The food is ok, but not great. It is a really cool place to see and hang, the drinks are really good.

I rarely bother to write Yelp reviews, but we have just had such a wonderful time at this gorgeous and lively establishment that I feel compelled to sing it's praises before I wrap my first but hopefully not last visit. I'm not from San Diego and have hardly spent anytime here, but came to town for a photo workshop. Someone had the brilliant idea and suggested InsideOut for location and visual appeal. This bar and restaurant has that- hands down one of the most beautiful and electrifying atmospheres I've ever experienced. But beyond that, the food and drinks are delicious and it has to be one of the most mixed and beautiful crowds I've had the pleasure to be a part of. The owner Matty embraced us as if we were family, and now I certainly want to be! He busses, he hugs, he hustled. I intend to support his business and I celebrate his aesthetics and positive vibe. Though I live in Los Angeles, I intend to come back in time for Pride, when the decor changes but the indoor/outdoor welcome will remain. read more

I wanted to check out all the hype around this restaurant. I made reservations a month in advance because trying to get a table here is almost impossible. I will start with the service was excellent. However, the brunch leaves a lot to be desired. I ordered scramble eggs which came with arugula and one slice of tomato $14. I did like the option of ordering a champagne bottle to make your own mimosas with orange or peach juice. My husband ordered the monte cristo. He left hungry and he is not a big guy. The croissant sandwich is made with what appeared to be Costco croissants, an egg and a piece of thick slab bacon. I never finish my food but I will caution you that the portions are small so plan accordingly. I didn't even have enough to share with my hubby as I typically do. My girlfriend ate all her croissant as it was small. I think they capitalize on the beautiful decor which they change with seasons. Remember that it is truly an outdoor venue. Therefore there is no AC just multiple fans. I was sweating. No pictures as I was not impressed. You be your own judge. read more

To those prices I expected the food to taste a little better but it was a good experience, nice seating and not too bad of a service just needs to be a little faster :) read more

insideOUT - Lounges Near Me - San Diego, California

Amazing service but the drinks yikes awful .,great costumer service., the owner of Mo's bar and grill owns this place too including hamburger mary and they are great at what they do expect mojitos ! Come try it out for yourselfs read more

insideOUT - Mojito super sour but presentation very lovely as the decoration., would i order it again noo!!! - Lounges Near Me - San Diego, California

It's not bottomless mimosas but it's pretty cheap and delicious plus the place is beautiful!!

Vibe:10 Server: Isaac (10) Drinks: 10 10/10 recommend! So much fun in this pink little heaven!! read more

insideOUT - Lounges Near Me - San Diego, California

Great food excellent service and great ambience will definitely be coming back again! We got great service. Our server was amazing!

What an experience! We came during their Alice in Wonderland event and everything from the interior decorations to the drinks all flowed very well with the theme! The presentation of their food was spectacular. They even had a cute waterfall in the middle of the restaurant. Be prepared to take a lot of pictures as this place shows very well! read more

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Such a cool place to visit! Great vibe and friendly staff amazing decor too! Bartebsr and waist were great

A beautiful ambiance! Servers with sass! And a bathroom with the flair for exhibition? From beginning to end, InsideOUT was truly an interesting visit. Unbeknownst to me when I had placed the reservation, it seemed to be a gay bar but welcomed everyone. When I visited, it was mostly couples. Most servers were particularly fruity, donned in leather harnesses, which was fun! The ambiance was beautiful, heat lamps to keep us warm, indoor rainfall, jungle scenery, a shallow pool, flamboyant art on the walls. We ordered an espresso martini and onion rings. The espresso martini was STRONG. Tasted like straight vodka, but gay bars are notorious for having the strongest drinks. Onion rings were DELICIOUS, hot and crispy and well seasoned. Complimented perfectly with ranch and ketchup. We also had some wonderful glasses of red wine for happy hour. The bathroom was unisex, but strangely the entire wall was a window in which passerbys could see into, and we could see out of. Particularly freaky. In summary: The espresso martini got me white girl wasted. Our server was phenomenal. The bathroom was strange. The onion rings were fire. And the music was groovy. read more

insideOUT - The strongest espresso martini I've ever had in my life - Lounges Near Me - San Diego, California

