Doors closed at 12 noon on a Wednesday. Bad form. We were interested based on the menu. However the bigger percentage of success is just showing up. We went a few doors down to Kato Sushi. They were open for lunch… I’ll review them.
Nancy P.
Place rating: 1 San Diego, CA
Where do I begin? Upon our arrival, the chef was sitting on the food prep counter perusing his phone. Four of us walked in, and it took around 30 seconds for him to even look up at us. Was there a greeting? Nope. Was there a smile? No way. Did he make us feel welcome? Not a chance. We all looked at one another, wondering if we should stay or go. We had read some really great food reviews so we wanted to try it. We all looked at the menu on the wall for several minutes, and the chef offered no advice, recommendations, or even acknowledged us standing there. When we started to discuss what we might order, one member of our party thought out loud about maybe having the ribs. The chef immediately made some snide remark about anyone ordering ribs isn’t willing to try something new. He emphatically stated that all BBQ tasted the same and the only reason he even had it on his menu was because it was something familiar that people would order. When I disagreed that not all BBQ food tasted the same, he aggressively challenged me to the point of almost making me walk out. You have to realize, that there was nobody else in the restaurant(it was around 1:00 on a Saturday afternoon) so you would think the chef would go out of his way to make a customer(let alone four) feel at home. We made our decisions and ordered our food. We had the lobster po’ boy(he only had one po’ boy bun left because his bakery had not made a delivery), irish jig slider, pulling pork slider, and goofy foot hot dog. We also ordered the house fries and the garlic, truffle fries. The only great things were the fries. The lobster po’ boy was somewhat flavorful, but there was so much bread it overwhelmed the dish. The irish jig slider was an angus burger that was overcooked with minimal flavor. The pulling pork slider was not shredded pork as one would expect. Instead, it was long chunks of pork which were also overcooked, dried, hard to eat with very little flavor. There was even a bone shard in one of the sliders. The goofy foot hot dog(hot dog covered with mac ‘n cheese made with four kinds of cheese) was the best of the four entrees, but still nothing to write home about. The tables were dirty; we had to clean them ourselves. When the orders were ready, there was no indication from the chef that we needed to pick them up ourselves. They sat on the countertop until we realized they were not going to be brought to us. He never mentioned what the procedure was. There was only one other couple who came in after us, so it wasn’t like he was exactly overwhelmed with orders. They also had to pick up their own food after seeing it sitting there. Out of the eight tables, there were only two stainless steel napkin holders and one was empty. We had to get napkins from another table. Finally, the sink in the back of the restaurant had no paper towels for us to dry our hands. When we left, the chef was back sitting on the food prep counter looking at his phone. He didn’t ask what we thought of the food, he never checked on us during our meal. Honestly, it seemed like he just didn’t care at all. It’s such a shame because this restaurant has great potential. The food and flavor combinations are somewhat unusual and original. The prices are quite reasonable. Even if the food was the same, my rating would have been so much better if there was any sort of customer service shown. This chef needs a serious attitude adjustment.
Sophie W.
Place rating: 4 San Diego, CA
It’s not the most fancy place(well it’s pb after all, right!) and as other Unilocalers say: the owner has a fun way to answer questions regarding food recommendations. That being said: the food was fantastic!!! We got the kale quinoa salad, the house fries, and the andouille platters– everything was amazing!!! All this deliciousness for less than $ 20 — you can’t beat that. I definitely will be back since there are numerous other items I want try such as a lobster sandwich…
Liz R.
Place rating: 3 San Diego, CA
This would’ve been a 5 star review, but I was very thrown off by the approach of the head chef when I asked questions about the menu. It was my first time and I wanted to know what he liked on the menu. Instead of saying something like, «I can tell you what’s a big seller» he refused to be helpful. I understand that he designed the entire menu, so he should like all items equally, but any type of insight would’ve been appreciated! He also continued by saying that he and I don’t share the same pallet. I was so frustrated that I nearly walked out before ordering! I understand his reasonings, but it was very argumentative and it left my experience feeling incomplete. Aside from that interaction, the food was very good. I had the Irish Jig sliders, the tropical coleslaw and the Mac and cheese. For the quality of the food, the price is great. All of the food has lots of big flavors and there’s a great variety of savory, sweet and healthy options.
Madi D.
