What a great time! Went as a group of 4 was a gift (a great gift!!!) the actors were so fun, loved seeing the improv and over all performances! The interactive element was wonderful with the experience. * The food buffet was good! Not gourmet, but definitely by no means poor quality! It was very enjoyable. * Bring cash for the bar and cash to tip the actors! Plan on going again when a new show comes out for a group birthday celebration. Highly recommend! read more

SUCH A FUN EXPERIENCE!! My first time at a murder mystery and didn't really know what to expect but I had sooo much fun!! It is very interactive so for that reason, I think it's definitely an acquired taste. The actors were incredible and really knew how to keep the audience engaged. I really wish the actors had a microphone because even though the room is small, it echos and when anybody at your table laughs, you miss what they are saying. I also did not like how close we were sitting to each other at the table. They should have less people at each table and bring more tables in. The food was the reason I took off a star. The food was incredibly disappointing. For $70, you would think they could serve better food. It's a 3 course meal and all were bad. The appetizer was like 4 tomatoes with balsamic. Not a salad and very small for an appetizer. I'm really glad they had a pita bread and hummus bar in the beginning because that kept me full until the main course. I got the vegetarian option which was pasta with veggies but the pasta was so over cooked it was like mush. I've never had pasta that soft. My bf got the chicken and he also felt it was too dry and it wasn't served with anything with substance like mashed potatoes or veggies or anything. Just some piece of kale. Dessert was cake. I thought it was cheesecake but it was more like coffee cake. Also very bland. No frosting or anything, just a little whip cream. Other than food, it was so much fun!! read more

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This experience requires you to use your phone a lot, which is usually not what people are looking for if you're trying to bond as a group.

The show was fabulous! I would recommend! I can't wait to take friends from out of town to see. The food and service was outstanding. The show was super funny with great actors. read more

Went to the dinner detective with my wife for our wedding anniversary with great expectations. The performers and the show part were wonderful. However, it was so loud in the room that it destroyed the entire experience. I not only cannot hear the people in the rest of the room I couldn't hear people at my own table. Plus performers, conference room in a hotel with no noise canceling technology. It was just too loud I eventually just get up and leave. It was too loud. The food was mediocre, but it's a Marriott courtyard. What do you expect. Which is why before I went I ate - as I suspected, the food would suck and I was right Would I go again yes, but not at this Venue would I recommend detective yes , but I would call in advance and check on volume and check on the Venue. read more

What a fun night! So glad we went. Had a lot of fun. I liked that it was such a small group, made for a very intimate setting. My fish dinner was excellent. The others had chicken and said it was pretty good too. I was actually surprised by how good the fish was. Anyhow, service was timely and the actors were great. Would definitely go see another show! We shall be back again another time! Thanks for the laughs! read more

AN EVIL CORPORATION! Do NOT purchase tickets with this company. My wife and I attended a Diiner Detective dinner last year. The food was subpar (chicken was overcooked and dry), but gratefully the portions were small. That being said, we are mystery buffs and enjoy live theatre so we decided to book another experience. Our show was scheduled for last Saturday night. My wife was 9 months pregnant and our baby wasn't expected until the end of the month. We wanted to book Dinner Detective closer to Valentine's Day but didn't want to risk going so close to her due date so opted for early February. Very unexpectedly my wife went into labor 3 weeks early on the Wednesday before the show. Delivery was uneventful but my baby was born with a heart condition and a life threatening birth defect that required her to be transported immediately to Rady's Children's Hospital and be admitted to the NICU. The following day our baby was scheduled for an emergency, life saving surgery. It's the most terrifying experience of our lifetimes. But in the midst of our distress, I contacted Dinner Detective to let them know of our dire situation and that we would not be able to attend and wish to reschedule. They explained that their policy is to never offer a refund. NO EXCEPTIONS! Meanwhile, the company offers a waiting list for shows that are overbooked in the event there is a cancelation. BEWARE! If you ever need to cancel (even if a loved one is at the risk of dying), they will try to charge you a $60 rebooking fee per ticket. The tickets are way overpriced to begin with and they want to profit off our misfortune. DISGUSTING!! Avoid this greedy corporation at all costs. Meanwhile, we are mostly living at Rady's Children's Hospital while our baby recovers. We are provided with three meals a day by Ronald McDonald Charities at no cost to us while we are here. Dinner Detective should take a lesson in compassion and understanding from this amazing corporation. read more

