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Counterpoint
Categories: Nightlife Bars Restaurants Canadian (New) Bars, Canadian (New) [Edit]
830 25th St(between F St & E St)
San Diego, CA 92102
(619) 564-6722
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 5 pm - 12 am
Sat-Sun 12 pm - 12 am
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Late Night, Dinner
- Music:
- Background
- Best Nights:
- Wed, Thu, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Ambience:
- Trendy, Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
170 reviews for Counterpoint
Review Highlights
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"Fantastic beer selection, and amazing food." In 22 reviews -
"...to Golden Hill and only blocks away from The Turf Club." In 8 reviews -
"I had a great time here last night." In 7 reviews
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170 reviews in English
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Review from Emily M.
San Diego, CA
5/16/2012
Ah my neighborhood mini-wine/beer bar. How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.....
1. You are walkable from the last two places I have lived
2. You always have good hefs
3. You now added a patio
4. Your staff is fantastically nice and on their game
5. Your food is delicious
Counterpoint is a great spot if you're looking for something off the beaten path that is filled with adults rather than drunk 22 year olds in mini-dresses. Not saying I'm old by any means...but I like to enjoy the company of my friends, not shouting at them from 3 inches away from their face. Yes to Counterpoint. -
Review from amanda p.
San Diego, CA
5/13/2012
Have you ever gone to a restaurant or bar, or hell any where and just felt like it was very bland?
NOT HERE! The people that work here are some of the most amazing people!
You will usually find the owner sitting there telling some story and being all around obnoxious, you talk to him and realize, how on hell did you create such a great place? But then you start listening to him rattle on about how he feels about what a place to eat should be about and you realize you are a part of a family here.
If you like red bull vodka, fist pumping music, and drunk slutty chicks. . . please don't come here. -
Review from Oscar O.
San Diego, CA
5/4/2012
The place is nice. The waitresses are nicer. The food is good. The drink options are better.
I brought my girl after she worked. I had already had dinner so we split pan frites and the fried bologna sandwich. The pan frites were okay (its not my thing), but the fried bologna sandwich was really scrumptious and I never liked bologna, it just looks like something I dont want to put in my stomach. I drank old viscosity and my gir had allagash white.
Beware the setting was perfect for a date, but it could be crowded for a large group. That being said, the minimalist interior is awesome. I heard they have a literal happy hour with 1/2 off beer and wine (no hard A here). -
Review from Rose S.
San Diego, CA
5/12/2012
Their butternut squash ravioli is amazing. Really. Words fail. Just try them!
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Review from Clark H.
5/11/2012
Didn't eat, just drank a few beers. They are expanding their menu and kitchen as the review was written. Nice attentive staff. Love the happy hour 3 dollar beers, how can you go wrong with an Alesmith x. at 3bucks?
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Review from Ezra B.
La Mesa, CA
5/4/2012
My friend took me here over the weekend && I was very impressed. To start off, their menu changes with the season && the dimly lit atmosphere sets the mood for any occasion (hanging out with friends, family outing, or romantic date night).
Their food is so good I'm taking my boyfriend here this week. We shared their five board ((or more commonly known as a cheese platter)), which has phenomenal pairings, pesto pancetta flatbread, best pesto pizza I've ever had (which I've had three different kinds this week), && shared the stout creme brûlée, which if you love beer you have to get this!! I can't wait to try some other things on their menu in a couple days.
Now on to beer...they have a pretty good beer && wine selection. I'll admit that I'm picky on what beers I drink && there are very few places where I'll order one because of that. But here they have good beer && on tap!!
The thing that made my first time experience here so amazing is their customer service!! Anybody who worked there, whether they were working our table or not, asked us how we were doing && talked a bit. The employees were very friendly && in a happy mood, which helped create a welcoming && peaceful ambiance. -
Review from Christina V.
Hacienda Heights, CA
The place is nice and cozy. Very light and small setting with intimate feeling. Wide selection of wines and beer. Menu changes weekly to monthly.
Onion tart (4/5) really good but a little too sweet
Seafood salpicao (3.5/5) light and delicious but the tomato did overpower the seafood a little.
Steak paillard (4.5/5) cooked perfectly with a refreshing salad.
Tonight's special: seared tilapia sandwich with onion aioli (5/5) bomb.. the best thing I've eaten all week.
Albondigas (1/5) it was served warm to cold like it was sitting there for a while. Probably the most disappointing dish of the meal. It was just ok.
Price resonable for the quality and drinks are good. Will return for the seared tilapia sandwich before we leave. It was good.
