San Diego Dining

The Waterfront Bar and Grill

By Kevin Leap & Steven Persitza
Posted on Mon, Oct 20th, 2008
Last updated Fri, Oct 24th, 2008

Before we go any further in this writing, we simply must add a disclosure to this story. Parental Discretion is Advised. And “No One Under 21 Allowed”. That out of the way, let’s us “adults” get down to business. The Waterfront in Little Italy is a bit of a throwback and, well let’s admit it, a little un-PC. This is a joint where a couple of generations ago would have been commonplace. Where belting down several cocktails at lunch was a traditional pleasure. That said, thank goodness for cabs!

Chili Size Burger

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We were invited by an acquaintance to join him and his wife for lunch. This was their “hang out” (they even have a drink named after them, just ask for a “Friedman”) and we anxiously accepted. We bartered for “their” table on the tight patio and let the games begin. The Waterfront is the kind of venue that is so very like the TV show Cheers (without the fancy restaurant upstairs). No here they serve the food right there with your drink of choice.

Within minutes of broaching its doors you can immediately feel the camaraderie that The Waterfront gladly embodies. From all around, clearly old friends and acquaintances smiled, shook hands, did body slams and ordered rounds to their fellows-in-arms. Being newbies, we were a little intimidated (not an easy thing to do) and then completely engrossed in the goings on. We had our fair share of cocktails (again, say, cab, cab, cab) and found ourselves laughing, joking and just coming up short of singing national anthems. Okay, seriously, the culture of the establishment is a timeless attitude of “let’s smile, laugh and have a little fun”, that, these days, we can all use a lot of. Oh, and there is also some pretty great food!

Enchilada Plate

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Condiment Tray

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They have a slamming breakfast menu, a Mexican brunch offering, burgers (of course) and sandwiches of all sorts along with Fish n’ Chips and Thai Chicken Salads. And naturally they have a Grilled Cheese sandwich if you like the classics. We amped up for the Bacon Cheese Burger (half pounder served with grilled onion, lettuce, tomato) and the Chili Size (open faced quarter pounder covered in chili and topped with cheddar cheese). Both were served with a healthy batch of fries. We also savored the Enchilada Plate (two cheese enchiladas with rice and beans). All three were exactly what you would expect from bar food. Great! Decadent! Greasy! Savory! Let’s just say we scarfed it down with lots of fanfare. Oh and wait until you see the condiment tray. It is one-of-a-kind and has everything but the kitchen sink for you to enrich your burger experience.

So head over to The Waterfront and bring along some friends. Drink responsibly (or get a cab) and savor the really good comfort food that they will serve you. Enjoy!

The Good – everyone loves a party and they got it going on here.

The Bad – kinda tight quarters where you find yourself squeezing just to get comfortable at your table.

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