DON'T BELIEVE THE HYPE! How do i count the ways of how much I Hate Hate HATED this place.The food was terrible, overcooked and ridiculously small portions at a high overpriced cost. Our server was one of the rudest people I have EVER come across, and the entire restaurant is so loud with booming music that people have to yell over one another just to hear each other. This has to be one of those places where managers MAKE their employees write positive reviews because if you look on Insta it is nothing but negative comments. The pictures and videos you see online show a beautiful COLORFUL oasis with giant mushrooms and other fun... FALSE, they only do "themes" like that on special holidays, so you should expect just plain fake trees and a boring water area that they don't allow you to dine at anyways. All tables and chairs are turned down and you get yelled at if you ask to sit there, only option was hard wooden uncomfortable benches. Would not recommend. read more

insideOUT - Plain boring decor, no color - Lounges Near Me - San Diego, California

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This is not just a meal. It's an experience. From the waiters to the atmosphere, which looked like Alice in Wonderland, this place is unique. Great Cesar salad and my filet was served rare but on a sizzling stone so I got to cook it precisely how I liked. Genius! Plus they don't charge extra for truffle butter like some fancy steakhouses. Wifey got bolognase which was good but not fantastic. 4.5 star worthy but gotta round up to 5 for the experience read more

I celebrated my 60th birthday here at InsideOut on Oct. 31st, I am so happy I did it here. The service are great, all the staff are friendly and attentive, all the food we ordered are delicious (they even customized my drink and food), and I am really satisfied with everything I/We ordered. We enjoyed the ambiance on how it was set-up (it's Magical). We took lots of pictures, all my friends/guests loved it. We are definitely going back and looking forward to the next set up of the place. I highly recommend InsideOut. Thank you to all the staff and the chef! read more

I found out about this place from Instagram, and from the pictures I just had to take a look for myself. During Christmas time they had it completely decorated like a winter wonderland, including fake snow that would fall from up above when a certain Christmas song played. Getting a table here during this time is extremely hard, but we got lucky after having a couple drinks a table opened up and we were able to try some of the great food that they offer. The service was great. The atmosphere was superb! I highly recommend making reservations if you like a restaurant with great food and great ambience, I will be back soon! read more

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We were doing a spontaneous day celebration for my birthday and InsideOut was a spur of the moment plan. We walked in without reservations and told them it's my birthday. We were accommodated right away, given one of the best table and everything turned magical from then on. Mike our server made sure that I have the time of my life . We will never get tired of this place. read more

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AMAZING EXPIRRENCE! Food was yummy, but could have a more of a wider selection of food. The service was so so quick. The restroom are kind of smelly but other than that I'm glad it's unisex. The decorations are so so so phenomenal you can really see how much work they put in read more

insideOUT - Drinks - Lounges Near Me - San Diego, California

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First, we had an overall great experience with the food, service and general atmosphere of this restaurant. If you are looking for a more quiet or intimate experience, I would recommend somewhere else. There is a lot of good energy and music here, but "low talkers" may find it hard to be heard. While waiting for the rest of our party to arrive, we enjoyed several different drinks at the bar, and they were all great. Think of "downtown" prices, but worth it! The restaurant / atrium was decorated with cherry blossoms (at the time), and a coworker told me they change the decor regularly, so you always have a different experience. We took some fun photos around the atrium! Once our group of (10) was seated, we had great service from Michael; he was attentive without being pushy. He always showed up at the right time to ask about drinks, ordering entrees, checking in, etc. Other servers were great about clearing plates and glasses from our table without being asked; it seemed like a good team effort. Appetizers and entrees were good, and everyone was happy with their dinner choice. The only complaint I heard was from one person regarding their filet - the "aged angus filet mignon, served rare and cooked to your liking at your table", was served with a hot stone, and you finish cooking it yourself. My wife loved her steak, and liked that she was able to control the heat with the hot stone. I asked for my salmon to be "medium rare", and it came out slightly rarer than even I could handle. Michael was right there to check in, and I asked if they could heat it up for just another minute, and it came back just perfect! They did not seem put out by my request. They do include a 20% gratuity for larger groups like ours, but I would say they earned it. Some of us tipped a little more because of the great service. read more

