Highlights
- Sports
- Rooftop seating
- Great beer selection
oChef » Key and Cleaver – San Diego
Key and Cleaver - San Diego
Photo from Key and Cleaver
Key and Cleaver at a glance
San Diego Mid-City
- 🍽️ Restaurant
€€
Price per Person 21 – 30 €
mentioned by 112 of the guests
#22 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#5 Restaurant out of 87 in San Diego
Excellent
9.1 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
750
Reviews
95.7%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Exceptional food
- Great service
Frequently criticized
- Parking issues
- AC problems
The restaurant Key and Cleaver in San Diego’s Mid-City neighborhood offers you a dynamic dining experience. You’ll find a lively spot perfect for catching a game, complete with fantastic rooftop seating where you can enjoy the San Diego sky.
This trendy yet casual restaurant is known for its great beer selection and welcoming atmosphere.
Overview: Introducting Key and Cleaver
Key and Cleaver offers a delightful dining experience, often praised for its exceptional service and inviting atmosphere. Guests frequently highlight the warm, neighborhood pub feel, making it a comfortable spot to unwind.
While the overall experience is highly positive, some practical aspects like challenging parking and occasional AC issues have been noted. Despite these minor points, the establishment maintains a strong reputation for its welcoming vibe.
Excellent
9.1
out of 10
750
Reviews
95.7%
Satisfaction
19
negative
13
neutral
718
positive
Key and Cleaver earns an impressive Restaurant Score of 9.1, reflecting an overwhelmingly positive guest experience. This is further supported by an excellent Customer Satisfaction rate of 95.7%, indicating that nearly all patrons leave content.
These high marks are based on a substantial 750 customer observations, with 718 positive remarks against only 19 negative ones. The culinary offerings stand out, with Food scoring an excellent (9.2), particularly for its highly-regarded burgers and unique fries.
Service also shines with an excellent (9.4), consistently described as attentive and friendly. The Ambience is rated good (8.6), offering a cozy and clean setting, while Value is also considered good (8), especially for its happy hour and reasonably priced, ethically sourced options.
What people like
- Exceptional burgers, fries
- Attentive, friendly service
- Inviting atmosphere
What people don't like
- Difficult parking
- Inconsistent AC
- Early closing time
For those seeking a reliable spot with standout burgers and genuinely friendly service, Key and Cleaver is a strong contender. Its inviting atmosphere and thoughtful menu make it a place worth considering for a casual meal or a relaxed evening out.
With a high Recommendation Score of 9.3, this establishment clearly leaves a lasting positive impression. While you might need to plan for parking, the overall experience suggests a visit is likely to be a rewarding one.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Key and Cleaver
Food (9.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 99% of the guests
When it comes to the food here, youre in for a treat! With an excellent score of 9.2 and a fantastic 96.1% customer satisfaction, its clear why so many rave about the culinary offerings. Based on 440 positive remarks out of 458 total, guests consistently praise the delicious burgers, homemade rosemary fries, and fantastic cocktails, often highlighting the local ingredients and overall food quality.
However, a tiny handful of 7 negative comments suggest theres occasional room for improvement. Some found the burgers to be salty & dry, while others noted rosemary potato fries could be overly salty or that a double smash burger had burned meat. A daiquiri was also described as very bitter.
'
Food
458
Reviews
96%
Satisfaction
7
negative
11
neutral
440
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious, juicy burgers
- Amazing rosemary fries
- Creative, quality drinks
What people don't like
- Burgers sometimes dry
- Fries can be salty
- Occasional burned meat
Often praised
- burgersI don't post often and rarely do I rave about burgers, but Hot damn y'all, check out Key and Cleaver by University and Euclid at your earliest opportunity. These burgers are right up there with The Balboa's and Rocky's burgers, thick juicy meat that has real flavor. Never even heard of this place and it was a sorta random choice when we noticed it on Google for the first time yesterday despite being just like a mile away, but we were blown away by the food, the service, and that they have a beautiful bar/dining room and a lovely open-air rooftop patio.
- friesI discovered this spot through my brother and I'm so excited I finally found a good burger in San Diego. The burgers are excellent, and the fries are so different – a cross between a chip and a fry, and so good. The drinks are yummmm.
- foodThese burgers are right up there with The Balboa's and Rocky's burgers, thick juicy meat that has real flavor. Never even heard of this place and it was a sorta random choice when we noticed it on Google for the first time yesterday despite being just like a mile away, but we were blown away by the food, the service, and that they have a beautiful bar/dining room and a lovely open-air rooftop patio. Prices are reasonable at $16 for a bacon cheeseburger and fries* (see about the fries below holy crap).
