SoCal was so good and not just because I'm from California! I travel to Columbus pretty often for work. I stay in the Easton area and usually don't venture out this far from my hotel. Really glad I did. So much better than all the options in the Easton area. The spicy pinaapple margarita was really good. I think it was batched, but no matter, it had a nice balance and hit the spot after a long day. The beef chow fun was a winner. Was missing flavor from all the bland food along my trip. Great flavor and a large enough portion so that's all I had. Wish I was able to try more food dishes. It was packed on a Wednesday night so had to get a spot at the bar. Make sure to get a reservation. read more

SoCal Kitchen + Bar - Spicy pineapple margarita - New American Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

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Everything was spot on as only a Mitchell restaurant would be. Our service was impeccable and attentive without being overbearing. The cocktails at SoCal are among the best in the SN every order was perfectly balanced. Food was delicious as always. From the oysters to the various entrees everyone was very satisfied. I also love that the place can feel busy and intimate at the same time. read more

My dinner club came here a few weeks ago for happy hour and it was great! We rated the following aspects for a total review of 4.3! All ratings are out of 5. Atmosphere 4.2 Service 4.4 Food 3.8 Drink 4.3 Value 4.5 Some of the comments were: "Loved the atmosphere and the lychee martini" "Love a good happy hour!" "Good vibes" read more

Wow this place was a treat! Great ambiance. Our server was very friendly. They had us seated immediately. The food here is exceptional. We all raved about everything ordered to the table. I'll certainly be back read more

SoCal Kitchen + Bar - New American Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

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Early dinner with coworkers and had a great experience. The cocktails were outstanding, and we shared a few appetizers that were all delicious. I ordered the grain salad, and it was fresh & flavorful. I also appreciated that they had several solid vegetarian options. I'd definitely come back for both the food and drinks! read more

Socal Kitchen is such a good spot for a fun, happy hour. I went last Thursday with friends and we all had a great time catching up over drinks and sharing a few things from the menu. The crispy rice was SO GOOD and the spicy tuna roll we shared was really solid too, especially for the happy hour price. Even though the bar was pretty backed up, our server stayed super attentive and friendly the whole time. You could tell they were busy but still made sure we had everything we needed. Also have to mention the interior, it's super cute and aesthetically pleasing, perfect for a casual night out that still feels a little nicer. Definitely a spot I'd go back to for another happy hour, in fact I'm going for an Easter brunch with my parents as well! read more

SoCal Kitchen + Bar - Crispy Rice Spicy Tuna - New American Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

My fiancé and I wanted a nicer dinner before heading to a sporting event at Ohio State, so we decided on SoCal Kitchen! The vibes are amazing. Whoever decorated this restaurant knows what's trendy. The clientele was younger and very, very well dressed. I got an espresso martini and it was excellent but wow... it was strong with both espresso and vodka! For appetizers we got the sushi with shrimp (I forget what it was exactly called) and it was super tasty and the we got the edamame dumplings, those were okay, probably wouldn't get again. For dinner I had the chopped salad. It was incredible except for their being tomatoes and the menu didn't say there were I picked around them, so I was fine, but would have enjoyed the salad even more if I could worry less about picking them out! My fiancé got the Thai peanut bowl (or something like that). He said it was good but the peanut was rather overpowering... but it was good! Overall, we do highly recommend! Our "negatives" were personal preference things! The food was great! read more

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Food was ok. Atmosphere was great. Server did a great job, but felt like they were understaffed. Just doesn't compete with restaurants like Agave & Rye. read more

SoCal dropped a new menu this past April, and it is fantastic! SoCal is already my favorite seafood restaurant in Columbus, and these new menu items only make it better!! The Crispy Rice is awesome and perfect for sharing! The Wok Fried Shrimp is soooo yummy! They have delicious sushi & the Yuzu Avocado Roll is a great switch up from other items I've had in the past! Stop on by! read more

