New American Restaurants near Imperial Beach, CA

“Wonderful place, loved the clam chowder and IB wedge salad. Unfortunately, Mar 31 was its last day. Have been out of town, so have not been yet to the new restaurant in that space, Toasted Gastrobrunch. I do love brunch, so I'm looking forward to it!“

“We were greeted by name and everyone seemed to know it was our anniversary, from the hostess stand to the person walking us to our table to our waiter. Unfortunately, I am allergic to gluten and although the menu didn't have gf marked, the wait staff was well informed and basically all the entrees and veggie dishes were naturally gf and in the case of pizzas, they offered gf crust. Their pastas were the only thing not gf. We had the branzino, trumpet mushrooms, caulilini and butter lettuce salad with the strawberry souffle for dessert. Everything was very good with lots of herbs. A little heavy on the oil and I wish there was a little bit of a citrus element to brighten things up, but still, very good and we would definitely recommend H&W.“

“Wow get the duck. We loved everything. Love the plate sharing concept. Order the yodel dessert even if you have no room. I'm still thinking about it. Service was great and very attentive. Our waiter recommended the Gruner vetliner that we loved.“

“Pricey. Exquisite atmosphere & delicious foods for dinner. Group of 13 of us booked the Captain’s Room which requires a $800 minimum. Popcorn was served while gathering our orders and it was a unique starter. 100% recommend the duck meatball ($19) and the Molten Chocolate Cake ($12)!“

“Fantastic atmosphere and great service. I had the skirt steak and my friend had the harvest bowl. Both were excellent and would highly recommend. The day was beautiful and the doors were wide open. I will definitely be back next time visiting San Diego.“

“We always come back to C-Level because the food, service, and views are fantastic. Mindy gave us perfect service. The coconut shrimp, baked brie, tuna melt, and ahi stack are our perennial favorites. This is our favorite San Diego restaurant.“

“Whether you are popping in for a glass of wine before shopping at Sepulveda next door or having dinner of their wonderful specials that change daily (check Instagram), you will enjoy your experience at Juan Jasper. Lots of lively conversations between the staff and patrons (while still being attentive), varied and upbeat music playing just loud enough in the background, and a direct view of the kitchen makes for a wonderful atmosphere. A small act of consideration and respect by a customer is rewarded by the generous proprietor. This is what service and dining should be. You can see why folks happily wait to get a seat at this local gem. Cannot recommend enough: great for lunch and dinner.“

“Great happy hour with lots of locals. Good vibes. Half-off their 3 French-inspired burgers and an $8 cocktail of the day. Plus half off various wines and other rotating incredible bargains, like $2 oysters. I ate 12 and it made a delightful dinner!No-nonsense service. Sit at the bar or the table near the window. Love it and will be back!“

“There were no tables so we had to sit at the bar. Be sure to make reservations for a Saturday night. I ordered the Spicy burger and it tasted delicious. A little on the greasy side but still pretty good. Had to wipe my hands after each bite. There was a Serrano pepper in my burger which made it super spicy. The clam chowder was perfection. Service was wonderful. Definitely coming back.“

“Ballast point has a lot of solid beers, though they aren’t the most flavorful. The blue beer/seltzer (can’t remember the name) is terrible in that it tastes like college (if that’s what they were going for then job well done!).The brewery is huge and has a lot of nice open seating, inside and outside. The food is great for being bar food (loved the pork belly Mac and cheese) and when our order was a little slow to come out they offered to comp us with beers (totally not needed- life happens- but we really appreciated the offer)“

“Beautiful heated outdoor patio and dog friendly. One thing I dislike is that cocktail drinks are about 4oz and paying $15.00. Service is a little slow , they kinda forget about you. I do have to say it’s one of the nicest bar/ restaurants on 3rd and Hst. It’s got a good vibe going on so it makes up for the pricey drink. Cheers! Happy Holidays“

“First time visiting this place. It was a cute, cozy atmosphere. It feels like you're in someone's home. They have a full bar and food menu. I ordered the steak and fries and the BF ordered a burger. We started with their calamari and drinks. I have to say, everything was GOOD. Food was fresh and delicious. My bloody mary was really good and well put together. Service could have been better, but I don't regret trying this place.“

“The staff is really what makes this place. Im an avid music lover, so the cuban band made it feel like a little vacation. The food was great ( had the pot pie and brie) The bartender was kind, and its owned by a husband and wife, no big corporate owners/groups. The decor is fabulous, lots of attention to detail. it feels very intimate, nice place for an event! highly recommend“

