Books & Records — Restaurant in San Diego

We were excited to finally get to try this place but the excitement fizzled soon after arriving. The old building is beautiful I have to say but coming in for brunch was a bit of a let down. Nothing was particularly bad but after hearing good things we were disappointed in the service and food here.

We were seated quickly on a Saturday around 10am which was nice. There were maybe 5-6 other groups in the space and we would consider it fairly empty based on that. The staff were friendly but just not very attentive. We ordered our drinks and meals at the same time and our drinks arrived at the same time as our food. Not particularly bad but just kind of surprised given the staff-to-customer ratio it seemed. We were nearly done with our meals before the usual “how are things tasting” check in from our waiter. We sat waiting for 15-20 minutes with empty drinks and plates before someone checked in with us if we wanted anything else. Not the worst service we have had by any means but just a bit disappointing.

Drinks were good. Coffee was solid and my wife’s cocktail did the trick. The food however was again just a let down. The reviews here seemed mixed but I’m shocked anyone here would describe the food as delicious simply because both of our meals had little to no flavor to them. Duck Benedict seemed like it should have been rich in flavor given its duck with what I’d expect to be a flavorful hollandaise, a brunch staple. Yet there just wasn’t anything to it. Was it edible? Absolutely. But evenneith salt, pepper, and some hot sauce the hollandaise was watery and bland and just the slit bit of duck flavor was dry and didn't add anything substantial to the dish. The side salad with this dish was a bit lame with a few leafs and mostly otherwise filler greens.

While it seems like this place is known for their music program we also ended up sitting through the stereo playing nice music while a DJ setting up was figuring out the system which led to random songs pkayingnover others and spikes of volume changes randomly.

We will probably try this place eventually for dinner its now pretty low on our list to do so. Reading some of the other reviews seems to put us in alignment with this being a “grab a few drinks” kind of spot before going elsewhere for dinner given some of the better well-known options in the neighborhood. Your not likely to send your food back here but that shouldn't be the minimum expectation these days at...

Made a reservation on a Thursday with hubby and a friend and were promptly seated into the deceptively large dining room. Table was beautifully set with luxurious cutlery and tableware to match the upscale clientele.

Despite it being. A “slower day”, the dining room was mostly of well- dress folks on a date night or dinner with friends. Books &Records is decorated in a rustic minimalist style with some nice flourishes around the bar to vibe with the library theme. The lighting and vibe is set just right for a fabulous date nite or a dinner with your friends, or which the dining room seemed to be equally split.

After being cheerfully greeted by our server, we put our drink and appetizer orsers in. The drink menu is very creative as befits this management team led by Anderson. I enjoyed a beaufilly balanced Purple Rain whiskey based cocktail, which was acceptably boozy and delicious, while my dinner buddy ordered the CS margarita, of which he to gave a hearty seal of approval. And yes, we both decided for go for round 2 later in the meal having thouroughly enjoyed round 1.

First app came out, a fun broccoli dish that was charred to perfection and accompanied by some delectable nuts Then when completing our selection, we decided to share 2 smaller plates, the fried mushrooms and the tuna carpaccio. Both were quickly consumed as the balance of flavors was perfect, as befits an Anderson-designed menu. Only minor complaint was the char flavor on the mushrooms was a little overwhelmkng. The Tuna dish was delectable.

For our main were served the bone-in short rip, which befits its status as the most expensive item on the menu, with juicy, flavorful fatty goodness that fell right off the bone and into our very happy stomachs. For the 3 of us sharing, the courses were brought out with impeccable timing. For dessert we shared the black key lime pie, which was a unique offering that got superlative ratings frm all at the table for its complex sweetness.

The verdict: the food drinks were worth every penny, along wiiththe perfect service it came with. We have a new dinner spot! Will definitely have to come back for their live music shows Fridays-Sundays, with could only add more ambience to an eatery that is already clicking on so...

Located in the vibrant neighborhood of Bankers Hill, Books and Records beckons diners with the promise of social dining and live jazz, transporting them to the golden age of good times. As you step into the restaurant, the air buzzes with the melodies of live jazz music from the 20s, setting the stage for an unforgettable dining experience.

Co-owners Brian Douglass and Anderson Clark have seamlessly blended the old with the new, preserving the original framework of the restaurant while infusing it with modern touches. The main dining room exudes warmth with its dark blue limewashed walls and plush green leather booths, creating an inviting atmosphere for guests to unwind and indulge.

The menu, crafted by culinary director Sam Deckman and executive sous chef Ryan Stickel, offers a delightful array of dishes that showcase the best of contemporary cuisine with nods to classic flavors. From fresh oysters with aguachile mignonette to wagyu tartare with Szechuan chili crunch, each dish is a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.

During our visit for brunch on the President’s Day holiday long weekend, we were treated to an exceptional culinary journey. The smoke salmon Latkes were a delightful start, followed by a selection of entrees including Short Rib Hash, hasselbaeck Butternut squash, Turkish Egg, and Breakfast Gnocchi. Each dish was a masterpiece in its own right, bursting with flavor and beautifully presented.

While the food stole the show, the service was equally commendable. Our server was attentive and friendly, ensuring that our dining experience was nothing short of perfection. The only hiccup was with the receptionist, who seemed to be frequently absent from the front desk.

Overall, Books and Records offers a dining experience unlike any other in Bankers Hill. With its enticing ambiance, superb cuisine, and live jazz entertainment, it's the perfect destination for a memorable meal with friends...