Lei Lounge (Closed Permanently)

Hard to love

If it weren't for the attitude, slow service, and overall pretentiousness, it wouldn't be difficult to love Lei Lounge. And love it or hate it, Lei Lounge is unlike any other gay option in San Diego. It's more restaurant than bar, but has both separate for those who want only one or the other. The cabanas are a fun experience for groups, especially on birthdays or similar events. The drinks are inventive, tasty, and effective, and although the food portions can be small and overpriced, they rarely fail to impress and one leaves satisfied overall. But like a bad aftertaste, the subtle reminders of poor customer service and L.A.-inspired exclusivity tend to linger despite enjoyable food, drinks, and chic gay atmosphere. It's a tough call with the Lei Lounge. Some love it, but it's understood if others don't.

Repeat After Me: Tapas = Small Plates

The plates are small -- not for your average bear. But a very creative and colorful drink and food menu. Great patio for lounging!

HAPPY HOUR!

Love Lei Lounge, especially Happy Hour! Try the aloe collins--it's refreshing from the inside out... Mini kobe burgers, bento box, and other small plates make this place fun. Then it's next door to Burbon Street to dance it all off!!

I like the setting but everything else was only ok

I find the food to be better looking than it tastes. From the looks of the crowd, it's a good place to hang out and drink though.

Great for small groups

I visited Lei Lounge during a recent visit to San Diego. The food was great, and the service likewise but the accommodations were cramped for a group of ten. We were crammed into one of their large booths and little was done to ensure we were comfortable. I really loved the food but it seemed to be tapas style and for a large group it quickly becomes prohibitively expensive to order and share successfully. The plates trickled out of the kitchen, usually with two to four bites per plate. This was far too slow, and inadequate for a large party. My recommendations is stay away for large parties, but for up to four I think it's a wonderful place with a great atmosphere. All of the staff was wonderful but the kitchen does tend to be slow on the delivery. I would go back with a much more intimate group but never again with a large one.