Place rating: 2 Novato, CA
Went at 10:30AM on a Sunday, per the recording on their answering machine, that is within business hours. Unfortunately, they were closed, though their open sign said otherwise. Hopefully I’ll get to try their food in the future.
Bari C.
Place rating: 5 Scottsdale, AZ
Don’t judge on the crowd, or lack thereof. The food here is amazing! We stopped for dinner and ordered the kale and quinoa salad, pulled pork sliders, cheese burger sliders and fries. They were all outstanding! Nothing typical, all handmade to order. Don’t go if you’re in a rush, but GO! Don’t let this gem close down!
Jarrod E.
Place rating: 5 Shrewsbury, MA
Food trucks are awesome. This place is like a food truck as a restaurant. Thus, this place is awesome. One of the owners, Robert, was there, and he was so friendly and accommodating. He’s cooked in 7 different countries, 5 different states, and he’s been at it for a long time. It shows, because the food is awesome. Lots of New Orleans-inspired dishes which is great. My girlfriend had the fried lobster po’boy. It was crisp, fresh, savory and delicious at the same time. I had the goofy foot, which is an homage to childhood by topping a hot dog with macaroni and cheese. It does sound goofy, but the Mac and cheese has four cheeses and he makes it crispy on the top in a way I’ve never had before. He told me he learned the technique in Italy. Great owner. Great food. Go eat there.
Aaron M.
Place rating: 5 San Diego, CA
Such quality food! The quinoa kale salad, andouille sliders, truffle fries and Irish jig sliders were all insanely good. The owners assassin for his menu and it shows in the taste! Definitely recommend.
Joshua M.
Place rating: 1 San Diego, CA
I just was there for lunch. After glances over the menu I decided to ask what was recommended. The cook, who says he created the menu, said he can’t answer that question since everything is amazing. This is such a cop-out answer, and the most unhelpful response. He then insultingly added that I could ask him more«technical» questions if I had any. I ended up scouring over the menu again rereading each item. Eventually settling for the smoked Gouda slider. Normally, I love smoked Gouda burgers. However, this slider was intensely sweet because of a pineapple mango slaw in it. I HATESWEETFOODS. There is a good chance the cook and I could have deduced that this was not the slider for me after a 30 second conversation, but he was too boastful to provide a recommendation. I do not plan to return.
Catie G.
Place rating: 5 La Jolla, CA
So delicious!!! There should be a line out the door for this place, 24⁄7. I had the shrimp sandwich and it was HUGE and so tasty! Everything was so fresh, tons of veggies and delicious fresh shrimp perfectly fried. We also got the garlic truffle fries, which were equally incredible! I also have to say that the service we received was excellent and very friendly. I read another review complaining about not getting a recommendation for food, but that’s really taking it out of context. I, too, asked for a recommendation, and he said that since he created the menu he loved everything on it, so he’s not a fair person to ask — this was all very friendly banter and seemed totally sincere. He’s a man who believes in the food he cooks and that shows, considering everything we ate was SPECTACULAR. He also offered to answer any questions we had about the menu, and ended up substituting shrimp for lobster on the lobster sandwich based on our discussion. I can’t stress enough how pleasant this whole interaction was. The price was also incredible, we got so much great food for a very good deal. Just an all-around pleasure to eat here! I will definitely be back for seconds… and thirds. It’s a little hard to find, initially I walked right past it, but I called for directions and he helped me locate it no problem.
Alyssa G.
Place rating: 5 San Diego, CA
Gourmet meals for basically fast food prices. This place is an amazing spot. The Tropical Gouda Sliders, Kale & Quinoa Salad and Portobello Sweet Potato Jambalaya are all beyond delicious. I don’t think you can go wrong with any item on the menu and all the portions are really large. The owner makes his sauces from scratch and they are so full of flavor!
Adela J.
Place rating: 4 San Diego, CA
It’s hard to find this place because the storefront is small. Once you get inside its a good size restaurant. The owner is really nice and helpful. The music is upbeat. I ordered the Irish Jig sliders on a lettuce wrap. Yum!
C T.
Place rating: 5 San Diego, CA
Everything I have had here has been super flavorful, innovative and delicious. The Irish Jig sliders were cooked perfectly with the outside seared crispy and the inside juicy and delicious melted cheddar cheese. The kale and quinoa salad is healthy and tasty with apples, almonds and chewy cranberries. Can’t wait to try the rest of the menu and hopefully they start serving breakfast again when they get a crowd for it… I’m really glad to have a great new foodie spot in PB now…
Jake T.
