Common Theory Chula Vista

Parking is terrible, with barely a few spots in front of the restaurant. Or you have to find a spot on the street and you have competition with the many apartments around there. Also it’s very confusing to find the entrance to the parking lot, as there’s a sign that says emergency vehicles only. So I would say location sucks. Service was good. We had to ask for water refills, even on a very slow weekday afternoon. I got the Brussels sprouts (very good) and the kimchi fried rice with an add on of Szechuan hot fried chicken. Flavors were fine but the chicken was not spicy at all (we were told it would be spicy). Also the fried rice had so much oil, there was a bed of oil under the rice. I loved the vibe of the place. I didn’t try any beer or cocktail and will go back to try that and other foods, that is if we find parking.

I was excited to meet with a friend for dinner and drinks. I almost became discouraged because getting there was sooo confusing! Maybe it's because it's in a fairly new community, but dang it, parking sucked! Thursday night at 6:30 didn't help either...once we got there we loved the place and atmosphere😁 The beer we ordered was pretty delish and the cauliflower wings were right on point(flavor/texture/crunch)! I was a bit disappointed in the Margherita Flatbread pizza as it was a bit cold, but definitely willing to try again😀

First timer and I absolutely loved it! Great food and customer service. Our waitress was amazing and very friendly👌🏽 That Wagyu burger is a must! Definitely coming back.

Reading the reviews about previous service wasn’t that great, but decided to give this spot a try. My experience on a busy Friday evening was GREAT! The waiters were always checking up on us, the place was clean bathrooms as-well. We got seated fast, overall service and atmosphere was excellent. Food- Got the duck fries it was delicious. I would definitely come back again. POV- I Hope this place opens a Speakeasy like the one in Convoy. 🫰🏼

I was a first-timer at this restaurant, and let me tell you, I absolutely loved it! From start to finish, the experience was fantastic. The food was top-notch, and the customer service was even better. Our waitress was amazing—so friendly, attentive, and made us feel right at home from the moment we sat down. The highlight of the meal was definitely the Wagyu burger. It’s an absolute must-try! Juicy, tender, and packed with flavor—it’s one of the best burgers I’ve had in a while. I’m already looking forward to coming back and trying more of their menu. Highly recommend this place for anyone in the area! It’s definitely a new favorite of mine.

I recently dined at Common Theory and was thoroughly impressed with every aspect of the experience. From the exceptional service to the delectable food, delightful drinks, and inviting atmosphere, Common Theory earns an A+ in every category. The menu offerings were diverse, and I particularly enjoyed the Wagyu burger, calamari, and Shishito peppers, all of which were bursting with flavor and expertly prepared. To complement the meal, their mango kombucha was nothing short of fantastic. Overall, Common Theory provides a memorable dining experience that I highly recommend to anyone looking for top-notch food and ambiance.

Went with a group of friends and had the best time. Great atmosphere and excellent food. Would highly recommend starting with the duck fries and buffalo cauliflower. All the food was delicious. Would definitely go again.

Place was nice and food was good. We had the duck fat fries and the wagyu burger. Reasoning for the review is the service. We were seated and told we could place orders online. We placed our food order fairly quickly and waited. We waited for about 15 min after being seated with no one talking to us or bringing water or silverware, one server holding a water bottle even passed us after helping the table with a refill right next to us. We ended up going to the bar to ask for water. The bar tender came around and brought water to a bunch of tables who didnt have anything, no apology. Food was brought out, we ate, and paid. Towards the very end someone asked how the food was but by then we were just about ready to leave. Hopefully just a short staffed day - hoping to update this review with some better news in the future.

Great atmosphere friendly staff They charge you for everything even the Sauce. Food is good, music is great and bathroom smell nice

This place is good. Duck fries is good and beer menu is constantly rotating. Good service and convinient place for locals.

Good food, good views, will say it took a while to come, but only from how busy it was! #Poppin #intime #in reflection with the moment

My partner and I finally had a chance to check out the location. We're greeted by friendly staff with welcoming energy while entering a cozy and familiar space. The staff was very attentive to our needs as well as consistent to check in on us. The beer selection was extensive and well varied. The food was timely and tasty to say the least (get the wings!) Asked the bartender, Matt, to sign us off with his favorite cocktail and to our surprise, a astounding mix of a Caipirinha and a Mojito that refreshed our taste buds and left us satisfied, no dessert required. Will be visiting very soon!

