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Urge American Gastropub
16761 Bernardo Center Dr
San Diego, California, 92128-2584
United States
(858) 673-8743 | map
urgegastropub.com
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Rated by Sammy from Canada (ON)
3.89/5 rDev -12.4%
vibe: 3.75 | quality: 3.75 | service: 4 | selection: 4
3.89/5 rDev -12.4%
vibe: 3.75 | quality: 3.75 | service: 4 | selection: 4
good selection. large friendly location.good stop if in area such as the safari. most choices from north san diego.
Jan 17, 2018Reviewed by FlyingBull from California
4/5 rDev -9.9%
4/5 rDev -9.9%
Went there for the first time for a San Diego Beer Week event. The food was great, the service in the bar area was great. Despite being super busy, the servers and bartenders were all very helpful. One negative - the hostess crew. Kind of bratty/snotty and not very helpful. Told us the wait would be 1 1/2 hours at least. Yes they were super busy - but we counted 5 open tables through the restaurant. We bypassed them and went into the bar area and sat right down and had drinks within 5 minutes. They didn't even mention or offer that we could wait in the bar area if we wanted. They both need a spankin and a dose of real life.
Nov 15, 2014Reviewed by craft_is_king from California
4.83/5 rDev +8.8%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 5 | food: 5
4.83/5 rDev +8.8%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 5 | food: 5
Its cool to see a place with such a diverse tap list, and by that I mean breweries outside sd like Nobel, Bells, and Ritual. Had a couple beers and tasters. great selection.
Food was very good. muscles served with french fries and Dakota Chislic. Cant wait to go back and try more of there food.
Overall great impression.
Aug 13, 2014Food was very good. muscles served with french fries and Dakota Chislic. Cant wait to go back and try more of there food.
Overall great impression.
Reviewed by mabermud from Washington
4.48/5 rDev +0.9%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.25 | selection: 4.75 | food: 4.25
4.48/5 rDev +0.9%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.25 | selection: 4.75 | food: 4.25
A - Nice atmosphere. Clean, pleasant, and upscale.
Q - Very good quality food, drink, and location/atmosphere.
S - Service is good. Good staff.
S - Very good selection of beer.
F - Good food.
Value - Beers are too expensive.
I always have a dilemma whether or not I should come here. The beers are expensive, yet they sometimes have some hard to find beers on tap...
Jul 02, 2014Q - Very good quality food, drink, and location/atmosphere.
S - Service is good. Good staff.
S - Very good selection of beer.
F - Good food.
Value - Beers are too expensive.
I always have a dilemma whether or not I should come here. The beers are expensive, yet they sometimes have some hard to find beers on tap...
Reviewed by MadCat from New Jersey
4.5/5 rDev +1.4%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4 | selection: 5 | food: 4.5
4.5/5 rDev +1.4%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4 | selection: 5 | food: 4.5
Atmosphere: Modern Pub, welcoming, friendly, the kind of place you want to have a beer and dinner
Quality: Very good quality in both food and beer.
Service: Everyone is friendly and knowledgeable, and very good at being attentive even when busy
Selection: Beer selection is mind boggling. I never even considered the bottle list because 51 taps is guaranteed to have what you are looking for. Food selection is shorter and more to the point, but still likely to have something to please
Food: Excellent quality, tastes great
Value: Reasonably priced for the area. Never felt I got away cheap, but never felt like I overpaid.
Overall, if you are looking for somewhere to eat and try a new beer, this is a great place to go. It can get a little crowded, but I never had to wait for a table. When crowded, it can be hard to get a seat at the bar though. Highly recommended in the Rancho Bernardo area.
Nov 21, 2013Quality: Very good quality in both food and beer.
Service: Everyone is friendly and knowledgeable, and very good at being attentive even when busy
Selection: Beer selection is mind boggling. I never even considered the bottle list because 51 taps is guaranteed to have what you are looking for. Food selection is shorter and more to the point, but still likely to have something to please
Food: Excellent quality, tastes great
Value: Reasonably priced for the area. Never felt I got away cheap, but never felt like I overpaid.