Overall
4.5/5 with it being one of the best restaurant in our book. -
Review from K H.
San Diego, CA
3/24/2012 1 Check-in Here
Pain frites are incredible! Beer and wine selection is great. I love this place! Our waiter was prompt and friendly and our food arrived fast.
We came here to meet up with a friend and sat up top. I loved the art on the walls and the openness of the whole place. I'll be back again and again and again! -
Review from Janet D.
5/4/2012 2 Check-ins Here
Cool, cool, cool, and more cool. First cool...anything that takes me off-the-beaten path. I love to come to the hidden treasure of Golden Hill. Second cool...just being here. Yes, it's loud...but, it buzzing with stimulating people and their conversations. Third cool...a great selection of beers and wines. The menu is limited, but everything I've had is tasty. Final cool...friendly service. Yep...come here.
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Review from CD N.
San Diego, CA
5/6/2012
Our neighborhood spot. Excellent wines, excellent prices. If you go on a weekend in the evening, try to arrive early as this place can get a little packed. Great food, limited vegetarian options, but the kitchen is super flexible and creative, so I've never complained. My (non-vegetarian) fiance is all about the fried bologna sandwich.
Also, the staff are AMAZING. Knowledgeable, approachable and have yet to make a bad, or even mediocre wine recommendation.
Love. This. Place. -
Review from paul k.
San Diego, CA
3/4/2012
I must have come in on an off-day for the kitchen. Cool local place, nice staff and ambiance. $3 beers for happy hour = GREAT DEAL!! If I came in for just drinks 4+ stars.
Like I said must have been off day in kitchen. Started on a decent note with the onion tart. But then we had the Seafood Bouillabaisse. Might have been the worst bouillabaisse I've ever had. Pretty sure they just used the frozen seafood bag from trader joe's, nothing was fresh. Broth lacked any flavor and bread for dipping was not even toasted.
Also tried the chicken roulade with white bean spread. I love SALT, but it was beyond aggressively seasoned.....almost inedible. White bean spread/salad was awesome.
Seeing lots of positive reviews of food, maybe I just ordered the wrong things. -
Review from Joshua D.
San Diego, CA
4/22/2012
This place gets five stars for knowing what it wants to be and executing to perfection. This is a neighborhood bar with good prices and a friendly vibe and staff. No they do not have a huge menu but they do have a nice variety for such a small food menu. I got the onion thingy and pain frittes with a glass of tempranilla for $15. Don't go expecting a fancy restaurant or dirty bar to get wasted at. Expect a clean relaxing bar with good food to nibble on.
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Review from Katharine L.
San Diego, CA
2/2/2012
I heart Counterpoint. They hit on all the things I want in a restaurant: great ambiance, delicious food, diverse wine and beer list, affordable prices and wonderful service. I've been to Counterpoint more times than I can count and have had a top-notch experience each time.
I'm spacing on the name, (pain frites?) but one of the apps is french fry-style slices of bread in an amazing cheese sauce, served with a jalapeno dipping sauce...How have I lived so long without eating this? Freaking delicious. We ordered a cheese board and used the bread from the cheese board to mop up the remaining cheese sauce.
Everything else I've had here is delicious: mussels, both flatbreads, beer cheese soup, butternut squash ravioli...etc... basically everything! The bread pudding is the perfect balance of savory and sweet... yum!
The wait times are hit and miss... went one Friday and there was a 45 minute wait while just two weeks ago there was no wait. The ambiance is fun and I love that they have a little upstairs loft. It makes you feel a bit more secluded and special because there is no kitchen access to the room, just a main staircase. -
Review from Armida M.
San Diego, CA
3/20/2012
This place has some really good beer selection, try the Liefmans cuvée-brut if you are into sweet but very well balanced brown beer. I had been here a couple times only for drinks, my friends ordered something to eat and the food looked pretty good!
Service is great ! all of the staff there are really helpful
Totally recommend it. -
Review from Karen F.
San Diego, CA
5/3/2012
I have been here a few times prior to my last visit and have always been impressed by the staff and the tasty food. My friends husband asked for a recommendation for his wife's bday in the area and I suggested Counterpoint- funky, cool ambiance, and very reasonable prices on beer and bottled wine. He took me up on it and we had a group of about 10 people. We had the whole upstairs area to ourselves (it was a Monday night) and it was perfect. They are doing some updates on their kitchen (hoping many a bit more expensive menu!) so the owner definitely took care of us to compensate for the limited menu. Our server/bartender was super friendly, extremely knowledgeable, and uber helpful. All around stellar experience! My favs are the beet salad and the flatbreads (menu rotates pretty often on these but always good), and as I mentioned the wine list is expansive for the size of the venue and they always have good beers flowing. Nice to have a place where the owner and staff really care about patron experience, will definitely be going back... often.
