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Cute little place in downtown with indoor and outdoor seating. They can get pretty busy so I would RSVP online. There's only street parking so make sure you come earlier to find parking. Service was very slow and often time hard to find our server. Our food came out before our drinks ever came. The wagyu beef tartare had no flavor besides salt. Yellowtail Crudo was fresh and flavorful but way to sour. Mac and cheese was cooked just right. Chicken skewers were super dry. The Brussels sprouts was good. Best thing we got was the pork belly bao. Pork belly was soft, tender, and flavorful.
Top Tier service!!! Our server Gus was awesome the chef and the manager also was fantastic. To walk into such a beautiful esthetic restaurant you pray that the food is delicious and it surely was. The lamb meatballs, Brussels sprouts, chicken sandwiches were delicious. The hostess was great as well. If you are in the San Diego area or visiting you must visit this amazing place. You will enjoy the ambiance, the food, the vibe, the people. Go and enjoy
We were looking for a new brunch spot and I happen to find this on Yelp! Overall, the restaurant had a cute aesthetic with the books, records and paintings on the walls. I was really surprised that for a Saturday mid morning it wasn't busy. For food, we had the Florentine Benedict and the Bulgogi Short Rib Hash. Few stand outs was the heirloom tomato on the Benedict, and the short rib itself had so much flavor. I'd be curious to come back at night time to see live music and how the vibe changes.
This place gives neighborhood gem vibes even though it's pretty central and right next to Balboa. It's also a pretty large space. They have a smaller outdoor patio but a very large space indoors. We came right at 5 on a Wed and it wasn't too busy then but by the time we left at 7 it was packed. All night happy hour on Wednesday too! Their happy hour menu is slightly discounted (~$2-5) items from their main menu. We got some drinks, the chicken bao, brussel sprouts and charred broccoli. Broccoli was not on hh. For my drink I got the Grenache that was on hh. Unfortunately it was served super warm. It was a hot day but you'd think they'd put it somewhere cooler so it didn't get like that. I wouldn't get wine there again. For food the bao bun had a good variety of components. My only knock on it was that the chicken piece was tiny. That being said, it was well cooked and super crunchy texture which I loved. Brussel sprouts were delicious and crispy. The peanut sauce they use on it is perfect. The broccoli was decent. It ate much sweeter than I thought it would and the sauce made the labneh a little runny so it didn't stick to the broccoli well. Service was sooo friendly and very quick the whole night but we never felt rushed. I would definitely come back and try more.
I heard nothing, but great things about this spot so I had to check it out with my friends! First let's start with the decor, this place is very chic and elegant looking. I like the different variety of table seating to the different rooms of where you can dine. It was inviting and very spacious. Everyone that we encountered was super friendly and outgoing. It was very great hospitality. Our waiter was very helpful and check in on us quite often. The service was Superb. Now the food, we went on a Wednesday which they have Happy Hour all day. We ordered The Record Room Burger which came with Fries. This was very tasty. The fries were excellent. I tried one of my friend's dishes which was the Lamb Meatballs and that was amazing. Sadly, the B&R Mac n Cheese did not do it for me. It was missing seasoning and the flakes tasted stale. The staff did give us salt & pepper to jazz it up which did help. Regardless of the mac n cheese, I really enjoyed this place. The red wine was perfection. Overall it was a great experience and I gotta go back to check out other food items.
Wow! From walking up, to getting seated, ordering, talking to staff about different dishes, and paying our bill, this was by far one of the best first impressions I've ever had. The dining area and bar had a good amount it guests, and where we sat was more than 85% full. I appreciate that the staff made accommodations to seat us three even though we just walked up. We were exploring the area for good food and live music, and Books & Records checked off every box for a dining experience. I'll definitely be coming back and trying other stuff. Cheers!
Happy Hour is all day on Wednesdays, which is a huge plus. The menu has a great selection, and this place always has a solid ambiance. Everything came out quickly, including the drinks. I genuinely wasn't dressed up and still received some of the best service I've ever had at a restaurant. Dalton was an absolute all-star, even though he's a Dodgers fan. A+ service. Even when he had a good number of tables, he still checked in regularly to make sure we were happy and had everything we needed.