A second visit to a new restaurant can result in a more reasoned analysis, a clearer view of what the establishment hopes to achieve from the standpoint of the customer. The tinsel, dazzle and fireworks of the initial visit will not blind educated eyes on a follow up visit. Moreover, time will have allowed the restaurant to settle in, to find its voice to speak to its clients. All of those thoughts were on my mind as I walked through the door of InsideOut promptly at 5:00 p.m. on Memorial Day. However, no one was posted at the reception desk. It was empty. A blank slate. A server came by to "grab" menus from behind the reception desk. He looked at me with wide-eyes without comment, and moved on. Finally, Luis appeared and all was well. He was as gracious and pleasant as at my initial visit, so the "missing-in-action" reception desk was soon forgotten as Luis led me to the same banquette table as at my initial visit. Of interest, Paris passed me as I waited up front, and although she greeted me with a friendly nod, she did not stop to chat with me later as she passed my table in a hurried manner, stylishly dressed in distressed jeans, knee high boots, and a plaid blouse with pleated sleeves. Why? Likewise, once I was seated, I observed a group of ten ladies in the corner table call out to Matt, who sported shorts and polo shirt, and he chatted with them for several minutes. However, after that interaction, he retired to a room opposite the restrooms and never returned to greet me. The incessant beat of the music seemed more vibrant than on my previous visit. Nonetheless, the cacophony did not displease me, for I love dance music. It creates a festive air throughout the dining room and bar. And who can complain when a disco version of Curtis Mayfield's "Superfly" comes on the sound track? Once at the table, Patrick provided refined and professional service, and he was generally present for all of my needs. He made me feel welcome and cared for, and isn't that what a good restaurant is all about? Of interest, I noted one guest at the table of ten ladies previously referenced rise from the table in order to order drinks directly from the bar and she carried the drinks through the dining room to her table. That caught my eye, and I mentioned it to Patrick, and he commented that he respected the customer's wishes despite the obvious transgression that had occurred. I liked that about Patrick---the customer was always right, even if, and perhaps especially if---they are wrong! For dinner, there was sliced Prosciutto, perhaps more pale than expected, but the flavor was acceptable. On the other hand, the Tagine de Poulet, served atop couscous with a fig Chutney, was remarkable--certainly my current favorite dish from the menu. When I left the restaurant, no one was present at the reception desk to say goodbye to me, which was a disappointment. Happily, a staff member I did not know or interact with previously approached me and opened the door with professionalism. His name was Randy, and I thank him for his graciousness and kindness. read more

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Mind-blowing Spring Oasis Experience! Absolutely stunning decor and super cute bench arrangements! The bar and cocktails looked awesome, but I did not try them. Overall splendid experience! Food is bit on the pricey side, but remember the ambience is out of the world and they have to charge you with their food and drinks only! read more

