specialksd's Profile
Urge Gastropub - farm-to-table?
I live in the area & have been there twice and twice I've been underwhelmed. Both Urge & their sister restaurant, The Barrel Room, stay busy because there are so few options in Rancho Bernardo. It certainly isn't because of the food. I don't think the owners have a food background or else they'd notice all the shortcomings with their menu. Food isn't seasoned properly, overly sauced, or is just lacking interest in general. Their staff is lackluster too. I go there more for their beers. I keep hoping they'll hire someone in their kitchen who knows what they're doing but that doesn't seem to be happening. I get the feeling the owners are happy w/ their level of business & don't have the desire to do anything different.
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The Barrel Room
16765 Bernardo Center Dr Ste 0-1, San Diego, CA 92128
Rancho Bernardo???
I've lived in RB for a long time and being fairly entrenched in all things food (worked in the food biz for 6+ years), I can say there's not a lot to be found that's great in these parts. A few things are pretty solid though. Pho Ca Dao, Pho Hoang, Yanni's Bistro (Scripps Ranch), Cafe Luna, Love Boat Sushi, Yummy Sushi, Kebab Shop (in Mira Mesa), and although I haven't been, I've heard a lot of good feedback on Cavillon
Rehearsal Dinner, San Diego
I agree with the Star of the Sea as a venue but if you're foodies, I would think twice about FG - there are other caterers on the preferred list with much better food. Probably more expensive too but worth it if food quality is important. Other places to consider (where food is at least good to above average):
Island Prime
Peohe's
Ruth's Chris
San Diego Wine and Culinary Center (the outsource their food to caterers usually but the wine + atmosphere is warm)
Avenue 5 (SD - Banker's Hill)
So glad to read all these reviews - I was hoping a handful of people posted their thoughts before I head over there! I'll be headed there soon!
Stone Brewery Bistro - disappointing (long)
My experience was "just ok" too. Granted, Escondido isn't necessarily known for its food and the locals probably think it's good (no offense locals - I used to live there too) but still...for the price and cool environment, I expected more. Stick with the beer.
