Best Restaurants with Bar Seating in Downtown

It was my 23rd birthday and my first time at Wilma’s Carousel Bar. I absolutely loved it! I didn’t get the name of our waitress but she was so sweet and very attentive. There was also a live band who sounded amazing. The food and drinks were delish. Overall, my experience was great and you should definitely go!

My wife and I decided to have a good Christmas Eve dinner after church and chose L & M. First off, they used the regular menu, which was great. The service was outstanding and as always the food was fantastic.

Food is very good. Not inexpensive. Service was very good until one server forgot to put in our second order so we were forgotten. Th other server made an adjustment on our bill without our asking and tried to make things right in that regard. I recommend this restaurant, just not as perfect as it could have been.

Smokin' J's BBQ is a gem unbeknownst to us. My wife and I were attending an event at the Balboa Theater and were looking to make a reservation close to the venue. Smokin' J's is literally across the street...it couldn't be more convenient. Everything was excellent, the service was outstanding, the food was delicious with very ample portions. Even though we live in Encinitas, we will go back downtown to dine at Smokin' J's again. To us, it was a hidden gem.

Me and a friend stopped in and sat at the bar. We were greeted right away. All the bartenders were knowledgeable and friendly. Food was amazing and didn’t take too long. Ambiance was perfect too, not too dark or bright. Shout out to Jad the supervisor for checking in on us and making sure our experience was a positive one. Will definitely be back!