Chef John's Fish & Chips — Restaurant in Lemon Grove

I drove out to chef John's. First off the parking is very confusing there's no lines only little indicators which I ended up taking up two spots because I couldn't tell where one parking spot started and the other one ended. I would say if they get rid of the old drive-thru they can have more parking for their customers. Additionally the food was decent but the price was not you do get big pieces of fish that are somewhat flavorful but rather dull the tartar sauce was delicious but they don't give you a ton. The fries were overcooked it's unfortunate cuz I knew they were fresh but maybe someone wasn't paying attention to the time and that's how they got burnt.The thing that worries me is I saw a staff member work the register and then go right back to the fryer without gloves. I would ask them to be very careful as this could deter customers. Another suggestion would be if you offer water to leave water cups out for an individual can grab them rather than ask staff especially when they busy and don't have time to give customers a cup quickly this can kind of help with cutting down irritated customers. Another thing that irritated customers was that the bathroom was locked and they couldn't ask for the key because the staff were busy making food or taking orders this could be a point that could be corrected either with the code or putting a sign that says bathroom...

From start to finish it was not a good experience. The order got mixed up. I separately ordered a take out first for someone waiting on our vehicle. Than 3 orders to go. It took forever to get out meals. Since I ordered the take out first I expected it to be ready first. No.....the three other orders came first. I inquired why and was told that's the way they do it, ??? So we ste ate the three meals that I wanted to go in the restaurant. We finished eating and the first oder wasn't even cooked yet.

The shrimp I had was all batter, could not taste shrimp. Everyday greasy.

It was a cold evening in December but the door was wide open. I asked that the door be shut but what the person at the counter mumbled I don't know. But we are out food in the cold with jackets on I was once told the first order would be ready in 10 minutes but it was at least 20....

I would not recommend this...

Fish was pretty good. Tasted fresh and was freshly prepared. The tarter sauce was a little sweeter than I prefer but that is a me thing.

The fish pieces were big one piece was more then enough. The onion rings are good made with the same or very similar batter to the fish.

The restaurant itself is on the older side, felt like it was from a different time. Bathroom floors were a little grimy but I think it may be an age of the building kind of thing. Toilet and sink were clean.

Music selection brought back some nostalgia, late 90's early 2000 Christian soft rock, felt like I was back at bible camp.

I would eat here again if I was in Lemon Grove but I would not go out of my way for another visit.

We split a 2 fish plate and asked for onion rings instead of French fries and both got the smaller drinks it was about...