Highlights
- Live music
oChef » Culinary Dropout – San Diego
Culinary Dropout - San Diego
Photo from Culinary Dropout
Culinary Dropout at a glance
San Diego Carmel Valley
- 🍔 American Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $41–$50
mentioned by 90 of the guests
#220 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#7 American Restaurant out of 24 in San Diego
Good
7.9 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
754
Reviews
79.7%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Attentive service
- Vibrant ambiance
Frequently criticized
- Food inconsistency
- Loud environment
Overview: Introducting Culinary Dropout
Culinary Dropout generally offers a pleasant dining experience, often highlighted by its friendly service and inviting atmosphere. Many appreciate the well-designed space and the added enjoyment of live music, contributing to a vibrant setting.
However, some visits reveal areas needing attention. Guests occasionally note a loud atmosphere or inconsistent food quality, and parking can sometimes be a challenge, impacting the overall convenience.
Good
7.9
out of 10
754
Reviews
79.7%
Satisfaction
129
negative
24
neutral
601
positive
Culinary Dropout maintains a solid reputation, reflected in its overall 7.9 score and a good 79.7% customer satisfaction. This indicates a generally positive reception, with many guests finding their visits enjoyable.
The culinary offerings stand out with a strong Food score (7.5), while the attentive Service (8.6) frequently earns high praise from diners. The restaurant’s Ambience also contributes positively (8.4), creating an inviting setting.
However, Value (5.8) presents a more mixed picture, suggesting some find pricing or portions less compelling. These insights are drawn from over 750 customer observations, with more than 600 positive remarks outweighing around 130 negative ones.
What people like
- Friendly, attentive service
- Vibrant, inviting ambiance
- Delicious comfort food
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Loud dining atmosphere
- Occasional long waits
If you appreciate a lively setting with friendly service and a menu of well-executed comfort food, Culinary Dropout is worth considering. It’s a place where the atmosphere often enhances the dining, making it suitable for social gatherings or a casual night out.
With a strong 8.1 Recommendation Score, it generally delivers a satisfying experience. While some minor inconsistencies exist, particularly with noise levels or occasional waits, the overall positive aspects make it a solid choice for many diners.
Similar Restaurants in San Diego
- American Restaurant
9.6
out of 10
out of 10
73
100%
- $
- Core-Columbia
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- American Restaurant
8.9
out of 10
out of 10
149
89.3%
- $$
- Emerald Hills
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- American Restaurant
8.7
out of 10
out of 10
80
90%
- $$
- East Village
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- American Restaurant
8.2
out of 10
out of 10
507
83%
- $$
- Point Loma
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- American Restaurant
8.1
out of 10
out of 10
511
82.6%
- €€
- Asian Pacific Thematic Historic District
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- American Restaurant
8
out of 10
out of 10
72
86.1%
- $$
- Little Portugal
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
Verdict: Our expert take on Culinary Dropout
Food (7.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 95% of the guests
When it comes to food, this spot generally hits the mark, boasting a good score of 7.5 and a solid customer satisfaction of 74.7%. Out of 388 comments, 290 were positive, praising delicious items like the 36-hour pork ribs, juicy burgers, and the must-try pretzels and fondue. Many also enjoyed the spicy popcorn shrimp and creative entrees.
However, not everything was perfect, with 78 negative remarks. Some found dishes like the pretzels or steak to be cold, while others noted issues with portion sizes or an excessively salty taste. A few also mentioned food being bland or having an overly sweet flavor.
Food
388
Reviews
74%
Satisfaction
78
negative
20
neutral
290
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Tender 36-hour ribs
- Delicious, juicy burgers
- Must-try pretzels, fondue
What people don't like
- Food served cold
- Excessively salty dishes
- Small portion sizes
Often praised
- foodI loved the tour she gave me to see the impressive art around the surroundings of famous historical figures. I arrived alone looking for something healthy for dinner and was immediately drawn in by the concept, the music, the great atmosphere, and the delicious food, thanks to Jordan who cooks wonderfully. A special thank you to Julian and Alex (bartenders) 🙏.
- drinksHe was super attentive and made our dinner even better. The food was superb, as were the drinks. I'd rate it 100/10!
- cocktailsI enjoyed their delicious comfort food, and the quick, friendly service made the meal even better. They also offer live music on weekends and a great selection of cocktails, which added to the overall enjoyable atmosphere.
- fried chickenMy experience at the restaurant was quite positive. The food was especially good, with the 36-hour ribs, fried chicken, and salmon standing out. I also enjoyed the fun cocktails and the good service.
- menuI enjoyed my meal here; the menu had a lot of options I wanted to try, so I will definitely be coming back. One thing that should be changed, though, is that all staff wear their own outfits.
