Highlights
- Live music
- Sports
- Bar games
- Fireplace
- Live performances
- Great beer selection
oChef » R Place – San Diego
R Place - San Diego
Photo from R Place
R Place at a glance
San Diego Hillcrest
- 🍻 Bar & Grill
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 19 of the guests
#105 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#2 Bar & Grill out of 17 in San Diego
Excellent
8.5 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
152
Reviews
88.2%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious food
- Friendly service
- Great atmosphere
Frequently criticized
- Slow bar
- Bad cocktails
- Inattentive staff
The restaurant R Place is a vibrant Bar & Grill nestled in the heart of San Diego’s lively Hillcrest neighborhood. You’ll discover a casual yet trendy atmosphere, perfect for unwinding with friends.
Known for its energetic vibe, this spot offers exciting live music and sports broadcasts. With a great beer selection, bar games, and a cozy fireplace, it’s an ideal destination for a memorable experience in San Diego.
Overview: Introducting R Place
R Place often earns praise for its welcoming service and lively atmosphere. Many guests appreciate the friendly staff who contribute to a positive experience, making it a comfortable spot for various occasions.
However, some experiences at R Place have been marred by slow bar service and inconsistent cocktails. While the overall mood is often upbeat, these areas occasionally fall short for patrons seeking a smooth and well-crafted drink experience.
Excellent
8.5
out of 10
152
Reviews
88.2%
Satisfaction
15
negative
3
neutral
134
positive
R Place generally performs well, holding a solid restaurant score of 8.5. This is supported by a good customer satisfaction rate of 88.2%, indicating that most guests leave content.
Out of 152 customer remarks, a significant majority—134—were positive, with only 15 expressing dissatisfaction, painting a largely favorable picture. Diving deeper, the Food (8.6) stands out as a strong point, with many enjoying the diverse menu.
Service (8.5) and Ambience (8.5) also receive good marks, contributing to the overall positive experience. Even Value (8.7), though mentioned less frequently, is seen as a positive aspect, suggesting fair pricing for what’s offered.
What people like
- Delicious food variety
- Welcoming, friendly service
- Great atmosphere, vibe
What people don't like
- Slow bar service
- Inconsistent cocktails
- Bartender inattention
If you’re seeking a spot with a generally positive vibe and satisfying food, R Place is worth considering. With a recommendation score of 8.3, it suggests a good chance you’ll enjoy your visit, especially if you appreciate a lively setting and good eats.
However, be mindful that bar service can be a weak point. If quick, attentive drink service is a priority, you might manage expectations.
Otherwise, for a casual meal and a good time, R Place generally delivers.
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Verdict: Our expert take on R Place
Food (8.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 66% of the guests
When it comes to the grub, this spot really shines! With an excellent customer satisfaction of 91.1% and a good score of 8.6, its clear most folks are loving whats on their plate. Out of 56 customer remarks, a whopping 51 were positive, praising delicious items like the wings, tacos, sliders, and overall food quality.
Many rave about the specials and generous portions, making for a truly satisfying meal. However, not every bite is perfect. A handful of the 56 customer remarks, specifically 5, pointed out some areas for improvement.
A few found the food itself to be poorly rated or mentioned specific dishes like the nachos being cold. There were also comments about the menu looking like basic frozen bar fare, suggesting some dishes might not hit the mark for everyone.
Food
56
Reviews
91%
Satisfaction
5
negative
0
neutral
51
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious wings
- Great food quality
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Cold nachos
- Basic menu items
Often praised
- drinkstheir drinks are delicious
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! We had a great time with friends, enjoying the great atmosphere and tasty food. The specials were a highlight, and we're already looking forward to returning to try more items.
- burritomy burrito was massive and delicious
- slidersthe food (chicken wings, ahi salad, sliders) was delicious
- wingsTHE WINGS HONEY.... (LEMON PEPPER AND SWEET 🌶 CHILLI 🌶) hands down is WAY BETTER THEN WING STOP
- Ahi saladThe Ahi salad with the orange dressing was perfect
- California BurritoThe Burrito was DELICIOUS.
