Culinary Dropout

Honestly, I didn’t expect much walking in, the branding and menu felt a little scattered, but the food was phenomenal. The short rib was insanely tender and cooked perfectly. Caesar salad had a bold, savory-sour punch. Deviled eggs were creamy with a nice crunch (though I’d prefer a little less filling). You can tell the chef really understands flavor balance. You can tell the chef really gets flavor. Only wish they had a solid gluten-free dessert option to round things out. I’ll definitely be back to try the burger and more.

The ambiance of this restaurant is exceptionally well-designed, making it perfect for gatherings and dates. It is both elegant and trendy, blending classic elements with an eclectic style that feels sophisticated yet relaxed. I ordered the "36 Hour Ribs," which came with three pork ribs, fries, and a salad. The ribs were incredibly tender, perfectly seasoned, and absolutely delicious. The fries and salad were also very good. However, my friend’s orders—the "Two Eggs" and "Crispy Brussels Sprouts"—were not as enjoyable; they were excessively salty, making us crave water. For drinks, we tried the "Sangria," which was both visually appealing and tasty. The service here is also very friendly, making it definitely worth a visit!

We were excited to try the new Culinary Dropout in Carmel Valley as soon as it opened, and overall, it was a nice experience. The vibe is fun and relaxed, perfect for a casual dinner out. The menu offers a great variety — somewhere between classic brewery-style food and modern American dining. Everything we tried was really good, from the appetizers to the main dishes, and you can tell they put thought into the flavors. The only miss for us was the ribs — they were okay, but not quite as tender or flavorful as we hoped. The only downside was the wait. We came on a Saturday during peak dinner hours and waited almost an hour for a table, which was a bit tiring. The pricing also feels a little high for what you get, but that may just be the “Carmel Valley factor,” as the whole area tends to be on the pricey side. That said, the staff was attentive, the ambiance was lively yet comfortable, and it’s a great spot for a night out with friends or family.

We had a great time visiting for their soft opening! The staff were super attentive, friendly, and made the whole experience feel very relaxed and welcoming with their “just be yourself” vibe. The ambience of the restaurant is amazing — cozy yet lively, the kind of place where you immediately feel at home. We started with the popcorn shrimp and rainbow sushi rolls. Both were excellent — the sushi was incredibly fresh, and the popcorn shrimp was crunchy and perfectly seasoned. For our mains, we had the steak frites and the pork ribs. The steak was tender and buttery (perfect if you love rich flavors), and the ribs were fall-off-the-bone tender, full of flavor. We paired our meal with a few cocktails: the Endless Summer Margarita, the Abandoned Cadillac, and their signature Old Fashioned. All the drinks were refreshing and just what we needed for a relaxing afternoon. To end the meal, we shared the Mississippi Pie — so chocolaty with a hint of coffee flavor, and absolutely delicious. The overall experience was top-notch from start to finish. I can’t wait to come back when they officially open!

Such a wonderful dining experience! The atmosphere was beautiful, clean, and welcoming. The staff was so friendly and fun. Our server, Joseph P. absolutely KILLED it!! We had such a fun time & he offered amazing recommendations. Everything came out fast and delicious. Definitely returning! :)

Really delicious food 🤤 and amazing choices of cocktail and non-alcoholic beverages. The spicy Avocado roll is a must try, its perfect blend of spice with flavor or avocado. The feta dip was phenomenal, the toast was perfectly crisp and the feta dip had just the right amount of sweet, tangy and creamy flavor. I'll definitely be coming back!

I really wanted to like this place but i was disappointed with their food. The pretzels came out cold. They looked like they’ve been sitting there for a while or over-cooked. The banana French toast has good flavors but too much sauce on top. I initially ordered fried chicken with buttermilk biscuit from brunch menu. It was very salty. The fried chicken filet was crunchy and got good flavor. I think the saltiness was from the eggs. Either way, it’s got too much gravy and the biscuits were very soggy. I told the waitress about it and she was willing to switch it to a different dish for me. I ordered Smokehouse hash. was too full by the time the food came out. I did try it. Again, it’s very salty and heavy with the sauce. The space is big and the decor is modern. It’s a great location for a group gathering. I wouldn’t go for the food again but I think it would be a good place to get some drinks.

We had an incredible lunch at CD Del Mar. It held up well in comparison to Scottsdale Quarter & Old Town Scottsdale locations. We started off with a phenomenal spicy tuna appetizer + popcorn shrimp, highly recommend. Followed up with entrees of Steak Frites, Short Rib, Salmon, and Fried Chicken. All GREAT options depending on the mood you're in. Highly recommend this spot. Thanks to Ryker & Dan for a great first experience here!

Such a fun and beautiful atmosphere the art work and decor is eclectic so many cool things to admire! Nayleena was da bomb and gave great recommendations on all the food. The host was so sweet too! Definitely recommend for a good lunch or dinner date! ‍

Great meal, Summer, our waitress, was top-notch. Can't wait to come back and will make sure to request Summer's section!

