Starlite

I like the aesthetic here. The exterior is very mid century and I like the dark interior with the lights over the bar. I dont really understand the chairs though, they look like patio furniture and don't really match. Anyway, the drinks were excellent, especially Drifters Gold. We got the salami and cheese board with added bone marrow. I'm really into their pickled vegetables. Very tasty. We also tried the stone fruit salad and mac and cheese both were decent. Service was attentive. I'd definitely come back to try some other cocktails at the bar.

Phenomenal experience. I can not wait to go back. The food was too die for but what was even better was the service at bar.Our bartender was one of the best I’ve ever had. I can not wait to go back. The burger that everyone raves about is just. The sausage is omg amazing. The Judori chicken wings are WOW. I loved the Mac and cheese and side of fries. The inside of this place is so lovely. The chandelier is a perfect centerpiece. We also enjoyed the ice cream sando. I’LL TAKE 30 of these!

Such a hidden gem!!!! We were seated immediately and the waiter was very attentive started us with drinks and appetizers right away. I truly wish I remembered his name to give a huge thank you for the excellent service. These 5 stars are for you. We didn’t know what the bone marrow was and our waiter did a phenomenal job explaining with close detail to every question that we had. We had the pan roasted chicken and the hamburger both dishes were absolutely delicious I highly recommend both. The decor gave such an elegant feel to the restaurant perfect for date night. I am glad we gave this place a chance I do not regret it and will be back soon!

Enjoyed the intimate atmosphere here. We sat on the back patio as the weather was great. Cocktails were great, food was delicious, and desserts were decadent. Food prices were so reasonable. The servers here are so stylish; it really complemented the atmosphere. I love how they’ve laid out the space to be a great intimate date night, while also somewhere to bring a group of friends, and still comfortable and relaxing for a night alone. Will be back, and I can’t wait.

Great little spot. Wonderful generous mule. Scotch egg was perfectly cooked. Pan friend chicken had a great crunchy skin. Kale Cesar was not to miss as well. Way to go the extra mile with the anchovies. Atmosphere is straight up old school san diego and not to be missed. Same high end service normally found at downtown bars. Swing by and have a fee drinks and bite to eat you won't be disappointed.

This restaurant is located out of the touristy areas in a dark street but I love it and the internal vibe makes up for it. The drinks are special, we ordered Pomegranate Sparkler and La Suegra. The food was yummy and inventive. We ordered Buffalo Cauliflower and Olive Medley for appetizer and Impossible Burger and Jidory Chicken. Staff were polite and the service was excellent. It Needs resevation for weekends. Perfect spot for a date night or conversations with friends

The 70s vibe is cute and has eclectic potential! I wanted to try it as it came highly rated, but I found it just overall average across the board. The cocktails were so so and they use the many small ice pieces, the charcuterie board was average with three small pieces of cheese, with the bone marrow add-on. The mains came out while we were still eating the appetizers. They put the mains back in to warm for another 10 minutes or so. I tried the special, which was a ratatouille with burrata. It was very dark-mushroom heavy, which ruined the flavor for me. Wouldn’t make a trip out of the way for here. If you’re in the area, maybe just some drinks at the bar with a side of fries and that would probably be sufficient.

Great Friday night date night. They are known for their chicken and while I live chicken and never order it, I stand corrected and thoroughly loved my dinner. The skin is perfectly crisp and meat was juicy. The bed of Israeli couscous the chicken came on sopped up the juices nicely and my only complaint was that I shared it with my date after also regretfully sharing the melt in your mouth beef carpaccio. The drinks were well done, but I'll be back for the chicken.

