Three of us had dinner here on Saturday. I thought the atmosphere was perfect for Gaslamp, casual, modern and chic. This is definitely a hot spot in Gaslamp. We didn't even have entrees, but had several appetizers. My favorite was the pork belly with poached egg. It was basically an eggs Benedict with pork belly and was amazing. The pork belly was a wonderful cut, not too fatty and perfectly cooked. We also had the mushroom appetizer which was good, the ahi appetizer which was a hit, and the crab cakes which were ok. Overall nice experience and awesome service, despite a very crowded Saturday night. I can't wait to come back
(5)
Arthur M.
We had a great dinner on a Friday night in the heart of the Gaslamp. Although the restaurant was busy and loud, we enjoyed our two hour dining experience. Showing up around 9 PM, our party of four was seated at a high top table in the lounge area without any wait. You've got to bring some good libations if your bar is located in the center of Gaslamp, and Searsucker makes it just as difficult to choose a drink as your food. Our table gave us a view of the chalk board which organized and listed the drinks. If you're into infusions, there's a nice selection and variety of the house made drinks on the menu. As far as brews, there's a moderate selection including drafts and 22 oz bombers. Searsucker did not miss with the food. Small plates included: the short rib, shrimp and grits, and the duck fat fries with the short rib with horseradish and fried onion being my favorite. We all chose steaks for entrees. My filet served with lobster butter and mushroom pan sauce were the perfect accompaniments. One note I'll make on the food was there was no hesitancy in adding spice to the dishes, from the complimentary cheddar puffers, to the serrano in the brussel sprouts, the addition of heat elevated almost all of our dishes, which I definitely savored. We were seated between the DJ and the bar which led to a noisy area and ultimately a miscommunication in our order, but it was rectified without problem once acknowledged. Overall, there was no urgency in the service, which did not matter or affect us, but led to the two hour dinner time. The price point is well above the $$$ if you order small plates and a couple of drinks. Which made us their target customer of a party that is able to spend a little extra time to get some small plates and a couple of extra drinks in addition to their entrees. I'll be back to try other items on the menu whether it's in Gaslamp or when I'm back home.
(4)
Ryan S.
Some gourmet food! The food has high end appeal without totally breaking the bank. Suoer friendly customer service with servers and bartender that know what they are talking about. Definitely my new lunch spot when I'm downtown!
(5)
Susan C.
Stopped in after a very long day hanging out in Balboa Park. We ordered a bunch of appetizers but believe me, if we had a way to eat it, we would have ordered the Tomahawk. We started with the cheddar puffs that are served on the house then added the duck fries, the short ribs, the mussels, the jalapeño chorizo corn and it was all very good. We got to taste a bunch of things and loved them all. Dreaming about the mussels, short ribs and will go definitely head back the next time we're in town again.
(5)
Martha S.
Food is excellent, service Very helpful and dessert - too good! We will return to try more dishes. Shrimp with grits - just like old Virginia.
(5)
Pawl E.
Fantastic bottomless mimosas. Food is presented well and arrived in a timely manner. Servers were friendly and attentive. Definitely returning!
(5)
Jeong P.
