Highlights
- Bar games
- Great beer selection
oChef » Burgeon at The Arbor – San Diego
Burgeon at The Arbor - San Diego
Photo from Burgeon at The Arbor
Burgeon at The Arbor at a glance
San Diego Core-Columbia
- 🍻 Bar & Pub
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 88 of the guests
#152 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#1 Bar & Pub out of 22 in San Diego
Excellent
8.3 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
349
Reviews
84.2%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Friendly staff
- Quality food
- Lively atmosphere
Frequently criticized
- Slow service
- Parking issues
- High prices
The bar & pub, Burgeon at The Arbor, in San Diego’s vibrant Core-Columbia neighborhood, offers a truly memorable experience. You’ll discover a fantastic spot for unwinding, especially if you appreciate a great beer selection.
This casual and trendy establishment invites you to enjoy its cozy atmosphere, perfect for catching up with friends or simply relaxing. With bar games available, there’s always something engaging to do while you savor your drinks and food.
Overview: Introducting Burgeon at The Arbor
Burgeon at The Arbor offers a lively spot where many appreciate the friendly staff and the overall welcoming atmosphere. Guests often find the food and beer selections to be quite satisfying, making it a pleasant stop for a casual outing.
However, some experiences point to occasional service lapses, particularly at the bar, and a few menu items haven’t consistently hit the mark. Finding parking can also be a challenge, which is worth noting before your visit.
Excellent
8.3
out of 10
349
Reviews
84.2%
Satisfaction
41
negative
14
neutral
294
positive
Overall, Burgeon at The Arbor earns a solid 8.3 out of 10, reflecting a generally positive experience for many. Customer satisfaction stands at a strong 84.2%, indicating that most visitors leave content.
This assessment is based on 349 customer opinions, with 294 positive remarks outweighing 41 negative ones, providing a credible foundation for these ratings. Diving deeper, the Food (8.3), Service (8.4), and Ambience (8.4) all perform well, contributing significantly to the high overall score.
However, Value (4.9) appears to be a point of concern for some, falling into the average category. While the main aspects shine, the perceived value could be an area for improvement.
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Quality beer and food
- Lively atmosphere
What people don't like
- Inattentive service
- Limited parking options
- Perceived high prices
With a solid recommendation score of 8.3, Burgeon at The Arbor is generally a good choice for those seeking a relaxed spot with decent food and a wide selection of beers. It’s a place that often delivers on its promise of a pleasant experience.
If you prioritize a vibrant setting and friendly interactions, it’s certainly worth a visit. However, be mindful of potential service delays during busy times and consider alternative transportation due to parking challenges.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Burgeon at The Arbor
Food (8.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 96% of the guests
When it comes to the grub, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 8.3 and a customer satisfaction rate of 85.4%, it's clear most diners are leaving happy. Out of 198 total comments, a whopping 169 rave about the delicious wings, quality burgers, and excellent beer selection, often praising the truffle fries too.
However, not every dish is a home run. About 21 comments pointed out some areas for improvement, mentioning dry wraps, concerns about shared fryers for gluten-free options, and occasional issues with salty food or under-seasoned chicken. It seems consistency can sometimes be a challenge.
Food
198
Reviews
85%
Satisfaction
21
negative
8
neutral
169
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious wings
- Quality burgers
- Great beer selection
What people don't like
- Dry wraps
- Shared fryers concern
- Salty food
Often praised
- foodIt's the best place for a burger in Little Italy. The staff is always cheerful and friendly, and the food is always excellent. I've been here many times and would recommend it extremely highly.
- beerI've visited three times, and each time the food has exceeded my expectations. I rate the beer above average compared to other microbreweries in San Diego, and I prefer this location to Karl Strauss or Ballast Point nearby. I've been back many times, and the establishment continues to exceed expectations.
- beersAs visitors from out of town, we had a fun spot experience with great beers and friendly staff. We received excellent recommendations and enjoyed everything we tried.