My family love this place good kids menu options,extensive local beer options, Duck fries and Loco Moco a must Friendly and quick service and ambiance not too loud even with TVs transmitting games This is our neighborhood spot

So glad they're starting to do fun food deals. Taco Tuesday includes tacos a la carte for $3.50 or 4 taco combo (mix and match) for $13 ($3.25 each). Friendly service, great flavors and good spice on their tacos. Flavors offered are chipotle shrimp, pollo asado, carnitas, fried fish, and carne asada. This includes free chips and salsa taquera, encurtidos, and chiles toreados. Looking forward to joining them again. Great ambiance with bumping music on a Tuesday night.

Super cool addition to the area! Loved the ambiance, high ceilings with modern decor. Awesome playlist + sound system. Very clean. Service was attentive and friendly. We shared two brunch specials: the burrito and croissant. We really enjoyed the former. Piping hot and fresh. Super crispy chips. Tasty homemade salsa. There's now a large gravel parking lot to the side of the business. Enjoy!

Super stoked that something like this opened up in the area. Eastlake needed more variety and unique things and this contributes to the variety. I also enjoyed the Convoy location a lot so that added to my excitement in this place. It's located in the growing community if Millenia, in what I'd say is the heart of it. Next to Sura BBQ as well. Parking wise, its ok but not the best. Actual paved parking lot is bad. Not quality, quantity. There's not a lot. But they did open up the dirt lots on the side. Not the best but its an option. If not, you can have a gamble at looking for street parking. The restaurant itself was nice and clean. A decent amount of seating. They are dog friendly too as long as your dog is nice. I had no issues with service. I thought staff was doing just fine. They were super friendly, patient and attentive. I got the vibe that they were trying to get to know their local crowd and I enjoyed that. Food was pretty good but a little on the pricier end. I don't blame them though, rent in that area is heavy. But the food was yummy and flavorful. They had a lot on the menu that I still want to try and I know that I will definitely be back for it. I highly suggest that you give this place a try. It's supporting local and its good food. They also own Sura BBQ next door I believe. But if you're also near the convoy location, give them a shot as well.

Common Theory is such a cool spot and I have been to the original Kearny Mesa location a few times, so it's great that they expanded and opened a location closer to me. I think the next step for Otay Ranch is to also open up a speakeasy, but I'll be patient, seeing as they're still pretty new to the area. I have been to this location a handful of times and the service and food has been pretty consistent. I think I have tried a good amount of items on their menu (at this specific location). Calamari as an appetizer is almost always a bit, and Common Theory's definitely is. For an entree, the chicken katsu plate is my favorite (but the first time I ordered it we got A LOT of chicken and the next two times it was half the amount), kimchi fried rice (and I add the fried chicken), and the pork sisig bowl (that could also use a bit more pork). My boyfriend has gotten the bulgogi cheesesteak, which was also good! I would say the burgers are also good, a standard enjoyable dish, but the menu is so good to limit yourself to a burger. I will say the crispy chicken wings appetizer was my least favorite. Maybe it was the flavor (I got salt and pepper) and it was not what my boyfriend and I expected. It didn't taste like anything, so we added the katsu sauce on it, which added extra flavor. Also, my boyfriend and I were not a fan of the lemonades. The slushy cocktail is a must! They don't have a liquor license yet so they serve beer and wine currently, as well as sabe (60% sake/40% distilled spirits). There have been times where the wait has been bearable, as well as times where it felt like I waited an absurd amount of time. Specifically, when I went here for my birthday, the drinks took a very long time (as well as the food) and unfortunately my sister and her husband's entree (burger) was not prepared correctly and we had to send it back and wait an extra amount of time. Regardless, I thoroughly love Common Theory and will keep coming back! The restaurant itself is also very aesthetically pleasing with a bar, high top seating on one side, and regular tables/booths on the other side. Also! Shout out to Matt + the waiter who wears glasses and a hat. I can't remember his name but he has been my waiter at least twice (and he was my boyfriend's parents' waiter when they went) and has a very positive and energetic personality!

