Highlights
- Sports
- Great beer selection
oChef » Shake – San Diego
Shake - San Diego
Photo from Shake
Shake at a glance
San Diego Core-Columbia
- 🍔 American Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 18 of the guests
#516 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#19 American Restaurant out of 24 in San Diego
Good
6.7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
120
Reviews
68.3%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Good food
- Great service
Frequently criticized
- High prices
- Slow service
The American restaurant Shake in San Diego’s vibrant Core-Columbia neighborhood offers a fantastic spot where you can catch all the sports action. This casual and trendy establishment is perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed meal, providing a welcoming atmosphere whether you’re dining in or grabbing takeout.
You’ll find yourself immersed in a lively setting, enjoying great food and company.
Overview: Introducting Shake
Shake offers a mixed experience, where the culinary offerings often hit the mark, providing enjoyable meals. Many guests appreciate the attentive staff and the overall pleasant dining experience, especially with the added touch of live music on certain evenings.
However, some aspects could use refinement. While the atmosphere can be quite chic, it sometimes feels a bit stark or generic, and the value proposition, particularly for drinks, has been a point of concern for some patrons.
Good
6.7
out of 10
120
Reviews
68.3%
Satisfaction
29
negative
9
neutral
82
positive
Shake earns a respectable overall score of 6.7, placing it in the good range, and boasts a solid Customer Satisfaction of 68.3%, indicating a generally positive reception. This is based on 120 customer observations, with 82 positive remarks outweighing 29 negative ones, suggesting more hits than misses.
Delving deeper, the Food (7.2) stands out as a strong point, often praised for its quality. Service (6.5) also performs well, with many appreciating the attentive staff.
The Ambience (6.2) is considered average, offering a pleasant but sometimes uninspired setting. The primary area for improvement appears to be Value (3.5), which falls into the poor category, suggesting pricing might not always align with expectations.
What people like
- Enjoyable food quality
- Attentive, friendly service
- Relaxing live music
What people don't like
- High drink prices
- Generic atmosphere
- Slow service timeliness
Shake presents a compelling option if you prioritize good food and attentive service, especially when seeking a relaxed dining experience with live music. It’s a place where the culinary execution and staff efforts genuinely shine through, making for an enjoyable visit.
However, be mindful of the pricing, particularly for beverages, as it can be a significant drawback for some. If value is your top concern, you might find it a bit steep, but with a Recommendation Score of 6.8, it’s generally considered a worthwhile stop for its strengths.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Shake
Food (7.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 88% of the guests
Alright, lets talk food! Overall, the culinary experience here seems pretty solid, landing a 7.2 score, which is definitely in the good range. Customer satisfaction is also quite high at 77.6%, indicating most diners leave happy.
With 52 positive comments out of 67 total, many guests raved about delicious items like the Shamrock drink, amazing chicken and biscuits, and fantastic seared ahi and jasmine rice. The XL pretzel and horchata pancakes also earned high praise! However, its not all perfect, with 11 negative opinions pointing to some areas for improvement.
Some found the scrambled eggs overcooked, buttermilk pancakes lacking flavor, and a few burgers tasting like they were previously frozen. There were also mentions of mediocre Carne Asada. So, while many dishes shine, a few seem to miss the mark.
Food
67
Reviews
77%
Satisfaction
11
negative
4
neutral
52
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious Shamrock drink
- Amazing chicken biscuits
- Fantastic seared ahi
What people don't like
- Overcooked scrambled eggs
- Bad buttermilk pancakes
- Mediocre, frozen burger
Often praised
- foodIn the evening, John and Brittany were also awesome. My girlfriend and I enjoyed everything we ate during both visits. I would definitely recommend this place, even if you're not staying at the Marriot/Pulse.
- FoodFood:5
- drinksThe drinks he prepared for us were great
- Ahi tuna sandwichAhi tuna sandwich are fire
- American breakfast fareAmerican breakfast fare
- Beef Short Ribs with polentaOrdered the Beef Short Ribs with polenta.
- Breakfast SandwichI recommend Swami’s a block away instead. The Breakfast Sandwich is good. However, the scrambled eggs are overcooked and possibly prepared in advance.
- Brussels sproutsThey kindly added a small size of the Brussels sprouts.
- Caprese saladpaired well with their Caprese salad
- Carne Asade tacoas well as the Carne Asade taco
Frequently criticized
- burgerI had a burger and I can only assume it was previously frozen.
- foodComida mediocre que puede caerte muy mal
- Brussel sproutsthe Brussel sprouts were way overrated
- Carne Asadathe Carne Asada was more like ground beef.
- Fish and chipsfish and chips (microwaved)
- buttermilk pancakesbuttermilk pancakes have zero buttermilk flavor and taste like a bad mix
- drinksthey never brought our drinks
- happy hour special drinkthe happy hour special drink was weak tasting
- scrambled eggsThe Breakfast Sandwich is good. However, the scrambled eggs are overcooked and possibly prepared in advance. The buttermilk pancakes have zero buttermilk flavor and taste like a bad mix.