Was recommended to this restaurant by a friend last summer and it by far exceeded my expectations! To start, the ambiance.. upon walking in you find yourself under a hexagon archway where you're greeted by a host who shows you to your table (you can also sit at the bar). It's dark inside with low-lights around the exterior of the room. The majority of the light comes from the beautifully lit bar, gorgeous hanging lights. It feels very magical in there. Also, the bathroom is very cool. Everything is black and there's a lit candle in there. I personally made reservations for birthday celebrations and our waitress brought us drinks on the house and also gave me a birthday drink token for next time I come in :) she was very kind and professional and fun! They have excellent service here. The food is fantastic. My friend got the chicken and she was absolutely obsessed with the sauce, she said the chicken is the best chicken she has had in her entire life. I got the burger (mid-rare) and it was absolutely mouthwatering and savory. It's thick and saucy and has harmonious flavor. They're currently renovating and I cannot wait for them to open back up so I can take my boyfriend there! Starlite in my top 10 favorite restaurants in San Diego

This is a pretty cool place to come and get a drink and hang out with friends stark smoky they got a Dj food wise not so much. It's more to see the lights and got a really good vibe that you need to really work on their food selection.

CHILL VIBES (4.5 stars) Dim and intimate... - FOOD/DRINKS: good - PRICE: fair - SERVICE: good - AMBIANCE: cool An easy bar to drive right past. Its cozy with a U shape countertop around the bar of ~15-20 seats and some tables on the outskirt. The vibe is chill with a mature crowd. :: BITE AND SIPPY :: THE STARLITE BURGER ($19.50) - 1/2 pound brandt beef patty, Gruyère cheese, caramelized onions, brioche bun, Dijon, dill pickle, served with fries. I took my burger medium-well. Oh my this meal was super filling and DELICIOUS, enough to take home left overs or split with two. The burger was fantastic, everything came together well. After one bite the burger stayed stacked, easy to hold and bite without falling apart (that is what I judge a burger by). I love this combo with a burger, brioche bun and Gruyère cheese; not always easy to find. I'm not a fan of caramelized onions but it worked with this meal. The fries were prepared perfectly and paired well with this delicious burger. HIGHLY RECOMMEND ADRIF ON SPRUCE ($15) - gin, giffard abricot du roussillon, orgeat, lime, pineapple. Sweet yet refreshing. And they do generous pours here. HIGHLY RECOMMEND Great chill place. Cannot wait to come back. JABA APPROVED. Until the next bite...

If I could give a half star, this would be a 3 1/2 star review for the solid cocktails. We were excited to try the food because we were told they were bought by CH and also have a new chef. So we ordered a few things to share. We started with the bone marrow and fries. The fries are pretty standard housemade fries. There was barely any marrow on the bone and it was over salted to top it off. Our final dish was the octopus, which was beautifully plated. Unfortunately, it arrived scorched and tasted burned. No matter how much I wanted to enjoy the food, I couldn't. On the other hand, the cocktails were on point. We really enjoyed them. Melanio had the Starlite Mule. I had the Kentucky Colonel, similar to a mule made with bourbon. And lastly, Jimmy had a delicious Salted Maple Old Fashioned. And the bar itself is a beautiful center piece. If it's your first time, parking is limited so maybe Uber or be prepared to walk.

The food is amazing. We got the following: Jidori Chicken 9/10 Mac & cheese 10/10 Shrimp 8/10 Octopus 8/10 Moscow Mule 10/10 I loved the ambience of this place, it's dark and warm. The booths are actually very comfortable. Would recommend for a date night or girls night. The service was great, friendly, and very attentive.

Starlite is the best place for date night. Such a romantic ambiance, with dimmed lights and candles. I absolutely loved the atmosphere and it was nice to find parking immediately, since it's not in a busy area. The food and service was incredible as well. I liked how there wasn't a huge menu option so it was easier to make decisions. Great portion sizes and every dish was unique. The Caesar salad and burger is a must! I also liked the two mezcal cocktails we tried; so balanced and delicious. Definitely coming back for future romantic dinners. Update: Came here again on Saturday with a group of 10 to celebrate my birthday. I couldn't have asked for a better service. The whole restaurant was so attentive and accommodating. I enjoyed every dish and our group was impressed. Thank you Nathan and a couple others who made my birthday super special.

