Went to Mess Hall for their Sunday Roast...terrific evening. A set menu which was amazing...pork belly and mako shark as main course, great combo. The salad was exceptional, especially to someone who normally doesn't care for spinach...it was "taste changing" and now a favorite!! Do not wait, this is the real deal...great food, great service, and for the quality very reasonable! read more

My friends wanted tacos and I wanted tapas- they went to get their food and I found Breadcrumbs in the Mess Hall. I ordered with Maddie, who was charming and sweet. She was in a pretty lengthy convo with a couple she was serving before I got there, so I waited about 7 minutes before she came over to me. I ordered the meatballs and toast- pretty simple order, right?! Well I pay and sit there for about 20 minutes before asking Maddie if I can go outside and sit with my friends, telling her I'll pop back in and grab the food. She says it'll just be a few minutes. I go and see my friends- who are nearly done with their tacos- and chat for about 5 minutes. Checking back in with Maddie, she apologies because my food still isn't done. She says she will bring it out to me- I tell her I'm by the firepit and point in the direction. I went back and waited 15 minutes before getting pissed off and going back in. I walk in (almost an hour later!!!) to find my food sitting there and Maddie talking to people. The food is now cold and I am so over the situation. She said she looked for me and couldn't find me *insert eye roll*. I tell her I'd like my money back and she says absolutely, then offers to warm the food up. I walk out with two to-go boxes and finally get to sit with my friends and eat (they were done eating and now ready to go). The food was subpar-- I had them try both dishes and none of us were impressed. The meatball was still cold!!! I wouldn't go back here- the food wasn't good and the service was lacking. For such a cute place, you'd think they'd have their stuff together a bit more!! Hopefully they can figure it out because their menu items seem promising. read more

First visit. Birthday outing for my fiancé and exploring SD. Randomly decided to grab two open seats at the bar. The vibe was amazing and totally inviting. I sat down excited to try a new place. Barkeep greeted us with hands filled with dirty dishes saying he would grab us a food menu. I stated I wanted a drink but I have a mild stutter from time to time so I had a slip of the tongue. I corrected myself saying, "I didn't mean I wanted 'to' drink, that sounds bad. I meant I wanted 'a' drink." In a very condescending way, as if I was going on and on, he said, "Yeah so what do you want to drink?" Sensing his impatience, I plainly answered so I could keep it short, "A bloody mary." Maybe he was just having a hard day I thought. He turned to my fiancé. He asked, "Do you have the copper mugs here, you know the ones for the mules?" The barkeep immediately replied with distain and mild disgust for our ignorance, "You know that's a lie right?!" Suddenly he has plenty of time. He went on a long history lesson (still holding the dirty dishes) about the creation of the copper mug and how a man being broke, needing money, selling copper mugs to make money etc and so on. I stood up half way and asked my fiancé to leave. So rude. We didn't ask for a fact check, we asked if you has the mugs at this location. No one cares about your little quips. Save that crap for people who like you and care about your opinions and random useless knowledge and just be nice and polite and friendly. You could have been the biggest highlight of our celebratory day but instead you became a road bump we moved on from. read more

I just ate here for the first time. Really underwhelming. The menu looks creative, but the execution is very poor. For example, the strawberry salad is just a pile of greens with a fairly bland dressing and a sprinkling of strawberries. It's small and way overpriced. Same with the local fish and chips. The fish is nicely fried, but the consistency is mealy, like it's been frozen a long time, which is absurd if it's really local (and there's a fish market 100 feet away in the same building). And the chips, which are thick slices of potato, are undercooked. I heard good reports from others, but I doubt I'll be back, especially when there are so many better new places to eat in the immediate vicinity. read more

Food is delicious, and our server Julia was even more delicious! She was very attentive and friendly and she knew the menu like the back of her hand! She was absolutely amazing and we'll be back just for her! She deserves server of the year!!! read more