- deviled eggsThis is a really cool place with excellent food! The deviled eggs are to die for. The manager took my son’s food allergies very seriously, and I was forever grateful for that.
- steak fritesMy experience at Culinary Dropout was incredible. The food was phenomenal; the salmon was perfectly cooked, the steak frites were tender and flavorful, and the Brussels sprouts were seriously addictive. Our server, Joseph, was outstanding – attentive, friendly, and ensured we had everything we needed.
- burgergot a burger and it was the best
- chicken tendersThe portion was giant! The chicken was flavorful and juicy. The other ordered the popcorn shrimp with fries.
- portionWe started our meal with the soft pretzels and fondue. These were a hit and the portion was generous enough for everyone to have two large pretzel balls with some to take home. Highly recommend!
Frequently criticized
- foodThe beer was smooth, and the food was generally good, making it a place worth a repeat visit. However, the food was a bit too salty for my taste, and the portion size was on the smaller side, preventing it from being a 5-star experience.
- portion sizeI was very disappointed with the portion size of the meal.
- deviled eggsdeviled eggs were so over-seasoned they were inedible
- food was not greatIt was evident that the food was premade in the back, waiting to be served. While the server was attentive, I couldn't bring myself to tell her that the food was not great. I ate it anyway, but I regret paying $80 plus tip for this dinner.
- pretzelsThe only truly unique and tasty dish was the crispy tuna sliders. Other than that, the pretzels tasted reheated.
- BiscuitThe biscuit and mashed potatoes were cold
- Bologneseit was too watery in my opinion.
- Crispy Brussels SproutsThe fries and salad that came with it were also very good. However, my friend’s orders—the "Two Eggs" and "Crispy Brussels Sprouts"—were not as enjoyable; they were excessively salty, making us crave water. For drinks, we tried the "Sangria, " which was both visually appealing and tasty.
- Fried ChickenChicken was bland and dry
- Mashed PotatoesThe biscuit and mashed potatoes were cold
If youre looking for a place with generally good food and some standout dishes, its worth a visit. Just be mindful that some items might come out cold or overly seasoned, so choose wisely to avoid disappointment.
Service (8.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 88% of the guests
The service at this spot generally hits the mark, boasting a good score of 8.6 and a strong good customer satisfaction of 86.6% across 209 reviews. Many guests rave about the attentive `server` and `staff`, often highlighting their `knowledgeable` recommendations and `friendly personality` that create a truly delightful `experience`. However, 27 negative comments suggest there's still room for improvement.
Some diners experienced long `wait` times for drinks and food, noted `missing` plates or silverware, and found certain `staff outfits` to be `unprofessional` or distracting, leading to some frustration.
Service
209
Reviews
86%
Satisfaction
27
negative
1
neutral
181
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Attentive, friendly staff
- Knowledgeable recommendations
- Accommodating to allergies
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Unprofessional attire
- Missing dining items
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed their delicious comfort food, and the quick, friendly service made the meal even better. They also offer live music on weekends and a great selection of cocktails, which added to the overall enjoyable atmosphere.
- serverour server was amazing. Provided really great suggestions and was incredibly kind and personable.
- staffMy experience at this restaurant was a wonderful addition to the Carmel Valley dining scene. I enjoyed the good food and drinks, complemented by the friendly, attractive staff. The atmosphere, service, and food were all rated a perfect 5.
- ServiceService was unbelievable for a Grand Opening, smooth and wonderful!
- recommendationsGave us recommendations for every dish we ordered
- experienceThe food was cooked perfectly and everything tasted amazing. You can tell it's still new and everyone is learning, but honestly, that didn't take away from the experience. We will absolutely be going back again and again.
- managerThe deviled eggs are to die for. The manager took my son’s food allergies very seriously, and I was forever grateful for that. Just go, it’s worth it; I love the place!
- serversthe servers rock their own funky, trendy styles.
- waiterwaiter was amazing explained everything
- AngelAngel was our server, professional and friendly
Frequently criticized
- serviceWhere this location varied drastically was the service
- 50-minute waitIt took 50 minutes for the food to arrive
- busyIt was extremely busy
- coffee+alcohol drinksserver did not know that the bar serves coffee+alcohol drinks
- common elementshould all have at least 1 common element so you know there staff
- crop top and short shortswaitress was wearing a crop top and short shorts
- customer feedbackWe returned several items, yet no manager or staff member approached us to ask what went wrong or to offer an apology. Perhaps because the restaurant was full, they felt they didn’t need to address customer feedback—but that lack of accountability was just as disappointing as the food itself. It’s unfortunate, because Carmel Valley deserves a restaurant of this caliber to succeed.