This place was super cute, I made a reservation on a Friday just in case or was packed, but if you come as soon as they open you will be okay. I loved the place and the waitress we had was great and super friendly. We got a few things, the ahi tuna crudo, pork bao buns, and the flat iron steak with fries. The ahi tuna was alright, nothing too special. The pork bao was delicious and I wanted to love the steak as it was cooked perfectly, but the tendon was way to tough to cut with their knives. All in all it was a good place and a good way to start the weekend. We will be back for sure.
The happy hour and the vibes are immaculate! A few months ago, I went here with my boyfriend, sisters and brothers in law for my going away dinner. I am so sad because I can't remember the name of our waitress! She was amazing because she was so ON POINT with everything -- from knowing the details of each menu item, to knowing what "medium+" is for a steak. She was attentive and amazing and shoutout to her! The food and tiny 'tinis were delicious! The steak and fries were such a good deal for $25. I could've eaten two of them, and now that I'm writing this months later, I'm thinking about that meal again. There is also a spot where the live musician plays, which is awesome! When I'm in San Diego, I have to come back.
My husband and I came here for a date night and we will definitely be coming back! The environment is very hip, the staff was nice and the food while unique was amazing. You cannot beat their happy hour pricing which was all night on Wednesday when we went and you can even get the happy pricing at the table not just in the bar area. Highly recommend.
My fiancé and I stopped by Books & Records last night. It's a cute Asian fusion spot with a relatively small, curated menu--split into warm dishes, cold dishes, and a few appetizers. The inside was nearly fully booked, but we were able to grab a table on the patio, which worked out great. There was also open seating at the bar. We started with the Brussels sprouts and fries. The Brussels sprouts were good--my fiancé enjoyed them more than I did, but I found them a bit underwhelming. The fries were your standard skinny fries, decent overall but slightly over-salted. For a cold dish, we shared the Wagyu tartare, which unfortunately was the biggest letdown of the night. It was overwhelmingly heavy on ginger, shallots, and vinaigrette--so much so that you could barely taste the beef. The flavors were intensely salty, acidic, and overpowering. It also came with crispy fried chips, which only added to the heaviness. We're not the type to send food back, but it was honestly difficult to get through--we ended up drinking multiple bottles of water just to balance it out. On the drinks side, though, they really delivered. I ordered the Wild Honey and my fiancé had the Old Fashioned--both were excellent. The portions were solid (not overly diluted with ice), and the flavors were well-balanced and enjoyable. Overall, I'd consider coming back for drinks, especially given the ambiance and quality of cocktails. As for the food, based on this experience, it's not something I'd return for. Still, it's a nice spot if you're looking for a casual drink in a good atmosphere
We decided to try Books & Records around 5pm when they opened. It's such a cute, vibey spot in the heart of Bankers Hill. We stopped in for their happy hour (5-6:30pm) and were seriously impressed ...great pricing and even 1/2 off wine bottles on Thursdays, which is a win win We ordered a few options to share: chicken bao buns, pork belly bao buns, ahi tuna crudo, lamb meatballs, B&R mac & cheese, flat iron steak with fries, and the carrots of the day. Every single dish was delicious and super flavorful. The atmosphere is a whole mood ..they even play R&B music ..which sets the perfect vibe, and they also have live music on Friday and Saturday evenings. I tried their ube‑inspired cocktail and loved it. Overall, this place is absolutely worth a visit. Great food, great music, great energy. I'll definitely be coming back for sure.
Your call for Brunch is answered here no matter the size of your party Super friendly greetings from Anderson as soon as I walked in the door. The duck carnitas Benny should be a fave of yours if you are looking for flavors to stand up and wave the flag. The lime crema will have you licking your fork. If a good citrus burst is your jam, this is for you. Pickled onions mingled with the Coca Cola marinated duck round out for an all out sensation as you dig in. In terms of a wake-up call, I had Coffee + TV, a citrus spin on the espresso martini. If you're a boozy brunch person, they have bottomless mimosas. Jas took care of me with good recommendations and solid knowledge of the menu. There's indoor and outdoor seating with lofty ceilings, a straight bar and some eclectic decor that nods to its namesake. If you are in the area, make it a priority to stop by and enjoy their brunch at a minimum.