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Place is very luxurious inside by not super fancy. Made reservations and we only had to wait a few minutes for a table. The drinks were great. Not the biggest selection of cocktails but the wine list was long. The sushi was above average. The tacos I got were top notch. I want to go back for happy hour where the sushi and drinks are half off. The reason for the 4 stars was they put dressing on my wife's salad even though she asked for it on the side. Also, the wine my wife got was overcharged by $3 read more

SoCal has a great vibe--perfect for an after-work get-together. I went with colleagues, and we thoroughly enjoyed the lively atmosphere, the food, drinks and the service. The portion size was a little tricky--I ordered a salad expecting a full entrée, but it came more like a side. That said, both the salad and the chicken were absolutely delicious. My colleagues loved their dishes as well, and the bread was a big hit--so fresh and tasty. Overall, SoCal is a great spot for an after-work dinner in downtown Columbus. read more

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Great time here. Stopped in for dinner a few weeks back. Easy to get a reservation and the ambiance in the interior was very upbeat. Strongly recommend the stuffed garlic bread it has Asiago and spinach inside of it, one of the best breads that I've ever had at a restaurant. It's fresh-baked by their in house baker per our waitress. I have the crispy rockfish for dinner, which was delicious as well, highly recommend. Our server MJ was very friendly and knew the menu well. Overall another perfect experience for a Cameron Mitchell establishment! read more

SoCal Kitchen + Bar - Stuffed Garlic Bread - New American Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

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This was a really cute restaurant in a charming part of Columbus. We had a large group and our server was very friendly, attentive, and made great recommendations. All of the food was very tasty and our entire group was pleased. I would definitely recommend and go back next time I'm in Columbus. read more

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If I was writing this review on the oysters alone I would have given it a 2, but the service and atmosphere would have been a 4. I came here specially for the Monday oyster deal and was incredibly disappointed. The presentation was great but the oysters were so bad. They were unbelievably small, grainy, and did not taste super fresh. I would definitely give this place another chance if I was in the area because the bartenders were great and the atmosphere is fun and based on the reviews I'm sure the other food is much better but if I'm ever craving oysters again, I won't be coming here. read more

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Tried SoCal Kitchen for the first time on a Monday during their happy hour, and wow, what a hidden gem. We ordered two rolls and the shrimp dish, and all three were absolutely delicious. Fresh, flavorful, and beautifully plated. The cocktails were also a standout. Balanced, well-made, and just the right strength. The space itself is stunning. The interior design is modern yet warm, with thoughtful details that make it feel both upscale and inviting. You can tell care was put into creating an experience, not just a meal. Service was seamless. Friendly, fast, and attentive without feeling rushed. Our drinks came out quickly, followed by our food at a perfect pace. I'm honestly surprised I don't hear more buzz about this place, it's the kind of spot you want to keep in your back pocket but can't help recommending. We'll definitely be back. read more

SoCal Kitchen + Bar - Bar area - New American Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

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Recently came here for dinner with a friend. There's nice indoor outdoor seating options. While our server was friendly and the vibe was cool, I wasn't blown away with the food. Perhaps it was what I ordered or the kitchen had a bad day. Would probably come here again for just drinks. read more

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A Southern California style restaurant in Ohio? Sign me up! I went with a party of 4 on a Thursday night and we made reservations ahead of time so I'm not sure their walk in policy. Our server Ethan was super kind, attentive and knowledgeable on the menu. We shared the stuffed garlic bread which I highly recommend as well as some sushi. We each got a different entree which were all yummy, fresh ingredients and perfect portions. I won't lie when I first saw my pasta portion I was nervous it wouldn't be enough food but it definitely got the job done as I was stuffed. The lychee martini was soooooo good. It was a great place to unwind and catch a good meal with friends. Some food tastes good but doesn't leave you feeling good after. Not the case here! At SoCal the food was good and I felt good after eating it. I would definitely return if I'm ever in the area. read more

