Babcock & Story Bar — Restaurant in Coronado

I used to love coming to this bar each time I stayed at the Del. I love the woodwork of the bar and glad they kept it in the remodel. I am not a fan of the floors that they changed, however, as the tile work doesn't fit the ambiance and charm of the old bar. I have always known the Del for its customer service. I come and stay yearly for a chance to relax, decompress, and get a little bit of pampering. The service standards have seemed to have gone down a bit as the years go by, which really makes me sad. On this visit, I was spending the day at the pool, and got hungry, but didn't really feel like anything from the pool menu. I wanted a few items at Babcock, so I walked over to place a to go order. The bartender told me that the kitchen was backed up and that I couldn't order food to take with me. He said they needed to take care of their own people who were sitting at the bar. When I looked around, the bar wasn't packed like it is at night, there were in fact some open tables even, thus, can confirm they weren't slammed. There wasn't any real good reason as to why he wouldn't serve me food. This is a first for me with the Del, as I have never had them reject a service request... A bit...

Location/Atmosophere: 5 Stars Drinks/Food: 4 Stars Price/Value: 2 Stars Service: 3 Stars

Spent a late morning, early afternoon, walking the beach and ended up at the Hotel Coronado. This historic hotel is a treat to experience and recommend all to check out, especially if you love the beach. We ended up (party of 8) at the Babcock and Story Bar for a drink or two. Cocktails were good and their house blonde Hotel del California “Some like it blonde” ale was terrific. I highly recommend this beer. We had sodas, drinks, and a few rounds of french fries. You come here paying for location and experience (plus it’s a So. Cal. hotel so it going to be pricey). The service was ok at best. The spot appears to be understaffed and considering your paying $8 for a soda refills were tough to come by. Server was somewhat friendly but hustling around what seemed to be most of the place during a sort of busy time of day (lunch time on a Sunday). Overall a nice time and I would probably come back as it’s a special experience. If you go be prepared for lackluster service, overpriced items, and be prepared to wait…but while you wait enjoy the amazing view and great weather at this...

The Baseline: For a in hotel restaurant lounge it must have a good drink menu, excellent appetizers, and a stellar staff to bring out the experience.

Food: The food is good here but it is good food for a hotel bar lounge. I had the Meatball Sandwich, the pork chicharron, and the Caesar Salad. The meatball sandwich was good and substantial and it came with the house made kettle chips. All around good. The chicken Caesar salad was huge and phenomenal (highly suggest this). The pork chicharron was skin and no fat with a verde dipping salsa so I appreciated the crispy treat. The only ding is the prices, but you are at the Hotel del Coronado so you are paying for location in the price.

Service: Top notch service from our waiter. Full water glasses and fast, efficient service. No complaints.

Ambiance: Bar lounge in the historic Hotel del Coronado with open doors bringing in the San Diego bay sea breezes from the Pacific Ocean. On a summer day it makes for an incredible experience. Great atmosphere and place...