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    Corner Cafe

    4.1 (281 reviews)
    Closed 11:00 am - 9:00 pm
    Updated 1 month ago

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    CORNER CAFE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Hipster
    Casual
    Dogs allowed
    Happy hour specials

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    Recommended Reviews - Corner Cafe

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    Reviews With Photos

    Calamari
    Stephen B.

    Was craving hot noodle soup after walking around the San Diego Zoo all day and decided to check this place out, a cozy little Chinese-style cafe with metered street parking. Greeted with a smile upon entering and service was friendly throughout. Ordered wonton noodle soups with a side of calamari and it hit the spot! Calamari was crunchy, with bits of fried garlic and chili peppers for a nice, aromatic kick. Wontons were good--skin wasn't too thick and each one had a plump piece of shrimp stuffed inside. Egg noodles had the wavy texture that I like, and the broth was good. Now we know where to go for Chinese food the next time we visit this part of San Diego!

    Kung Pao Chicken
    Claire J.

    I ordered this for delivery while I'm sick-- and I'm overall really pleased! I had seen a previous Yelp review saying ordering the kung pao chicken extra spicy was their favorite order, so I did that. It wasn't spicy at all to me. I have a high spice tolerance but was really looking for a kick! It had decent flavor & was overall cooked well, served with a perfect amount of sauce & veg, with a healthy amount of rice on the side. The hot & sour soup was different than I've had at other places, with a little extra sourness & a little more slimy consistency than I've had before. All that being said, it was really good. I just wanted a bit of a stronger flavor with a little more spiciness. Overall, I'd come back to try more of their options since I've heard good things. Everything arrived really warm which is sooo appreciated!!

    Potstickers
    Steven S.

    This is an awesome Chinese restaurant located near the hotel I am staying at. The chicken chow main was finger licking good. The potstickers were great too. The service was very friendly and the overall ambiance of the restaurant is fantastic. I highly recommend them. I wish I could continue coming back here but I have to go back up north in a few days

    Kung Foo Yung, Egg Drop Soup, and Spicy Edamame. Yummm.
    Melissa Y.

    What a great find! Staff were so pleasant and kind and the food was fantastic. Had to have a friend come join me to help finish it all and we still had leftovers. Great location too.

    Egg Fried Rice
    Emma L.

    I live nearby and I've heard this place was fantastic, so I ordered some food for pickup for the first time tonight, and I'm actually mad I haven't ordered from here sooner! I normally eat vegetarian, so I got egg fried rice + scallion pancakes + honey milk green tea, and all of it is fantastic! Amazing flavor and great portion sizes. It was ready so quickly and the staff is friendly and kind. I will most definitely be eating here again! Highly recommend!!

    Order Counter
    Summer G.

    I absolutely love this place, Yuki is always so sweet and ready to answer any questions I have. The menu has a lot to choose from and the food is always sooo delicious! This is one of my few go-tos for lunch and always will be -- especially with their yummy lunch specials that change, allowing me to try different things as the weeks go on :,)

    Beef chow, fun, beef Chow Fun Wet Style
    Sammy H.

    I was in the area and came here for lunch craving Chinese food. This was my first time. I ordered the beef chow fun wet style $17 and the orange chicken lunch special $10. The flavor of the chow fun was good. It wasn't very wet as you can tell it wasn't saucy. The beef tasted good and was not chewy, instead very tender. My critique for this dish is that some of the green onions used were older so they were dry and you couldn't chew them. I wouldn't say it's worth the price. The portion size for the orange chicken lunch special was great. The chicken was nice and crispy and the orange chicken sauce wasn't too sweet. The rice was done well and the eggroll was alright. I did not take this order to go, but wasn't met with any service either besides serving the dishes and I paid and tipped upfront. I didn't get water the time I was there. They may have been understaffed as the lady in the front kept going to the back. When I asked for my to go boxes, I also asked for water. While I was drinking it, I noticed that there was food in the cup. There were two pieces of green onion, and something else that was the size of my pinky nail. It definitely wasn't small and it definitely grossed me out. When I let the lady know, she laughed and asked if I wanted another one. Unfortunately, I would not recommend this place and or come back after experiencing the service and cleanliness.

    M A.

