SETS Kitchen & Bar

1628 San Elijo Rd, San Marcos
(442) 515-3327

Recent Reviews

K B

Great time. Thank you to all staff.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Short Ribs Sandwich

Karla P Landers

Let’s just say we will be back! Delicious burger ?

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Fries, Short Ribs Sandwich, Breakfast Sandwich, Fish and Chips, Spinach Artichoke Dip

Joanna Mang

I wanted to like this place because it’s a convenient location to grab a beer and appetizer, but I’ve been twice and concluded it’s not being run very well. The first time it took our server 20 minutes to bring our drinks, then she disappeared for so long I had to go grab the hostess and ask for our check. The second time, I sat at the bar and a couple days later I got a notice from my credit card company that I’d been charged a 112% tip. My actual tip was 22%. I called and worked it out with them but eh, not going back.

Tabatha Baker

First - the good. Went here on Saturday (March 2nd) with some friends to try something new and close to home. Our waitress was amazing and the food was tasty. Four of us shared three appetizers: chips with guacamole and queso; caprese; pesto with mozzarella. One of us has Celiac and the waitress was very helpful in discussing the gluten free items.So why 1 star? Here’s the bad - Yelp lists that the place is open until 11pm on a Saturday. No hours are listed on the door. At 9:30 pm - a lady (not our waitress) yells out at the top of her voice, hand cupped around her mouth, that people need to pay and leave because they were closed and wanted to go home. We had already paid for our bill. There were other people still at the bar. There were two smallish children running around the restaurant. We had no idea they were closed. Rather than politely coming to us and letting us know they were closed, they chose to assume we should have known this and we were deliberately preventing them from leaving. We were aware that the kitchen had closed but thought the bar was still open. There are two other bar type venues close by. While we did think it strange the kitchen was closed but the bar remained opened, we thought maybe they stayed open to compete with the other two venues. Especially since it was a Saturday night.Even though the rest of our experience was good - I won’t go back. It was so unprofessional. I would have given 5 stars had they simply come up and said something like “you might not be aware since our hours are not listed, but we’re closing at this time.”Dietary restrictions: Gluten free

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 5

Service: 5

Dusty Jeffers

Great spot to come with your furry friends on the back patio. Very nice service and friendly staff. The chips and Guac with Queso is great. The salmon salad is amazing. And it's got the best layout in San Elijo, large inside restaurant and large back patio.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Ellyn Norris

Love the wait staff very friendly and knowledgeable.We were there last night and the food was terrible. Maybe an off night? I live in the area and hope the food is better next time.Get some sound absorption for the interior. Much too loud with children yelling, not being taught to use their inside voices.

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 2

Service: 4

VP PV

It would be great if they didn't allowed dogs, who smell, anti-sanitary, not to mention they spoile appetite. I saw two stuff members petting that smelly dog, but didn't see them washing their hands... Make conclusions yourself..

Frida Kahlo

I love coming to SETS Kitchen & Bar. It's in the cutest little chi-chi neighborhood with a bunch of other businesses in it, and there's plenty of free parking on the street. The food is always fantastic. The servers are super friendly. The only reason this place gets 4 stars instead of 5 is because the service is really slow. This restaurant is great for those times where you want to spend a long time catching up with a friend without many interruptions or feeling rushed, but it can be tough to flag down or even see your server when you need a drink refill or want to give them your money, and it makes no sense on days and times when the restaurant is near-empty. Just come check on me and let me pay you, lol. Anyway, definitely check it out when you have some extra time to spend (hopefully the staff will focus more on quick service in the near future. The food is delicious!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 3

Recommended dishes: Fries, Tacos

Braden B.

My brother and his wife live here in San Marcos and spoke very highly of this restaurant. We went there to eat and it certainly did not disappoint. The food was absolutely delicious. I really liked it. The service was top notch as well and that's coming from a person that has been a server and knows what good service looks like and feels like. Alexis was our server and not only was she super sharp, she was super friendly and was on cue with everything needed at the table. Definitely go try this restaurant if you're looking for a great meal. Get the salmon meal or the short ribs, both are amazing!

free p.