Overall, if you are looking for somewhere to eat and try a new beer, this is a great place to go. It can get a little crowded, but I never had to wait for a table. When crowded, it can be hard to get a seat at the bar though. Highly recommended in the Rancho Bernardo area.
Reviewed by HoppingAlong from California
5/5 rDev +12.6%
vibe: 5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 5 | food: 5
5/5 rDev +12.6%
vibe: 5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 5 | food: 5
When it comes to craft beer and great food in North County, San Diego, URGE is the hands down the best establishment out there. Seriously. Owned by the people that own The Barrel Room (right next door), Brother's Provisions (a bottle shop down the street), and a soon to be brewery/bowing alley! in Vista, URGE is amazing. While the food alone is worth tasting (I usually go with the Vegan burger Fahrenheit style), the tap list is awesome (they update it every day online). Every growing, expanding, and rotating, URGE's lists of beers is incredible. They have had some great tap takeovers, from Stone and others, and have done some great collaborations with Mother Earth, the Bruery, and others. They do brunch/breakfast on weekends, have plenty of TVs in the bar, and a wonderful patio. Their anniversaries (in July) are always wonderful-- beer lists that would blow just about anyone away.
When in Rancho Bernardo, North Country San Diego, San Diego, or even Southern California, check out URGE-- you will not be disappointed.
Aug 09, 2013When in Rancho Bernardo, North Country San Diego, San Diego, or even Southern California, check out URGE-- you will not be disappointed.
Reviewed by heavenlyStash from California
4.88/5 rDev +9.9%
vibe: 5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 4.5 | food: 5
4.88/5 rDev +9.9%
vibe: 5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 4.5 | food: 5
Out working in the area with a couple of friends and we decide to grab a pint and lunch, started off with a great greeting & Welcome. family Oriented place with a great authentic GastroPub look. Lets not forget about the Amazing service that all the employees provide & to a great tap selection if your ever in North county or Rancho Bernardo Stop in and check em out ...
Jun 13, 2013Reviewed by vfgccp from New York
4.81/5 rDev +8.3%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.75 | service: 5 | selection: 4.75 | food: 5
4.81/5 rDev +8.3%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.75 | service: 5 | selection: 4.75 | food: 5
A- Nice atmosphere, good bar seating, and a nice outdoor patio area. Being that it is in So-Cal the outdoor area is pretty much opened year round.
Service- Great, the managers all the way down to the bar tenders, they are all friendly and knowledgable.
Selection- Great selection of both beer and food, and the menus are always rotating.
Food- AMAZING!! Wild Boar Burger, Homemade sausage corn-dog lollypops (yes you read that right), seriously great eats.
As I travel a lot for work, I am always on the lookout for a great gastropub. There are few places I've been that compare in food quality/selection, and beer selection. Urge really is an incredible place.
Jun 11, 2013Service- Great, the managers all the way down to the bar tenders, they are all friendly and knowledgable.
Selection- Great selection of both beer and food, and the menus are always rotating.
Food- AMAZING!! Wild Boar Burger, Homemade sausage corn-dog lollypops (yes you read that right), seriously great eats.
As I travel a lot for work, I am always on the lookout for a great gastropub. There are few places I've been that compare in food quality/selection, and beer selection. Urge really is an incredible place.
Reviewed by notchucknorris from California
4.28/5 rDev -3.6%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4 | food: 4
4.28/5 rDev -3.6%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4 | food: 4
I live in Carlsbad, so this place is a bit of a drive, but it was well worth it. A friend who was down for the weekend wanted to check this place out, so we made the trek over there.
The place looks unassuming enough. It's in a shopping center, tucked behind a grocery store and a few other businesses. If you don't drive right past it, it's well worth checking out.
The food was really solid and the tap list was equally good. I don't remember exactly how many taps they had, but I remember being pleasantly surprised. If you happen to be in the area, check this place out.
