Great place! Busy but great service and food was superb.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Sergio M.
1 Shrimp-$4.99?I brought my out of town family here because i’ve heard amazing things about this place… but little did i know we were about to get the shaft. We made reservations which are definitely recommended, and as we arrived the atmosphere was very interesting. The staff was nice and respectful but i soon became extremely disappointed. The location of the restaurant obviously has play into the price of food, which is definitely on the higher end of spectrum but the appetizers looked properly priced. I love seafood so as i read the menu and noticed shrimp cocktail i knew i had to order it. But to my surprise I was given ONE SINGULAR SHRIMP IN A SHRIMP COCKTAIL. I mean honestly this is unbelievable. I get it times are tough and this is a nicer area but ONE SHRIMP HURT MY SOUL.
Every inch of this restaurant is full of intriguing "I Spy" -esk feels. The food was delicious! Brussels Sprouts done perfectly, one of the empty plates, and a perfect blueberry lemonade mimosa!Clean bathrooms, warm monkey bread style cinnamon bread and a brightly lit dining room that seems it could fit any number of people! What more could I want from a big city, 1930's, train station styled eatery!?
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Emma Brodbar
As a vegetarian (and I have celiac), it was tough to eat here. The vegetarian sushi rolls were not gluten-free, and the only thing besides chips/guacamole and the brussel sprouts that I could eat was the seven vegetable fried rice. It was incredibly salty and seemed like there was too much soy sauce in it. However, the service was amazing. Our waiter was incredibly kind and attentive, and they were quick to refill drinks if wanted/needed. I just wish there were more gluten free-vegetarian options, especially for a Cameron Mitchell restaurant. Restuarant itself is nice inside and the design is cool! Drinks were also pretty good.Vegetarian options: I don't recommend it for vegetarians; very few options on the menu.Dietary restrictions: I did not get cross-contaminated as someone with celiac; the others I was with also all had celiac, and not one of us was ill! So I would recommend it for those looking for a safe place to eat.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 2
Service: 4
Our party of four had an amazing time. Our server Ben was fantastic, and I highly recommend starting with the potato bread and curry mussel. The crispy snapper, scallops, and chicken were all to die for and everyone all around was more than happy with their meals
Joseph Edward Mquire
My recent birthday celebration at SoCal Kitchen + Bar left me with a range of emotions—some pleasant, others not so much. Let’s break it down:1. The Hosts’ Vanishing ActUpon entering, I expected a warm welcome, perhaps a nod to my special day. Instead, the hosts treated us like undercover agents—stealthy and unacknowledged. It’s as if they’d perfected the art of invisibility. Maybe they moonlight as magicians, pulling disappearing acts between seating guests.2. Ceviche: A Petite DisappointmentThe ceviche arrived—a delicate mosaic of seafood. But alas, the taste was a whisper, lost in the sea breeze. The portion? A mere appetizer for a hummingbird. And the price? Well, it could fund a microloan in a developing country. I pondered life’s mysteries as I scooped minuscule bites onto my fork.3. The Burger ChroniclesNext up: The Burger. Dryness clung to it like a stubborn barnacle. The toppings—avocado, tomato, and cheese—tried their best to salvage the situation. But alas, the flavor remained elusive, like a cryptic crossword clue. The onions, absent as promised, were probably on vacation.4. Ambiance and DécorSoCal Kitchen + Bar aims for California vibes. The decor? A Pinterest board curated by a minimalist surfer. Neon signs blinked, casting kaleidoscopic shadows. The room buzzed with chatter—lively, but not deafening. I half-expected a beach ball to bounce by, urging us to “chillax.”ConclusionIn the end, SoCal Kitchen + Bar is a mixed bag. Three stars seem fitting—a balance of highs and lows. If you seek a place where hosts vanish, ceviche tiptoes, and burgers play hide-and-seek, this is your spot. As for me, I’ll explore other culinary waves next time.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 3
Nick Wheeler
Wonderful brunch food. I recommend the burrito!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Deej
Great server, super kind, and attentive. The food was overpriced but very tasty. This is a common theme I'm noticing with Cameron Mitchell restaurants. The price of the food to quality just doesn't do it anymore. Most dishes are probably 5-10 dollars over what they actually should be. You might be able to justify the price if the portions were large but they're not. overall a good dining experience but be aware you're going to over pay a little.
MattT
Love the SoCal atmosphere. The restaurant was crowded but not overly loud or where we felt squeezed into a table and couldn't move like some other similar restaurants in the area. The food was amazing. Loved the fresh Sushi and the Fresh Fish options. The Cost's were typical for this type of restaurant and while the overall experience felt like a good overall value. Keep up the Good Work SoCal Kitchen!
