Highlights
- Sports
- Bar games
- Great beer selection
oChef » Tom Cat – San Diego
Tom Cat - San Diego
Photo from Tom Cat
Tom Cat at a glance
San Diego Mira Mesa
- 🍻 Bar & Grill
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 58 of the guests
#328 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#11 Bar & Grill out of 17 in San Diego
Good
7.5 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
321
Reviews
75.1%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious food
- Friendly staff
Frequently criticized
- Inconsistent service
- Unclear pricing
The restaurant, a lively Bar & Grill in San Diego’s Mira Mesa neighborhood, offers a fantastic spot for you to catch the game. Tom Cat is known for its vibrant atmosphere, making it a prime destination for sports enthusiasts.
You can enjoy a great beer selection and delicious food, whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a full meal. It’s a casual and cozy place where you can unwind and have a good time.
Overview: Introducting Tom Cat
Tom Cat offers a lively atmosphere with solid food, particularly their wings, which are a consistent highlight. While the staff generally receives praise for their friendliness, some guests have noted occasional delays or unwelcoming moments.
The overall experience leans positive, making it a popular spot for many. It’s a place where you can enjoy good company and a casual setting, though some aspects of its value, like happy hour specifics or beer menu clarity, could be improved.
Despite minor hiccups, many find it a reliable choice for a good time.
Good
7.5
out of 10
321
Reviews
75.1%
Satisfaction
53
negative
27
neutral
241
positive
Tom Cat holds a respectable overall score of 7.5, indicating a good dining experience for most. This is further supported by a strong Customer Satisfaction rate of 75.1%, suggesting that a significant majority of patrons leave content.
These figures are drawn from a substantial 321 customer observations, with 241 positive remarks outweighing 53 negative ones. Diving deeper, the Food (8.6) stands out as a clear highlight, consistently earning high marks.
Service (6.7) and Ambience (6.7) both land in the good range, contributing positively to the experience. However, Value (5.6) appears to be more of an average aspect, indicating some room for improvement in perceived affordability or offerings.
What people like
- Delicious, consistent food
- Excellent wings
- Attentive, friendly staff
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service
- Unclear beer pricing
- Unwelcoming atmosphere
If you’re seeking a casual spot with genuinely good food and a generally positive vibe, Tom Cat is worth considering. The strong Recommendation Score of 7.8 suggests many find it a place they’d happily suggest to others, especially for its culinary offerings.
However, be mindful that service can occasionally be inconsistent, and clarity around pricing might be lacking. It’s a solid choice for a relaxed outing, but managing expectations on certain aspects will ensure a more satisfying visit.
Similar Restaurants in San Diego
- Bar & Grill
8.6
out of 10
out of 10
98
93.9%
- $$
- Asian Pacific Thematic Historic District
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Bar & Grill
8.5
out of 10
out of 10
152
88.2%
- $$
- Hillcrest
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Bar & Grill
8.5
out of 10
out of 10
381
90%
- $$
- City Heights
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Bar & Grill
8.2
out of 10
out of 10
261
84.7%
- $$
- Five Points
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Bar & Grill
8
out of 10
out of 10
223
86.1%
- $$
- Loma Portal
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Bar & Grill
7.9
out of 10
out of 10
163
82.8%
- $$
- Mission Beach
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
Verdict: Our expert take on Tom Cat
Food (8.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 85% of the guests
When it comes to the food here, youre in for a treat! With a fantastic score of 8.6 and an excellent customer satisfaction rate of 90.2%, its clear diners are loving whats on their plates. Based on 129 positive remarks out of 143 total, guests consistently rave about the "great food, " especially the "wings" – particularly the "Tom Cat style" and "Cha Cha wings" – and the tempting "daily specials.
"However, no place is perfect, and a handful of the 6 negative comments suggest a few areas for improvement. Some found the "Buffalo mild" surprisingly spicy, while others felt the "hamburger" didnt quite hit the mark or experienced a cold steak. While these are minor points given the overwhelmingly positive feedback, it's good to keep them in mind.
Food
143
Reviews
90%
Satisfaction
6
negative
8
neutral
129
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Wings are amazing
- Great food quality
- Tom Cat style
What people don't like
- Steak served cold
- Hamburger disappointing
- Buffalo mild spicy
Often praised
- foodThe cooks are magicians! On top of the wings being some of the best in SD, I've never had anything bad here. Try the fried mushrooms, turkey or pastrami sandwich, quesadilla, and burgers – it's all very good and consistently yummy!
