Charcoal House Restaurant & Bar — Restaurant in La Mesa

Service was awful There were 16 of us 4 arrived early then the rest Upon arrival I asked if we can add a small table that was next to the large table because we needed 2 more seats and there was no room to fit the two extra chairs to the existing table. I approached the server and ask politely, if we can add that small table he responded I was told 16 aren't you 16? Then I think it was the owner He told me we can have that table It was a Thursday and the place was half empty, perhaps the server didn't want to lose a table from his section. My sister wanted a blended margarita and the server told us on the rockes is better and blended is not very good and soggy Even after I told him that's what she would like to have she has had it before he still refused. I guess the bartender doesn't like to use and wash the blender afterwards. We ordered a Bloody mary a Mojito and Margaritas and at least two of those cocktails are considered basic. And they didn't taste good at all And they weren't cold enough, I don't think the bartender knows how to shake the drinks probably or long enough. When we were ready to pay and we asked to split the check Not into 16 but just to two checks The group of 4 who arrived first to pay separately. The server said no I can't. I don't know what kind of system or software they use but there is always a split button. Because we could have told him what the 4 had but he said I can't I guess because once a party is over 6 a 15% gratuity is added and he probably wanted to get that percentage on the entire check otherwise the 4 could tip whatever they wanted I usually tip 20% on a good service Had I been provided a good service I would have tipped more. And the server never smiled the entire time The owner or manager was aware of the table situation and he solved it But not the server's attitude and not the check split situation. I don't recommend this place to anyone And if you really have to go because that's what your friends want be prepared for bad service and stay away from...

We were on the prowl for late night dining recently and ended up at Charcoal House at about 10:45 pm. They're open until 2 am. There were a couple of people at the bar but no one in the restaurant. It didn't matter as they let us have our pick of tables (we chose a booth). This place is different since the menu isn't really focused on one type of food. Charcoal house implies grilled food but the menu is large and varied with a Mediterranean flare. It's also a hookah lounge, which was apparent when we walked in due to the lingering vapor and sweet smell in the air. Our server was friendly and very attentive. We ordered the appetizer sampler with hummus, baba ganoush, jajik and tabbouleh with fresh, warm pita bread. It was a lot of food so we decided to split the chicken tikka plate with rice and a Ceasar salad for dinner. Our server split everything for us, which was very nice and not typical. We didn't have to ask, she offered. The food was really good and there was a ton of it. We will try the shawarma next time. This would be a great place to come and share small plates since their appetizer menu has so many options. It seemed like the place was starting to fill up a bit by the time we were leaving with a second round of bar goers. Very happy to have found an awesome option for late night...

From my understanding they're under new ownership and they are now open for lunch. At first site I was rather confused at the entrance because no one is there to greet you and there are 2 huge gray doors that don't exactly communicate "come in". However, I am so glad I peeked in because I was greeted by very friendly people and a beautiful atmosphere / ambiance, where you can have a conversation, and the music isn't overpowering nor are other people's conversations. Good for a couple or groups. They have more than enough seating.

We ordered as an appetizer Jajeek (see pic). We've never had it before but dang it was very good. For the main course we ordered the lamb shank and the mixed beef plate (see pics). Delicious doesn't begin to describe what we were eating.. All the different spices, textures and flavors were a thrill ride for the taste buds. I drank a Diet Coke (my go to) and Omar had an iced tea (see pic) which wasn't even on the menu but the waitress, Rowa (awesome), made it from what she had available and Omar says it was delicious. There was a LOT of food. So we had to take some home but that was just to make room for dessert...kunafa (see pic)...yummers!!!

Are we coming back? HECK YA and you might want to give it a try too. Reasonably priced for these days of...