Wow! When you walk into this place you are welcomed by the musky oak aroma. The bar is straight up out of your coolest dream! I love how the bartenders are like same level if not lower. The drinks are all great - I just asked the bartender to make something with mezcal and absinthe. The mule was on band too! I'll keep going back. Also, the bathroom is epic. Make a reservation unless you plan on coming late then they can probably accommodate.

Accessibility: there are 4 parking spots on the side of the building, then free street parking up a hill (not far) from there. The door to enter is a pull door, the restaurant is all flat ground and wheelchair accessible, including the bathroom, but it is WAY TOO DARK INSIDE THE ENTIRE BUILDING. It is so dark in here that I could not see a thing when I came in. I had to have the waiter literally guide me to the table. Even the bathrooms were so dark with all black walls and floors and two tiny lights. It is also incredibly loud inside, so everyone will be almost yelling to the people across from them. Experience: I could not get over how DARK in here it was. That was very bothersome for me to not be able to see. My burger was delicious, but the fries were average, and my burger and fries cost 22.50 before tip. I don't think I'd recommend this place based on the fact that I literally could not see anything. I have never experienced any place like this. It was like eating in a pitch-black movie theater.

I came here before covid and I remember the food was good. Went the other day, and all the food I got was very good. I got the roasted bone marrow and broiled head on shrimp as appetizers. It's probably the best bone marrow I ever had. For entrees, I got the steak and the starlight burger. Both were amazing. My issue was the timing of the food. I berely got my appetizers, and then the entrees came. I was not even close to finishing the appetizers. I was not babysitting the food either.

We stopped by here after we landed in San Diego. As previous reviews mentioned, this place is DARK. I understand wanting to create an intimate atmosphere, but it could use better lighting. Even the bathrooms were dark, both in lighting and decor. It took a little while for a server to come to our table. We did like how they have a late-night happy hour (10-12pm). We both order the Kentuck Colonel, which was basically a Kentucky Mule with a few extras. Very strong but well-made. For dinner, I had the Starlite Burger and she had the Strawberry and Avocado salad with added sausage. We both enjoyed our meals, but it wouldn't be a place I'd recommend.

Not exactly sure how my friend found this place but it was close to our Airbnb. We had a reservation but came an hour late. LOL. We waited maybe 15min for a table to open? Not bad. The staff was super nice about it. It's such a cool place. Dimly lit but not necessarily for a date. The lighting and decor made it feel cozy. Like it could turn into a jazz club. We shared buffalo cauliflower to start. So good! We all ordered different things from the menu: burger, wings, steak, grilled cheese, salad and the baked chicken. Everything was cooked perfectly and seasoned well! We also finished off the meal by sharing a lemon ricotta cheesecake. Yum! It's a chill vibe. A great place to hang for a while.

First impression walking in was Wow, it had an old school vibe. Dark with a bar as the center piece with funky music in the back ground. My wife has come here with her coworkers several times with high praise. Finally, for our Anniversary. I am here to par take in this much anticipated experience. I ordered the Starlite burger. I know I know a burger? Our waiter said it was the most popular dish so I had to get it. Next time I'll try the Bone Marrow, which I hear is also a must try. The burger was in fact very good. It had a nice char to it and was cooked to medium rare like I ordered. It was pretty amazing. I see why it's their most popular dish. I have to add that their French fries were thin shoe string fries. Crispy and seasoned nicely. My wife ordered the Grilled Octopus. Tender and cooked perfectly. Served with marinated chickpeas, smoked paprika aioli, arugula and black garlic. This dish was phenomenal. We also ordered more of those fries with herb garlic aioli and Marcona Almonds. Just Wow. The whole meal was top notch. I'm already planning to go back to try their Ribeye steak and the pan roasted Jidori chicken that was recommended by our server Matt. Our server Matt was great. Very friendly and a great host. He was very knowledgeable and helpful with the menu. He made our experience that much better. Overall, we had a fantastic experience at Starlite. The atmosphere and food were amazing. Our drinks were delicious and let's say, got the job done. We were feeling good. Definitely coming back for their other dining options and a taste of their libations.

