Highlights
- Live music
- Sports
- Rooftop seating
- Fireplace
- Great beer selection
oChef » Sky Deck – San Diego
Sky Deck - San Diego
Photo from Sky Deck
Sky Deck at a glance
San Diego Del Mar Heights
- 🍽️ Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 69 of the guests
#360 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#54 Restaurant out of 87 in San Diego
Good
7.4 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
426
Reviews
76.8%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Diverse cuisine
- Lively setting
- Good service
Frequently criticized
- High prices
- Noisy environment
- Service issues
The restaurant Sky Deck at Del Mar Highlands Town Center offers you a truly unique dining experience in San Diego’s vibrant Del Mar Heights neighborhood. This trendy restaurant invites you to enjoy its lively atmosphere, highlighted by fantastic rooftop seating.
It’s a perfect spot for a casual outing where you can soak in the views and enjoy a memorable meal.
Overview: Introducting Sky Deck
Sky Deck offers a vibrant setting with diverse culinary choices, making it a lively spot for gatherings. Guests often praise the varied food options and the overall concept of the space, contributing to its engaging atmosphere.
However, some visitors find the experience can be overpriced, and the service occasionally falls short, particularly during busy times. The lively atmosphere, while a draw, can also get quite loud, which might not suit all preferences.
Good
7.4
out of 10
426
Reviews
76.8%
Satisfaction
71
negative
28
neutral
327
positive
Sky Deck generally earns a solid reception, reflected in its Restaurant Score of 7.4 and Customer Satisfaction at 76.8%. This indicates a largely positive experience for many, with a good balance of feedback.
Out of 426 customer remarks, 327 were positive, while 71 expressed concerns, suggesting a generally favorable view. Diving deeper, the Food (7.8) and Ambience (7.7) stand out as clear strengths, frequently earning praise for their quality and appeal.
Service (7) also performs well, though some experiences vary. The primary area for improvement appears to be Value (4), which receives a more mixed response from patrons.
What people like
- Diverse food options
- Vibrant, modern ambiance
- Attentive service
What people don't like
- Overpriced experience
- Loud, busy atmosphere
- Inconsistent service
Sky Deck presents a compelling concept with its varied culinary offerings and engaging atmosphere. With a Recommendation Score of 7.5, it’s certainly worth considering if you appreciate a lively setting and diverse dining choices.
However, be prepared for a potentially higher bill and a bustling environment that might not suit everyone. If you prioritize a vibrant social experience over quiet intimacy and are mindful of costs, Sky Deck could be a good fit for your next outing.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Sky Deck
Food (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 85% of the guests
When it comes to the food, youre in for a treat! With a good score of 7.8 and 82.3% customer satisfaction, the culinary offerings generally hit the mark. Many of the 144 positive comments rave about the impressive *variety of food*, *delicious and unique cocktails and dishes*, and even *large portions* that leave you satisfied.
Youll find plenty of *yummy sushi* and *delicious food options* to explore. However, its not all perfect, as 16 reports indicate some areas for improvement. A few diners found issues with *sushi portions* being too small, and some *ramen* dishes didnt quite live up to expectations, with concerns about *taste* and overall *food quality*.
While these are isolated incidents, they're worth noting.
Food
175
Reviews
82%
Satisfaction
16
negative
15
neutral
144
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Wide food variety
- Delicious dishes/drinks
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Small sushi portions
- Poor ramen quality
- Inconsistent taste
Often praised
- foodThis is a very cool place to go sit back, have a few beers, and eat several different kinds of food. You can go up and get your beer, then order from all the restaurants downstairs, and they will bring it to you.
- drinkswanna go chill & have some drinks with friend’s
- food optionsLots of food options tucked away into one spot
- Thai foodwe tried the Thai food Kiin at there, it’s delicious.
- cocktailsfavorite one for both cocktails
- food and drinksThe food and drinks are great
- restaurantsMy experience at this restaurant was at a really upscale place. It offers lots of restaurants to choose from, and the second floor features a beer deck. It's a good option for dates or business meet ups.
- FoodFood:5
- barThere are many restaurants to choose from, offering a wonderful dining experience with plenty of choices. The great bar and dessert spot ensures you won't be disappointed.
