We like coming here during the week when it is a bit calmer. The outside patio is dog friendly and they have an interesting menu. We also really like the happy hour.
Be careful which spots you park in as some are designated for the liqueur store next door. When in doubt ask and they'll let you know. We had order some full dinner entree and happy hour tapas plate. I really liked the happy hour chips which was freshly fried potatoe chips with melted cheddar cheese and bacon bits. I did not like the ketchup dipping sauce. I didn't like the short rib dish either, it was too greasy. The pork chop entree was very good as was the kabob platter. Service was good and I like sorting outside in the patio. We do not recommend the Italian sodas, it was very bland.
Good, not great. I had high hopes after reading the reviews, which I think were influenced by it being "trendy" place. The patio seating was very hot and the flies were overwhelming. Choose indoor seating if you visit! I paid $85 for two adults and a child for breakfast. It took nearly 20 minutes to get drinks and the food was just ok. I didn't order pancakes or French toast, but thought it was odd you had to pay extra for syrup. Definitely not a place I'll be visiting again.
I went there last night and the live music food , ambiance and attentive staff were top-notch. The dishes were combinations of flavors and ingredients that were unique and outstanding! I didnt try the specialty cocktails , but the sustainably-grown white wine I had was delicious. Roman Palacios, the live entertainment was spectacular! If you like Frank Sinatra.. you need to see him! It's a fabulous venue for a date night and not to be missed.
Positive - The tiramisu pancakes are REALLY good.
Negatives - They were WAY understaffed when we came in for breakfast on a Friday morning. The host stand was unmanned and it looked like the only people covering the front were the bartender and a bus boy. They were definitely in the weeds and having a heck of a time trying to get out of them. At some point they called a manager to come in, and once he got there, things were SO much better, but still.
It's worth coming if you can catch it on a non-busy day, but not someplace I think we'll go out of our way to visit again.
Love this cafe! Brunch menu is phenomenal, try anything with the word "cake" in it and you won't regret it! Street parking isn't difficult, you'll usually get lucky. I'm glad they expanded their eating area to the outside, because the wait was getting ridiculous.
What a delightful breakfast! Dylan was very helpful and attentive. The food was fabulous. We had the fresh tomato skillet and the corn and shrimp Benedict. Yum!! The ambiance on the patio was relaxing. We'll definitely be back!
Went here for lunch with a friend today. The food was delicious! We sat inside because it's a hot day, but they have a beautiful patio oasis with booths, long tables and tons of greenery. From the street you wouldn't know what a great spot it is. The cocktails are very creative, but I had a delicious passion fruit iced tea, served in a cool little teapot, and a seafood salad that was even better than expected. My friend loved her lunch too! I will be going back again and again!
Cafe 21 is one of my favorite places for happy hour in San Diego. They have 6 different types of freshly made sangria. The beer selection is great especially since they have Mother Earth's Cali Creamin on tap! Cafe 21 is a must experience, especially if you enjoy sitting outside while you dine!
Wow, wow, wow!! 😍❤ I can eat here everyday and would not get sick of it, they have nest drinks, and the mimosa flightsits delicious. Great staff, cool atmosphere, unique decor, and the menu is huge, snd delicious. I love it here.
I've been here and the sister location about a bajillion times now, and the only thing I'm ever not super thrilled with is how uncomfortable I am physically after the ridiculous overeating that I do in this place! Everything is so good and they give you so much food for the money.
Best thing to do is go with friends, order a variety of things, and share/eat family-style. Mimosa tasting flight is a major fave. Service and atmosphere have always been great. The place is super popular and often crowded, but it never feels too cramped or too loud, and the quality of service never suffers. Thank you, Cafe 21!
Amazing food! Walking around Adams after dropping my truck off at my mechanic and just happened to walk by this place. Glad I turned back to check it out. Everything is fresh and or free range. Great service as well.
A small space with mostly outside seating. We came in a Friday next get for happy hour, which is actually pretty good..$5 tapas and 21% off cocktails. The service was pretty slow and sometimes non-existent. Once the food did actually come it, it was quite tasty, except the Mac and cheese that was pretty pasty.