings, and 1/2 flatbreads. Mom-Friday 2-5pm

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Oceana Coastal Kitchen - Oceana Coastal Kitchen patio, join us!

Oceana Coastal Kitchen

3.9(750 reviews)
0.4 mi
•$$$

Oceana Coastal Kitchen is a great spot at the Catamaran Hotel. We had a staycation there and…read morereceived a dining credit, so we enjoyed breakfast here two mornings in a row. We sat next to the fish tank, which we're big fans of, and had a delicious eggs Benedict with mimosas. The food and service were both very good. We also came here for dinner and ordered the seafood tower. It was pretty expensive and probably not something I would have ordered without the dining credit, but it was delicious and made for a fun date night.

We stayed at the Catamaran resort for a week back in early to mid August and dined at Oceana on…read moremultiple occasions given its convenient location. Overall the experience was okay. The outdoor seating offers great views of the bay, though it could get quite hot and humid outside during deep summer. If you are someone who likes al fresco dining but cannot tolerate certain levels of discomfort while eating, I would recommend sitting outside for breakfast or after the sun has mostly gone down. Their breakfast offerings are delicious and generous. My kids loved their pancakes and french toast. The kids meal pancakes comes with 2 massive pancakes which is arguably enough food for a grown adult. The breakfast sandwich is truly a sight to behold, but only order it if the itinerary for the rest of your day involves louging by the beach/pool and/or napping lol... The dinner however, I would probably pass on. We had dinner there on a Monday, where they advertised a prix fix meal that consisted of a martini, salad, cacio e pepe pasta and dessert brownie, at a price that seemed like a great deal. My husband got that Monday special while my kids and I ordered from the regular dinner menu. My and my kids' food were tasty but pricey for what they were. The cacio e pepe pasta that came with my husband's meal, however, was mediocre at best. He painted the experience as essentially eating butter pasta at a fancy restaurant. In fact the butter pasta we make at home for our kids has more cheese than what he ate. The service was very slow, not sure if it was because of poor planning but our server had to serve tables both indoors and outdoors, meaning he often overlooked one area or the other. We waited for more than 30min after we were done with our entrees before we could flag down our server to notify him that we had not been served the brownie that was part of my husband's meal. It took around 20 more minutes before my kids started to complain and my husband decided we had spent enough time waiting. We asked for the check, still no brownie in sight, then quickly paid and left. Only as we were walking out of the door did they FINALLY bring out that piece of brownie but it was too late... There are plenty of other good unique restaurants for dinner nearby, don't waste your dinner time here. Just stick to breakfast and it's all good

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Oceana Coastal Kitchen - Oceana Coastal Kitchen... Join us for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Oceana Coastal Kitchen... Join us for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Oceana Coastal Kitchen - Oceana Coastal Kitchen, on the shores of Mission Bay!

Oceana Coastal Kitchen, on the shores of Mission Bay!

Oceana Coastal Kitchen - Oceana Seafood Tower

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Oceana Seafood Tower

Moray's

Moray's

3.4(93 reviews)
0.4 mi
•$$

Really good maitai!!…read more The bar set up is pretty cool. We came here to escape the heat for a little bit and the bar proved to be the right choice. My maitai was refreshing and my mate enjoyed his espresso martini! They have a TV with sports showing if you're trying to catch a game