Being one of the most popular and talked about restaurants in all of Gaslamp, our dinner at Searsucker last weekend was the most anticipated meal we had during our short trip down to San Diego. There's no doubt that the food was excellent. But there were one too many hiccups that marred our experience enough to keep this place off of my favorites list. The location of the restaurant is prime, sitting right on the corner of 5th and Market and across the street from the always bustling Barleymash. The interior is spacious, modern and clean, with touches of rustic accents; just enough to let you know the place is hipster. We started off with a couple of cocktails including the Peter Rabbit and the Bad Bad T-roy Brown, which were actually priced quite moderately. I wasn't a fan of the Peter Rabbit, but my bourbon based drink with vermouth, orange, sugar and bitters was pretty tasty. We decided to order a few of their smalls so we could sample a variety dishes: - Short Rib "the harlot" + horseradish + fried onion. The meat itself was cooked extremely tender and was very flavorful. I wasn't the biggest fan of the garnishments tho, as the horseradish wasn't very noticeable and there were just too many fried onions stacked on top, which were a bit too salty. A solid dish, but not my favorite preparation. - Spinach salad + bacon +mushroom + sweetbread. The dressing was light and refreshing while the crispy bacon and mushrooms added some great texture. I didn't even notice the sweetbread, so either it was absent or there just wasn't enough. Overall, it was a pretty satisfying salad. -Bone Marrow + fresno bourbon glaze + shallot. By far the most impressive dish of the night. A giant plate of four large bones, filled with generous amounts of fatty goodness, served with crostini. I liked that the glaze and garnishments were minimal, leaving us to enjoy the unadulterated flavor of the marrow. Rich, creamy, fatty and beautiful. - Mussels + chorizo + beer. Perfectly cooked in a delicious broth, with bits of chorizo and tomatoes to add a bit of depth and saltiness. The mussels were large, meaty and excellently prepared. Another fabulous dish. One thing that stood out to me was the generous portions of the small dishes. Unlike a lot of tapas and izakaya restaurants that I frequent, each dish we ordered was more akin to a normal sized dish, and we were stuffed after having just four. Unfortunately, the other thing that stood out to me was the lack of service. Although our server was friendly and attentive when present, there were just too many long periods of absence where we were left with empty plates and empty drinks. It was kind of understandable since the place was seriously packed, but we definitely would have ordered a few more drinks if our dinner ran more smoothly. They also forgot our mussel dish. It was quickly remedied by the manager, who kindly offered to take it off our bill. But again, the bill came with it still charged, and I had to awkwardly explain it to our server. Obviously not a big deal, but it was a little disappointing from such a highly regarded restaurant. So I can honestly say that I loved the food, and would want to come back to try some of their other dishes. But considering how crowded this place gets with the level of noise and the spotty service, I can't put Searsucker quite on the same level as some of my favorites. But if you're not looking for a nice date spot and just want some well prepared dishes in a fun and lively environment, this place will probably hit the mark.
(4)
Tammy C.
Worst service ever... Thanks Lauren for taking forever. Never coming back. All we wanted was a beer ....
(2)
Joyce K.
I am absolutely in LOVE!!! I celebrated my birthday here with my boyfriend and we had a beyond wonderful dining experience! We literally stayed for about 2 hours. The space is quite large with an open kitchen, bar area, ample dining tables and a nice comfy lounge area in the center of the restaurant. Perfect spot to just grab some drinks with friends. Love their cocktails too! They make em stiff :) The atmosphere is modern, warm, inviting and doesn't feel 'stuffy' in there like other bougie restaurants do. Searsucker just made me feel comfortable! As for the food, all the dishes we ordered were absolutely amazing! Our server made great recommendations. We started off by being served the delicious warm cheddar puffs. I could have gobbled up that entire bowl if I wasn't saving room for dinner! As appetizer, we went for the spicy shrimp and bacon grits. MAN OH MAN this dish sure is flavorful. The shrimp is not jumbo size but they are certainly generous with the amount they give. Beware as the grits will creep up on you and make you full! Scallops: OK 5 stars foreal. The scallops were so delicious and tasted so fresh. This dish is served with yummy couscous, almond bits and a citrus vinaigrette. Our server made the perfect recommendation. Loin Filet: sooooo tender, the meat practically melted in my mouth. The filet is served with lobster butter and mushroom pan sauce. My boyfriend loved his steak! As for the side, we went for the jalapeño chorizo corn off the cob. So spicy and the flavors were magical!! I loved every second of it. Since it was my birthday, our server brought out a smaller portion of the S'mores Bar for dessert and had 'Happy Birthday' written in chocolate. Now you're probably thinking, what's so special about s'mores but NO! They did a unique twist on the s'mores and added salted caramel ganache, honey chocolate mousse, chocolate ice cream and crumbs of cookies on top. PURE HEAVEN. As for the service, it was spot on! There is an attendant in the bathroom and she is so sweet and friendly. Also, every time my boyfriend or I stepped away from our table to go to the restroom, someone came by to fold our napkins and our glasses were never empty. We absolutely love Searsucker and I would definitely come back next time I'm visiting SD!
(5)
Garrett F.
