Very happy to have this great casual "home-cooked" and local restaurant! It's awesome they support other local businesses too. Fresh and delicious food! Oh and we had a wonderful server. Very friendly. (He was a male server who said he had been working there for 4 months!) read more

If you're in Fallbrook don't pass on the Coal Bunker. At first it feels a little unsettling, walking into what seems to be an empty hotel lobby but don't let that stop you. Keep going upstairs and you will find the coolest looking barroom/barn old timey antique store looking dining room. Then you will notice there are no fries offered even though sandwiches, hotdogs and burgers seem to be their thing. That's because they don't have a fryer for some reason. Don't let this put you off, they offer something called crispy potatoes... choose them, it's worth the up charge. That's not true.. it's not worth the up charge, they should be included. But that's my only complaint. The super nice and friendly waitress did an amazing job of answering all of our questions. I had the hot pastrami sandwich and it was awesome!! If you're in Fallbrook and looking for a bite to eat, give The Coal Bunker a try. You won't be disappointed. read more

I was so excited to try this place because of all the great reviews. This place is a RIP OFF. DO NOT go here. We ordered pretzel bites for my toddler because there's NO kids menu, and they charged $8 for 7 little pretzel bites and some gross mustard sauce. They also charge an extra $1.00 if you want cheese on your burger. Their food was not great. We got the coal burgers and mac n cheese, and it was nothing special. Way over priced. Here are some photos for proof. Not to mention, parking is a joke. read more

The Coal Bunker - This was $8.00. Not joking. - American Near Me - Fallbrook, California

****REVIEWED DURING COVID**** This place is THE BEST!!!! Even when ordering for pickup, the food here is the best and super delicious. I ordered food here for myself and my friends. When I came here to pick up my food, the restaurant is super clean and the gal behind the register was super nice and friendly. She asked a lot of questions that I didn't even think about like, mayo on the side? ketchup? And the little things that usually come with dinner. I ordered the Shepard's Pie and I was so happy with this dish! It had so much flavor and so much amazing textures in it that I could eat this over and over and over again. If I had to pick one thing to eat for the rest of my life, it would be the Shepard's pie from the coal bunker. I'm so impressed and I can't wait for more indoor dining to open so that I can experience first hand food fresh from the kitchen! read more

Food was mediocre, service was not good, girls who work there did not make any attempt for an inviting welcome or to take our order, the guy who did bring our food so super friendly. Not sure if we'll give it another go read more

Service was really nice , cool little small local place .... Food was great , casual atmosphere

Josh was our server and was awesome! St. Patrick's day food was great. We had. Couple of Ruben's, Italian Chicken Sandwich and a Burger. Oh yeah and great Irish Stout. Great food and great service. read more

Was very disappointed with this place. I went for lunch and they only offer like four things and it just didn't taste very good. I got the Ruben burger that was supposed to have Swiss cheese but they added sage cheese which made it green and didn't taste good. I also got the green beans cooked in bacon and it was a teeny serving of canned green beans with a little bacon. The waitress didn't wear a mask once either. There is a great beer menu and that's why I gave two stars. read more

The Coal Bunker - American Near Me - Fallbrook, California

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I've been to The Coal Bunker several times. They have a very unique ambiance, the food is delicious. It is family owned and operated. They are in a historic Fallbrook building. read more

Excellent food and staff (Inga), but need to bring back their chicken sandwich. Cool and quiet.

I am on a mission to find the best burger in the world. If you are on a similar mission you need to stop here and add this one to your top rankings! Burger - juicy, bacon - perfect, onions - perfect, sauce - unique and not over saucy, cheese - great choice, bun - soft fresh brioche. 10/10. In my top 3 ever for me! Thank you guys! read more

The Coal Bunker - Bunker burger - American Near Me - Fallbrook, California

Great service. HUMONGOUS burger. Would love to come back again soon. House made sauces!!!!!

