Rustic Root

509

566

2031

3 years ago

Perfect spot to go bar hopping in Gaslamp! Didn't have reservations but they were able to squeeze us upstairs! We ordered the 1836 Sour and a Java Martini. The Java Martini was more of an icy, chilled drink. Our server was great and super friendly. read more

Rustic Root - 1836 Sour and Java Martini - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

Rustic Root - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

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Annie A.

Hi Jessica! Thank you for coming in and taking the time to write a…

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dvl ..

1 year ago

Delicious spot for a weekend breakfast, friendly staff, good food and dog friendly! The breakfast options are solid - we ordered avocado toast (delish) and had the Rustic Egg Plate which had eggs (over medium and the yoke was still perfectly runny) a choice of bacon/sausage (we tried both and both were delish), roasted potatoes, arugula salad and english muffin. Veni/Vedi/Vici - Needless to say we left sated and happy. read more

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Katie B.

Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us a review. We are…

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Steven H.

235

1315

3 years ago

We made a reservation to eat dinner at Rustic Root for Thanksgiving because they were offering a Thanksgiving meal as well as their regular menu offerings. I'm not a huge traditional turkey kind of guy so I opted to order off the menu while my companion ordered the traditional turkey dinner. But wait, I'm getting ahead of myself..... First off, Rustic Root had three hosts up front when we arrived and they were smiling broadly and welcoming to us as we arrived at the restaurant. I let them know we had a reservation and they immediately were able to walk us to a dining room table. The restaurant was beautifully decorated for fall with leaves hanging from the ceiling throughout the premises. Chill EDM (electronic dance music) was playing at a moderate level and it was a festive scene in 80% full dining room. After sitting down we were quickly approached by our smiling waitress who took our drink order. Quick tip: Their Moscow Mule was really good. We also ordered a side of Brussels to share before our meal. For dinner we ordered the traditional Thanksgiving meal and the Bone-in Pork Chop. The roasted Brussels were really the only thing we weren't crazy about during our visit. It wasn't that they were horrible but the spicy honey made it a bit too sweet for our liking. The turkey dinner was absolutely humongous and came with corn, beans, cranberries, a biscuit, mashed potatoes and potato salad. My pork chop came with an amazing Demi-glaze. I subbed a jalapeño corn bread for the broccolini side and it also came with roasted sweet potatoes. The pork was beautifully cooked and the picture doesn't really do it justice. It's a good size meal. The sweet potatoes went well with the pork and I absolutely LOVED the corn bread. My mouth has started watering just thinking about it again. Looking forward to our next visit for sure! read more

Rustic Root - Bone BONE-IN PORK CHOP - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

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Annie A.

Hi Steven! Thank you so much for choosing to spend the holiday with…

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Rachel V.

8 months ago

Best part of my experience was the bartender Angel. He took so much pride in his cocktail making and it was amazing.

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Dominic R.

Hi Rachel,…

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Amy M.

155

165

1 year ago

Made a 2:30p reservation only to receive calls from restaurant telling us not to be late because their brunch menu ends promptly at 2:30. we arrived on time but elected to wait for the happy hour menu. At 3 PM we were provided the happy hour menu, but were told half of the items on the already limited menu were unavailable because they were out of stock. Would have been good to know that when we declined the brunch menu! We had the Nashville sliders which were delicious, the fries, and the caramelized onion dip. Those three items were very, very tasty. We were disappointed to see multiple tables around us receiving the items we were told were unavailable, including an entire platter of a dozen beef sliders, which were presented to a private party and then must have been refused as the waitress returned to the kitchen with the entire platter. Drinks were slow to arrive although waitress was pleasant and continually apologizing. The upstairs area was only 50% full but we were asked to leave for a "reservation"...we were headed to the game along with everyone else so I imagined the venue was about to empty. We won't be back. With so many choices in this area we'd prefer to try a business which has better customer service. read more

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Gio G.

3 years ago

We came on a Sunday morning and we were seated within 10mins on the rooftop with a nice view. The hostess' were Super kind. Overall a great environment in the heart of gaslamp. If you're in town I highly suggest coming for brunch here. Food was great and the ambiance was chill. Our server Gabriel was awesome and friendly. Highly recommend 10/10 read more

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Annie A.

Hi G! Thank you so much for coming in for brunch and taking the time…

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Terry C.

2 years ago

Love this place amazing food specially Chilaquiles Please try this Love them Our waiter Emily so sweet every one here is so Sweer read more

Rustic Root - Mother's Day gift Food is excellent, and the service all friendly amazing food and prices STUFFED FRENCH TOAST, Chilaquiles. - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

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Annie A.

Hi Terry! We appreciate you coming in and taking the time to leave a…

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Beth M.

552

106

2 years ago

Everything was excellent! GM came by first to say they were busy- waiter would be by asap... took our drink order. That was good! Always good to acknowledge the customer so they don't just sit there!! Drinks took a minute... They probably needed one more bartender on the shift. But I was forgotten when they brought the pork belly appetizer that we ordered.!!! That was fantastic!!! read more

Rustic Root - Pork Belly with baby popcorn - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

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Katie B.

Hi Beth, thank you so much for joining us! We're so glad you enjoyed…

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Sky T.

513

1147

5798

5 years ago

Really cool roof view that overlooks Fifth Ave in the Gaslamp District. Worth coming for that and getting a cocktail or food during golden hour. I got a burger to split and it was really well done. Super juicy and classic. Fries were good too with a nice crunch! For cocktails, we tried out the Frose and The Matriarch. Presented nicely, but could have been a bit stronger. Service was friendly and helpful too. I'd come back to see it at night. Very fun vibes and I'd expect a crowd. read more

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Katie B.

Thanks Sky! I'm so glad to hear you enjoyed your time with us and…

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Crystal N.

Elite 25

187

356

3 years ago

this place blew me away, the atmosphere and views was so nice and the food was even better. We came for brunch and there was no one in the first floor. I do wish there was a sign telling us to go upstairs but we eventually figured that out. The rooftop environment was so nice and it wasnt cold at all. We got started with a couple of cocktails and our server was so patient in answering our questions and figuring out which drink suits some dietary restrictions. The brisket hash was very flavorful and the eggs on top were poached perfectly. Chicken and waffles were crispy and the spicy sauce that came with it really complemented the chicken. Blueberry pancake sauce on top were a bit tart, wish they gave us a syrup for it but it was still very yummy. Definitely recommend coming to this place! read more

Rustic Root - brisket hash - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

Rustic Root - chicken & waffles - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

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Annie A.

Hi Crystal! Thanks for letting us host you for brunch! We appreciate…

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Juanita H.

146

1132

3 years ago

I wish I had the pics of the food - loved the atmosphere of this place and the food was really good. The whole family went but this is definitely a cool date night spot as it's a rooftop venue. The service was equally as good and the manager even took time to come and check on us. Great spot, great food, and great location! Recipe for success and it shows as they've been in business for quite some time. read more

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Annie A.

Hi Juanita! We appreciate your review and hope you will come back and…

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Angie D.

1 year ago

Food and drinks were terrific. Unfortunately there was a large party at the restaurant at the same time, so it took 45 minutes between ordering and getting our food. Fortunately the manager offered us a free dessert. read more

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Jon S.

9 months ago

One of the best steaks I've had. Cooked and seasoned to perfections... sorry I didn't get a photo.

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Dominic R.

Hi Jon,…

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Pocahontas 4.