Books & Records Delivers Live Jazz, Standout Cocktails, and Exceptional Happy Hour Bites As a fan of Common Stock, expectations were high for its Bankers Hill sister spot, Books & Records--and it easily delivered. The moment you step inside, the bi-level space makes a striking impression with its mid-century accents, exposed brick, and warm, moody lighting. It manages to balance a lively, energetic atmosphere with an effortless chicness that feels tailored for a memorable night out. The happy hour here is an absolute standout, featuring an expansive array of creative food options and crafted drinks. The menu brings an inventive Asian fusion twist to bar bites, offering flavor-forward small plates that pair seamlessly with the beverage program. The drinks deserve equal applause: the craft cocktails are meticulously balanced, and the signature ube-inspired cocktails are as vibrant and distinct as they are delicious. Adding to the venue's overall charm is the live music program. Catching live jazz, soul, and blues sets elevates the entire experience from a simple dinner run into a full sensory event. The music creates a vibrant, soulful backdrop without overpowering table conversation, striking just the right rhythm for intimate catch-ups or energetic group gatherings. Whether you are dropping in for a quick drink, indulging in a multi-dish happy hour spread, or lingering late for the live tunes and exceptional cocktails, Books & Records captures everything that makes CS Hospitality's concepts so special. It is a stylish, fun, and flavorful addition to San Diego's dining scene. read more
New breakfast spot for me! Super cute decor. Love the vibe here. Bar seating looks cozy and open. I love the books & records they have displayed. Patio seating also very cute. Lots of inside seating. Our waitress Allie was super friendly. We had the short rib hash & the florentine Benedict. Both were delicious and the presentation was great. Visited on a Sunday morning and they weren't terribly busy. Looks like they have music on Saturdays. Not a huge menu but good options. We found parking on the street. Try it! Super cozy here. read more
What a lovely first experience overall! Pros: -all of our dishes we ordered were tasty! From the chicken parm, to the Brussel sprouts. Nothing was salty or bland -beautifully decorated space -they offer Happy Hour until 6:30p with food & drinks -live jazz music on Fri/Sat nights -they have indoor & patio seating -very kind & attentive service throughout-thank you Jordan & colleagues -they were so kind to bring a s'mores brownie for my husband's birthday -dog friendly -nice table presentation -nice table overhead lighting Feedback: -the tables (maybe just in our section?) felt cramped & tight. We could hear the tables next to us pretty easily We'd come back again though to try their other dishes! Maybe on a less busy night though :) read more
1 month ago
Cute little place in downtown with indoor and outdoor seating. They can get pretty busy so I would RSVP online. There's only street parking so make sure you come earlier to find parking. Service was very slow and often time hard to find our server. Our food came out before our drinks ever came. The wagyu beef tartare had no flavor besides salt. Yellowtail Crudo was fresh and flavorful but way to sour. Mac and cheese was cooked just right. Chicken skewers were super dry. The Brussels sprouts was good. Best thing we got was the pork belly bao. Pork belly was soft, tender, and flavorful. read more
5 days ago
Top Tier service!!! Our server Gus was awesome the chef and the manager also was fantastic. To walk into such a beautiful esthetic restaurant you pray that the food is delicious and it surely was. The lamb meatballs, Brussels sprouts, chicken sandwiches were delicious. The hostess was great as well. If you are in the San Diego area or visiting you must visit this amazing place. You will enjoy the ambiance, the food, the vibe, the people. Go and enjoy read more
18 days ago
We were looking for a new brunch spot and I happen to find this on Yelp! Overall, the restaurant had a cute aesthetic with the books, records and paintings on the walls. I was really surprised that for a Saturday mid morning it wasn't busy. For food, we had the Florentine Benedict and the Bulgogi Short Rib Hash. Few stand outs was the heirloom tomato on the Benedict, and the short rib itself had so much flavor. I'd be curious to come back at night time to see live music and how the vibe changes. read more
2 months ago