For a while now, I've wanted to try Chef Brian Malarkey's restaurant, Searsucker. After spending a week in beautiful San Diego, I finally had my chance to check it out (I sat at the bar). I had really high expectations for this place, and it delivered! Food: I ordered three delicious appetizers: (1) duck fat fries and tomato jam, (2) eggs and bacon "pork belly," and (3) crab cakes. The highlight was the eggs and pork belly! It was cooked perfectly and the pork belly had a lot flavor. If I could eat it for breakfast every day, I would. I highly recommend this dish! Although the duck fat fries and the crab cakes were really good, the eggs and pork belly just overshadowed everything else. My mouth is watering just thinking about it. Side Notes Ambiance: The bar pretty laid back. It's large and open, and there are TVs surrounding the area, so you won't miss a game. Service: Staff was very friendly and knowledgeable. My bartender was really nice; came by every so often to check on me. Overall: This place has a really open atmosphere with friendly staff. If you're looking for a place to grab a drink and appetizer, this is the place for you!
(5)
Aimee M.
For a foursome who couldn't decide where to eat on a Friday night in the Gaslamp, we sure ended up in the right place. All of our small plates, mains and drinks that filled our table were enjoyed with gusto, as if we were at Thor's table (but with good table manners). We were able to snag a table for four right away on a busy Friday night--even had a choice of patio seating if we wanted. I had bookmarked Searsucker for my trip to SD but for brunch. But was still happy that we came for dinner. The dinner and drink menu is thoughtful and there really is something for everyone. It's also seasonal which plays up to the the best flavors each season has to offer. When we sat down, we were given a complimentary basket of their cheddar puffers. Basically mini cheesy bread puffs. Yum! From the bar menu our group tried beer, wine and cocktails. (see, something for everyone!). I opted for the Pamplemousse--a grapefruit upon grapefruit gin drink--super refreshing, especially on a hot socal night. We started with some small plates to share--duck fat fries, short rib and the shrimp and grits. Everything was delicious! The shrimp/grits had a nice spicy kick to them, the duck fat fries were crispy and well-made and the short rib (my favorite of the trio) was super tender and flavorful and the horseradish and fried onion really helped make the dish. For our mains we each got steak. I got the filet with lobster butter and mushroom pan sauce. And we shared a side of brussel sprouts. I can't complain about these dishes at all. The steak was cooked a perfect medium, the lobster butter and mushroom sauce made the steak even more decadent. The walnuts and serrano in the brussel sprouts added an extra nutty crunch and heat to an already well prepared veggie. We had a slight hiccup with my order--they brought out the wrong steak and then still added it to our bill. But both issues were resolved quickly and didn't damper our experience at all. Our server was friendly, if not a bit harried at times (busy night I guess). The space is scene-y (at least at night anyway) There's a DJ spinning/playing tunes. It's busy,loud and clubby. There's loungy couch seating (and how anyone can sit on a couch and eat their steak is a wonder to me...yeah...I saw you dude) and seats by the kitchen to view the chef action.
(5)
Cae C.
Food is decent. Like the decor. Had a party of three, wanted to eat an early dinner around 430/5. Walked in and hosts acted like we were inconveniencing them. Told us that they would be busy soon so we would have to hurry up and eat before the rush came in...... Place was EMPTY. Hurry up and eat???? Moral of the story- not walk in friendly at Either locations. Be sure to make a reservation or else you will be rushed. We will never go back. Barley mash is way better, better food and service!
(2)
Aimee B.
We attended a friend's 40th birthday party here in the private dining room. The service was amazing (it was a treat having our own waiter and bartender) and everything from the ambiance, to the food and drinks was excellent. If you are a foodie, you must try this place!
(5)
Christian V.
This was my favorite spot during San Diego Restaurant Week 2015. It had cool rustic feel and I loved the interior design with an amazing music selection to make the meal better. It was restaurant week so there was quite a crowd goin with what looked two parties of 20+ but regardless the staff was friendly and attentive. Our waiter was very knowledgeable with the menu and items I couldn't even pronounce. Don't sleep on the [Duck Fat Fries] and [Lamb Loins] for appetizers. The [Farm Bird Lollipops] were good as well but a little more spicy than I expected. The [Bavette Flank] is my choice for entree and it was amazing! Definitely looking forward to my next visit.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Accepts Bitcoin : No Good For : Dinner Parking : Valet, Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Trendy Noise Level : Loud Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Dogs Allowed : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Austin M.