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insideOUT is bar and restaurant on the lower level of an apartment complex (the huge boxy red building that went up recently on the corner Normal and University St). There are SO many things here that stand out. Here's a short list: * There's a shallow pool in the center of the bar (NOT for swimming). * It's woven in as a part of the apartment complex. You'll see tenants coming and going through the bar. * Tiki drinks are served in unique glassware. * Bathrooms are in the corner of the building, and the exterior walls are clear glass. You can see men using the urinals, and people washing their hands as you walk by from the outside. If you're looking for something different and interesting in the Hillcrest nightlife, insideOUT is DEFINITELY worth a visit. PROPS: Super unique experience. SLOPS: Drinks are more expensive than other local bars. read more

insideOUT - Unique build out - Lounges Near Me - San Diego, California

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Wow! I love this space!! It's eye-catching from the git-go! You walk in to a mid-mod feeling restaurant with an expansive bar but immediately are able to see the outside options on the inside. The center atrium has been designed to provide so many great seating options. Waterfall. Water feature. Plants. Hard. Soft. Metal. Organic. Group areas. Single seating as well as space for couples. On Sunday afternoon they have a DJ of sorts playing a mix that although probably appropriate to the setting and group wasn't very appealing to me and given the crowd of people talking served to create a wall of uncomfortable noise. i wondered what it would be like to live there with all of this noise in your backyard from 11am-1am. We came In to "check things out" and ended up staying for a drink. It's a very captivating space for sure. The staff were exceptionally nice and abundant. My guess is they were over-staffed by three or anticipating a much larger crowd The restrooms are incredibly unique and as goofy as it sounds, it's worth the surprise to "check it out". Next trip we will definitely make a reservation and try the food! read more

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What a great location. The service was good and the food was amazing. The bartender had really good drinks too. Fun date night spot.

I had the loco moco and I don't know if it's the style but the meat was undercooked. Also very salty. I think it's a little pricey. The waiter was friendly and served us well. read more

insideOUT - Loco moco and French toast - Lounges Near Me - San Diego, California

the ambiance was great but the food was bland and overpriced. we ordered the shrimp appetizer which only came with 4 shrimps and the rest potatoes. the brussel sprouts were way too salty. the salmon was also really bland. and the orzo balls tasted like something that was frozen and warmed up in the microwave. read more

What an interesting layout they had at this place with the combination of a bar/restaurant resembling a fancy hotel lobby (the inside) and a courtyard in the interior of the Eitol Towers (the outside). Being a new and trendy restaurant in Hillcrest, you definitely needed reservations for a table. I was fortunate to be able to find an empty spot at the bar where it was a fascinating spot to people watch. The food on the menu was a take on Mediterranean fare minus the steak cooked on Australian hot stone. I chose the Grilled Spanish Octopus ($16) as an appetizer and the Fideo Rosa ($17) as my entree. The pulpo was served with fingerling potatoes, chorizo, and a micro salad. It was all topped with an arbol chili sauce and a soft poached egg. The combination tasted great, but the dish was lukewarm when I expected the octopus to be hot off the grill. The main plate was a spin on Spanish paella with the use of vermicelli instead of a short grain rice. It came with seared shrimp, chorizo, and chicken. A sofrito sauce and lemon aioli provided the flavoring. The use of noodles was interesting, but I think traditional Valencia rice works better for paella as the vermicelli looked like Rice-a-Roni grains. The gender-neutral restrooms were something to marvel by themselves. There was a row of urinal-sink contraptions which I had never seen before. They all faced the windows towards University Ave, but privacy screens blocked the public on the sidewalk from seeing you do your thing. The pond in the courtyard was lit up with neon green lighting when viewed from one end while the lighting was neon blue from the viewpoint of the other end. A light waterfall also descended from the balcony above and behind the bar into the pond to add to the outside ambiance. I was impressed with the upscale atmosphere of insideOUT. The areas that needed improvement for me were the food and the speed at which the dishes came out of the kitchen. This was not a bad start so four stars for my experience. read more