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I made a reservation for brunch but they weren't super packed. I liked the vibe. Great decor and furniture with mirrors on one side of the wall, interesting light fixtures, and beautiful tiles on the floor and at the bar. It's got a classy feel without feeling too formal. My friend and I shared a couple entrees: the burger (we added an egg to it) and the smoked chicken hash. The burger was good. Seasoned and paired well with the truffle fries. The chicken hash was okay. Underwhelming and had a similar flavor to something else I've had before. My friend got a Bloody Mary while I tried the For the Win cocktail as recommended by our server. It's a cute place! I'd come back again as the menu had a whole mix of different things to try. read more

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SoCal has an unbeatable happy hour. They redid the menu for it so now it's all apps, sushi, and cocktails. Before it was select items on a special menu. Happy hour is throughout the whole restaurant, which is hard to find but is great for large groups. It also is on Sunday 3-5. We did their chips and guac, a roll, and taquitos. All were so good. Their guacamole is amazing. I would come back just for that. I didn't eat the sushi but my boyfriend loved it. The taquitos were good, but on the smaller side. We sat and the bar and had friendly, quick service. We will definitely be back read more

SoCal Kitchen + Bar - Guacamole, chicken taquitos, roll - New American Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

Apps = incredible. The Californian rock shrimp sushi is delicious. The guacamole is phenomenal. The tuna is chefs kiss. The green salad with beets is tasty. I also loved all of the holiday decorations. I'll likely be back because I love the apps here, but our experience was much lower than usual this Friday. I'm not sure if our waitress was having a tough day, but she was super stoic and rolled her eyes every time that we ordered/asked a question about the menu. I waited tables for years, and I've eaten at many restaurants, and I've never left feeling the way this server left us. It was uncomfortable and not welcoming. Did we still tip over 20%? Yes. Did she ever refill my water? No. I have been here a handful of times & usually get the coconut sorbet because it reminds me of the kind I've enjoyed in Hawaii, but this time, the sorbet had that thick, almost gelatinous or syrupy texture on top like it had been sitting or frozen for a while. So, I'd recommend skipping the dessert, and heading to Jeni's across the street. read more

Yum! We made a reservation, early. This restaurant is very popular. They're very diverse on their menu. Hi energy , great music. It has a super fun weekend vibe. Casual dress . Street parking. Great food and a super delicious decadent, dark chocolate cake Thank you SoCal. We will be back . read more

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Went for a Birthday dinner Saturday and the service was so good, our waiter Ethan was super kind & understanding. We came a little bit late and we stayed over a little over 10 & we still able to enjoy our dinner. The food was also really good! read more

SoCal Kitchen + Bar - Chicken Taquitos - New American Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

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I love SoCal Kitchen + Bar--it's one of my go-to spots in the Short North. The ambiance is always on point, with super cute interior design and a laid-back, coastal vibe that makes you feel like you're dining somewhere way sunnier than Columbus. This time around, we went for dinner and ordered two sushi rolls and the taquitos to start. For mains, we had the Emerald Kale Salad (so flavorful with a perfect sweet + sour dressing) and the SoCal Burger, which was delicious as always. Now, the food itself? Fantastic. No notes. The service? Ehh. A little chaotic. The sushi came out first, but they forgot the taquitos--and we didn't get them until halfway through our mains, which kind of killed the vibe. On top of that, there was an issue with the check that had to be fixed. Not a huge deal, but it's the second time I've had some service hiccups here. Hopefully it improves, because the food and atmosphere are too good to give up on! read more

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I've been when this was Del Mar SoCal and I'm not sure exactly what changed because the food (especially the oysters) and service was still as good as I remembered! It's a fun vibe and you can easily pop in for a quick bite or have a special dinner depending on what you're looking for. Definitely recommend! read more

SoCal Kitchen + Bar - Seafood platter (oysters, shrimp, & poke) plus the NA mai tai - New American Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

Tried this with a group of friends and everybody was very pleased. The cocktails were delicious. The guac was super fresh and had that perfect beach/ California feel to it. The sushi rolls were bigger than expected and really yummy. The avocado one could have used a little less avocado but it was still really good read more

SoCal Kitchen + Bar - Aki-avocado - New American Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