3 years ago

What a great vibe to enjoy with friends over a great meal! The food at Rustic Root had something for everyone with perfect portions served with flare. The open rooftop ambiance was deliberately curated to ensure people were comfortable in a clean and visually memorable atmosphere. You can see your food while enjoying the Gaslight energy. Service was on-point with our server Kelsey who was upbeat, knew her menu, and made each of us feel welcomed. We enjoyed many adult beverages, entrees, and desserts among an eclectic group of people and all were satisfied and enjoyed the entire experience and their choices. Prices were med-high range but the quality and portions given were proportional. After a great meal, we went next door for some cigars and took a ride on the pre-lit buggy blasting our favorite music back to the hotel. Definitely a night to remember with friends and great food. read more

Rustic Root - Roasted Salmon over mashed potatoes and diced grilled vegetables. - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

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Annie A.

Hi! Thank you so much for coming in and allowing us the opportunity…

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Tera M.

294

146

2 years ago

Great service - cocktails outstanding - food very very good. The menu had a nice variety to choose from. The chocolate dessert oh wow yum! read more

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Katie B.

Hi Tera, thanks for dining with us and for leaving a review! The…

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Joshua M.

739

107

412

3 years ago

I went for a solo late night dinner while in town for a business trip. The hostess was great and made the plate suggestion before I was even sat so I knew what I wanted immediately. The ambiance was great as the weather was perfect and one entire side of the restaurant was a roll up that they had open. The plate suggestion was also a great choice and I would definitely have it again. The flavors of the pasta and the lobster worked very well. The lobster chucks were very nice size. I would've given 5 stars, however my server was very slow and not very attentive. I had to ask for silverware, I had to ask for refills of my drink, and once I received my check it took forever for him to pick it up. read more

Rustic Root - Lobster Pappardelle - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

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Katie B.

Hi Joshua,…

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Darnell P.

1 year ago

Went to Rustic Root in San Diego for brunch and as always, it did not disappoint! The food was great!!! I had the Rustic Breakfast Sliders, which were super tasty and hit the spot. We also shared the Bubbles and Berries, which was a really fun experience. You get your choice of champagne served by the bottle, along with fresh berries, three fruit purées, and three fruit juices to mix and match your own mimosas. Highly recommended! We sat on the couches with a perfect view overlooking Fifth Street and the Gaslamp District. Great for people watching and soaking in the downtown vibes. The atmosphere was lively but relaxed, and service was on point. Definitely one of our favorite brunch spots in SD. read more

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Katie B.

Thank you so much for the kind words! We're thrilled to hear you had…

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Tracy D.

198

358

958

4 years ago

New American restaurant that is a cool scenery with rooftop and outdoor dining available. I suggest making reservations because it does get busy for all the right reasons. Now for the food. OMG!!!!!! It was absolutely divine!!! I suggest you order your food to share so you can try different things. The salmon poke tartare was my favorite!!!!! It was so fresh and flavorful. The pork belly was delicious. I'm a piggy so I ate it like a pork belly sandwich with the bread and butter. Don't judge. It was a brilliant idea. But the bread and butter was good alone too. The heirloom tomato burrata was perfect. Very refreshing and the tomatoes were perfectly sweet. And the lobster papparadalle had huge chunks of lobster. The cream was heavenly. Our server was knowledgeable and she can totally give recommendations. Great experience here. I can't wait to come back when I visit San Diego again. read more

Rustic Root - Pork belly appetizer - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

Rustic Root - Heirloom tomato burrata - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

Rustic Root - Poke tartar - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

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Katie B.

Thank you, Tracy! I'm so glad to hear you enjoyed your experience…

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Stevi B.

479

697

1315

4 years ago

Found this place on Yelp and was really looking forward to checking it out. I stopped in for appetizers before the game and would like to check it out again in the future for a full meal experience. The southern corn fritters sounded a lot more flavorful than they actually ended up being. The inside of the fritter was very one note in both flavor and texture (more mushy) and not probably something I'd order again. The firecracker shrimp, however, I'd come back for. That had the flavor I was hoping for. I was definitely shocked to find that a basic spicy margarita came with a receipt totaling $20.36 BEFORE tip. That is pretty outrageous considering my drinks at a resort hotel did not even set me back that much... so it is safe to say that my next trip back to try some entrées will most definitely not include a cocktail. Hoping to be able to change my rating at least a bit next time around. read more

Rustic Root - Firecracker Shrimp - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

Rustic Root - Southern Corn Fritters - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

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Katie B.

Hi Stevi,…

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Leonardo E.

239

159

2 years ago

Ambiance was really nice. We went here around right when they opened in the morning to try and get some cocktails and brunch but I guess the kitchen wasn't open yet and even after we waited a bit, the kitchen was still delayed a bit longer. They couldn't make all the drinks they had in their menu either but we did get some good alternatives. If you're trying to find a nice place to hangout during the day then this place fits that criteria well with the ambience. Gives me the type of vibe that a girls brunch would go out to and get some cocktails while they gossip haha. Even my wife agreed to that. We would come back just for the ambiance. Definitely check it out. We didn't get to try the food so hopefully it's good! read more

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Katie B.

Hi Leonardo, thank you for joining us at Rustic for cocktails and for…

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Michelle C.

164

165

2 years ago

Pleasantly surprised! My friend and I are visiting from New York City and staying close by. We walked around the neighborhood, passed by Rustic Root, and really loved the ambiance. We were seated at the rooftop overlooking the strip - it is such a nice vibe. The food was great and the service was impeccable. Every dish was flavored well without overpowering each other. We also got the Strawberry Fields cocktail which was super refreshing - they didn't skimp on the alcohol at all! ;) Our server Emily took such good care of us. My friends drink tipped over and the glass broke. Emily brought a drink to replace it even though we told her it was okay. I also asked to turn on the heater near us because it started getting chilly later at night. The lamp wasn't working properly and Emily offered to seat us somewhere warmer. We told her we were fine for now and will let her know if we change our minds. Next thing you know, the staff came to inspect the lamp again after 3-4 previous attempts. They discovered the gas tank was empty, replaced it immediately, and turned on the heater for us. Coming from NYC, I'm spoiled by many great restaurants with great food. However, it is restaurants with unrivaled service like that of Rustic Root's that sets them apart from the masses and leave it's customers with a truly memorable experience. If this was a restaurant in my local neighborhood, I would be a regular here. Highly recommend and will definitely come back if I visit San Diego again! read more

Rustic Root - Truffle fries - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

Rustic Root - Meatballs - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

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Katie B.

Hi Michelle, thanks so much for choosing to stop into Rustic Root and…

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Carl M.

107

129

1 year ago

I came in about a week ago and Ash took great care of our party for brunch! We'll be back

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Dominic R.

Hi Carl,…

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Ivy E.

141

1280

3 years ago

Many people in San Diego, rave about this place and it definitely lives up to its name with a rustic feel. . Located centrally on 5th Avenue in DTSD (downtown San Diego) the Root is a two story restaurant and bar with a brick outer face and lowly rooftop. It was a Thursday evening in late spring, when I decided to treat myself to dinner here. I sat at the bar and brought a book which is apparently frowned upon because the bar is for making friends and the book is for reading. I did both. The staff and atmosphere are cool and clean. No one went out of their way to create a superb experience, but they did their job so I can't complain. The bar has a granite countertop and leather stools that have back support; very plush and comfy. . After perusing the menu, I ordered a coconut mojito and the roasted veggie grain bowl with salmon as an added protein. The cocktail was a refreshing concoction and I was able to finish it before my entrée arrived. The fish was cooked medium which I like, but the accompanying sides were under seasoned. I doused the carrots, quinoa, farro & chickpeas with table salt & cleaned my plate despite the large portion. I know I'm hungry when I'm able to eat a two servings in one sitting. . If you're looking for a casual dinner vibe with decent food and great drinks, check them out. Forewarning the rooftop is reservation only and fills up quickly on weekends so be proactive if you want that experience. read more

Rustic Root - Coconut Mojito - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

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Rustic Root - "I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings x the Bar - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

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Katie B.