First off, the positives. -The Courtyard is a magnificent old converted bank building with a friendly lobby bar, with a good selection of beer on draft and proficient bar tenders. -The host and cast were exuberant, and friendly. Now...: -Food was poor...and I know...we weren't there for the food, but come on! -Though there were several funny moments, there was no real attempt at character development. -I'm not really sure if the cast were paid actors. -don't bother showing up early...if you do, make sure to find out where the check-in desk is so you can get to your "assigned" table. We were pretty much the first there, but because of the layout wound up sitting with our backs to the room. You will be sitting at a table with other folks unless you come with a large party of eight. It's also best if you are extroverted (think greeting time at a hip church). I really hate leaving a bad review, and really wanted to enjoy the evening. Perhaps my expectations were just too high for live dinner theater in San Diego. - read more

We saw them on New Years Eve. The show was from 7-10. At 8:30 their bar, (which sucked) closed. What?!! The actors and game were pretty lame. (all actors over acted). I had low expectations, and it turned out worse than I expected. I wouldn't call the food bad, but it was definitely not great. Chicken for instance was way over cooked. Finding the "clues" process was disorganized, and honestly, everyone at our table felt like we were just taking our best guess on who the murderer was. At the end they gave away a gift certificate to someone who we think was a plant, so they weren't giving away anything at all. There was at least one person at our table that got the murderer right. You also had to write down why they murdered the person. They claimed that was the reason the other person won, they gave a better "reason" for the murder, but gave no explanation or details. Save your money, and go out for a very nice meal and drinks. You'll have a much better time! It sucked! Also, the ambience was terrible. Literally like a place a business would have a Xmas party dinner. Plain, with terrible lighting, and just nothing interesting or nice. Like the cheapest hotel renter they could get. Avoid! read more

Such a fun night with friends! The service and performances are terrific! The food was pretty good. A great place for a date, celebration, or just fun night with friends. I highly recommend! read more

The performance and accommodations were amazing. The staff really cared about their audience and went above and beyond. I took my mother in law for her birthday and I would plan something again in the future. The desert was a nice surprise. read more

The Dinner Detective - a piece of chocolate cake and a strawberry - Dinner Theater Near Me - San Diego, California

Came here for a birthday surprise dinner and so glad I did. The ambience was a casual dinner with a bunch of amazing people. Everyone here as patrons were great and the actors even better. As for the food it was ok. By no means was it five star, but I really wasn't expecting to much for this type event. The bar outside of the room was a little pop so not to much of a selection. FYI just go upstairs to the hotel lobby bar because its a little faster and much more of a selection of spirits/beer. Although a few words of advice trying to figure out who the killer was after a few old fashions is not advised. Pretty sure I thought I was the killer at one point. The show pretty much walks you through all the evidence, but it is up to you to articulate and weed through it. Without ruining it but when they say anyone could be the murderer anyone can truly be at that point. Lets just say watch and listen to those who you are sitting with, and those around you at all times All and all YES I do recommend this show. Don't go for the food, but the show and actors that bring it alive. It was a great experience because it was like a comedy at the same time. Bring friends and family to have a great time. read more

Awesome time and great fun. Take your chance at catching a killer and have a killer time. read more

The Dinner Detective - Such a fun and original party time. The cast is so talented and imaginative. Food is also supersizing good. - Dinner Theater Near Me - San Diego, California

It's a fun event. It's an interactive murder mystery similar to a game of clue. Don't have high expectations of the food, but one doesn't go there for a gastronomic experience. The cast members are fun. read more

Had a BLAST! Lots of interaction between cast and guests... so much so that you never know who it is. We'll be back! read more

The Dinner Detective - Dinner Theater Near Me - San Diego, California

Fun time, the actors are fun interactive! Really enjoyed the story and energy of the crew!