Three of us had dinner here on Saturday. I thought the atmosphere was perfect for Gaslamp, casual, modern and chic. This is definitely a hot spot in Gaslamp. We didn't even have entrees, but had several appetizers. My favorite was the pork belly with poached egg. It was basically an eggs Benedict with pork belly and was amazing. The pork belly was a wonderful cut, not too fatty and perfectly cooked. We also had the mushroom appetizer which was good, the ahi appetizer which was a hit, and the crab cakes which were ok. Overall nice experience and awesome service, despite a very crowded Saturday night. I can't wait to come back
(5)Arthur M.
We had a great dinner on a Friday night in the heart of the Gaslamp. Although the restaurant was busy and loud, we enjoyed our two hour dining experience. Showing up around 9 PM, our party of four was seated at a high top table in the lounge area without any wait. You've got to bring some good libations if your bar is located in the center of Gaslamp, and Searsucker makes it just as difficult to choose a drink as your food. Our table gave us a view of the chalk board which organized and listed the drinks. If you're into infusions, there's a nice selection and variety of the house made drinks on the menu. As far as brews, there's a moderate selection including drafts and 22 oz bombers. Searsucker did not miss with the food. Small plates included: the short rib, shrimp and grits, and the duck fat fries with the short rib with horseradish and fried onion being my favorite. We all chose steaks for entrees. My filet served with lobster butter and mushroom pan sauce were the perfect accompaniments. One note I'll make on the food was there was no hesitancy in adding spice to the dishes, from the complimentary cheddar puffers, to the serrano in the brussel sprouts, the addition of heat elevated almost all of our dishes, which I definitely savored. We were seated between the DJ and the bar which led to a noisy area and ultimately a miscommunication in our order, but it was rectified without problem once acknowledged. Overall, there was no urgency in the service, which did not matter or affect us, but led to the two hour dinner time. The price point is well above the $$$ if you order small plates and a couple of drinks. Which made us their target customer of a party that is able to spend a little extra time to get some small plates and a couple of extra drinks in addition to their entrees. I'll be back to try other items on the menu whether it's in Gaslamp or when I'm back home.
(4)Ryan S.
Some gourmet food! The food has high end appeal without totally breaking the bank. Suoer friendly customer service with servers and bartender that know what they are talking about. Definitely my new lunch spot when I'm downtown!
(5)Susan C.
Stopped in after a very long day hanging out in Balboa Park. We ordered a bunch of appetizers but believe me, if we had a way to eat it, we would have ordered the Tomahawk. We started with the cheddar puffs that are served on the house then added the duck fries, the short ribs, the mussels, the jalapeño chorizo corn and it was all very good. We got to taste a bunch of things and loved them all. Dreaming about the mussels, short ribs and will go definitely head back the next time we're in town again.
(5)Martha S.
Food is excellent, service Very helpful and dessert - too good! We will return to try more dishes. Shrimp with grits - just like old Virginia.
(5)Pawl E.
Fantastic bottomless mimosas. Food is presented well and arrived in a timely manner. Servers were friendly and attentive. Definitely returning!
(5)Jeong P.