“Here in town for mine and my boyfriends anniversary and we randomly looked up bars near our hotel. This one popped up and we decided to go! Sooooo glad we went! The food was absolutely amazing!!!! Those ginger soy marinated wings were soooooo flavored omg. I wanted more and more haha! The service was amazing, if you don't sit at the bar top, you can order from a side window and I swear my drinks came out in less than 2 minutes and the whole place was packed! The guy working the window was extremely friendly and we felt welcome the second we walked in! Will DEFINITELY be back!“

“I had the privilege of being served by Ruth!She's fantastic, exemplary across all aspects of her position.She's personable, attentive, kind, patient, knowledgeable, professional, friendly, and more.I stopped in to have dinner and a Pizookie trio on my birthday. Ruth made the experience delightfully enjoyable. Thank you so much, Ruth!Truly someone deserving of both a raise and promotion.Thanks again!! ?“

“The service was cordial, and the atmosphere was OK. The restaurant smells more like a bar. We had the french toast, which really seemed to be bread dipped in whipped eggs and milk, and grilled in oil. It lacked sweetness and cinnamon. The eggs and bacon we ordered on the side were very good and fresh. Cracker Barrel does a better breakfast.“

“Went here for the first time this weekend and all I can say is WOW! Delicious food and great service. My boyfriend and I each ordered burritos, and they were both delicious. The staff was super friendly and even gave us each a free dessert since it was our first time. We'll definitely be coming back here“

“I am visiting San Ysidro for business and I came across El Rincon. I was craving Mexican food and I knew I was going to find a great meal and I definitely did! For starters, the place is inviting, the atmosphere is warm and it definitely feels authentic. The staff super friendly and attentive which is a plus specialty because I went during lunch hours! I ordered Huevos Divorciados with extra egg and a cafe the olla. We don't have a place in my city that offers cafe de olla and it was so good! They serve chips and beans and they were very tasty, it is a good way to poke at your taste buds! The dish was phenomenal, the salsa Verde was delicious and with the right acidity and the red salsa rich and smoky. The beans were on point and the tortillas were fried as they should be. Many places do not understand that frying the tortilla is a must to have a good Huevos rancheros / Divorciados. After I was done (quite quickly because it was so good, I cleaned the plate! Lol ) I started chatting with a beautiful couple that just got married.... They are in their mid 60s!! We had a great chat and I mentioned this because the atmosphere invites you to socialize and have a conversation with the other patrons. Prices are excellent and we'll worth it! Got up and I came across the owner who earlier I notice her walking around and saying high to the customers! Asking how is everything and if they needed anything else. That speaks volumes because it is obvious she cares a lot about her customer's satisfaction. Super friendly and she thanked me for eating at her. I left feeling appreciated and valued. This is my place for Mexican food when I come to San Ysidro for sure! Thanks for a great experience!“

“This is a go to favorite spot for my book club. The food here is always amazing and the atmosphere is lovely. The owner is a great person and helpful. This past year they were willing to host my book club even though they also had two other large parties (and it was raining). The service is always great and accommodating. The closed in patio is lovely and great for your pup. They are dog friendly! We will definitely be back and would recommend it to others.Parking: The lot in front is usually busy and full. The street spots are usually taken as well. If you go around to the back there is a paid lot with plenty of parking.“

“An awesome little gem nestled away at the One America Plaza trolley stop! The service was warm, friendly and upbeat. I felt so welcome. And the taco trio was outstanding -- I couldn't finish it (the little side of tortilla chips and salsa were delicious, too! I added avocado and it elevated already perfect tacos. I work nearby and this was my first time here. Will definitely be back!“

“I got the Coop de ville, mini biscuits and fries. The fried chicken was so good and the coleslaw was slightly spicy! The mini biscuits were so flaky and miso butter was practically desert. The pineapple mustard dip was SO good, I might as well have poured it over the fries. The space was outdoors and had heaters. Not full service but who cares when the food is so good!“

“The short line outside gave it already away. This place is popular for a reason. Friendly staff and atmosphere. 1 point of because I had the yoghurt and the portion was a bit small (yes I can't believe I'm posting this for a US place ;-p)“

“Absolutely awesome food and the service was the best.We ordered a Brussel Mash and a spicy pizza, neither of which we were able to finish. The servings are huge.JJ, our server was awesome and his recommendations were spot on. Very personable and check on us continuously. We will come back for the food, but definitely return for the service. Marissa took over for JJ“