- wingsBoth styles of wings were packed with flavor and not too oily
- beer selectionevery beer I tried was exactly what it was trying to be
- burgerThe beer was on point, and the rye hoppy amber was especially awesome. I also enjoyed a great burger and piping hot fries. The fries were recommended, and they certainly lived up to the hype.
- FoodFood:5
- beer optionsLoved the beer options 🍺🥨
- food menuinnovative food menu that takes advantage of local ingredients
- friesThe beer was on point, and the rye hoppy amber was especially awesome. I also enjoyed a great burger and piping hot fries. The fries were recommended, and they certainly lived up to the hype.
Frequently criticized
- foodthe food is bad
- Buffalo burgerBuffalo burger wasn't that great
- Grilled Chicken Wrapthe entire wrap was very dry
- Korean BBQ chicken sandwichWasn't a fan of the Korean BBQ chicken sandwich (too messy)
- Korean fried chicken sandwichvery VERY salty without subtlety
- blue cheeseThey didn't have any & offered me Ranch
- boring bar foodit wasn't just boring bar food
- burgerbrought me a burger that was a bit different
- chickenthe chicken itself lacked seasoning
- chicken wrapThe chicken wrap has no flavor and is very dry
If you're looking for a place with generally good pub food, especially wings and burgers, and a fantastic beer selection to pair with it, this spot is definitely worth a try. Just be aware that some dishes might lack a bit of flavor or seasoning, so stick to the crowd favorites.
Service (8.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 77% of the guests
Based on 65 positive remarks out of 77 total opinions, the service here generally shines! With a solid score of 8.4 and customer satisfaction at 84.4%, guests frequently rave about the friendly service and attentive staff. Many highlight specific servers and the overall helpfulness, making for a truly pleasant experience.
However, it's not entirely without its hiccups, with 11 negative remarks pointing to some areas for improvement. A few patrons experienced issues like being skipped at the bar or longer wait times, and some found the bartender less attentive. While these instances are fewer, they suggest occasional inconsistencies in service delivery.
Service
77
Reviews
84%
Satisfaction
11
negative
1
neutral
65
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, helpful staff
- Attentive, quick service
- Great recommendations
What people don't like
- Being skipped
- Long wait times
- Inattentive bartender
Often praised
- serviceI was excited to try out Burgeon at the Arbor and certainly wasn't disappointed. The service was helpful and friendly. My partner and I ordered a Buffalo chicken wrap and a flight of beers to share, and all were excellent.
- staffAs visitors from out of town, we had a fun spot experience with great beers and friendly staff. We received excellent recommendations and enjoyed everything we tried.
- ServiceService:5
- customer serviceGreat customer service
- friendly serviceIf you're into craft beers, friendly service, and wonderful people watching in an urban setting, you'll love this little beer joint in downtown San Diego near Little Italy. The beers went down great, and so did the food.
- serverAdditionally, I ordered the Dry Humor Wings, which were so delicious that I completely forgot to take a photo before finishing them. Our server, Savannah, was exceptionally friendly and attentive, enhancing the overall experience. The music selection, featuring hits from the 90s and early 2000s, added a nostalgic touch that I thoroughly enjoyed.
- wait timeWait time:No wait
- Anhtonymet Anhtony at the Bugeon! What a cool dude
- BrookeBrooke was an amazing server
- Friendly staffFriendly staff and great ambiance.
Frequently criticized
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was incredibly disappointing due to the worst service I've ever had in my life. I was standing at the bar and was skipped 8 times.
- bartenderThe bartender wasn't very attentive
- cashier ladyshe showed attitude to us
- last callLast call on a weeknight was 9 for food
- opening hoursI was impressed by the great beer selection and found the hot wings to be unique and delicious. However, my subsequent visit for lunch was disappointing as they weren't open until 12 noon. Additionally, last call for food on a weeknight was 9 PM, and for beer, it was 9: 30 PM.
