A bit overhyped IMO. Not cheap but the food is pretty basic. And a view of the parking lot is nothing to brag about

BBQ Pork Belly Nachos ! Fire Great atmosphere and quick hosting had us seated within minutes. Everyone seemed very friendly. Although it took about 15 minutes after the family got there to get my kids food and it did seem like they forgot about us. Great customer service and delicious food, will come back again. read more

Culinary Dropout - Pork Belly Nachos - New American Near Me - San Diego, California

Love the feel of this place. They have live music on weekends. Everything we have tried is good. Like the cob and prime rib dip.

Server was very and friendly. Decor is fitting for the restaurant. Menu was a combination of cuisines, all looked good. The food tasted ok. The Mac burger was kind of plain. The crispy chicken katsu sandwich was pretty good with a sweet aftertaste. Would recommend adding avocado and bacon as it looked pretty plain without it. Overall 6/10 read more

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Jojo is an absolute rockstar!! From the second we sat down, she made the whole experience feel effortless and fun. She's so chill, kind, and just gets it -- super attentive without ever hovering, and somehow always appeared right when we needed something. You can tell she genuinely loves what she does because her good vibes are contagious. We'll 100% be coming back just for her -- Jojo totally made our night! read more

Culinary Dropout - New American Near Me - San Diego, California

Our server was very attentive and it was a fun, casual vibe. Brussel sprouts had a unique touch of spicy kick which was good. Mongolian beef dish was a nice surprise! Meat was so tender it just melts in your mouth! Chicken katsu was also good. I did feel some menus are overpriced but overall we had a great time. read more

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I thought that the food, menu and selection was really good for its class of dining. Service was prompt. Live entertainment. Food was delicious and prices were really reasonable. Surprised that this is related the Cheesecake Factory chain ( which I do not enjoy). Was a bit crowded but the wait was not long for a weekend night. read more

My friends and I were in town for spring break and let me just say the service we received was the best service we've ever had! We were greeted and seated by one of the hosts. Very warm and welcoming smile. Made the experience comfortable right off the bat. Our server Riley was amazing! Super attentive, gave amazing recommendations, very much a people person. She hit every point we were looking for in a great server. The assistant general manager, Elijah, stopped by to make sure everything was going good. Super kind and likable person. The food came out on great timing, everything we had was delicious. Safe to say we will be returning for future vacations! read more

In Tucson this place is great with the whole back yard area for cornhole & pool. Sad Carmel Valley didn't have room for that - and even if they did this location needs some work. First time for drinks was ok but quiet even though they had live music which I love. But the artist seemed wedged into her spot among some tables in the patio and not given a worthy feature placement. But she sounded great! Second time I tried the food which was better than I'd heard. However, I was mainly there for Padres playoff game. They had 6 screens facing outside, I don't know how many inside as well, but they REFUSED to turn the broadcast sound up leaving it on but low to be drowned out by their music. I asked and they quoted "corporate policy". 80-90% of the people were watching game. You need to give managers on the ground the ability to preempt policy to meet the moment. I know this is a chain now, but that is NOT the way to endear yourselves to the locals... read more

The food here was really good! We had the pretzels, the white truffle deviled eggs (amazing), the chopped chicken salad (would go back just for this) and the French dip! the service was excellent as well! read more

Culinary Dropout - Truffle deviled eggs - New American Near Me - San Diego, California

Great food and exceptional service. Loved the decor. Fish n chips and pork nachos were excellent.

Great atmosphere, good quality, food and service was pleasant and friendly. Will definitely go back.

Had the best time at culinary dropout! Live music, great food and an amazing server! JoJo went above and beyond! If you go definitely ask for JoJo!!! read more

Culinary Dropout - Cabernet - Illicit - California - New American Near Me - San Diego, California

2nd visit to the restaurant for bday! Paris was so nice and efficient. A real pleasure. Both meals were 10 out of 10. But drum roll please the complimentary dessert I chose for bday was out of this world. Seriously riots in the streets of Del Mar if this ever leaves the menu. The mud pie is so delicious. Highly recommend. Will be returning again! The atmosphere is also very thought out. So comfortable and very fun vibe. See ya soon!! read more

This is a very cool spot. The location, design, killer bar and patio, a typical Fox do up. Staff is friendly and knowledgeable. The menu is pretty solid, and prices are more reasonable than I anticipated. My wife enjoyed a cheeseburger that she gave two thumbs up, and I really enjoyed their turkey pastrami sandwich, surprisingly good. Where they lost me, though was a really terrible Old Fashioned. First off, who is still using ice cubes when selling old fashioneds starting at $17? No ice block? Second, I asked for Elijah Craig bourbon which was a step over the house bourbon, the drink had so much syrup it was basically murdered. Another note for the bar, the draft list is very weak, very corporate. It reads like a local airport tap list, lacking originality. Beers that were interesting 5+ years ago, and in the beer capital of the US, they could do better. I would've given 5-stars had it not been for the really sub-par drink, and TBH, I don't know that I'd be back as I definitely judge a place by its ability to craft a cocktail. read more

