My Wife and I stopped by Balboa park on a whim and stumbled upon the Coffee Stand. We got in line people seemed nice to the people in front of us but there demeanors changed when my wife and I walked up not sure what that’s all about…? Hence the 3 stars just because it was a weird encounter. Ok now for the actual Beverages the Mocha Latte was amazing! Also my wife mentioned her Matcha Latte was amazing! That’s my story and I am sticking to it…
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 3
today25665
With the threat of rain, they contacted us in advance, assuring us that we'd stay dry throughout the meal. Rather than the outside patio, they were able to seat us comfortably in a covered lanai area that was delightful. The short ribs and salmon and sides had so many distinct and wonderful flavors. The GF mushroom risotto was one of the best we've ever tasted. Close in proximity to our theater destination and able to relax and enjoy being on time for the performance.
I love the Prado lounge bar, but I miss it having Appy bar food. The whole restaurant and bar all have the same menu. It had heavy hors d'oeuvres, and more variety. We had calamari fries, which were delicious, short rib sushi could've used a little more short rib meat and always love the black bean soup. But I still like to have the option of The different bar menu, which was phenomenal . Bring it back and the hummus and flatbread !!!Please ?
PatriciaS
We ate outside which was beautiful and also was quiet. Our server was exceptional and the risotto was superb. My request to share a meal with my husband because my appetite is reduced was graciously managed.
MyraH
Good view. Quiet. Excellent server. The only strange occurrence was not being immediately granted the table I selected. (The restaurant was almost empty.) Our server (not the table officer)told me that it may have been reserved. If it had been, there should have been a sign. So it started off being told that I was not a favored customer.
I had the most amazing service at The Prado. Just love the ambience on the patio surrounded by the beauty of the well, water features and nature. Drinks were on point as was the food. My server Scott was incredible and so sincere in making my evening meaningful. The entire staff were great! Thank you Prado.
LikesToNosh
El Prado always delivers a great experience. This past visit was on a super-busy Sunday, and it was clear everyone was hustling, but it was still a great experience for customers. The patio is lovely, the sparkling lemonade is fun, and the tres leches cake is fantastic!
Got seated right away. For 6:15 on a Saturday night the place didn't seem very busy. Informed the staff/waiter that we were there before the show which started at 8:00. Food and service were generally fine. We're sitting there finished (they'd taken our plates and given us our leftovers) and then....nothing. Finally (whew) the waiter walked by and said he'd be back with the check. And then again....nothing. Finally I went to the front desk and said we had to leave. The nice man got the check quickly and I was literally paying as we ran out the door. Made it to the show at least.
Bchip
Have not been here for years. Beautiful property, sat outdoors and the view of the gardens was lovely. Heaters made it comfortable to be outside despite the temperature getting a little cool. The inside looked nice as well, different vibe. Food was good, chose the restaurant week menu. Beet salad was fabulous, we both really enjoyed it. Sangria was recommended by our server and was excellent. We both had the Salmon, which was also good, rice a bit bland for me, and the Salmon a little too undercooked but my husband enjoyed his. As all he Cohn restaurants do, they add 5% on top of the check which I never feel good about. Also our servicer asked if we wanted some bread for the table, but neglected to say we had to pay for that--seems silly to charge for a small baguette, which I would skip as it was not crisp or very good. Service was excellent, she was attentive, helpful with ordering, and all servers around us seemed to be on top of their tables and very pleasant. We were going to the Old Globe which is why I chose to eat here. Would come back again, possibly for drinks, not sure if I would come for dinner necessarily, but perhaps on another show night, and try something different.
PaulD
The Prado is convenient to Balboa Park theaters. The food is excellent, as is the service. The dilemma at times is that portions can be small, while prices can be quite high, including the standard Cohn Restaurant 5% surcharge added to each check. It's a great special occasion, but a bit too steep for regular dining.
Lovely lunch despite poor weather. Our waitress was great and super attentive. Food was okay, not as good as I recalled it being years ago (we had Mahi sandwich and it was very meh, nothing special and kinda dry with bland flavors).
Capinda
We had a 530 reservation and planned to go to the theater for a 7 o'clock show. Our waiter was delightful and asked us immediately if we were going to the theater. We ordered drinks, appetizers, a main meal, and we even had time for dessert. The service was wonderful and the food was delicious.
ABTravel
The food and service were very good. The clam chowder was not the best I have ever had but it was good. The seafood paella was great. We were disappointed that the weather prevented us from sitting on the terrace.
HazelandCompany
The Prado has been a San Diego institution for many years now. The problem is that the menu doesn't change to often, prices are a little high and the place needs to be "freshened" up a bit. I would recommend it because of it's location in Balboa Park.
Mimi
All three of us ordered the Birria Torta and we all loved it. It came with a generous amount of French fries or for a slight sur charge you could have a side salad. The Torta was large and all 3 of took a half a sandwich home.