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Review from TheRealGabriel G.
San Diego, CA
3/27/2012 1 Check-in Here
Great place...customer service was amazing! I ordered the grilled cheese sandwich took a little long (I'm just saying...really? How long does it take to melt cheese) - side note...the place was a little busy...I'll give them that one. The grilled cheese for the day was English Cheddar in Claret - amazing (it was worth the wait). Overall this was a nice place to have a glass of wine/beer and relax. Great Happy Hour Deal!
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Review from Brittney P.
Golden Hill, San Diego, CA
4/8/2012
Love this place!!! Menu could maybe be expanded/improved though :)
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Review from Marc A.
3/12/2012 1 Check-in Here
Ask for Ben and get great service. The Pain Frites are amazing! I wish I could make these at home. The Ruben was a bit lean on meat and the grill sandwich was thin on cheese but overall a great experience.
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Review from Robyn I.
12/20/2011 1 Check-in Here
Very cool place. Sort of small and not a lot of seats, but there is also outdoor seating.
Killer beer selection and great wine selection. Staff is AWESOME and knowledgeable.
Food - small menu but everything was really good. The cheese plates are amazing. It's a real quality cheese plate so don't expect heaping amounts of cheeses!
Chicken sandwich is gigantic and comes with a lot of salad, it was really good. Flatbreads are delish, and they may change often, I think the menu changes often... ours was fig and gorgonzola and it was awesome. Butternut squash ravioli was really great. We also had some sort of like a bolognese sauce dip with bread that was really good too.
Kind of a funny location right by a gas station, but if you are anywhere around that area I would highly recommend this place if anything for the awesome beer and wine selection! -
Review from Tyson G.
10/15/2011
OMFG... Not only was the zin PERFECT but the chicken sandwich was beyond awesome. The staff here is awesome and very attentive. I plan to go here again and again. For as long as my ass can stand the wood shop chairs.
There is also sidewalk seating for at least part of the day. If you're with your dog, I imagine they can accommodate you.Listed in: Dog-Friendly and/or Outdoor…
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Review from Cavan P.
San Diego, CA
9/28/2011
Ha ha, I've never really paid attention to the 2 star rating before, but "Meh. I've experienced better," perfectly sums up what I think of Counterpoint. My reasons for going: It is close to my house, they have beer, I'm really bored or I'm on a first date with a girl who would probably like it so I know she and I probably won't work out.
The food comes in small portions. The beer selection is fine (but where isn't nowadays). They take the phrase "happy hour" literally meaning it lasts exactly one hour. I will say that the staff is very friendly, but they are neutralized by the "regulars" who always seem to look at you like a prison guard would look at an inmate if they notice you at all amidst their "localler than thou" meanderings. Would never say this is a bad place, but I would say, "MEH." -
Review from Andy U.
10/4/2011 1 Check-in Here
Been to this joint a couple of times. I can't really comment on the food here as I've only been here a couple of times for drinks. They do have some food options that I'll have to check out sometime as well.
This is a nifty little spot to get some craft brews. They do offer a good selection of brews from local establishments as well. This place is no frills, which I actually appreciate.
Good place to get your pre-fade on or to meet up for a quick first date(?) drink. I dig the location being in Golden Hill. Gives you options to take the party elsewhere as Downtown and East Village are only a few minutes away -
Review from ruggy j.
9/22/2011 1 Check-in Here
There's absolutely no doubt in my mind that if I were still a resident of San Diego, Counterpoint would be one of my favorite hangs in the entire city. What a welcome lil' spot in Golden Hill!
There aren't many things I enjoy more than copious amounts of wine from all around the world, endless arrays of fromage, and a well thought out charcuterie plate... and this place has 'em all in a modern, somewhat quirky industrial space. In my humble opinion, it's just what the 'hood needed!
Not only do they have fantastic meat and cheese spreads, but they boast a menu chock full of other comfort foods as well. Items like mac 'n' cheese, the ever-popular and somewhat ubiquitous artisan grilled cheese sandwich, sandwiches, and a really unique take on pommes frites using a miniature baguette cut lengthwise and smothered in Gouda fondue. One of the better, more intriguing appetizers I've had in some time! I highly recommend it.