Went here on a Tuesday night and got seated right away. The staff was extremely kind and professional. We split the crispy rice, and it was so good and worth having all to yourself. The tuna was fresh, and there was plenty of flavor. The chili peanut bowl was good, but in my opinion, it needs more spice. Although our server quickly brought a side of chili oil for me. The espresso martini was frothy and perfect. The bathrooms are outstanding and stocked with anything you would need, including mouthwash. The interior is vibey and cool, and even has an amazing playlist playing. 10/10 worth visiting if you're in the Columbus area. read more

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Our server Aubrey was great when we walked in accommodated a party of 8 and we were swiftly taken care of. Opted to get the poke tuna and a sushi roll. Poke came with chips and was a great starter for me and tasted fresh. The sushi roll was super delicious i just can't remember the name of it!! We also got the olive oil cake which was pretty good but we were so full!! Side note: the cold brew w oat milk is a hit as well. This place was good vibes, food and service. read more

SoCal Kitchen + Bar - New American Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

Fish Sandwich $25.19 Blackened Snapper, Remoulade, Toasted Bun, French Fries (gf) Potato Bread $13.79 Cheddar, Bacon, Scallion, Sour Cream Butter read more

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Had a great time at SoCal and service was amazing! We came in for happy hour and drinks and starters/sushi were half off, such a good deal compared to other places! The food was delicious and so were the drinks! Great lighting in the restaurant and good vibes all around. Will be back!! read more

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Always fun to hit up SoCal (formerly known as Del Mar) for happy hour oysters and bubbles! Vibes are always nice, service is attentive and friendly. I think their cocktails are too expensive for what they are, but that's why I go for happy hour. Food is always consistent and good. I love the Beef Chow Fun, ceviche, and, of course, oysters! read more

The dinner menu is very good, and the ambiance is fantastic, perfect place for a nice chat or a more romantic dinner date. It was so good I decided to come for brunch, but sadly I would have to not recommend the brunch menu. I ordered the French toast and it was a little overdone and burnt on the edges. Also the mix of cayenne/curry flavors with French toast don't mix well for me. Would come again for dinner though! read more

SoCal Kitchen + Bar - French Toast - New American Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

The food was amazing! 10/10 for everything. The service (Bri was our waitress) was patient and friendly, our choices were simply very well seasoned and different than what we usually get on restaurants, which creates a very good experience. The ambience was also SO pleasant. Well lighted, modern, intimate and so cool. Could be seated anywhere and still have and amazing experience. Definitely worth a comeback visit! read more

SoCal Kitchen + Bar - Brussels Sprouts and Stuffed Garlic Bread - New American Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

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I was surprised about our experience tonight overall. We dine at CM places often and all are super accommodating to us. We have a 6 month old baby and always reserve a table for 3 noting that we have 2 adults and a baby. We arrived and they said you can leave the stroller up front there isn't much room by the table. Being new parents, I went with it. We were sat at a high top table in the back corner. I held our baby in my lap for a while until asking for a high chair which our baby can barely even use. The high chair was too low, making it not work. So after struggling (with people watching who work there) I went back to the hostess stand and kindly asked for my stroller and assured them I won't be in the way with it. They were receptive. Overall, the food was average and the service from our waiter was excellent. But the whole experience was stressful and not accommodating to a family. Do not recommend if you have a baby or anyone with accommodations that aren't basic. Sorry CM restaraunts, we normally love you, but you can do better. read more

Second Experience SoCal Kitchen in Columbus, Ohio, offers a vibrant dining experience with a focus on fresh, West Coast-inspired cuisine. The menu is diverse, featuring everything from seafood to salads, tacos, and flatbreads, often with a creative twist. The ambiance is casual yet trendy, making it a great spot for both casual meals and special occasions. Service is generally attentive and friendly, though experiences can vary during peak times. Overall, SoCal Kitchen is a solid choice for those looking to enjoy a relaxed meal with a touch of Southern California flair in Columbus. First experience The swordfish was a little salty but overall great taste and had a wonderful appearance. The carne asada was good as well and appearance was great. It wasn't as spicy as expected. Great overall experience and the ambiance is very enjoyable. read more

