We all had the chowder which was fantastic, cocktails were delicious. Service was friendly and efficient. Great place for a date night or girls night, do yourself and check it out!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Emily S.
Wanted to check out the newest bar on Garnet Street in Pacific Beach and had a great time. We check this spot out at around 7:30 on a Thursday and it was pretty busy. We grabbed the last two seats at the bar and found a very attentive bar tender who took our order. Ordered two cocktails and the crab cake to share. The cocktails were delicious - they had great flavor and were not overly sweet, not to mention they were very reasonably priced for the area. The crab cake was delicious as well! The crab flavor came through very well and it did not taste like there was a bunch of filler, very delicious! I will definitely be back to this spot to try more food and more drinks!
Eliza Zetino
Bar Ella's is a game-changer for Pacific Beach. Finally, a spot where freshness reigns supreme! From the first bite of their house-baked focaccia bread to the last spoonful of their clam chowder, every dish bursts with flavor. The sandwiches are elevated by the fluffy perfection of their bread, while their homemade chips add a delightful crunch to every meal. But let's talk about the clam chowder – it's a symphony of seafood flavors, with generous portions that satisfy every craving. Chef Brenden's innovative approach to cuisine is evident in every dish, setting a new standard for dining in the area. And let's not forget about Meg, the bartender whose infectious positivity and impeccable service enhance the dining experience. Bar Ella's is a must-visit for anyone craving exceptional food and atmosphere in Pacific Beach. As a local I'll be back, keep those black and tans coming.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Clam Chowder, Chopped Salad
Ian
Great new spot, friendly service, the best smash burger in PB.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Evan S.
Please consider going to a different restaurant in SD. Visited Bar Ella with a group of friends for a birthday and we were unfortunately very disappointed. This bar prides themselves for its east coast flair but the food, drinks, and overall atmosphere were the farthest from east coast. As someone that is very familiar with the east coast I can say that the owner doesn't know what they're doing. The food was very mediocre and the drinks were nothing to write home about. If they are going to choose to not put prices on their menus they could at least have more than just high top bar tables. Will not be coming back.
Gabriel M.
Don't go here! We walked in the other night to try the new spot in PB but everything about this place was very disappointing and not to mention overpriced for a place on Garnet next to a giant smoke shop. The atmosphere of the interior and amateur drinks do not justify the prices. It's a bar that's trying to sell itself as a nice restaurant so they can gauge people in prices. Save your time and money.
Andrea S.
What a great place! The food is fantastic! I tried the HH bites along with the scallops and pappardelle bolognese. The flavors in each dish were so good! I sat at the bar with Jess and she made my night! I'll definitely be coming back and making this my regular spot! I definitely recommend checking this place out.
D'ahna Bishop
So excited about the new spot in town, bar Ella! Seriously, it's like a breath of fresh air in Pacific Beach. From the moment I stepped in, I was impressed by the ambiance, menu offerings, and above all, the exceptional service provided by our server, Taylor.Their espresso martinis and margaritas are delicious. Some of my favorite food items have been the flat iron steak, the burger and the fried olives - which are a unique and delicious appetizer that left us craving for more.Taylor's attentiveness and friendly demeanor truly elevated our dining experience. Her knowledge of the menu and willingness to accommodate both drink and meal preferences made us feel valued and well taken care of throughout our visit.bar Ella is quickly becoming a favorite spot for my friends and I in PB!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Caesar Salad
Nick Buckler
Cool place but they need to get rid of the tacky LED
Atmosphere: 3
Service: 4
Greg Robinson
Excellent service, food, and drinks. A great addition and transfiguration from Bub's. The clam chowder and scallops were excellent. And the owner was extremely gracious! Would recommend.
We recently had the pleasure of dining at Bar Ella , and it was an exceptional experience from start to finish. The ambiance was inviting, with a perfect balance of warmth and sophistication.The menu boasted a diverse selection of dishes, each crafted with precision and creativity. I opted for the fried olives for starters and bolognese for my main, and it surpassed my expectations. The flavors were harmonious, and the presentation was a feast for the eyes. Staff was amazing and the espresso martini is a must try. Definitely would recommend.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Chuck D.