Jan 03, 2012The place looks unassuming enough. It's in a shopping center, tucked behind a grocery store and a few other businesses. If you don't drive right past it, it's well worth checking out.
The food was really solid and the tap list was equally good. I don't remember exactly how many taps they had, but I remember being pleasantly surprised. If you happen to be in the area, check this place out.
Reviewed by madpentzer from California
4.55/5 rDev +2.5%
vibe: 5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4.5
4.55/5 rDev +2.5%
vibe: 5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4.5
I love this place and have been there many times. The beer selection, both draft and bottle list, is great and so is the food. All the menu items have beer integrated into the recipe in one way or another and I really enjoyed their Fahrenheit Burger. Also Also, the chicken and waffles is amazing. It's always clean and I like the modern design. The service was great and best of all the prices aren't bad. Got a pint (20 oz) of Sculpin for $6. Overall, an awesome beer fan eatery and if your in San Diego I would check it out.
Aug 20, 2011Reviewed by RocketFrogDavid from Virginia
4.88/5 rDev +9.9%
vibe: 5 | quality: 5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 5 | food: 5
4.88/5 rDev +9.9%
vibe: 5 | quality: 5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 5 | food: 5
I've been here twice, had fantastic burgers, I like the Milk burger the best. The beer selection is top notch. Just had the LIfe & Limb this past week. In November for a Stone Tap takeover they had a great selection, including a few vertical epics. Bonus points for service tasters of beer as well. Good service, great food, and great beer. Sounds like an easy formula but many fail where Urge delivers. The bar area is spacious and not cramped, unless there is an event, and the seating areas are nice.
Aug 11, 2011Reviewed by NoSignsOfPain from California
4.63/5 rDev +4.3%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 5 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4.5
4.63/5 rDev +4.3%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 5 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4.5
ehammond1 and I decided to check this place out after spending some time at Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens. It didn't feel like an overly swanky gastropub. Upon arrival we got seated right away in the inside dining area.
We started out our evening with a pint of Magic Hat No. 9 and Ballast Point Sculpin (which was a second choice because Mother Earth's Los Cuatros Amigos just kicked); though what we really wanted was a pitcher of Tokyo. The rest of the taplist was pretty solid as well.
The menu was great with a lot to choose from; we ended up ordering mussels and fish tacos to split. We ended the evening with their vanilla bean bread pudding (much was left over but they were great the next day!)
It was a really great dining experience, and it was really because Finn! our server was fantastic. He would probably be half the reason that we go next time! He only works Monday - Thursday, so look out for him ;) He's great! Can't wait to go here again next time I'm in town.
Jul 20, 2011We started out our evening with a pint of Magic Hat No. 9 and Ballast Point Sculpin (which was a second choice because Mother Earth's Los Cuatros Amigos just kicked); though what we really wanted was a pitcher of Tokyo. The rest of the taplist was pretty solid as well.
The menu was great with a lot to choose from; we ended up ordering mussels and fish tacos to split. We ended the evening with their vanilla bean bread pudding (much was left over but they were great the next day!)
It was a really great dining experience, and it was really because Finn! our server was fantastic. He would probably be half the reason that we go next time! He only works Monday - Thursday, so look out for him ;) He's great! Can't wait to go here again next time I'm in town.
Reviewed by gerrick from California
3.88/5 rDev -12.6%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 3.5 | selection: 4 | food: 4
3.88/5 rDev -12.6%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 3.5 | selection: 4 | food: 4
Whenever I’m in North County San Diego I always make it a habit to stop by Urge Gastropub. While it’s located in a strip style mall, don’t let the exterior fool you – inside lies a true beer bar with approx. 50 taps and a decent bottle selection. Plenty of local San Diego micro breweries are represented along with tons of others from just about anywhere you could want a beer.
The food is excellent and always tastes fresh. I strongly suggest the Beer Cheese Fries (don’t skimp – add the chislic); the short rib sliders are also outstanding – all the burgers are solid. For desert – get the deconstructed smores; the wife is always a huge fan of this one.