If youre looking for a generally good meal with some standout dishes, this place is worth a try. While many items receive high marks, be mindful that a few breakfast staples and certain burger options might not hit the spot. Overall, youll likely find something satisfying, especially if you stick to the more acclaimed items.
Service (6.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 76% of the guests
It seems the team here often hits the mark, with 19 positive comments highlighting their friendly staff and attentive servers. Many guests praised individuals like Laura for excellent recommendations and making their night, even noting thoughtful touches like a warmed dinner plate. With a customer satisfaction of 63.3%, its clear many felt well-treated.
However, theres definitely room for improvement, as 9 negative opinions pointed to issues with service timeliness and feeling ignored. Some found the service cold and slow, with staff occasionally overwhelmed, leading to a feeling of disappointment. The overall score of 6.5 reflects this mixed bag, suggesting consistency could be better.
Service
30
Reviews
63%
Satisfaction
9
negative
2
neutral
19
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Personalized recommendations
- Thoughtful service touches
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Inattentive service
- Overwhelmed staff
Often praised
- staffThe staff is friendly and attentive.
- serviceAlicia was our attendant and she was excellent
- LauraLaura waited on us. Our entire meal down to what we drank was her recommendation
- serverMy experience was a great stop for a quick dinner before the symphony. The service timeliness could improve markedly, but our server was attentive. When I reminded him that we had a show to attend in 45 minutes (after already waiting 45!), he made it all happen.
- ServiceService:5
- bartenderLaura, the bartender made our night
- server, VernonThe French Rosé I tried was excellent and paired perfectly with their Caprese salad. Our server, Vernon, was fantastic. I would definitely eat here again.
- serversfriendly servers
- waitstaffthe waitstaff were very accommodating
- warmed my dinner plateAND they warmed my dinner plate!
Frequently criticized
- serviceThe atmosphere was not friendly and offered no fun. To add to the disappointment, the service was poor, leaving me feeling patronized and ignored. For the privilege of this experience, the price was extremely high.
- food preparationfood took a while (~30min+) to prepare
- late check outI asked for a late check out because I’m an an elite . That never happened.
- service timelinessThe service timeliness could improve markedly
- staffstaff was totally overwhelmed with customers and unable to provide service
- table serviceNo table service except for bringing your order
Service here is a bit of a mixed bag; you might encounter a fantastic, attentive server or experience some frustrating delays. If you're not in a rush and appreciate a friendly face, it could be a pleasant visit, but be prepared for potential inconsistencies.
Ambience (6.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 52% of the guests
Stepping into this spot, many guests really appreciate the pretty and chic decor, often highlighting the well-maintained restaurant/bar area. The live music on weekend nights, complete with nice songs, frequently creates an awesome atmosphere and a relaxing dining experience, garnering 10 positive remarks out of 17 total observations. However, the ambience isn't universally loved, with 5 negative comments.
Some felt the atmosphere was a bit stark or the venue was blah and echoey loud, leading to a feeling that it was not inviting. This contributes to an overall score of 6.2, indicating an average experience, and a customer satisfaction of 58.8%, which is quite mixed.
Ambience
17
Reviews
58%
Satisfaction
5
negative
2
neutral
10
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Pretty, chic decor
- Enjoy live music
- Very convenient
What people don't like
- Stark atmosphere
- Venue is blah
- Echoey and loud
Often praised
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- atmospherean awesome atmosphere
- convenientThe best part was that we could valet the car, go to the 12th floor, eat, and come down the other elevator to walk directly into the symphony. Very convenient!
- dining experienceMy experience at this restaurant was a relaxing dining experience with nice songs. The live music on Friday and Saturday night added a great vibe.
- live musicLive music on Friday and Saturday night.
- pretty and chicrestaurant is very pretty and chic
- restaurant/bar areaThe staff is friendly and attentive. The restaurant/bar area is very well maintained and clean, but the atmosphere is a bit stark and the architecture is generic Marriott; it could be anywhere. I had the Chicken Pesto flatbread, which had a reasonable amount of chicken and a nice flavor.
- songsMy experience at this restaurant was a relaxing dining experience with nice songs. The live music on Friday and Saturday night added a great vibe.
- weekend nightI found the food excellent and the servers were friendly. It's a great place to enjoy your weekend night.
Frequently criticized
- atmospherethe atmosphere is a bit stark
- bar and loungeNot a real bar and lounge anyway
- venueThe venue is rather blah, boring, and echoey loud
The ambience here is a bit of a mixed bag. If you're looking for a pretty and chic spot with live music on a weekend night, especially for convenience before an event, it could be a good fit. However, if you prefer a truly vibrant and intimate atmosphere, you might find it a bit stark or blah.
Value (3.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 24% of the guests
When it comes to value, theres a small glimmer of hope amidst a generally challenging picture. While the overall value here is certainly a mixed bag, with customer satisfaction at a low 16.7% and a poor score of 3.5, theres a small bright spot. Based on 6 comments, with 1 positive, some guests did appreciate the happy hour offerings, finding them to be a nice deal on beer , wine , and well drinks .