This place gives neighborhood gem vibes even though it's pretty central and right next to Balboa. It's also a pretty large space. They have a smaller outdoor patio but a very large space indoors. We came right at 5 on a Wed and it wasn't too busy then but by the time we left at 7 it was packed. All night happy hour on Wednesday too! Their happy hour menu is slightly discounted (~$2-5) items from their main menu. We got some drinks, the chicken bao, brussel sprouts and charred broccoli. Broccoli was not on hh. For my drink I got the Grenache that was on hh. Unfortunately it was served super warm. It was a hot day but you'd think they'd put it somewhere cooler so it didn't get like that. I wouldn't get wine there again. For food the bao bun had a good variety of components. My only knock on it was that the chicken piece was tiny. That being said, it was well cooked and super crunchy texture which I loved. Brussel sprouts were delicious and crispy. The peanut sauce they use on it is perfect. The broccoli was decent. It ate much sweeter than I thought it would and the sauce made the labneh a little runny so it didn't stick to the broccoli well. Service was sooo friendly and very quick the whole night but we never felt rushed. I would definitely come back and try more. read more
I heard nothing, but great things about this spot so I had to check it out with my friends! First let's start with the decor, this place is very chic and elegant looking. I like the different variety of table seating to the different rooms of where you can dine. It was inviting and very spacious. Everyone that we encountered was super friendly and outgoing. It was very great hospitality. Our waiter was very helpful and check in on us quite often. The service was Superb. Now the food, we went on a Wednesday which they have Happy Hour all day. We ordered The Record Room Burger which came with Fries. This was very tasty. The fries were excellent. I tried one of my friend's dishes which was the Lamb Meatballs and that was amazing. Sadly, the B&R Mac n Cheese did not do it for me. It was missing seasoning and the flakes tasted stale. The staff did give us salt & pepper to jazz it up which did help. Regardless of the mac n cheese, I really enjoyed this place. The red wine was perfection. Overall it was a great experience and I gotta go back to check out other food items. read more
3 months ago
Wow! From walking up, to getting seated, ordering, talking to staff about different dishes, and paying our bill, this was by far one of the best first impressions I've ever had. The dining area and bar had a good amount it guests, and where we sat was more than 85% full. I appreciate that the staff made accommodations to seat us three even though we just walked up. We were exploring the area for good food and live music, and Books & Records checked off every box for a dining experience. I'll definitely be coming back and trying other stuff. Cheers! read more
Happy Hour is all day on Wednesdays, which is a huge plus. The menu has a great selection, and this place always has a solid ambiance. Everything came out quickly, including the drinks. I genuinely wasn't dressed up and still received some of the best service I've ever had at a restaurant. Dalton was an absolute all-star, even though he's a Dodgers fan. A+ service. Even when he had a good number of tables, he still checked in regularly to make sure we were happy and had everything we needed. read more
2 months ago
This place was super cute, I made a reservation on a Friday just in case or was packed, but if you come as soon as they open you will be okay. I loved the place and the waitress we had was great and super friendly. We got a few things, the ahi tuna crudo, pork bao buns, and the flat iron steak with fries. The ahi tuna was alright, nothing too special. The pork bao was delicious and I wanted to love the steak as it was cooked perfectly, but the tendon was way to tough to cut with their knives. All in all it was a good place and a good way to start the weekend. We will be back for sure. read more
4 months ago
The happy hour and the vibes are immaculate! A few months ago, I went here with my boyfriend, sisters and brothers in law for my going away dinner. I am so sad because I can't remember the name of our waitress! She was amazing because she was so ON POINT with everything -- from knowing the details of each menu item, to knowing what "medium+" is for a steak. She was attentive and amazing and shoutout to her! The food and tiny 'tinis were delicious! The steak and fries were such a good deal for $25. I could've eaten two of them, and now that I'm writing this months later, I'm thinking about that meal again. There is also a spot where the live musician plays, which is awesome! When I'm in San Diego, I have to come back. read more
11 days ago
My husband and I came here for a date night and we will definitely be coming back! The environment is very hip, the staff was nice and the food while unique was amazing. You cannot beat their happy hour pricing which was all night on Wednesday when we went and you can even get the happy pricing at the table not just in the bar area. Highly recommend. read more
2 months ago