SoCal Kitchen + Bar - Espresso Martini w/ Tequila - New American Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

This place consistently has the Best food! I lived in Southern California & this place actually exceeds the standard. Appetizers(taquitos/crispy rice), Entrees(burger & grilled cheese) were Amazing! Chocolate brownie Dessert was fantastic to close out read more

SoCal Kitchen + Bar - New American Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

The ambiance and service are great in the restaurant. I would make reservations before heading over. You can call ahead and ask which parking garages they validate. The Joseph garage is where we parked, which is a block away and the host was able to validate our parking ticket on the way out. We learned they were having restaurant week when we went, so decided to go with the three course menu for $45/person. The filet on their regular menu was priced at $53.99, which alone is more than the price of the three course dinner this week. I ordered the shrimp bisque, 8 oz filet, and olive oil cake. The shrimp bisque was full of flavor, had shrimp bits, and even two whole shrimp in it. I really enjoyed the bisque. I ordered the filet medium rare, but it was on the rarer side for me. The couple next to us sent back their medium rares saying it was still rare. Other than the cook on the steak, it was thick and flavorful. The side salad that came with it had blue cheese, but the server replaced it with parmesan for us as per pur request. The olive oil cake was great. It was moist and dense and the orange whipped cream really complimented the cake. I also ordered a virgin pineapple dance drink. It was way too sweet to be able to enjoy though. My husband got the guac and chips as his appetizer and the warm chocolate brownie with brown sugar ice cream. The guac was fresh and the brownie was good, but the olive oil cake is the way to go. I appreciated that the restaurant week menu had full serving sizes of all the original menu items. A lot of times dessert and the size of filet are lessened during restaurant week at other places. I would like to go back and try their salmon entree. FYI: If you are celebrating a special occasion and note it on your reservation, do not expect anything extra like what some other restaurants may do. Here, the hostess will wish you for the occasion and that is it. read more

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I was finally able to check out Del Mar SoCal Kitchen Happy Hour. I was so happy that I finally just got up and went. The food and service as always was amazing. I tried the Fried Oysters, Potato Bread, Dynamite Roll, Barbacoa Taco & The Del Mar Burger. Everything was at a discounted price because of happy hour and everything that I ordered was phenomenal. I was so full, I thought I was going to have to call a Uber or Lyft home! The restaurant is always clean and the staff is always nice. I would recommend this restaurant and happy hour to anyone. The food was fresh hot. Me and my guest throughly, throughly enjoyed our food. We definitely look forward to going back soon. read more

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Nice atmosphere Good service Smaller menu, but very unique Restaurant is loud. My fish sandwich was good and the brussels were great! Had a garlic bread that was OK. I would revisit. read more

I've been to Del Mar a few times and the setting is nice and the food is generally good. Ive had some experiences with horrible service and generally I think the service isnt super great here. In my most recent visit I went for brunch- the burrito was pretty good, my dining partners thought their dishes were generally good. read more

SoCal Kitchen + Bar - New American Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

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We came for lunch after running a 5k. The staff were soooo friendly!! We looked like hell and despite the upscale vibe there was zero judginess from the staff. We got to sit at open window area, which enhanced the ambiance. The menu had a huge variety from breakfast options, to sushi, to handhelds. They had a spritz flight which had 3 little beverages. Believe or not the aperol was probably the least favorite. The Hugo and Blood Orange were refreshing and delicious. The matcha was slighty sweet and little grassy but not bitter. We ended up with the chicken sandwich and rockfish sandwich. The chicken was phenomenal. In my opinion it was probably the best I have ever had. It wasn't overly breaded, wasn't dry and just tasted perfect. The fish had just the right amount of blackened seasoning, most places go light. This place does not. It had a lot of spice and the pickles gave it a tarter feel to it. The fries were tiny and seasoned and top notch. Our server was probably one of my favorites. Personable. Attentive without being annoying. I would hands down recommend this place and definitely will be returning. read more