The Harp — Restaurant in San Diego

I’ve been in OB forever, but in the past The Harp was never really my go-to spot. It felt depressing when I would walk by. Not that it was bad, it just didn’t feel like my vibe. Then this past summer, everything changed when new ownership breathed fresh life into the place. It’s like they dug deep into a treasure trove of potential and finally unearthed the gold. Now, The Harp has become my home away from home.

Before the new owners, I barely even knew The Harp served food. Now today, with their new kitchen staff, the menu is nothing short of phenomenal. I guessing I’ve tried more dishes this past few years than most locals residents, and everything I’ve tried at Yhe Harp has been amazing. Add to that the revival of live music, and music that truly gets the OB vibe, it’s clear these new owners know how to create something special. The staff is top-notch, friendly, welcoming, and perfectly in tune with the laid-back beach energy that makes OB what it is.

Just yesterday, I tried their brand new Reuben sandwich, and let me tell you, it’s a homerun. They’ve taken a pub classic and elevated it with care and attention to detail. The rye sourdough bread is perfectly golden and crisp, the corned beef is tender, flavorful, and generously portioned, and the tangy sauerkraut and Russian dressing strike a perfect balance. Melted Swiss cheese ties it all together, adding just the right touch of richness. The house-made fries on the side complement the meal perfectly.

Between the incredible food, killer music, cocktails and unbeatable vibe, I’ll definitely be a...

I’ve been coming to this bar for years, often bringing friends and supporting the space. But after my experience yesterday, I won’t be returning.

When I arrived, I was stopped at the door by a tall, skinny bouncer who asked why I was coming in. I explained I was going to use the restroom before coming back to meet my friend for drinks. He responded dismissively, saying, “I don’t know you” and loudly accused me of trying to use a “public restroom,” even though I’ve been a loyal customer. He spoke to me with hostility and suspicion, in front of others, as if I didn’t belong—like I had to prove I was worthy of being there.

It didn’t stop there. I went next door to the Pacific Shores Cocktail Lounge, and the bartender completely ignored me after I asked for a water, serving everyone around me instead.

I walked away from both places feeling unwelcome, disrespected, and othered. It’s hard not to feel like this treatment was rooted in bias—whether racial, gender-based, or both.

This isn’t just about a rude bouncer or bartender—it’s about the pattern of who gets questioned, who gets served, and who gets dismissed. I hope this review encourages both staff and management to reflect seriously on how people are being treated at the...

This place is TERRIBLE honestly. The staff there are SO RUDE. If I wasn’t in a super friendly mood the time I went the treatment would have honestly ruined my day. I’m very understanding of house rules. I respect them or at least I try. I was there for the farmers market and just really needed to use the restrooms I knew you had to be a customer so me and my fiance were willing to sit at a table and order some nonalcoholic drinks and have food just so I could use the restroom. Im a diabetic and im 6 weeks pregnant….i really had to go….we just stopped at the nearest place. The bar tender stopped us at the door because I had my owalla water bottle. I understand the reason why he told us we couldn’t bring it in but the way he stopped us was so nasty and rude to begin with. After we explained that I was a diabetic, and that I was pregnant and honestly just wanted to use the bathroom he made the rude remark that “we have water here”….like no why would I pay for water when I have water on me. We were already planning on buying food. I have to carry water on me for reasons I already stated.

Although I understand house rules, the bar tender could have been nicer when he...