This was such a fun experience. We recommend this experience to anyone looking for something fresh, new and fun. read more

The Dinner Detective - Dinner Theater Near Me - San Diego, California

So fun! Love the experience. My friends and I decided to do a birthday event here and had the best time! Would recommend to all! Come check them out! read more

Super cute dinner date idea or to come with family and friends! Makes you think while having a super fun time! Will definitely come back with more people read more

The Dinner Detective - Dinner Theater Near Me - San Diego, California

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Well, I'll never trust my fiancé again! We booked this experience months ago and imagine my shock when my picture was a clue in the show! The Dinner Detective was great fun, the actors are a blast and a few times I was like "Holy sh*t they're part of it!" oh and the food was bomb! Can't recommend more highly enough :) read more

Not worth the $80+ we paid per person. The acting was terrible, food was mediocre- but was expecting that. They were extremely disorganized and didn't know what they were doing. If this was $40-$50 I might've had less expectations but wouldn't pay anymore than this. Would not do this again. read more

Good food. And overacting . I would have like more mystery but it was a fun night . Nice place

Had a great time! The actors are fun, the mystery was tricky and suspenseful... but of course we won! The food was good and the bartender was awesome!! We'll definitely be back read more

Acting was terrible, the audience participation was minimal and the clues where way to easy. By the first 6 min of the show you could easily guess the killer, the actors we not good and even skipped our table everytime for the few time's there was audience participation. Over all the show was mediocre at best and halfway through my group was disengaged and staring off into space. We came ready to have fun with the fake names and backstories requested per instructions and we where bored senseless. I would have expected more from a group of highschoolers when I came to quality of the show. The actor playing the photographer came to our table and took a bite of a dinner roll and then just left it on the table and walked away!!!!! The actress playing the main detective was rude to the older couple at our table when they asked about the rules and name tags. At least the hotel staff was kind, but the event was terrible and I can honestly say I wish I stayed home. read more

I was very skeptical when I booked this surprise dinner for a birthday. I researched different vendors which are very few in SD and most had less than stellar ratings. This place had mixed reviews but the most recent ones were positive. Self parking is $8 at the double tree, I just found street parking and walked over. Booking online is simple, there is a set menu you have a choice for your entree fish, chicken or vegetarian. 3 course dinner served by the hotel. I paid extra for the suspect package where they will use whoever you request as a suspect in the show. They have a special instructions box you can fill out. I would highly recommend you fill that out if you are celebrating a special occasion. You'll be emailed instructions prior to the event. I wrote down the reason for our reservation and my BF had the best experience! He thought they picked on him randomly. I don't plan on telling him it was planned. Check in started at 6 we were advised to come 15 minutes early for optimal experience, and they were running late. We didn't get check in until at least 10-15 later. But the food was waiting at the tables when we were seated so that was a plus. It is assigned seating by table number but not by exact seat. It was well organized they explained everything prior to the start. Actors were very enthusiastic. Our main actor was really funny and interactive with the crowd we really enjoyed having him be the main character. Some of the acting was a bit cheesy but I think it added to the comical side of the entire show. It's not a serious murder mystery experience, if that's what you want I would call ahead to see how their other shows are. I won't give out too many details don't want to ruin it for anyone. Just pay attention everything and everyone is a suspect! You get a prize at the end if you solve the mystery! Food: 3 course meal starter was crispy wonton tostadas with a avocado mix and spring salad, entree your choice chicken, fish or vegetarian, dessert cheesecake. Alcoholic drinks self pay at the bar outside of the room, or free ice tea and coffee. The salad was probably the best dish tonight. I was expecting a skimpy salad but it was quite hearty with choice of ranch or vinaigrette and they had warm dinner rolls with butter. The tostadas were only crispy on the edge the bottom half was soggy. It was guacamole in a wonton shell essentially. The entree of fish was terrible. Herb crushed butterfish with tumeric rice and grilled seasonal vegetables. Fish was not seasoned well and the crust was soggy. Tumeric rice either undercooked or old it was hard as rocks. Grilled vegetables had no seasonings or flavors. I didn't even eat half. Luckily I filled up on the salad and dinner rolls. Dessert was a slice of cheesecake, I usually don't like cheesecake but I liked this one. Overall, it was a great first time experience doing a murder mystery dinner. I appreciate the staff for really making it a great night for him, they read my special requests and really made it a fun surprise birthday celebration for him. The actors are very talented and comical. The food is out of their control, but maybe they can put in a word with the hotel. Make sure to leave a tip at the end of the night for the actors! read more

