When asking yourself about something to do near me in San Diego with a group of friends or family, consider
Books & Records
Why Books & Records is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Books & Records is a distinctive restaurant located in Bankers Hill, San Diego, celebrated for its unique combination of great food, live jazz music, and a cool ambiance that makes it an ideal spot for meeting up with friends. The venue blends a relaxed, inviting atmosphere with an eclectic menu curated by chef Sam Deckman, who hails from a family of highly regarded chefs, ensuring dishes with high standards and memorable flavors. The restaurant is well-known for its weekend live jazz performances that create an immersive dining experience reminiscent of classic music lounges, perfect for an enjoyable evening with friends or a special occasion. The food is inventive yet approachable, highlighted by crowd-pleasing items like shrimp with avocado and scampi, prime rib with barbecue sauce, and well-crafted margaritas that receive unanimous praise. The space is stylish and intimate, fostering a sense of community and connection among guests. Due to its rising popularity and the vibrant atmosphere especially during weekend nights, reservations are recommended to secure a spot. Overall, Books & Records stands out as a great place to enjoy both exceptional dining and live music, making it a memorable destination to gather with friends in San Diego.
Here's what people think of Books & Records
As of recent, Books & Records holds a 4.4-star rating based on 186 reviews.
User reviews of Books & Records express an overall positive impression with a solid 4.4-star rating from 186 reviews, reflecting a generally favorable dining experience. Positive feedback often highlights the excellent margaritas, flavorful and well-balanced appetizers like shrimp with avocado and scampi, and standout dishes such as the prime rib enhanced by barbecue sauce. Many guests appreciate the lively and enjoyable atmosphere created by the weekend live jazz performances, which elevate the dining experience and make visits feel special. The staff receives favorable notes for their good service, adding to the welcoming environment for most patrons. On the less favorable side, some reviews point to inconsistencies in food choices, such as the less impressive mac and cheese and mushy potato sides, which were seen as less appealing by a few guests. Additionally, some patrons experienced a less warm welcome from the host, citing a brief wait that felt awkward, and found the venue quite noisy at times, which might not suit every visitor's preference. Despite these minor criticisms, the majority find the experience enjoyable, often recommending advance reservations due to the restaurant's popularity. In conclusion, the reviews collectively portray Books & Records as a vibrant and attractive dining spot with delicious food and memorable live jazz, though potential visitors should be aware of occasional minor service hiccups and a lively noise level.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Tommy
Went for brunch and everyone loved their food as well as the bottomless mimosas. The server was attentive and friendly. All of the food was well executed, high quality, and full of flavor. Would recommend steak and eggs, chicken sandwich, short rib and potato cake, eggs Florentine, and Turkish eggs.
Joe Whearty
Food was amazing. We went in to try their happy hour menu (which they have from 5pm-close on Wednesdays) and was not disappointed. The drinks were really great as well. It is such a great vibe in the place, and all of the staff were beyond nice. 10/10 cant wait to go there again.
Michael Dea
I’m convinced that anything named “thing & thing” is a win, at least here in SD. Dinner has been exquisite the couple of times I’ve been here. Cocktails are very well made (love Purple Rain) and the menu has a lot of wonderful offerings that make it hard to choose. Duck carnitas are a must as well as the jidori chicken and the yellowfin crudo. Balance it out with the mushrooms Diane and the oven roasted cabbage and you’re set! Service has been excellent both times and we’ve been well taken care of. Now, I’m not going to lie, it can get loud in there but I know they’re working on improving this, especially when they have live music. The musicians are talented and it creates a great ambiance. So give them a chance and treat yourself!
Taka H
FOOD 4/5 - Based on brunch SMOKED SALMON LATKES | it was delicious! hand made latkes, dill-caper crème fraîche, pickled red onion, lemon, crispy shallot TURKISH EGGS | Not bad at all whipped labneh, za’atar, sumac, poached eggs, chili crunch, charred baguette NEED TO GET THEIR PANCAKES NEXT TIME PARKING 4/5 Street parking around the perimeter - some are metered while others are free if you're lucky SERVICE 4/5 Great service from the chef, servers, and all staff members AMBIENCE 5/5 Beautiful ambience inside and outside! Love their bar, tiered flooring and decor.
Amber Lichens
If I could give the service 13/10, I would. We went last night for a birthday celebration, and Dalton was our server and he was an absolute gem. Perfectly attentive, funny, and generously brought us a round birthday shots and the "check out" library punch card for future visits! He was knowledgeable about the whole menu and even told us about the nightly specials they have all week. I had the Coffee & TV espresso martini (I forgot to drink coffee yesterday and this was the perfect pick me up) and my friends had the Tom Kha Lins (creamy gin deliciousness) and the Wild Honey (we all agreed was our favorite of the night). The entire staff were charms, from the lovely front door hostess, to the food runners quietly bringing food and removing plates seamless and unobtrusively as we giggled and gossiped. And the food! You MUST get the Crispy Chicken Bao Buns (perfection, no notes), the Shrimp Aguachile and the smash burger! Easily one of the best smash burgers I've had in some time. The crispy brussels were also exquisitely creamy umami bombs. But most importantly, Dalton made our experience super memorable and so fun, he was engaging and hilarious, gave amazing suggestions and was definitely the frosting on a deliciously sparkling evening. Dalton, you were a doll. We can't wait to come back!