My fiancé and I stopped by Books & Records last night. It's a cute Asian fusion spot with a relatively small, curated menu--split into warm dishes, cold dishes, and a few appetizers. The inside was nearly fully booked, but we were able to grab a table on the patio, which worked out great. There was also open seating at the bar. We started with the Brussels sprouts and fries. The Brussels sprouts were good--my fiancé enjoyed them more than I did, but I found them a bit underwhelming. The fries were your standard skinny fries, decent overall but slightly over-salted. For a cold dish, we shared the Wagyu tartare, which unfortunately was the biggest letdown of the night. It was overwhelmingly heavy on ginger, shallots, and vinaigrette--so much so that you could barely taste the beef. The flavors were intensely salty, acidic, and overpowering. It also came with crispy fried chips, which only added to the heaviness. We're not the type to send food back, but it was honestly difficult to get through--we ended up drinking multiple bottles of water just to balance it out. On the drinks side, though, they really delivered. I ordered the Wild Honey and my fiancé had the Old Fashioned--both were excellent. The portions were solid (not overly diluted with ice), and the flavors were well-balanced and enjoyable. Overall, I'd consider coming back for drinks, especially given the ambiance and quality of cocktails. As for the food, based on this experience, it's not something I'd return for. Still, it's a nice spot if you're looking for a casual drink in a good atmosphere read more
We decided to try Books & Records around 5pm when they opened. It's such a cute, vibey spot in the heart of Bankers Hill. We stopped in for their happy hour (5-6:30pm) and were seriously impressed ...great pricing and even 1/2 off wine bottles on Thursdays, which is a win win We ordered a few options to share: chicken bao buns, pork belly bao buns, ahi tuna crudo, lamb meatballs, B&R mac & cheese, flat iron steak with fries, and the carrots of the day. Every single dish was delicious and super flavorful. The atmosphere is a whole mood ..they even play R&B music ..which sets the perfect vibe, and they also have live music on Friday and Saturday evenings. I tried their ube‑inspired cocktail and loved it. Overall, this place is absolutely worth a visit. Great food, great music, great energy. I'll definitely be coming back for sure. read more
4 months ago
Your call for Brunch is answered here no matter the size of your party Super friendly greetings from Anderson as soon as I walked in the door. The duck carnitas Benny should be a fave of yours if you are looking for flavors to stand up and wave the flag. The lime crema will have you licking your fork. If a good citrus burst is your jam, this is for you. Pickled onions mingled with the Coca Cola marinated duck round out for an all out sensation as you dig in. In terms of a wake-up call, I had Coffee + TV, a citrus spin on the espresso martini. If you're a boozy brunch person, they have bottomless mimosas. Jas took care of me with good recommendations and solid knowledge of the menu. There's indoor and outdoor seating with lofty ceilings, a straight bar and some eclectic decor that nods to its namesake. If you are in the area, make it a priority to stop by and enjoy their brunch at a minimum. read more
5 days ago
The food here is pretty satisfying but the portions are on the smaller side than how much you would want to eat. Happy hour deals here are great and we came right when it started. There was several couples seated at the bar area but lots of open high tables in the middle and a large party seated on the side. I quickly noticed too on the way inside that there's about 3 different sections of seating for people so they must get very packed!!! We sat at the high table next to where I think a live band would be performing, since there was a spot nearby with a bunch of wiring going on. Definitely looks amazing inside with the decor and furniture of the spot adding some pleasant vibes. I don't think there's that much, but there are just enough records and books when you look around (and also use the restroom). This spot seems to be best for those who want to drink with their meals. We didn't drink this time around because we had a long drive back to LA. We absolutely enjoyed the Pork Belly Bao Buns and utilized the happy hour deal to enjoy it with a side of their deliciously crisp fries. The flat iron steak was also very yummy and left us wanting to eat more... Yeah, if you're the type to need a lot to be filled up you either need to pay another entree to eat more or eat some dessert afterwards. Anyways, this spot was perfect for a date night and we were treated very well by the staff and our server!!! read more
Walking in already set the tone for me. It was a relaxed environment. Quiet and welcoming. The food was good from the selections I picked. I picked the hamburger and fries. Each delicious. The Mac and cheese, well the topping tasted chewy and stale. And the cheese didn't taste like cheese. It honestly tasted like the smell of a toolbox. The only reason I give a 4 star was because of how the mac and cheese tastes and was prepared. The waiter was super welcoming and kind. And understood the dilemma. read more