This was the second time we came and we really enjoyed it. I got the campfire vibes cocktail which was perfect! Cinnamon and whiskey and lots of yummy. Will be my goto drink each time I come. Hubby got the Evil Jungle Princess drink. He loved it and would order it again. For a salad I got the Asian crunch salad. I liked it a lot but it had a little too much dressing for me. Next time I'll get the dressing on the side. Hubby had the pretzels and cheese appetizer. Lots of pretzels so it's good to share. For my entree I had the Mongolian short rib which I liked much better than the first time I got it. Would get it again. Hubby got the chopped salad which really was a Cobb salad. Super fabulous! I will definitely order it the next time we come. Our server named Shea was great! Kind and helpful and friendly. She really made our experience special! Fun environment with excellent music that fit the mood. Dalton Gazette Experience was the singer's name. Great song choices and perfect sound level. We are so happy this place opened here in Del Mar.

We came here for brunch, great location and nice patio out front. It's dog friendly as well. Got a few of the brunch dishes, including the chicken and biscuits which was wonderful. Service was excellent. A few minor things we weren't crazy about: the truffle devil eggs weren't quite what I was expecting, they were a little oily, also there really weren't a lot of coffee options: only normal coffee or decaf, would have been great on a warm day to have iced coffee or cold brew! Would come back again and try other menu options.

My partner and I had such a wonderful experience from start to finish! I made a reservation online with a note that we wanted to celebrate our anniversary. The host noticed this and wished us a happy anniversary. We got sat inside at a booth. Our server (the lady with the tattoos) was awesome! She was so friendly, attentive and welcoming. The overall service was stellar. The food and drinks came quickly. I ordered a prosecco. We ordered the pretzels to start, and we each ordered entrees. The pretzels are a heavy portion so you'll get your moneys worth. The pretzels could have used more salt but we added some at the table. The cheese comes in a cute pot and it was nicely melty. It is a filling appetizer. We almost didn't want to eat the entrees too. I ordered a Cesar salad with salmon as my main meal. The salmon had a crispy top. The salad was dressed well and had some croutons. I felt it was a bit too lemony overall for my preference but it was still okay. My partner liked his sandwich. It was so special that we got a free dessert for our anniversary. We could choose it too. We got the mud pie which was creamy and chocolatey. It had a slight bitter aftertaste which wasn't preferred. The presentation was lovely and comes with a cup of fudge to pour on top. What was super sweet is that as we were heading out, the bartender also wished us a good night. The staff noticing these things really goes a long way! Overall, the prices are standard. I'd definitely come back!

First time at Culinary Dropout Del Mar! I popped in on my lunch break and tried the fish & chips . Service was solid--they were super mindful of the fact that I was on a time crunch and even offered to bring me a to-go container and have me pay right away . Loved that thoughtfulness . The food itself was good , but I left wanting just a bit more . The portion came with three pieces of fish , but they weren't very big--one extra piece would've made it feel right . The fries were kind of "meh" (not the standout of the plate), but surprisingly, I didn't mind their coleslaw --and I usually never like coleslaw . Overall, a nice first visit . I'd come back, maybe for happy hour or a non-lunch outing , to try something different and see how the vibe is then.

A lot of hype about this place forced me to try it out. Located in delmar highlands. Lots of variety of fancy dishes. Ordered a few appetizers first which were extremely amazing and delicious. Brussel dprouts were too good. The main course was ok but not as good as the appetizers. Fish and chips were too oily that we just couldnt finish it. The servers were really helpful and friendly and answered all my questions with a smile. Its very spacious and gives a good vibe. One thing I must warn you here are the prices. We didnt realize that the total bill will be so high. We were 4 of us and had 4 apps abd 3 entrees and 2 mocktails. 200$

We wanted to try someplace new and decided upon Culinary Dropout. We were surprised at what a large place. it is. The exterior is painted a deep burgundy color which makes it stand out from the rest of the center. We made reservations through open table and asked for a table outside, which was ready for us when we arrived. You are greeted at the front door by friendly hosts and shown to your seat right away. There's a massive bar with TVs all around, and the bar looks out onto the patio seating and the adjacent parking lot. I had a signature cocktail which was a play on a mai tai with a twist of guava. The chicken Katsu sandwich was amazing. And fish and chips were a huge hit at our table. The decor is light and airy, and the staff were very attentive. The bartenders were friendly and assisted with food service at the bar. All said it was a great discovery and we will be returning very soon !

Went to Culinary Dropout on Tuesday for lunch so it wasn't crowded at all. Got a table at patio. The 4 of us ordered Strawberry and Spinach salad, crispy chicken katsu sandwich and Mongolian Short Rib entree to share. Server was very nice and even had kitchen cut sandwich into quarters without us requesting it. So thoughtful! Food was very delicious! I would order every one of those dishes again! Since we were celebrating a birthday, we got a complimentary Strawberry Lemon Torte to share (it is like a strawberry shortcake with lemon curd and meringue around it). Also very delicious! I look forward to trying other dishes too in the future.