My Wife and I stopped by Balboa park on a whim and stumbled upon the Coffee Stand. We got in line people seemed nice to the people in front of us but there demeanors changed when my wife and I walked up not sure what that’s all about…? Hence the 3 stars just because it was a weird encounter. Ok now for the actual Beverages the Mocha Latte was amazing! Also my wife mentioned her Matcha Latte was amazing! That’s my story and I am sticking to it…
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 3
With the threat of rain, they contacted us in advance, assuring us that we'd stay dry throughout the meal. Rather than the outside patio, they were able to seat us comfortably in a covered lanai area that was delightful. The short ribs and salmon and sides had so many distinct and wonderful flavors. The GF mushroom risotto was one of the best we've ever tasted. Close in proximity to our theater destination and able to relax and enjoy being on time for the performance.
I love the Prado lounge bar, but I miss it having Appy bar food. The whole restaurant and bar all have the same menu. It had heavy hors d'oeuvres, and more variety. We had calamari fries, which were delicious, short rib sushi could've used a little more short rib meat and always love the black bean soup. But I still like to have the option of The different bar menu, which was phenomenal . Bring it back and the hummus and flatbread !!!Please ?
We ate outside which was beautiful and also was quiet. Our server was exceptional and the risotto was superb. My request to share a meal with my husband because my appetite is reduced was graciously managed.
Good view. Quiet. Excellent server. The only strange occurrence was not being immediately granted the table I selected. (The restaurant was almost empty.) Our server (not the table officer)told me that it may have been reserved. If it had been, there should have been a sign. So it started off being told that I was not a favored customer.
I had the most amazing service at The Prado. Just love the ambience on the patio surrounded by the beauty of the well, water features and nature. Drinks were on point as was the food. My server Scott was incredible and so sincere in making my evening meaningful. The entire staff were great! Thank you Prado.
El Prado always delivers a great experience. This past visit was on a super-busy Sunday, and it was clear everyone was hustling, but it was still a great experience for customers. The patio is lovely, the sparkling lemonade is fun, and the tres leches cake is fantastic!
Got seated right away. For 6:15 on a Saturday night the place didn't seem very busy. Informed the staff/waiter that we were there before the show which started at 8:00. Food and service were generally fine. We're sitting there finished (they'd taken our plates and given us our leftovers) and then....nothing. Finally (whew) the waiter walked by and said he'd be back with the check. And then again....nothing. Finally I went to the front desk and said we had to leave. The nice man got the check quickly and I was literally paying as we ran out the door. Made it to the show at least.
Have not been here for years. Beautiful property, sat outdoors and the view of the gardens was lovely. Heaters made it comfortable to be outside despite the temperature getting a little cool. The inside looked nice as well, different vibe. Food was good, chose the restaurant week menu. Beet salad was fabulous, we both really enjoyed it. Sangria was recommended by our server and was excellent. We both had the Salmon, which was also good, rice a bit bland for me, and the Salmon a little too undercooked but my husband enjoyed his. As all he Cohn restaurants do, they add 5% on top of the check which I never feel good about. Also our servicer asked if we wanted some bread for the table, but neglected to say we had to pay for that--seems silly to charge for a small baguette, which I would skip as it was not crisp or very good. Service was excellent, she was attentive, helpful with ordering, and all servers around us seemed to be on top of their tables and very pleasant. We were going to the Old Globe which is why I chose to eat here. Would come back again, possibly for drinks, not sure if I would come for dinner necessarily, but perhaps on another show night, and try something different.
The Prado is convenient to Balboa Park theaters. The food is excellent, as is the service. The dilemma at times is that portions can be small, while prices can be quite high, including the standard Cohn Restaurant 5% surcharge added to each check. It's a great special occasion, but a bit too steep for regular dining.
Restaurantji Recommends
Lovely lunch despite poor weather. Our waitress was great and super attentive. Food was okay, not as good as I recalled it being years ago (we had Mahi sandwich and it was very meh, nothing special and kinda dry with bland flavors).
We had a 530 reservation and planned to go to the theater for a 7 o'clock show. Our waiter was delightful and asked us immediately if we were going to the theater. We ordered drinks, appetizers, a main meal, and we even had time for dessert. The service was wonderful and the food was delicious.
The food and service were very good. The clam chowder was not the best I have ever had but it was good. The seafood paella was great. We were disappointed that the weather prevented us from sitting on the terrace.
The Prado has been a San Diego institution for many years now. The problem is that the menu doesn't change to often, prices are a little high and the place needs to be "freshened" up a bit. I would recommend it because of it's location in Balboa Park.
All three of us ordered the Birria Torta and we all loved it. It came with a generous amount of French fries or for a slight sur charge you could have a side salad. The Torta was large and all 3 of took a half a sandwich home.