Prado at the Airport — Restaurant in San Diego

I had an experience at this airport bar/restaurant that honestly deserves recognition — not for the food or the drinks (which were fine), but for the people. What unfolded was the kind of scene that could have quickly spiraled out of control if not for the calm, collected staff and a couple of everyday heroes.

While I was sitting at the bar, a woman nearby clearly became incapacitated. From what I gathered, she had just had surgery and had only been served two drinks, according to the bartender. But the effect on her was extreme — she couldn’t walk, couldn’t speak coherently, and looked completely out of it. The situation quickly became alarming. There were calls for medical assistance, police, and paramedics. It was clear she was in no state to board a flight.

Here’s where it gets important: the bartender never lost his cool. He didn’t panic, he didn’t judge — he just handled it. Professionally. With humanity. And then two Marines — complete strangers to her — stepped up to help. No hesitation. They helped keep her safe until help arrived. It was one of those moments that stops you in your tracks: strangers helping a woman in clear distress with nothing to gain, just because it was the right thing to do.

I don’t know their names, but I hope someone who reads this can pass along the praise. It’s so easy to overlook the people behind the bar or behind the scenes in a place like an airport — but today reminded me just how important they are. So, to the bartender: thank you for your compassion and composure. And to the Marines: thank you for showing up, for helping, for being the kind of people this world needs more of.

You all made a difference today — and for anyone watching, you reminded us that goodness is...

Surprisingly good for airport food. Ambiance was casual as airport can be. My waitress was tentative and checked in with me frequent but not overdone it or rushing me out the door.

I ordered Mahi Mahi fish taco and fried Brussels. The Mahi Mahi was surprisingly delicious, fresh, tender, and marinated well. It was good and well balanced with three sides, about half cup each: fresh cube mango salsa, jicama, cabbage slaw, and with 3 corn tortilla.

The fried Brussels was a bit dried for me. I can't tell if they were over cooked or precooked and preheated to order. I was too tired from the 4 hours layover from Mexico to investigate further.

I asked the waitress how the tip is divided before finalized my check. She shared that they have to give 5% of their tip to the bartender each day, then whatever at their hearts desire to the back kitchen staff. I thought that a bit inequitable since I'm one of those never use the bar because I don't drink and it doesn't seem right that my waitress/waiter has to share their tip right off the top. I hope restaurant business and or business owners do better for waitstaff.

Bonus: I started this and hope it's helpful! Both genders restroom is right across the restaurant for quick access before boarding...

Walked in to find the few open tables had dirty dishes and crumbs. Once seated we ordered from the app and I unfortunately gave a 20% tip in hopes service would be "good". The bus person was kind and seemed to be overwhelmed. Our server, on the other hand, found his cell phone to be of more interest while standing at the pick-up window. We received our food promptly and it was delicious. The server never checked on us nor, gave us utensils and napkins until requested. My wife and I tried to speak with the manager as we cleared our dishes and his reply was "Oh". The server and another female were seated with him at the end of our (long) table. The female laughed and sarcastically stated "thanks" in response. Then the server stated aloud, "I'm on my 10 minute break!". The server refused to make eye contact with me and even shielded his eyes while he remained on his phone. We voiced this issue to the manger in hopes that it would be addressed. It is painfully apparent that the server has no interest in improving customer care relations and the manager believes the sheer number of customers gets the almighty dollar. Definitely NOT worth the "airport price". We...