    Perfect location for me to get a bite to eat while the rest of my friends hung out at the bar next door. They weren't too interested in eating at the moment but I was hungry. So I was told that this hole-in-the wall had good Chinese food. It's not the most eye-catching or neat in an appearance place but it was enough to get me in and eat my bowl of shrimp noodle soup. There were plenty of seats to choose from. I was in a good spot facing the street, watching passer-byers go by. I had placed my order and paid the person at the register. She appeared to be the only one working. I had waited for what I felt was a long while. There were others sitting at a table and another person ordering. Perhaps, the cook, was backed up. Nonetheless, my bowl of shrimp noodle soup was brought over to my table steaming hot. It took me awhile to start eating as it was way too hot. I had to take lots of sips of soup until I was able to bite into one shrimp. The entire bowl arrived fresh and yummy, portioning was more than expected but the taste was missing a little something. The soup wasn't awful, it was just missing that Chinese soup taste. I'm not a fan of spicy foods but in the case is the soup, it definitely needed something - a kick. I didn't bother complaining. Perhaps, I should have added some soy sauce or hot sauce but wasn't feeling it. I had finished my soup in no time. It definitely hit the spot. Corner Cafe did its job. Staff was not overly attentive but enough to get what I needed (ie fork). She was polite and mild mannered. From the looks of the way business ran, it was an over-the-counter order type of place. Don't expect much. Pretty much, self serve. I would return again, but I may try something different.

    Beef Fried Rice. Black Pepper Filet Mignon. Egg Drop Soup.
    jerry g.

    I'm so full from the good food, I cannot walk straight. And I'm not just saying that because I'm in Hillcrest!!! I am stuffed. Packed. Full If I'm looking for Chinese food, I'm coming here. Best orange chicken I've ever had in my life.

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    8 years ago

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    7 years ago

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    8 years ago

    Some of the tastiest chow mein I've ever had! Super nice and sweet girl Definitely go with the chow mein shrimp

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    8 years ago

    Wonderful healthy food , great staff and prices! A new favorite!!! Definitely a new staple in the neighborhood!

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    7 years ago

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    6 years ago

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    7 years ago

    The best Chinese food in hill crest I will come back for sure and tony is the best !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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    7 years ago

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    7 years ago

    An establishment that takes pride in customer service. Truly grateful for accommodating our request for delivery for a large group today.

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    8 years ago

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    7 years ago

    Fast, tasty, and on point. Love this place.. Just waiting for them to add a sesame or honey chicken to the menu

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    6 years ago

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    8 years ago

    Great food and great service. Chinese food bomb, green tea bomb

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    7 years ago

    Better than any hole in the wall Chinese restaurants I've been to in San Diego. would 100% recommend!!

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    8 years ago

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    8 years ago

    Came and I ordered the black pepper beef entree. It was delish. Definitely recommend this place .

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    8 years ago

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    7 years ago

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    7 years ago

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    8 years ago

    Had the orange chicken and bbq pork fried rice. Everything was to taste. Would recommend highly. Will go back again and again and again.

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    7 years ago

    Good food. Tony was friendly and the service is fast. I will be back more often. Hillcrest has a lot of restaurants but this is great.

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    7 years ago

    The coffee is absolutely amazing, and you must try the coconut toast! Friendly staff. I loved this experience! Best coffee for a hangover!

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    8 years ago

    the food was tasty and the staff is so friendly!!! so glad they opened on christmas to keep me away from starving

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    8 years ago

    awesome! Best orange chicken I've ever had. Friendly service. Will come back to try more things on the menu.

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    8 years ago

    Amazing service. Ryan is great and very friendly. The black pepper beef, the wings, and the wontons are amazing.

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    Page 7 of 8

    Ask the Community - Corner Cafe

    Are there gluten free options?

    Yes

    Do they have vegan options?

    Absolutely, tons of them. I had the garlic and pepper edamame, stir fried vegetables, vegetable fried rice and braised tofu. All vegan.

    Can I add to my takeout order?

    Yes

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

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    Animae - Lamb chops

    Animae

    4.4(1.7k reviews)
    2.1 miDowntown
    $$$

    Lovely spot for date night! Love the southeast Asian inspired flavors in each dish. Highlights for…read moreme were the hunan lamb chops (perfect for spicy lovers), and the pig ear salad (love the sweet/sour/umami dressing). Also loved how tender the sea bass was with the creamy curry sauce and crunchy rice noodles. The sticky rice crème brûlée was perfect with the citrus elements. Only critique is that the sauce with the short rib was a bit too heavy and mostly tasted like a peanut satay sauce. Service was very attentive and the wait staff were incredible. Husband loved the sake flight and my mocktail was incredibly refreshing. Parking on a weekday evening was easy- metered parking nearby. I imagine it's worse on weekends but there is a paid lot nearby as well.