We live close by and this is our first time. Customer service, excellent! Our server was very attentive. Good? oh wow, love their duck fat fries!!!!! I've never tasted a really good duck fat fries like this. Love love the loco moco. The serving size is huge for me. Fish and chips really good! Everything was really good. I'm glad we went by and tried. Highly recommended!

We came here on Halloween for a smash bros tournament. Their other location in Mira Mesa/convoy has a speakeasy in it that we've been to and really enjoyed. At the Chula Vista location, it has a very open concept and a lot of seating areas. The ambiance is lovely and has great decor. The Ruby Dove cocktail tasted primarily of sparkling water and just some sweet grapefruit flavors which was a bummer and not what I wanted. The mangonade was good, but too sweet for my liking. The pretzels with fondue and mustard was very good. The pretzels had a perfect outer shell and were nice and warm when it arrived. The fondue was very tasty and I enjoyed that as an appetizer. I also got the chicken katsu which was very good and had a perfect crisp on the outside of it. The mac salad was surprisingly good as well and tasted homemade with a mayo and vinegar base. The rice was sad and tasted old and wasn't good. Hubs ordered the bulgogi cheesesteak and he really enjoyed it and thought the flavors were great. It was a unique sandwich! The servers were kind and the manager was very friendly with everyone! I would recommend coming here.

Great new gastropub in the Otay Ranch area! I dined here on Halloween and did the happy hour special with the $6 beers. Paired with the charcoal lemonade, the fish tacos and a whole bunch of starters that I shared with my husband. The corn was very good, interesting the way they sliced it off the cob. The dips with the pretzel bites are a pretty shareable size! I was almost too full by the time my tacos came out but overall, husband enjoyed the burger and fries and corn and we definitely will be back again!

Docked a star as they got me excited they would open a speakeasy like 52 Realms in their Convoy location but this one doesn't have that. I'm not a beer drinker so I'm not as excited as others who have visited here. I came in August with a group of 5 to celebrate a birthday. We tried several dishes, averaging around a 3.5/4 star. The burger was a hit with 2 of the guests. All in all, it's a great addition to the area. Finding the restaurant might be challenging without GPS. When we went they had an overflow gravel parking lot, not sure of the current situation. Acoustics are loud even when the restaurant is not full. It seemed like people were having a good time and it was family friendly.

Right now, Monday nights has trivia. Gets busy so arrive early. Make it before 6pm and you won't regret it

We came here to meet up with a group of friends, there was about 10 of us. This place did not disappoint!!!! Omg each dish more delicious than the last. We had the best service also! Happy hour is great w $6 drink! What? The Brussels sprouts are amazing Literally everything we had was super yummy

Went to brunch nearby out of the area we're from and discovered this place for drinks and the game after! Arielle is amazing!! Super awesome and friendly! We will definitely be back!! Cute ambience and decor, great specials and great service from Matt the bartender as well!

BEST. CAESAR. SALAD.EVER. Okay but honestly every thing I have tried here has been SO good. Great beer selection with good happy hour pricing, we love it. Also pretty good at time management during busy hours as far as we've seen :)

Visited twice, great service and good food. Got smashburger twice, comes with plenty of fries. Fish and chips was very good and great price

Came for Brunch. Ordered the Moco Loco and it was so filling and delicious. The Chula Croissant Sandwich was also very delightful. You cannot beat a $20 bottomless mimosa deal as well. The staff is very friendly and overall the restaurant has a great vibe. The staff are great and very accommodating as well. Overall a great experience

First time here. Greeted with a big smile, staff are very friendly. Nice open space , Lots of seating space, outdoor and indoor. There were 7 of us. We got our orders pretty quick except for 1. I liked the MARGHERITA FLATBREAD $16. Shared BUFFALO CAULIFLOWER $15 CRISPY CALAMARI $18 ( was overcooked), HUMMUS PLATTER $15. One of my friends ordered CALAMANSI-ADE $5 ( he said it's nothing like the filipino kalamansi drink. It doesn't have the kalamansi taste to it ). Was not too happy about the flies though Lots of it. Nothing can be done about it. Not sure if it is always like this, or just that day. (Giving it a 2 star bec of this) Parking : well, the turn into actual parking space in front of the restaurant was a bit tricky. Went around twice. Easy to miss the turn. The driveway seems like more of a U- shape. There is an unpaved parking space at the left of restaurant. Parking can be a little challenging .