Absolutely AMAZING!!! So good, I couldn't even wait until tomorrow to tell all about it. Just got back from Date night with my wife. We made a last minute reservation early today for 7pm with no issues. Arrived and was seated immediately. For. Thursday night, this place was packed! The vibe is hands down the best. Has a very casual, but still classy look. Huge bar area. There is both inside and outside seating. And I'm not sure if this is a nightly thing, but live music on the patio all night was on point. Honestly forgot there was live music, thought it was as awesome playlist just being played. Food is good. A little on the pricey side, but for Del Mar, it's to be expected. Portion sizes are worth the extra $$$. Food was great! Pretzel cheese fondue is a favorite and the nachos was a great shareable for the table. My wife and I shared a steak which was cooked to perfection. Highlight of the night was our server Tori! 100% the best service we have had in a long time. She knew it was our first time and did a phenomenal job of pointing out the menu highlights and fan favorites. She checked in on us just enough and really let us enjoy our time. 2 managers stopped by our table throughout the night and were so nice. Asked us how we enjoyed our food and encouraged us to save room for dessert. Which we did! The Mississippi Mud Pie was so good! It comes with an expresso chocolate sauce that was a kiss goodnight. Thank you Tori for the exceptional care you gave us tonight. You made our mommy and daddy date night such an enjoyable experience. We can't wait to come back again!

My first time at Culinary Dropout and it did not disappoint! The vibe was beachy, upbeat yet chill and a decent crowd for a Tuesday night. Parking is super easy which I appreciate. We had the whipped feta and tahini dip which was a unique and tasty dish that was a little savory yet sweet. We also got the tempura sushi roll and the Mongolian short rib. The short rib was incredible, the meat was super rich, almost like pork belly and the sauce that was layered with the bok choy and rice was the perfect combination. We will definitely be back!

I really wanted to love the food here but it honestly was underwhelming, and just okay in my opinion. The ambiance is super nice, I like the decor inside and there's plenty of seating. They also had a live singer outside which was a nice touch. Service was also nice and food came out in a reasonable amount of time. I ordered the fried chicken and biscuits with gravy from their brunch menu and it was superrrr salty. Was not a huge fan. The best things I ate were probably the wagyu pigs in a blanket and the crispy tuna rice. I just felt that the food was too pricey for what it was.

New pub! Highlights: - great tasting cocktails - tasty, interesting Asian-inspired pub food - fast, friendly service This bar is not just your usual bar where you get wings, nachos and cocktails. Check out their menu! Many of the drinks and food are the kind that you find at bars, but they have an Asian twist to it, which totally elevate them to another level. We were promptly seated upon arriving and our waitress came over and introduced us to the whole slew of interesting stuff they offer and recommended some cocktails to us. The drinks came quickly and we loved the vibes here.

I really wanted to like this place but i was disappointed with their food. The pretzels came out cold. They looked like they've been sitting there for a while or over-cooked. The banana French toast has good flavors but too much sauce on top. I initially ordered fried chicken with buttermilk biscuit from brunch menu. It was very salty. The fried chicken filet was crunchy and got good flavor. I think the saltiness was from the eggs. Either way, it's got too much gravy and the biscuits were very soggy. I told the waitress about it and she was willing to switch it to a different dish for me. I ordered Smokehouse hash. was too full by the time the food came out. I did try it. Again, it's very salty and heavy with the sauce. The space is big and the decor is modern. It's a great location for a group gathering. I wouldn't go for the food again but I think it would be a good place to get some drinks.

Ambiance..very dark place inside with black lights and dark walls Seevice..guy was in a cowboy hat..didn't seem happy to be working there Food..we went for sat and had brunch and lunch menu..loved the food. Got the watermelon bubbly ans ham and cheese grilled cheese with potatoes. Good portions

We visited Culinary Dropout in San Diego on Father's Day with high hopes, and while there were definitely some standout moments, a few missteps kept it from being a 5-star experience. Let's start with the food--easily the highlight of our visit. The Whipped Feta and Tahini Dip was hands-down our favorite--creamy, flavorful, and served with perfectly toasted bread. We also tried the 36-Hour Pork Ribs (fall-off-the-bone tender), the Mongolian Beef Short Rib (great flavor, slightly on the sweeter side), and the Korean-Style Ribeye Cap (well-seasoned and juicy). The Crispy Chicken Katsu Sandwich was decent, but got a bit lost among the other bold dishes. As for the Soft Pretzels with Provolone Fondue--delicious, but the portion of pretzels was massive--easily enough for a group of 6+, which felt a bit excessive for a table of 4.My husband enjoyed the Signature Old Fashioned, which was smooth and well-crafted. The ambience was lively and modern, but it was oddly difficult to tell who worked there since there were no uniforms--just something that added a bit of confusion in an already busy setting. Now for the downside: we had a reservation for 5:45 PM, and when we politely checked in at 5:41, the hostess curtly told us to " wait FOUR MINUTES, until our EXACT reservation time" - even though we could see several open tables and booths. We completely understand if the section wasn't ready or there's a system in place, but the tone felt unnecessarily sharp and left a sour first impression before we even sat down. Overall, Culinary Dropout has great food and a cool vibe, but service and hospitality matter just as much. We'd return for the food--but hope for a warmer welcome next time.

