Books + Records

Books + Records reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Review summary

1. C

   Christine

   Baja California5 reviews

   5.0

   Dined 3 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   I love coming here because they always have something new to try. We chose to do dinner on Sunday because it's quieter than Fri/Sat with the live music. So it was nice and mellow. For happy hour we split the chicken bao buns and for dinner we had the burger and pasta. Everything was excellent as always, no complaints. Thanks B+R!
   

   Books + RecordsResponded 2 days ago

   Hi Christine! First off, we really appreciate your continued support and I'm so glad we are able to spice up each visit with different items for you to try! Sunday dinner is definitely a great pick for a more mellow vibe, and I'm so happy to hear everything hit the spot. We can’t wait to see you soon. Thanks from all of us at Books & Records! Warm regards, Curtis Jackson Senior Reservationist
   

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2. M

   Monica

   San Diego14 reviews

   5.0

   Dined 5 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   This was our first visit and we loved it. The service was great and the food is perfect. There was live music that was a great level and the seating is not crowded.
   

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3. V

   Venus

   Los Angeles4 reviews

   2.0

   Dined on March 30, 2025

   1. Overall 2
   2. Food 1
   3. Service 2
   4. Ambience 4

   We really wanted to like this place. It took 1 hour and 45 minutes from the time we sat down until we could finally leave. The Old Fashions were mediocre. Salad was good. Then the rest of the food went down hill from there. Brussel sprouts were doused in peanut oil. The duck confit carnitas were extremely bland. And the size of the tortillas were slightly larger than a sand dollar. The mushroom Diane very salty. And the Halibut was salty - twice because the first time it came cold and over cooked and that one was salty. Then they made another one and that one was warm and salty. We were baffled that the food was so bad. And for the price point - you have got to be kidding me. They were nice about everything and did not make us pay for the food we did not eat. But it was very disappointing because we had to sit there for almost two hours for everything and we left tired and hungry. One thing to note also - the waitress forced us to set the Brussel sprouts in a bag even though we wanted to eat them (or at least try to) with the bland and the other salty food. That also bugged the crap out of me. This place is probably better just for drinks and maybe French fries. What a bummer. I hope they work on making their food better because that is too many entrees to mess up all at once. And the food and drinks are not cheap.
   

   Books + RecordsResponded 6 days ago

   Hi Venus, I'm so sorry to hear your experience didn’t meet expectations. I understand how frustrating it must have been to wait for your meal, only to be disappointed with the food. Our goal is always to serve high-quality, flavorful food, and it’s clear we fell short this time. While we’re happy our team tried to make things right, we understand why your overall experience was frustrating. Your feedback is being taken very seriously, and we’ll be addressing your comments with our team. I appreciate your honesty and hope you might give us another chance in the future to provide the experience we strive for and are capable of. I have sent my email privately for you to reach out directly so I can personally oversee your next visit, should you decide to join us again. Best, Curtis Jackson
   

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4. R

   Rosanna VIP

   San Diego1 review

   5.0

   Dined on March 29, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Excellent service, ambiance and food. The dining room is absolutely beautiful! There is some room for improvement on portion size. I had the coffee French toast and salmon Latkes. Overall a great experience.
   

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5. E

   Eric VIP

   San Diego13 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on March 29, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Taylor, our server was wonderful. Very attentive and friendly. Recommendations were spot on. Food was great. Entertainment was great!
   

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6. A

   Angela Victoria

   San Francisco3 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on March 24, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   This place is a vibe! The food is amazing and the drinks are delicious. I can't wait to go back.
   

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7. C

   Cody VIP

   San Diego9 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on March 22, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Best burger in Sd!!! Everything was amazing. Loved the lemon cheesecake and wagyu tartare as well. The decor and live music was very special. We will definitely be going back.
   

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8. A

   Amanda VIP

   San Antonio4 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on March 15, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Absolutely delicious salmon latkes, Turkish eggs, duck Benedict and steak n eggs. 10/10 brunch.
   

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9. R

   Randall VIP

   San Diego60 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on March 15, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Nearly flawless, but then flawless. Hang with me a minute. First time here and we were sat immediately with a smile and warm welcome. We had the wagyu and tuna apps and wow. Magnificent. Flavors galore. The waiter took our entire order and promised to bring everything out in sequence and so far that is what happened. Then… my dining partner got their main (burger and mashed potatoes) and I… well… didn’t feet my order for another five minutes. The burger was going cood and I was without food. Never a good thing. When my duck (some of the best I’ve ever had) arrived I asked what the delay was and the response was “we are a share plates restaurant and amenities it’s hard to get things to come out from different stations at the same time.” I was in food service for years and, ah, that’s what a kitchen does- make sure food comes out on time. Anyone ever watch Hell’s Kitchen? We were eating the mains and the server asked how things were. We expressed our disappointment with the response we got to the delay question. He was very apologetic The food was magnificent. The vibe and atmos were amazing. We were having a great time. Then… The owner came by and not only apologized for the meal mishap, took responsibility for it. He was expediting and mis-heard what our server said about timing of the dishes. It happens and It was a very nice guesture and was appreciated. Read on to find out why our server was tipped handsomely and why it’s a big deal. We were full so no dessert though they sounded tasty. As we were relaxing the manager came up and apologized again and with more fizz and happiness than a 7-up made us laugh and accept some complimentary desserts. We said we were full but she said “well put then in a box to go!” The pannacotta was superb. The Lavender cheesecake was just right and we did take them home after a few bites. Okay. Here’s how they took nearly flawless to flawless. Our server heard our comments about the food
   

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10. s

    stasia VIP

    San Diego2 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on March 9, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 4

    We are return customers of this restaurant and will continue to be so, there was an unexpected situation that ended up having the manager take care of our table after waiting for quite a while, but they later exceeded our expectations in the food and the drinks. It will not keep us from going back as we always have good experiences, but my four out of five stars is just for this experience alone. I would definitely check out this restaurant for a night of food cocktails and live music
    

    Books + RecordsResponded on March 19, 2025

    Hi Stasia! Firstly, thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience! I sincerely apologize for the unexpected delay you encountered and appreciate your patience while we worked to resolve the situation. It is great to hear that our team was able to turn things around and exceed your expectations with our food and drinks. As small business owners, your loyalty means the world to us, and we can't wait to continue to create wonderful dining experiences for you. Can't wait to welcome you back soon, Curtis Jackson Senior Reservationist
    

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