Great space for a team meeting, but parking is like finding a unicorn in rush hour traffic. The service was great. Super friendly staff, and gave great recommendations for drinks. The ambiance is nice, pretty basic but nice. Food was good, but not 'write-home-about' good. Drinks? Well, they'll have you feeling like a local in Chula Vista. Just bring your walking shoes and a sense of humor for the parking ordeal!

Excelente servicio. 10/10 muy recomendado. Ambiente muy agradable. Servicio rápido a pesar de tener poca gente en cocina y estar llenos de comensales.

This place is amazing! The atmosphere is inviting, the staff is incredibly friendly, and the beer selection is top-notch. Whether you're looking for a cozy spot to hang out with friends or just need a quick drink after work, this bar hits all the marks. Their craft beer selection is fantastic, and the specials make it even better.

I came here on a Friday night around 6 & it was pretty packed so be prepared! The wait was about 25 minutes but you can still grab a drink at the bar. DRINKS - I got the flight. It was cool to try the different sours they had but I feel like it's a better bang for your buck if you just get a drink you know you'll like cause it was a hit or miss with the drinks included in the flight I got. KIMCHI FRIED FICE - The first few bites were good but then it got suuuuuper salty. Idk if it was the kimchi + the amount of salt they used or what but I was so thirsty the whole time haha My friends said their meals were super salty too but regardless this place is nice for the vibes & to chill after a long week of work. The service was really nice too!

First off, parking is not that great. They opened a dirt lot for parking. Not ideal, but it's better than nothing. Other than the parking situation. Common Theory is a nice space to have a drink or enjoy a meal, or even both. I arrived in time for happy hour. $2 off draft beer and a good selection of food. I'm there! I ordered the CT burger and corn ribs. The CT burger looks pretty simple, but it packs a lot of flavor. The corn ribs were also tasty. I really liked the sauce it came with. The beer selection is also impressive. I think they had like 50 beers and hard kombuchas on tap. On a Friday evening, it started to get busy at around 4:30pm. I recommend getting there a little early, if possible. The service was phenomenal. I sat at the bar and the guys behind the bar were very friendly and attentive. Knowledgeable and easy to talk to. Overall, a great experience. I definitely have to come back to try their Sisig bowl and hoisin salmon. I've been to their Convoy location many times. I'm glad to have them in the neighborhood.

Best Brussels sprouts I've ever had. Corn ribs are bomb! Service was also great and they can accommodate large groups.

Wow. Common Theory is impressive. The evening started off with the host who prepared our table . He was kind before seating us. My toddler spilled water on the table and the host and another gentleman who worked there cleaned it up. What a good team. They have QR codes to order your food. My husband and I ordered the Wagyu burger. It was really good. My husband preferred more sauce. The fries that came with it were also delicious! They have a kids menu too. My daughter had the cheese quesadilla. Not bad, not great. We ordered orange slices with her quesadilla, but got fries instead. We didn't complain about it because our food already took a little longer than we liked. The ambiance is beautiful. I love the open concept . It's super clean and spacious.

Great quick experience as usual... love all the common theories. This one looks especially clean and modern! Really large space! Team was very attentive and fun to talk to. I was seated immediately. Plus the sisig rice bowl was delicious, just like home!

Food was awesome! Beer was on point! And had the game on! Definitely recommend! Happy hour is a must as well! Brought the wife and she got some wine while I had a crispy beer!!

Nestled in the heart of downtown, otay is a culinary gem that blends impeccable flavors with a cozy, inviting atmosphere. The menu offers a creative mix of locally-sourced ingredients, transforming classic dishes into elevated experiences. I was especially impressed by the [specific dish], which was both beautifully presented and bursting with flavor. The staff was attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about the food they served. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or just indulging in a night out, this spot is a must-visit for food lovers.

Great food, service and beer. Accommodating with our small family and quite attentive to the kiddos.

Stopped by before picking up my cousin from CBX. Cool place with lots of seating. We ordered the wagyu burger and a pitcher of beer to share. The food was delicious and service was great. Will definitely be coming back now that I know it's near the airport.