Super cute although the artwork looks like AI which makes me sad. When we were there on a Sunday afternoon there was live music outside which was nice. The menu is huge. The waitstaff is interesting, not sure they're adequately trained. We were sat immediately without a reservation in a comfy booth. Our waitress was really sweet but not a good listener. We ordered the pretzels with the cheese fondue and they were amazing. Ended up being the star of the show. I ordered the prime rib sandwich. When I saw it on the menu my mind went to a pile of soft pink meat. What I got was tough grey meat on a dry bun. Similar to a Denny's type French dip. Not worth the steep price. I also ordered a side salad that I hated. It was limp and covered in a salad dressing I would never recommend. Not sure I would give this place a second try. It's in a location rife with great places.

The service was great! Our waitress was awesome and checked in regularly. The Brussels sprouts were great and the patio was quite comfortable for lunch. The short rib was solid but could have been a bit more flavorful and warm. Felt like a good spot for a lunch meeting.

We came for Happy Hour (M-F, 3-6 pm) and were not disappointed. Although its bar only for the HH specials, the bartenders were friendly and gave great recommendations for drinks. The bar was sizable and wrapped around the outside patio so we had no problem finding seats. A good variety in drink choices and the bar food was plenty & generous. We stuffed ourselves trying the all the "snacks" and forgot to leave room for dinner or even dessert! I heard they serve a delicious mean brunch, so that will be my next foodie adventure.

Finally making its way to Del Mar, my fiancé and I made our way to Culinary Dropout since we wanted somewhere casual to go for a last minute reservation. It was clear there's still some quirks that need to be worked out when it came to being seated but overall not a big deal. We were still sat fairly fast and the staff was warm and welcoming. Vibes were great - live music, waiters dressed to their own style. It was laid back and calm, but still fun! Having never been there before, we asked our waiter for recommendations and he definitely delivered. When he mentioned he was a sucker for Asian inspired food (as am I) it only felt right to order his favorites. We ended up with the following for two people: - Soft Pretzels & Provolone Fondue - Crispy Chicken Katsu Sandwich - Mongolian Short Rib Now I may be biased because I LOVE provolone cheese, but the fondue was delicious. My only gripe would be that the tea light candle they used to keep the cheese warm and melted went out within minutes of being served so the cheese started to harden quickly. And I did see someone mention the large portion size of the pretzels which I didn't necessarily mind, but can confirm is true! We had plenty of pretzel leftovers to take home with us. Both my fiancé and I couldn't decide if we liked the chicken katsu sandwich or the Mongolian short rib more. On the sandwich front, the bread was beautifully toasted, but just in the way that gives the sandwich structure and not in the way that cuts up the roof of your mouth when biting into it. Also, my fiancé who isn't a sauce person AT ALL, couldn't stop raving about the miso aioli and how delicious it was. On the short rib front, the meat was incredibly tender and well seasoned. Veggies were cooked thoroughly but still had the good crunch in them. The dish felt balanced and tasted just as good reheated the day after as leftovers. Given this spot is down the street from us, I can see it becoming a staple for us to grab drinks and good food. Based on the experience we had, I wouldn't have had any idea the restaurant was a chain. Definitely recommend this spot and will be returning to try some other items on the menu!

The service at the bar was exceptional, JP was so friendly and guided our experience well. The scratch made food makes going to a bar a culinary adventure. There was live music which was very fun, added to the vibe. I would go to have a fun meal with friends, a date or even to catch part of a game.

Nice venue, open seating. Our server was great. Service does not wear uniforms, caught us off guard in the beginning but I assume it's part of the "dropout" vibe. Server gave us a few recommendations, the whipped feta and tahini dip was the best dish we had that night. The bread it came with was a perfect pair to the dip. Light and creamy. The rest of the food was okay. The fried chicken tasted bland to me, the potatoes were tasty. The Caesar salad was smothered with cheese and had cheese croutons, which was too much for my liking. Looks like a great place to hang out with friends and socialize. TY Culinary Dropout!