However, the overwhelming sentiment, with 4 negative comments, points to significant concerns about price . Many felt that everything was waaayyyyy too expensive , describing the overall drinks price as insane and a joke for what you get. It seems the general consensus is that you're paying $$$$$ for the privilege.
Value
6
Reviews
16%
Satisfaction
4
negative
1
neutral
1
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Nice happy hour
What people don't like
- High prices
- Expensive drinks
- Poor overall value
Often praised
- happy hournice happy hour on beer, wine, and well drinks
Frequently criticized
- double vodka sprite$19 for a double vodka sprite one day, $30 the next? What a joke
- drinks pricewaaayyyyy too expensive, it’s insane.
- everythingeverything was extremely expensive for what they were
- price$$$$$ for the privilege
If you're looking for great value, this might not be your spot, as prices are a major concern for many. However, if you can hit their happy hour for drinks, you might find a small window of affordability. Otherwise, be prepared for a potentially expensive experience.
How are the prices at Shake?
You’re looking at roughly 31 per person – reported by 18 diners. That puts it in the $31–$40 category. For an American Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average is 31 $, it’s interesting to see that most guests actually spend a bit less, typically in the 11 – 30 $ range. A few higher spenders pull that average up, suggesting there are options for both budget-conscious and more indulgent meals.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 18 reviews.
Compare this restaurant’s value for money against similar places in San Diego.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for an American Restaurant. With a good mix of price points, it seems like you can find good value here, whether you’re looking for a casual bite or something a bit more special.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Shake
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Noise Level
- Quiet
3
Mediocre Breakfast, Better Options Nearby
My breakfast experience was mediocre at best. I recommend Swami’s a block away instead. The Breakfast Sandwich is good.
However, the scrambled eggs are overcooked and possibly prepared in advance. The buttermilk pancakes have zero buttermilk flavor and taste like a bad mix. We experienced no table service except for bringing our order, this was at 11: 00 am.
- Breakfast Sandwich7
- scrambled eggs3
- buttermilk pancakes2
- table service2
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
3
Mediocre Food, Good Server
My experience at this restaurant was disappointing. The food was mediocre and could potentially cause stomach issues. However, the drinks were okay, and Laura, our server/bartender, was a good server.
The atmosphere was a major letdown.
- drinks5
- server8
- food2
- atmosphere1
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Fantastic Night with Great Food and Service
My experience at Shake was great! Laura, the bartender, truly made our night. She was pleasant, had the best personality, and made a great Cosmo 😉.
The food was also very, very tasty 😋.
- Cosmo9
- food10
- Laura10
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Inconsistent Experience, Avoid Food
My experience at this restaurant was quite disappointing, particularly regarding the food and pricing. The price for a double vodka sprite fluctuated drastically, costing $19 one day and $30 the next, which felt like a joke. The best item on the menu seemed to be the XL Pretzel.
However, the Fish and Chips were microwaved, and the burger was served raw and cold. We ended up going to other restaurants, including an Italian place a block away. While I might return to the area, I will never eat here again.
- XL Pretzel7
- double vodka sprite2
- Fish and chips2
- burger1
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Exceptional Staff and Delicious Short Ribs!
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic! The staff were great, and they went above and beyond. I ordered the Beef Short Ribs with polenta, and they were delicious.
They even kindly added a small size of the Brussels sprouts. What truly impressed me was that they warmed my dinner plate! Thank you!
The Demi glaze was dynamite!
- staff10
- Beef Short Ribs with polenta10
- Brussels sprouts8
What Shake offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Children
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Late-night food
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Parking
- Paid parking lot
- Paid parking garage
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
Is Shake Bar & Lounge accessible and what are the parking options?
Yes, Shake is fully wheelchair accessible, including the entrance, parking lot, seating, and restrooms. For parking, you’ll usually find plenty of options with both paid parking lots and paid parking garages available nearby, making your visit convenient.
What kind of food and drink can you expect at Shake Bar & Lounge, and when can you dine?
At Shake, you can enjoy a diverse menu including quick bites, small plates, and late-night food. The bar offers a great selection of beer, wine, hard liquor, and cocktails, with happy hour specials. You can visit for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, with table service and dessert available.
What are the standout features of Shake's dining experience?
Customers frequently highlight the enjoyable food and the attentive, friendly staff. The presence of live music on Friday and Saturday nights also contributes to a relaxing dining experience.
How does Shake perform across different aspects?
Shake has an overall score of 6.7. Its Food (7.2) and Service (6.5) are generally well-regarded, while the Ambience (6.2) is considered average. Value (3.5) is noted as an area needing improvement due to pricing concerns.
Are there any common complaints about Shake?
Some patrons have expressed concerns about the high prices, especially for drinks, and occasionally find the atmosphere a bit stark. There have also been mentions of service timeliness needing improvement at times.