I've been here several times for happy hour but this time I was disappointed by the amount of time it took to get our food and second round of drinks. Nonetheless, I'll keep coming back because their happy hour options are unique and exquisite. We ordered the yellowtail tuna, Brussel sprouts, Mac and cheese, and the steak and fries. Of all the options, the Mac and cheese was our least favorite - it needed a lot more cheese. The yellowtail was ever refreshing and melted in our mouths. Steak was a little burnt on the outside but maintain a medium rare finish on the inside with rich flavors. The Brussels sprouts were super yummy - soft and tasty. And of course, the drinks are always a hit even thought we waited long to get them. I ordered an old fashion and a margarita, both were strong but had a perfect ratio of alcohol to the add-ins. Highly recommend coming here even outside of happy hour. read more
2 months ago
With a reservation, we were seated almost immediately. The inside was cozy, dim lit, and intimate while still inviting. I appreciated the live music, though it did make conversation a bit difficult to hear. The drinks were sweet and strong! I recommend the Tangled Up in Blue The macaroni and cheese was the best appetizer. The wagyu tartare is actually quite spicy, and although tasty, we could not finish it because of the burn. The entrees were hot and cooked exactly as asked. You seriously get a bang for your buck with the portion size of the chicken parm! I also got some random corn surprises in my dish - I don't mind, but just something to be aware of in case you are allergic. I'm definitely coming back. read more
8 months ago
My best girlfriend and I were looking for a place to go with happy hour, because Wednesdays are our day to hang out. So imagine hour lucky we were to find this place. Happy hour all day on Wednesdays! This is an adorable place in bankers hill. From the ambiance, service, food to the drinks, this place is such a vibe. The happy hour menu is also great because most of their favorites are half off or discounts. Making trying their menu a fun experience for half the price. My recommendations? Drinks: margaritas (spicy with tahini tajin rim) Food: Mac and cheese Wagyu tartare And can't wait to try more. read more
7 months ago
Came here for a late Valentine's day celebration. Ambiance: First impression, cool atmosphere with intentional art, lighting and all the tables had decent spacing. Loved the live jazz performance and overall vibes of the place. Staff: Extremely friendly and accommodating. The host was very kind to moved us to seats that we wanted to have a little extra space and face the stage. Great service overall for a Saturday night in downtown/little italy area. Food: The beef tartare was probably my least favorite. It had great flavor, but was overpowered with the crispy tempura/onion and side of chips. There was barely any beef and just way too many spices/sauce covering it. It's possible that it was intentionally made that way for those who may not enjoy a more simple tartare. However the chicken bao buns and duck carnitas were fantastic. Perhaps a few extra mini tortillas would have been nice to have with the carnitas but overall I thought it was delicious. Drinks: A bit on the pricey end, but thats all SD. I probably would not go there for cocktails. I did have a glass of Italian sparking wine from Modena which was okay. read more
We met some friends for happy hour here on saturday night. They have amazing happy hour times! Saturday from 4-6:30 was awesome. We ordered from the happy hour menu mostly. The steak frites was really tasty and was cooked perfectly medium rare. We did get the bandit salad which was pricy but really large enough for two or even three. Friends got the burger, chicken satay, meatballs and brussels sprouts. Service was attentive and prices were reasonable so why only 4 stars? Our reservation was for 6 and at 6:55 we were told that the next reservation was here and awaiting our table. You should give 00 minutes for a table not 60. Fix this and it's a five star experience, read more
3 months ago
Awesome food, creative cocktails, and phenomenal service!! My partner and I often frequent the sister restaurant, common stock. Last weekend, we tried this spot and we were sooo blown away! First; I'd like to start off with the kind service. Food and drinks came out fast, we had amazing recommendations, and the vibes were just amazing. Next, all the drinks were soooo creative!!! I especially adored their tom kha inspired cocktail -- slightly spicy, sweet, savory! All their small bites were delicious as well. Can't wait to come again! read more
27 days ago
Such a cute place in bankers hill, I am a fan of this location over a place like little Italy because parking was so much easier especially for a Saturday evening! It is family style, meant to be shared, so keep that in mind. I did notice a lot of the items on the menu included nuts, so if you have an allergy be cautious of the menu limitations. The salad was great and the chicken bao buns were juicy. Fries were ok, but overall not a bad place. We came during a really hot/humid time and found out they didn't have AC running inside. The live jazz performance was the cherry on top! read more