- skippedstanding at the bar skipped 8 times
- wait timeI was standing at the bar and was skipped 8 times. I waited for 20 minutes while a table was served in less than 90 seconds, which was absolutely ridiculous. This experience absolutely killed my night.
- waiterone so called waiter who was yapping it up
- waiting timesat down for nearly 15 minutes
If youre looking for a place with generally great service, this spot is definitely worth a visit. While there might be an occasional wait or a less attentive moment, the overwhelmingly positive experiences suggest youll likely be well taken care of. Most guests leave feeling happy with the friendly and helpful staff.
Ambience (8.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 60% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, this spot truly shines! With a solid score of 8.4 and customer satisfaction at 87.7%, its clear most folks love the atmosphere. Guests rave about the chill vibes, great atmosphere, and music selection, often highlighting the fantastic patio seating.
Based on 57 positive opinions out of 65 total, its definitely a place to kick back and enjoy. However, a few minor points might dim the glow for some. There were 5 negative opinions, mainly concerning limited parking and occasionally feeling like a cramped space.
A couple of guests also mentioned the music being too loud, making conversation a bit tricky depending on where you sit. Its something to keep in mind if youre looking for a quiet, intimate chat.
Ambience
65
Reviews
87%
Satisfaction
5
negative
3
neutral
57
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Chill, inviting atmosphere
- Great music selection
- Patio seating available
What people don't like
- Limited parking
- Loud music
- Cramped seating
Often praised
- atmosphereThe food menu is innovative and takes advantage of local ingredients. My experience was excellent, with a perfect atmosphere and top-notch service.
- musicgood music (Slighty Stoopid, Pepper...etc.)
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- locationThis is a smaller place than the original brewery in Carlsbad. It is in a great location right up the street from the Santa Fe Depot train station. The food menu is limited, but everything we had was great.
- vibeReally cool vibe
- Dogs are allowedDogs are allowed in the patio.
- San Diego craft breweryawesome place that represents the San Diego craft brewery bar
- Trivia TuesdayThey have Trivia Tuesday and Wing Wednesday.
- Wing WednesdayThey have Trivia Tuesday and Wing Wednesday.
- barGreat bar
Frequently criticized
- ParkingParking was very limited btw.
- conversationMy experience at this restaurant was nice and cozy. However, depending on where you sit, it can be hard to carry a good conversation. Despite this, it's still a good place for a night outing!
- musicmusic was too loud
- parkingParking space:Difficult to find parking
- spaceA little cramped though, tables take up a lot of space
Overall, if youre seeking a lively spot with great vibes, good music, and a fantastic patio for socializing, this place is a strong contender. Just be prepared for potentially tricky parking and a bustling atmosphere that might make quiet conversations a challenge. Its perfect for a fun outing with friends, especially if you love a good craft beer scene.
Value (4.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 11% of the guests
When it comes to value, its a bit of a mixed bag, but some customers found real gems. Despite overall customer satisfaction sitting at a rather poor 33.3%, there are 3 positive remarks out of 9 total opinions highlighting affordable prices, reasonably priced merch, and a decent happy hour that offers good bang for your buck. However, the value proposition contributes to an average score of 4.9, with 4 negative remarks indicating significant concerns.
Many felt items were way overpriced, describing 6 star prices with three star food, ' and there were mentions of high charges for small items, plus the added hassle of parking.
Value
9
Reviews
33%
Satisfaction
4
negative
2
neutral
3
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable prices
- Reasonable merch
- Good happy hour
What people don't like
- Way overpriced food
- High charges
- Parking hassle
Often praised
- happy hourMy experience at this restaurant was great for stopping in for a beer. The food selection is "Pub" like with a decent happy hour. The fresh baked pretzel and truffle fries were superb.
- merchthe merch is really reasonably priced
- pricesthe prices are really affordable!! Best bang for your buck!!
Frequently criticized
- parkinghassle for parking
- priceway overpriced
- prices6 star prices with three star food
- samplethey will charge you 6 dollars for ordering it
If you're eyeing the happy hour or some cool merch, you might find decent value. But for other menu items, be ready for potentially high prices that might not match the quality, and factor in a possible parking hassle.
