Highlights
- Sports
- Rooftop seating
- Fireplace
oChef » GlassDoor – San Diego
GlassDoor - San Diego
Photo from GlassDoor
GlassDoor at a glance
San Diego Little Italy
- 🌮 Mexican Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 30 of the guests
#256 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#24 Mexican Restaurant out of 113 in San Diego
Good
7.8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
331
Reviews
78.9%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Attentive service
- Pleasant ambiance
- Good food options
Frequently criticized
- Poor value
- Service inconsistency
- Blocked views
The restaurant, GlassDoor, is a vibrant Mexican Restaurant nestled in San Diego’s charming Little Italy neighborhood. You can enjoy a truly unique dining experience here, especially with its inviting rooftop seating that offers fantastic views.
This spot blends a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere, making it perfect for various occasions. Whether you are looking for a lively sports viewing spot or a relaxed evening by the fireplace, this place has you covered.
Overview: Introducting GlassDoor
GlassDoor offers a mixed but generally positive experience, with many guests highlighting the genuinely good hospitality and attentive bartender service. You’ll often find the ambiance welcoming, making for a pleasant visit, especially if you appreciate a good view.
However, some experiences reveal inconsistencies, particularly concerning terrible service from certain staff members and concerns about the overall food quality. Be aware that some of the scenic views might be obstructed by construction, which can detract from the atmosphere.
Good
7.8
out of 10
331
Reviews
78.9%
Satisfaction
56
negative
14
neutral
261
positive
GlassDoor achieves a good overall Restaurant Score of 7.8 out of 10, with Customer Satisfaction also landing in the good range at 78.9%. This indicates a generally positive sentiment among guests, supported by 261 positive remarks against 56 negative ones from a total of 331 customer observations.
Delving into specifics, Service stands out with a strong 8.4, while Ambience also performs well at 7.9. The Food receives a good 7.4, suggesting many find the culinary offerings satisfactory.
However, Value lags behind, rated as an average 4.8, indicating that some guests feel the pricing doesn’t always align with the experience.
What people like
- Exceptional service staff
- Inviting atmosphere
- Quality food items
What people don't like
- Poor value for money
- Inconsistent service
- Obstructed scenic views
With a Recommendation Score of 7.9, GlassDoor is generally worth considering, especially if you prioritize attentive service and a pleasant atmosphere. It’s a place that often delivers on its promise of a good time, particularly if you’re looking for a relaxed setting with friendly staff.
However, be mindful of potential inconsistencies in food quality and the possibility of an obstructed view. If value for money is your top priority, or if you’re sensitive to occasional service hiccups, you might want to manage your expectations or explore other options.
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Verdict: Our expert take on GlassDoor
Food (7.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 81% of the guests
When it comes to the food and drinks here, things are looking pretty good! With a solid score of 7.4 and customer satisfaction at a strong 75.8%, many guests are enjoying their experience. Out of 120 opinions, 91 rave about delicious items like the birria tacos, excellent craft cocktails, and great lemon pepper wings, often praising the quality and presentation.
However, not every dish hits the mark. There are 23 less-than-stellar opinions, with some mentioning issues like unseasoned guacamole, tasteless potatoes, or food that felt microwaved. A few also noted overcooked eggs and limited menu availability, suggesting some inconsistencies in the kitchen.
Food
120
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
23
negative
6
neutral
91
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Birria tacos shine
- Craft cocktails excellent
- Wings are great
What people don't like
- Food lacks seasoning
- Microwaved taste reported
- Menu items unavailable
Often praised
- drinksHe was incredibly knowledgeable, even crafting a perfect drink for my girlfriend by asking her just three questions. The service was super awesome, contributing to a great vibe and great drinks. I'm definitely coming back again!
- foodWe came for happy hour and our whole family was sooo pleased. The food came out in such a great time and was fresh! Our bartender, D, was absolutely AMAZING!
- FoodFood:5
- appetizersnibble on some appetizers
- fish tacostry the fish tacos
- food and drinksget us our food and drinks quickly.
