I’ve been living in Pacific Beach for six months, and Duck Dive has been one of my favorite spots. My friends and I love the food, the atmosphere, and the overall vibe—it’s a place I’ve raved about to family and friends.
However, I recently had a disappointing experience that made me rethink my view of this establishment. A friend I served with in Virginia came to visit, and we planned to have brunch at Duck Dive. At the door, he was denied access because he only had his CAC card (military ID) with him, not his driver’s license. I explained that he wouldn’t be drinking and was just joining us for food, but the staff refused to make an exception.
I was surprised and deeply disappointed by both the policy and the unwillingness to accommodate a service member who simply wanted to enjoy a meal with friends. As someone who has loved this place for months, this experience has left a sour taste.
I hope Duck Dive reconsiders their policies and approach to customer service—especially for members of the military community.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 1
Talia Owens
Julia was the best!!! We had a large party for bottomless mimosas and she was so accommodating and always made sure we were taken care of. Would definitely recommend thank you for amazing service Julia!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
shae lee
We went for bottomless mimosas and part of our group arrived about 45 minutes after the first group. However no one informed us that the entire group had two hours from the start of the FIRST guests to arrive. Therefore half our group didn't get their full two hours of bottomless mimosas but paid for it. A little heads up prior would have been nice. Half the group felt it was unfair.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Anne Laure Denis
We went to Duck Dive twice around Christmas: great atmosphere and great cocktails.
It's not bad for a quick stop. We must return for the full experience. Just got a drink is all...
Wijitra Damglin
Food is good and good service and beautiful decorations shop
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Nance Yuan
I enjoyed this bar which is steps away from a beautiful path along the beach. You can't see the beach from the car but it's just steps away. I actually am a rubber duck collector which is why I wanted to stop by to get a drink with a rubber duck on it! (Note, they technically come with certain cocktail slushies but my server hooked me up with a ducky in my mocktail since I can't have alcohol right now). We wanted to visit mostly for the duck fun but were pleasantly surprised at how good the food was. Everything was so tasty! My favorite was the ahi poke tacos but we also enjoyed the Aloha burger with upgrade to duck fat fries and the fish tacos. Every item was great. Would come back again!
Currently it's decked out for the holidays. Love the decor and atmosphere. Some places just put up a tree or wreath here or there but this place is extremely festive and I appreciate it. You can tell they really put a lot of love and care into making it as festive as possible. There's even tinsel on the legs of the tables and lots of Santa hats, ornaments, and presents everywhere. It was already so festive but I saw staff putting hats on some seats too. Even the bathroom mirror was decorated. Looks like they host trivia and other events too.
We came for a late lunch with our 7-month-old baby and it was very chill and our server was great. No high chairs but there's a changing table in the bathroom (yay). The place is clean and friendly. Looking forward to coming back and I recommend to anyone visiting Pacific Beach.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Fish Tacos, Fries, Duck Fat Fries
Awesome Aloha burger and fries right off the bat! Wash it down with whatever. It was great. Thx Samantha service was great from Boston!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Hamburger, Fries, French Fries
Tristen McCarville
We have been here multiple times. We come here when we are on vacation for the Nebraska football games. EVERYONE here is amazing and so nice.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Per Kruse
Fast, friendly service, nicely poured cocktails.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chicken Wings, Fish Tacos
Tim Stew
They don't accept military IDs? It's a government issued ID but they're not accepted? Yeah this place hates military and i wouldn't recommend giving them business
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Cassandra Rehn
This is the best spot to go to for some brunch and bottomless mimosas when you first arrive to the Pacific Beach area!
Disappointing Experience Despite Previous Praise
I’ve been living in Pacific Beach for six months, and Duck Dive has been one of my favorite spots. My friends and I love the food, the atmosphere, and the overall vibe—it’s a place I’ve raved about to family and friends.
However, I recently had a disappointing experience that made me rethink my view of this establishment. A friend I served with in Virginia came to visit, and we planned to have brunch at Duck Dive. At the door, he was denied access because he only had his CAC card (military ID) with him, not his driver’s license. I explained that he wouldn’t be drinking and was just joining us for food, but the staff refused to make an exception.
I was surprised and deeply disappointed by both the policy and the unwillingness to accommodate a service member who simply wanted to enjoy a meal with friends. As someone who has loved this place for months, this experience has left a sour taste.
I hope Duck Dive reconsiders their policies and approach to customer service—especially for members of the military community.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 1
Julia was the best!!! We had a large party for bottomless mimosas and she was so accommodating and always made sure we were taken care of. Would definitely recommend thank you for amazing service Julia!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We went for bottomless mimosas and part of our group arrived about 45 minutes after the first group. However no one informed us that the entire group had two hours from the start of the FIRST guests to arrive. Therefore half our group didn't get their full two hours of bottomless mimosas but paid for it. A little heads up prior would have been nice. Half the group felt it was unfair.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
We went to Duck Dive twice around Christmas: great atmosphere and great cocktails.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Samantha was the best server! 🤍
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Im in love with Samantha❤️
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Friendly staff and fun, festive decor.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chicken Wings, Avocado Toast, Duck Dive Burger, Duck Fat Fries
It's not bad for a quick stop. We must return for the full experience. Just got a drink is all...
Food is good and good service and beautiful decorations shop
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
I enjoyed this bar which is steps away from a beautiful path along the beach. You can't see the beach from the car but it's just steps away. I actually am a rubber duck collector which is why I wanted to stop by to get a drink with a rubber duck on it! (Note, they technically come with certain cocktail slushies but my server hooked me up with a ducky in my mocktail since I can't have alcohol right now).
We wanted to visit mostly for the duck fun but were pleasantly surprised at how good the food was. Everything was so tasty! My favorite was the ahi poke tacos but we also enjoyed the Aloha burger with upgrade to duck fat fries and the fish tacos. Every item was great. Would come back again!
Currently it's decked out for the holidays. Love the decor and atmosphere. Some places just put up a tree or wreath here or there but this place is extremely festive and I appreciate it. You can tell they really put a lot of love and care into making it as festive as possible. There's even tinsel on the legs of the tables and lots of Santa hats, ornaments, and presents everywhere. It was already so festive but I saw staff putting hats on some seats too. Even the bathroom mirror was decorated. Looks like they host trivia and other events too.
We came for a late lunch with our 7-month-old baby and it was very chill and our server was great. No high chairs but there's a changing table in the bathroom (yay). The place is clean and friendly. Looking forward to coming back and I recommend to anyone visiting Pacific Beach.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Fish Tacos, Fries, Duck Fat Fries
Restaurantji Recommends
Awesome Aloha burger and fries right off the bat! Wash it down with whatever. It was great. Thx Samantha service was great from Boston!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Hamburger, Fries, French Fries
We have been here multiple times. We come here when we are on vacation for the Nebraska football games. EVERYONE here is amazing and so nice.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Fast, friendly service, nicely poured cocktails.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chicken Wings, Fish Tacos
They don't accept military IDs? It's a government issued ID but they're not accepted? Yeah this place hates military and i wouldn't recommend giving them business
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
This is the best spot to go to for some brunch and bottomless mimosas when you first arrive to the Pacific Beach area!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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