A must try in San Diego! They checked all the boxes. Food: We had the burger and the roasted chicken. The chicken was juicy and had crispy skin. Topped with truffle mushrooms. Served with mashed potatoes, gravy, carrots and spinach. The combination was perfect. The burger was juicy and a good amount of patty. Nice and crispy French fries served with ketchup and ranch. Cocktails were impressive. Service: we showed up a little early for our reservation, but they got us a table quickly. Waiter offered great recommendations. Super quick service. Location: Right off the highway in mission hills. At first glance; the building looks a little questionable but open the doors and you're transported to one of the most romantic and edgy new restaurants. The lighting, the cocktails; the music, and the service is exactly what you want for a date with someone you care about. The music is loud enough to keep your conversations private but low enough for you to hear your group. Parking: limited parking, we recommend an Uber. Notables: the main restaurant is indoors but they do have an open air back patio area that would be great in the summer. Great selection of liquor. They carry blantons and forteleza (two rare spirits)

This restaurant is amazing, it's a small place but the walls are mirrors which make it look a lot bigger. The drinks were delightful, I had the best espresso martini and the most refreshing margarita. The Caesar salad was very fresh they even have anchovies in the salad. The ranch is made in house and tasted refreshing. The reason I only gave 4 stars is not due to the restaurant but the lotion. There is minimal parking so if you don't get a spot in front of the restaurant you may need to walk 10+ minutes. To end on a high note the service was outstanding and very attentive!

Cool place where the romantic ambiance is front and center. The dim lighting, table candles, chandelier, and fun music set this place apart. It is a small space, with a large bar in the center as the highlight. Food: Buffalo Cauliflower Wings were crisp and lightly tossed in Buffalo sauce. Persimmon and apple salad was refreshing, light and delicious with a creamy yogurt base, topped with arugula, apple and persimmon. The salt and pepper wings were very crispy and served with a chipotle dipping sauce. The starlite burger was well seasoned and perfectly cooked. Fries were crispy and well salted. Ice cream sandwich was something I would come back for dessert alone it was so decadent. The toffee cookies were soft and flavorful, the vanilla ice cream was creamy, and the pistachios added a nice crunchy topping. Drinks: adrift on spruce was a tiki style gin drink and La suegra was a watermelon cucumber margarita type drink. Both were great, but I preferred the adrift in spruce. Service: service was great and fast. Food and drinks came out very quickly and our waiter gave good explanations and recommendations for the menu items. Location: it is in an odd location and parking is very limited. Recommend taking a car service or giving yourself ample time to find parking.

Revamp means revisit. As much as Starlite has updated some of it's restaurant including a hidden bar (It's a least 5 years late), the menu seems to be the same and the room still dark. Food was fine but we only had starters as the entrees seem to be a call to yesteryear when I last visited. I guess you don't change menus sometimes but maybe the chef. It was busy as ever on a Friday night. Overall, it gave as an excuse to check out the other bar in the hood that also had a new owner and redo. Food was fine, ambiance could be great for date night except sound volume might require a bit of louder conversations. I can still recommend it for date nights but don't go on weekends when it's loud and super busy. Try a weeknight.

Decor and design has a 40's vibe to it. It's dark inside but gives a romantic feel. The place itself is easy to miss if you're not paying attention. I went here for happy hour and everything was great. I can't really speak to alcoholic beverages but the food was very good. I ordered the kale Caesar and I loved the Caesar dressing. Very creamy and coated the kale entirely which I prefer. Real anchovy flavor and parmesan was very present. Next time I plan on adding chicken to it but it was still great without it. Also, I ordered fries for the table. Very good, they came with ketchup and an aioli. Service was standard and our waitress was attentive. I will be back to order some more items.