- breweriesThere's two breweries and a hard kombucha place
Frequently criticized
- The Sushi Restaurantthe sushi restaurant’s sushi was very very small
- broccoliniBroccolini is wayyy over cooked
- coconut shrimpMy coconut shrimp from the Thai place was cold and oily
- dietary optionsone of us has to follow the diet
- foodShe had her own food
- food qualityIt was way overpriced and the atmosphere was packed and loud. Honestly, the food really just wasn’t that great. We ended up there because it was the only place we could find that didn’t have at least an hour wait.
- porkThis included a 5% surcharge that was never mentioned when we sat down. The ramen itself was a glorified bowl of top ramen, and the pork was like chewing on a piece of rubber. I will never again return.
- ramenThe ramen looks like it is out of a can
- ramen bowlThe bowl of ramen was a glorified bowl of top ramen
- steakThe steak had very little flavor
If you're looking for a place with a wide array of delicious options and generally high satisfaction, this spot is definitely worth trying. Just be mindful that while most dishes impress, some specific items like ramen or sushi might occasionally fall short of perfection.
Service (7 out of 10)
mentioned by 35% of the guests
Service here generally hits a good note, scoring a solid 7, though customer satisfaction is a bit of a mixed bag at 65.4%. Many guests rave about the friendly staff and quick meal service, with some even highlighting superior customer service and great beverage recommendations. Based on 34 positive remarks out of 52 total comments, it seems many appreciate the efficient servers and the overall positive execution.
However, not everyone had a smooth experience. There were 14 negative comments pointing to areas needing improvement, such as slow service and issues with drink refills. Some found the QR code menu system problematic at times, and a few encountered unprofessional waiters or a rude hostess, suggesting some inconsistencies in the service delivery.
Service
52
Reviews
65%
Satisfaction
14
negative
4
neutral
34
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Quick, efficient service
- Great beverage recommendations
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Unprofessional staff
- Forgotten items
Often praised
- serviceMy experience was quite positive. The restaurant has a cute and very nice posh atmosphere that reminded me of Texas. The food was decent, and while the price was a bit on the higher side, it wasn't too much.
- ServiceService was top notch
- KellyBoochcraft Beertender Kelly is an absolute rockstar.
- QR codeQR code for downstairs delivery option was brilliant
- QR codesQR codes for the Restaurants below that will bring your food up to you
- barmenwonderful drinks and experiences with barmens
- beverage recommendationsshe provides great beverage recommendations
- delivery optionQR code for downstairs delivery option was brilliant
- executionGreat concept and execution too!
- friendlyeveryone was friendly
Frequently criticized
- serviceService was a little rough, as our server kept forgetting
- QR code menuI'm not sure if the QR code menu to order food to the brewery area stops working at a certain time, but the website didn’t load at all after 8 pm. This was the case even when I used the private wifi from one of the alcohol serving bars on the top floor.
- communication with hostesscommunication with hostess was awful
- dinner reservationnear impossible to get dinner here without a reservation
- drink refillsforgetting to bring things like drink refills
- food deliveriesThis was the case even when I used the private wifi from one of the alcohol serving bars on the top floor. If there’s a cut-off time, at least load the website and let potential customers know that food deliveries to the upstairs are done.
- hostessHostes at long bar was rude and unprofessional
- rudenessexperience rudness for your own money
- utensilsThe food was fantastic, earning a perfect score. However, the service was a little rough, as our server kept forgetting to bring things like utensils and drink refills. Despite the service hiccups, we still had a great time.
- waitersMy experience at this popular restaurant was surprisingly negative due to the service. The waiters were kind of unprofessional and rude. We had a dinner with 5 friends, and one of us has to follow a diet.
If youre looking for generally good service with a friendly vibe and quick turnaround, youll likely be pleased. Just be aware that some guests have experienced occasional hiccups with speed or specific staff interactions, so be prepared for a potentially mixed experience.
Ambience (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 88% of the guests
The ambience here truly shines, boasting a 7.7 score and a solid 82.8% customer satisfaction, indicating a largely positive experience for guests. With 144 positive remarks out of 174 total observations, many rave about the cool vibe, unique decor, and fantastic outdoor seating options like the Brewers Deck and fire pit areas. Guests love the lively atmosphere, often enhanced by great music and a dog friendly environment, making it a versatile spot for friends and groups.