Apparently this opened place opened up here earlier this year 2025. Place looks nice. Plenty of seating. TVs to watch the game. Got the Vida Verdita and Sicilian Lemonade Stand to drink. Apps were the white truffle deviled eggs and shrimp tempura crunch. Entrees were the crispy chicken katsu and steak frites. The drinks were mocktails. The Verdita had some punch of an aftertaste and was spicy. The deviled eggs were awesome, had so much flavor. The crunch was good. The steak frites were cooked very well, pink in the inside while having a char on the outside. The katsu tasted good. Just a heads up, some ingredients for the rolls are not listed. The tempura crunch does not list it has cucumbers inside, but it does. So if you have allergies I would ask what is included to be safe. The service was very good. Quick to fix issues we had. They have a lot of items on the menu I want to try. Can't wait to come back to try.

Great first time visit - service, ambiance, live music, HH wine and antipasti plate. We sat at the bar to take advantage of the HH specials. White and red wine (Chardonnay and Cab) were easy to drink. I loved the antipasti plate which had prosciutto, cheese, asparagus, raisins, truffle deviled eggs, apple slices, and fantastic toasted bread. It was just a fantastic variety. After a glass of wine, we tried the double blind and we ended up with a light beer and whisky shot. It was really more fun than anything since I'm not a beer fan. The last drink I tried was the summer sangria which I felt was too diluted and lacked the fruity flavors. Overall though, I enjoyed my first time here!

Awesome new restaurant that just opened up in Del Mar Highlands! I have already been twice! If you are planning on coming for dinner or the weekend, make sure to make a resy! Seating inside & out, pretty spacious. This restaurant has a slew of items from sushi, salads, sandwiches, pastas, steak, salmon & more. Something for everyone! Friendly & attentive service! Soft Pretzels & Provolone Fondue: A must order! I have ordered these twice. Dense, soft, slightly salty. Flavorful fondue. House Potato Chips: One of the best chips I have had! Thin & crispy. The onion dip is to die for. If you order the pretzels, make sure to dip it in this onion dip. Crispy Chicken Katsu: Best bang for your buck! My friend & I split this during my first visit & good thing we did because it was huge. The katsu could have fit in 2 sandwiches! Crispy outside, juicy inside. Served with tasty salad. Chicken Cacio E Pepe: Delicious sauce. Pasta Bolognese: A bit bland. Order something else. Roasted Salmon: Lightly flavored. Good cocktails.

I went here recently with a small group of friends, as I had been to their Arizona location some years ago. The restaurant has plenty of parking and it's a pretty spacious venue. We ordered several items and the crispy rice was our favorite. We also tried the nachos which were ok, but i probably wouldn't order again. All the ingredients were there, but it just seemed like something was missing in the flavor. One thing I feel i should mention is that some of the items don't list all of the ingredients in the menu so be careful. The turkey pastrami came with horseradish and the person who ordered it could not have it. They did remake it without and were very nice about it, but it did make me wonder what other ingredients aren't listed on their items. The service was good and very friendly. Id like to eventually go back and try the brunch which is only on the weekends.

My husband and I came here Sunday to celebrate his first Father's Day. We made dinner reservations for 4:30 (life with a baby) and the food was delicious. I would definitely recommend making reservations bc there were a lot of people waiting to be seated, but we were seated pretty quickly. We ordered the pretzels and fondue an appetizer. It was good. I got the Cobb salad for me entree and it was fantastic. I asked for a hard boiled egg instead of a deviled egg. My husband got a burger and added an egg. He loved it! We will definitely eat here again. They were really cool with making alterations, which I loved. For 4:30 on a Sunday, the food came out a little slower than expected. I think that is because they forgot our appetizer. They ended up bringing it at the end of the meal after we reminded them. So I would not recommend this place if you are in a hurry, but if you want delicious food and you have a little time to wait, I would highly recommend it! The decor is pretty cute as well! I think this restaurant could be both casual and upscale so it would be perfect for a casual family dinner or a date night or a life celebration--like a birthday dinner!

This was my first time trying this spot since it opened and it was a great experience. There were lots of people, but we were seated fairly quickly. The staff were all very pleasant and welcoming. The restaurant itself is super cute inside, lots of seating both indoor and outdoor, and there was a live singer yesterday, which was a great touch! they also were very considerate of my allergies. The food was also pretty good! There is plenty of free parking available in the lot. Definitely worth a shot if you're in the area. Food/drink review: Crispy Brussel sprouts: (4/5) These were very tasty! They had a good balance of flavors and were perfectly crisp! Pretzels with fondue: (4/5) This is a great starter for the table. The pretzels were a little cold, but soft. Pretty tasty! Mongolian beef: (5/5) Super tender, great flavor, and a good portion size! Cacio e Pepe: (5/5) Super delicious! It was very creamy and flavorful. Definitely would order again. Bolognese: (3.5/5) It was OK. I was starving so I ate it, but it was too watery in my opinion. Wouldn't order again. Roasted salmon: (5/5) I was pleasantly surprised at how delicious this was. The salmon was cooked to perfection and the dish had a great blend of flavors.