I wish I could give this place a rating. All I can rate right now is the way I was just treated. I had called there today to try to schedule a huge event for my office. Unfortunately, my other phone rang just as someone by the name of Brian picked up. I quickly apologized and said I would need to call him right back. When I called the restaurant back a few minutes later, the same guy answered and said "I'll call you back!" and hung up on me. I waited a few minutes and called back and asked to speak with a manager and Brian (still answering the phone there) said there wasn't one on the premises. I tried to explain that I needed an events coordinator and he said there wasn't one. He suggested I call back later. I guess they're doing a great business that they can treat a new customer like dirt. I will take my event elsewhere. read more

I love a good breakfast and this is one of the best I have ever had in San Diego or anywhere. I had the Duck Hash browns with duck egg. Really really good. The do have mixed drink but I had a drink without alcohol that was special enough to feel as good as drinking champagne, a Agave Spritz. read more

Stopped in for a drink and had a great conversation with Erin and she made an amazing strawberry basil drink she called strawberry fields

Erin at the bar gave awesome service and her Local Rose creation was out of this world!! Most unique and beautiful cocktail I've had in a long time. Perfect ending to a Friday night read more

What a great experience for brunch! The service was exceptional. Our server, Erin, was attentive, smart and got our orders and drink combinations spot on. I also happened to talk to the host and the manager in passing. They were also very friendly. I had the duck confit and my wife and her mother had the quiche. We were all happy with our food, cocktails and beer. Because we sat in the bar area, the kids could grab something from the market and bring it back. Lastly, we weren't rushed and just had a very nice time. We will be coming back! read more

We are at Dough Balls... can I just say I have had pizza from almost all across the world and I must say they make some of the best pizza Southern California has to offer as of yet! It has to be the fire burning rotating oven! So good! Kudos Dough Balls! read more

My girlfriends and I met for brunch on a Sunday. They take reservations for brunch, which is great and not so easy to find in San Diego. We all enjoyed our experience. We all started with coffee which was a nice rich dark roast. I ordered the polenta, egg and wood fire vegetables and split it with my friend who shared her french toast with me. It was the perfect savory/sweet combo. The french toast it is not custard like in the middle like some places serve and it was a little too dry for my liking but tasty none the less! My friend ordered the bacon to share, it was thick, smoky and carmelized perfection. She also ordered their version of eggs benedict. It came on thick toast, poached eggs, arugala, mushrooms and bearnaise sauce. She said it was as delicious as it looked. I'll get that next time! My other friend ordered the breakfast pastries to share, they were excellent too. I ordered a bourbon and ginger beer cocktail. It was light & refreshing. The staff was friendly & knowledgeable. We left to tour the public market satisfied and will be returning to Mess Hall for sure! read more

Came here for cocktails after dinner and had the pleasure of having Erin take care of us. I like to keep it simple and ordered a daiquiri and while it is a simple drink, what she made blew me away. It was phenomenal and I can't wait to come back and see what else she can make. read more

Amazing! There are only two things this German dislikes. Standing in line waiting to be seated, and bad service. I just walked out of an "Italian Garden" based on the estimated wait time of 20 to 25 minutes, when I remembered the newly opened "Mess Hall" just down the street at NTC. I was stationed there many, many years ago, so I will never be able to call it Liberty Station. :-) Anyway, the Hostess greeted me with a big, friendly smile. I told her I was in a rush, but if she can feed me within 15 minutes, I will stay. She pointed out that she could only promise that if I stayed within the Pie area of the Menu. Sounded good. Within 60 seconds we were seated, and within 2 minutes our order was taken. We picked the "Cauliflower, romesco, marinated mushroom pie" of the Lunch Menu. This is where the amazing comes in. This was the most delicious thin crusted pie I have ever tasted. The combination of herbs used was unfamiliar, but hit the taste buds just right. The crust was no thicker than the stack of a good Blackjack hand, but stayed dry and folded nicely. The pie was pre cut and arranged beautifully on a nice wooden board. In today's world of Snapchat and Instagram it is probably inexcusable that I did not take a picture, but I was too busy enjoying my meal. Will I be back? You bet. Will I bring more time the next time? You bet, because I felt bad not giving the wonderful staff more time to show off their professionalism. Also, there were other items on the Menu that sounded just as good. And if you wonder, Yes, I paid for our meal :-), and No, I do not know the owner. Yet? People, enjoy!! And as the Hostess laughingly mentioned on my way out, it only took 13 minutes to get me the pie. I did not even noticed. Was too busy enjoying the ambience. read more