How to reach Books & Records
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Website: None
Why Books & Records may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Books & Records with your friends? Books & Records in San Diego is more than just a restaurant — it’s a vibrant experience perfect for gathering with your friends or family. With a 4.4 rating from 186 reviews, this venue stands out as a cultural hub that combines excellent food, fantastic cocktails, and live jazz music in a cozy yet stylish setting. Imagine stepping into an elegant space where the atmosphere buzzes with soulful tunes and the bar serves up the best Negroni in town. This place exudes warmth and charm, inviting you to relax and enjoy meaningful conversations over carefully crafted dishes and drinks. Whether you're celebrating a birthday, hosting a reunion, or just looking for a memorable night out, Books & Records offers a unique ambiance that feels intimate and lively all at once. The impeccable service enhances the experience, ensuring every guest feels valued and catered to. It’s an ideal destination to reconnect with loved ones while immersing yourselves in great music and delectable offerings, making your meetup not just fun but genuinely special.
What activities and experiences make Books & Records perfect for a group meetup? The core attraction here is the live jazz performances that provide a magical soundtrack to your gathering. Jazz, with its soulful and improvisational nature, encourages a relaxed and joyous vibe, offering a perfect setting for both intimate and larger groups. Guests can enjoy the richness of live music which adds to the ambiance without overwhelming conversation. Besides music, Books & Records boasts an impressive bar known for its inventive cocktails, with the Negroni often highlighted by patrons as exceptional. This focus on quality drinks means your group can share unique beverage experiences and discover new favorites together. The dining menu is thoughtful and diverse, ensuring there are options that cater to various tastes and dietary preferences, letting everyone enjoy a meal they love. The venue’s beautifully designed interior complements the experience, with elegant decor that feels both sophisticated and inviting, perfect for capturing memorable photos with your group. These combined elements make it easy to spend hours bonding in comfort and style.
How does the atmosphere at Books & Records enhance group interactions? The ambiance here is carefully crafted to foster connection and enjoyment. With its combination of intimate lighting, stylish furnishings, and the enchanting background of live jazz, the environment encourages relaxed, uninterrupted conversations. The music is lively yet unobtrusive, setting a pleasant mood that keeps energy levels high without overpowering social interaction. This balance is crucial for groups who want to both soak in a cultural experience and engage deeply with one another. Staff members are attentive and knowledgeable, often contributing to the warm atmosphere with friendly service that makes everyone feel welcome. The space is designed to host both small gatherings and larger groups comfortably, facilitating easy movement and mingling. Whether your friends want to lounge over cocktails or enjoy a lively dinner discussion, Books & Records adapts to your group’s rhythm, enhancing the overall connection and enjoyment.
Why is the food and drink selection at Books & Records ideal for hosting friends and family? The menu at Books & Records highlights thoughtful culinary craftsmanship paired with a well-curated drink list, making it easy to satisfy diverse palates. The food is designed to complement the cocktail experience, allowing groups to enjoy sharing plates or individual entrees that are flavorful and beautifully presented. From appetizers to desserts, every dish is prepared with care, offering fresh ingredients and enticing flavor combinations. The bar’s reputation for expertly mixed cocktails, particularly their Negroni, means guests can toast to good times with drinks that are both classic and innovative. This variety ensures that whether your group includes casual diners or cocktail aficionados, everyone finds something to enjoy. The availability of nice non-alcoholic options also helps accommodate all preferences within the group. The combination of quality food and standout drinks helps to elevate the meetup into a memorable culinary event.
What practical features does Books & Records offer for group gatherings? Location and accessibility are important, and Books & Records is conveniently situated at 2202 Fourth Avenue in San Diego, making it easy for friends and families to gather without hassle. The venue’s hours, including evenings and weekend brunch times, accommodate different schedules, offering flexibility for planning meetups. Reservations and attentive service help ensure your group is well taken care of, avoiding the stress of waits or arrangement confusion. The restaurant’s layout supports group dynamics, with seating that allows for both private conversations and socializing across the table. Live music times are scheduled regularly, providing a reliable entertainment element that adds value to your visit. Additionally, the stylish, warm environment means you won’t need extra decorations or planning to create a festive atmosphere — the venue’s charm naturally elevates the occasion. These practical considerations make it not only a pleasurable choice but also a convenient and thoughtful option for your next meetup.
How does Books & Records create lasting memories for group events? The combination of live music, superior drinks, delicious food, and impeccable service ensures each visit impresses and stays memorable. Guests often recount their evenings here as “magical,” a testament to how the venue’s unique blend of elements transports visitors beyond a simple meal into a full sensory experience. The staff’s attentiveness adds a personalized touch that can turn a regular outing into a special celebration. The setting encourages natural connection and enjoyment, helping groups feel relaxed, engaged, and entertained throughout their time. Many visitors appreciate that the atmosphere encourages lingering, allowing you to savor the moment instead of rushing through the experience. All these factors contribute to making Books & Records a place where friendships deepen and joyful memories are made, perfect for anything from casual get-togethers to special occasions.
In essence, Books & Records presents a harmonious and dynamic environment that nurtures friendship and celebration. Its offerings of live jazz, carefully crafted cocktails, appealing food, and excellent service make it an unmatched destination for meetups. Whether you want to reconnect with close friends, celebrate a milestone with loved ones, or simply enjoy a night out surrounded by good music and great company, Books & Records provides the ideal backdrop. The venue’s aesthetic beauty, combined with practical amenities and a warm, engaging atmosphere, transforms an ordinary meetup into an extraordinary gathering filled with laughter, conversation, and shared experiences. Choosing Books & Records means choosing a place where every moment resonates long after you leave, making it the perfect spot to rally your friends and family.