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| - It's been a long time since I visited Gordon Biersch. I remember when the first one opened on Paradise, and it was the place to be for the trendy. That was a long time ago, and now this chain is just another take on the likes of Yard House, Chicago Brewing and such. What I remember from my last visit at a San Diego branch was that the food was very good, beer was good, and atmosphere was great. My latest visit to the Boca Park location results in a bit of a downgrade in food and chic factor, but otherwise still quite satisfying.
We met up with my friend and his wife, and were really looking forward to their restaurant week deal - $40 for a 3 course. Alas, that was only for the Paradise location... why is that? So only mildly disappointed (since we figured we'd probably spend less money now), we proceed to order a couple of apps - calamari and blue crab artichoke dip - and entrees. Seafood Cobb Salad, Lobster & Shrimp Mac 'n Cheese for me, Fish & Chips, and Cajun Fish tacos. The calamari was very good, rightly crisped coating with perfect taste, albeit the calamari weren't exactly plump. The artichoke dip was disappointing, as it tasted too sour cream-y and the crab flavor got lost in it. I couldn't tell if there were actual crabs in it or not. And I think it would have been better with tortilla chips rather than bread.
I had the Mac 'n Cheese because the mix of it with lobster & shrimp sounded interesting. What I got wasn't exactly Mac 'n Cheese though, it was Bowtie 'n Cheese as the pasta was not macaroni pasta. Loses the effect a bit, but it tasted like a mac n' cheese so they're forgiven. As for the taste, it tasted like typical mac, but the addition of the seafood definitely was for the better. Ample chunks of lobster and shrimp went quite well with the cheese and pasta mix. A dash of truffle oil would have put it out of the park, I think. Also tried the fish n chips, and while appropriately crispy and tasted fine, I would have preferred a more traditional batter than the more panko crust-like one they use. Didn't try the cobb but it was humongous, and the tacos were huge also (you get two).
The server was very pleasant throughout, but committed one no-no. Towards the end of the meal she came by and dropped off the check, letting us know her shift was over and we need to settle. I think this is a very bad practice, one that breaks up the rhythm and flow of the dinner for the patrons. Why can't they let the next shift "take over" and settle the check instead when the customers are ready? They were may be a quarter full, and don't they all share the tips anyway? Still, not to detract from otherwise great service that deserves 4-stars in the end.
Four beers, couple glasses of wine, and it all came to $125 before tips. Not bad, but I tend to think it's a bit overpriced for what you get. Beer price is very reasonable though, at $3.75 a pint for the home brews. Will likely revisit, but probably more for happy hour or apps and drinks, rather than for dinner. All-in-all it's marginally 3.5 stars for food, and decidedly 3.5 stars overall. This place may be the epitome of why Yelp should grant 1/2 stars.
Food-for-1 Factor: Well, a big bar up front but the air in the place doesn't necessarily put single diners at ease. May be a bit too social inside for eating/drinking by your lonesome...
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