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

Books + Records

4.7
4.7
396 Reviews
$31 to $50
American

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 p.m.
Booked 34 times today
Experiences are available.
  • Neighbourhood gem
  • Great for creative cocktails
  • Good for special occasions
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
  • Neighbourhood
    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

Experiences

  • Valentine's Day Dinner

    US$25.00 per person

    Prepaid

    Feb 14, 2025 only
    Celebrate Valentine’s Day in style at Books & Records with live music and a romantic atmosphere. Enjoy a thoughtfully crafted three-course dinner for $75 per person, with a $25 deposit to secure your reservation. A 20% gratuity will be added to ensure our high standards of service. Make this day with your loved one a night to remember!

Menu

View menu on restaurant's website

What 396 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
  • 4.8Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.5Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • San Diego

    American

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Books + Records offers an eclectic and vibrant dining experience with "amazing service" and "creative food." The ambience is lively, featuring live music that enhances the atmosphere. Diners rave about the "incredible flavors" and "wonderful cocktails." Popular dishes include the short rib hash and pork belly. Perfect for brunch or a fun evening out!

396 Reviews

  1. Charles

    Richmond

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined today

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    5 Stars All Around! From the excellent drink choices to the apps and to the entrees… you can’t go wrong! And if you catch em’ during happy hour, then you have scored big! Well worth it, not just once, we will be back! The Japanese whisky w/sake and nori liqueur is my new favorite. Wife really enjoyed the Old Symphony Gin cocktail. And the highlight dishes were the Wagyu tartare, Record Room burger, and the Lamb Bolognese. Thanks for the delicious date night!

    Is this helpful?

  2. Robert

    VIP

    San Diego

    37 reviews

    5.0

    37 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We had a wonderful and delicious meal at Books and Records. Excellent service and ambience. The margaritas were especially good. We will definitely be back.

    Is this helpful?

  3. Hannah

    Greater Boston

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    I loved my food (smoked salmon latkes) and drink (a smokey mocktail), but my partner hated his (a surprisingly salty French toast and u e mocktail that was overpowered with seltzer). Atmosphere was great. Definitely on the loud side (which was fine for us)

    Is this helpful?

  4. Rochelle

    VIP

    Las Vegas

    17 reviews

    5.0

    17 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Loved going for brunch. Such a good atmosphere and great service and food. Will be coming back for sure!

    Is this helpful?

  5. Thea

    San Diego

    15 reviews

    4.0

    15 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Service from bartender to server was excellent. Food came out quickly. Drinks were amazing. Highly recommend the drink, Teas Knees sub with bourbon. Refreshing. There was an amazing live band. Would definitely go back.

    Is this helpful?

  6. Tristan

    VIP

    San Diego

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Love coming back to BAR, at least every couple months at a minimum, because the menu is always changing and updating with chef's new creations. Tried some new things and some old favorites, including some new amazing cocktails. Creative fusions of flavors, in a variety of small plates and heartier entrees of sea bass and flank steak. Outstanding service as always, and great entertainment with music you could tune into and enjoy, or tune out for conversation.

    Is this helpful?

  7. Jennifer

    VIP

    San Diego

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The food was excellent, nice ambience and we enjoyed the music.
    Books + RecordsResponded 2 days ago
    Yay! Makes us so happy to hear, I can't wait to share this with the rest of the team :) Thank you!

    Is this helpful?

  8. jessica

    VIP

    Tampa

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    Wonderful time and delicious food & drinks! Early brunch was great and service was friendly.
    Books + RecordsResponded 2 days ago
    Jessica! Thanks for the love! I'm thrilled you found brunch menu items delicious and service friendly. Come see us again soon. :)

    Is this helpful?

  9. Tiffiney

    San Diego

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on January 16, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Interesting space. Everyone was nice. The menu is limited and what I thought would be basic chicken it was so spicy! Like I couldn’t eat it. But if you like a slow burn this is for you. And I thought it was a bit expensive for what it is.
    Books + RecordsResponded 2 days ago
    Tiffiney, I appreciate this message. I wish the chicken was more of a kick rather than inedible so I certainly will be touching base with our team! However, I am glad to know service was good. Thank you for your feedback! Best, Brooke & the Books and Records team

    Is this helpful?

  10. Shez

    Atlanta

    4 reviews

    3.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on January 9, 2025

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    Ambience is always great, food was a little lack luster though

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

Books + Records is rated 4.7 stars by 396 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 p.m.
Booked 34 times today
Experiences are available.
Google Map for Books + Records

2202 Fourth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101

Additional information

  • Cross Street
    Ivy St & Fourth Ave in Bankers Hill
  • Neighbourhood
    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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