Hi Ivy,…

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Nina S.

326

817

2 years ago

The roof top is pretty they decorated with pumpkins and fall garlands . The food is ok . Our server Max was not very good . We asked more waters and never came back . We order 2 salads and he only order 1 salad. read more

Rustic Root - Egg benedict - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

Rustic Root - Sirloin and egg - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

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Rustic Root - Bennedict egg - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

Rustic Root - Pork belly fried rice - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

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Katie B.

Hi Nina, thank you for dining with us and for leaving a review. We're…

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Victoria L.

119

323

890

4 years ago

Very hard to park during dinner time anytime of the week since it's situated smack dab downtown. My girlfriends and i went upstairs to the patio and enjoyed the views and vibes. I believe there was an event going on and you can totally rent space for company events. Anyway, I pushed the stars to 4 for the vibes. Met a lot of friendly people who came to chat with us. However food and drinks are overly price for pretty standard selections. read more

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Katie B.

Hi Victoria,…

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Lizzie D.

141

219

356

3 years ago

Stopped in for drinks on a Saturday afternoon and sat on the rooftop. Their afternoon food menu is extremely limited. I was bummed that the servers didn't seem to know much information about their cocktails or about gluten allergies. They decline making substitutions on their food menu, which is fine, but I expect a stronger knowledge base on the menu items when it comes to food allergies. Our waters were never topped off or refilled when empty and servers were tricky to flag down for additional menu items. The rooftop echoes quite loudly so it's not a great place for an intimate group. Overall, given the other options in the area, I would pass on coming back to RR. The sangria tasted good, but overall, it was pretty loud and unwelcoming. read more

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Katie B.

Hi Lizzie,…

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Heidi J.

1 year ago

Wonderful small adult spot fantastic music and folks made it everything for my birthday and my family

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Irene M.

Elite 24

458

400

1314

3 years ago

Cute rooftop restaurant/bar in downtown. It was very loud. The food wasn't bad but wasn't amazing. I would come back here if I was in the area, the vibes were pretty good. We ordered a kale Cesar salad with salmon, scallops, and fire cracker shrimp. Salad was good, too saucy but not their fault I forgot to ask for sauce on the side. Fire cracker shrimp was ok, crispy and spicy. Scallops were good, fresh and had a nice cauliflower mix in it. A lovers flannel was a good drink I think what made it delicious is the egg whites. Service was good, it was busy so everyone was doing their best. read more

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Katie B.

Hi Irene,…

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Espy M.

244

690

4 years ago

Stopped here on Comic Con last day... perfect choice. Place was not so busy , we were seated downstairs as upstairs was by reservation . Claire was our waitress . The drink recommendations she made were wonderful. Thank you read more

Rustic Root - The bold and beautiful - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

Rustic Root - Menu - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

Rustic Root - Delicious appetizers - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

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Katie B.

Hi Espy,…

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Allie G.

Elite 26 All-Star

657

1282

8185

5 years ago

Really cool bar, would love to try their food next time. We stumbled upon Rustic Root while visiting San Diego for the first time, and were so impressed with the decor inside. The lighting fixtures are so unique and they have pasta strainers hanging from the ceiling! Our server was very helpful with cocktail recommendations. I got the Sun Also Rises cocktail, which was delicious. The presentation was pretty and I had never tasted anything like it before (really strong apricot flavor). My friend also loved her Espresso Martini. Would return! read more

Rustic Root - The Sun Also Rises cocktail and Espresso Martini - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

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Katie B.

Thanks Allie! We're so glad you enjoyed our cocktails and hope you'll…

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Zoe T.

Elite 24

148

664

3 years ago

This was by far or favorite breakfast. We had on our trip! We will be back. Everything we tried was delicious the stuffed French toast was sinfully, sweet and filled with a delightful strawberry crème fraîche. We had lots of fun, making ourselves different flavored mimosas with the build your own mimosa flight. All of our breakfasts were wonderful. The poached eggs were perfect. The service was great. She was very attentive, checking on us often the manager even came by the table a couple of times to check on us. The ambience is interesting. The decor is a lot of re-purposed kitchen supplies. For example, the lighting uses colanders. read more

Rustic Root - Birthday brunch! - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

Rustic Root - STUFFED FRENCH TOAST - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

Rustic Root - Texas brisket hash - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

Rustic Root - The build your own mimosa flight - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

Rustic Root - Chiliquiles - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

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Katie B.

Thanks for brunching with us, Zoe! We look forward to serving you…

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Pam R.

1 year ago

My fried chicken smelled and tasted of fish. I dislike fish. My husband had the ribeye and said it was good. Service was terrible. Waiter was not attentive and very slow with bringing drinks and checking on our table. I didn't eat my dinner and they did remove it from the bill. read more

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Dominic R.

Hi Pam,…

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Xavier V.

409

2 years ago

We were sat so quickly on a busy Halloween weekend, and we were greeted by a handsome young server named Matt. He gave great recommendations on food, and also did it with a kind smile. Cheers to that dude!! read more

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Katie B.

Hi Xavier, thanks for stopping and for leaving a kind review! We're…

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Janine L.

151

468

3 years ago

Went here for brunch and it was amazing!! We made a reservation and the wait still took quite a while but the upstairs seating is beautiful! The food was delicious and the service was quick. The pork belly benedict was super yummy and unique. Would definitely come here again! read more

Rustic Root - Strawberries & Cream STUFFED FRENCH TOAST - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

Rustic Root - braised pork belly benedict - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

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Katie B.

Thanks for brunching with us, Janine! We look forward to welcoming…

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Jessica H.

371

1391

5 years ago

Stumbled across this gaslamp gem! We went in on a Saturday night no reservation and they told us most rooftop seating is first come first served. The entire place was packed, but no too noisy. The ambience was really nice for date night or girls night out. The rooftop is really nice and it over looks into the gaslamp if you can snag a good seat! We weren't too lucky but we found seats at the bar. Bartender was really nice and made us some perfectly crafted sidecars! We didn't have time to order food but man the truffle fries smelled delicious! read more

Rustic Root - Hennessy SideCar - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

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Katie B.

Thank you Jessica! As a locally owned & operated venue, we're so…

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Adrianna V.

169

399

3 years ago

I'm not the best photographer.. but I will say that was one of the best chicken and corn bread for sure. My husband ordered the chicken with mash potatoes.. I had the filet and fries, but we swapped sides. I wish I had that same sauce he had because it was just delicious. I took some to add to the steak I had, and it definitely elevated things. Service was amazing. We were there yesterday evening on the lower level, and the waitress was very attentive and knew her wines. She made a nice recommendation for the zinfandel. I wish I had gotten her name. The place was esthetically pleasing. I liked that they had seat cushions for us shorter people. She brought out a set of knives to choose for my steak, which was interesting. I would return for sure to check out the top roof. It seemed pretty busy up there but a little humid at the moment. We were comfortable downstairs with air conditioning. read more

Rustic Root - Corn bread sooo delicious - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

Rustic Root - Filet mignon and fries with aioli - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

Rustic Root - Best chicken dish hands down - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

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Katie B.

Hi Adrianna,…

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Bonnie N.