However, not every visit is perfectly serene, as 24 negative comments highlight some challenges. While the energy is often appreciated, some found the space could get loud and busy, with concerns about the noise level and too loud music, especially given the open, warehouse-like structure. This can sometimes make conversation difficult, particularly during peak times.
Ambience
174
Reviews
82%
Satisfaction
24
negative
6
neutral
144
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cool, unique vibe
- Great decor
- Outdoor seating
What people don't like
- Can be loud
- High noise level
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience was quite positive. The restaurant has a cute and very nice posh atmosphere that reminded me of Texas. The food was decent, and while the price was a bit on the higher side, it wasn't too much.
- conceptGreat concept and execution too!
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- ambiancethe ambiance is nice
- locationMy experience at this restaurant was amazing. We had a team building event last month after work and we loved the location. There were lots of options for restaurants, a very nice relaxing atmosphere, and it was family friendly with outdoor seating as well.
- musicThe music should of been kept loud always
- placeThe place is gorgeous, it's an art installation
- barthe bar in the middle is sweet
- bathroomsBathrooms are clean and have a unique nautical themed decor.
- deckWonderful new deck in Del Mar. Spacious, new, and modern.
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereMy experience at this restaurant was overwhelmingly negative. The atmosphere was a worst blaring loud echo chamber, exacerbated by a DJ making it impossible to hear or talk. The bar also attempted to charge an 18% tip and a $10 service charge for minimal effort.
- musicMusic could have been a little more comfortable instead of Club techno
- noiseA little noise because of the open space
- DJadded a DJ to make it impossible to hear or talk
- adult food courtNot the adult food court I thought it would be.
- busy and buzzedtoo busy and buzzed to have a quiet romantic dinner
- common areasit in a common area this place could've been great
- communal dining areaThere is no communal dining area/tables.
- kidsleave the kids at home as they don’t cater to them at all
- loud and busyGets loud and busy
If you're looking for a lively, uniquely decorated spot with great outdoor areas and a fun vibe, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just be prepared for a potentially energetic and sometimes noisy atmosphere, especially if you prefer a quieter setting.
Value (4 out of 10)
mentioned by 17% of the guests
When it comes to value, some diners found a silver lining, noting a good variety of price ranges and even some reasonably priced food and drinks. A few comments highlighted that the price charged felt warranted, and the bonus of free parking was definitely a plus. This positive feedback comes from 5 pieces of feedback out of 25 total.
However, the overall sentiment leans towards disappointment, with a score of 4, placing it in the average range, and customer satisfaction at a rather poor 20%. Many felt the experience was quite pricey and often overpriced, with some even calling it an $$$ trap. Concerns frequently arose around the total bill, unexpected service charges, and surcharges, making many question if the cost was truly worth it.
This negative sentiment is reflected in 17 pieces of feedback.
Value
25
Reviews
20%
Satisfaction
17
negative
3
neutral
5
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable pricing
- Free parking
What people don't like
- Overpriced experience
- Hidden fees
- Poor value
Often praised
- free parkingThe sky deck is great for early evenings, making it a solid choice for a night out! A bonus is the plenty of free parking.
- pricethe price they charge is warranted
- price rangesvariety of price ranges
- reasonable pricesall good, and reasonable prices.
- reasonably pricedMy experience at this restaurant was largely positive. The concept is very cool, and the food and drinks were great and reasonably priced. I found the food options to be fabulous, and the service was also great.
Frequently criticized
- billWe ended up there because it was the only place we could find that didn’t have at least an hour wait. For two small bowls of their best tonkatsu ramen, several pieces of karaage chicken, and a small bowl of edamame, plus a shared bottle of sake, the bill came to $120. This included a 5% surcharge that was never mentioned when we sat down.
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was far from satisfactory. It was way overpriced and the atmosphere was packed and loud. Honestly, the food really just wasn’t that great.
- service chargeservice charge that was already on the check
- tipended up getting away with an almost 40% tip
- $$$ trapI would only consider getting food from here again if it's to go. I advise others to avoid this unappealing $$$ trap.