- Ahi Poke with chipsI ordered the Ahi Poke with chips and was not disappointed.
- Aperol spritzand an Aperol spritz! Super good drinks
- Great presentationGreat presentation.
- Greek saladHad the Greek salad
Frequently criticized
- foodfrozen rehab’d frozen food
- coffeeThe coffee is warm
- asadaWe were supposed to receive rice and beans with our fajitas, but the rice never arrived, even after we asked. The menu offered a choice between chicken and asada, but only asada was available, and it was dry, tough, and tasted canned. When we raised these concerns, the staff simply took the plate away without offering any solution.
- biscuits and gravyI need my biscuits and gravy.
- breadThey didn't have any bread.
- cocktailscocktails were tasty but filled mostly with ice
- cookguy in the baseball cap aka (I believe) the cook had plenty of hair
- creamerFake creamer included
- eggsOvercooked greasy eggs
- food qualitythe worst food ever
Overall, if youre looking for a spot with some standout drinks and specific food items like birria tacos or wings, its definitely worth a visit. Just be aware that some dishes might be a hit or miss, so choose wisely to ensure a great meal.
Service (8.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 76% of the guests
Overall, the service here is a real standout, scoring a solid 8.4 and boasting a fantastic 84.4% customer satisfaction. With 92 positive remarks out of 109 total, guests consistently rave about the excellent bartenders, friendly staff, and attentive servers. Many also appreciate the positive changes brought by new management, leading to personalized and hospitable experiences.
However, its not all sunshine and rainbows, with 17 negative comments pointing to some areas for improvement. A few guests encountered a manager lady described as rude, and some felt the horrible management led to issues. There were also complaints about long waiting time for food and drinks, and a lack of server attention' for refills, making some experiences feel rushed or ignored.
Service
109
Reviews
84%
Satisfaction
17
negative
0
neutral
92
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Excellent bartender service
- Attentive, friendly staff
- Improved management
What people don't like
- Rude management
- Slow, inattentive service
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at the restaurant was very enjoyable. I had a great burger and appreciated the very good service. The view was also good, although a new building is currently under construction and obstructs part of it.
- bartenderD with the dreads was our bartender! Super nice chill guy!
- bartender DGreat service with the bartender D dreads!
- customer serviceMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The bartender, Dee (with the locs), provided amazing customer service. His vibrant personality truly made the stop worthwhile.
- experience" He makes a great Jalapeño Margarita. Thanks for making this such a great experience!
- hospitalityThe hospitality was top-notch, welcoming, genuine
- serverI truly had a great experience at this restaurant/bar. Reina was a fantastic server and really helped enhance our visit. Highly recommend.
- server Nicolasserver Nicolas was very knowledgeable and was able to get us our food and drinks quickly.
- staffstaff was very friendly and attentive
- Deeask for Dee he'll take care of you
Frequently criticized
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was extremely disappointing due to the terrible service. After informing the bartender/server that we weren't drinking, his demeanor changed completely.
- parkingparking is limited or even unavailable
- waiting timeAfter informing the bartender/server that we weren't drinking, his demeanor changed completely. He became cold and left us waiting for 10 minutes. When he finally returned with water and menus, he disappeared again for another 10 minutes.
- Manager ladyManager lady was extremely rude and disrespectful
- coffee refillnot even refill a coffee after another guest had to stop him
- elevatorThe elevator takes forever
- horrible managementrestaurant with horrible management
- server attentionsat and waited for our server. Didn't ask if we wanted to order something
- service of the waiterthe service of the waiter and not checking around to guest
- staffThe menu offered a choice between chicken and asada, but only asada was available, and it was dry, tough, and tasted canned. When we raised these concerns, the staff simply took the plate away without offering any solution. The service also felt rushed, with attempts to clear our plates before we were finished eating.
If youre looking for a place with genuinely friendly and attentive staff, especially at the bar, this spot is definitely worth a visit. While a few minor service hiccups and management issues have been noted, the overwhelming positive feedback suggests youll likely have a great experience.