8 months ago
I think I've found my favorite spot in Banker's Hill. I've been meaning to check Books & Records out since before it opened and am kicking myself for taking so long! We went for brunch around noon on a Saturday and had a lovely time. We had reservations but the restaurant had capacity for walk-ins. Service was good if a little slow, but it was nice to not feel rushed and our server managed to come around right when we wanted him. Great music and vibes; saw a setup in the corner for live music -- apparently have live music on Friday and Saturday nights, so I'll definitely be going back for cocktails in the future. I had the Pork Belly Benedict and it was probably Top 5 Best Thing I've Had In My Mouth. I'm thinking about it now. I'm going to have a hard time not going there weekly for it. There isn't a dedicated parking lot but plenty of metered street parking in the immediate block. read more
beautiful restaurant, i went there for my bday celebration and it was the right choice. the service is fast and friendly ! it was happy hour so there was some mix in the appetizers that were ordered but they were nice enough to waive the cost for the one that arrived late. overall every delicious i love coming here ! read more
5 months ago
Been wanting to try this place out and I'm glad we finally came for date night. The live music was such a nice touch to the overall vibe of the place. Drinks were well made and the food was great as well. We really enjoyed the chicken satay and the glazed pork belly. I also devoured the s'mores dessert. The service was great! I appreciated that our server came back to make sure some foods were safe for my allergy, it made me feel like that they were really paying attention. Overall, I'd love to come back and I'd recommend to my friends and fam! read more
Such a cool and vibey place! Loved the ambiance and the feel of the place, everyone was very nice and friendly and the food was delicious. Ordered lots of appetizers and shared family style between the two of us and it was perfect! Everything was tasty and hit the spot. read more
You know what? After the fact, I don't recall seeing many books nor records. Nonetheless, yours truly had a rather enjoyable time at Books & Records. I stopped in for happy hour and they offer up a menu of about 10 food items and some drink specials. We went with the burger, fries, fried chicken bao buns and the wagyu tartar. Zero complaints, all was cooked to perfection and it was one of the better burgers I've had in a good while. Service was excellent. Our server was friendly and very on top of everything and the manager came by a few times to check on us too and even refolded a napkin for one in our party who excused herself to the little girls room. Cool spot, mellow vibes and an overall fun evening out. read more
If you are in Bankers Hill (and even if you aren't), this is one place you need to go. Seriously. How did I walk by and see this establishment so many times and not think to go in? Kicking myself for all that I've missed. On a recommendation, I decided to try out Books & Records. Came during Happy Hour, which has a separate menu and some discounted drinks. I was not disappointed. In fact, I was blown away. Service is impeccable. All staff I encountered were extremely polite, attentive and helpful. They took care of you without hovering over you like a vulture. It was smooth to watch them work, as all of their waitstaff is constantly walking and looking, without one interruption at an inopportune time. It's almost as if they had a sixth sense and just KNEW when a patron needed them. And there they were. Started off with a margarita. No frozen here (they don't have the machine), but their on-the-rocks version was spectacular. I have had my fair share of margaritas, and this one was perfect. So good that I had a second, which was just as delightful. Tried the pork belly bao buns and fries with chili crunch aioli. One bite of the pork belly bao buns made me a believer. I have never tasted anything quite like it, and I was so impressed with the mix of flavors. Great. Truly great. Fries were kind of standard, but that chili crunch aioli that comes with it makes this side dish happen. Skip the ketchup, please, and dip those fries in that sauce. You will not regret it. This is a lovely place with tasteful decorations and a great set up. Multiple small tables, a bar, and a patio area if you choose to take in the fresh air. Neat, clean and very well presented. You can bet that next time I'm in San Diego, I will definitely be coming back to Books & Records. Check their website for when they have live jazz (what a treat!). Large parties: reservations are recommended, as the establishment filled up pretty quickly after opening. What a true treasure, a great find, and an absolutely spectacular experience. Highly recommended. read more