- wingsThe cooks are magicians! On top of the wings being some of the best in SD, I've never had anything bad here. Try the fried mushrooms, turkey or pastrami sandwich, quesadilla, and burgers – it's all very good and consistently yummy!
- drinksI had wings & a couple drinks which were perfect!
- FoodFood:5
- Tom Cat wingsmy favorite wings in San Diego. Be sure to get the Tom Cat wings
- chicken wingsThe staff was incredibly friendly, and the food was good. I definitely recommend the potato skins and chicken wings.
- New York Steakwith just the right flavor and doneness
- Tomcat wingsthe Tomcat wings are amazing
- beersFor two years, I visited every Saturday during my time in the Marines. I always enjoyed two beers and a burger. The atmosphere was friendly, the prices were affordable, and the food was delicious.
- fried mushroomsFried mushrooms I could eat every day. They are awsome
Frequently criticized
- wine selectionthey will have to step up the wine selection
- Buffalo mildBuffalo mild was definitely buffalo hot for me.
- beerspilt the beer on him
- hamburgerexpected more from the hamburger
- steakSteak was cold.
If you're looking for delicious food, especially some of the best wings around, this spot is definitely worth a visit. The high satisfaction and score speak for themselves, making it a solid choice for a tasty meal.
Service (6.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 71% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot has some real shining moments, boasting a 6.7 score which is pretty good! Many guests rave about the friendly and attentive bartenders and staff, often highlighting excellent or awesome service, sometimes even personalized. With 49 positive remarks, it seems many appreciate the welcoming vibe and good recommendations.
However, the customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 62.8%, indicating there's room for improvement. Some experiences mention frustrating waiting times, feeling ignored by staff, or even encountering bad or terrible service. With 22 negative comments, issues like understaffing or difficulty flagging down wait staff can sometimes dampen the experience.
Service
78
Reviews
62%
Satisfaction
22
negative
7
neutral
49
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Excellent personalized service
- Good recommendations
What people don't like
- Long waiting times
- Inattentive staff
- Terrible service
Often praised
- serviceThe people were also great. We had a great dinner with excellent service and great atmosphere.
- staffThe place has lots of TVs, is kid-friendly, and offers Wi-Fi. It has a sports bar/dive bar vibe with nice staff and a good aura. The kid-friendliness aspect was noted with working Wi-Fi, plenty of TVs, and a noise level that ensures no one will be bothered.
- bartendersThey also have a great selection of beer for those who enjoy it, as well as a fully stocked liquor selection, and even soft drinks for non-drinkers. I highly recommend stopping by if you haven't already and enjoying some delightful banter with one of the wonderful, most fantastic bartenders; you will definitely enjoy yourself.
- bartenderbartender/ waitresses were lovely people
- ServiceService:5
- managerThe manager there is EXTREMELY friendly, personable and attentive.
- peopleGreat people too
- attentive bartendersgenuinely kind and attentive bartenders
- awesome serviceService is awesome also
- drink orderswill take drink orders
Frequently criticized
- servicewe did have to flag down someone to get serviced
- bartenderI visited during a Padres game and, despite not wearing any sports-related attire, the atmosphere was not welcoming at all. I was ignored by the bartender and received sideways glances from everyone else. After awkwardly sitting there for 10 minutes, I ended up leaving.
- kitchen closedthe kitchen closed at 8:45 when we went
- waiting timewaited, waited and waited. Stuff passed me multiple times
- attention2 people behind the bar looked directly at me
- bad serviceThe bad service is getting old
- bartender harassmentthe bartender harass me about the tip
- bartender suggestionsbartender should automatically assume and suggest the lowest three priced beers possible
- bartender womana bartender woman, who is very rude
- drinks from the barhad to get our drinks from the bar which took 15 to 20 minutes
Overall, if you catch them on a good day, you'll likely enjoy friendly, attentive service. But be prepared that on busier nights, you might face longer waits or less attention, so manage your expectations accordingly.
Ambience (6.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 68% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot offers a pretty good experience overall, though it's a bit of a mixed bag for everyone. With a score of 6.7, it leans towards the positive, and about 63.9% of customers walk away satisfied. Many appreciate the lively atmosphere, welcoming vibe, and the presence of fun elements like pool tables and TVs, making it a great local hangout.
Out of 83 opinions, 53 were positive, highlighting its neighborhood gem feel and good music. However, not everyone finds the atmosphere ideal, with 18 negative opinions noted. Some found it too loud or felt the space was cramped, making it hard to move around.