Who'd of thunk that one of my favorite new restaurants would be in Fallbrook!?! I live in Oceanside and although I go to Fallbrook sometimes I don't even know how I heard about the Coal Bunker but someone did and then starting following them on Facebook. I kept seeing pictures of their delicious looking food and tried them a few months ago. I have eaten here a bunch of times since then. I have been working my way through their menu and I have loved everything so far. My favorite items are the grilled cheese, the smores pie and all of the sides. They have a nice beer list and the restaurant itself is super cute. read more

Love it! Great food, great service, and a nice atmosphere. We particularly like that they carry wild barrel brewery options, so delicious. Everything was perfect. read more

The Coal Bunker - Chicken Melt Sandwich and Mac n cheese - American Near Me - Fallbrook, California

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This was our first time here and we're glad we tried it out. The ambiance gave me a country rustic feeling, totally appropriate for Fallbrook. The staff was friendly and accommodating. We were seated right away. My wife is a vegetarian and I'm normal lol. They had a great selection for the both of us. It's a good spot to go if you have a baby. Try it out! read more

After reading all the great reviews on the Coal Bunker I knew I had to try it for myself. Not often does our home town offer new eating establishments and to start out with five star ratings certainly made me curious. The building is in the center of town and we found easy parking on the street. As you enter the restaurant lots of planning and decorating have been done with booths, high-top tables, or bar seating. You feel welcome as soon as you enter, the server greeted us with a friendly smile. I ordered a cheeseburger with bacon and a side of mac and cheese. My husband ordered the pulled pork and a side of string beans. Good things take time to prepare and the ambiance was enjoyed as we waited. The first bite of my burger took me totally by surprise! What flavor...The bun was so soft and fresh, the meat cooked to perfection juicy and well seasoned, cheese melted, and the bacon. it was great! This was the BEST BURGER I have ever eaten. I eat a lot of burgers so this is saying something. My Mac and cheese was perfect as well. Cheesy with a crispy topping. Oh my goodness I can't wait to go back. My husband's pulled pork and string beans were enjoyed as well. I encourage you to try this wonderful new restaurant, a hidden gem that deserves praise for its delicious food and small-town friendliness. read more

We had a pretty obnoxious table of drunk adults next to us that effected our experience but thankfully the staff and food were great! The live music was oddly VERY loud and we were at one of the farthest tables from him and he played 2 songs and took like a 40 minute break making the place silent‍ it was an odd, different experience but we didn't hate it! Our waitress was super sweet and out food was delicious!! read more

The Coal Bunker - Menu - American Near Me - Fallbrook, California

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Great food and service. I had the monster mac and cheese, and It was excellent. Also, the cheesecake and the bread pudding were great. read more

The Coal Bunker - Monster Mac - American Near Me - Fallbrook, California

The food was okay but the price was way out of line very high price for what you got. The building and atmosphere was kind of cool but I don't see myself eating there again read more

Food is amazing and all the staff are wonderful and always happy and inviting. We had our rehearsal dinner here the night before our wedding. We had a wonderful time the food was great as always and they served all in our party of 11 in a very timely and efficient manor. It one item was missed or water not refilled the entire time we were there. We eat here nearly on e a week! read more

I was so disappointed about ourmeal tonight. They said they were honoring St Patrick's tonight, I was anticipating corn beef cabbage in honor of St Patrick' day.! We got reservations at 6pm. Had a beer and potato skins waiting for our corn beef, only to be told they ran out of corn beef. On St Patrick's day!!! So disappointed! They were apologetic and honored our meal. Thank you for that, but we were looking forward to listening to IRISH MUSIC and Irish food. read more

A must stop when you visit Fallbrook or if you live in Fallbrook. The food and service is great . Samantha did a great job . The beer on tap was perfect plus the burger and Mac and cheese read more

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The portobello mushroom sandwich is excellent and the service was fast! Also have a good selection of beers as well

WOW Wowww this place is amazing!! The food is insanely good - bread on sandwiches and burgers and full of crisp flavor - Please Try The Portobello Mushroom Sandwich you will not be disappointed - I'm saying meat loving hoomans - this is legit the most delicious burger. Also suggest ANY of the Loaded Mac N' Cheese. Honorable mention to the Jalapeño Coconut Rice - thought it would be too spicy but dang...will come back again and have already sent several people and they loved it as well!! read more

Menu prices online are wrong this is bs $11 in person and $7 online. The total should have been told on the phone not when I arrived

Josh was fantastic, very attentive and kind, we were left wanting for nothing. I wasn't too impressed with the Reuben they had on special but my partner loved his hot dog, so I'm ambivalent on the food. The service carried the night here, I'll likely return and try something else in the future. read more

Waste of money. Didn't even finish my meal. Hamburger, side of Mac, side salad over 30.00 dollars. Mac taste like kraft box. Burger garbage.​ read more