Set's Kitchen and Bar offers a dining experience that's hard to beat, combining exceptional service with a menu that tantalizes the palate. From the moment you step in, the atmosphere is warm and inviting, setting the stage for a memorable meal.When it comes to their menu, the standout has to be the burgers. 'The Don' for instance, takes the humble burger to new heights. Featuring flat top seared braised short rib paired with Tillamook cheddar and charred onions, it's a perfect melding of flavors that leaves a lasting impression. The horseradish cream adds a zing, while the grilled sourdough holds everything together in a comforting embrace.Not to be outdone, the 'Ode' to Colorado' is a tribute to the state's culinary landscape. Fresh ground bison provides a lean yet flavorful base, complemented by provolone cheese and roasted hatch chili. The butter lettuce, grilled onion, and heirloom tomato add freshness, while the roasted garlic aioli ties it all together. Served on a brioche bun, it's a burger that feels both gourmet and grounded.Beyond the burgers, they also offer unique twists on classic appetizers. Take the 'Seared Ahi Delight'-- it's an explosion of flavors and textures. The chili mango slaw offers sweetness and heat, while the fried avocado provides a creamy contrast. Crispy wontons and snap peas add crunch, and the whole dish is elevated by a ponzu glaze that adds a touch of tanginess.Service at Set's is equally commendable. The staff is attentive without being intrusive, making sure your dining experience is as smooth as possible.All in all, Set's Kitchen and Bar provides a stellar experience that excels in both menu offerings and service. Whether you're in the mood for an elevated classic or something completely new, you won't be disappointed.

Damien I.

Title: "Burger Night at Setts: A Comedy of Waiting"Oh, Setts Restaurant, where time seems to stretch like melted cheese on a juicy burger. I ventured there on Burger Night, not once, but twice, hoping to sink my teeth into a savory delight. Alas, fate had other plans--a double serving of waiting, seasoned with confusion.Picture this: I sat at my table, ready to embark on a culinary adventure. But as the minutes ticked by, I began to wonder if I had accidentally signed up for a burger-themed silent meditation retreat. Thirty minutes felt like an eternity, and my stomach grumbled louder than the restaurant's background music.The comedy of errors continued as I waited, as if I were trapped in a real-life sitcom. Waiters zipped past, oblivious to my desperate attempts to make eye contact. Perhaps they mistook my hunger-induced expression for an avant-garde art installation. Who knows?In this gastronomic saga, the main character--my rumbling tummy--was left to starve, while the supporting actors, the waitstaff, carried on with their own improvised performance. I half-expected a clown to saunter by, juggling burgers and fries, mocking my predicament.In the end, Burger Night became an unexpected exercise in patience, endurance, and absurdity. So, dear Setts, thank you for the unforgettable experience. I may not have tasted your legendary burgers, but I did acquire a newfound appreciation for the art of waiting. Bravo! Or should I say, "Bun-vo!"?Disclaimer: The author's hunger-induced delirium may have influenced the comedic nature of this review. Please approach Burger Night at Setts with a sense of humor and a backup snack. Bon appétit, and may your wait be shorter than mine!

Nayyirah F.

Picked this place out for my birthday dinner recently with my mom. We were able to pick where we wanted to sit which was nice. The server was great, we did have to wait a little bit longer at the end but there were more tables seated by then so we weren't bothered by it. I ordered the ceviche tostada but received a chicken tinga tostada instead. The server realized the mistake and we were brought the correct tostada and we got to try the chicken tostada. Broth were really good almost hard to choose a favorite between the two. For my entree I ordered the short rib and was surprised by the amount of food on my plate. It tasted delicious too. The Monday night game was on but it wasn't too loud and I really enjoyed the music playlist that had in the background. Overall enjoy this place.

Yvonne Romberg

Went with hubby for $9 burger and $6 draft beer night (Tuesdays)Awesome deal and service from Noah was outstanding!!#

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Fries, Tater Tots

Monique

I’ve been here several times. The food is somewhat good. I have to say that the customer service has been consistently been awful! I’ve had multiple different waitresses and bar tenders and over and over again the food was brought out cold and ignored me at the bar. Seems they don’t serve female patrons very well as I noticed the girls were quick to serve the men at the bar because the girls looking for tips. I’m not motivated to go back anymore.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 2

Service: 1

Celene R.

There are limited options in the small town and this restaurant is very average. It's not bad but not great either. If you're looking for a wow this isn't it. But if you're looking for a sit down that's on par to a chain restaurant with slightly better finesse then this is your place. Also very disappointed in their wine list. Nothing good.

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