Been here a few times and love it! Their menu changes (weekly I believe) so you get to try a slightly different menu each time. Last time we were here, we had the pleasure of having Julia serve us. She was incredibly helpful with drink and food knowledge. She was super sweet and made our dining experience great! I definitely recommend this place. Great food, service, and atmosphere! read more

I love Liberty Station and spend a great deal of time there as an artist and a guest. I went with friends to the "Mess Hall" in the Public Market on Tuesday 8/06, to enjoy the wonderful music of Amy and Matt who were playing. We enjoyed the music and and food that we bought at various sites in the Public Market. The evening was wonderful except for the very rude bartender who was on that night at the Mess Hall bar. He recommended a drink so I said "OK, I'll try that". When after tasting, I did not like it, he said, "Too bad, you saw on the menu what was in it" I had paid $14 for the drink and tipped him on top of that. I am speech impaired and had a difficult time trying to argue with him. He was also extremely rude to my friend who tried to help. He definitely put a damper on the evening. My prior experience with bartenders at the Mess Hall have been positive and friendly. I look forward to more positive experiences in the future. I hope that the young man in question will have a more positive outlook on customer service in the future. read more

5 stars for my bartender Erin! Came in on Monday night and she recommended a great sour beer by bitter brothers and 2 delish pizzas before I found out she is from my home town back in NY! Thanks Erin for a great night read more

The worst place in town!!!! The Bloody Mary platter comes with shrimp. NOT. When we asked for the shrimp that came with the platter the waitress said it was a garnish. Hahahaha. Yes, right. Who's ever heard of shrimp being a garnish on a platter. Terrible food too. read more

So happy I gave Mess Hall another shot. I was here two months ago and the service was horrible. My husband and I were at The Market and decided to try Mess Hall again. Sat at the bar and received the best service by Toni. We'll be back. read more

My favorite Sunday brunch fare is eggs Benedict. I have ordered this dish in many restaurants here and in other states. The rendition at the Mess Hall is outstanding!!! It is served on delicious thick unusual bread,has bernaise sauce,caramelized onions and fresh mushrooms. The table next to us raved about the eggs Benedict,as well. Definitely returning to make this a Sunday tradition! Service was top notch. MGM read more

Great spot and easily our favorite restaurant in what has become a pretty strong restaurant scene within Liberty Station. Love that the produce and ingredients all come from within the market. Menu changes regularly but we have had three outstanding visits so far. Will be back again soon. read more

Wonderful meal! Friday night, great service! Beet (not beef) tartar over fava beans...beautiful, delicious...a party in my mouth! Duck confit...amazing. My husband's chicken liver pâté board, beautifully presented as well as delicious! read more

With a market driven menu, ambitious wine list, over 20 craft beer taps, as well as a beautiful selection of spirits, there's a little something for everyone. I love the kentucky bee and the charmoulah pie. Coming from New York, I'm a bit of a pizza snob and the charmoulah pie is unlike any flavors on a pizza I've ever experienced. I am looking forward to what the future of this restaurant concept brings! read more

Stopped in for a glass of wine before grabbing some food from the market to take home for dinner. Erin behind the bar was super friendly and welcoming. Great atmosphere and friendly service, we'll definitely be back. read more

Hosted a private event at the Mess Hall and a very, very positive experience. Worked with Koda to develop the menu. Our guests raved about the food. And Koda and his staff were very, very attentive to all the evening of the event. Thanks Koda and team. read more

Highly recommend this locally sourced restaurant tucked away in Liberty Public Market. We enjoyed Easter Sunday Roast of roasted leg of lamb & slow cooked Scottish sea trout with other wonderfully fresh ingredients gleaned from the stalls of Liberty Public Market. Wine pairings are spot-on, also. Service was impeccable- thank you, Hamilton! read more

Went to the Mess Hall restaurant with out of town family including a grandchild with diabetes and celiac disease. He had food from another vendor because nothing on the menu accommodated his dietary needs. Waitress told us to leave since outside food was not allowed. Manager said he would make an exception in our case. We were too upset to stay. read more