Tommy Bahama Marlin Bar — Restaurant in San Diego

I have been to the Marlin Bar in NYC and Naples and had high hopes for this one while visiting San Diego. Maybe I should have been more informed and then I wouldn’t have been so disappointed. I arrived at 12:30 on a Saturday and the bar was full. In order to get a table, you had to place your order at the entrance. I sat and waited and when I saw a server go by, I asked for some water. They pointed and said I had to get my own from a water station. Huh. I did and got my own napkins and salt and pepper while I was there. Eventually my lunch was brought to me but no drink. I waited and then headed to the bar thinking I was supposed to pick up my own cocktail, too, but passed a server on the way with what looked like my drink. When I asked, saying that my lunch had already been served, it turned out it was mine and she told me that the bartender was busy and got behind. It took longer to make my lunch than my cocktail??? At any rate, this is by no means a full service restaurant. Also, if you are a party of one or two, it is better to sit in the bar area. The temperature there is noticeably cooler than the tables which are under awnings with no fans (there are numerous fans in the bar). I am giving it a low 4 stars because the food and drink were good but the service (or lack thereof) took away from...

Hello, this very old post below.. I'll be updating today December 9th 2022. I wrote I'll be back to review. Hello GM, thank you for your note. We were there on Tuesday place was packed. My friend haven't been there so we will come back. Really enjoy the environment and been there by myself. Such a refreshing drink and menu. Looks like we better come earlier next time it was around 1:00. New post today December 9th 2022. Finally, was able to get my son here and we had an exceptional lunch and comfortable seating. He had the mango salad with chicken and I had the vegetable bowl with added chicken. Both were absolutely delicious! We go out to eat once a week and usually or not impressed as since covid it seems like many restaurants have not only gone out of business but just aren't producing quality food anymore or staff. Of course, very unfortunate but it's today's reality. He enjoyed his Arnold Palmer and I had a nice bottle of Modelo. Service was quick and food was promptly served within 10 minutes after ordering. It was a very chilly day here in San Diego around 61° and there were heaters in the patio so that made it very comfortable. My son said he was surprised to see a place like this here and thought we were going to the food court LOL not quite my dear.. this was great...

Always a wonderful spot to stop for a food, snack, or drink. They really have something for everyone. There is open self seating at the bar top with full service. The restaurant seating area requires you to order at the front of the bar at the register and then go find a seat. It's not a big deal, but it's nice to know.

The staff has always been exceptional, friendly, and attentive. They make your mixed drinks in front of you and deliver them quickly. There is also a great selection of beer and wine to choose from, and their Frozen Mai Tais are the best.

The food is excellent, top notch, restaurant quality. The meals are full sized, and the appetizers are generous. There is also a great happy hour menu most days.

If you are a sports fan, sit at the bar. They have 4 TVs going at all times displaying sports, and they will find whatever game you ask them to if they have access.

The restaurant and bar can be cold in the winter or overcast day, so bring a jacket or something to stay warm in case you are out of reach of the heaters. The staff has always been happy to turn them on when requested, and most cool days they are on already.

The bar and dining areas are also wheelchair accessible and there are accessibility ramps towards the back of...