Love the dark cozy vibe here. The food is always unique and delicious. They're always changing their menu which keeps everything fresh and new. The cocktails are to die for. Great date night spot.

The food was great and ambiance dark and sexy, it's an excellent place for date night. The service was good, friendly/helpful host and efficient servers. The exterior has the perfect photo op with gorgeous succulents and nice entryway.

This was the perfect place to grab a drink and wait for my friend to land since it was close to the airport. Since it was later at night, the open parking spots on the side were open otherwise there was street parking. We were carded at the door, thought I was entering a club at first, then sat down at the bar. It is a cute space with low lighting and a "star" chandelier which makes for a more romantic atmosphere, perfect for date nights. While I didn't get any food this time, the drinks were tasty! I had the espresso martini and my friend ordered the mule. It was an especially nice surprise to find out they have late night happy hour from 10-12 on tues-thurs.

Went in for a simple happy hour meal- it was surprisingly delicious! I sat at the bar, and the server was attentive and helpful when I asked about the various options. It's a bit dark when you walk in- but has a lovely "old school" feel to it. I just wanted a small meal, so I had the soup of the day. It was incredibly flavorful, fresh, and satisfying. The grilled cheese was equally good: Rich, creamy, and the dijon mustard sauce on the side was fabulous. Tried to return recently, but they are closed (hopefully on a temporary basis) I look forward to returning when they re-open.

Starlight is definitely a vibe. We order the crispy vegetables off the happy hour menu, the mac & cheese, the cheeseboard, the steak, and the s'mores dessert. The crispy vegetables were amazing and inexpensive! I'll definitely order that again! The mac & cheese was delicious, and the cheeseboard had a good selection. They even brought us more bread for it. The steak was a little spicy for me, but I'm a baby about spice so take that into consideration. I didn't love the s'mores dessert. It was a bit on the dry side, but everything else was absolutely delicious! Starlight is always fun! The vibe is right and they obviously take a lot of pride in the food and drinks the serve.

I like the aesthetic here. The exterior is very mid century and I like the dark interior with the lights over the bar. I dont really understand the chairs though, they look like patio furniture ans don't really match. Anyway, the drinks were excellent, especially Drifters Gold. We got the salami and cheese board with added bone marrow. I'm really into their pickled vegetables. Very tasty. We also tried the stone fruit salad and mac and cheese both were decent. Service was attentive. I'd definitely come back to try some other cocktails at the bar. There is a small parking lot that we were lucky enough to grab a spot in. Otherwise there is street parking.

I absolutely love Starlite. I have been going there pretty much since they opened, probably over 15 years ago. They have a small parking lot, and there is street parking, but it can be difficult due to the narrow, hilly streets nearby, and the main one-way road. When you walk in, the first thing that strikes you is the beautiful bar area and chandelier. I have spent many nights sharing cocktails with friends that the bar, many nights cozied up with my hubby over dinner at a table or booth in the back, nights with friends for late night eats, and even had a birthday dinner in back on the patio. My husband and I went to Starlite for one of our first dates, so every year, we enjoy dinner there on the anniversary of the day we met. That is what brought us back to Starlite this week. They used to serve food until midnight, now I understand it's closer to 11:30, so often we would go after events for a late night dinner. During the pandemic, we would get takeout, before they began serving again. The cocktails are superb. Mules are their specialty, but I really enjoy the salted maple old fashioned, and I usually try one of their new cocktails every time I go. The food is delicious. My favorite thing on the menu is the jidori chicken. It is so good and always served with slightly different sides each time I go. I also like the buffalo cauliflower and pickled vegetables. I've ordered them both on special occasions. Often, they have a menu of the day, and there are several daily specials listed, on those days, I may stray from the jidori chicken. I've really enjoyed their soups and vegetable- forward dishes. In fact, I usually like the whole menu. In the past, we sometimes have gotten special complimentary desserts for our anniversary. This time we were given cute little mule shots. I understand this restaurant was recently purchased by one of the large San Diego restaurant groups. So far, I was happy to see no changes. I hope Starlite continues to be the special place it has always been. If you haven't been, I definitely recommend going. If it is a weekend, it's best to make a reservation.