“The food was fabulous. Would have liked to see a little more feta cheese on the brussel sprouts, that's just nitpicking. They were pushing staff to get their breaks out of the way before the dinner rush started (we got there a bit after 4:00), so our waiter took our order, then had to leave. Other people delivered the food, then disappeared as well, leaving us pretty much unattended. Turned out to be a non-issue, but someone should have come by the table one time while we were eating. We WILL be back.“

“I gave the food 5 stars but did not eat here. I believe that it isn't fair to give negative reviews on it if you haven't tried it. Overall, loved the vibe. Around the corner behind the fireplace there was the video selfie station which was fun. I loved the atmosphere. It wasn't busy when we went, but there was a DJ which I appreciated. It is underground so if you don't know it is there then you may not find it which I appreciate. There were no servers so that was a bit annoying. We were sitting in the four chairs by the fireplace and one of our party members had to go and get drinks and miss out on the conversation. Overall though I would definately go back.“

“In love! With food, with drinks and service ! I was too busy drinking and eating so did not take any pictures :D Food in the brewery? Emmm usually it's all the same and kinda tastes no good. This brewery is HUGE EXCLUSION ! Food was amazing ! We had an asada fries, ahi poke nachos as our appetizers it was sooooo good! Beer tastes great! In love with "Mosaic IPA". Service was great ! Thank you guys! Everything was amazing!“

“Fun spot to grab a bite and really good brews Note: this is the only Burgeon location that has a dedicated kitchen and although I didn't personally order any food, all the plates coming from the kitchen looked delicious Recommend the Carlsbad Crush if you're looking for a datytime buzzer Cheers, Burgeon!“

“We have ordered food from Erlene a couple times now (once for my daughters bday, yesterday for a family party) and she never disappoints. Her food is so delicious and you can definitely feel the TLC she puts into every dish. Thanks Again Erlene!!“

“Food was great!! However when a server came to the table to take dishes away he asked if we were finished I put my hands over my plate as l had food in my mouth and he went to take my plate away with food on it Can servers be trained enough to know manners and know the difference when one person has finished and another is still eating??? It was not a busy time we were in the late morning !! We are supposed to enjoy food not to be rushed due to ignorance of not having common sense at serving people Love the food, but disappointed in the service !!!!“

“It was our first time at Bluewater and it was great. Everything from the oyster appetizer to the main course was delicious and the service was excellent. Even the sourdough bread was perfectly warm. The next time we visit Coronado, we will be repeat customers.“

“Went there for a drink yesterday afternoon with my friend. I love the cute place. When the weather is very nice, I like open space with friends. Last year I did pre-game with my friend was fun too. I didn't order food yesterday and last year only had fries but next time love to try their food menu so that I can post ? my review. Oh drink is so good! Love the naming.“

“I just happened to be in the area I found this great little place.Got some parm fries I watch the ships that sail.They even have a little outdoor bar with heaters.I've been up and down the Southern Cal Coast and it's hard to find little places like this.Not sure if they have coffee so I'm going back this weekend because it's so close to the waterfront Park.“

“Ambiance was clean, classy & laid back. Service was friendly and attentive. I had a sugar free vanilla latte extra hot served in a ceramic mug. Solid cup of coffee. Free 1 hour parking in the parking garage they are connected to. Outside patio seating as well as plenty of indoor seating.“

“I recommend the Sand Dabs and Trout Amandine for the best value for your money. They are delicious and satisfy a hungry appetite. If you order the cioppino, depending on the day, you may have to order something else or ask for more bread. Overall, great ambience, service and food. Also Jim, the manager, is customer focused and wants to ensure every patron is happy with their experience.“

“I’ve just been here for a drink and have walked through several times showing friends the area and hotel. I think it would be a great spot for brunch or lunch with friends or even a business meeting.There is always someone friendly that greets me. The atmosphere is beautiful with indoor and outdoor dining overlooking the sailboats and water views of the marina.It’s also next to the pool and little private beach area that exudes vacation vibes. :)“

“Got the Mediterranean Bowl with tofu via delivery app. They know how to make a vegetarian dish that's for sure. Sour and salty dish well balanced with sweet potatoes and different textures. Not just healthy but tasty. Highly recommended.Vegetarian options: Meatless bowls and tofu as the protein option.“