I will definitely be back. The food was so good. I saw some reviews saying it was underwhelming as well as some saying bad customer service but that was not my experience at all. To start, I had a 530 reservation for 6 but unfortunately we weren't going to get there until 540 and we now had 7. They were very accommodating. My husband has the fried chicken, my son had the katsu sandwich and I had the chicken chopped salad. We also had a Mac burger and fish and chips as well as the California roll and deviled eggs at the table The mashed potatoes with the fried chicken dish wee probably the best I've had. I don't even care for mashed potatoes anymore since I was on a low carb diet for a couple years but these were amazing. My son's sandwich was also really good. I would probably order that next time if not for how tasty my salad was. Love that it came with a deviled egg. Love the deviled eggs. My husband said the truffle flavor was too strong but I wholeheartedly disagree. The guys likes the Mac burger. The fries were good but not great. My sons had a Caesar instead of fries with his and I liked that option. Fish and chips and sushi roll enjoyed theirs. The iced tea was also fresh which I always appreciate. There was a bit of a hiccup with service but the manager made sure to take care of us and brought my husband a piece of cake since we were there to celebrate his birthday to make up for the misstep. Food was great, felt valued as a customer and we will be back

Loved this newly opened restaurant in Del Mar! They have an outdoor patio, and the decor inside is pretty nice. It's great for small and big parties. Food was good, and it was warm. According to our server, everything was made from scratch. From biscuits to tortillas. I ordered Fried Chicken and Buttermilk biscuit- it was delicious! The chicken was juicy and the gravy complimented both the taste of the chicken and biscuits. Will definitely go back!

The atmosphere is really fun and the staff are all exceptionally friendly. The chopped Chicken salad is really great. It is served very cold so the lettuce is nice and crispy. They add one of their signature deviled eggs on top. Really tasty.

Although it is the only California location of this chain restaurant from Fox Restaurant Concepts, the ownership group has multiple other venues in the SD area (e.g. Blanco Cocina + Cantina, Flower Child, The Henry). Culinary Dropout opened less than two weeks ago at the ground level of the Del Mar Highlands Town Center replacing a clothing store. The space was quite large including a covered front patio and some decor in homage to skateboards and sneakers. I visited at an off-peak time on a weeknight, but one may want to make an OpenTable reservation for larger parties at busier hours. I sat at a two-top table along a back wall of the dining area. There was a bit of confusion as to who was going to be my server. One lady introduced herself, however another man came by to take my order. The staff didn't seem to be wearing attire that made them stand out as employees. I couldn't distinguish between a waiter and a busboy. Anyway, on to the food menu which had offerings spread across two pages. Starters, sushi, salads, sandwiches, and entrees were the categories. The Crispy Brussels Sprouts and the Mongolian Short Rib were my choices. For both dishes, I felt too much sauce was used. The brussels sprouts were dressed with gochujang, mint, and cilantro. The serving size was solid, but the char and glaze were overwhelming. I took the unfinished portion home for leftovers, yet I wasn't able to consume it all. For the short rib, several pieces of beef were served with charred scallion, bok choy, soft egg, crispy onion, yuzu sticky rice, and Thai chili. While presented nicely, the bottom of the serving vessel had a pool of sauce. More rice and meat were needed to counter this. There was a promotion in which you scanned a QR code to join a mailing list that will result in a $10 discount at your next visit if you spend more than $20. That won't be an issue as I hope to return with some friends to try some other items. Hopefully, the service and the food execution will be better because my first impression was nowhere near the five star ratings that have been posted to date.

I was famished and needy a semi quiet spot to eat lunch and take a Zoom call. Both hostesses were smiley and friendly. I was sat at a back booth upon arrival. My server Sammy was delightful. I left him know I was minutes from jumping into a meet and he recommended the Turkey Pastrami on a Pretzel bun. That is something I would not typically order, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. He returned immediately with my iced water with lemon, and less than 7 minutes and my food was delivered too. Sammy was attentive during my call, he refilled my water without disturbing me. Lots of great menu options sure to please the whole family. Very great upbeat vibes! I spoke to the manager on the way out to let him know Sammy was stellar! Can't wait to be back when in the area. Such a fun name too!

Very nice pickup experience, super easy. Called on the phone and the food was ready. Brussel Sprouts with gochujang, mint, cilantro: nice kick, super tasty, large portion. Saving half for tomorrow. Pretzel Bread with "Provolone fondue": this was disappointing to me though not to the person who ordered it. Bread was boring, cheese too. This is a popular app at a place with drinks these days but I wasn't crazy about their version. Strawberry & spinach salad with added salmon: huge piece of deliciously grilled salmon came on the side of this very hearty salad (it has nuts and farro cheese in addition to the spinach). Saving half for tomorrow. I treated myself to a side of fries for Mother's Day LOL. I liked them, my teen thought they were just ok. He loved his MAC burger - he said it was really substantial unlike a lot of places and he couldn't even finish it even though he has a healthy appetite. Overall, good experience doing takeout. To me, it is kind of dark inside but it may be a hangout that other people in the neighborhood would like. I like that the restaurant still has a wall open to the outside and the bar has a set of stools that are outdoor and covered. May come back with a girlfriend on a rainy day to drink!