Great neighborhood spot, family friendly with a great beer list a tasty food! Lots of TVs and spacious

Bottomless Mimosa on Saturday and Sunday. The service is always amazing the employees are so friendly and the food is on point.

Cute new spot in Millennia in east Chula Vista. It is another location as the original Common Theory on Convoy, but perfect for South County residents as we no longer have to drive and venture a long way north. The food is primarily Asian fusion themed, with a lot of Japanese and Filipino influences. This place is a great spot for groups or for an intimate date. I love the chicken katsu plate and the calamansi-ade. I don't recommend ordering too much food at once because the plates are HUGE. I cannot wait to try their Michelada next time I'm in or try more of the beers off the alcohol menu. I noticed there was a decent selection on the menu and available when I was there. The only weird thing was the parking lot is a dirt lot, but the entire community is still relatively new and a lot of construction is still happening throughout. There is traditional, already paved parking right in front of the restaurant anyway. I hope this business succeeds and stays here forever because it is nice to have these types of cool, hip places in East Chula Vista.

Great food! Great beer and great service! The weekend brunch is amazing. Bottomless mimosas for $20! Can't beat that!

Stopped by this pub on a whim, and I'm so glad I did! The atmosphere strikes a nice balance between cozy and lively--perfect for catching up with friends or just unwinding. The food is surprisingly good for a pub, with dishes that feel a notch above the usual bar fare. Definitely a place where you can find something tasty, whether you're looking for a hearty meal or just a quick bite. Service was friendly, and everything came out quickly. It's the kind of spot you'll want to visit again!

We had an amazing birthday celebration here. The food was delicious and the staff was very attentive. The vibes and feel of this place is very welcoming. This will easily be one of our frequented hangouts.

Service was good in beginning and then non existent after we ordered. Happy hour 3-6pm are good deals. If i had to come back, would only during happy hour and get apps. 37 drinks on tap is very impressive!! Buffalo cauliflower: 4.5/5 big pieces and battered very well. Seasoned nice. Duck fat fries: 3.2/5 fries were tasty and egg was runny which i love. Duck fat and duck itself was meh. No flavor overall. Mussels tom kha: 2.5/5 bland flavor. Small mussels. Bread was very tasty tho!

The staff is incredibly friendly and they all seem to enjoy working here. Ben, the general manager, is very accommodating and will occasionally check in with his patrons to make sure all their needs are met and their visit is going well. They also have a great selection of different local brews. My friends and I have been coming every Saturday for the live music performances by some very talented local artists! My personal favorite draft is the Big Swell IPA paired with some of the salt and pepper chicken wings.

Really enjoyed my first visit at the Chula Vista location! We were seated right away and service was really good. We had appetizers from the happy hour menu that were all good such as Brussel sprouts, duck fat fries and the Buffalo cauliflower. I especially liked the Buffalo cauliflower! As far as drinks, they have beer flights which was nice and they also have cocktails now! For dessert, the banana milk pudding and the churro were both delicious, but I enjoyed the churro a little bit more!

10/10 would recommend!! Everything was delicious and the staff was very knowledgeable and friendly. The chicken wings were so crispy, the broth for the mussels was delicious, and the calamari was delicious. They have a lot of beers on tap and our waiter was very helpful about giving recommendations on what we would like.

Visited couple times already. Great service, good food, and good beer selection. Happy hour is quite long, perfect for stopping by anytime

Common Theory has great beer, amazing food, and awesome vibes. Highly recommend! The vibes here were great.

Decided to come here the first time with my family, it was a beautiful day outside and wanted something to go with the weather. The location is kinda wonky in the millennia complex area of Otay Ranch. You'll be confused when driving into what seems to be the middle of the park, but don't worry, it's designed this way! The wait wasn't very long, we were greeted by the host right away. Their menu is in a QR code provided at each table as well as a QR code to join their Wi-Fi (some cell phone service providers have very poor coverage in this area). You can order straight up from online, and open a tab with Apple Pay. I ordered their pork sisig rice bowl and it was AMAZING! Kids ordered the Wagyu burgers with fries, my mom ordered wings and my dad ordered a different burger. We also started off with some delicious calamari. Everyone enjoyed their food! The service was great and prompt. The restaurant is bright and airy, high ceilings and it also has a full bar. Totally went back already with a friend who hadn't been there before and she loved it!