How are the prices at Burgeon at The Arbor?
On average, you’ll spend around $27 per person here, based on what 88 guests reported. That places this spot comfortably in the $21–$30 category. For a Bar & Pub, thats a solid mid-range price point, perhaps a touch above the absolute cheapest options.
Looking at what people actually spend, most diners tend to cluster right within that $21–$30 range, showing its a popular sweet spot, though there are options for both a slightly cheaper bite and a more premium experience.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 88 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Diego.
Overall, we think the pricing feels pretty fair for a Bar & Pub, especially considering the typical spend. Its a good spot if youre looking for a reliable mid-range option.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Burgeon at The Arbor
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Excellent Daily Stop for Food and Beer
This is my daily schedule stop before I go home. The food is excellent, and the beer is great. I recommend this place to everyone.
Keep up the great work!
- food10
- beer10
- place10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Best Wings in California!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic, especially the wings, which I found to be one of the best I've tried in California. I will absolutely come back again.
- wings10
- come back again10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
5
Service Great, Food Disappointing
My experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. The service was incredibly quick and friendly, earning a perfect score. However, the food was quite disappointing.
I ordered the Korean fried chicken sandwich, which was very, very salty and lacked subtlety. The kimchi slaw topping was also limp and bland. I didn't try the beer, which I hoped might be their saving grace.
It's possible they over-salt everything to encourage more beer orders.
- service10
- food3
- Korean fried chicken sandwich2
- kimchi slaw topping3
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Excellent Beer and Amazing Wings!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! What more can you want? They offer great beer AND delicious, elevated pub food.
I stopped by after my flight into San Diego and will definitely make this a stop every single time I'm in town. While I could rave about the beer, what truly blew me away were the wings. I tried the Marrakech Market Wings and the Holiday in Calabria Wings on separate visits, and both were packed with flavor and not too oily.
The service was top-notch; we were never left waiting. The staff was kind and helpful, offering great recommendations when someone in our group was undecided. If you're in the area, I highly recommend giving them a shot – you won't be disappointed.
- beer9
- pub food9
- wings10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Great Beer and Atmosphere
My experience at this restaurant was excellent all around. I enjoyed the great beer and the super nice atmosphere. They also serve food here.
The restaurant offers a huge indoor seating area and patio seating is also available.
- beer9
- atmosphere9
- indoor seating area8
What Burgeon at The Arbor offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
Popular for
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Food at bar
- Food
- Wine
- Beer
- Organic dishes
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Table service
- Seating
- Dessert
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Onsite services
Pets
- Dogs allowed
Parking
- Usually difficult to find a space
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
Is Burgeon at The Arbor - Little Italy accessible and what are the parking options?
Yes, Burgeon at The Arbor is wheelchair accessible, featuring an accessible entrance, parking lot, and restroom. Regarding parking, you’ll typically find it difficult to locate a space, but paid street parking is available nearby for your convenience.
What kind of atmosphere and offerings can you expect at Burgeon at The Arbor - Little Italy, and are pets allowed?
You can expect a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere at Burgeon at The Arbor. They offer a wide selection of beer, wine, and alcohol, alongside food at the bar, including organic dishes. Plus, for those with furry friends, dogs are allowed, making it a welcoming spot for everyone.
What is the overall rating for Burgeon at The Arbor?
Burgeon at The Arbor holds a strong overall score of 8.3. This is supported by good ratings for Food (8.3), Service (8.4), and Ambience (8.4), though Value (4.9) is considered average.
What do customers enjoy most about Burgeon at The Arbor?
Many customers frequently praise the friendly and attentive staff, the quality of the beer and food, and the lively, welcoming atmosphere.
Are there any common issues at Burgeon at The Arbor?
Some visitors have reported occasional inattentive service, difficulties with parking, and a perception that prices can be a bit high.