Knotty Barrel — Restaurant in San Diego

No idea if it’s good or bad. No one came to table. Went to bar to ask for a menu, was given a QR code which allowed me to order and pay (even gave a 20% tip). Food never showed up. Lots of empty tables so it wasn’t busy. Staff never spoke to me. $23 later and I went to a different place so I could at least get some food.

Follow up to review. Called the restaurant, got to talk to manger. He told me that the app for the QR code is not for ordering food at the restaurant. That it’s for take out only. My burger sat there over a half hour. Bottom line, no service, no food and it cost me $23 to sit there 45 minutes waiting. Fortunately I went over to Halfdoor Brewing and got a great burger and fries, great service friendly atmosphere.

2nd follow up. The owner responded to my review. To be clear, I was directed by the bartender to use the app via the QR code provided. At no time during my visit did any employee approach me even though I was sitting by myself at the front table. During COVID, other restaurants used QR codes and app ordering, so that is what I thought was going on. Again, to be clear, NO ONE came to my table. I left and went to another restaurant where I received service. From that restaurant I called and tried to explain the situation, I was put on hold. When no one picked up, I ended the call. 10 minutes later the manager called me back. I again tried to explain the situation. He told me my food was sitting there waiting for me. By now it had been well over an hour since my food was “ready”. At no time did the manager offer a refund. At the new restaurant, my burger arrived, I was very hungry. Instead of continuing to beat my head against the wall, I hung up and enjoyed my dinner. Now the owner says I have to re-contact them in order to...

A sanctuary for downtown locals, Knotty Barrel is a gastropub with a friendly vibe and casual, comfortable atmosphere and good food.

My favorite two items on Knotty Barrel's menu involve meatloaf: the "Chipotle Meatloaf Sliders" and the "Chipotle Glazed Meatloaf" entrée. The latter is accompanied by garlic mashed potatoes (on the waxier end of mashed potatoes) and seasonal vegetables (sautéed zucchini/squash or asparagus, depending on season). The meatloaf is fantastic, distinguished by its genuinely spicy chipotle glaze and delicate texture. The phrase "melt in your mouth" is overused in food reviews, but it is appropriate here, as the meatloaf genuinely feels light and "melty" in your mouth.

"Pulled Pork Wontons" and "Melted Brie" are competent appetizers in that they are about what you'd expect, but my favorite app may be the "Potato Chip Nachos," featuring homemade potato chips, warm bleu cheese sauce, sliced jalapeños, horseradish cream, and melted English cheddar.

The "Knotty Dessert" is a plate containing a deep fried Twinkie and two deep fried Oreos, with whipped cream and a berry coulis. It was only because other regulars insisted how good it was that I tried it -- and it is indeed a lot better than it sounds.

I highly recommend Knotty Barrel as a pub and restaurant with quality, hearty comfort food in...

Colin is the reason I come here, then beer, then trivia, then the ambiance. There's nothing this man can't do. He pours the finest pickle back shots in, I would dare to say, all of San Diego. The chase is a punctual vinegar snap, finishing with cucumber on the back end and leaving a residue of childhood fridge raids in my mouth. The Jameson I just drank is quickly neutralized by the pickles PH and my belly thanks me and I thank Colin. Yes the Knotty Barrel is a fine establishment, bit it's more than that. It's a place that makes me feel at home. As I watch the up and coming Bryan bloom into a Colin-esque barman I can only sit back and grimace at the splendor of brotherly love that I see. Have I reached 200 words yet? No, I haven't. The flickering light above the bar was a one point distracting to me, but now I find it comforting in a Roger Rabbit kind of way. Watch that movie, it's great. My favorite line is when Eddie is trying to remove the cuffs and Roger pulls out of them to hold the box still. He then asks Roger if he could have done that at any time. Roger the next exclaims, No not at any time, only when it was funny. For a cartoon to say that is pure genius. Put it on my tombstone. I think I'm at 200 now. Thanks for reading and enjoy your...