Wow! Delicious food and amazing service! Great place for a lunch. Menu wasn't overwhelming, which is great! They specialized in a few dishes and all of the ones we had tasted amazing. I think it's a place you need to come back to try everything at least once. First off, service was really nice, seated quickly, friendly when taking our orders and checking in. Very pleasant. We had 2 apps and 2 main courses for me and my bestie. Did we finish it? No, but that was on purpose, to take home for later. Did we get a dessert? Yes, yes we did...mud pie. Totally worth it, we were celebrating. Everything was great, totally recommend...Except for snooty ladies that sat next to us complaining that we got too much food...keep your eyes on your own table! I really should have chewed louder. -_-

Located in Del Mar and NOT in San Diego as the Yelp page address is wrong. Culinary Dropout is the latest restaurant to open in the Del Mar highlands shopping town center, where there's plenty of free parking in the lot. Indoor and outdoor seating at this casual restaurant that offers most food favorites along with drinks. Must check with the schedule for a local live band that performs weekly. Staff were all nice and helpful. The menu offers lots for those who like bar/pub foods, but salads and entrees also offered. As much as I like pub food, I wanted something a tad healthier and the Asian crunch salad and the Roasted Salmon is what we chose and shared. The salmon was on a bed of pearl like couscous and corn and was delicious. The asian crunch salad was light but included cashews, avocado and a medley of veggies, it paired perfectly with the salmon. The restaurant was filled with diners in the bar lounge area as well at the dining areas. It would be cool to to check out and see the band play; lively music, great food and drinks makes for a winning recipe for fantastic vibes, even if you're a culinary school dropout ;) Recommend

We came here yesterday for an early lunch. Was very eager to try this place when we saw it was coming our way. SERVICE - Everyone was so friendly! The staff was definitely on their A game. Everyone we interacted with was very kind. DRINK Summer Tan Sangria - This was refreshing and a nice drink to start the day with. FOOD Soft Pretzels w Fondue Cheese - This was the star of our meal. The pretzels were nice and soft. The cheese paired perfectly with each bite. Caesar Salad w Chicken - I really wanted to love this as I am on a huge Caesar kick. Currently on a mission to find the best Caesar. This was a little too lemony for my liking. It took away from the dressing and I mainly just tasted lemon. Fried Chicken & Biscuits - This was too salty. The chicken itself was solid but the gravy made the dish unappetizing. Hopefully it was just an off day for it. Overall, we would still come back to try other dishes. They just opened so I am sure they are working out some kinks. Location is great. Staff were awesome.

The newly opened Culinary Dropout in Del Mar Highlands, offers a fun casual dining atmosphere. With ample seating in the main dining area, the outdoor and bar area seem to have to most activity with almost every seat filled. For starters our party went with the Soft Pretzels and provolone fondue. The pretzel was soft and baked fresh and paired well with the cheese. The House Potato Chips were great as they were freshly fried. I would recommend these both as they were a great way to start the meal. We also ordered the BBQ Pork Belly Nachos but I was not a big fan as there was a sweetness to it that just didn't sit well with me and I felt there was alot going on with all the toppings. I would pass on the Nachos. In keeping with the sharable theme, the party ordered from the sushi menu of the Rainbow Roll and California Roll. Surprisingly very good for not being a sushi restaurant. Presentation was great and cut with precision. The table did order one entree of the Fried Chicken consisting of a breast, thigh, and drumstick, smashed potato, coleslaw and freshly made biscuit. The chicken was tasty with a bit of saltiness as I suspect they brine their chicken. The batter was good but not super crispy. Smashed potatoes were fresh but were just ok. Biscuit was good but not memorable. For the cocktails they have a pretty good selection and the servers can help recommend their popular drinks. I was able to order their daiquiri and it was good and simple. For my second drink I went with the Evil Jungle Princess consisting of arum blend, spiced orgeat, pineapple, guava, lime, pineapple rum float. Great presentation and good drink. The smell of cinnamon hits you each time you take a sip. I would order this drink again as it was citrusy and refreshing. Service was great with many attentive staff on hand to make sure guests are taken care of. Plenty of parking throughout as well as an entrance in the back if you park in the garage. Overall good first experience as the menu had a wide variety and there was something for everyone.

Solid Spot with Great Vibes, but Fried Chicken Fell Short Stopped by Culinary Dropout in Del Mar Highlands and overall had a great experience! The vibe is super cool, the staff were friendly and on top of everything, and the service was excellent from start to finish. We started with the deviled eggs--highly recommend! Creamy, flavorful, and a great way to kick off the meal. The fish and chips were another winner--crispy, golden, and perfectly cooked with a great flaky texture inside. Now for the reason I'm giving 4 stars instead of 5: the fried chicken. It was a bit underwhelming, both in flavor and presentation. It just didn't match the standard of the other dishes, and the plating felt like an afterthought. Still, with great service and some standout items, it's definitely worth checking out. I'd come back--but I'll probably skip the fried chicken next time.