Great burger, house chips, clam chowder, and papardelle bolognese. Friendly and prompt service!
Linda L.
Came in on the recommendation that the clam chowder is incredible. It was the worst chowder I've ever had and would be a disgrace to new england. Watery, overly seasoned, Bacon soup with clams. Pass. They also use seed oils, despite acting upscale, this was a turnoff immediately. For a place that is always empty and overstaffed, you'd think the service would be more attentive but they all seem like they don't want to be there just as much as i don't want to go back. Where's the energy?? There's no character in here. Super sterile. Wooden striped wall makes you dizzy. Where's the new england flair?? Would be cute if there were memorabilia for Boston sports. A pic of David ortiz in a gold antique frame, some classy decor that has character. Bring in a dj at night and turn down the lights do a late night lounge. Take some notes from Capo in Boston's Southie and get the vibe right. Add some endearing decor. Hire some bartenders who aren't burnt out. And for the love of god, simplify your clam chowder!
Heather W.
Meh. I'm sad to see the former Bud's transformed into such a 'generic chic' place thats trying to be a downtown rooftop bar, it seems. The prices sure imply as much. REVIEW ON DRINKS ONLY: The mixed cocktails are all rather weird and not tasty at all. They list no prices on the menu (how nice), which adds to the "we're overpriced and you'll just deal with it" vibe. Its just strange given its location on Garnet. I got the "SMOKE SHOW" mezcal drink that was fine. Someone else got the "GARIBALDI" and it was repulsive. Please do yourself a favor and dont get it.
Jennifer E.
First of all, this is exactly what PB needed! An actual adult venue with an actual chef prepared menu. The food is phenomenal. Definitely the best crab cakes I've ever had and their fried olives were surprisingly delicious. My friend had the flat iron steak and it was so good as well! The ambiance is on par and it's nice to not have to worry about some frat boy spilling beer all over you because they were over served and the venue is over crowded. Service was great and the decor is adorable! Will definitely be rotating in Bar Ella as one of my restaurant and bar go-to's. And omg finally a place in PB that doesn't charge that stupid surcharge!
We all had the chowder which was fantastic, cocktails were delicious. Service was friendly and efficient. Great place for a date night or girls night, do yourself and check it out!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Wanted to check out the newest bar on Garnet Street in Pacific Beach and had a great time. We check this spot out at around 7:30 on a Thursday and it was pretty busy. We grabbed the last two seats at the bar and found a very attentive bar tender who took our order. Ordered two cocktails and the crab cake to share. The cocktails were delicious - they had great flavor and were not overly sweet, not to mention they were very reasonably priced for the area. The crab cake was delicious as well! The crab flavor came through very well and it did not taste like there was a bunch of filler, very delicious! I will definitely be back to this spot to try more food and more drinks!
Bar Ella's is a game-changer for Pacific Beach. Finally, a spot where freshness reigns supreme! From the first bite of their house-baked focaccia bread to the last spoonful of their clam chowder, every dish bursts with flavor. The sandwiches are elevated by the fluffy perfection of their bread, while their homemade chips add a delightful crunch to every meal. But let's talk about the clam chowder – it's a symphony of seafood flavors, with generous portions that satisfy every craving. Chef Brenden's innovative approach to cuisine is evident in every dish, setting a new standard for dining in the area. And let's not forget about Meg, the bartender whose infectious positivity and impeccable service enhance the dining experience. Bar Ella's is a must-visit for anyone craving exceptional food and atmosphere in Pacific Beach. As a local I'll be back, keep those black and tans coming.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Clam Chowder, Chopped Salad
Great new spot, friendly service, the best smash burger in PB.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Please consider going to a different restaurant in SD. Visited Bar Ella with a group of friends for a birthday and we were unfortunately very disappointed. This bar prides themselves for its east coast flair but the food, drinks, and overall atmosphere were the farthest from east coast. As someone that is very familiar with the east coast I can say that the owner doesn't know what they're doing. The food was very mediocre and the drinks were nothing to write home about. If they are going to choose to not put prices on their menus they could at least have more than just high top bar tables. Will not be coming back.
