Highlights
- Live music
- Great wine list
- Great beer selection
oChef » Books & Records – San Diego
Books & Records - San Diego
Photo from Books & Records
Books & Records at a glance
San Diego Banker’s Hill
- 🍽️ Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $51–$60
mentioned by 105 of the guests
#320 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#51 Restaurant out of 87 in San Diego
Good
7.6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
912
Reviews
76.1%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious food
- Great service
- Live music
Frequently criticized
- High prices
- Loud music
- Slow service
The restaurant Books & Records in San Diego’s vibrant Banker’s Hill neighborhood offers you a truly unique experience. You’ll discover a welcoming spot where live music sets the perfect backdrop for your evening.
This restaurant type promises an engaging atmosphere, making it a standout destination for those seeking both entertainment and delicious small plates.
Overview: Introducting Books & Records
Books & Records offers a vibrant atmosphere, often enhanced by live music, making it a popular spot for an evening out. Guests frequently praise the attentive staff and the creative cocktails, contributing to a generally positive dining experience.
However, some patrons find the overall price point a bit steep, and the volume of the music can sometimes hinder easy conversation. Despite these points, the culinary offerings generally receive high marks.
Good
7.6
out of 10
912
Reviews
76.1%
Satisfaction
180
negative
38
neutral
694
positive
Books & Records generally earns a solid reception, reflected in its Restaurant Score of 7.6 and a Customer Satisfaction rate of 76.1%. These figures, drawn from over 900 customer observations (with 694 positive remarks against 180 negative), indicate a largely positive experience for most visitors.
The culinary offerings, or Food (7.8), stand out as a particular strength. The attentive Service (7.7) also contributes significantly to guest enjoyment, as does the appealing Ambience (7.5).
Where there’s room for improvement is in Value (5.1), which falls into the average range. While many appreciate the quality, some feel the pricing doesn’t always align with the overall experience.
What people like
- Delicious, inventive food
- Attentive, friendly service
- Lively music atmosphere
What people don't like
- High price point
- Overly loud music
- Service wait times
Books & Records holds a strong Recommendation Score of 7.9, suggesting it’s a place worth considering. If you prioritize creative dishes and a lively atmosphere with attentive staff, you’ll likely find it quite enjoyable.
However, be prepared for a potentially higher bill and a vibrant, sometimes loud, musical backdrop that might challenge quiet conversation. It’s a good choice for a dynamic evening, but perhaps not for a budget-conscious, intimate chat.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Books & Records
Food (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 96% of the guests
The food here generally hits the mark, with a good score of 7.8 and a good customer satisfaction of 78.8%. Many guests, 386 out of 490 comments, rave about the inventive and flavorful dishes, from unique small plates like Chicken Bao Buns and Shrimp Aguachile to creative cocktails that truly impress. However, not every bite is perfect.
Around 80 remarks point to some inconsistencies, with concerns about dishes being salty or under seasoned. A few found certain portions to be smaller than expected or some items flavorless, suggesting a bit of a mixed bag for some.
Food
490
Reviews
78%
Satisfaction
80
negative
24
neutral
386
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Unique dishes
- Creative cocktails
- Flavorful combinations
What people don't like
- Overly salty
- Under seasoned
- Small portions
Often praised
- foodHowever, the brunch I had on my last visit was not the best. Despite this, I would try something else when I revisit, as the overall food score was a 4/5. The restaurant is described as more for adults than children, and parking is free street parking, though finding a spot can be somewhat difficult.
- drinksI came here because of all the hype I had heard, but I wasn’t super into it. It might be a personal preference, as the place is well done, the drinks were good, and the vibe is great, even though it was relatively empty when we visited on a Wednesday. A foodie might appreciate it more, but there wasn’t a ton on the menu that I was excited about.
- cocktailsIt's a great addition to the neighborhood. I want to give a special shout out to Dom, Sam, and Tyler for crafting some amazing cocktails. The service was also excellent.