Plenty of free parking around the block. Just drive in the back streets. There are meter parking spots on fourth Avenue. The restaurant has a large area for seating inside and semi-outside. For a large party of 6, we made reservations but you probably won't have issues getting seated without one. We came for happy hour first and love it so much we visited again for brunch. Everything we ordered from the brunch menu was great but one thing I wish was a bit better was the Vietnamese French toast as the coffee flavor wasn't strong. But still delicious. Their hash browns and bacons are super crispy! Happy hour menu is great and I would highly recommend the Brussels sprouts. Their drink menu is worth exploring! Ask for recommendations and try something new! They are all great! They also have mocktails for those who wants a fun drink with no alcohol read more
5 months ago
The service and the vibes inside are amazing!!! Seriously the servers all went above and beyond which was very appreciated. The menu was a bit pricey for the size/taste of the food (like the burger doesn't come with fries despite being $14 on happy hour). That being said, the burger was delicious. I didn't go for the live music but I definitely think these food prices would be worth it for the money if i was listening to music! Drink prices were good on happy hour though. The margarita was super strong and tasty. I would love to come back for the live music and the service. read more
4 months ago
I really wanted to like Books & Records, but the service left a lot to be desired. After checking in, we waited a bit for our table, which was understandable. Once seated, though, we sat for about 20 minutes without anyone acknowledging us. I eventually had to flag someone down just to get water. We then waited even longer for our server to take our order. Because service was so slow, I ordered all of our drinks and food at once since I wasn't sure when we'd see our server again. What stood out even more was watching a couple seated next to us receive immediate attention. They were greeted, served water right away, and the woman was offered a purse hook. Meanwhile, we were sitting there with our purses shoved beside us and weren't offered the same courtesy. It may seem like a small detail, but combined with the lack of attention, it made us feel overlooked. The drinks came out quickly, and the chicken satay and mac and cheese were decent. Nothing was bad, but nothing really stood out food-wise either. The highlight of the evening was definitely the live music. The performers were fantastic and created a great atmosphere that honestly was the only enjoyable part of the evening. read more
11 months ago
This place was so epic! The decor, the service (shoutout Gianna!) and the food was all so excellent! Had the short rib hash(Demi glaze ), Turkish eggs (incredible but light) and blueberry pancakes (delicious). Definitely want to come back and try the pork belly Benedict. A little spendy for a brunch at $143 for 3 items, hashbrown's and 2 drinks each... but hey it's not going to keep me from coming back for dinner. Parking on a Sunday was a plus! read more
I reeeally enjoyed the Happy Hour here at B&R. Not only do they have a HH drink menu, they also serve food on HH too. Came here during the week and it wasn't too busy - we walked in without a reservation because it was early, but they recommend after 7pm booking a reservation. My favorite thing ordered on the menu was the pork belly bao buns, specifically because the pork belly was cooked perfectly and melted in your mouth. The steak and fries were a close runner up. The B&R mac and cheese was alright - I'd pass on that next time I visit. Spicy margarita and old fashioned cocktails were memorable as well. Very solid spot for a cute date night or girls dinner. Perfect ambiance when it gets dark. read more
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More info about Books & Records
2202 Fourth Ave
San Diego, CA 92101
Banker's Hill
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(619) 795-1000
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https://www.booksandrecordsbar.com
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Ask the Community - Books & Records
Are you dog friendly?
Yes, we love our furry friends! We have a enclosed terrace with heat where dogs are allowed 100% of the time. At brunch there also is generally no issue as well. At dinner service we typically find the live music isn't conducive to dogs inside due…
Family friendly. I have kids?
You can totally take kids. I have two. I do not know if they have high chairs however. Kiddos would probably need to have a defined palate as a lot of the foods can be challenging. No kids menu so to speak type place. Take a good look at the current…
Is there still live music during Sunday brunch?
We pressed pause on live music for brunch in late summer but are discussing plans to resume. Stay tuned!
Is there live music for Saturday Brunch?
Is the bar bites menu still available? Don't see it on the website anymore.
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