- burgerThe fries were unique, managing to be both crispy and creamy. Honestly, this is the best burger in SD, and I've been here over five years. As Arnold would say, "I'll be back!
- drinksOur group of four had a fantastic experience at Key & Cleaver this past Monday evening. We enjoyed delicious burgers, crisp fries, and creative drinks. Chris, one of the owners, provided excellent service, taking our drink order and offering details on the craft cocktails and beers on draft.
- cocktailsThis is a locally owned biz with a super chill and always friendly service. They offer bomb burgers and unique homemade fries, along with clean beer taps and fire cocktails. The atmosphere is great for watching Padres games on their large TVs with A/C.
- FoodMy experience at this restaurant has been consistently positive. I've been multiple times and they have yet to disappoint. They locally source many of their ingredients, which is a great touch.
- rosemary friesespecially enjoyed the signature fresh rosemary fries cut like chips
- wingsMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed an awesome burger, specifically the black and bleu, along with great wings and fun fries. The selection of draft beers was extensive.
- beer selectionMy experience at this restaurant was super awesome! The staff was super friendly, and they have a great beer selection. The burgers were amazing, and the fries were just right.
Frequently criticized
- beef pattiesThe beef patties are dry
- buffalo saucebuffalo sauce on blue cheese burger feels unnecessary
- burgersburgers but it's too salty & dry
- daiquirinot my "daiquiri "...very bitter
- double smash burgerThe double smash burger has burned meat
- food qualitythe food is mediocre
- rosemary potato friesrosemary potato fries, while plentiful, have lots of salt
If youre looking for a spot with truly standout burgers and fries, this place is definitely worth a visit. While a few minor hiccups like occasional dryness or saltiness might occur, the overwhelming consensus points to a delicious and high-quality dining experience that you wont want to miss.
Service (9.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 80% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot truly shines! With an impressive score of 9.4 and a stellar customer satisfaction rate of 97.3%, its clear guests are consistently delighted. Out of 147 total remarks, a whopping 143 praise the "friendly staff, " "attentive staff, " and the "owners exceptional hospitality, making every visit feel welcoming and special.
However, it's not entirely without a tiny hiccup. Just 3 comments out of 147 pointed to a guy bartender who was perceived as not attentive or not nice. " While these are isolated incidents, its worth noting that even in such a highly-rated environment, theres always a sliver of room for every team member to maintain that excellent standard.
Service
147
Reviews
97%
Satisfaction
3
negative
1
neutral
143
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Owners' hospitality
- Excellent service
What people don't like
- Inattentive bartender
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was truly exceptional. The food was excellent, matched by an equally excellent atmosphere and excellent service. It felt like visiting a neighborhood pub in a small town, where everyone, from the staff to fellow guests, was incredibly kind.
- staffNo matter what I order, it comes out just right. The service is quick without ever feeling rushed, and the staff is so welcoming that it feels like visiting friends every time I stop in. Their drinks are also top notch.
- ownersI'm so happy he did; it was a Bavarian Burger Wurst with a sort of Oktoberfest theme. The owners seemed heavily involved with the community, and Jordan seemed delighted to be serving here. I plan to come back and would even recommend this spot to a friend looking for a quick bite and a relaxing drink!
- ServiceMy experience at this restaurant has been consistently positive. I've been multiple times and they have yet to disappoint. They locally source many of their ingredients, which is a great touch.
- ownerWarmly greeted by Chris, the owner. Made to feel welcome
- ChrisDidn't even need dipping sauces, since they were properly dressed with flaky salt and rosemary- but their garlic aioli slaps super hard too. Chris was super nice and welcoming and informative making good recommendations, and made these tasty drinks. The bloody Mary was decent albeit not very exciting, but the spicy margarita was DELICIOUS (And actually spicy 🔥) and drinks were reasonably priced around $10.
- JenniferThank goodness for Jennifer who took my order & took care of my drinks
- customer servicegreat customer service
- JordanI'm so happy he did; it was a Bavarian Burger Wurst with a sort of Oktoberfest theme. The owners seemed heavily involved with the community, and Jordan seemed delighted to be serving here. I plan to come back and would even recommend this spot to a friend looking for a quick bite and a relaxing drink!