- menuAlthough the menu is somewhat small, we see that as a good thing. Restaurants that have too many choices can’t be good at all of it.
- CocktailsDinner has been exquisite the couple of times I’ve been here. Cocktails are very well made (love Purple Rain) and the menu has a lot of wonderful offerings that make it hard to choose. Duck carnitas are a must as well as the jidori chicken and the yellowfin crudo.
- FoodFood:5
- Mac and cheeseMy number one recommendation is the aguachiles; I ordered it twice! Aguachiles 1000/5 ⭐, Pork belly 5/5 ⭐, Duck carnitas 5/5 ⭐, Mac and cheese 5/5 ⭐, Carrot cake 5/5 ⭐, Lava cake 5/5 ⭐ (though it wasn't a true lava cake as there was no center filling).
- charred broccoliThe charred broccoli…made me want broccoli every day of my life
- clamsThe clams were cooked perfectly. Juicy and tender. Soo good!
- mocktailsThe mocktails were also creative and gave my wife something interesting to pair with the meal.
Frequently criticized
- foodWhile the layout was pretty cool and the service was great, Books and Records fell flat for me in two areas: the food and the atmosphere. Regarding the food, everything seemed unnecessarily rich. It's great to have substantial dishes, especially for brunch, but the options we ordered were just way too much and ultimately left me feeling unpleasant before I'd even left the restaurant.
- French toastMy boyfriend got the French toast and did not enjoy
- Wagyu Tartarethe tartare however, either my plate just so happened to be extremely salty
- drinkimpossible to order a drink
- duck carnitasBoth the duck carnitas and squid ink linguine were severely under seasoned and the duck was way overcooked.
- saucethere was way too much sauce, it completely took over the majority of the taste
- steakThe steak which was the highest ticket item was a bit of a disappointment.
- ube mocktailthe ube drink was very cute but tasted purely like harsh seltzer
- Almond cake- Complimentary almond cake: (3/5) Not the vibe. It was very dry, had weird fruit puree on top. Grateful for the cute candle and birthday celebration!
- Beef tartare5/5) The lettuce had a weird waxy taste to it. The tartare was okay, but I wasn't very fond of the flavor. It's more than enough to share with the table.
If you're looking for a culinary adventure with creative drinks and shareable plates, this spot is definitely worth a try. Just be aware that while many dishes shine, some guests have noted occasional inconsistencies in seasoning and portion sizes.
Service (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 77% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid 7.7 score and a 74.7% customer satisfaction rate, guests frequently praise the friendly servers, attentive staff, and knowledgeable recommendations. Based on 145 positive remarks out of 194 total, many found the service to be perfect and welcoming.
However, not every experience is seamless, with 43 negative comments pointing to areas for improvement. Some diners encountered slow service, inattentive staff, and long waits, occasionally leading to disorganization. While these instances are noted, they don't overshadow the overall positive sentiment.
Service
194
Reviews
74%
Satisfaction
43
negative
6
neutral
145
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Knowledgeable servers
- Perfect service
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Long waits
- Inattentive staff
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was great for dates, nice dinners, or cocktails during happy hour. I went there tonight on a whim and had some great food and excellent service. Dalton was particularly noteworthy, and the food and drink service was prompt and delicious.
- staffMy experience at this restaurant was truly beautiful, with a great atmosphere and wonderful staff. The live music added a special touch to the evening.
- serverOur server was Dalton and he was so so kind
- ServiceService has been excellent both times
- experienceThe music created a fantastic atmosphere, scoring a perfect 12/10. A big shout out to Jenna, who made our experience very special.
- DaltonDalton made our experience super memorable and so fun
- entire staffOn a random Thursday night, my lady and I decided to try out a new spot that caught her eye with its live jazz and intriguing menu. Chef Ryan and the entire staff presented a wonderful experience. The menu was well-conceived and presented.
- ownerthe owner is always around making friends with patrons
- recommendationsAll of her recommendations were spot on
- reservationsGot reservations for 7pm on a Saturday, sat down right away.