Solid 3 Stars. We first visited the Coal Bunker July 2020, and found the food and service was much better when it was smaller in size, and menu. To be fair this visit could've been an off night, and it's look and feel make it a great place to meet up for a drink. Huge potential! Location: Well situated on Main Street makes it easy to find but parking might be difficult during peak hours. Ambiance: Really like how they expanded the place by bringing in the railroad feel. I hope they keep adding to that chemistry. The front wait area is really nice but not effectively used space. I hope they change the front hostess stand (looks like a former hotel lobby desk) into a small wine tasting area for local wineries. Wouldn't that be wonderful! Get a quick taste or sit down with a small flight of wine before a meal. It might also help folks choose a bottle for their dinner inside - just a thought. Service: Good, but it felt as if our server was inexperienced or indifferent. She had little to no knowledge on wine. That said, she was kind enough to bring us a taste of a local brand. The wine was okay (improved when spun and aerated - really should consider using a aerator on the poor) but not what I would've ordered. Still, I bought a glass anyway just because our server was polite enough to offer us a taste. She also had little input regarding the selections on the menu because as she put it she never tasted most of the dishes. We rewarded her with a good tip for her honesty and effort as she kept coming to check on us. Food: Okay to good. For some reason there was an aversion to salt and spice (i.e. flavor), making this a perfect meal spot for a hypertensive patron. But just not for me. It also tasted pre-made like it came off a Sysco food truck. The pretzel was good, except for the watered down mustard sauce (awful), and it needed the crisp top. It seemed as if they either didn't get it in the baking soda to precook or it was taken out of the oven to early during the bake? The hamburger patty on my burger, and chicken meat in the stuffed avocado, as well as the salad (especially the salad) had the prefab taste to it too. Meals were okay but presentation...not so much for the salad it looked like it came from a HS cafeteria. The high point would have to be the hamburger bun. That tasted as if a baker and not a factory made it. Perhaps offering bread as appetizer, and definitely have a local baker help with getting the pretzel cooking right. Cleanliness: Front wait/hostess area was clean and dusted. The dining sections concrete floors, tables, chairs, etc. all clean. Bar area also looked equally clean. Didn't visit the restroom on this trip but have little concern knowing how they kept the rest of the place. Overall: 3 Stars but I couldn't help but like the place so I'll definitely give it another dinner try. That said, this is a wonderful place to meet with friends and share some wine and conversation, beer and a game or just talking with strangers at the bar. I really hope it keeps moving-improving as it has huge potential. read more

Food is good. The other tables can be entertaining. I think whatever you order here is good.

We heard about the chicken sandwich from someone who heard about the the chicken sandwich who heard it from someone who actually had one and RAVED about it! So Went to Check it out. The place has a cool vibe and the chicken sandwich ROCKED! I am a foodie and self proclaimed famous chef lol so I like to think I know good food. The chicken was super juicy and seasoned to perfection. Wish I could figure out what they did but it's complex. The sauce was incredible - kicked off with their own bribed pickles. Drool worthy and satisfying. Price was totally reasonable. Met the owner/chef to compliment and he is awesome. Really great experience all around. Fun date night with my guy! If you are in a big fat hurry, call ahead. That beautiful chicken sandwich is a work of art so you gotta let the process happen ;) read more

This location is kind of special to me. The building used to be home to not only my favorite Mexican restaurant with the best sopes known to mankind, it was also the very first place I ate after I moved into this awesome little village. Sadly, the sopes are gone but, Coal Bunker has completely revitalized this spot. They have a short yet fantastic menu and what looks to be a great beer and wine menu on the horizon. I highly recommend the Firebox Chicken Sandwich. Crispy chicken, with a hint of what tastes like curry powder and seved on Texas Toast. Well crafted and etc every penny. I can't wait to have a sit down experience in the new bar area. Keep the good food coming! read more

The Coal Bunker - Firebox Chicken Sandwich - American Near Me - Fallbrook, California