- awesome serviceMike was really awesome last time we were there
Frequently criticized
- bartenderthe bartender that wasn’t supper attentive
- excellent quality serviceGuy bartender can use a training on how to provide excellent quality service
- guy bartenderguy bartender was not nice towards me & ignore me
If top-notch service is a priority for you, this place is absolutely worth checking out. You can expect a warm welcome and attentive care from the staff and owners, making for a consistently pleasant experience. Don't let a couple of isolated comments deter you from what is overwhelmingly praised as excellent service.
Ambience (8.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 66% of the guests
Stepping into this spot, youre greeted by an atmosphere that truly shines, reflected in its 8.6 score and an excellent 93.3% customer satisfaction. With 126 positive remarks, guests consistently rave about the vibe, atmosphere, and fantastic rooftop options. Its a welcoming environment thats often described as a neighborhood gem, even being dog-friendly for your furry pals.
However, out of 135 total comments, 8 did mention a few minor snags. The most frequent concern was parking, with guests noting it can be quite tough to find. A couple of experiences also pointed to AC issues or an early bar closing time' on weekends, but these seem to be isolated instances.
Ambience
135
Reviews
93%
Satisfaction
8
negative
1
neutral
126
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Rooftop space
- Great vibe
- Dog-friendly
What people don't like
- Difficult parking
- AC issues
- Early closing
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at this restaurant was truly exceptional. The food was excellent, matched by an equally excellent atmosphere and excellent service. It felt like visiting a neighborhood pub in a small town, where everyone, from the staff to fellow guests, was incredibly kind.
- AtmosphereMy experience at this restaurant has been consistently positive. I've been multiple times and they have yet to disappoint. They locally source many of their ingredients, which is a great touch.
- placelovely and fun place to visit
- vibe" The fries were also excellent. The people, service, and vibe were all amazing. We're so happy to have found such a great place so close to home!
- rooftopWe took our food to go and were so impressed. We will definitely be back for the rooftop and more fries and beer!
- ambiancethe cozy ambiance
- cleanlinessThe place was so Clean and Fresh
- hidden geman absolute hidden gem for the neighborhood
- musicmusic is top notch
- restaurantnever had a bad experience with the restaurant
Frequently criticized
- parkingHeads up, parking in the area is super rough and you might need to walk a little further away from the bar to get picked up by rideshare, but it’s worth a stop! I promise you, it’s the best place for drinks and a quick bite.
- ACthe AC didn't appear to be working
- bar closing timeit closes at 10pm on weekends which is early
- insideit was a little hot inside
If youre seeking a vibrant spot with a fantastic rooftop and a welcoming, dog-friendly atmosphere, this place is a must-visit. Just be prepared for potential street parking challenges, and youre set for a great time.
Value (8 out of 10)
mentioned by 6% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot truly shines, boasting a good score of 8 and an excellent customer satisfaction rating of 90%. Many patrons rave about the fantastic happy hour deals on drinks and the overall reasonable prices, especially for a local establishment committed to quality. Out of 10 customer remarks, 9 were glowing about the value.
However, not everyone finds it perfectly priced. One remark out of 10 mentioned the overall price being a little high for a specific order, suggesting that while the quality is there, some might find the total bill a bit steep depending on what they order.
Value
10
Reviews
90%
Satisfaction
1
negative
0
neutral
9
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Excellent happy hour
- Reasonable quality prices
- Supports local farms
What people don't like
- Can be pricey
Often praised
- happy hourThe fact that they ask how you want your burger cooked is a great sign they source good meat, in this case, from perennial pastures in Julian. They also have great beers on tap, and their happy hour is legit. It's a relatively new local establishment, celebrating its first year last month.
- Happy Houralso great for Happy Hour
- PricesNever even heard of this place and it was a sorta random choice when we noticed it on Google for the first time yesterday despite being just like a mile away, but we were blown away by the food, the service, and that they have a beautiful bar/dining room and a lovely open-air rooftop patio. Prices are reasonable at $16 for a bacon cheeseburger and fries* (see about the fries below holy crap). A very important thing to note is that the beef is all from grass fed cattle, sourced locally from farms around Julian- which at $16 makes this probably one of the cheapest ethically sourced burgers in SD.
- drinksChris was super nice and welcoming and informative making good recommendations, and made these tasty drinks. The bloody Mary was decent albeit not very exciting, but the spicy margarita was DELICIOUS (And actually spicy 🔥) and drinks were reasonably priced around $10. Definitely go support this place.