Don't go here! We walked in the other night to try the new spot in PB but everything about this place was very disappointing and not to mention overpriced for a place on Garnet next to a giant smoke shop. The atmosphere of the interior and amateur drinks do not justify the prices. It's a bar that's trying to sell itself as a nice restaurant so they can gauge people in prices. Save your time and money.
What a great place! The food is fantastic! I tried the HH bites along with the scallops and pappardelle bolognese. The flavors in each dish were so good! I sat at the bar with Jess and she made my night! I'll definitely be coming back and making this my regular spot! I definitely recommend checking this place out.
So excited about the new spot in town, bar Ella! Seriously, it's like a breath of fresh air in Pacific Beach. From the moment I stepped in, I was impressed by the ambiance, menu offerings, and above all, the exceptional service provided by our server, Taylor.Their espresso martinis and margaritas are delicious. Some of my favorite food items have been the flat iron steak, the burger and the fried olives - which are a unique and delicious appetizer that left us craving for more.Taylor's attentiveness and friendly demeanor truly elevated our dining experience. Her knowledge of the menu and willingness to accommodate both drink and meal preferences made us feel valued and well taken care of throughout our visit.bar Ella is quickly becoming a favorite spot for my friends and I in PB!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Caesar Salad
Cool place but they need to get rid of the tacky LED
Atmosphere: 3
Service: 4
Excellent service, food, and drinks. A great addition and transfiguration from Bub's. The clam chowder and scallops were excellent. And the owner was extremely gracious! Would recommend.
Restaurantji Recommends
We recently had the pleasure of dining at Bar Ella , and it was an exceptional experience from start to finish. The ambiance was inviting, with a perfect balance of warmth and sophistication.The menu boasted a diverse selection of dishes, each crafted with precision and creativity. I opted for the fried olives for starters and bolognese for my main, and it surpassed my expectations. The flavors were harmonious, and the presentation was a feast for the eyes. Staff was amazing and the espresso martini is a must try. Definitely would recommend.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great burger, house chips, clam chowder, and papardelle bolognese. Friendly and prompt service!
Came in on the recommendation that the clam chowder is incredible. It was the worst chowder I've ever had and would be a disgrace to new england. Watery, overly seasoned, Bacon soup with clams. Pass. They also use seed oils, despite acting upscale, this was a turnoff immediately. For a place that is always empty and overstaffed, you'd think the service would be more attentive but they all seem like they don't want to be there just as much as i don't want to go back. Where's the energy?? There's no character in here. Super sterile. Wooden striped wall makes you dizzy. Where's the new england flair?? Would be cute if there were memorabilia for Boston sports. A pic of David ortiz in a gold antique frame, some classy decor that has character. Bring in a dj at night and turn down the lights do a late night lounge. Take some notes from Capo in Boston's Southie and get the vibe right. Add some endearing decor. Hire some bartenders who aren't burnt out. And for the love of god, simplify your clam chowder!
Meh. I'm sad to see the former Bud's transformed into such a 'generic chic' place thats trying to be a downtown rooftop bar, it seems. The prices sure imply as much. REVIEW ON DRINKS ONLY: The mixed cocktails are all rather weird and not tasty at all. They list no prices on the menu (how nice), which adds to the "we're overpriced and you'll just deal with it" vibe. Its just strange given its location on Garnet. I got the "SMOKE SHOW" mezcal drink that was fine. Someone else got the "GARIBALDI" and it was repulsive. Please do yourself a favor and dont get it.
First of all, this is exactly what PB needed! An actual adult venue with an actual chef prepared menu. The food is phenomenal. Definitely the best crab cakes I've ever had and their fried olives were surprisingly delicious. My friend had the flat iron steak and it was so good as well! The ambiance is on par and it's nice to not have to worry about some frat boy spilling beer all over you because they were over served and the venue is over crowded. Service was great and the decor is adorable! Will definitely be rotating in Bar Ella as one of my restaurant and bar go-to's. And omg finally a place in PB that doesn't charge that stupid surcharge!