Beautiful views and good service made this a 3.5 stars. Oddly, I wish I had ordered the $27 burger…read moreand fries. The Catamaran has two restaurants, Oceana and Moray's. As I understand it, Moray's is the outside/patio dining portion, while Oceana is the indoor fine-dining situation. I believe they pretty much have very similar menus, with Oceana having some additional high-end offerings. Came out to Moray's to visit my cousin who was in town for work. Since my cousin now has her most adorable infant, she wanted to keep it simple and dine at the hotel restaurant, which was fine by me. While I waited for them to come down from their room, I got us a patio table and ordered a delicious $10 draft. Mixed drinks were all hovering around $19 each. The server was friendly, welcoming, and helpful, which I greatly appreciated. I went with the reasonably priced Steak Frites, $36, which was to stated to come with Muenster cheese and caramelized onions on top, and served with a side chimichurri. While the steak was wonderfully cooked to a solid med. rare as requested, it seemingly had very little flavor. Perhaps had it not been covered with a wealth of some DEEPLY caramelized onions and an abundance of Muenster cheese, I might have been able to taste the seasonings and/or the beef. While I love some deeply caramelized onions on a salt-laden burger, the extent to which these were caramelized left them seeming soggy and too sweet for the steak pairing. Add in the several slices of melted Muenster cheese on top, and flavourwise I could hardly tell I was eating a steak. Ultimately, the abundance of toppings overwhelmed the steak. The accompanying chimichurri was also a little strange. While I appreciate that it was diced and not blended, it was very heavy on the oil, while very light on the herbs. The frites were nicely salted and good on their own, however a decent amount became soggy from being under the steak. The burger on the other hand looked excellent. My cousin devoured his in what seemed like a split second. I could have went for the burger, however at $27 I perceived the $36 steak frites to be of a better value. Again, shout out to our server. They were on-point! Thanks Moray's!

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Moray's - Charcuterie Board

Charcuterie Board

Moray's
Moray's - Chile Shrimp Flatbread

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Chile Shrimp Flatbread

JRDN Restaurant - Enjoy brunch in San Diego on our restaurant's patio.

JRDN Restaurant

3.9(1.8k reviews)
0.2 mi•Pacific Beach
•$$$

Four stars for Jrdn. The view is superb, and the scallops were the highlight of our dinner. When I…read moreasked the executive chef about them, he took the time to tell me the whole story behind the dish. After we finished, he came back to ask what I thought. I loved them. The halibut was excellent, too. The burger was the miss. It was dry and tasted a little off. Our server was pleasant, but disappeared for long stretches, so we waited for just about everything. The rest of the serving team clearly knew how to get things done. Between the view, the scallops, the halibut, and the chef's personal attention, I'd go back. I'd just hope for more consistent service next time

Unfortunately, this review is a cautionary one. A friend and I found this place through an…read moreinstagram post that was collab made with JRDN and a local influencer about their oyster happy hour. Excited to try another spot, we went on a Friday and arrived @3:05. There we were created by pleasant staff and seated on their outside porch with a beautiful view of the PBB pier and beach. Unfortunately the service did not reflect the setting. Like any other place, our waiter came, took our orders of sushi, two drinks, and 24 oysters. Our sushi and drinks came at a very respectable time, but we sat and waited for our oysters for over an hour, watching several others who had came after us receive theirs. We also didn't see our waiter for that length of time so my friend finally went to the bar to ask if they had forgotten. Here she was met with a "oh.. so we have a funny story" and she discovered that the restaurant RAN OUT of oysters and the incoming delivery man had gotten a flat in route. Having to ask to find this out was inconsiderate of the staff, seeing we would've just left knowing that information and came back a different day if we had been updated. The oysters finally arrived an hour and a half after we ordered them but as they were delivered the waiter gave us his sympathy and declared that we would be compensated for the wait. We finished, asked for the check and our waiter mentioned he would talk with his manager before grabbing it for us. When he came back he apologized saying his manager, Ashley, wouldn't comp the oysters since they were priced for Happy Hour but suggested we don't tip him for the inconvenience. We didn't want to do that, since it wasn't his fault they were delayed, but when we paid, he quickly took the pad, tapping "No Tip." Our waiter, Phillip, was kind and generous, stating he didn't want this experience to ruin our perception of the restaurant and pleaded us to come back to give them another chance. Unfortunately my friend and I don't feel pulled to come back since the overall experience wasn't what we hoped for nor did we feel like the situation was communicated with us.

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JRDN Restaurant - Inside

Inside

JRDN Restaurant - Wagyu burger at locally owned restaurant

Wagyu burger at locally owned restaurant

JRDN Restaurant - JRDN is one of San Diego's Top Place to Eat. Enjoy an eclectic menu with coastal influence.

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JRDN is one of San Diego's Top Place to Eat. Enjoy an eclectic menu with coastal influence.