Ambience (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 66% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot truly shines, boasting a 7.9 score and a fantastic 81.1% customer satisfaction. Based on 73 positive remarks out of 90 total, guests consistently rave about the amazing view, especially of the San Diego harbor and sunsets. The atmosphere and vibe are often highlighted, with many enjoying the music and outdoor seating for a truly pleasant experience.
However, not all experiences were perfect, with 10 negative comments noted. Some guests expressed disappointment over a new building or construction that unfortunately obstructed the view they had anticipated. A few also mentioned it could get cold in certain areas, which slightly detracted from an otherwise enjoyable setting.
Ambience
90
Reviews
81%
Satisfaction
10
negative
7
neutral
73
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Stunning views
- Vibrant atmosphere
- Great music
What people don't like
- View obstruction
- Can feel cold
Often praised
- viewMy experience at this restaurant offered a good view above the city, though it was slightly obstructed. The atmosphere was not crowded, and parking was available down the street in an underground lot.
- atmosphereThe atmosphere was beautiful and inviting
- musicthey played good music
- ambianceThanks to him, we will definitely be coming again. The ambiance in here is so welcoming and really makes you want to stay, with music while you eat and a beautiful view. It was a 10 out of 10 experience!
- vibesuch a total vibe to make your experience pleasant and comfortable
- viewswith views of the neighborhood
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- restaurantWhat a great place with a view! This is a nice restaurant with comfy patios and an incredibly talented bartender named "D. " He makes a great Jalapeño Margarita.
- spotThe food was delicious, and we had a beautiful view of the San Diego harbor/skyline. I recommend this place if you're looking for a great spot to pregame before hitting the iconic Little Italy or Gaslamp District.
- vibesthe vibes are alarmingly awesome
Frequently criticized
- viewnew building being built now obstructs the view
- bedbed was kinda hard for my standards
- coldit's cold up there
- construction of a buildingThe bartender was great, providing excellent service. However, the rooftop bar with scenic views, which was what we expected, was significantly impacted by the construction of a building heavily obstructing the view. This was the only negative aspect of our visit.
- cook attiredressed in plain clothes sweats
- new buildingbrand new building going up smack dab in the way
- obstructing the viewThe bartender was great, providing excellent service. However, the rooftop bar with scenic views, which was what we expected, was significantly impacted by the construction of a building heavily obstructing the view. This was the only negative aspect of our visit.
- roomsThe employees were very nice. The bed was a bit hard for my standards, and the rooms were a little dark. However, it was a cool stay, and I would come back if I had to.
If youre seeking a place with a great vibe and often stunning views' of the harbor, this restaurant is definitely worth a visit. Just be aware that recent construction might occasionally impact the scenic outlook, so consider checking for updates or choosing your seating wisely.
Value (4.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 15% of the guests
When it comes to value, many guests found the prices quite agreeable, often mentioning reasonable price and comfortable prices, especially appreciating deals on small plates during happy hour. With 5 positive remarks out of 12 discussions, the sentiment leans towards average, reflected in a score of 4.8. However, not everyone felt they got their money's worth.
With 6 negative comments, some experiences highlighted issues with full price expectations and confusion around vouchers, leading to frustration over the overall price and perceived value. This mixed bag is reflected in a customer satisfaction of 41.7%, indicating some guests left feeling disappointed.
Value
12
Reviews
41%
Satisfaction
6
negative
1
neutral
5
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable pricing
- Happy hour savings
- Small plates deals
What people don't like
- Voucher confusion
- Full price surprises
- Subpar food value
Often praised
- pricesThe prices were good too
- reasonable pricereasonable price
- small platesMy experience at the restaurant during happy hour was excellent. I enjoyed the special offer of $3 off small plates. I highly recommend trying the fish tacos and the Kung Pao wings; you won’t be disappointed!
Frequently criticized
- vouchersFinished eating went to pay with vouchers. We’re told the vouchers covered some sort of meal off menu. Said we had to pay full price.