118

431

1114

2 years ago

Brunching here was a completely impromptu, unplanned thing and I'm so glad we chose this place! Our original brunch spot was way too packed at 10:30am with over an hour wait. We walked a block or two away through a small crafts/farmers market and ended up in front of Rustic Root, where the hostess let me know that their rooftop area was opening up any minute now at 11 and it was first come first serve. We were seated at a very relaxed and comfy area overlooking the street downstairs. The server was extremely nice. The menu had good food and beverage offerings. We loved the Bubbles & Berries mimosa platter. The pork belly fried rice was just ok but everyone else's breakfast plates were delicious. My only complaint would be that it took a long time for the food to come out. However, the server was so sweet and kept us updated constantly. I will definitely be back for brunch one day and hopefully read more

Rustic Root - Berries and bubbles! - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

Rustic Root - Strawberries & cream French toast - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

Rustic Root - Lavender latte - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

Rustic Root - Rustic egg plate - perfection! - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

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Business owner information

Katie B.

Hi Bonnie, we're so glad you stopped in for brunch and enjoyed your…

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Adriana A.

143

327

3 years ago

Firecracker shrimp - 10/10 favorite thing we ordered Roasted salmon - the purple potato purée was served cold and took away from the overall dish. The sweetness from the purée did not pair well with the salmon in my opinion Lavender haze cocktail - it was too sweet for me but it had a beautiful presentation A lot of time is focused on the presentation of the dinner and drinks. Everything was plated beautifully. My entree and drink missed the mark and their prices are marked high. However the ambiance is beautiful if you would like a date night on a roof read more

Business owner information

Katie B.

Hi Adriana,…

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Kira D.

360

504

1954

5 years ago

Well, let's just say my yellowtail has all the looks but no substance when it really counts! I don't know if yellowtail is supposed to taste fishy but mine tasted way too fresh to be as cooked as it was! Whoooooo da fishy!!! Food was definitely healthy with a lively atmosphere & decent rooftop views, but overall, the experience just didn't have that WOW factor. read more

Rustic Root - Yellow tail! - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

Business owner information

Katie B.

Hi Kira,…

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Page 7 of 68

535 Fifth Ave
San Diego, CA 92101
Gaslamp
Directions
(619) 232-1747
Call Now
Visit Website
http://www.rusticrootsd.com

Full menu

Hours

What time does Rustic Root open?

Rustic Root opens at 5:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.Rustic Root opens at 10:00 AM on Saturday and Sunday.

What time does Rustic Root close?

Rustic Root closes at 10:00 PM on Monday and Tuesday.Rustic Root closes at 11:00 PM on Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday.Rustic Root closes at 1:30 AM (Next day) on Friday and Saturday.

Mon-Tue 5:00 PM - 10:00 PMWed-Thu 5:00 PM - 11:00 PMFri 5:00 PM - 1:30 AM (Next day)Sat 10:00 AM - 1:30 AM (Next day)Sun 10:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Payment methods

Does Rustic Root take Bitcoin?

No, Rustic Root does not take Bitcoin.

Does Rustic Root take credit cards?

Yes, Rustic Root takes credit cards.

Food & Alcohol

Does Rustic Root have catering options?

No, Rustic Root does not have catering options.

Does Rustic Root have a drive thru?

No, Rustic Root does not have a drive thru.

Does Rustic Root have a happy hour?

Yes, Rustic Root has a happy hour.

Does Rustic Root serve alcohol?

Yes, Rustic Root serves alcohol. Full Bar

Services

Is Rustic Root by appointment only?

No, Rustic Root is not by appointment only.

Indoor Amenities

Does Rustic Root allow dogs?

No, Rustic Root does not allow dogs.

Does Rustic Root have TVs?

Yes, Rustic Root has TVs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does Rustic Root have bike parking?

No, Rustic Root does not have bike parking.

Does Rustic Root have outdoor seating?

Yes, Rustic Root has outdoor seating options.

Does Rustic Root have parking?

Yes, Rustic Root has parking options. Street Parking

Other Amenities

Is Rustic Root wheelchair accessible?

Yes, Rustic Root is wheelchair accessible.

Does Rustic Root allow outdoor smoking?

No, Rustic Root does not allow outdoor smoking.

Does Rustic Root have free WiFi?

Yes, Rustic Root has free WiFi.

From the Business

Specialties

Modern rooftop destination featuring local, seasonal cuisine & craft cocktails in stylish surrounds.

History

Established in 2015.

RMD Group is at the core of hospitality in San Diego. The group with the experience, and the group most capable of delivering the experience--a consistent game-changer with a track record of reinventing and reinvigorating nightlife and dining in America's Finest City.

More Info

Health Score

Rustic Root Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - Rustic Root

Who handles gift certificate distribution when one is purchased and not received?

Hi Sherri - You can email me directly at katie@rmdgroupsd.com and I'd be happy to help you out! - Katie B, Director of Marketing

I'm dining here soon with some plant based guests in my party. Will there be any options for them? The online menu does not include anything vegan-friendly, but I'm seeing in reviews that there is a vegan bowl. Does that still exist?

Hi Raechelle, We're excited to share that we finished setting up our menus on Foodini! You can now sort our menu by dietary preferences or allergens and Foodini will show you…

Do you still sell the Dr. Jerry's Royal Flush cocktail or something that has a fun presentation like that? Going for a bachelor party weekend and wanted to order it for the groom-to-be.

Hi Alexander, We do have a few cocktails with fun presentations and love celebrating special…

No answers yet. Be the first to answer.

What time does brunch stop?

I don't know, but they open today at 5pm, and here is their phone number. 619-232-1747

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Do you NEED tickets for NYE or can we just walk in?

Do y'all ever answer the phone?

I don't think so, been calling all morning 😒

No answers yet. Be the first to answer.

Do they still do do bottomless brunch on the roof?

Is dinner at 17:30 for all ages?

Yes.

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Do we have to make reservations for the rooftop?

Hi Vanessa, We encourage guests to make a reservation to limit their wait time and to guarantee table availability. You can easily make a reservation on our website at…

Hi can I make a reservation for this weekend? The website appears to be down and I don't see an option on yelp

Hi Nikole, You can make a reservation on our website at rusticrootsd.com/reservations

Outdoor dinning available?

Hi Sarah, We offer outdoor dining on our street level patio and al fresco, open air dining on our rooftop!

Still open for sit down eating?

Hi Dionna, We are open!

Can I make a reservation for rooftop dining if I am under 21?

Hi Arianna, After 8pm all rooftop guests must be 21 or older or with a legal guardian.

Are they taking reservations for large parties?

Hi Evelyn, You can book a reservation for a large party through our website at…

Is brunch for all ages?

Yes

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What's the vibe like on a Saturday night? What type of music do they play?

Hi Nancy, Our rooftop is lively and high energy on Saturday nights. Our music selection varies…

Do you guys have bottomless mimosas?

Hi Kylee, I'm editing my response to reflect that we do now offer bottomless mimosas!

Do I have to make a reservation for brunch?

Depending on where you'd like to sit. If you want a fire pit table upstairs it would be a good idea since there are limited options and a popular choice. Downstairs typically has good availability.…

View 1 more answer

What are the restaurant's vegan dinner dishes?

Hi Catherine, Our Mole Carrots can be modified to be vegan as can our Spinach & Watermelon Salad,…

What time do they stop serving breakfast items on Sundays?

Hi Stacy, We currently stop serving breakfast items at 2:30pm on Sundays.