- distracting and unprofessionalMy family and I were really taken aback that our waitress was wearing a crop top and short shorts. This can be distracting and unprofessional. I wanted to bring this to someone’s attention.
- female bartendera female bartender came to take our drinks and asked what we would like I said “what’s your favorite drink” to which she responded “I like the fancy stuff you wouldn’t want to pay for that” as if I were too poor.
- get a waitermakes it hard to get a waiter for more water, or the check
You can generally expect a very positive service experience here, with many attentive and knowledgeable staff members ready to make your visit enjoyable. While a few reports mention slow service or minor oversights, the overall sentiment points to a welcoming and well-cared-for dining experience. It's definitely worth trying if good hospitality is a priority for you.
Ambience (8.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 65% of the guests
Alright, lets talk about the vibe! This place really shines when it comes to its atmosphere, scoring a solid 8.4 and boasting a fantastic 89.5% customer satisfaction. Based on 119 positive sentiments out of 133, guests consistently rave about the inviting atmosphere, lively vibe, beautiful decor, and especially the live music that often sets a great mood.
Its clear theyve nailed creating an energetic and welcoming environment. However, its not entirely without its quirks. A few of the 12 negative comments mention that it can be a noisy place, with some finding the loud volume a bit much for conversation.
There were also a couple of mentions about the interior being cold and some challenges with parking. So, while the energy is high, be prepared for a potentially bustling and lively experience.
Ambience
133
Reviews
89%
Satisfaction
12
negative
2
neutral
119
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Lively atmosphere
- Great live music
- Beautiful decor
What people don't like
- Can be loud
- Parking challenges
- Indoor temperature issues
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at this restaurant was largely positive, marked by a wonderful atmosphere and outstanding service that created a welcoming and enjoyable dining experience. The menu offers a variety of appealing dishes, with the burgers being a particular highlight.
- live musicI enjoyed their delicious comfort food, and the quick, friendly service made the meal even better. They also offer live music on weekends and a great selection of cocktails, which added to the overall enjoyable atmosphere.
- ambianceThe ambiance of this restaurant is exceptionally well-designed
- decorthe decor gives an elegant feel
- vibeThe vibe is effortlessly cool
- musicthe music, provided by Christian Jules Taylor was mind-blowing
- spaceThe space itself is impressive—it's large yet manages to feel very inviting
- vibesThis was my first time dining at a culinary dropout and the vibes were 🤌🏻🤌🏻. Our server was so sweet, and even the manager Chris came over to make sure we were enjoying everything.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere - inviting
- environmentsuch a positive and uplifting environment
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereartist that started playing their music with the store music playing at the same time, so it was loud
- Loudit was a bit loud
- VOLUME of noisethe sheer VOLUME of noise; it’s nearly uncomfortable
- buildingthe building looks super tacky
- dining roomwas a bit loud in the dining room
- inappropriate atmosphereI wanted to bring this to someone’s attention. In general, I feel this would create an inappropriate atmosphere for families who are expecting something different. This is not a Hooters or a frat party!
- noisy placeThe place was noisy
- parkingparking is a headache
- separation from pationo separation from the patio
- temperatureit's cold. We enjoyed the entrees, and the excellent service, but too cold for us
If you're looking for a lively spot with great music and a vibrant atmosphere, this place is definitely worth checking out. However, if you prefer a quiet, intimate setting or are sensitive to noise, you might find it a bit overwhelming.
Value (5.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 14% of the guests
Guests often find some real gems when it comes to value, with many praising the deal on reasonably priced meals and fantastic Happy Hour specials that make it feel truly worth it. Plus, the free parking is a definite bonus! While the overall score for value sits at an average 5.8, and customer satisfaction is a mixed 45.8%, there are 11 positive remarks out of 24 total opinions highlighting these perks.
On the flip side, the value proposition can be a bit of a mixed bag. Several diners expressed concern over the pricing, describing some items as expensive and even feeling they regretted paying for what they received, with some menus being outright overpriced. The struggle with difficult parking also added to the frustration, contributing to 12 negative comments.
Value
24
Reviews
45%
Satisfaction
12
negative
1
neutral
11
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Good deals available
- Great Happy Hour
- Free parking options
What people don't like
- High pricing
- Overpriced menu items
- Difficult parking
Often praised
- Happy HourHappy Hour: 3-6 pm, bar only (and it gets packed!)
- Parking optionsParking options:Free parking lot
- Parking spaceParking space:Plenty of parking
- costWhile I don't recall what everyone else ordered, I do know that everyone was happy and full when we left. The service was great, the cost very reasonable, and it was definitely worth it. We'll make the half-hour trip again sometime soon, and unless something else on the menu catches my eye, I'll be having the Turkey pastrami again – it's that good!