    The service was impeccable! Tasha was an amazing waitress and took such great care of me as we…read morecelebrated my 40th birthday. I have an almond and walnut allergy and she went as far as printing a menu and crossing off all that I couldn't have. All servers were aware of the allergy as well. I felt so taken care of the whole time! The decor and ambiance was perfection and ube vanilla coconut cocktail was delicious. The star of the show was the mango sticky rice crème brûlée!! The food was good but it didn't outshine the service.

    Photos
    Animae - The hub checkin out the menu. Our reservation was first seating at 5pm. We beat the crowd which filled the place later.

    The hub checkin out the menu. Our reservation was first seating at 5pm. We beat the crowd which filled the place later.

    Animae - Shrimp Toast

    Shrimp Toast

    Animae - Lobster Pasta

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    Lobster Pasta

    Books & Records - Table setting

    Books & Records

    4.3(426 reviews)
    1.1 miBanker's Hill
    $$

    Books & Records Delivers Live Jazz, Standout Cocktails, and Exceptional Happy Hour Bites…read moreAs 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.

    New breakfast spot for me! Super cute decor. Love the vibe here. Bar seating looks cozy and open…read more 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.

    Photos
    Books & Records - Interior

    Interior

    Books & Records - Crispy Brussels (Happy Hour)

    Crispy Brussels (Happy Hour)

    Books & Records - Blueberry Beret ($14)

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    Blueberry Beret ($14)

    Kingfisher - The flan was a great end to the meal

    Kingfisher

    4.3(709 reviews)
    2.2 miGolden Hill

    I am so happy I was able to make last minute reservations to Kingfisher for right when they open at…read more5pm on a Saturday! They only had a table for 5 but we ended up having 6 people in our party. They were so kind to be able to accommodate the additional person! They had personalized menus that greeted my party and it wished my friends a happy birthday!! They actually got to take the menus home! This was really a nice touch, I appreciated the details. We family-styled everything which is honestly the way to go so everybody can try a little of everything! It was majority of our party's first time dining there. We started off with some drinks, I got the Non-alcoholic Guava Mocktail and I got to try what was the equivalent to an espresso martini too. Definitely liked the guava drink better because it tasted like guava nectar juice (kind of like Kerns or Jumex). The Expresso Martini had fresh mint in it and it tasted earthy which wasn't my cup of tea. For food we started off with the Heirloom Tomato Salad which was DELICIOUS!! I don't know what they put in the Vietnamese Green Goddess (probably fish sauce since all the dishes basically had this) but it was magnificent and one of my favorite dishes of the night. Then the Scallops and the Black Cod came out. The Scallops came in a set of 3 and we cut them in half so we could all have a taste. The sauce on this was DIVINE!!! It was citrusy but still really flavorful bursting with umami. I'm literally starting to drool reminiscing about it xD We wanted to keep it to use on other dishes because it was so good. The Black Cod was also delicious. It had fried skin attached and a sesame soy glaze. Next up came the Beef Tartare and the Wagyu Steak. The Beef Tartare was probably the least flavorful out of everything we ordered, but it was still well seasoned. My friend said it was really spicy but it might have just been her bite because I didn't think it was spicy at all. I like that the give you the option of leafy greens or shrimp chips to eat it with. The Wagyu though, was an all-star dish. It was the crowd favorite for sure, we all enjoyed not only the steak but the picked baby eggplants that come with it, and the sauce was phenomenal!! Lastly came the Dry Aged Duck which is what they're known for. It was definitely the biggest fish out of all. You were able to eat the duck with two different sauces, one they called a "Fish Sauce Chimichurri" and "Vietnamese XO sauce" which is more so satay. My friends liked the XO sauce but I liked the Chimichurri better. They had actually forgotten about the side of Buttered Rice but I was told it was incredibly flavorful on its own so we still asked for it. It had more than just butter in it, there was dried shrimp and sesame seeds, and it was made with coconut milk or something because it had a sweet but savory taste to it. I saved some of my duck and Wagyu to eat with it which was actually pretty good. Overall I liked that they brought out the dishes from lightest to heaviest and especially after they brought out out 2 sides of Buttered Rice we were all satisfied and full. It was the perfect amount of food. Honestly EVERY dish was different but amazingly dank and I think it's the fish sauce in everything. They were also sweet and kept the cake we brought in the fridge, placed the candles on it for us, and even after we sang they cut the cake for us!! 10/10 would recommend coming here for not only the food but the impeccable service!! Since we had a larger party there's an automatic 20% gratuity already added to the bill, which came out to be $555! (Look at that angel number!)