Culinary Dropout - Pretty blah Old Fashioned - New American Near Me - San Diego, California

My fiancé and I had an amazing experience at this restaurant! It was packed so we snagged some seats at the bar. JP was really quick to greet us and was really friendly from the start! He recommended great apps (we love the spicy crispy rice). I love whiskey sours with egg white and it wasn't one of the signature cocktails and he went out of his way to get an egg and make the most tasty whiskey sour. It was the best whiskey sour ever! We will definitely be coming back and we hope to have JP as our bartender again! read more

Culinary Dropout - New American Near Me - San Diego, California

Food was incredible as always, love this location!! Need the steak frites weekly and can't miss the fresh sushi. Service is always fantastic, the manager Chris always stops by and makes sure everything is up to par. read more

Came into Culinary Dropout last Friday and had the best experience. Not only is the food amazing and well presented but the service is exceptional! Chris, the manager stopped by our table to make sure everything was perfect and was so kind. The drinks here are top tier! Can not wait to go back!! read more

This place is amazing! Great food amazing staff and ever better service!! Definitely one of my go to spots. Will be back very soon!

amazing. make a reservation in advance. proper service, works if you are casual or not. place is spotless which goes a long way. food is thoughtful, al dente, perfectly cooked and not over spiced or over salted. perfect amounts. not stingy. meatloaf is ridiculous. spicy creative cocktails and great blends of home goodness. place would get 10 stars but i can only give out five. read more

Such a fun and beautiful atmosphere the art work and decor is eclectic so many cool things to admire! Nayleena was da bomb and gave great recommendations on all the food. The host was so sweet too! Definitely recommend for a good lunch or dinner date! ‍ read more

I came here for brunch on Saturday with a girlfriend. Our server was attentive and friendly. Both of our salads were fresh and delicious and we plan to return! Easy parking, beautiful interior, great food, and friendly staff! read more

We were so thrilled when culinary Dropout came to Del mar. We'd known it for many years from Scottsdale. BUT.... would our experience match our expectations? ABSOLUTELY YES. Still so creative, delicious, great Atmosphere, and great service. Literally each dish on the menu is a taste treat and your server will guide you because they really want you to have a great time. Joseph is extra special. The happy hour is really popular too. read more

Finally came to this location (we enjoyed our visit to an AZ location a few years ago). Great vibes, great service. Lots of things to try on the menu, we'll definitely have to come back and try some more! read more

Our second time here for early dinner. We noticed they have remedied the glaring sun issue with window shades. A vast improvement. Deviled eggs were tasty. Asian crunch salad was fabulous! Ribs were good. Staff was attentive and Jojo was an excellent server! read more

Had a great time here, food was solid and our server Allie was attentive and super friendly MAC burger is a must

Had to try this place to decide if it's just an eye sore or if it has any good food. Unfortunately it's only an eye sore, sticking out like a sore thumb in this busy center. Where it falls short is overpriced unhealthy food and almost no vegan options. The menu is way too big and overwhelming (keep it simple, stupid). Overall this restaurant can easily be skipped and I can see it going out of business in less than 5 years. read more

I went out here with my girlfriend and roommate. We had an awesome bartender, food tasted amazing, drinks were great. I have one complaint. I am an average sized man. I came in starving. I bought the 40 dollar ribeye to fill that hunger and got less than 6oz of meat. It was smaller than the average filet mignon anywhere. I feel like it should be noted that it's ribeye bites and not a ribeye. I'm still starving. read more

We love this place. We came in yesterday and requested Ashley. Service was wonderful as always. Ashley is always super attentive and lovely. The manager, Chris, is also fantastic. He's so kind and always takes great care of us. The food is great and consistent, and the cocktails are fabulous. We will continue to be regular customers! read more

Me and my family came the other day for the first time and it was amazing! We celebrated my grandmas birthday and the service was very attentive and our server, Nayleena, made sure we had everything before we could even ask for it! The food was simple yet delicious and she even gave us recommendations and described the dishes perfectly. will definitely be back again! read more

Went here during lunch for my work's Christmas get together. Our server, Ilan/Elan gave us great suggestions and he was attentive. Whipped feta and tahini dip was amazing! I ordered the M.A.C. Burger and it was a good take on the Big Mac but gourmet. Will be back here for another party next week and I can't wait to try something different. read more

Amazing food and service. We couldn't have had a better experience. Our server, Anna, was phenomenal. Already can't wait to come back!