There were also concerns about an inconsistent kids policy and instances where the atmosphere felt unwelcoming, particularly for newcomers or during busy times like game nights, leading to some feeling ignored or receiving sideways glances.
Ambience
83
Reviews
63%
Satisfaction
18
negative
12
neutral
53
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Lively, welcoming atmosphere
- Local hangout vibe
- Pool, TVs, music
What people don't like
- Unwelcoming to some
- Loud and cramped
- Inconsistent kids policy
Often praised
- atmosphereThe people were also great. We had a great dinner with excellent service and great atmosphere.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- crowdI visited this bar on a whim after dinner and ended up having one of the best nights out in a while. The vibe is energetic but not overwhelming, and the crowd is a great mix of locals and tourists. The bartenders are friendly and make excellent recommendations — I tried a mezcal cocktail that was smoky and perfectly balanced.
- dive barhole in the wall dive bar in the area, then this is your place
- musicThe music was a good blend of indie and classic hits
- pool tableThey also have a pool table and app driven juke box.
- Kid-friendlinessgreat chicken strips and wavy fries
- Noise levelLoud enough that no one will be bothered
- TVsLots of TVs
- Wi fiWi fi works
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereMy experience at this restaurant was quite negative. I visited during a Padres game and, despite not wearing any sports-related attire, the atmosphere was not welcoming at all. I was ignored by the bartender and received sideways glances from everyone else.
- business meetingIf you're looking for someplace to have a business meeting or lunch not your place
- darkThe place was dark and not lit up very well
- dartsvery disappointed that that information was still there and there were no darts
- expectedWas not what I expected
- experienceNot a great experience
- finding a tablehard to find a table available at game time
- interior designa bunch of stuff in there go away like cabinet-bench-shelf-walls structural trash that's just taking up space
- kids policyWe were there to celebrate my friend's Marine Corps retirement. Unfortunately, we didn't know they didn't allow kids. It was not a great experience.
- lit upnot lit up very well
If you're seeking a lively, local dive bar with good music and a welcoming crowd, especially if you enjoy a pool table or TVs, this could be your spot. However, if you prefer a quiet, spacious environment or plan to bring kids, you might want to check their policy first or consider visiting during off-peak hours.
Value (5.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 18% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot seems to be a bit of a mixed bag, landing an average score of 5.6. Many folks appreciate the affordability, with positive comments highlighting the price per person and the ability to get really drunk for cheap. Youll often hear praise for the "prices" on food and drinks, with some even calling them "very good prices" and noting that you "cant beat the prices.
Based on 10 positive remarks out of 17 total, it sounds like you can find some real bargains here, especially for strong and cheap drinks. However, the customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 58.8%, indicating there's definitely room for improvement. Some patrons are frustrated by the lack of prices on the wall or a clear beer menu, making it hard to know what you're paying.
The happy hour also seems to disappoint, with some feeling it offers minimal discounts. There are also concerns about inflationary pricing impacting the overall cost, as noted in 7 negative comments, suggesting you might need to watch your wallet and purse" more closely than expected.
Value
17
Reviews
58%
Satisfaction
7
negative
0
neutral
10
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable drinks
- Reasonable food prices
- Plenty of parking
What people don't like
- No beer menu
- Unclear pricing
- Disappointing happy hour
Often praised
- pricesI always enjoyed two beers and a burger. The atmosphere was friendly, the prices were affordable, and the food was delicious. Even though it's been over 15 years, I still consider this my favorite bar ever and recommend it to everyone.
- Strong and cheapStrong and cheap.
- get really drunk for cheapget really drunk for cheap
- parkingplenty of parking
- pricePrice is OK
- price for drinks and foodFinding a table can be hard at game time, especially for groups larger than four. However, the price for drinks and food are still reasonable, which I believe contributes to its popularity. The bar food isn't bad either; I particularly like their wings and fries.
- price on drinksgreat price on drinks
- price per person$10–20
Frequently criticized
- beer menuthere is not a beer menu. I have to listen to a bartender tell me all the different beers and their prices
- happy hourhappy hour is between 4:00 and 7:00 with a 10% discount on a couple items only. there is nothing half off here or even 30% off here
- inflationary pricingimpacted by inflationary pricing
- minimum wage hikeMy experience at the restaurant was impacted by inflationary pricing, which I attribute to the state's minimum wage hike to $20 per hour. This resulted in us all paying much more.