I came here with my friends for happy hour. The deals were great, and my husband likes the one in convoy. The burger and fries were delicious, I would recommend that for HH. The burger was juicy and the fries had a nice crunch. I ordered wings and I thought they would be crunchy, they were so soggy. We'll be back to try the other foods but overall the service was great and it looked really nice in there. The parking is a dirt lot but not a problem!!

Nestled in the middle of the new Millenia neighborhood in Otay Ranch, you'll find Common Theory. Saw this place had opened up recently, and my family and I wanted to give it a shot. Upon our arrival in the evening hours, we saw that it was quite packed inside. Now parking is very limited in front of the restaurant so be prepared to park somewhere else in the neighborhood and walk in. Once inside, I found the bar/restaurant to be clean and had a nice decor to it. We were greeted by staff, and it didn't take long for us to be seated. Once at our table, we were informed that the menu was available using the QR code provided, and this is also where we would place our orders. After ordering the servers, simply bring the food out to you. While the food came out at a very reasonable pace, I found it odd that there was little to no interaction between customers and their servers. We were checked on a couple of times, but if you want a refill, you have to put in the request via the QR code. Now for the food. We ordered the salt and pepper chicken wings, wagyu burger, bulgogi cheese steak, duck fat fries, and the kids cheese flat bread. Once the food came out, we noticed that the portion size on everything was pretty small. Based on the sheer amount they are charging for their food, we thought we would receive larger portions. $15 gets you 6 chicken wings, $21 gets you a small burger, and the duck fat fries were enough to satisfy three people as an appetizer. The prices are much higher than they should be, but this restaurant also sits in a pricey part of town. Now the quality and taste of the food. Sadly, it was completely underwhelming, lacked flavor, and really just looked and tasted like basic bar food that's you'd get at your local sports bar. The fries for the duck fat fries tasted great, but the duck was dry and tasted like it was sitting in the refrigerator the past couple of days. The salt and pepper chicken wings were a good size, crunchy, but lacked flavor. The $21 wagyu burger looked like a burger you'd get at a local fast food shop and was very underwhelming. The kids' cheese flatbread tasted like a frozen kids' pizza meal, and the bulgogi cheese steak didn't taste like bulgogi, and it was just meat with a slice of cheese melted over the top with a few red and green peppers thrown in there. The food could be so much better, but that's up to the chefs in the back to create a much more refined and more quality dish. So in short, I couldn't recommend this place at the moment as the quality and taste of the food just doesn't match the prices they are asking. Hopefully, it changes in the near future as it has some real potential.

Common theory is everything this community needed! Korean-Chinese-Mexican-American inspired twist. Great selection of local craft beer and wine. All of their food is chef's kiss! We got the pancit bihon, kimchi fried rice, and the chicken katsu, and the banana milk pudding for dessert!!!heavenly. Definitely hit up their happy hour every day open -6pm! Also know as their "$6 before 6pm" drinks and discounts on select food.

Came here on a Wednesday night for dinner with some family. Firstly, I just want to say that if it's your first time coming here, getting to the front parking lot was a little confusing, only because the road looks like a walkway/sidewalk instead of somewhere to drive on. Otherwise, there's about 6 or so parking spots right in front of the restaurant itself. Once inside, there was plenty of seating available. Only a few tables were occupied around 8pm, and more people arrived between 9:30pm and 10pm. We were seated right away and we used the online system to place our order. Plain fries (5/5) - Can never go wrong with fries, amiright? These were tasty! Definitely have to try the duck fat fries next time though. Caesar Salad (5/5) - Well dressed and lots of cheese. We were in a salad mood this night! Salt and pepper wings (3.5/5) - Was craving some Chinese style salt and pepper wings. These were well seasoned but missing a bit of spice in my opinion. Smoke maple bbq wings (2/5) - These were not at all what I was expecting. Honestly, there was no smokiness or sweetness at all to these. Mostly just tangy and vinegary, which we weren't a fan of. Food was decent, My husband and I don't really drink, but our server informed us that they have a rotating beer menu. My cousin had a few beers which he had no complaints about and seemed to enjoy. Service was friendly, speedy, and attentive. Common Theory is definitely good vibes and a great place to grab drinks with friends or for a casual dinner date!