One of our favorite spots since moving to the area! Great drinks, apps and always attentive service. Chris & Bianca never fail to treat us with care and respect. read more

Vibes are great! Love the big outdoor bar area, live music is always enjoyable because you can actually talk, drinks are delish and food is great! Do yourself a favor and order the pretzels! We've been coming almost weekly since it opened and have had great service at the bar area each time! read more

First time customer. Sat at the outdoor bar by myself.. I was greeted promptly and given a menu. The female bartender was very stern and unwelcoming. She immediately wanted a card to start my tab. I said I didn't want to start a tab. I just wanted a drink and a meal and pay at the end. She was persistent that I give her a card to "start my tab". I politely declined and said I'll wait to pay with my card at the end. She said she'd take my name and make an acception. She brought me a drink and I never saw her again. She never came back to take my food order. There were several other male workers at the bar who saw me sitting with a menu and never asked if I'd been helped. 30 minutes went by so I asked for my check for my drink. No one asked if I wanted anything to eat. I refuse to flag someone down to have them take my food order. They were very well staffed and standing all around. So I paid for my drink and left. I'll never go there again. Horrible service and not worth the price to be snubbed. Train your staff better. read more

A++ for these dropouts!! Seriously, this is the way to open a restaurant. We came their opening weekend and the vibes were immaculate. Live music, really cool aesthetic, and even tho the restaurant was packed the service was top notch. My husband and I made several comments through dinner, like, I don't know what their training program is but they are doing it so right?! I've been to well-established, successful restaurants with half the customer service and operations. Everyone from the hostess to our server and even another random employee who checked in was so helpful, knowledgeable, and nice. The food was f****** delicious. We got pigs in a blanket, pork belly nachos, fried chicken, short rib bowl, and I got the room service drink (recommended by our waiter, it did not disappoint). If you're looking for steak 48 fine dinning this is not the place but if you're are looking for bomb food and good vibes this is absolutely it. In my opinion this is exactly what the highlands needed! read more

Culinary Dropout - Room service drink, short rib bowl, fried chicken - New American Near Me - San Diego, California

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Excellent food and customer service! This restaurant just opened up about 6 weeks ago very close to my home and I have gone twice and enjoyed the food and beverages! read more

My boyfriend and I came here to kill some time to wait out the southbound 5 traffic at 4pm on a Wed. Lucky for us it was happy hour time! We came here since it was nearby and they had a nice looking bar that opened onto a patio. We ordered 2 cocktails which were tasty. I got the perfect margarita and he got the old fashioned. We ordered the hot wings and the deviled eggs shortly after our drinks arrived. The deviled eggs were a bit bland...you just tasted yolk and not really much seasoning other than the smokey salty bits of bacon sprinkled on top. The hot wings had TOO much going on to make it even memorable...it was like trying too hard to be unique in flavor that it fell flat. They weren't even hot as in spicy....my boyfriend doesn't handle spice well and even he said it's not hot. Also the giant white space on the plate was questionable....for the bones I'm guessing BUT WHY because it makes the dish look like it's missing something physically or it's aesthetically imbalanced. Bartenders were nice and attentive though as a saving grace for the food. Given that the 2 'common bar' appetizers did not hit the mark I wouldn't come back to try anything else on the menu. read more

Culinary Dropout - White Truffle Deviled Eggs - New American Near Me - San Diego, California

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First time , Mother's Day Brunch 11am rezzies, party of 4, a lot of open tables at that time , pleasantly surprised- but by 12:15, a line out the door ! Debbi was our server - knows her menu , recommended accordingly, advised but not pressed , cocktails were delicious- fair priced . We started with the pretzel / cheese dip - the pretzels are massive , think large doughnut holes , not complaining but sheesh! So probs better for a party of 6 or more . Cheese kept hot with a votive candle ( cute) , popcorn shrimp and zucchini ( yum) , full entree of fried chicken - well cooked , cole slaw was fair , mashed and gravy was fair - could do better . Shared a chopped chicken salad , plenty as we all Shared . The Monkey bread with vanilla was recommended and it was Moms Day - so sure . Live music most days / nights ... I highly recommend this restaurant- didn't really want to , but yes , a great local restaurant added to our community ! read more

Went for dinner last night. I have to say I was very impressed. The food is amazing! Great service! And prices are reasonable. The place was full and lively. I definitely want to go back and try other dishes. Well done Culinary Dropout, welcome to the neighborhood! read more