Being one of the most popular and talked about restaurants in all of Gaslamp, our dinner at Searsucker last weekend was the most anticipated meal we had during our short trip down to San Diego. There's no doubt that the food was excellent. But there were one too many hiccups that marred our experience enough to keep this place off of my favorites list. The location of the restaurant is prime, sitting right on the corner of 5th and Market and across the street from the always bustling Barleymash. The interior is spacious, modern and clean, with touches of rustic accents; just enough to let you know the place is hipster. We started off with a couple of cocktails including the Peter Rabbit and the Bad Bad T-roy Brown, which were actually priced quite moderately. I wasn't a fan of the Peter Rabbit, but my bourbon based drink with vermouth, orange, sugar and bitters was pretty tasty. We decided to order a few of their smalls so we could sample a variety dishes: - Short Rib "the harlot" + horseradish + fried onion. The meat itself was cooked extremely tender and was very flavorful. I wasn't the biggest fan of the garnishments tho, as the horseradish wasn't very noticeable and there were just too many fried onions stacked on top, which were a bit too salty. A solid dish, but not my favorite preparation. - Spinach salad + bacon +mushroom + sweetbread. The dressing was light and refreshing while the crispy bacon and mushrooms added some great texture. I didn't even notice the sweetbread, so either it was absent or there just wasn't enough. Overall, it was a pretty satisfying salad. -Bone Marrow + fresno bourbon glaze + shallot. By far the most impressive dish of the night. A giant plate of four large bones, filled with generous amounts of fatty goodness, served with crostini. I liked that the glaze and garnishments were minimal, leaving us to enjoy the unadulterated flavor of the marrow. Rich, creamy, fatty and beautiful. - Mussels + chorizo + beer. Perfectly cooked in a delicious broth, with bits of chorizo and tomatoes to add a bit of depth and saltiness. The mussels were large, meaty and excellently prepared. Another fabulous dish. One thing that stood out to me was the generous portions of the small dishes. Unlike a lot of tapas and izakaya restaurants that I frequent, each dish we ordered was more akin to a normal sized dish, and we were stuffed after having just four. Unfortunately, the other thing that stood out to me was the lack of service. Although our server was friendly and attentive when present, there were just too many long periods of absence where we were left with empty plates and empty drinks. It was kind of understandable since the place was seriously packed, but we definitely would have ordered a few more drinks if our dinner ran more smoothly. They also forgot our mussel dish. It was quickly remedied by the manager, who kindly offered to take it off our bill. But again, the bill came with it still charged, and I had to awkwardly explain it to our server. Obviously not a big deal, but it was a little disappointing from such a highly regarded restaurant. So I can honestly say that I loved the food, and would want to come back to try some of their other dishes. But considering how crowded this place gets with the level of noise and the spotty service, I can't put Searsucker quite on the same level as some of my favorites. But if you're not looking for a nice date spot and just want some well prepared dishes in a fun and lively environment, this place will probably hit the mark.
(4)Tammy C.
Worst service ever... Thanks Lauren for taking forever. Never coming back. All we wanted was a beer ....
(2)Joyce K.
I am absolutely in LOVE!!! I celebrated my birthday here with my boyfriend and we had a beyond wonderful dining experience! We literally stayed for about 2 hours. The space is quite large with an open kitchen, bar area, ample dining tables and a nice comfy lounge area in the center of the restaurant. Perfect spot to just grab some drinks with friends. Love their cocktails too! They make em stiff :) The atmosphere is modern, warm, inviting and doesn't feel 'stuffy' in there like other bougie restaurants do. Searsucker just made me feel comfortable! As for the food, all the dishes we ordered were absolutely amazing! Our server made great recommendations. We started off by being served the delicious warm cheddar puffs. I could have gobbled up that entire bowl if I wasn't saving room for dinner! As appetizer, we went for the spicy shrimp and bacon grits. MAN OH MAN this dish sure is flavorful. The shrimp is not jumbo size but they are certainly generous with the amount they give. Beware as the grits will creep up on you and make you full! Scallops: OK 5 stars foreal. The scallops were so delicious and tasted so fresh. This dish is served with yummy couscous, almond bits and a citrus vinaigrette. Our server made the perfect recommendation. Loin Filet: sooooo tender, the meat practically melted in my mouth. The filet is served with lobster butter and mushroom pan sauce. My boyfriend loved his steak! As for the side, we went for the jalapeño chorizo corn off the cob. So spicy and the flavors were magical!! I loved every second of it. Since it was my birthday, our server brought out a smaller portion of the S'mores Bar for dessert and had 'Happy Birthday' written in chocolate. Now you're probably thinking, what's so special about s'mores but NO! They did a unique twist on the s'mores and added salted caramel ganache, honey chocolate mousse, chocolate ice cream and crumbs of cookies on top. PURE HEAVEN. As for the service, it was spot on! There is an attendant in the bathroom and she is so sweet and friendly. Also, every time my boyfriend or I stepped away from our table to go to the restroom, someone came by to fold our napkins and our glasses were never empty. We absolutely love Searsucker and I would definitely come back next time I'm visiting SD!
(5)Garrett F.