- Churrosalso the Churros. They were really good
- Hillcrest NachosHillcrest Nachos another
- Lemon Pepper wingsLemon Pepper wings... They were really good
Frequently criticized
- cocktailsnot great cocktails
- foodFood:1
- menumenu looks like basic frozen bar fare
- nachosmy nachos were cold
- whisky sourThe music and service were great, contributing to a good vibe. However, the cocktails were not good, and I would never order a whisky sour here again. The food was also rated poorly.
Overall, if youre looking for a place with generally delicious food, especially their popular wings and sliders, youre likely in for a treat. While a few items might miss the mark, the overwhelming positive feedback suggests it's definitely worth trying for a satisfying meal.
Service (8.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 91% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot truly shines! With an excellent score of 8.5 and a good customer satisfaction rate of 84.3%, its clear guests are generally thrilled. Many of the 43 positive remarks highlight the incredibly friendly staff, super accommodating nature, and first-class service, often praising the genuine hospitality from owners and bartenders alike.
However, its not all perfect. A few of the 7 negative comments point to some hiccups, particularly with the bar service. Some guests experienced bartenders being distracted or not attentive, leading to very slow service and making simple drink requests feel like a hassle.
There's definitely room for improvement in consistency at the bar.
Service
51
Reviews
84%
Satisfaction
7
negative
1
neutral
43
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, welcoming staff
- Super accommodating
- Genuine hospitality
What people don't like
- Inattentive bartenders
- Slow bar service
- Difficult drink requests
Often praised
- serviceOr maybe BINGO night with the Queens . Anyway I'll be back for sure for the food and the service ! Mahalo R Place !
- staffAs someone new to the area, I checked out R Place and found it to be a solid spot! The first person we met was Hallo, who was super chill and welcoming. She showed us where to order and even offered to take our picture, which immediately set a positive tone.
- bartenderyour bartender was outstanding. He showed a level of compassion
- friendly staffAwesome place with friendly staff
- ownerJuan Carlos who is the owner went avobe an beyond
- AllisonWe met a lovely lady named Allison. She had a great personality and was very friendly throughout the experience. And the GM Jess was a great delight.
- DAVE(LEMON PEPPER AND SWEET 🌶 CHILLI 🌶) hands down is WAY BETTER THEN WING STOP! Last but not least DAVE thank you for SUCH A AMAZING EXPERIENCE ❤️ 👏🏽 🙌 💙 💜 👍 You were so friendly and patient and the drinks was bomb 😊 😀 ❤️. Just a few suggestions though (ready) maybe have a few fundraisers for our community (maybe reach out to The LGBTQ RESOURCE CENTER IN OCEANSIDE CALIFORNIA) they really bring the dolls and the people to anything they do .
- DaveSpecial shout out to The bartender Dave
- GM JessAnd the GM Jess was a Great delight.
- TVI came to R Place after being told at Flicks that they “weren’t able to” change just one of their many TVs to a specific game that was on. Upon arriving at R Place, an employee immediately welcomed me to sit down and changed a TV for me! They were so great.
Frequently criticized
- barthis bar decide to close at 8:25pm on a Saturday
- bar servicethe bar service was … well it was really bad
- bar tendersthey did all seem …affected
- bartenderbartender on the right side of the restaurant was too busy getting a phone number and not pay attention to who’s next in line
- bartendersall the bartenders were doing were talking to each other and taking pictures instead of helping customers
- drink requestedAny shot or drink requested was a huge hassle
- servicethe service was very slow
Overall, you can expect a warm welcome and excellent service from the staff and management here. While the bar service might occasionally be a bit inconsistent, the overwhelmingly positive experiences suggest it's definitely worth a visit for their hospitality.