- online informationThe bartender told me essentially Google was a liar that there was no such thing as $3 well drinks or whatever the heck Google was offering it doesn't exis during happy hourt
- prices on the wallthere are no prices on the wall for beer and there is not a beer menu
- wallet and purseWatch your wallet and purse here
If youre looking for a place where you can enjoy affordable drinks and decent bar food without breaking the bank, especially if you dont mind asking about prices, this spot could be a good fit. However, if clear pricing, a robust happy hour, and protection from inflationary surprises are deal-breakers for you, you might want to explore other options.
How are the prices at Tom Cat?
You’re looking at roughly 29 per person – reported by 58 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Bar & Grill, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most guests tend to spend in the $11–$30 range, showing a good mix of affordable and slightly more indulgent options.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 58 reviews.
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 pretty fair for a Bar & Grill in San Diego. It offers a good balance for different budgets, making it accessible while still allowing for a treat.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Tom Cat
Service Intent
- Casual Outing
Visit Type
- Dine-in
9
Attentive Service and Nostalgic Atmosphere
My experience at the restaurant was very positive. The bartenders were incredibly attentive, consistently checking in on our table to see how we enjoyed our nachos and drinks. The music played, which was from my generation, created a wonderfully relaxed and comfortable atmosphere, making me feel right at home.
- bartenders9
- nachos9
- music10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Service Intent
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Moderate (16–30 min.)
Noise Level
- Loud
7
Busy Dive Bar with Reasonable Prices
My experience at this neighborhood dive bar was that it's always busy when we've gone there. It's a seat yourself establishment, and it's best to order at the bar. While you can wait for waitstaff, they are usually very busy, and you might end up waiting for a while.
Finding a table can be hard at game time, especially for groups larger than four. However, the price for drinks and food are still reasonable, which I believe contributes to its popularity. The bar food isn't bad either; I particularly like their wings and fries.
- busy6
- seat yourself6
- order at the bar7
- wait for waitstaff4
- finding a table3
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Worth the drive for Cha Cha Wings!
My experience at the restaurant was driven by a craving for their Cha Cha wings. My husband and I traveled an hour and a half specifically for them, and they did not disappoint. The wings were described as saucy, hot, and fresh.
The food received a perfect score of 5, while the service also scored a 5. The atmosphere was rated a 3, with a moderate noise level.
- Cha Cha wings10
- saucy, hot and fresh10
- food10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Loud
9
Great Wings and Chicken Strips, Will Return!
This was my first experience at the restaurant, and I'm giving it a 4+ rating. I'll definitely be back to give it a full 5 stars. We came to try the wings, and the lemon pepper ones were yummy.
The chicken strips were amazing, tempura fried in a fish and chips style. The place has lots of TVs, is kid-friendly, and offers Wi-Fi. It has a sports bar/dive bar vibe with nice staff and a good aura. The kid-friendliness aspect was noted with working Wi-Fi, plenty of TVs, and a noise level that ensures no one will be bothered.
The chicken strips and wavy fries were great.
- lemon pepper wings8
- chicken strips10
- staff9
Price per Person
- $91–$100
Service Intent
- Casual Outing
Visit Type
- Dine-in
7
Delicious Food, Great Atmosphere, Rude Bartender
My experience at this restaurant was a mix of delightful and frustrating. The food was very delicious, and the atmosphere was very nice and fun. However, the experience was marred by a bartender woman who was very rude.
- food10
- atmosphere10
- bartender woman1
What Tom Cat offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Food at bar
- Late-night food
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Food
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
- Table service
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
Is there convenient parking available at Tom Cat Bar & Grill in Mira Mesa?
Yes, you’ll find parking to be hassle-free when visiting Tom Cat Bar & Grill. The location offers both free street parking and a free parking lot, ensuring there’s usually plenty of space for your vehicle.
What kind of atmosphere and food options can you expect at Tom Cat Bar & Grill?
Tom Cat Bar & Grill provides a cozy and casual atmosphere, perfect for relaxing. You can enjoy a wide range of offerings, including food at the bar, late-night food, small plates, and a great selection of beer, wine, and cocktails. Happy hour drinks and food are also available.
What is the overall customer sentiment for Tom Cat?
Tom Cat has an overall score of **7.5** and a **Customer Satisfaction** of **75.1%**, indicating a generally good experience for most patrons.
What are the standout features of Tom Cat?
Customers frequently praise the **Food** (8.6), especially the wings, and generally appreciate the **Service** (6.7) and **Ambience** (6.7) for contributing to a positive experience.
Are there any areas where Tom Cat could improve?
Some patrons have noted that **Value** (5.6) could be better, particularly regarding beer menu clarity and happy hour offerings, and service can occasionally be inconsistent.