    Came here in December of 2024, to celebrate receiving an award with my friends before going to turf…read moreclub. Near closing so we all got one drink and the kitchen was closed (we were all seated at the bar). Wouldn't let us to pay for our own drinks and we had to pay as a group; so they could hit us with the auto gratuity. Then they had the audacity to ask to tip the kitchen staff as well. Like excuse you, your kitchen is closed, why would I tip the kitchen staff on top of the 20% automatic gratuity when I'm seated at the bar. We couldn't even order food if we wanted to! Now I'm writing this review 2 years later because it rubbed me the wrong way on what was supposed to be a night to remember after winning an award. And I do remember and anytime asks if I would recommend coming here, they get a solid no.

    Photos
    Kingfisher - Interior

    Interior

    Kingfisher - Crispy chicken wings

    Crispy chicken wings

    Kingfisher - Hokkaido scallops $39

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    Hokkaido scallops $39

    Dao Fu

    Dao Fu

    4.3(1.5k reviews)
    2.6 miNormal Heights
    $$

    Dao fu. You enter this cozy establishment and the first thing you notice is writing on the wall…read more And it's true the writings on the wall, that this place is amazing. You're greeted by a lovely waitress whose smile is a pleasant surprise. It is then you realize how much of a treat you'll be in for. For starters a complimentary salad is provided. This salad will set the standards of the rest of the dishes you will receive. We had the miso soup for our appetizer. Which was a plentiful serving for the both of us. The soup carried with chunks of dried garlic which gave it a very garlicy yummy miso soup taste. Mmm yes me so soup you so soup... very health conscious which we love. On to the next dish, Spencer ordered the pat thai. Plate was PHAT. The portion they provide are very substantial and the price is well worth it. If you're a sauce person it was drenched in a sweet savory sauce. BEWARE... order level zero spice level. Even a level one will set a small campfire on your tongue. Now Carina's dish. Drunken noodles. Plate also PHAT. Veggie roasted to perfection. Noodles brown and soft. Very savory and earthy with hints of garlic. At the end you get a sweet complimentary ice cream. The choice is yours, pineapple mango or cookies n cream. So bomb so fresh so clean. 10/10 !!!

    I recently tried this restaurant, named "Dao Fu," in the Normal Heights neighborhood of San Diego,…read moreCalifornia. I must say, I never would have stumbled upon this restaurant by myself, but it was highly recommended by my friends who live nearby. My daughter and I were visiting San Diego for a one-week trip because I was required to come here for work. My workdays were pretty packed, but my daughter and I also took advantage of this trip by filling our evenings with lots of fun activities. One thing we did was visit some wonderful friends who live in San Diego. My friend, John, told us that he found an amazing restaurant in San Diego a few decades ago, and he was really sad to find that it had closed down. Several years later, and more recently, he was surprised to find that this same restaurant owner reopened his restaurant in a new location, which is here on Adams Avenue in the Normal Heights neighborhood of San Diego. He was overjoyed to find that this restaurant had reopened in a different location, and he says that this is his favorite restaurant in San Diego. After a story like that, I had to come here to experience this place for myself! We parked on Adams Avenue, and I paid the meter for a reasonable amount of time for us to enjoy our dinner together. I would imagine that parking here can be a bit congested and tricky at times, so I would just suggest that you're patient and careful with where you decide to legally park. We had a party of five for our dinner together, and it was an absolutely wonderful evening with good friends and delicious food. Our waitress was Jun, and she was friendly and professional, as well as attentive to our dinnertime needs. The owner also came out to say hello to us, and he took the time to chat with us for a few minutes during our meal. He was so incredibly nice. I always appreciate it when an owner is willing to devote some time to connect with their customers. For an appetizer, I ordered the "Japanese Pork Gyoza," which are pan fried dumplings filled with pork, fresh ginger, onion, green onion, cabbage, garlic, and soy. It was absolutely delicious, and I had to resist the temptation of eating too many of them so that our friends could enjoy some too. For my meal, I ordered the "Katsu Chicken Curry," which is chicken thigh meat battered in Panko breadcrumbs, deep fried until golden brown and crunchy. I got my meal with a half-and-half mix of white rice and brown rice. My meal was prepared perfectly, and it was incredibly delicious! My meal was concluded with some of their delicious ice cream, which satiated my post-meal sugar cravings. Our evening with friends was special and memorable, and our meals and service at Dao Fu made our evening even more pleasant and enjoyable. Thanks to the owner, our waitress, and the staff for making our evening a wonderful one. The next time I'm back in this area, I'll be sure to come here again!

    Photos
    Dao Fu
    Dao Fu
    Dao Fu - Free dessert

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    Free dessert

    Corner Cafe - chinese - Updated September 2026

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