Best Restaurants with Bar Seating in Downtown

Food is very good. Not inexpensive. Service was very good until one server forgot to put in our second order so we were forgotten. Th other server made an adjustment on our bill without our asking and tried to make things right in that regard. I recommend this restaurant, just not as perfect as it could have been.

Loved our time at Wilma’s! From our time at the bar to our experience at the table. Everyone was so kind and thoughtful for our birthday celebration! Highly recommend! Food and drinks were great as well!

Truly a fantastic meal. The service was exceptional. Our waiter, Issa, took plenty of time to explain the menu and provide recommendations. And all through the meal, he anticipated our needs. The steaks were all delicious and perfectly cooked with lovely char on the outside and medium rare. The sides were great. The bread was great and came with a delicious goat cheese and a butter as well. The atmosphere was quintessential steakhouse. We will definitely be back.

Smokin' J's BBQ is a gem unbeknownst to us. My wife and I were attending an event at the Balboa Theater and were looking to make a reservation close to the venue. Smokin' J's is literally across the street...it couldn't be more convenient. Everything was excellent, the service was outstanding, the food was delicious with very ample portions. Even though we live in Encinitas, we will go back downtown to dine at Smokin' J's again. To us, it was a hidden gem.

Me and a friend stopped in and sat at the bar. We were greeted right away. All the bartenders were knowledgeable and friendly. Food was amazing and didn’t take too long. Ambiance was perfect too, not too dark or bright. Shout out to Jad the supervisor for checking in on us and making sure our experience was a positive one. Will definitely be back!