- local establishmentssupport local establishments
- pricesthe prices make it so you can really have an evening
- tippingtipping is well deserved
Frequently criticized
- priceA little pricey...2 hamburgers 1 beer and 1 drink $50.00
If you're looking for great deals, especially during happy hour, and appreciate ethically sourced food at reasonable prices, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful that a full meal might add up, but the quality often justifies it.
How are the prices at Key and Cleaver?
You’re looking at roughly 23 per person – reported by 112 diners. That puts it in the 21 – 30 € category. For a Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most diners spend between 11 – 30 €, showing prices cluster nicely around the average, though a few folks do splurge a bit more.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 112 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Diego.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Restaurant, especially with most diners opting for the mid-range options. It seems like a solid value!
Customer Reviews: what people think about Key and Cleaver
Price per Person
- 11 - 20 €
Service Intent
- Regular Visit
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
My Favorite Food Spot!
I look forward to coming here every single time. I’ve never had a bad experience with the food, staff, or restaurant. The sweet owners have never failed to welcome me in and create such a happy environment.
They by far have been my favorite food spot to go to in San Diego.
- food10
- staff10
- restaurant10
Price per Person
- 11 - 20 €
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
10
Best Burger and Fries Ever!
TL; DR eat here. I don’t say this lightly: this place delivered the best burger and fries I’ve ever tasted in my life. From the first bite, I knew it was on a whole different level.
The cranberry and Brie burger was perfectly cooked — juicy, flavorful, and seasoned just right — with toppings that actually complemented the meat instead of drowning it out. The bun held everything together without getting soggy, which is a small miracle in itself. And the fries?
Absolute perfection. Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, with the kind of fresh-from-the-fryer taste that lets you know they actually care about what they’re serving. I could’ve eaten another whole order by myself.
The quality, the flavors, and the attention to detail made the whole meal feel like something special. If you’re looking for a place that gets the basics right but also delivers that unforgettable, crave-it-the-next-day experience — this is it. I’ll definitely be coming back.
Honestly, I’m already thinking about my next order. 🍔🍟
- burger10
- cranberry and Brie burger10
- fries10
Service Intent
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Great food and dog-friendly!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The food was excellent, and the staff were extremely friendly. A major bonus was being able to bring our dog along for dinner.
- food10
- staff10
- dog9
Price per Person
- 11 - 20 €
Service Intent
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Large Group
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Best Veggie Burger & Local Brews
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I had the best veggie burger in town, which was cooked perfectly with high-quality ingredients. The rosemary salted fries were next level, and I appreciated the option of tallow fries.
They also have a great local beer selection. It's an awesome place to stop by for community activities like bar trivia or watching a game with the crew. The vegetarian options are clearly labeled, and the veggie burger itself is highly recommended for vegetarians.
- veggie burger10
- rosemary salted fries9
- tallow fries7
Price per Person
- 21 - 30 €
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Almost Perfect Dining Experience!
My experience at this restaurant was almost as perfect as my crush. I had no complaints about the food, the atmosphere, or the hospitality. It's no wonder this place has such a high rating.
- food10
- atmosphere10
- hospitality10
What Key and Cleaver offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Transgender safespace
- Tourists
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Family-friendly
- Groups
- College students
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Free Wi-Fi
- Restroom
Offerings
- Vegan options
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Beer
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Organic dishes
- Vegetarian options
- Private dining room
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Free street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
Is Key and Cleaver accessible for all guests?
Yes, Key and Cleaver in San Diego ensures a comfortable visit for everyone. You’ll find a wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restroom, making it easy for you to enjoy your time.
What kind of dining options and beverages can you expect at Key and Cleaver?
At Key and Cleaver, you can enjoy a wide range of dining options including brunch, lunch, and dinner with table service. You’ll also find a great selection of beer, wine, cocktails, and hard liquor, plus happy hour specials.
How does Key and Cleaver perform overall according to customer feedback?
Key and Cleaver receives an excellent overall score of 9.1. This is largely driven by outstanding Food (9.2) and Service (9.4), complemented by a good Ambience (8.6) and solid Value (8).
What are the most praised menu items at Key and Cleaver?
Customers consistently rave about the `burgers`, often described as flavorful and high-quality. The unique `fries` and creative `drinks`, including `cocktails` and a good `beer selection`, also receive frequent positive mentions.
Are there any common practical concerns when visiting Key and Cleaver?
While the experience is largely positive, some guests have noted that `parking` in the area can be challenging. There have also been occasional comments about the `AC` not always working effectively and the `bar closing time` being earlier than some might prefer.