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Delicious food inspired by daring nostalgia - Books + Records, San Diego, CA

Books + Records

4.7
4.7
366 Reviews
$31 to $50
American

Make a booking

2 people
19:00
Booked 14 times today
  • Neighbourhood gem
  • Great for creative cocktails
  • Lively
Global inspired American cuisine, craft cocktails, and weekend brunch in an upbeat atmosphere, with live music.

Chef Ryan Stickel is serving up San Diego's freshest food takes in an art deco meets mid-century mod warehouse space. With a tenured run on both Eater's Heat Map and list of San Diego's Hottest Cocktail Bars, the food and drinks are both guaranteed to delight your senses.

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    American, Cocktail Bar, Californian
  • Hours of Operation
    Dinner Wed, Thu, Sun 17:00–21:00 Fri, Sat 17:00–22:00
  • Phone number
    (619) 795-1000
  • Website
    http://booksandrecordsbar.com/
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Executive Chef
    Sam Deckman
  • Catering
    For information regarding PRIVATE EVENTS & CATERING visit BooksAndRecordsBar.com and select the "Private Dining" Tab.
  • Private party facilities
    For information regarding PRIVATE EVENTS & CATERING visit BooksAndRecordsBar.com and select the "Private Dining" Tab.
  • Location
    2202 Fourth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101
  • Area
    Banker's Hill
  • Cross Street
    Ivy St & Fourth Ave in Bankers Hill
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Dog Friendly, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Menu

View menu on restaurant's website

What 366 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7
4.7 based on recent ratings
  • 4.6Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.8Ambience
  • 4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Books + Records in San Diego is a vibrant dining spot, praised for its "delicious food," "creative cocktails," and outstanding service. The live music adds a "wonderful ambiance," though some find it a bit loud. Ideal for brunch, happy hours, or special nights out, it promises a "unique and enjoyable atmosphere."

366 Reviews

  1. Brian

    San Diego

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We needed a brunch place for out of town visitors last minute. The food was amazing. Our server was wonderful and patient with us. All of her recommendations were fantastic. The vibe was great too. Excellent overall.

    Is this helpful?

  2. nayyar

    San Diego

    4 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    One thing that’s very annoying is that if one person gets there little early there is no reason for restaurants to not seat people till everybody in party is there In my opinion it’s rude and totally unnecessary-

    Is this helpful?

  3. James

    San Diego

    9 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We love books n records. Sat right next to the musicians and the music was fabulous and NOT too loud. The people at the bar had that one person whose voice is like daggers in your ears. lol. Literally nobody’s fault he cracked me up. The food is great and unusual and always sometime different there. The burger and Mac n cheese. Please KEEP them in the menu. Omg wow! Delish. The service is always top notch and not over the top. Like you have space. The decor is great and the wood really helps with acoustics.

    Is this helpful?

  4. Brie

    Seattle

    8 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Wonderful all around! The food was spectacular as was the service, great ambience. We were 40 yo and on a girls weekend - go here, you’ll live it!

    Is this helpful?

  5. Kylie

    San Diego

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    10/10 the happy hour was amazing and the decor was so cute

    Is this helpful?

  6. Lise

    San Diego

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on 16 November 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Vibe, live music, fantastic food and service!! A not to miss experience!

    Is this helpful?

  7. Juan David

    San Diego

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on 16 November 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Still a favorite around the neighborhood! Service was impeccable and the food out of this world! Everyone should get the Brussels Sprouts!

    Is this helpful?

  8. Brianna

    New York City

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 16 November 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Amazing food and ambiance - and our server Dalton made our dining experience even better. Attentive, friendly and overall on point. Came for dinner on a Friday and there was live music. Sea Bass was incredible. Overall, a great way to start the weekend!

    Is this helpful?

  9. Barbara

    San Francisco

    28 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    28 reviews

    Dined on 11 November 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    great flavor combos. ube NA beverage was outstanding in depth of flavor. deconstructed duck tacos tacos were tasty! loved the artichoke salad.
    Books + RecordsResponded on 13 November 2024
    Barbara, I am pleased our flavor combos stood out to you! Chef Ryan is an artist and very creative, I can't wait to pass this great feedback along to him and the team. Best, Brooke

    Is this helpful?

  10. Taun

    San Diego

    8 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on 10 November 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great music great food and drinks very fun vibe! ….

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

Books + Records is rated 4.7 stars by 366 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a booking

2 people
19:00
Booked 14 times today
Google Map for Books + Records

2202 Fourth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101

Additional information

  • Cross Street
    Ivy St & Fourth Ave in Bankers Hill
  • Area
    Banker's Hill
  • Hours of Operation
    Dinner Wed, Thu, Sun 17:00–21:00 Fri, Sat 17:00–22:00
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    American, Cocktail Bar, Californian
  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive Chef
    Sam Deckman
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Dog Friendly, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Website
    http://booksandrecordsbar.com/
  • Phone number
    (619) 795-1000
  • Catering
    For information regarding PRIVATE EVENTS & CATERING visit BooksAndRecordsBar.com and select the "Private Dining" Tab.
  • Private party facilities
    For information regarding PRIVATE EVENTS & CATERING visit BooksAndRecordsBar.com and select the "Private Dining" Tab.
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