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Recommend for a nice Date night. Great ambiance, friendly staff. Service was good. The porkchop took forever but its a thick chunk of meat, so we absolutely understood. It wasn't dry at all and was quite amazing. I tried the burger too. Also yummy! read more

insideOUT - Lounges Near Me - San Diego, California

Lupe is and was amazing! After a brief discussion about an issue with my open table reservation, Lupe saved the day. Excellent customer service was made to ensure a fabulous evening will be had. Having been to the establishment prior during the holiday season, this venue will NOT DISAPPOINT. It is my favorite spot in town, and the staff, service, food and beverages are all great. When you want to eat, drink, and be merry, this is the place to go! Lupe, I thank you from the bottom of my heart and appreciate your assistance in securing another celebratory evening to come. Please know that InsideOut is absolutely your instaworthy place to be! read more

Let me warn you.... If you have any kind of cardiovascular decease please ask your doctor if it would be ok to enter the premises. If you have high blood pressure please take your meds before going there. I ain't joking. The staff not only is friendly and efficient but absolutely gorgeous. Very distracting at times and hard to focus. You enter this bar and you feel at home. Hard to get out. Is it a bad thing? Hummm...Drinks are awesome. I've had the Freaky Tiki. It comes in a fun glass. Loved it! If you have a favorite drink you can tell them what you want and the bartender will make it for ya. The Cali Frittata was delicious. Great ambience, fun, good food, good service... Great addition to the neighborhood. Can't wait to go back at dinner time! Medicated of course. :) read more

insideOUT - Lounges Near Me - San Diego, California

You can't make reservations and when you call to leave a message no one calls you back. Don't have a phone number or an online reservation system if you can't reserve a spot. read more

Came here for the ambiance. The princess peach tasted watered down for the price point. The pork chop dish was good but slightly overcooked and the green beans undercooked read more

My friend ordered the paella and it was left in the oven too long (the rice was crunchy and the clams were chewy). I had roast chicken that was dry rather than succulent. I guess the attraction here are the stiff drinks and the decorations. Service was okay. read more

The braised short rib melts in your mouth. Our serves were super nice, food was delicious, and the decor was so fun. Love that they have places to sit while you wait for your table. We walked in around 4:30 and were able to be sat by 5. read more

So fun! Really great salmon. Mt grandma saw this place on TikTok and we decided to check it out. Was our love to see their holiday decor. Probs will be back! Service was slay read more

The ambience was super legit colors galore, food and drinks amazing and service from Patrick was the absolute best! Go now for a cool experience read more

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Food and service is awesome. The shrimp appetizer is a little salty but that's it, the rest of the food tastes good. Would definitely go back read more

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Update: The manager replied my review and spent a big paragraph to talk about the bathroom situation. And all I did is wrote one sentence about it. Hehe. Original review: I ordered loco moco and it was way too salty. I was hoping to let the waiter know, but unfortunately he only stopped by to refill water and take orders beforehand. After the dishes brought up to our table, he never came back. Then the bus girl took our plate later and he finally came around and dropped off the check. I have never been to a restaurant that without been asking "how was the food" during my meal. I don't want to give one star because he seems like a nice guy when he took our order. However I was disappointed at both the food and service, especially when the reservation was made a month ago. One more thing to point out is that the restaurant doesn't have AC. I mean, the whole open space concept made it very hard to implement any cooling solution. So good luck if you are eating here in summer. And I didn't use their restroom since I read reviews about it. I feel a little awkward. Street parking only. Anyways, I don't think I will ever be back. This is one of these restaurants that tries to be trendy and doesn't care what customer thinks. And if you pay attention, they don't reply to low rated reviews. They only reply to higher rated reviews. I think this is a way for them try to bump the good reviews. read more

Had a great experience, their cocktails are seriously fantastic everyone there was kind. read more

insideOUT - Saucy Little Tart & Empress 75 - Lounges Near Me - San Diego, California

Wonderful place! Reservations are recommended. They get very busy. We did brunch, and we sat at the bar. Really great food. The bar service was spot on. Great atmosphere. Definitely worth it. read more

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Love this place! The decor is always breathtaking and staff are always on it. Try their seasonal cocktails and brunch menu!