Portside Pier — Restaurant in San Diego

Went in at lunch on 11/11/2021, Veterans Day. A friend had returned to San Diego after having moved out of state 7 years ago. My girlfriend and I wanted him to have a good experience on a lovely day. The 3 of us took 2 seats at the bar to have a drink before our table was ready. The bartender took our order, I stood as there were only 2 seats. A female came up to the our bartender and told him he could not serve all 3 of us, only 2 as I was not seated. I was paying the tab, but I couldn't sit and I couldn't drink. The bartender said the woman who said I couldn't have a beer was his manager and he had to obey her. There were two seats, (see pics) at the bar area immediately in front of were being used as a dirty glassware busing area. I paid for my friend & girlfriends drink and thought what a terrible business model. 1) I remember standing 3 deep at the Brig La Mesa, OTMC and 100 other places and being served and 2) those 2 seats with the bused glassware blocking access is costing the Brig a combined $100 per hour based on 2 x seats at 2 drinks every 20 minutes. After we got to our tables we ate. The menu is the same, (now it is tired & old,) as when they opened. Our server was uninspired. I will be hitting The Fish Market, Coasterra, Bluewater or Posieiden the next time I want seafood with a view. Or Anthony's for really good food without a salt water view. I was disappointed when Anthony's moved out of their spot but I did eat at Brig Portside at least 5 times, never...

We celebrated my birthday on a Sunday afternoon at Brigantine Portside Pier. We were a party of 12 people. The restaurant was packed with people but there were not enough employees. It was a headache to place orders for our food/drinks. It took a long time to get our food/drinks. The food was cold and terrible. The waiter tried his best but he did brought us wrong dishes. We had to ask 3-4 times for bread and by the time it was brought to our table we were done eating. We waited 30-40 minutes to get the bill and some of us had to run to the meters parking area to put in more money so that we won't get tickets. Also, we were promised an outdoor table but they ended up putting us in an indoor table. The entire experience was horrible and it literally ruined my Birthday. I would not go back to this place. I would love to speak to the Manager of the restaurant if they will...

My wife and I came here on our honeymoon, and we were blown away! The aesthetic inside the restaurant and out--being on the pier--was stunning, and the ocean breeze flowing through the restaurant was nice and refreshing. My virgin Pina Colada was super smooth and delicious, and her virgin Strawberry Margharita was tart and bursting with flavor. We shared a small plate of fried calamari strips and a plate of halibut which, while expensive, were extremely savory and tasty. We had high expectations coming into this place that were honestly blown out of the water (no pun intended). If you're visiting, you HAVE to try this place for a romantic dinner!

Fair warning: the parking here is ridiculously expensive (like $10+/hr), so park south of the USS Midway museum ($2.50 per hour). Little bit of a walk, like half a mile at most,...