- buy a $15 drinkyou just have to buy a $15 drink from the bar to sit there
- pretty priceyCraft House offered some delicious and unique cocktails and dishes. The only issue was that it was, predictably, pretty pricey. However, I'm not docking any stars for that, as they weren't trying to hide it.
- price per personPrice per person:$100+
- priceypricey though
- surchargea 5% surcharge which was never mentioned
If you're considering a visit, be prepared for a potentially higher bill, as many found the value proposition lacking. While some aspects might be reasonably priced, the general consensus suggests it might be an overpriced experience for what you get, especially with unexpected fees.
How are the prices at Sky Deck?
You’re looking at roughly 39 per person – reported by 69 diners. That puts it in the $31–$40 category. For a Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average hovers around 39, we see a good mix of prices. Many guests spend a bit less, in the 11 – 30 $ range, but there are also some premium options for those looking to splurge a little more.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 69 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value for money compares to similar spots in San Diego.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Restaurant in San Diego. It offers a good balance, catering to different budgets while still providing quality.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Sky Deck
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
8
Great Concept, Good Drinks, Pizza Shines
My experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag, but with some definite highlights. The concept and its execution were impressive, and the drinks were very good. However, the food, in general, could be improved.
The Pizza was the standout dish and definitely the most enjoyable part of the meal. The service and atmosphere were both excellent, receiving a perfect score of 5/5.
- concept9
- execution9
- drinks8
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Quiet
7
Cute, Posh Atmosphere, Decent Food
My experience was quite positive. The restaurant has a cute and very nice posh atmosphere that reminded me of Texas. The food was decent, and while the price was a bit on the higher side, it wasn't too much.
The service and atmosphere were rated a 5 out of 5, and the food a 4 out of 5. It was also a quiet environment, making it easy to talk.
- atmosphere10
- food7
- price6
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Loud
7
Great Views, Limited Seating
My experience at this restaurant offered a great view and breezes on the top deck. However, there was limited seating during happy hour and busy times. The restaurant serves beer from two local breweries: Mission and Latitude 33.
- view9
- beer6
- seating3
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Delivery
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Amazing Spot for Friends and Music!
My experience at Understory was amazing! It's a great place to hang out with friends, and you can even get food from any of the spots delivered. I especially love when they have a DJ spinning 90s hip hop and R&B!
- DJ spinning 90s hip hop and R&B10
- food delivered8
- hang out with friends9
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Must-Visit Retro Spot in SD!
Aloha! All I can say is wow. It’s a must when in SD.
The restaurant has a great setup with so many great retro spots to eat and drink at. They offer so many different style foods and types of drinks.
- retro spots9
- style foods9
- types of drinks9
What Sky Deck 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
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Free Wi-Fi
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Hard liquor
- Late-night food
- Happy hour drinks
- Quick bite
- Vegan options
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Organic dishes
- Vegetarian options
- Private dining room
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What unique features and dining options does Sky Deck offer you?
At Sky Deck, you can immerse yourself in a lively atmosphere with live music and sports. You’ll find diverse dining options throughout the day, from breakfast and brunch to lunch and dinner, with late-night food also available. Don’t miss the fantastic rooftop seating and cozy fireplace for a memorable experience.
Are there healthy and inclusive dining choices available for you at Sky Deck?
Absolutely! Sky Deck caters to various preferences with healthy options, vegan options, vegetarian options, and organic dishes. The venue is fully wheelchair accessible, including parking, entrance, seating, and restrooms. Plus, you can even bring your dog to enjoy the outdoor seating area.
How does Sky Deck generally perform according to customer feedback?
Sky Deck holds a Restaurant Score of 7.4, indicating a good overall experience. Customers particularly appreciate the Food (7.8) and Ambience (7.7), with Service (7) also performing well. Value (4) is noted as an area for improvement.
What makes the atmosphere at Sky Deck appealing?
Many guests describe the atmosphere as a “cute and very nice posh atmosphere” and a “gorgeous” place with a “great concept.” It’s often praised for its modern, spacious deck and relaxing, family-friendly vibe with outdoor seating.
Are there any common complaints about the pricing at Sky Deck?
Yes, some customers find Sky Deck to be “overpriced,” with mentions of high bills and surcharges. While some feel the “price is warranted,” others consider it a “$$$ trap” and “pretty pricey,” especially for certain items.