It's a little small, so I'd avoid rolling through on a busy night. But you can snag some space on their outdoor patio during happy hour (Tuesday through Friday, 5pm to 6pm & Saturday & Sunday, noon to 6pm!), you'll enjoy the lovely warm weather San Diego is known for, along with $3 glasses of red/white wine and select beers as well. One of the best deals in town!Listed in: Bacchus Badge!, Golden Hill
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Review from Rogelio S.
San Diego, CA
2/10/2012 2 Check-ins Here
On my list of best kept secrets in San Diego. Rotating monthly food, beer and wine menu. Excellent atmosphere with an ambiance that is intimate and playful. Hanging art is for sale from local artist at times quirky and captivating. Bites, boards, and flat breads are my fav and always ask for advice since they are knowledgeable and friendly. This is where I found my favorite beer Maui Coconut Porter. Downside happy hour is only Tues-Fri and limited tables for a high in demand public. My only 5 star worthy place so far. Cheers!
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Review from Jessica P.
San Diego, CA
11/9/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Friendliest(and Knowledgeable!) staff EVER. Reasonable prices, nice ambiance. And I can LITERALLY CRAWL here from my house???
PERFECT. -
Review from Anne H.
Los Angeles, CA
2/26/2012
This place is great, amazing (and affordable...$9 tops when i was there) wine list, food's a little salty, but such a good date spot. Surprised it wasn't more crowded on a Saturday night ...
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Review from Lianas V.
San Diego, CA
10/26/2011 1 Check-in Here
My friend took me here last night and I had a really great time. I had their vigonier and chardonnay, she had the reisling. The wine on their menu is great. She also had the palms frites, which are like long breadsticks with blue cheese.
I am definitely bringing my husband here asap. In addition to a great wine selection, the beer selection is great too.
It must be the newest gem of Golden Hill. -
Review from Gman S.
San Diego, CA
3/1/2012
Counterpoint has a pretty amazing beer selection... definitely 5 stars if that's all we we're ranking. Staff is always super friendly but often they need more of them. There is very limited seating, but if you can get a table, it's got a trendy little vibe going and you might find some good looking peeps in the joint.
A lot of people rant about their food. I can see they put a lot of thought into it and some of it is pretty funky. I usually find it a little lacking, though, and want a little more for my money. If you're in for just some snacks and drinks, it'll likely rank a bit higher for you.
I usually hit Counterpoint for drinks prior to hitting the Turf Club for something more substantial. -
Review from Tara M.
8/30/2011 1 Check-in Here
Went for dinner on a Saturday evening. It's a little place, though there's actually quite a bit of seating with the patio and the upstairs areas. We were seated right away, and the hubs was quite pleased to be seated in view of the Chargers game on the bar TV. But, the TV did seem a little out of place, because otherwise Counterpoint has a modern, sleek kind of style.
Definitely experienced friendly and attentive service. They have a super beer selection. Every dish the four of us ordered was interesting and tasty. The highlights: rosemary cashews and candied pistachios, grilled cheese sandwich with pink cheese(!), ricotta and pea ravioli with a cream sauce. Can't wait to go back to try a cheese board and a few other menu items. -
Review from Gracie M.
San Diego, CA
I shared a delicious Malbec during my last visit and it was divine. Counterpoint has such an awesome selection of beer and wines.
Listed in: Best Happy Hour
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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12/24/2011
I love Counterpoint! This place is great for an intimate date or a casual night out for wine and… Read more »
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Review from Sophia G.
8/5/2011
Came here the other night for a ladies night out and had a blast. Who knew there was a bit of a craft-beer Mecca in my neighborhood? I am a happy happy girl.
Sampled the mussels, prosciutto flatbread, PINK grilled cheese and ravioli and I WILL be back for all of the boards. Not to mention the beer cheese soup. And talk of future Monday-night openings and cheese/beer pairings don't do me no wrong.
This little gem is small but has an open, airy feel, with high ceilings, raised tables, and even an outdoor patio. The decor is modern. The beer selection is prime, well-priced and the staff are my kind of people; they definitely know their stuff and are generous with the samplers- which means come early if you want to grab the good stuff before it's tapped out. Can't say enough good things about Counterpoint. Definitely the discovery of the month!Listed in: Goin' down to South Park..., Pubbity Pubs
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Review from John G.
San Diego, CA
3/3/2012
Hands down, my favorite bar in San Diego. Very laid back, great beer selection, a knowledgeable staff that takes time to get to know patrons, and the kitchen isn't bad either.