Culinary Dropout was fantastic. Perfect for the whole family. We showed up mid day without reservations and it was no problem. First impression was great. Hostess was chill and welcoming. Our server was Mo and she was so rad. Super welcoming and knowledgeable. She was on top of drinks and all the things. She even brought extra ice for the iced tea, which was so clutch. I loved that. She made sure the tea was full at all times. We started with the pretzel bites and California roll. Pretzel bites were awesome and served with a little candle to keep it melty. California roll was fine. The table got the fish and chips, the house salad with salmon, chicken katsu and popcorn shrimp. Everything slapped. The katsu was perfect, light and moist. The popcorn shrimp came with zucchini that was fantastic.

Off to a great start! Opening week was VERY well-staffed, and service was excellent. Kona Joe had our table and really made us smile. The space is open and spacious, with a nice view into the busy kitchen and a sizeable front patio. It's in the old Tilly's space, next to Philz and Mendocino. Plenty of parking in the lot or parking structure. The cocktail list is creative, with most drinks featuring a fresh puree or flavors, well poured and attractive. We really enjoyed touring the drinks. They are full-strength, and tend a little to the sweet side. Sangria is a light variant, more light and fizzy than red or heavy. Beer list also legit and locally sourced. The pretzel-ball fondue came hot, and with an obscene number of pretzel balls.. plenty to share for four people. The cheese dip is good, if a little salty. The chips and dip were also good, but a little oily for cold chips. Dip was excellent, and crossing over with the Pretzel balls and fondue is the way to go. If I'm honest, "Salty" is a bit of a menu theme, with the consensus that most things were rather salt-forward. Could do with less, perhaps. Desert mud pie was excellent, and the espresso dessert cocktail surprisingly good. I would get that again. The fried chicken looked great! Can't wait to try that one. The steak and fries was okay, salty, and not generous with either. If you want something dinner-size, go chicken. Many more things to try on this menu -- will be back. Probably more than once.

Blech. Was excited to try this new place. Had a beautiful interior. Staff was very friendly. We sat at the bar and had decent cocktails. But when food arrived, we were so so so underwhelmed. I'll let the pictures speak for themselves. The sandwich had way too much salt. At least fill the plate with fries so you can't see the plate. And then my sushi. If it was any smaller I could have fit it in my Rolaids wrapper. Speaking of Rolaids. Bar food at best. Plenty of options out there.

This restaurant I've been to in Arizona, so I was happy to see it was coming to San Diego! It was busy and newly opened with lots of staff around to help. The food was really fresh and tasty. We ordered the Asian crunch salad and they split it, so it's only a 1/2 order in the picture. I'm a huge fan of fresh herbs, so the mint in the salad was delicious. The vegan spicy curry has a little kick and it's got a good variety of veggies. It doesn't look that big but it's filling. We sat outside and there was live music. It's a nice addition to the neighborhood.

Reservations were smooth though maybe didn't need them. The place is open and I love how it connects to the outside making the place feel bright. The decor is unique and fun and odd all at the same time. The staff is superb but it's also hard to spot who is working which I get is the vibe. Started with drinks and the whipped feta which was delicious then ordered the fried chicken and biscuits. Turkey pastrami with fries and shared a salad. Everything was great. Surprisingly my favorite was the whipped feta tahini and my turkey pastrami. I honestly was not a fan of the fried chicken. It was a little thick on the breading and felt slightly burnt. But maybe that's just me

Such a fun place with excellent food! The atmosphere is unique as well as comfy. Great happy hour and great servers, friendly and attentive. Lots of activity here! Big bar, sports on tv's, fun decor too. We'll be back!

Went here for lunch with a friend and was blown away. We sat at the bar with Carley (sp?) and she was amazing! Gave us solid recommendations and she didn't disappoint, we got the crispy rice spicy tuna, shrimp salad, and I got the turkey pastrami sandwich on a pretzel bun (remembering it is making me drool)! The open air environment has a very chill vibe and you don't feel enclosed at any point! Great experience and we will be back!!!

Nice atmosphere, but food is just ok. The Mongolian Short Rib has tender cubes of meat, but it was drowning in a sauce that was too sweet. I couldn't finish eating the sticky rice because it was just soaking in the sweet tangy sauce. The fried chicken was tender inside, but the outside had an overcooked dark crust. The pretzels were just ok.

This place was crowded. We arrived a bit early for our reservation and the hostess was able to still get us seated. The pork Nachos were sooo good. I also loved the setting and how large the restaurant was. Overall great experience and will be back.

Took myself for happy hour. Nice bar area, good quality food, ok portion sizes for the happy hour dishes. Will need to go try some more dishes