TobiD
Server was very helpful with cocktail and food suggestions but it was a little hard getting her attention later. Only a little. We really liked her. Seating was perfect, just what I had asked for in my reservation. Food selection was excellent for a Happy Hour. We loved and appreciated the birthday card. Overall, a wonderful experience at SoCal!
Point-by-point analysis of our visit on February 17 (5pm).1. Beach Party cocktail: the first one was OK, the second one - tasted just like juice.2. Guacamole - excellent no concerns here, 5 out of 5.3. Shrimp ceviche - I guess they do not know that whatever goes into ceviche must be marinated first. 3 out of 5.4. Chopped salad - wonderful, nothing to complain about - 5 out of 5.5. Fish sandwich. One word: a disaster. Both my wife and I had it and both sandwiches were at this level: 2 out of 5 at most. The "sandwich" (means burger) was decomposed, but most importantly fish was DRY. I can grill fish much, much better, and I am no chief. This fish was at least 2-3 min overcooked. Plus, some unnecessary spices on top. I suppose the deal was: "if it's in the bun together with a pickle and an onion, any fish will do".6. Service: not even close to the level this establishment would like to be - 3 out of 5, at most.7. Restrooms: 5 out of 5.8. Dining hall - high class (probably inspired by some French counterparts): 5 out of 5.Conclusion: no way we're coming back (not even for nice restrooms). Next outing - we're going back to Martini Modern Italian, where we have never been disappointed (yet :-).
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 3
Recommended dishes: Guacamole
aaron rhoades
Fantastic restaurant. This place is everything you expect from Cameron Mitchell. Guild House was my favorite but this place now owns the top spot. I had the swordfish and the Mrs. got the salmon, both were top notch dishes. SoCal has a great happy hour as well.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
GfromOhio
Enjoyed a great business dinner at SoCal. They sat 3 of us at a great table that had some privacy so we could talk without having to raise or voices. Service was excellent and the food was even better. We had 2 sushi rolls for appetizers and then 3 entrees...scallops, fried red snapper and the carne asada. I loved the caren asada. the two seafood dishes looked amazing and all three plates were cleaned.
Catty
We had a wonderful time celebrating two birthdays. They provided complementary birthday desserts for the birthday honorees. We got there right before happy hour ended. The happy hour is a great value and is served all over the restaurant. The food was hot, fresh and very tasty. SoCal will definitely be put in our happy hour rotation. The only downside is the parking.
Great place! Busy but great service and food was superb.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
1 Shrimp-$4.99?I brought my out of town family here because i’ve heard amazing things about this place… but little did i know we were about to get the shaft. We made reservations which are definitely recommended, and as we arrived the atmosphere was very interesting. The staff was nice and respectful but i soon became extremely disappointed. The location of the restaurant obviously has play into the price of food, which is definitely on the higher end of spectrum but the appetizers looked properly priced. I love seafood so as i read the menu and noticed shrimp cocktail i knew i had to order it. But to my surprise I was given ONE SINGULAR SHRIMP IN A SHRIMP COCKTAIL. I mean honestly this is unbelievable. I get it times are tough and this is a nicer area but ONE SHRIMP HURT MY SOUL.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 1
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Fried Oysters, Chicken Sandwich
Every inch of this restaurant is full of intriguing "I Spy" -esk feels. The food was delicious! Brussels Sprouts done perfectly, one of the empty plates, and a perfect blueberry lemonade mimosa!Clean bathrooms, warm monkey bread style cinnamon bread and a brightly lit dining room that seems it could fit any number of people! What more could I want from a big city, 1930's, train station styled eatery!?
