The Guild
San Diego, CA 92102
Phone: (619) 564-7584
- Price:
- $$
Editorial Review for The Guild – by Erin Chambers
The Scene
Slipping into the hip East Village scene like a glove, this is one corner of Barrio Logan determined to outgrow the rough and tumble legacy of its neighborhood's moniker. The sleek, urban design with custom furniture and bold, colored lights is a step in the right direction, as is the trendy restaurant/bar/lounge combo setup. But efforts to cram dining, drinking and hanging into such a small space might be too ambitious. We found it less intimate and cozy (maybe it's that stark white floor?) and more like they spent so much on those great custom bobble chairs that they had to scrap the patio.
The Food
An innovative, international menu is prepared in small portions with matching prices. Artichoke hearts with a cheesy, crisp brulee are surprising and sweet at just $9, and a smaller portion of steak frites comes with tangy horseradish for just $15. The espresso martini and chocolate sandwich make a for a fine finish, as would any of the sweet signature cocktails like passionate flame martinis and fruity bellinis.
Hits: Innovative, reasonably-priced food and a cool, original design.
Misses: Safe and well-lit parking, fun neighbors, a patio, one or two serious entrees.
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Insider Tips
Fun FactThe space is an extension of founder/owner Paul Basile's design shop. Peer through the back walls at his intricate metal shop, where he and his team work on cutting edge projects for clients like the Museum of Contemporary Art's downtown space.
What to DrinkCheck out the great local beers and extensive by-the-glass wine list. They're also sporting a pretty cute list of signature cocktails. We recommend trying any of the ones made with bubbly.
User Reviews for The Guild
07/26/2008 Posted by wftsd
This waitstaff doesn't know anything and ignores you, the food from this Napa chef is tastless. This is Wine Steals stuff but 4 times the price. The drunken owner was trying to flirt with my girlfriend and her friend, my god it was so pathetic. Burn food for three, $70 + bad wine 70 + , did not finish any of the dishes, tried to pretend that the wine was O.K., but I would have been more satisfied by eating a bunch of crappy frozen food, cause at least it doesnt have a quater pound of salt on it for a 2 oz portion of food. Sadly disappointed. Save your money.
Pros: nothing
Cons: everything and bad location
06/25/2008 Posted by PeteThistle
Ever been to a restaurant with "views" of a real machine shop where some of San Diego's finest restaurants & homes have their custom wood & metal creations fabricated? Venture over to Barrio Logan and check out THE GUILD. It will take you all of about 3 minutes to drive there. If you know how to get to the foot of the Gaslamp (end of 5th at Harbor Drive by the Convention Ctr), take a left (head east) on Harbor Dr. and continue for about a mile to Beardsley (before you get to your 2nd light at Caesar Chavez). Go left over the tracks and up two blocks. You can't miss it on the right. There's great parking in a lot next to the restaurant. When you arrive, you'll generally see LOTS of people at the bar. Happy hour is 5-6pm and again from 10-11pm. There's a very cool crowd at The Guild...a little secret getaway for many. You may run into some of San Diego's artists and architects here. One of the owners, Paul Basile, is a contractor himself. Paul has been a peer of the downtown arts community for more than a decade. Inside you will find the decor a unique blend of urban chic where concrete meets Kirei (a reclaimed agricultural fiber from the Sorghum plant grown around the world for food). How "green" is that? Plan on small bites ~ almost tapas in style ~ as a way to sample many unique dishes there. Rich in flavor but light in preparation... clean & decorative in the way it's beautifully plated. Also plan on trying a wine you most likely can't buy at any supermarket. No ridiculous prices here and a very nice variety. Live music seems to be extinct in this day and age ~ but not at the Guild. Come on a Friday evening to hear something that's really "live." Looking for great "chill" lounge where you can hang out & actually see/hear other people without a $20 cover? Check out the lounge upstairs. The long table seating was designed for people to meet their neighbors :) If you are craving "original," go to The Guild.
Pros: Unique Ambience, excellent parking, live music (Fridays), Cool , chic, DIFFERENT!
Cons: None come to mind.
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