There is never quite enough seating though and often the wait can be a bit long, so I try to go during off hours. The bar has some tv’s if you can’t miss your game.
The service staff is hit or miss, some actually know a thing or two about beer, but the average server here will be unable to help you select a beer.
May 27, 2011The food is excellent and always tastes fresh. I strongly suggest the Beer Cheese Fries (don’t skimp – add the chislic); the short rib sliders are also outstanding – all the burgers are solid. For desert – get the deconstructed smores; the wife is always a huge fan of this one.
There is never quite enough seating though and often the wait can be a bit long, so I try to go during off hours. The bar has some tv’s if you can’t miss your game.
The service staff is hit or miss, some actually know a thing or two about beer, but the average server here will be unable to help you select a beer.
Reviewed by AylwinForbes from Illinois
2.88/5 rDev -35.1%
vibe: 2 | quality: 3 | service: 2 | selection: 4
2.88/5 rDev -35.1%
vibe: 2 | quality: 3 | service: 2 | selection: 4
The only urge I felt after spending about half an hour here was one to flee as fast as possible. I have to admit to great disappointment after much anticipation derived from other reviews. Perhaps it is just not my vibe. The location should have served as a warning. The GPS brings me to a nondescript mall but the precise location of Urge is a total mystery. After much fumbling around I finally find it. The second warming should have been the plethora of plasma screens; places should make a decision as to what they are: beer destinations or sports bars; the two don't mix in my view. I am perhaps too old for this, but settling down at the bar sandwiched among tanktop-wearing youths shouting at basketball games is not conducive to pleasure.
I cannot deny the selection and I gave this aspect a fair rating. Certainly some I would never find back home in Chitown. The first barman was polite and prompt in his delivery. Then it all went downhill. I was contemplating a second, but the next barman was way too concerned with chatting with his tanktop buddies to notice my dwindling glass. Then it was taken away without any enquiry as to my needs. I even had to demand to settle up.
I cannot speak to the food as I did not try it. This passes itself off as a gastropub. I don't believe it for a moment. For one thing it is a chain. At best moderate I would guess; but I am unlikely to ever venture to find out.
Apr 24, 2011I cannot deny the selection and I gave this aspect a fair rating. Certainly some I would never find back home in Chitown. The first barman was polite and prompt in his delivery. Then it all went downhill. I was contemplating a second, but the next barman was way too concerned with chatting with his tanktop buddies to notice my dwindling glass. Then it was taken away without any enquiry as to my needs. I even had to demand to settle up.
I cannot speak to the food as I did not try it. This passes itself off as a gastropub. I don't believe it for a moment. For one thing it is a chain. At best moderate I would guess; but I am unlikely to ever venture to find out.
Reviewed by LittleDon from Texas
4.3/5 rDev -3.2%
vibe: 5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4 | selection: 4 | food: 4.5
4.3/5 rDev -3.2%
vibe: 5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4 | selection: 4 | food: 4.5
It is what the name says it is. Good food, good beer, a solid establishment.
Napa valley nouveau: stone, concrete floors, high ceilings. Like many things in Rancho Bernardo, Urge is located in an upscale strip mall. Not the easiest place to find once you get to the address (approximately) but worth the trouble. The food is upper end pub food, well prepared, tasty, and possibly a bit on the pricey side. The local seafood appetizer in beer was excellent. The shellfish were fresh and the broth was very good. Unfortunately, no bread was provided to soak up the left over liquor (I'm sure if I had only asked, I would have had some). The rabbit burger was excellent. A nice balance between the rich and savory rabbit, smoked gouda, and slightly sweet bun. If you get it, make sure to ask to have it done no more than medium. Any longer cooking might render it dry and less appealing. Service was excellent, although a better understanding of the beers would have made for a nicer experience. The beer selection, while not the biggest or best, was very passable. Plenty to choose from around the SD area and a few CA and other standards. The biggest problem Urge has is that it's located in a part of San Diego County that is out of the way. Far enough from greater SD to make it a bit of a haul, and just south of Escondido and San Marcos. Regardless, if you're close by, it is worth a trip.