“Best service ever Stacl was outstanding, Wonderful, kind, and attentive. Possibly the best waitress ever, she really did a fine job.. Sadly and unnecessary background sound of thumping base, which was unnecessary in an active restaurant bar. It contributed nothing to the atmosphere just an impediment., Thank you.“

“First time staying at this Kimpton in the heart of San Diego. I am a loyal Kimpton follower and am part of their loyalty program. I love how unique each property is and when you have good staff, the customer is treated like gold. The team at Alma, specifically Danny and Noah, made my short time there so special. Danny reached out prior to my stay and was so informative and helpful with things to do, restaurants, and hotel info. I was able to meet him at checkout and he is just a fantastic human! Noah was friendly and kind at check in and throughout our stay. The hotel is near the waterfront and is close to everything we wanted to see (and the airport). SD is huge, so having a car is helpful. Alma offers valet parking only, but there are plenty of garages nearby. Our room was huge and gorgeous (we had a suite which I would highly recommend). Super cool graffiti wallpaper, fun light fixtures, and gorgeous balconies, tons of space to relax or work. There is a pool on the 4th floor that was open. Leave of Absence bar there was not and the pool was a little cool for me. Great spot to chill though. Plenty of seating including cabana beds. Kimpton has a great amenity program if you've forgotten anything at home. They offer complimentary wine hour from 5-6 in the lobby. This hotel has three restaurants. We tried The Cafe for breakfast and it was perfect. This hotel has an exceptional selection of branded merch in the lobby. Why not purchase something to commemorate your stay? I'll be back here soon thanks to the incredible service.“

“Had an absolutely delightful brunch with friends! Indulging in a lineup of tantalizing drinks including a Spicy Bloody Mary, Peach Mimosa, and Endless Summer a must have for a flavorful experience. I opted for a customized vegetarian twist on the classic Eggs Benedict with sautéed spinach adding an extra layer of freshness and vibrancy to my meal.“

“Mia was absolutely amazing, we came to celebrate a birthday. Jerry and Mia were absolutely great! Both had amazing attitudes and you can feel the passion they have for what they do just by being next to them. They made my girlfriend and I feel very welcomed and I have never felt like more of a priority in an establishment before this night. Thank you Mia and thank you Jerry for making my girlfriends birthday one that we will never forget. I hope you both achieve the most out of your journeys and I am honored to have met you both. The atmosphere rating is because of an event that was going on that was crowding the exits but the people weren’t rude. Just felt a little claustrophobic is all but overall the atmosphere was very great! Oh yeah the fish tacos were a great recommendation Mia! And as far as drinks go, I can say you will not go wrong if you have Jerry make your drinks! He made the best drinks I have ever tasted and if you have the time to talk with him, you will get a great understanding of exactly why he has such passion for what he does!“

“This evening I checked into the hotel and ordered a couple Appetizers. Moises was my server and he was pleasant, attentive and helpful. Other staff seemed friendly. I was coming to eat about 10 minutes before they reduced the menu for the last hour. The calamari came with 2 sauces, cocktail and a horseradish cocktail perhaps. I also got the spring rolls. I think the batter was a little thing and expected smaller and more of the rolls. Instead they were more like Jack In The Box egg rolls. Thick and large. They were good. The area was a little dark but it was a lounge atmosphere. I would look forward to coming back and trying some of their other items. The pizza sounded good. Also the Poke.“

“I have written several reviews on my quest for the flavors of San Diego. I decided a few months ago that I would make this quest with my friend of 57 years, Tim. I am now riding about the coastal eatery which I've seen many times but never have gone in there to actually eat so we arrived at about 7:15 in the morning of which they open at seven, which I like. We walked inside and were immediately greeted by who we soon came to find out was the sous chef, Andrew. He gave us a little tour. Let us go out to the outside patio, but it was kind of overcasting coat cold so we sat inside. We had already purveyed the menu online and we both do to Cinco de Mayo, decided to get Spanish omelette, which was accompanied with hashbrowns and the option was toast, but I decided to get one flour tortilla instead, which was acceptable to him. It didn't take very long as two. There was very little traffic because of the time I was delightfully pleased when he brought the breakfast to us that looked both delicious and appetizing omelette flowing with bits of chorizo on the outside. It was perfectly cooked and inside was delightful Mexican cheese and onions and peppers. I asked for one of the hottest sauces that they had and while I liked it, it was a little too smoky. He then suggested meaning Andrew that he come bring me a sampler of the four salsas they make that was above and beyond and he himself recommended the green chili Verde salsa and was he spot on. I was delightfully pleased as a sample each one of them, but hands-down, the green salsa was bright flavorful, and all the right ingredients. I consider myself a Hispanic food connoisseur as my brother is a chef and owns his own restaurant. We grew up here in San Diego and Mexican food has always been a passion for me, I would highly recommend the Kimball coastal eatery to anyone who likes a great breakfast good atmosphere and a great staff. It was also a pleasure having the sous chef wait on us due to some employee situation that left him there by himself first short while he was pleasant, professional made some great food and made me feel at home. I will definitely be eating there again. They also have a great choice of different menu types, I would gather to say that they would all be of the same quality, flavor, and taste.“