View All 52 Questions

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4.4(1.4k reviews)

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4.1(2.7k reviews)

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4.3(988 reviews)

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Bar Kamon

4.6(286 reviews)

0.5 mi•East Village

Family-owned & operated

Women-owned & operated

Kamon is a craft cocktail bar inspired by the Taisho era of 1920's Japan. It's also a speakeasy…read morehidden inside a Japanese bakery on a corner of San Diego's East Village. Reservations can be made on OpenTable if you are fast enough. We weren't... on our last trip to San Diego. So when I found availability for 2, I made a special trip down to San Diego just for this speakeasy. After 2 and a half hours of driving, I reached San Diego. I miraculously found street parking on the same block as the bar and made my way inside Asa Bakery. My friend was already waiting for me at a table. He, a San Diego local, told me that he took the bus to avoid the parking situation entirely. Smart man. We were still quite early for our reservation, so I had a latte from Asa Bakery while we waited. During this time, we were trying to figure out where the speakeasy was located. Then we saw a couple enter Asa and press a handicap assistance button near the door to the bakery. A big section of the wall opened up and revealed a swanky looking bar behind it, complete with hosts wearing sleek black vests, button ups, and bow ties - a complete vibe change from the modern bakery we were sitting in. Once it was our seating time, we also made our way over to the secret entrance. Kamon itself felt like a rift in time, as if we were stepping straight into the 1920's. The room was heavily inspired by the Taisho Roman era, the period when Japan was influenced by European romanticism. Decor featured visual harmony between traditional Japanese motifs, such as screen doors and woodblock prints, and influences of the Western Roaring 20's, such as glamorous Art Deco chandeliers, red carpet, and lounge chairs. We were seated next to a beautiful zen garden. The concept of the menu is "omiyage" or souvenirs from different regions of Japan. My friend started with the Tokyo Banana, inspired by the iconic Tokyo Banana cream pastry found all over souvenir shops in Tokyo and Haneda Airport. The spirits in this cocktail were Suntory Toki and rum. I started with the Yame Matcha, inspired by the city of Yame in Fukuoka prefecture, which is reveled among matcha snobs for producing matcha with nutty flavor. The matcha was prepared as a cream top, a nod to matcha lattes, and sat on top of a spirit base of mezcal, Mizu green tea shochu. This drink was so fun and creative. I would've never thought about pairing matcha with mezcal, but surprisingly, it worked very well. The smokiness of the mezcal paired well with the creamy, nutty matcha top and roasted genmaicha flavor. Because of the amazing theme of the menu, we couldn't resist ordering a second round. My friend got the Ao Ichigo, featuring strawberries from the Tochigi prefecture. The spirit for this was a reposado tequila and vodka. This is good if you want a light, refreshing, sweet drink. My second drink was the White Lover, inspired by Hokkaido and its dairy and pastry culture. The spirit for this drink was Sotol, which was also quite smoky. The body of this cocktail was composed of kefir and Calpico, with notes of yuzu and croissant as well. This drink also comes with a "surprise," and to maintain the integrity of said "surprise," I won't tell you what it is! This was probably my favorite drink of the night. As an alum of Asian American college party culture, I have had many drinks mixed with Calpico, so this was my favorite drink of the night because of how close to home it felt. You could almost call it an "omiyage" of USC ahaha... However, I was not the biggest fan of the food here. We both weren't that hungry, so we just got some appetizers, but honestly, I don't remember the food menu being that big anyways. We got the tuna tartare cannolis and the karaage. The tuna tartare was a bit weird for me. I kinda expected it to be fresh and light and silky, as a tartare should be, but I would describe this as more of a... tuna salad? Heavier than I expected... and creamy. And strange. I think it's the mayo. I just didn't like it very much. And the cannoli presentation was fun, but I don't think it's needed. I think just a classic tuna tartare would have been more enjoyable. And the karaage was fine. Not good, not bad. I wouldn't get food here again though.The drinks at Kamon, however, are phenomenal. I love the theme of 1920's Taisho Japan. The ambiance is impeccable. The theme is even integrated into the menu's concept. There's a story behind each of the signature drinks, giving you a glimpse into what makes each featured region of Japan unique. I definitely want to return to Kamon one day.

Such a fun speakeasy and the perfect way to end our date night!…read more Bar Kamon is hidden inside Asa Bakery in East Village. The space is inspired by 1920s Taisho-era Japan, so the whole concept carries into the decor, Japanese ingredients and cocktails. Their menu gets pretty creative with Japanese whisky, shochu, sake, highballs, clarified cocktails and small bites. After bakery hours, finding the entrance wasn't difficult. Just enter through Asa Bakery and you'll see where to go. Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends. We were able to grab one the night before for a Friday without any trouble. We had already eaten dinner, so we came for drinks with a small appetizer to share. We ordered the Karaage, Tokyo Banana and Yame Matcha. Service was incredible throughout the night. It took a little bit to get seated since nobody was standing at the host area when we walked in. Someone eventually spotted us through the curtain then quickly came over to help. From there, everyone was attentive. The Karaage came out first. I wish the outside was just a little crispier, but it was still really good. The slaw was actually my favorite part because the acidity paired perfectly with fried chicken, especially while sipping on cocktails. The Yame Matcha was so decadent. It had this beautiful matcha cloud on top with a deeper roasted flavor underneath, almost smokey, that lingered after each sip. Definitely not your typical sweet matcha cocktail. The Tokyo Banana was my favorite. The presentation alone was gorgeous. You get that banana flavor right away, but it still tastes like a proper cocktail rather than a banana dessert. It was definitely strong, so this was one I slowly sipped throughout the night. The hojicha mixed with the banana worked SO well.

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4.5(432 reviews)

7.9 mi•Kearny Mesa

Such a great speakeasy-style music bar! The drinks are strong, delicious, and really well made. The…read morebartenders are also incredibly friendly and go above and beyond to make sure you get something you'll enjoy. They're happy to suggest unique drinks or even create something specifically tailored to your taste, which made the experience feel really personal. Getting to the front door is probably the only slightly questionable part because you have to walk down an alley, but once you get inside, it's completely worth it. The place is beautiful, clean, and has a really great atmosphere. Even the bathrooms were spotless! I also loved the little personal touches. If you're celebrating a birthday or anniversary, the staff gives you a personalized card, which I thought was such a thoughtful touch. One of my friends and I were sitting at the bar, and the bartender noticed how much I loved their cheese-stuffed olives and brought me a few extra. It's those little details that really stand out and make you feel welcomed. Overall, such a fun and unique place with great drinks, great service, and an amazing atmosphere. Definitely a place I'd come back to!

We had RSVP Walk past the dumpster alley…read moreDo not knock they will see you on camera Dark moody vibes 4 stars cute little space Drinks delicious 4 stars Service 4 stars Not too ridiculously expensive either

Corner table view: large JBL speakers with Macintosh amps

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Part Time Lover

4.2(532 reviews)

3.1 mi•North Park

Great vibe and speedy service!…read more We loved the Vinyl room and security was very attentive to their surroundings.

Great vibes!! Seating and tables are first come, first serve, so keep that in mind. Otherwise,…read moreyou'll probably be standing for most of the time. The bartenders were friendly, but it could be a little hard to get their attention when you're ready to order. The drinks were good overall, although some are WAY stronger than others lol. If you prefer your drinks on the lighter and sweeter side like me, I'd recommend the Lodi Dodi and Sway Reduction!

4.0 mi•University Heights, North Park

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Polite Provisions

4.3(2k reviews)

Always a 5 Star experience when gathering for drinks here…read more Over the years, the names have changed for the provider of Polite Provision's delicious orderable food to go along with their polite provisions. Items such as scrupulously prepared meatballs, fried polenta, spaghetti with mushroom sauce, etc., from the prior next-door, connected purveyor "Soda and Swine"...but those days are done ...I digress. And where is Soda and Swine's Yelp page? I know I did a review, but now the page appears gone completely in search? Nah, it's just hidden, presumably to accommodate Fortunate Sons, which opened about a year ago after re-construction of both establishments. I'm too lazy to see if still owned by Consortium Group. I did search my reviews and found my updated Soda & Swine review dated 8 & 10 years ago. O_o !! Now, food is still served, however, there's a new name in town called "Fortunate Son" (next door, connected). Apparently, food now served is Asian-inspired. I've not visited recently to taste. The North Park area is a great neighborhood with many different types of food close by. While you're there, don't forget to stop by "An's Dry Cleaners", where the most inventive gelato's, ice creams and sorbets come from.