Frequently criticized
- serviceThe food was delicious, earning a high rating. However, the service was extremely poor. We faced a significant waiting time, with our food taking over an hour to arrive.
- waiting timefood took over an hour to come out
- waitMade us all wait like 30 min
- Bar serviceBar service was way more focused on socializing with each other
- EpiPen useresulting in him having to use an EpiPen
- allergywas still given something containing his allergy
- bookinghost telling us they are fully booked when the restaurant is half empty is not good
- disorganizationthe whole experience felt disorganized
- drinkswe got our drinks half way through our dinner
- food we didn’t orderbrought food we didn’t order
If you're looking for a place with generally good and friendly service, this restaurant is a strong contender. Just be aware that on busier nights, you might encounter some slower moments, but the staff often goes above and beyond to make things right.
Ambience (7.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 75% of the guests
The ambiance here truly shines, earning a 7.5 score and a solid 79.8% customer satisfaction, indicating a generally good experience. Guests frequently rave about the live jazz, vibe, decor, and beautiful space, making it a popular spot for an elevated night out or a special date. With 150 positive remarks out of 188 total, it's clear that the atmosphere is a major draw, often described as lively, unique, and inviting.
However, not everyone finds the atmosphere perfect. About 36 opinions mention issues with music volume, the place being noisy, and poor acoustics, making conversation difficult. Some also felt the decor was incomplete or that the live music was simply too loud, detracting from an otherwise pleasant environment.
Ambience
188
Reviews
79%
Satisfaction
36
negative
2
neutral
150
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Live jazz music
- Beautiful, unique decor
- Great date spot
What people don't like
- Music too loud
- Difficult to converse
- Noisy environment
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at this restaurant was marked by a lush, boujee atmosphere. However, it had absolutely nothing to do with books or records, despite a large slate wall that was bare.
- live musicThis has quickly risen to our favorite restaurant in San Diego. Every time we’ve been there, the food was prepared perfectly, the service was great, and the atmosphere was amazing—especially the lighting and live music! It’s a perfect place to bring a date, with dishes and drinks that are inventive yet reliable.
- ambianceMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic. I enjoyed the $20 cocktails, which were complemented by a chic ambiance. The bartenders were friendly and unpretentious.
- ambienceThey’ll bring a replacement on that elegant tray, which makes even the small things feel special. The ambience is fantastic, and I especially enjoy the evenings when they have live music. This place is a gem, and I can’t recommend it enough!
- vibeThe restaurant strikes the perfect balance: it looks fancy but feels incredibly comfortable and welcoming. The employees are always so nice and cheerful, which adds to the overall great vibe. Their cocktails are as creative as they are delicious—my favorite is the Coffee + TV, their unique take on an espresso martini with a delightful hint of orange.
- live jazz musicThe service was excellent, with friendly and knowledgeable staff like Nate, who was attentive. The ambiance was warm and eclectic, enhanced by live jazz music. It was a truly delightful evening, and I highly recommend trying the black key lime pie or the deconstructed chocolate lava cake – they were super yummy!
- vibesThe vibes, the books, the service, attention to detail all of it!
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- DJthe live record playing DJ was amazing
- decorThis place is decorated so beautifully
Frequently criticized
- conversationOn the one hand, I found much to love: the service was great, the menu and wine selection were good, and the ambience was nice. However, the music in the dining area was so LOUD it was impossible to have a conversation. While it's great they have live music, having it at concert level for dining felt out of place.
- live musicThe cocktails are balanced and a good value. My only complaint is that half the time the live music is so loud that it's hard to even talk and be heard. Just a slight reduction in that area, and I'll never eat anywhere else.
- atmospherethe atmosphere, I think it was neat
- musicmusic in the dining area is so LOUD
- AI artthey just put AI art all over their walls
- JazzJazz ends at 9 pm.
- Loudit can get loud in there
- Noise levelVery loud but buzzing place!