Ambience (8.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 75% of the guests
The vibe here is definitely a highlight! With a good score of 8.5 and a fantastic customer satisfaction of 88.1%, its clear most people love the atmosphere. Patrons rave about the beautiful setup, the chill bar/restaurant feel, and the welcoming LGBTQ Sports Bar vibe.
Many appreciate the amount of space, outdoor seating, and great music, making it a fun place to be, according to 37 positive remarks. However, not everyone is thrilled, with 3 negative remarks out of 42 total. A few folks were disappointed when the venue wouldnt put on specific games like the Padres game, leading to feelings that they don't support the local team.
This suggests that while the general atmosphere is great, specific sports viewing requests might be a point of contention.
Ambience
42
Reviews
88%
Satisfaction
3
negative
2
neutral
37
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great atmosphere
- Welcoming LGBTQ vibe
- Fun spaces
What people don't like
- No specific game
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! We had a great time with friends, enjoying the great atmosphere and tasty food. The specials were a highlight, and we're already looking forward to returning to try more items.
- vibethey have created a great vibe
- placeFirst of all, I wanna say how cute this place is . The atmosphere gives sexy and cute and the bathrooms were super clean (cause we know Hillcrest 😆🤣😂).
- FAMILY vibeThe FAMILY vibe was so familiar and fun!
- LGBTQ Sports Barsee an LGBTQ Sports Bar
- TVsTVs over the bar, in the back room, & a big screen on the back patio!
- amount of spacebecause of the amount of space that the bar had
- bathroomsFirst of all, I wanna say how cute this place is . The atmosphere gives sexy and cute and the bathrooms were super clean (cause we know Hillcrest 😆🤣😂). The food though OOOOOOMMMMGGGG!
- chill bar/restaurantWe had long conversations with people visiting from out of town. Definitely a GREAT favorite for any person that enjoys a chill bar/restaurant with opportunity for a party vibe with SO many places inside to explore.
- crowdGOOD CROWD AND ENERGY
Frequently criticized
- Padres gametold they weren’t gonna put it on
- local teamdon’t support the only local team
- stayhorrible, stay
If youre looking for a lively, welcoming spot with a great atmosphere and plenty of space, youll likely have a fantastic time. Just be aware that if you're hoping to catch a specific local game, it might not always be on, which could be a minor letdown.
Value (8.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 9% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot really shines! With an excellent 100% customer satisfaction and a good 8.7 score, its clear guests are thrilled with what they get for their money. Based on all 3 positive remarks, the standout feature is definitely the happy hour and specifically the daily happy hour, making it a fantastic option for budget-friendly fun and good drinks.
Interestingly, there were no negative comments whatsoever regarding value. This means patrons consistently feel theyre getting a great deal, with no concerns about pricing or the worth of their experience. It's a clean sweep of positive feedback!
Value
3
Reviews
100%
Satisfaction
0
negative
0
neutral
3
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Excellent happy hour
- Daily happy hour
- Great value
What people don't like
Often praised
- happy hourMy experience at this fun gay bar & grill was great! They offer a daily happy hour and have a full menu featuring Mexican food, burgers, and wings, alongside cocktails. I opted for the grilled veggie salad with chicken, which was very tasty, packed with garlic and seasonings.
- daily happy hourgood drinks, and a daily happy hour
Frequently criticized
No complaints so far.
If you're looking for a place where your money goes far, especially during happy hour, this spot is a definite win. Guests consistently rave about the great deals, so you can expect excellent value and a satisfying experience without breaking the bank.
How are the prices at R Place?
You’re looking at roughly 35 $ per person – reported by 19 diners. That puts it in the $31–$40 category. For a Bar & Grill, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While 35 $ is the average, its interesting to note that many guests actually spend less, often in the $11–$20 or $21–$30 ranges. Then there are a few who opt for a more premium experience, pushing that average up. So, youll find a bit of a mix here!
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 19 reviews.
See how this Bar & Grill stacks up against similar spots in San Diego when it comes to value for money.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Bar & Grill. You have options for a more casual bite or something a bit more indulgent, which is always a good sign!