The Crack Shack - Pacific Beach

The Crack Shack - Pacific Beach

4.1(115 reviews)
0.2 mi•Pacific Beach
•$$
Locally owned & operated
Outdoor seating

The Crack Shack in Pacific Beach is one of my favorite spots when I'm craving a fried chicken…read moresandwich. It's also super close to the beach, which makes it an easy place to stop before or after spending some time by the water. I almost always get the Firebird. The chicken is consistently juicy, crispy, flavorful, and has a really good amount of heat. It's definitely my go-to here. I also love that they have such a big selection of condiments and sauces, so you can try different combinations with your meal. The open patio is another big plus and fits the casual PB vibe really well. The employees have also always been nice and helpful whenever I've visited. The only area I think could use a little improvement is the cocktails. The ones I've tried have been okay, but I'd love a little more flavor and a stronger pour, especially compared to how bold the food is.

Solid place for some well fried chicken I have been here…read moremany times since it is near my place and I gotta say it is a solid choice and one of my favorite chicken places in San Diego. The Le Cluck and the jidori chicken nuggets have to be my favorite items. The Le Cluck is a beautiful marriage between French onion soup and a fried chicken sandwich. I honestly love this thing so much and hope it isn't just a seasonal item, but becomes a permanent on the menu. The Jidori Nuggets are always very well done and the sauces here are bangin and they have a good variety of sauces. The sandwiches on the other hand are a bit inconvenient with seasoning and fry. I've gotten the Coop and other multiple times and it seems to be different based on who is in the kitchen. I went for the Phily Chicken Cheesesteak and it was underseasoned and terrible. I wouldn't recommend it but I've had friends say it was good - but again the spot is inconsistent. I really appreciate the sauces and the different kinds of food they have here because there seems to be someone for everyone here - no matter how picky you are. Don't skip the nuggets

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The Crack Shack - Pacific Beach
The Crack Shack - Pacific Beach - Jidori Chicken Wings

Jidori Chicken Wings

The Crack Shack - Pacific Beach

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Fig Tree Cafe - Italian Plant Based omelette

Fig Tree Cafe

4.1(2.1k reviews)
0.9 mi•Pacific Beach
•$$

The most charming brunch spot in PB!…read more Entering Fig Tree Cafe feels like going into a hidden oasis. The decor and layout is a bit funky, a lot beachy, and super San Diegan. There's a bunch of seating options in the front and back- countless tables and quirky booths. We tried out their Shakshuka, Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, and a Hibiscus Lemonade to wash it all down. Everything was so yummy and affordable! The portions were a good size and we all left feeling satisfied. Their menu has a pretty good spread of brunch items, so we will be back to explore and peruse the rest of it!

Tucked away in the heart of Pacific Beach, Fig Tree Cafe is the kind of charming little gem you…read morestumble upon and immediately want to keep coming back to. The outdoor seating captures a breezy, beachy-paradise feel, while the cozy indoor area offers a snug retreat for anyone craving a bit more shade and shelter. Soft music and quaint decor tie the whole space together, perfectly echoing the laid-back coastal vibe of the neighborhood. Whether you lean savory or sweet, the menu has plenty to tempt you, and the service was warm and attentive throughout. My boyfriend ordered the American breakfast while I opted for the seasonal veggie omelet with an added helping of jack cheese. I'm usually a devoted meat lover, but the seasonal veggies sounded too good to pass up, and I'm so glad I took the leap. The omelet arrived fresh, fluffy, and utterly delicious, the cheese and vegetables melding together so beautifully that I never once missed the meat. The American breakfast was just as impressive, crowned with gorgeous over-easy eggs whose bright orange yolks practically glowed. The house potatoes were savory and satisfying, and the fig jam paired with warm sourdough was an absolute standout, sweet, rustic, and completely irresistible. I'm knocking off one star since the server who brought our food dropped a piece of toast and, oddly, never replaced it. That aside, the coffee cake we ordered came out piping hot and was the perfect companion to a good cup of coffee.

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Fig Tree Cafe - Dec 24, 2022

Dec 24, 2022

Fig Tree Cafe - So good! A must try!

So good! A must try!