- acousticslive music with such horrible acoustics??? You can’t even hear the person across from you
- books and recordsI particularly enjoyed the fermented key lime cheesecake. While the live music and environment were beautiful, it's worth noting that there were no “books and records” despite being in the restaurant's name. However, the overly priced nature of the establishment is a significant deterrent for future visits.
If you're looking for a vibrant spot with great live music and a chic setting, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just be prepared that the energetic atmosphere, especially with live performances, can sometimes make conversation a bit challenging.
Value (5.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 24% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot has some bright spots, especially if youre savvy! Many guests (13 opinions) rave about the Happy Hour specials, calling them "worth the visit" and highlighting "excellent portions" for the price. The cocktails are often seen as a good "value, " making those happy hour deals a real draw.
However, the overall customer satisfaction sits at a rather poor 32.5%, with a score of 5.1, indicating its quite average. A significant number of comments (21 opinions) point to high prices and feeling overly priced for regular menu items. Concerns about healthy subsidy charge and being overcharged also frequently pop up, making the value proposition tricky outside of specific deals.
Value
40
Reviews
32%
Satisfaction
21
negative
6
neutral
13
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Amazing Happy Hour
- Good drink value
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- High regular prices
- Unexpected subsidy charge
- Feeling overcharged
Often praised
- happy hourThe small plates were also very good. I appreciated the availability of happy hour, dinner, and the unique jazz brunch on Sundays. The overall experience was excellent, with top marks for service, atmosphere, and food.
- $20 cocktailsFantastic $20 cocktails
- Happy Hourcame for Happy Hour
- ParkingPARKING 4/5 Street parking around the perimeter
- food drinksthe food drinks were worth every penny
- happy hour dealincredible happy hour deal every evening and all day Wednesday
- happy hour specialsThe happy hour specials are amazing
- portionsExcellent portions for the price.
- valueEvery single thing I've had is delicious, and I've almost tried the entire dinner menu. The cocktails are balanced and a good value. My only complaint is that half the time the live music is so loud that it's hard to even talk and be heard.
- worth the visit💯 Worth the visit
Frequently criticized
- priceMy experience at this restaurant offered a mix of good and exceptional. The drinks were great and the food was good, though it was pretty expensive. We tried the broccoli, which was fine, and the cabbage, which was pretty good.
- checkadd on a four percent health subsidy
- happy hour itemsThe server also took away our drink menu after only about five minutes and was not attentive. Items ordered during happy hour were forgotten and entered later, resulting in us being charged full price. The live music was unbearably loud, making conversation impossible even at the opposite end of the room.
- healthy subsidy chargeHowever, they were very busy. The 4% healthy subsidy charge was a negative point, but I received a great reply from management and now know this charge can be omitted if you ask. I will never love "extra" taxes, but at least these can be waved.
- high pricesespecially for the high prices.
- maincharge $30+ for a main
- menu itemsWe had hoped to like this place enough to consider it for our small wedding reception due to our love for the drinks and the vibe. However, based on the small, unremarkable, and expensive menu items, coupled with the slow service, I don't see this establishment lasting long. It's a great place to go for drinks only; I cannot recommend anything else here.
- optionsmuch better options in San Diego for this price point
- overchargedwas overcharged
- overly pricedthe restaurant is also overly priced
If youre looking for a great deal, definitely hit up their happy hour for drinks and small plates – thats where the value shines. Otherwise, be prepared for a pricier experience, as many find the regular menu items and extra charges a bit steep.
How are the prices at Books & Records?
On average, you’ll spend around 56 per person – from 105 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $51–$60 category. For a Restaurant, that’s mid-range, maybe slightly above.
Looking at what people actually spend, prices are quite spread out. While the average is 56, many guests spend less, often in the $31–$40 range. Theres also a significant number of diners enjoying more premium experiences over 101 $.
Its a place that caters to a mix of mid-range and higher-end tastes.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 105 reviews.
