Books + Records

4.8

363 Reviews

$31 to $50

American

Make a reservation

2 people

Nov 23, 2024

7:00 PM

Booked 37 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

What 363 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.8

4.8 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."

364 Reviews

J
James
San Diego
9 reviews
vip
5.0
9 reviews
Dined today
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.
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B
Brie
Seattle
8 reviews
vip
5.0
8 reviews
Dined today
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!
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K
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
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L
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?
J
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!
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B
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!
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B
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
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T
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! ….
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D
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
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W
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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FAQs

Books + Records is rated 4.8 stars by 363 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

Nov 23, 2024

7:00 PM

Booked 37 times today

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.

Books + Records

Make a reservation

Additional information

Menu

What 363 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Review summary

FAQs

How is Books + Records restaurant rated?

Is Books + Records currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Additional information