You can order from the bar or your table. Lots of different seating options indoors and outdoors…read more Very extensive drink menu almost too many options. The drinks we ordered were good and service didn't take too long. Right next to Fortunate Son so you can order food from them and enjoy in their bar.

Want. Make. Disco.

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Realm of the 52 Remedies

4.4(897 reviews)

8.2 mi•Kearny Mesa

Best bar I've been to in SD in terms of quality bartending. The ambiance is fun and unique, with…read morethe bright apothecary exterior tucked into a corner of Common Theory giving way to an alluring, intimate golden interior. Both times I've visited, have sat at the bar which affords an excellent view of both the bartenders crafting the interesting, complex house cocktails and the old school anime projected on the side wall. The bartenders themselves, as well as their managers are highly skilled - this is the place to request lesser known, complex and high quality classics and expect the bartenders to not only know immediately what you're talking about but also prepare one of the best versions of that cocktail that you've ever had. This time, Tania served us, and despite being Realm's self-proclaimed newbie, she whipped up the best grasshopper I've ever tasted as well as a delightful Earl Grey Sazerac that was perfectly balanced and suited my fiancee's flavor profile faves to a T. The excitement and intimate ambiance of a speakeasy can be found in numerous spots around town, but Realm stands out for its high caliber bartenders who are more than capable of going off menu and concocting custom creations that will keep you coming back for more.

Easy to get to and find. Entrance to the speakeasy was mehh, but the inside looks really cool! Very…read moreloungey feeling and they were playing Studio Ghibli films on the big screen, which is a huge plus for me! Their drink menu fits the speakeasy vibe where there's a lot of ingredients most people wouldn't know, so my friend and I did have to ask a few questions. I ended up settling on the Seoul City Hipster, which was the best drink for both of us. Very refreshing and flavorful! My friend got the Mountain Turtle (it was okay overall. The celery foam was different and definitely tasted like celery) to try before switching to my drink for her second. Foodwise, we split the 52 Burger and 12oz Bone-In Pork Loin. The burger was just okay - cooked well, but a bit dry. The pork loin was the real star! While it didn't look quite like the picture, the pork was cooked and seasoned very well. The only downside for the dish was that the egg was overcooked and wasn't runny. My friend enjoyed the cheesecake she ordered as well. I didn't try it since I don't like cheesecake. Would love to come back here again and see what new seasonal menu items they've come up with!

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Main dining area

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146 reviews that are not currently recommended

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Joseph W.

984

132

3 years ago

My recent visit to Rustic Root was nothing short of extraordinary, thanks in large part to our outstanding server, Ali. The combination of Ali's vibrant energy, impeccable service, and genuine warmth made our dining experience truly memorable. From the moment we were seated, Ali greeted us with a genuine smile and a contagious positive attitude. Their enthusiasm and passion for their work were immediately evident, creating an inviting and welcoming atmosphere. Throughout the evening, Ali's attentive service was impeccable, as they anticipated our needs and provided timely recommendations. Ali's dedication to delivering amazing service was exemplary. They went above and beyond to ensure that our dining experience was nothing short of perfection. From explaining the menu in detail to offering insightful suggestions based on our preferences, Ali's knowledge and expertise were impressive. What truly set Ali apart was their personal touch. During our conversation, Ali shared a heartwarming highlight of their day, which was receiving a hug from a dear friend. This glimpse into Ali's life not only added a personal touch to our interaction but also showcased their genuine warmth and authenticity. The entire dining experience at Rustic Root was elevated by Ali's exceptional service. They effortlessly balanced professionalism with a friendly demeanor, making us feel like valued guests throughout the evening. Ali's attentiveness, attention to detail, and genuine care for our dining experience made a significant impact on our overall enjoyment. In addition to Ali's remarkable service, the atmosphere and cuisine at Rustic Root were outstanding. The cozy ambiance and tasteful decor created a welcoming environment that perfectly complemented the delicious food and drink offerings. The menu featured a diverse selection of flavorful dishes prepared with exceptional attention to detail, leaving our taste buds thoroughly satisfied. I cannot recommend Rustic Root enough, and Ali, in particular, deserves special recognition for their amazing service. Their energy, attentiveness, and personal touch enhanced our dining experience in ways that exceeded our expectations. Rustic Root and Ali have truly mastered the art of creating a memorable and enjoyable dining experience. Thank you, Ali, for your exceptional service and for making our visit to Rustic Root truly remarkable. Your dedication and genuine care for your guests shine through in every interaction. It is because of professionals like you that Rustic Root has earned its well-deserved reputation. read more

Kevin C.

4 years ago

This was a great place to enjoy cocktails on the roof. However, what made the experience particularly special and enjoyable was the host, Zimmer. When we first arrived, my friend slipped on the stairs and sprained his ankle. Zimmer immediately sprung into action, taking life-saving measures into his own hands. He administered medication, fully casted my friend's ankle, and even filed a claim with the insurance company. Following this event, we settled into a couch on the rooftop near a fire pit and tried to enjoy the night. Zimmer brought us cocktails on the house made with his own homemade tequila (which was incredible, by the way). Halfway through our first round of cocktails, my friends shirt slipped too close to the fire pit and combusted. His arm was soon engulfed in flames. Zimmer, who apparently is a volunteer firefighter, sprung into action. He jumped on the flame with a fire retardant blanket, placing himself between the danger and the man with the sprained ankle. After the flame died, Zimmer provided additional lifesaving treatments on my friends arm, including fully bandaging it and applying ointment. We continued to enjoy our night on the rooftop. But the real treat was the entertainment. At about 11pm, Zimmer stood on a cocktail table and asked the bar patrons to quiet down. A hush fell over the crowd. Zimmer then proceeded to serenade us with a jaw dropping and tear jerking performance of "What Is Love." When I tell you people wept... it was incredible. Zimmer not only saved our friend's life twice in one night, but also put on the performance of a lifetime. The cocktails and food were also great. I highly recommend Rustic Root (and ask for Zimmer!). read more

Kailey A.

3 years ago

Rustic Root delivered an unforgettable experience for my cousin's bachelorette party! The atmosphere was lively, creating the ideal backdrop for a night of celebration and laughter. The culinary journey at Rustic Root was a highlight. I opted for the lobster pappardelle, and to my delight, the dish was brimming with succulent lobster. However, a word of caution to those sensitive to spice - the dish leaned towards the spicier side, catching some of our party off guard. Nevertheless, if you're a fan of bold flavors, this dish is a winner. The bar area was bustling, and despite it being fully booked, we managed to secure a spot. "The Night Shift" cocktail was my drink of choice, and it lived up to the hype with its delightful blend of flavors. The only hiccup in our otherwise fantastic evening was the crowded nature of the venue. The bar was fully booked, and the lounges were occupied, contributing to a longer wait for both our drinks and food. Despite the bustling environment, we made the most of it and had a great time. The service, while friendly, was affected by the busy night. Our food took longer than expected to arrive, and the overall pace was a bit slow. Nonetheless, the staff remained accommodating, and their positive attitude helped smooth over the delays. In conclusion, Rustic Root provided the perfect setting for my cousin's bachelorette party. The delectable food, lively atmosphere, and creative cocktails ensured a night filled with joy. Although the service experienced a slight lag due to the bustling crowd, the overall experience deserves a solid four stars! read more

Mike P.