Gave this place three tries and each was more of a disaster than the first. First -- they ran out of food. Second- slow service, entree was cold and small portions. Ran out of dessert. Last time was the last time. 1) waitress was older and drunk or impaired on some way. Guy at the bar looked like his shower curtain is a confederate flag. Waitress went on and on and on about organic everything. Except they were out of half of it. We ordered, there was a large ish party already there but done and just chatting with drinks. Three other parties of 2-4 came were served and went. My friend and I were chatting and after approx 30 minutes tries to wave down the weaving server to no avail. 15 more minutes-- got her attention and she brushed us off and said "it's coming this isn't fast food it's ORGANIC. 20 minutes we are both hangry AF and it's getting to be closing time and when I get up to GO FIND THE SERVER (bartender was busy watching sports) to cancel order she comes running and said they "ran out is food because of that big party" but they could make us the organic chicken and add a salad. We made the mistake of saying yes because we were hangry and it's fallbrook, everything is closing and we didn't want fast food. Well we got fast food. 4 chicken strips. And a salad. And a beer. For nearly 80 bucks. Not x two. That was our total list of order. We split it. Waitress/impaired server was indignant at our complaint. ITS ORGANIC. It must be code for: we suck enjoy our own bar selections and how dare you have expectations to be fed at a food establishment. The incompetence is ORGANIC. read more

My friends & I have really enjoyed the CB. We've had take out and dine-in, both which were good experiences the the food is exceptional. It's quickly become one of our favorites of Fallbrook! Tried & Recommended: Shepards Pie Tuscan Chicken Pressed Chicken Pressed Caprese read more

This place is absolutely the best. Ive been coming here for awhile, its a popular Fallbrook spot. The owners Jeff & Taylor are just two of the kindest, most good-hearted people you could ever meet. Proud to call them friends of mine. And the food and craft beer selection is worth driving into Fallbrook for, no doubt. If you haven't tried this place, you need to! read more

We got take-out from The Coal Bunker, and it was awesome. We ordered the pulled pork sandwich, which has a delicious mustard slaw and fresh pickle slices. We got the Firebox Chicken Sandwich - cooked perfectly and the bread was great - texas toast. We had mac n cheese, and a beet and kale salad on the side. Everything was great, but I think the star of the sow was the chili. OMG. The chili is sooo good! We also got some amazing cans of local craft beer to go. The prices were very fair, the portions are generous, and the food is delicious. Will definitely return next time I am in the area. read more

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We're from LA and we came out here for Pala Casino. On the way there, we found this spot and stopped by to check it out. We were blown away!! It has a small town vibe with a big punch in tasty food! The beer selection is impressive, but the food is definitely what keeps the people coming back. I had the sliders (chicken and pork), hubby had the bunker burger, and we shared the nachos. Holy cow - SO good!! We were very impressed with the whole menu- and very happy with the choices we made. Special shout out to Josh! This guy is the face of the The Coal Bunker! He is definitely an asset to their team. Way to go Coal Bunker! Keep it up! We'll be back! read more

Stumbled across this place driving through the area. They opened a couple weeks ago and it's amazing! I had the firebox chicken sando w mac & cheese which they said was their signature combo. It didn't disappoint. My wife has the pulled pork and was happy w that dish as well. For the beer lovers, they carry Pure Brewing cans which are hard to find. Super high end craft brew right there. read more

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Just visited The Coal Bunker in Fallbrook for the first time. I'd heard great things but didn't have time to dine in, so got carryout instead. The Bunker Burger is intoxicating and a culinary delight; one of the best hamburgers I've ever had: fresh ground chuck, Gruyère cheese, caramelized onions, Bunker Sauce, and bacon on a brioche bun---grilled to perfection and worth every penny. The mac n' cheese is a worthy side, featuring a creamy, four-cheese blend and buttered, toasted bread crumbs. While it was a simple carryout meal, the food exceeded every expectation. The hostess was friendly and the food was ready when I arrived. Parking is behind the restaurant on E. Elder. My only critique is for ownership to light their exterior sign. The restaurant disappears at night and you could easily drive past and not know it's even there. The Coal Bunker is a wonderful addition to the Friendly Village and I can't wait for my next meal! read more

What a Gem! The food is definitely chef inspired! The Service is great, the place is unique and inviting the Burgers, the Portobello Mushroom sandwich and the Wedge Salad with Applewood bacon are my go-to's. Unique gems are my Favorite! Try this Spot, you'll be Satisfied ! read more

Tried this restaurant because of the many good reviews. I'm sorry but this restaurant had a musty smell, the waiting room (Guess you call it that) has old furniture which could be the cause of the smell. Was also disappointed they do not serve French fries which I usually order with a hamburger. Portions small. read more