Understory Bar — Restaurant in San Diego

Understory was newly opened when we went so hopefully they'll work out some kinks in the weeks to come. The drinks are ok if you like everything sweet....I asked for a recommendation for a tart or savory cocktail vs sweet and the waitress came back with a drink that was quite sweet. The second time she even said that the drink was not sweet at all and "very strong" -- I asked her to relay my request to the bartender so any sugary syrups could be avoided, yet I was served another sweet drink. Hubby said his bourbon drink had nice flavor but was pretty weak so 2nd round was bourbon neat. We had been seated at a booth, which was really cute and comfy to hang out & drink, but awkward for eating because the table was so low -- if you plan to eat, sit at the bar! Our food options were limited as only 2 of the perimeter restaurants were open. We scanned the QR code imbedded in our table and selected & paid for our meals... the wait wasn't too long before we saw them brought to the bar....then we waited. Our waitress was nowhere to be found and our food was getting cold. The bartenders were busy and we couldn't get their attention. Eventually, the manager (?) stumbled upon the plates and started trying to figure out which table ordered them -- we saw him looking and waved to him and our food was finally delivered, cold. Our server never returned to ask if we needed anything else....our glasses were empty....we ate our food then had to ask another server to find her so we could get our check. Disappointing but, again, the place just opened so hopefully they'll figure this all out because it's a cute place and an...

Understory is a great place centered in the middle of the Del Mar Sky Deck. There are still quite a few places waiting to open surrounding Understory but it is well worth a visit before it starts getting way busy. They have a limited but nice food selection (including chips, cheese board, light snacks) and a wide variety of specialty drinks and a full bar. I think they also had a selection of around 5 beers but there were issues with the CO when we went. Not to fear though there was plenty other fun yummy drinks to try out! We were also able to scan our table and order from the Greek restaurant and it was brought directly to our table. we just got pita and fire roasted red pepper and feta hummus and regular hummus and pita but it was a great price and some of the best we've had yet. When everything opens we're told you will be able to order food from all restaurants at the Sky Deck to your table which is pretty cool. Staff is great, friendly, service was great and the ambiance and music is relaxing. A...

I've never been more disappointed in my experience at a bar than I was at Understory. As someone visiting from Singapore, I came prepared with two forms of identification-my ID and driver's license-but the staff still refused to let me in, demanding my passport instead. Who brings a passport on a night out? It's absurd, completely unreasonable, and feels like blatant discrimination.

No one international should bother visiting this place. Save your time and avoid the hassle unless you're willing to bring your passport out drinking, risk losing it, and jeopardize your ability to make your flight back home. The lack of basic hospitality and respect for international visitors is shocking, especially for a bar that should know better. This experience was beyond disappointing, and I'll never recommend...