Elite 18

105

108

194

10 years ago

Total fan of this place! Great energy with Rustic Root. Just by looking from the outside makes you want to go in and check out what's happening on the inside. The main floor has plenty of dining space as well as a full bar w/ TV's. If you want a nice view head up to the second floor for one of the best bar patio's in all of downtown. If you're staying for lunch/ dinner Started with Fried Calamari. A nice starter freshly fried. Breading not overbearing the seafood- However, the portion size was on the small size for $13.00. Also tried Brie and Honey Toast Multigrain bread, applewood smoked bacon, walnuts, taj farm honey, avocado. Lots of flavors going on with this appetizer and amplified by a glass of wine. As for the Entree Seared Sea Scallops - Porcini dusted scallops, cauliflower puree, brown beech mushroom, tomato vinaigrette. SO GOOD! If you love seafood these scallops are fresh and seasoned with flavor craving for more. Certainly did its job for me. However, if you have a big appetite i found myself eating off my wife's plate - Seabass. Potato Crusted with Quinoa, spinach, carrot ginger puree, lemon oil. This was good as well! a nice light crust with savor flavors encompassing the fish. The service was good here but with the loud music around it was hard at times to flag down for more water. I love the vibe of this place and will definitely come back to try more items and their brunch menu. read more

Quinn R.

3 years ago

My recent visit to Rustic Root in San Diego, specifically on the rooftop, left me with mixed feelings. While the ambiance and energy were commendable, some aspects of our dining experience were subpar. We reserved a rooftop table for 8 people, enticed by the allure of a gorgeous rooftop setting. However, the food and drinks took an exceptionally long time to arrive. The kitchen mistakenly prepared food with allergens, which posed a serious concern for some in our party. Sending the contaminated dishes back was necessary, but the real disappointment came when we were informed that the kitchen was closed and unable to rectify the situation. This left two of our guests hungry, which was far from ideal. Another notable downside was the rooftop's minimum order requirement of $500. Unfortunately, due to the kitchen mishap, two members of our group couldn't partake in the ordered dishes, and this policy added to the overall frustration. In conclusion, Rustic Root's rooftop is a fantastic spot for drinks with its vibes and lively ambiance. However, based on our experience, it might not be the best choice for a dinner outing, especially if you have specific dietary needs or prefer a quieter atmosphere. Consider it for its bar experience, but be prepared for potential hiccups in the dining department. read more

Sharifa P.

10 years ago

Absolutely a gem! Such a cute place to go for brunch, lunch, dinner! They have amazing food for each category and they try to accommodate. Which they did in our parties case. The flat iron steak and eggs is usually only for brunch, but like said previously, they accommodated and boy was it the best thing it was amazing!!!! The steak was to perfection they don't have A1 sauce for a reason, it's already very tasty without! The ciabatta chicken sandwich, my god super bomb.com amazing, a must! And if you end up not liking it you're not living life lots of thhe stuff on the lunch menu come with Parmesan fries and they hook you up with fries! The ambiance is amazing and cute! Has a clean retro, modern, classic "rustic" look. A Very clean place! There's an upstairs and down stairs. Downstairs dining has outdoor seating and you can see everything going on on the street. There's an up stairs which is cool. You can dine or have a drink, chill, and people watch etc. There was an Asian woman that was the server, forgot her name but she was great! She hooked you up with good choices! Prices can be a bit pricey, but there's some stuff on the menu that can accommodate your pocket! read more

Andrea B.

414

4 years ago

I recently dined at here for Saturday Brunch and overall had a mixed experience. The Grilled Cheese was decent, but the side of tomato soup tasted like spaghetti sauce which was a bit of a disappointment. The Pork Belly Fried Rice was good, but the eggs were overcooked. The Eggs Benedict were also good, but the side of potatoes were burnt. On the other hand, the Veggie Scrambles were yummy and the potatoes were seasoned well. The Pickled Bloody Mary was delicious and definitely worth trying. The service was ehhh, not very attentive and the server would not check in on us often. Additionally, it took 30 minutes to get the bill. The food also took forever to come out, with my plate being served 20 minutes before the rest of my party. Truffle fries were very yummy and I would definitely order them again. Overall, the food was decent but the service and timing could use some improvement. read more

Craig D.

10 years ago

We just wandered in one night for a few after dinner cocktails. The atmosphere was cozy, and unique. The lights were colanders and some walls had rolling pins as art deco. The drinks were all handcrafted and our bartender (Hunter) helped guide us to the right one. There was also live music that wasnt too loud or overbearing. What was supposed to be one drink ended up being a few and some hours passed and we were hungry. My wife ordered some mac and cheese which was fantastic but her attention was drawn to my 16oz bone in tomahawk ribeye. Presented by being infused with a hint of smokiness and covered with a lid that once removed allows all that wonderful aroma to escape. The steak was cooked perfectly and seasoned extremely well. We then discovered it was half night bottle night (Monday) so we decided to take one with us. I highly recommend checking this place out. read more

L W.

3 years ago

I cannot provide a review of the food at the restaurant because the restaurant never returned my call for a reservation for a party of 30. I called the night before at 730pm and was told that I needed an event coordinator for my reservation and was told someone would call me back by midnight. No call was ever made to me even though they had my email and contact phone number. I attempted to call again the next morning at 10am when they opened and they said they would flag my call as urgent and will have someone call me back immediately yet no one did. I gave up after waiting for a call back 1.5 hours later as I needed a place for 30 people that night. I ended up reserving dinner for my party of 30 at another restaurant who was happy to do business with me. read more

Immanuel L.

4 years ago

I've been coming here for a while and I feel it's time to finally leave a review for this place. First off the food, fantastic I had the scallops and tomahawk steak-cooked to perfection! David was absolutely great, he was very attentive and was constantly checking up on our party even though it looked like they were slammed. The ambiance is what really makes the place and upstairs is where you'll find the prime seating. Busy place and there's always something going on being that it's one of the busiest spots downtown. There's really nothing like enjoying a night out; sipping on an espresso martini and people watching from Rustic Root's balcony, definitely would recommend if you're in San Diego. read more

Brandon B.

6 years ago

This place looked so good. We were so hungry. But then this place tucked up the rest of my day. So many things were incorrect for such a restaurant. 1) waitress was rude/ wasn't having it. I don't blame her. But when we ask when the food is coming out after an hour of waiting and you say "I don't know" it's a little fishy. After 1 hr of waiting - we decided to cancel (too hungry to wait for APPARENTLY NOTHING). As soon as we told the lady, she said, "ok we'll have the check right out". As if she was waiting for us to leave. Then management comes and we explain. And I quote "you're 8 people you should expect your food to take this long". Lol thx man. Great. read more

Rah H.

4 years ago

This has been my sixth time visiting, yet my first review. I purposely waited to see whether or not this establishment and most importantly the customer service, would remain consistently great. I was right the first time. Phenomenal food, grade ambience, and outstanding customer service. One person in particular, a waitress named Alexis, helped me and assisted others I was with almost every time I've been. She truly is the reason I keep returning. Thank you Alexis and the other professional staff. It's rare these days in my experience to have customer service that is pleasant and welcoming. I will continue to return to my now "Go-To spot!' read more

Elise C.

10 years ago

Went here with my friends today for a birthday. Had a reservation. We waited almost 15 minutes to be greeted, the server did not smile even when she did come over, then we waited another 15 minutes after ordering our drinks before we walked out because we still didn't have our drinks and we could see they were not even made in the well. We are all servers and were there with one of our managers as well. We understand it gets busy and slow service happens, but it's the way you go about it that makes a difference. This was horrible and none of the 10 person party we brought will be returning to this restaurant. read more

J-Lynn D.