Apr 22, 2011Napa valley nouveau: stone, concrete floors, high ceilings. Like many things in Rancho Bernardo, Urge is located in an upscale strip mall. Not the easiest place to find once you get to the address (approximately) but worth the trouble. The food is upper end pub food, well prepared, tasty, and possibly a bit on the pricey side. The local seafood appetizer in beer was excellent. The shellfish were fresh and the broth was very good. Unfortunately, no bread was provided to soak up the left over liquor (I'm sure if I had only asked, I would have had some). The rabbit burger was excellent. A nice balance between the rich and savory rabbit, smoked gouda, and slightly sweet bun. If you get it, make sure to ask to have it done no more than medium. Any longer cooking might render it dry and less appealing. Service was excellent, although a better understanding of the beers would have made for a nicer experience. The beer selection, while not the biggest or best, was very passable. Plenty to choose from around the SD area and a few CA and other standards. The biggest problem Urge has is that it's located in a part of San Diego County that is out of the way. Far enough from greater SD to make it a bit of a haul, and just south of Escondido and San Marcos. Regardless, if you're close by, it is worth a trip.
Reviewed by BdubleEdubleRUN from California
4.28/5 rDev -3.6%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4
4.28/5 rDev -3.6%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4
Atomsphere was classy but not intimidating. I wore jeans and a T, but would have been comfortable in nicer clothes as well. Rock walls, clean and simple decor.
The quality and selection were very good. I had a SeaMonster Stout, Dry hopped Lucky Bastard and a Sculpin. I ordered a Old Crustacean but blew the keg, got to dink it still but not charged for it. The had a great bottle selection that included The Abyss and other special releases. The place is obviously beer savvy.
The food was very good. Price comparable to a restaurant like yardhouse or similar but every bit as good.
Most half pints of special releases and bigger beers were $4 and a pint of year round offerings was $6. The bottle of Abyss was $19 which isn't too bad for being in a bar, the half pints were the only thing I thought were a little pricey.
Mar 04, 2011The quality and selection were very good. I had a SeaMonster Stout, Dry hopped Lucky Bastard and a Sculpin. I ordered a Old Crustacean but blew the keg, got to dink it still but not charged for it. The had a great bottle selection that included The Abyss and other special releases. The place is obviously beer savvy.
The food was very good. Price comparable to a restaurant like yardhouse or similar but every bit as good.
Most half pints of special releases and bigger beers were $4 and a pint of year round offerings was $6. The bottle of Abyss was $19 which isn't too bad for being in a bar, the half pints were the only thing I thought were a little pricey.
Reviewed by hawkmage from California
4.13/5 rDev -7%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4
4.13/5 rDev -7%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4
A good selection of draft beer. The selection varies from standard bar offerings like Guinness to more unusual ones like Allagash Curieux or Rodenbach Grand Cru. This doesn't even go into the bottle list.
Most of the staff has a good knowledge of the beers that they serve.
Now onto the food. It may be a bit more expensive that average pub food but it is not average. Take you usual hamburger or hotdog and go a completely different direction. A couple of my favorites are the Hasenpfeffer Hopper or the Footlong "Urge" Dog. Which are a rabbit hamburger and a half pound all beef hotdog.
Luckily I live only about 2 miles from Urge so I go there often.
Feb 26, 2011Most of the staff has a good knowledge of the beers that they serve.
Now onto the food. It may be a bit more expensive that average pub food but it is not average. Take you usual hamburger or hotdog and go a completely different direction. A couple of my favorites are the Hasenpfeffer Hopper or the Footlong "Urge" Dog. Which are a rabbit hamburger and a half pound all beef hotdog.
Luckily I live only about 2 miles from Urge so I go there often.
Urge American Gastropub in San Diego, CA
Place rating:
4.44 out of
5 with
42 ratings
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