Place rating: 5 San Diego, CA
I’ve been working across the street from the truck stop and have been awaiting its arrival for months. Was it worth it? Yes. The Lazy Lamb Sliders are WORTHITALL. They come topped with salsa, cranberries, almonds, onions, queso fresco cheese and a tangy greek tzatziki. All house-made. Like WHATTHE? So bomb I’m speechless. It taste like a hybrid of a juicy burger and the most delicious cookout side dish you can think of(like a pasta salad or coleslaw) blended together in a complete explosion of flavor. You get 2 of them and it’s 7 bucks. TIP: Robert, the chef and owner, is extremely passionate about his food. When I asked for a reccomendation, he wouldn’t give me one. He says he loves his whole menu and you should pick what you like.
Jordan S.
Place rating: 5 San Diego, CA
First off, wow. I had the pulled pork sliders with the house fries and they were absolutely fan-freaking-tastic. I love the Caribbean coleslaw that they have on the sliders, the pineapple complements the pork so well. The hand cut double fried fries are amazing. They come with a chipotle dipping sauce that is phenomenal. I really like that they give you sliced apples that you can put on the sandwich or eat on the side. Nothing but fresh ingredients freshly made right in front of you, you can’t beat it. I am in the grips of a pork coma as we speak that’s why it probably seems like I’m babbling but the food is amazing, check this place out you will not regret it. I can’t wait to go back myself and try something else. I Really wish I had taken a picture so you could see what I ate but I forgot to and housed everything. You have to try this place.
Mackenzie c.
Place rating: 5 San Diego, CA
This place is delicious, creative food genius. Food prices are reasonable I got a big plate I could barely finish of pulled pork with perfect moisture, black beans and tater salad for 8 bucks! All of their meats are perfectly cooked, seasoned and sauced. The flavor combos are creative without being over done and still having extremely compatible flavors. I’ve had the pulled pork, the lobster roll, pork belly, and truffle fries. The truffle fries were my fave! I wish they were open late for late night cravings! I don’t know why I don’t see anyone in here! I want them to thrive because its so good I want more! Go give them a chance, the food speaks for itself.
Matt B.
Place rating: 5 Oceanside, CA
Wow, food is incredible! Can’t believe this place is not packed nonstop. Very inspired cooking, can’t wait to come back and try new stuff! Had buffalo chicken Sandie and spinach pear salad, so so tasty.
Michelle B.
Place rating: 5 Pacific Beach, San Diego, CA
I can’t believe I waited so long to try Tracys and Trixies twisted truck stop! We went here this weekend for a quick lunch. There were not many people there so I have a feeling they are still working on getting the word out. It’s definitely not due to the quality of their food! Bf and I shared the blackened shrimp sub which was absolutely delicious! The bread was great and it had plenty of shrimp. The shrimp were seasoned with a Cajun like flavor which was great and different. We also ordered the house fries which come with queso fresco(mexican cheese) and also a type of Cajun seasoning — they got spicy after a bit. The ketchup has a kick to it as well I asked and it does have sirachia. I really hope this place sticks around for a bit– I plan to go back! I must say the man that helped is great too and friendly. I think he is the owner possibly(he was the only one working) and was very passionate about the food :)
Karen N.
Place rating: 5 Escondido, CA
I really hope this place will make it, as the space they are in has been so many different restaurants over last couple of years. They have a couple of trucks that roam around town, but I’ve never eaten at one before. I just don’t have the time to go chasing trucks, so it’s good to see them have a brick & mortar version. I had the lamb sliders, and next time I order it I will probably request med rare because I’m not into full-cooked meat. It was very good, with an unusual slaw-ish topping of dried cranberries, almonds, cheese, etc in a sauce. It came with a side of apples with mint, a very refreshing change from the usual fries. They do serve fries, and they have some crazy toppings. Next time, I want to try one of the savory waffle dishes. Everything has a very fresh taste to it.
Lauren J.
Place rating: 5 San Diego, CA
Everything was sooo good. I got the lamb sliders and a chocolate waffle. Friendly staff and trendy music. Will definitely be back soon