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
As a vegetarian (and I have celiac), it was tough to eat here. The vegetarian sushi rolls were not gluten-free, and the only thing besides chips/guacamole and the brussel sprouts that I could eat was the seven vegetable fried rice. It was incredibly salty and seemed like there was too much soy sauce in it. However, the service was amazing. Our waiter was incredibly kind and attentive, and they were quick to refill drinks if wanted/needed. I just wish there were more gluten free-vegetarian options, especially for a Cameron Mitchell restaurant. Restuarant itself is nice inside and the design is cool! Drinks were also pretty good.Vegetarian options: I don't recommend it for vegetarians; very few options on the menu.Dietary restrictions: I did not get cross-contaminated as someone with celiac; the others I was with also all had celiac, and not one of us was ill! So I would recommend it for those looking for a safe place to eat.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 2
Service: 4
Our party of four had an amazing time. Our server Ben was fantastic, and I highly recommend starting with the potato bread and curry mussel. The crispy snapper, scallops, and chicken were all to die for and everyone all around was more than happy with their meals
My recent birthday celebration at SoCal Kitchen + Bar left me with a range of emotions—some pleasant, others not so much. Let’s break it down:1. The Hosts’ Vanishing ActUpon entering, I expected a warm welcome, perhaps a nod to my special day. Instead, the hosts treated us like undercover agents—stealthy and unacknowledged. It’s as if they’d perfected the art of invisibility. Maybe they moonlight as magicians, pulling disappearing acts between seating guests.2. Ceviche: A Petite DisappointmentThe ceviche arrived—a delicate mosaic of seafood. But alas, the taste was a whisper, lost in the sea breeze. The portion? A mere appetizer for a hummingbird. And the price? Well, it could fund a microloan in a developing country. I pondered life’s mysteries as I scooped minuscule bites onto my fork.3. The Burger ChroniclesNext up: The Burger. Dryness clung to it like a stubborn barnacle. The toppings—avocado, tomato, and cheese—tried their best to salvage the situation. But alas, the flavor remained elusive, like a cryptic crossword clue. The onions, absent as promised, were probably on vacation.4. Ambiance and DécorSoCal Kitchen + Bar aims for California vibes. The decor? A Pinterest board curated by a minimalist surfer. Neon signs blinked, casting kaleidoscopic shadows. The room buzzed with chatter—lively, but not deafening. I half-expected a beach ball to bounce by, urging us to “chillax.”ConclusionIn the end, SoCal Kitchen + Bar is a mixed bag. Three stars seem fitting—a balance of highs and lows. If you seek a place where hosts vanish, ceviche tiptoes, and burgers play hide-and-seek, this is your spot. As for me, I’ll explore other culinary waves next time.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 3
Wonderful brunch food. I recommend the burrito!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great server, super kind, and attentive. The food was overpriced but very tasty. This is a common theme I'm noticing with Cameron Mitchell restaurants. The price of the food to quality just doesn't do it anymore. Most dishes are probably 5-10 dollars over what they actually should be. You might be able to justify the price if the portions were large but they're not. overall a good dining experience but be aware you're going to over pay a little.
Love the SoCal atmosphere. The restaurant was crowded but not overly loud or where we felt squeezed into a table and couldn't move like some other similar restaurants in the area. The food was amazing. Loved the fresh Sushi and the Fresh Fish options. The Cost's were typical for this type of restaurant and while the overall experience felt like a good overall value. Keep up the Good Work SoCal Kitchen!
Server was very helpful with cocktail and food suggestions but it was a little hard getting her attention later. Only a little. We really liked her. Seating was perfect, just what I had asked for in my reservation. Food selection was excellent for a Happy Hour. We loved and appreciated the birthday card. Overall, a wonderful experience at SoCal!
Restaurantji Recommends
Great food!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Point-by-point analysis of our visit on February 17 (5pm).1. Beach Party cocktail: the first one was OK, the second one - tasted just like juice.2. Guacamole - excellent no concerns here, 5 out of 5.3. Shrimp ceviche - I guess they do not know that whatever goes into ceviche must be marinated first. 3 out of 5.4. Chopped salad - wonderful, nothing to complain about - 5 out of 5.5. Fish sandwich. One word: a disaster. Both my wife and I had it and both sandwiches were at this level: 2 out of 5 at most. The "sandwich" (means burger) was decomposed, but most importantly fish was DRY. I can grill fish much, much better, and I am no chief. This fish was at least 2-3 min overcooked. Plus, some unnecessary spices on top. I suppose the deal was: "if it's in the bun together with a pickle and an onion, any fish will do".6. Service: not even close to the level this establishment would like to be - 3 out of 5, at most.7. Restrooms: 5 out of 5.8. Dining hall - high class (probably inspired by some French counterparts): 5 out of 5.Conclusion: no way we're coming back (not even for nice restrooms). Next outing - we're going back to Martini Modern Italian, where we have never been disappointed (yet :-).
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 3
Recommended dishes: Guacamole
Fantastic restaurant. This place is everything you expect from Cameron Mitchell. Guild House was my favorite but this place now owns the top spot. I had the swordfish and the Mrs. got the salmon, both were top notch dishes. SoCal has a great happy hour as well.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Enjoyed a great business dinner at SoCal. They sat 3 of us at a great table that had some privacy so we could talk without having to raise or voices. Service was excellent and the food was even better. We had 2 sushi rolls for appetizers and then 3 entrees...scallops, fried red snapper and the carne asada. I loved the caren asada. the two seafood dishes looked amazing and all three plates were cleaned.
We had a wonderful time celebrating two birthdays. They provided complementary birthday desserts for the birthday honorees. We got there right before happy hour ended. The happy hour is a great value and is served all over the restaurant. The food was hot, fresh and very tasty. SoCal will definitely be put in our happy hour rotation. The only downside is the parking.