Kinchana

Small business with a game room. You know how Stranger Things makes the 80s feel like you could go out to eat, to the mall, or an arcade, and everyone would be so friendly you could chat it up with anyone? Yeah, this is like that. Michael is a friendly owner in his 30s. I like that this isn't (nerd/ geek) performative. Visiting feels very much like staying at a friend's house. In fact, his wife designed everything. He has a $12 wings special that comes with fries and a drink. His burgers are also amazing. When you enter, you'll come in through the main restaurant, like a casual order and sit-down. But instead of sitting down, you should go into the loft. This is their game room. There's a couch for people to sit on and some bar seats as well. You have options of PS4, GameCube, and VHS. There are two TVs so your group of friends can play despite someone else and their group doing to the same. There are a lot of reasons to open a restaurant, but his are built around friends and family. Located right next to Church of the Blessed Sacrament on El Cajon Blvd, you'll find Michaels restaurant sits comfortably near the street corner: easy to find but easy to miss.

What other place can I sit down with my 10 year old son and play Mario Kart on n64 and eat Tajin dry rub chicken wings and have really balanced tasty Fusion burgers? Such a dope spot with great food. If you’re born 1980-90 you’re gonna love it.

Okay INCREDIBLE. Their burgers here are delicious. Been following them since they were behind Harland Bay Park. I really love how they test and try different things with their burgers. Right now my faves are the Oyama and the Sera special.

I loved the food, vibes, and the space is super aesthetic! The Oyama burger is my favorite and the Cypher wings are my go-to during their happy hours!

I had to leave a review because this place is so good. I had the grilled chicken sandwich and the curry fries my wife had the burger. What a winner. Everything was so fresh and flavorful. The vibe is laid back and feels like home. We sat in the loft and listened music and enjoyed the atmosphere. Definitely will be on our list of local places to eat.

Food is amazing! Love the concept of having a casual hang area to play N64 and shop their great collection of records too. Support a local business run by cool people making great food!

This restaurant has such a relaxed vibe. They sell local retail brands and offer a comfy couch to play old video games while you wait. I tried one of the vegan sandwiches and the elote. Both tasty and I’ll be back to try a burger soon!

Amazing flavors and great service. Apart from the delicious food they’ve also got a cool clothing and chill section with games, books, and vinyl records. Def recommend the Diego and oyama burgers, great taste for a super reasonable price

Drove past this place a couple of times and knew I had to try it out. I was able to come today with my best-friend, and let me just say their burgers are amazing! I got the Highland burger and my best-friend got the Kimgogi. Both were delicious! I'm absolutely in awe with the flavors in the Highland burger--you could taste each and every single ingredient. It's definitely not overbearing in my opinion. The service was excellent and quick. I really enjoyed the atmosphere that the restaurant gave--cozy, friendly, and welcoming. Will definitely come again to try out their other items!

What other place can I sit down with my 10 year old son and play Mario Kart on n64 and eat Tajin dry rub chicken wings and have really balanced tasty Fushion burgers? Such a dope spot with great food. If your born 1980-90 your gonna love it.

I visited this place in years past when you could get Jamaican food.  It was ok.  Now you can get burgers and it's called Kinchana. I ordered a burger with bacon, lettuce, and tomato.  Bun was soft with a mild flavor.  Lettuce and tomato were fresh.  Beef had a mild beef flavor.  Bacon was crunchy and was cooked to the point all the moisture was removed.  Too dry for my taste.  This burger was ok. Crinkle cut fries were crispy and I loved the flavor.  Alot like Shake Shack fries. Guy in charge was nice and service was speedy.