8 years ago

Love this place! Used to come here after work for drinks and just came back for dinner with fiancé for the first time. First and foremost, they're pet friendly! We brought our puppy golden retriever and it was perfect. We went to rooftop which is different menu than downstairs but just as tasty - just smaller portions. We sat facing out to the street and loved the sunset and people watching. Great vibes, great drinks and phenomenal food. We had the meatballs, crispy shrimp, skirt steak, poke and braised ribs + bottle of wine. Delicious food, great service, cool vibes and dog friendly! We'll be back! read more

William R.

11 years ago

I usually rather leave no review than a bad one. But this experience was the very worse I had in a very long time. So after getting drinks on the rooftop but no food because they serve only appetizers... Which is kinda lame but it's ok we can go downstairs. When getting downstairs the dinning area, that was 2/3 empty, the hostess ask us to wait for 15-20. So my obvious question was why the wait when your place is more that half empty?? she would not answer... So I guess they just want people to wait to built the hype or something but I'm not into that... Too bad because they actually have potential. read more

Charlie C.

Elite 18

344

462

400

11 years ago

As the evening turns into late night, I didn't know what to expect from a joint called Rustic Root. My friends and I came here for some late night drinks. After the five or six minute wait, we all made it up to the rooftop. Whoa! The decor at this place is so cool: from the colander chandelier to the animal shaped trimmed bushes Rustic Root was knocked it out of the park in designing the place. My friends and I came for a few drinks and they weren't too bad. I am definitely already planning my way back to Rustic Root for the food. I would love to hang out at this place on a regular basis. read more

Joanna D.

256

11 years ago

The first time I came here I made it an exception for their slow service, so I gave it another shot. I came to notice that it was EVERY time I came here that it had slow service and they would take forever to attend to you. Not to mention they take a pretty long time to bring out your food. Besides this downfall, their appetizers upstairs are pretty tasty and so are their drinks. They have a nice set up upstairs and gets pretty busy during the weekends. If you don't mind waiting a little while for your food or drinks, it's a good place to check out at least once. read more

Christian E.

Elite 23

307

3 years ago

Rustic Root offers a truly distinctive dining experience that sets it apart from other establishments. The ambiance is charmingly rustic yet stylish, with a rooftop patio that provides stunning views of the cityscape. The service is attentive and friendly, ensuring a pleasant and seamless dining experience. The food and drinks at Rustic Root are a delightful fusion of classic American cuisine with creative twists, showcasing innovative flavor combinations and impeccable presentation. It's a culinary adventure that guarantees a memorable and satisfying visit. read more

Lido C.

9 years ago

I was pleasantly surprised when dana a. Manager at rustic root . She refunded me for the full amount of a charge for a check where one of bartender over charged my bill by a dollar . I really am starting to dislike hip and tready Gaslamp they care more about there tip than service just because your young and beautiful is no exuse how to steal and be manipulative be a better person and be a better bartender instead of stealing from the public maybe it was an accident but I have a feeling it wasn't. Good luck R.R. read more

Ryan R.

Elite 23

117

338

2 years ago

Rustic Root, located right in the heart of Gaslamp, is a fantastic spot for a meal out. I ordered the chicken and waffles, but to my surprise, they didn't have waffles--so I got pancakes instead. Honestly, it turned out to be a much better choice than I expected! The pancakes were fluffy and delicious, and paired perfectly with the crispy chicken. The atmosphere is lively and fun, and the location makes it an ideal place to grab a bite when you're in the Gaslamp area. Highly recommend giving it a try! read more

Rustic Root - cocktailbars - Updated September 2026

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Harbor & Sky Rooftop Bar and Lounge

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This Bar and Lounge is perfect for great Sunset views with friends enjoying the evening with food…read moreand drinks. Walked in and seated quickly by the fire pit table it was a bit cloudy so no sunset but weather was nice and cozy with a glass of wine and ordered the flat bread which was delicious. Seating also at the bar area , nice spacious , great service and the food was good!

Villain’s Brewing

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Hudson & Nash

4.1

(392 reviews)

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Stopped here for breakfast before checking out of the Hilton. We had no reservation so it was about…read morea 20 minute wait. By the time we checked in and got seated, the place had gotten very busy with guests from the hotel. We ordered our drinks and waited a quite a while before we were able to place our food order. My husband ordered the two eggs under the Fresh Start menu and I got the H&N Hash with scrambled eggs and a side order of sourdough toast. I was a bit disappointed with the hash because it had way more potatoes than corned beef which I had to search for between all the potatoes. The description mentions pepper and onions, but I wasn't expecting a sauce. It wasn't bad, just wasn't what I pictured. At the end of our meal, someone, who I believe was the manager, stopped by our table to check on us. She apologized for the wait and explained how busy they were, which we appreciated, but unfortunately, the food just didn't make up for it.

The Nolen

3.9

(844 reviews)

•$$$

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The Nolen used to be our favorite rooftop about 7-8 years ago. We practically took every single…read morevisitor here to enjoy the great food and drinks, while soaking in the view and vibe. It has been a couple years since our last visit, and boy, am I disappointed by our experience last weekend. The view and service were still good, but the signs of neglect were hard to ignore. The chairs and tables look worn. The rust on the light fixtures was obvious. It used to be packed on any given night, but now half the tables were empty with "reserved" sign on them, even at 7pm on a Saturday night. We wanted to switch to a different table because the setting sun was glaring directly into our eyes, but we were denied. Why anyone decided to orient majority of the tables such a way, instead of rotating the tables 90 degrees so the sun hits the profile rather than head on, is beyond me. Lastly, and the most unforgiveable thing, the drinks were horrible for this price point at $45 for 2 drinks including tax and tip. Husband got Tickle My Pickle, and the name was the best of part about it. It read like a dirty martini, but tasted like straight up pickle brine. I got Shanghai Nights, which was watery, and the coconut foam added nothing to the drink except a mess, since the server sloshed it everywhere on the table. Basically both drinks were good in conception but the execution was very imbalanced. We originally planned to get some snacks and 2 drinks each while waiting for our 9pm dinner reservation elsewhere, but left immediately after the first drinks. Unlikely to return.

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(368 reviews)

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4.2

(182 reviews)

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Borrego Rooftop Kitchen + Cocktails

4.1

(214 reviews)

I was staying at this hotel on a Friday and the rooftop was my last stop…read more I was surprised that there were still tables open and a couple seats at the bar on a late Friday night around 9PM. It was a good mix of people dressed from casual to dressed up in business attire. I ask the bartender if she can make me on those margaritas they had when Guy Fieri was promoting the Santo Tequila and she said yes we still have some of that left. So she made me a margarita and it was really good. The tequila goes very well with cocktails. I then realize it was bartender that was in the video with him. She was very nice and the price was very reasonable for a rooftop bar. Couple funny things I met a couple guys from Boston as well who sat right next to me. We were kinda shocked that they had the heaters on as it wasn't that cold. At least for us lol. Again for a Friday I was shocked it was not packed. I was told during the games it is standing room only. I will definitely be back 100 percent!!

Borrego is the rooftop bar at the Hotel Indigo in San Diego Gaslamp. We dropped by here for a late…read morenight dinner (9 pm) and a drink. We ordered a Caesar salad, wings and carnitas quesidilla ($20 - not pictured). First of all, the salad was nice and tart from the dressing. It woke up my taste buds and provided some roughage. Unfortunately, the wings were a miss. They were baked vs fried, and the texture combined with the sourness of the tamarind didn't go well together. Lastly, the quesadilla was big and packed with meat. I had 1/4 of it and I was stuffed. Felix & Nia took great care of us. They were attentive and friendly. The ambiance was very nice on a warm summer night, and you can see Petco Park (where the Padres play). I would stop by Borrego, even though I would never stay at the hotel again. The food is very good, and the service is friendly & warm.

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