- dealTalk about a good deal!
- food and drink specialswith food and drink specials
- free parkingThere is plenty of free parking available in the lot.
- happy hourThey have happy hour M-F 3-6pm
- pricedreasonably priced
- reasonably priced mealsmore reasonably priced meals I’ve had in years
Frequently criticized
- priceFor my main course I ordered the shrimp tempura roll. The flavor was fantastic but it was the smallest shrimp tempura roll I've ever seen, especially for the price at $18. I wish it would have come with a bowl of miso soup as well.
- pricingthe pricing. And while I realize it’s a new restaurant and times are a changing I think you expect to pay no less than $100-150 per couple, and that’s with only two drinks! I think realistically it’ll be closer to $200.
- expensive fast food restaurantit’s an expensive fast food restaurant
- menussome menus are overpriced
- parkingit's difficult to get parking close to this restaurant
- parking spaceDifficult to find parking
- regret paying $80 plus tipI regret paying $80 plus tip for this dinner
- tipping optionsOne of the tipping options was 40%
If youre eyeing a good deal or planning to hit up Happy Hour, youll likely find some great value here, especially with the free parking. Just be mindful that some menu items can feel expensive and overpriced, so choose wisely to ensure you feel it's worth it.
How are the prices at Culinary Dropout?
On average, you’ll spend around $49 per person – from 90 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $41–$50 category. For an American Restaurant, that’s mid-range, maybe slightly above.
Looking at what people actually spend, prices are quite spread out. While the average is in the $41–$50 range, a good chunk of diners spend less, often in the $21–$30 range, suggesting a mix of more affordable and premium options.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 90 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value for money compares to similar spots in San Diego.
Overall, we think the pricing feels fair for an American Restaurant, especially given the range of options available. It seems like you can find something for different budgets here.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Culinary Dropout
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Excellent Dining Experience at Culinary Dropout
My experience at Culinary Dropout in Del Mar was the best! I want to give a special shoutout to the manager, Chris, for making it an awesome dining experience. The food, service, and atmosphere were all top-notch, each receiving a perfect 5-star rating.
- food10
- service10
- atmosphere10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Best Burger in Del Mar!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I had a burger that I can honestly say was the best in Del Mar so far. The general manager, Chris, was incredibly welcoming and very personable with all the customers.
I will definitely be back to see Chris again!
- burger10
- general manager10
- Chris10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Amazing First Experience!
This was my first time dining at a culinary dropout and the vibes were 🤌🏻🤌🏻. Our server was so sweet, and even the manager Chris came over to make sure we were enjoying everything. They gave the BEST recommendations on food and drinks for me.
I also love when a place makes cutesy drinks for people who don’t drink alcohol. I could eat a bucket of those pretzel bites and that ribeye cap was out of this world. 5 stars for this team is really not enough!
- vibes10
- server10
- manager Chris10
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
6
Disappointing Drink Price, OK Meal
My experience at the restaurant was mixed. The food was okay, but the service regarding drinks was lacking. The server did not know that the bar served coffee and alcohol drinks.
I then went to the bar, and the bartender was accommodating. However, I ordered a decaf with Bailey's, which came lukewarm. The most surprising part was the price; I was charged $5 for the coffee and $13 for the Bailey's, totaling $18 for the drink, which was more than the cost of my meal.
The atmosphere was pleasant, rated a 5, but the overall experience was impacted by the drink service and cost.
- food5
- atmosphere5
- coffee+alcohol drinks2
- decaf and Bailey's3
- price2
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Excellent Food, Service, and Value!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic. The food was excellent, and the wait staff were very professional and amicable. We experienced no wait for brunch on Sunday, and the prices were reasonable.
- food10
- wait staff10
- wait10
What Culinary Dropout 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
Children
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
How does Culinary Dropout generally perform according to customer feedback?
Culinary Dropout receives a good overall score of 7.9 and a 79.7% customer satisfaction rate. Customers particularly appreciate the Service (8.6), Ambience (8.4), and Food (7.5), though Value (5.8) is seen as average.
What makes the atmosphere at Culinary Dropout appealing to guests?
Guests frequently praise the restaurant’s vibrant ambiance, well-designed space, and the added enjoyment of live music. Many find the environment inviting and uplifting.
Are there any common concerns about the dining experience at Culinary Dropout?
Some customers have noted concerns regarding inconsistent food quality, occasional loud dining atmosphere, and perceived high prices for certain menu items. Parking can also sometimes be challenging.