- full pricefull price!
- priceThe place was empty, and despite being the only table, the service from Sam was dull and didn't enhance our experience. The food was sub par for the price, making it an unsatisfactory visit.
- valueFelt like we were less valuable because we weren't drinking
- wasting $50I wasted $50 on leaving food at the table
If youre looking for a good deal, especially during happy hour or for small plates, you might find some value here. However, be cautious with vouchers and be prepared for potentially inconsistent experiences regarding the overall price, as its a bit of a mixed bag.
How are the prices at GlassDoor?
You’re looking at roughly $28 per person – reported by 30 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Mexican Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average hovers around $28, the data shows a good mix of spending, with many guests spending between $11–$30, and a few opting for a more premium experience.
This chart shows what people usually spend per person, using the 30 most recent reviews.
Heres how this restaurants value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Diego.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Mexican Restaurant, especially considering the variety of spending options available to guests. It seems like you can tailor your experience to your budget here.
Customer Reviews: what people think about GlassDoor
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Alarmingly Awesome Vibes and Food!
My experience at this restaurant was alarmingly awesome. We came here fresh off the flight for a 3-day trip and were immediately impressed by the vibes. The service was amazing, and the food was even better.
I want to give a special shout out to Mr. 4th Letter (D) and Clayton for their excellent contributions. I highly recommend not sleeping on this gem in Little Italy.
- vibes10
- service10
- food10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Amazing Service from D!
My experience at the restaurant was AMAZING! The fourth letter of the alphabet, D, provided top tier customer service and made our drinks. It was a truly wonderful experience.
- customer service10
- drinks9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Delicious Wings and Great Atmosphere!
My experience at the restaurant was very positive. The staff were very friendly when attending to us. The atmosphere was good, and the view was nice.
The prices were comfortable, and the wings were delicious and large – highly recommended.
- staff10
- atmosphere9
- view9
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Best Bar Experience Ever!
My experience at this restaurant was exceptional. The bartender D was incredibly enthusiastic and entertaining, crafting specially made drinks that tasted great. The people at this place were very easy-going and nice, attending to us immediately.
Our food and drinks were amazing.
- bartender D10
- specially made drinks9
- people9
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Excellent Drinks and Service!
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic! The drinks were great and highly recommended. I also want to give a special shout-out to Dee for the excellent hospitality; he truly took care of us.
My man and I highly recommend this place.
- drinks9
- hospitality10
- Dee10
What GlassDoor offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Transgender safespace
- Tourists
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Family-friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Parking
- Paid parking lot
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of dining experience and atmosphere can you expect at GlassDoor Restaurant in Little Italy?
At GlassDoor Restaurant, you can look forward to a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere perfect for any meal. Enjoy breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, or dessert with table service. Highlights include exciting sports viewing, relaxing rooftop seating, and a warm fireplace, ensuring a memorable visit in San Diego’s Little Italy.
What beverage options and accessibility features are available at GlassDoor Restaurant?
GlassDoor Restaurant offers a wide selection of beverages, including hard liquor, wine, beer, and creative cocktails, alongside coffee. You can also enjoy happy hour drinks and food. For accessibility, the restaurant provides a wheelchair-accessible entrance, parking lot, seating, and restroom, ensuring comfort for all guests.
What is the overall rating for GlassDoor and its key aspects?
GlassDoor holds a solid **7.8** out of 10, with **Service** scoring **8.4**, **Ambience** at **7.9**, and **Food** at **7.4**. However, **Value** received an average **4.8**.
What makes the service at GlassDoor stand out?
Many guests praise the **bartender** staff, highlighting their **amazing customer service** and **hospitality**. Specific mentions include “D with the dreads” and “Reina” for their attentive and friendly approach.
Are there any common issues visitors experience at GlassDoor?
Some visitors have noted **obstructed views** due to nearby construction, and there are occasional reports of **inconsistent service** or issues with **value**, such as vouchers not being honored.