Customer Reviews: what people think about R Place
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Owner went above and beyond, but avoid this place
Juan Carlos, the owner, went above and beyond to ensure we had a good experience. However, despite his efforts, we had a horrible stay. I strongly advise staying away from this place.
- owner9
- stay1
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Great Vibe and Delicious California Burrito!
It’s my first time in San Diego and I was with my spouse when we noticed this place as it had a familiar name to a place that we LOVED in Seattle. We met a lovely lady named Allison. She had a great personality and was very friendly throughout the experience.
And the GM Jess was a great delight. She shared all the details of the establishment and how much it’s bigger on the inside. We also got to talking about R Place from Seattle when it was open.
Allison brought all the dishes of Queso dip with Chorizo, Basket of Strips and Fries, & a California Burrito. The Burrito was DELICIOUS. The Strips were juicy and tendered to perfection.
The Queso dip was used for the entree’s also. It was FIRE! The FAMILY vibe was so familiar and fun!
We had long conversations with people visiting from out of town. Definitely a GREAT favorite for any person that enjoys a chill bar/restaurant with opportunity for a party vibe with SO many places inside to explore.
- California Burrito10
- Strips9
- Queso dip10
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
2
Disappointing Bar Service on a Saturday
My experience at the restaurant on Saturday, October 4th, 2025, around 8: 25 PM, was quite disappointing. The bartender on the right side was too preoccupied with getting a phone number to pay attention to who was next in line. When I tried to get a drink from another bar, I discovered that this bar decided to close at 8: 25 PM on a Saturday.
Good luck!
- bartender2
- bar1
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Amazing Spot, Great Vibe!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The staff is incredibly welcoming, and the food is absolutely delicious. Chef's kiss!
The atmosphere is casual and friendly, making it a great spot to watch any game anytime. I try to come weekly for all of the above. The vibe is the best!
- staff10
- food10
- atmosphere10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Amazing Service and Welcoming Atmosphere
I came to R Place after being told at Flicks that they “weren’t able to” change just one of their many TVs to a specific game that was on. Upon arriving at R Place, an employee immediately welcomed me to sit down and changed a TV for me! They were so great.
I’ll definitely be back! Amazing service.
- employee10
- TV10
- service10
What R Place offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Free Wi-Fi
- Restroom
Offerings
- Food at bar
- Vegan options
- Vegetarian options
- Private dining room
- Dancing
- Late-night food
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour food
- Quick bite
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
- Happy hour drinks
- Food
- Wine
- Coffee
Dining options
- Catering
- Brunch
- Counter service
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Delivery
- Takeout
- Curbside pickup
- Dine-in
- Outdoor seating
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of entertainment and atmosphere can you expect at R Place Bar & Eatery in Hillcrest?
At R Place Bar & Eatery, you’ll find a casual, trendy atmosphere. Enjoy exciting live music, live performances, and sports broadcasts. Challenge friends to bar games, or relax by the cozy fireplace. It’s a lively spot in San Diego’s Hillcrest, perfect for a fun night out.
What dining options and accessibility features are available at R Place Bar & Eatery?
R Place Bar & Eatery offers vegan and vegetarian options, small plates, and late-night food. You can enjoy brunch, lunch, or dinner with table service, or grab a quick bite. The venue is fully wheelchair accessible, including entrances, parking, seating, and restrooms, ensuring a comfortable visit.
What are the strongest aspects of R Place?
R Place is particularly strong in its Food (8.6), offering delicious options like wings and burritos, alongside commendable Service (8.5) and a great Ambience (8.5). The Value (8.7) is also appreciated.
Is the service at R Place generally good?
While the overall Service score is good (8.5) with many praising the friendly staff and owner, some guests have experienced slow bar service and inattentive bartenders.
What kind of atmosphere can I expect at R Place?
R Place offers a great atmosphere and vibe, often described as sexy and cute with a FAMILY vibe. It’s known as an LGBTQ Sports Bar with multiple TVs and a good crowd and energy.