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

Books + Records

4.7
4.7
362 Reviews
$31 to $50
American

Make a reservation

2 people
8:00 PM
Booked 41 times today
  • Neighborhood 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 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • 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
  • Neighborhood
    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 362 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."

362 Reviews

  1. Kylie

    San Diego

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 2 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?

  2. Lise

    San Diego

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    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?

  3. Juan David

    San Diego

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    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?

  4. Brianna

    New York City

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    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?

  5. Barbara

    San Francisco

    28 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    28 reviews

    Dined on November 11, 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 November 13, 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?

  6. Taun

    San Diego

    8 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on November 10, 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?

  7. Daniel

    San Diego

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 10, 2024

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    Flatiron steak was dry / small portion for the price. Wasn't asked how we would like it cooked. Fries were not evenly seasoned. 1 fry wasn't cooked all the way. Chicken buns were small. Ambience / drinks were great.
    Books + RecordsResponded on November 13, 2024
    Daniel, I appreciate this review, and will pass it along to the necessary team members. I am sorry we missed the mark when it comes to food offerings. We do hope you join us again and I'd be happy to personally oversee your next reservation with us to ensure an experience we are proud of. Brooke Chief of Staff

    Is this helpful?

  8. Wesley

    San Diego

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 7, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great Meal.. Burger 9.7 rating and Drinks 10 dollars! I mean this is a win in my books and records..
    Books + RecordsResponded on November 13, 2024
    Wesley, The burger is one of our newest menu additions so a 9.7 is a huge win in our books (and records) too! Thanks for taking the time to leave such a kind review. :)

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  9. Roland

    San Diego

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on November 3, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Although the noise level is super high, the staff is energetic and welcoming. We got to meet Anderson, one of the owners, who made the experience very personal! Thank you
    Books + RecordsResponded on November 13, 2024
    Roland, Brian and Anderson are the reason we all do what we do and the way we do it! I am pleased you felt welcomed in the space and had an experience that was catered to you and your guests. We can't wait to host you again :)

    Is this helpful?

  10. Philip

    San Diego

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 3, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Had a great experience here. Mellow ambiance with live music and vibes to match. Our server, Joey, was perfect. He was kind, informative, and gave us a great experience. I am looking forward to recommending this spot to others.
    Books + RecordsResponded on November 13, 2024
    Hi Phillip, I am glad you enjoyed hanging out with us! We have live music every Thursday - Saturday evening, we also have Joey too, lol. (He really is great!) Come back again soon!

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

Books + Records is rated 4.7 stars by 362 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people
8:00 PM
Booked 41 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
  • Neighborhood
    Banker's Hill
  • Hours of operation
    Dinner Wed, Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • 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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