Fig Tree Cafe - 02-23-2023

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02-23-2023

Second Nature - Short rib Benedict ShortRib

Second Nature

4.1(582 reviews)
0.8 mi•Pacific Beach
•$$

Second nature is so good!…read more Went for a Saturday brunch and had an amazing. Not too busy for a Saturday morning which was nice. Street parking only but there is always spots near by or on the side streets. The service was fast and all the staff was very nice. I got the short rib eggs Benedict and it was amazing! The sauce was herby and full of flavor. Loved the crispy onions. The potato's were amazing and crispy. The bloody mary was not my favorite. Lacked flavor and only had a pickle and lemon/lime on it but overall a good drink. They have both in door and outdoor seating and are dog friendly. The outdoor patio had a nice shaded seating section which is nice for the hot weather. Overall really good place!!

My niece and I were looking for a place to go to catch up and enjoy a light dinner with coffee, and…read morewe discovered this cute little place just blocks from where she lives. It was perfect for two adults who weren't planning on drinking any alcohol. The food came out right away. Her fries were made to order, and my hummus plate was perfection. We easily spent two hours just enjoying the night. They also offered baseball on outside-mounted TVs but it wasn't a distraction for our night. Street parking can be iffy but we found a spot less than a block away. Our waitress was a bit busy but she handled our table with ease. Will definitely be back.

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Second Nature - July 31, 2023

July 31, 2023

Second Nature - Eggs Benedict Classic

Eggs Benedict Classic

Second Nature - July 31, 2023

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July 31, 2023

The Playground - Local craft beer flight!

The Playground

4.5(13 reviews)
0.2 mi•Pacific Beach

The Playground is the rebranding of the suite in the Promenade at Pacific Beach that housed Mati's…read moreBirria + Beer. The business still features offerings from Mati's, but it is now a food collective. A chicken wing vendor and a future chicken and waffles vendor will be sharing the same kitchen. Parking is free for up to 30 minutes in the shared lot. After that duration, you need to pay at one of the available kiosks. Since these were the early days of The Playground, there were operational kinks that need to be smoothed out. First were the unusual business hours (e.g. 9 am to 9 pm on Thursday and Friday, only 7 pm to 9 pm on Sunday, etc). My initial attempt to visit occurred after work on a weekday. Despite the supposed closing time of 11 pm, the doors were locked at 5:30 pm. Second was the lack of prices on the menus. That is a cardinal sin in my book because if you are open to the public, then you owe it to the customers to disclose the costs. The first item for my to-go order was a snack size serving (six pieces) of Chicken Wings. I picked Bonnie's Barbeque for a sauce that featured a sweet and smokey flavor. The wings were coated with the sauce and not deep fried which made them a bit healthier. The second item was a Birria Quesadilla that came with consome on the side. A flour tortilla was filled with cheese, marinated shredded beef, cilantro, and onion. It was then sliced into smaller triangular pieces and then separated by aluminum foil in a takeout box. The consome had moderate richness while the cheesy, beefy tortilla was filling. I didn't understand the meaning of the new moniker as the interior setup had not been modified. It certainly did not have the ambiance of a playground. My first impression of this place was a three star rating with multiple areas of needed improvement including signage on the marquee. If one is driving down Mission Blvd, then there is no way to notice from the roadside that The Playground even exists.

I rarely leave negative reviews, but this experience was too appalling to ignore. I visited the…read moreplayground with high hopes based on the reviews, but what I got instead was a stomach-turning disaster. I ordered the Birria Crunch Wrap, and halfway through eating, I discovered a long strand of hair buried in the food. Not just on top in the food. It was clearly cooked into the dish, which tells me that basic hygiene in the kitchen is completely lacking. When I pointed it out to the server, she barely apologized and offered to remake it, as if that would magically erase the thought of chewing through someone else's hair. No manager came to speak to us, no discount, no sense of urgency or genuine concern. The rest of the food wasn't memorable either--bland, lukewarm, and overpriced for the quality. But honestly, after the hair incident, I couldn't bring myself to take another bite. If you value cleanliness and basic health standards, avoid this place. There are plenty of other restaurants that know how to wear a hairnet.

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The Playground - Lemon Pepper, Sweet Chili, and Nashville Hot- Delicious one of a kind flavors!

Lemon Pepper, Sweet Chili, and Nashville Hot- Delicious one of a kind flavors!

The Playground - Nashville Hot- 6pc :)

Nashville Hot- 6pc :)

The Playground - Birria Quesadilla

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Birria Quesadilla

Pacific Beach AleHouse - breweries - Updated October 2026

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