Compare the value for money of this restaurant against similar ones in San Diego.
For a Restaurant in San Diego, we feel the pricing offers good flexibility and seems fair, allowing for both a solid mid-range meal and a more indulgent experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Books & Records
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Excellent Brunch with Great Service
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed a nice brunch menu with diverse options and plenty of variety. The food was clean, and the servers were friendly.
Order times were reasonably fast, and there was no wait.
- brunch menu9
- diverse options9
- clean food8
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
2
Disappointing AI Art Over Actual Art
My experience was disappointing. While San Diego is known for its amazing artists, it seems like the restaurant chose to display AI art all over their walls instead. This was a letdown.
- AI art2
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
1
Terrible Experience with Allergy Incident
My group of friends and I were really excited to try this place. We had a reservation for 8: 00 PM but weren't seated until 8: 30 PM. Once seated, one of us explicitly informed the staff about an allergy, yet was still served something containing it, leading to an EpiPen use in the restroom.
To make matters worse, about 30 minutes after ordering, we were told that what I ordered was unavailable. It was a terrible experience.
- waiting time2
- allergy1
- EpiPen use1
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
1
Awful Service and Food Allergy Nightmare
My friends and I had an awful experience at this restaurant. Despite having a reservation for 8 pm and checking in on time, we were made to wait outside until 8: 30 pm. I clearly communicated my food allergies and intended menu items to the staff, and was assured that modifications could be made.
Shockingly, after some food was served and I had already started eating, a staff member informed me that an item I consumed contained an allergen, leading to an EpiPen incident. This was compounded by the waiter informing us later that a menu item ordered at the beginning of our meal was no longer available, this after half the table had already received their entrees. The service was terrible, and the food safety was a major concern.
- service1
- wait time2
- food allergies1
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
7
Lovely Atmosphere, Hit-or-Miss Brunch
My experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. The atmosphere is truly lovely, and the staff are consistently friendly, earning a perfect 5/5 for both. However, the brunch I had on my last visit was not the best.
Despite this, I would try something else when I revisit, as the overall food score was a 4/5. The restaurant is described as more for adults than children, and parking is free street parking, though finding a spot can be somewhat difficult. The wait time is usually up to 10 minutes, and the price per person ranges from $30–50.
I would somewhat recommend it for vegetarians, though the vegetarian offerings are not something the reviewer is sure about.
- atmosphere10
- staff10
- food8
- brunch4
- parking space4
What Books & Records offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Brunch reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Has changing table(s)
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Offerings
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
Service Options
- Curbside pickup
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
- Dogs allowed
Parking
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Romantic
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere and entertainment can you expect at Books & Records?
At Books & Records, you’ll find a cozy, romantic, and trendy atmosphere perfect for any occasion. You can enjoy vibrant live music, which is a highlight of the experience. The venue also boasts a great wine list, an excellent beer selection, and a full bar with hard liquor and happy hour drinks.
Are there convenient parking and accessibility options when you visit Books & Records?
Yes, when you visit Books & Records, you’ll find convenient parking with both free and paid street options. The restaurant is fully accessible, offering a wheelchair-accessible entrance, parking lot, seating, and restroom, ensuring a comfortable experience for everyone.
What are the standout features of Books & Records?
Books & Records is frequently praised for its delicious food, attentive service, and lively atmosphere, often featuring live music. Many also appreciate the creative cocktails and happy hour deals.
How does Books & Records rate overall, and what are its main strengths and weaknesses?
Books & Records has a Restaurant Score of 7.6 and a Customer Satisfaction of 76.1%. Its strongest areas are Food (7.8), Service (7.7), and Ambience (7.5). The primary area for improvement is Value (5.1), with some guests finding prices high.
Is Books & Records suitable for a quiet dinner?
While the ambience is generally well-regarded, many guests note that the live music can be quite loud, making conversation difficult. It might be better suited for a more energetic outing than a quiet, intimate dinner.