SoCal Kitchen + Bar

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.

Wonderful brunch food. I recommend the burrito!

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 Act Upon 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 Disappointment The 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 Chronicles Next 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 Décor SoCal 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.” Conclusion In 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.

Great food!

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 :-).

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.