Recommended. -
Review from Barney B.
San Diego, CA
1/27/2012
you had me at fried baloney sandwich.
you kept me with fun employees and a cool vibe.
it's my new neighborhood joint that just happens to not be in my neighborhood -
Review from Michael H.
Pacific Beach, CA
2/22/2012
The place is awesome. We held a going away party in the upstairs room. Waitresses and staff were great and extremely friendly and accommodating. Highly recommend to check it out!
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Review from Kaitlin S.
San Diego, CA
8/17/2011
There are certain words that will make me fall in love with a place right away, and they include prosciutto, goat cheese, fig jam, red wine, and beer and cheese soup. I was pretty much sold just after reading the menu.
I went to Counterpoint with a friend on a Saturday evening and the place was pleasantly populated but not overly crowded. They have outdoor seating on a small patio and tables inside around the bar. We opted to sit outside. The chairs were a little cramped next to other tables, so my friend felt like she had to lean over the table most of the time as if she was very interested in what i was saying, but it wasn't too much of an issue. It's a trendy, cool restaurant in a pretty random location-- you can see the highway down the street, but the houses in the neighborhood were very nice.
I ordered the beer cheese soup and the prosciutto flatbread. My friend ordered the tomato and goat cheese crostini and the butternut squash ravioli. If you like beer and cheese, you will like the beer cheese soup. It's pretty much a little bowl of cheesy heaven. It was kind of messy and probably not very healthy, but definitely tasty. After eating most of the soup and a crostini, I was pretty full already when my large flatbread arrived. The flatbread was good but heavy on the artichoke. The crostini was really good, and the item I'd be most likely to order again. The butternut squash ravioli was good, but had an unexpected taste to it that we couldn't place (maybe mint?). I also had a $5 glass of the tempranillo, a Spanish red wine.
I'd love to come back here with friends for drinks and to split the boards. They have two boards of different cheeses-- one is all different goat cheeses, and the other has other types of cheese (don't remember which ones!). Both are served along with jams or herbs. There is also a board of meats and pickled vegetables.
I'd recommend Counterpoint for drinks or dinner! -
Review from Breck C.
San Diego, CA
10/7/2011
I dig this place. Up and coming small neighborhood vibe, great service (Ben), a very good beer menu, and the food is pretty good.
Check it out! -
Review from Mike D.
West Hollywood, CA
9/24/2011 1 Check-in Here
Very cute wine bar.. odd seating arrangement as I felt like the people sitting around us were either on my back or over my shoulder... the food is tasty... the bacon jelly is something to live for!! Nice selection of wines and drinks... the wine bar is oddly placed next to a Shell station but once you're seated you'd think you're in midtown..
Service is great and you can't be tasty food... A new favorite for sure!! -
Review from Gio C.
San Diego, CA
2/1/2012
The beer selection is pretty awesome here, and the staff are friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable about their beer and wine selections. I had the onion tarte as an appetizer and it was amazing -- bacon, green onions, and sour cream on a perfectly light and flaky puff pastry. I think I could eat that every day. The salad with seared ahi was also pretty tasty, but the ahi --- a little dry -- had its spotlight stolen by the salad dressing. So light and sweet and tangy and slightly salty...The butternut squash ravioli was perfectly creamy without tasting heavy. There's a lot of care put into each dish and it shows. Kudos to the staff, too, for being attentive and quick -- I think our server this evening was Ben. Great guy!
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Review from Lindsay R.
San Diego, CA
7/27/2011
Well, my boyfriend and I heard about this place from another couple when we ate at The Station the other night. We always passed it when we went to the Shell Station right there, or on the freeway, but never stopped and ate.
BIG MISTAKE. This place is hands down the best eatery in Golden Hill. Really modern and zen-like atmosphere. Older couples, younger couples, groups of girlfriends, good for anyone.
The beers were awesome, about $5 each, and the food filled us up. I had the bruschetta, which was like, $7 and my boyfriend had a fried baloney sandwich for $13.
The only downfall to this place, was the food took a long time to come to us, and almost every table was taken and there were 2 waiters who took quite a while to bring us our check.
Other than that, the overall experience was awesome, and we'll definitely be back...since it's right down the street :) -
Review from Rob Y.
San Diego, CA
1/27/2012 1 Check-in Here
Cool vibe, strong neighborhood feel (and an actual commitment by the owner--Cam-- to do good in the neighborhood), tasty food, (albeit a bit more on the nibbling proportion side), and a great selection of wines and local brews.