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Was a very fun evening, a worthwhile event. I do recommend it. Entertaining, creative, and not-an-easy plot to figure out. They included our son in part of it, which was surprising and made it more fun. What they did with him was hilarious. Many moments throughout were hilarious. Food was very good. They did a GREAT job! Seems a popular event as there was a good crowd. So glad our entire family was able to enjoy this. read more

Really disappointed, my husband got this as a gift for us to do. Unfortunately, our kids came down with Covid and we had to cancel our plans. They were not accommodating regarding the situation stating that we needed to have a "6day notice to change" and that we would incur a $20+ charge. Real nice considering we obviously had no idea that life would happen. What a waste of time (having to sit through their automated phone) and money. read more

This was so much fun!!! I'm going to get my work to come and experience this soon. Thank you for making my 60th birthday memorable

Great food, great fun, great staff/team. Definitely recommend!! Really fun to come as group or just as a date night. read more

The Dinner Detective - Fish dinner - Dinner Theater Near Me - San Diego, California

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I'm giving them 1 star for service because I been trying to resolve a issue with them for 2 months in June 6 I bought me and my lady tickets realized I bought them to close to my wedding date I sent 4 emails filled out a contact request twice they never got back to me I've called so many times it's always the National center never actual San Diego that answers I'm always told " we'll contact San Diego and they will email you" never happened now officially 08/09/2023 the national center realized sd is sending emails to @gmai.com they forgot the "l" that's why they never been able to reach out they acknowledge it was their fault but still want to charge me a 90$ rescheduling fee due to the amount of time this took!!!!!! no I'm not paying that cause you guys messed up that was 2 weeks ago almost now I'm waiting for them to get back to me to waive the fee which we'll see how long it takes I'll call every other day and just got of the phone with them now and like usual I'm waiting for sd office to contact me horrible service it ruined me excitement for the dinner experience read more

Very fun and engaging night. We celebrated my wife's birthday with a fun creative dinner. Dinner was delicious and the entertainment was phenomenal. read more

Received tickets for a birthday gift. The girl detective, Julia, tried getting one of our party members to participate who is very shy and doesn't enjoy having attention on him and when he very kindly declined she made a huge scene instead of being professional and asking someone else. We purposely got tickets that involved no participation so I'm not sure why she was so pressuring even stating that she can wait all day for him to get up and participate. Overall rubbed us all the wrong way and would not recommend. read more

My wife and I just attended their show for Valentine's Day. The actors were great and it was very entertaining. I would recommend it for a fun night. Would be extra fun if you have a group of friends. Group of 8 would be perfect as that is how many will fit per table. read more

ABSOLUTELY the most fun during a dinner experience. The actors were EXCELLENT (especially Jessica S.); the food was good; and, the clues were just right. GREAT for date night! read more

Three stars solely because of the show...the show was a little campy as usual (I've been there multiple times) but very entertaining and fun. The actors are very personable and fun to interact with.....the food....OMG, the food this time was SOOOOO BAD. I actually apologized to my guests for bringing them because it was that bad...I will not go back to that venue. Again, the show was awesome, five stars, the food however, minus forty stars....cold, improperly seasoned and just disgusting....avoid at all costs unfortunately...if they move to another venue where they can actually make a meal that isn't disgusting then go by all means. read more

The Dinner Detective is an amazing experience. Lots of laughs, good food, good drinks and fun can be expected while you're here. The mystery also keeps you on your toes. read more

Had so much fun! Food was great! Mystery was hard to solve, but so fun to try to! Great dinner and interactive show. Would definitely go again! read more

So fun! The show was very entertaining and the food was great! They even accommodated my food allergies. I would definitely come back and do it again! read more

It was a super awesome experience you will laugh and drink food was okay the sauce on the chicken was amazing i loved the chocolate cake and be mindful if all the clues is truly a mystery lol read more

The entertainment and interaction between the audience was nice, with the addition of food being served.