For a while now, I've wanted to try Chef Brian Malarkey's restaurant, Searsucker. After spending a week in beautiful San Diego, I finally had my chance to check it out (I sat at the bar). I had really high expectations for this place, and it delivered! Food: I ordered three delicious appetizers: (1) duck fat fries and tomato jam, (2) eggs and bacon "pork belly," and (3) crab cakes. The highlight was the eggs and pork belly! It was cooked perfectly and the pork belly had a lot flavor. If I could eat it for breakfast every day, I would. I highly recommend this dish! Although the duck fat fries and the crab cakes were really good, the eggs and pork belly just overshadowed everything else. My mouth is watering just thinking about it. Side Notes Ambiance: The bar pretty laid back. It's large and open, and there are TVs surrounding the area, so you won't miss a game. Service: Staff was very friendly and knowledgeable. My bartender was really nice; came by every so often to check on me. Overall: This place has a really open atmosphere with friendly staff. If you're looking for a place to grab a drink and appetizer, this is the place for you!
(5)Aimee M.
For a foursome who couldn't decide where to eat on a Friday night in the Gaslamp, we sure ended up in the right place. All of our small plates, mains and drinks that filled our table were enjoyed with gusto, as if we were at Thor's table (but with good table manners). We were able to snag a table for four right away on a busy Friday night--even had a choice of patio seating if we wanted. I had bookmarked Searsucker for my trip to SD but for brunch. But was still happy that we came for dinner. The dinner and drink menu is thoughtful and there really is something for everyone. It's also seasonal which plays up to the the best flavors each season has to offer. When we sat down, we were given a complimentary basket of their cheddar puffers. Basically mini cheesy bread puffs. Yum! From the bar menu our group tried beer, wine and cocktails. (see, something for everyone!). I opted for the Pamplemousse--a grapefruit upon grapefruit gin drink--super refreshing, especially on a hot socal night. We started with some small plates to share--duck fat fries, short rib and the shrimp and grits. Everything was delicious! The shrimp/grits had a nice spicy kick to them, the duck fat fries were crispy and well-made and the short rib (my favorite of the trio) was super tender and flavorful and the horseradish and fried onion really helped make the dish. For our mains we each got steak. I got the filet with lobster butter and mushroom pan sauce. And we shared a side of brussel sprouts. I can't complain about these dishes at all. The steak was cooked a perfect medium, the lobster butter and mushroom sauce made the steak even more decadent. The walnuts and serrano in the brussel sprouts added an extra nutty crunch and heat to an already well prepared veggie. We had a slight hiccup with my order--they brought out the wrong steak and then still added it to our bill. But both issues were resolved quickly and didn't damper our experience at all. Our server was friendly, if not a bit harried at times (busy night I guess). The space is scene-y (at least at night anyway) There's a DJ spinning/playing tunes. It's busy,loud and clubby. There's loungy couch seating (and how anyone can sit on a couch and eat their steak is a wonder to me...yeah...I saw you dude) and seats by the kitchen to view the chef action.
(5)Cae C.
Food is decent. Like the decor. Had a party of three, wanted to eat an early dinner around 430/5. Walked in and hosts acted like we were inconveniencing them. Told us that they would be busy soon so we would have to hurry up and eat before the rush came in...... Place was EMPTY. Hurry up and eat???? Moral of the story- not walk in friendly at Either locations. Be sure to make a reservation or else you will be rushed. We will never go back. Barley mash is way better, better food and service!
(2)Aimee B.
We attended a friend's 40th birthday party here in the private dining room. The service was amazing (it was a treat having our own waiter and bartender) and everything from the ambiance, to the food and drinks was excellent. If you are a foodie, you must try this place!
(5)Christian V.
This was my favorite spot during San Diego Restaurant Week 2015. It had cool rustic feel and I loved the interior design with an amazing music selection to make the meal better. It was restaurant week so there was quite a crowd goin with what looked two parties of 20+ but regardless the staff was friendly and attentive. Our waiter was very knowledgeable with the menu and items I couldn't even pronounce. Don't sleep on the [Duck Fat Fries] and [Lamb Loins] for appetizers. The [Farm Bird Lollipops] were good as well but a little more spicy than I expected. The [Bavette Flank] is my choice for entree and it was amazing! Definitely looking forward to my next visit.
(5)