ALCE 101 — Restaurant in Solana Beach

Atmosphere/ambiance: this newly opened restaurant has quickly become a hot spot in Solana Beach. Beautifully and simply decorated with several seating areas – front patio, side patio, a few different areas inside. However, it is extremely loud – there we two of us and I couldn’t hear a word being said by my friend across the table from me – and this was on a Tuesday night. We were seated in a ‘booth’ and her bench along the wall was a bit taller than my chair on the other side of the table. I felt she was towering over me all night, but it was convenient for her leaning over to try and hear what I was saying….

Service: our waiter, Brendan was great. Really hustled and knew the menu. However, it seemed like he had too hustle way too much – I think they could have used an additional server on the schedule. At one point he told us the bar was really backed up and that our drinks would be another 10-15 minutes, after waiting 15 min…with so many specially crafted cocktails, perhaps the bar could have used another bartender as well.

Drinks: We’d noticed a review on Open Table or Yelp mentioning the weakness of the drinks, so she questioned Brendan about the section labeled “Spirit Forward” and he said they were stronger tasting, like a Manhattan. She ordered the “Rabbit” and I ordered the “Moose”, their flagship margarita. Hers tasted like watered down orange juice w/a hint of carrot, no hint of reposado at all. The margarita wasn’t not much better, no taste of alcohol at all. We let Brendan know for the next round, a “Deer” and a “Fox” and they were marginally better (a hint of alcohol), but still far from what I’d call ‘spirit forward’.

Food: Ambitious menu and, being food lovers, we were very excited, especially as this place is walking distance from home. The elk pozole was excellent. Our favorite selection. The roasted beet salad, meh, although people seem to like it in reviews. For us, roasted infers some color, a little caramelization even. These just seemed steamed. The ceviche was very fresh and light. However the avocado as well as the tostada seemed to overpower it’s delicacy, and avocado is hardly a powerhouse! When I tried the fish by itself, there were so many more nuances in the flavor than when I ate with the chips and avocado. The duck corn dogs were fun. There were six minis on sticks. The batter was perfectly made, light, crunchy and a little sweet. The duck is apparently an emulsion they pipe inside. Again, felt the batter was overpowering to the flavor of the duck – it could have been any meat inside.

Value: A bit pricey for this low key beach town. We may give it one more try, but were not thrilled about yelling at each other all night, and if I have two stiff, expensive drinks, I’d like to at least marginally feel them! One starter, three small plates (no large plates), and four weak drinks for $150 seemed excessive, all...

So we went here a few times after warm summer beach days. Atmosphere cannot be beat. The drink, appetizers, and seafood were all 5 stars. I'd say the most redeeming quality which I found across the board (drinks and food) was the fresh ingredients served with a backdrop of flavors which paired well: Citrus , spicy, sweet.

The prawns were some of the best I had ever had and hit every note. Fresh, perfectly charred so you get the aesthetics and taste of the grill. Want to say they mixed in Papaya with the starch so you got the sweet bites too.

Fast forward a few months and went there for a winter dinner. Girlfriend got the ceviche despite me wanting something which would pair with red wine. It was, as expected, great. All fish and none of that cheap filler shrimp you get at cheaper spots to cut costs.

The mains could have not missed the mark more. We figured this had to do with the Covid back and forth, open not open, etc. and the staff being overwhelmed with how busy the restaurant was.

Girlfriend got the Quail and I the skirt steak. The Quail was basically inedible because of how dry it was. I thought it couldn't be that bad and took a bite, quickly slamming some water to wash it down. WOW that is awful, why didn't you send it back I thought ? We didn't want to give these spots a harder time given the pressure they are under and the fact that this is not a dish you prepare fresh but something that is likely roasted and sits under a heat lamp. At any capacity this was bad. I have had better week old leftover chicken wings

The skirt steak was novice and served sloppy. 0 regard for presentation and just dolloped on Chimichurri which was hard on the vinegar. I like Vinegar ,but the hurry up and get this out manner in which this was prepared was like wow this is $35 !?!?! feels like I am eating something from Panera. The potatoes and squash which accompany also felt plain and lackluster in flavor.

We are assuming this was due to all the Covid issues that has these local gems under the gun from staffing issues to buying and storing food. It's just not the same as it was and we were hard pressed to complain. The waitstaff did as good of a job as they could and while we were honest about how bad the food was , no way we were gonna take it out on them or complain to the level I am here ;)

After 4 amazing times and 1 , what in the hell was that time , we will go definitely go back. I would possibly try to catch them at less busy hours and go the...

I can't speak as to the ambiance or food, but I am writing my review purely based on how poorly the restaurant is managed. I made a reservation in advance, really excited to try it out. After being forced to confirm four times in the same day (twice by phone and twice by text), I received a text message telling me they would only be able to seat us on their outdoor patio. Normally, that would not be an issue, but it just so happens to be a really cold and rainy day. I called the restaurant immediately after receiving the message, only to be informed that they had "prioritized" a large group of 50 people over my party of two. I mentioned to the hostess that it also happened to be their $160 fixed menu night (which we had not opted into) and she acknowledged that they were prioritizing those guests over my reservation as well. So in a nutshell, they gave my reservation away to someone they assumed would be bringing in more money. Needless to say, I passed on the opportunity to sit outside in the cold and try out their food while getting drenched by rain. If you're the type of person who makes a reservation with the intention of actually going to the restaurant, I suggest...