“I really don’t get the bad reviews… I’ve been coming here almost every week for almost a year now… it’s always a great time, any food that I have tried has always been fresh, hot and tasty. The beer selection is immense and delicious (get the bad apple cider… it’s the bees knees). I feel like anyone that had a bad experience… was a Karen ? or privileged. The owner is the best, super kind and has a great sense of humor. The other girl that gets behind the bar is also super nice and attentive.The bar is always clean and the regulars are also nice and welcoming. It’s almost like your family bar. I’ve had nothing but good vibes and energy ANY time I come. Try the fries, wings, tenders, burgers and the brisket… it’s all good… you won’t regret coming here“

“Some of the best food I had while visiting San Diego was here. Nate, our bartender, was very attentive and we didn't really have to ask for much. I would definitely eat here again. My only suggestion is to get the menus laminated or to use something more durable.“

“Ordered the Roasted Tomato Avocado Toast and was surprised how big the portion was. The focaccia bread was so soft, and the combination of the balsamic vinegar + fried shallots went well together. There were a decent amount of mashed avocado, which I loved. All in all, a very unique toast and enjoyed every bite. Atmosphere is suitable to study/do work. Service was okay.“

“this really is a hidden gem in the heart of the Gaslamp. If you didn't know it was there you would walk right by, in fact the first time we went we walked right past it. But, it is so worth it when you get up top the pool deck, the bar space is lovely and the ambience is fantastic. The menu is great and the drinks specials are awesome. Above the hustle and bustle of the busy street below, you would never know that just one floor down was 5th St. I recommend this spot for a great chill space to enjoy with frineds.“

“I recently had the pleasure of dining at Greystone, and I must say, it was an experience to remember. From the moment we stepped through the doors, we were greeted with warmth and hospitality from Sara the manager that set the tone for the evening. We had the privilege of dining in the private room, which added an extra touch of elegance to the evening. The ambiance was intimate and sophisticated, perfect for a special occasion or a memorable evening with loved ones. Now, let's talk about the food. The Wagyu steak was an absolute standout. Cooked to perfection and bursting with flavor, it was a true indulgence for the senses. Each bite was tender and juicy, leaving us craving for more. But it wasn't just the Wagyu that impressed us. Every dish we tried was expertly crafted and beautifully presented. From the appetizers to the desserts, each bite was a delight. In addition to the outstanding food and ambiance, the service was impeccable. Our waiter was attentive and knowledgeable, guiding us through the menu and ensuring that our dining experience was nothing short of extraordinary. Overall, Greystone is truly the best restaurant I've had the pleasure of dining at. Whether you're looking for a romantic evening out or a celebratory meal with friends and family, I highly recommend making a reservation and experiencing the magic of Greystone for yourself.“

“I was at the convention center and needed lunch, that was reasonably priced. I sat at the bar and ordered a Turkey BLTA. Sliced turkey breast, bacon, lettuce, tomato, avocado with garlic aioli. It was served with their homemade potato chips. Tasted great and very filling. I ended up eating one half and taking the other half and some chips to go. I polished that off a couple of hours later.“

“We had spicy margaritas at 3 other places in San Diego, and this is the only good one out of them all. In fact, it's perfect. Shoutout to Emily the bartender for the amazing service, kind nature, and 10/10 margaritas to top off our SD vacation! All staff here are great! Promptly got both fire pit and heater working to warm us up post-scuba dives.“

“We've done brunch here a few time and it pretty good. We tried the carne asada fries this time and it is a large order. The flavors are all there and the fries are crisp and not soggy. Give it a shot if you've never been. The skylight was not handling the rain very well, so that something to consider when going and where you seat yourself.“