Kinchana has put down roots in the Rolando neighborhood after operating a food truck in the East Village part of downtown. They took over a space that used to house a Caribbean eatery as well as the next door suite which has been turned into a loft. It's essentially a gaming lounge where you can relax and play old-school video games on vintage televisions. The main dining area could seat about two dozen customers. The menu featured Cali-Asian-Mexican burgers of which there were eight choices. Three vegan hoagies were also available that used jackfruit as "pulled pork." Happy hour chicken wings, french fries, and a mac salad were the rest of the main offerings. I picked the Kimgogi Burger that was dressed with kimchi, Korean BBQ glaze, kojuchang, furikake, pickled lotus root, radish slaw, and avo citrus sauce. The flavors were neither too spicy nor overwhelming which was my worry. I also selected the Curry Fries that were the crinkle cut variety topped with house Japanese curry, sesame slaw, pickled radish, and togarashi. I liked this item even more than the burger because the mild curry over the fries provided a warm comfort food feeling when I started consuming it. The slaw and radish added some acid that cut through the carbs from the potatoes. The creativity of these fusion burgers was evident. I would consider returning to try a different selection as the prices were reasonable for the quality and uniqueness. The worker (owner?) who took my order was pleasant and very welcoming. I enjoyed my meal from Kinchana enough to give it a four star rating.

Great burger flavors, crispy fries and a super tasty elote salad! Great vibe, friendly service and bonus room w/video games, vintage clothing, records and more. Don't skip the lavender Arnold Palmer!

We stopped by Kinchana after seeing their grand opening info on social media. Super cool concept with the shop/game loft and very unique menu offerings. We had the pleasure to meet the owner Michael and his wife and learning about their food truck journey to brick and mortar. The flavors worked so well together & Michael recommended added the black garlic chili sate to the entrees. SO GOOD! We asked if they sold the bottles there, and grabbed one for $7.50. Will be back for sure!

Kimchana was a really cool place! I'm not usually a fan of fusion, but I think they do it well. The Asian-Hispanic fusion really displays and represents the diversity of San Diego. The owner was super kind and patient when explaining the menu to us. Service was fast. I heard the grill turn on after we ordered, so I believe orders were made fresh. I ordered the Diego burger and the Colima fries. I felt that the burger could have been seasoned more but there was a nice selection of hot sauces and seasoning to add to our food right at the table, so that fixed it right up. The flavors of the burger were nice and melded well together. The burger patty itself, which was a smash burger, was well cooked. The Colima fries were wonderful and tasted just like Filipino spaghetti (which is what I think they are inspired by). The restaurant itself is very intimate and simple with limited seating, which made it feel like a nice hole in the wall. On the other side of the restaurant was a cool hang out space with other items for sale (candles and clothing merch). There were couches for relaxation and sitting. The vintage video games were available for patrons to use. This is a great set up to hang out in after eating. I would highly recommend this establishment and I would return!

It was very good delicious food and amazing service! I definitely recommend it! I also love the ambience

Amazing place! The vibes are it, the staff is impeccable, the food is outrageous, and it's got a heart of gold. New favorite spot!

Always top $ burgers! Don't forget to get the wings. Fire! Can't gate keep anymore.. come get it

Don't sleep on this place - it's so good! Great burgers and fries (classic American or some great Asian fusion options), and super good specials. They also have a lounge/living room with video games and movies - it's a great spot to hang out!!

went during my lunch break and ended up finding a great restaurant in the neighborhood! service was quick and attentive and the space was inviting and clean. i ordered the oyama burger and the balance in texture was amazing. would definitely come back to try their other burgers!

Really great burgers. $16 for a great burger, thick fries and a drink is a deal. The $12 wing special is the perfect dinner. Support this great local place in El Cerrito.

Had the kimchi jackfruit sandwich one day because I wanted something light, had to come back the next day to try the kimgogi burger with real beef and some fries too. This place makes delicious food! The burgers are out of this world!! They have vegan/veggie options, kids menu, as well as chicken wings. Vibes are awesome with a cool place to chill next door that has retro video games. Service was great, place is clean.

This place is rad. The vibe is great. The owner and people who work there are so sweet. AND the food is great and creative!?!? San Diego do not sleep on Kinchana, it's a real treasure.

Kinchana has great food and a great vibe. The couple that operate this fine establishment are friendly and eager with suggestions. The burger and curry fries I had were delicious and well proportioned to be filling but not leave you feeling overstuffed. The lounge with old-school game systems and videos is just the icing on the cake, *and they have AC!*

Very cool spot. One room is a lounge with videogames and some cool Japanese denim. The other room is the cafe. I love the vibe, and the food was delicious. My partner subbed fried chicken for a burger, while I got the Kimchi Jack. Both were delicious, as was the lavender Arnold Palmer. The owners were super welcoming, and I love that we have another non-chain independent foodie option in the College Area.