The vibe of this place is super cool and different. When u find it and park you might think this can't be right... but go on in and you feel like u have been taken back in time. The food and service are so wonderful. Even when busy the staff still tries to make your experience the best. Don't forget to save room for their ice cream sandwich.

Seriously what is up with this place I've had a gift card for over 8 months, the person you sold the grift card to was told you guys would be opening in about 3 months from when he purchased the card, not only that your website said you guys would be re opening on June 16th. Y'all really need to work on being truthful to your customers because all of this is extremely pathetic.

I made same day reservations on 12/27/2022 for my boyfriend's bday through yelp. We chose the earliest time which was 5pm for 4 ppl. Some dates and time were booked out but luckily what we needed was available. I had never heard of this restaurant but my bf stated it was on the list of top San Diego eats. When I looked at the reviews, it was pretty mixed of good/bad. Browsing through the pics, I decided I would later order the pasta (but to my dismay, they no longer have that on the current menu). I honestly did not have high hopes for this restaurant but was surprisingly impressed after our dining experience. We arrived with actually an extra guest so party of 5-they were kind and able to accommodate us to a booth. Exterior of restaurant looks very small but upon entering, it was a decent size. The decor was beautiful and it was just dimly lit perfectly. The vibes were very romantic. We ordered a ton of items and none of them disappointed. They were all soo good: Mac&Cheese ($15): 5/5-I am super picky about m&c and don't usually order it out but this was soo creamy and tasty. One of the best I've ever tried Buffalo Cauliflower ($12): 5/5-delious and healthy with bleu cheese dipping sauce Jidori Salt&Pepper Wings ($14): 5/5-so tasty, we all LOVED this BUT the wings were tiny; however I like tiny wings but the boys prefer bigger ones Meat&Cheeseboard ($28): 4/5 great variety; mixed olives unpitted, something for everyones tastebuds but we all agreed we needed more bread pieces, esp for the price Pan Roasted Jidori Chicken ($38): 5/5 My boyfriend's son ordered this and I had a bite and feel like this was one of the best items. The Chicken skin was crispy while the inside meat was juicy and tender. Presentation was great with shaved truffle pieces on top. It was also a big piece of meat. I would come back to order this and I do not eat chicken much. Very filling meal. The Steak ($49): 4/5-BDAY boy's dinner. He loved it. I feel like the portion was a bit small considering this was the most expensive item and I tried it and thought it was good but missing something. It was super tender tho. The Starlite Burger ($19.50x3): 4/5-My dinner-I was already full by then so only took a few bites but it was huge. The patty was delicious and seasoned well. Came with a pickle which I ate up immediately. Fries were good. It was a good portion for cost Starlite Ice Cream Sandwich ($12.50): 4/5-I had a small bite and it was good but I was not a fan of the pistachios crusted on the outside. The boys all loved it though. Drinks: La Suegra ($15x2): 5/5-tasty with a hint of spice and refreshing Starlite Mule ($14x6): 5/5-a little bit better than your standard moscow mule Service was 5/5. Waiters were very nice and attentive. I believe a chef even came by to make sure the food was on par. Our waiter surprised us with free mosow mule shots at the end of our meal which was so sweet. We all enjoyed our time here. Ambiance was great and the restaurant did fill up quickly. I actually can't wait to come back!

Starlite is a small cozy restaurant that was darker than I thought. It has indoor lighting that creates a moody vibe that's great for date nights. They have a unique variety of music and the service is great with lots of friendly servers. We got their fries, flatbread, pan roasted chicken and their ice cream sandwich. The fries were a little salty but the aioli sauce paired well! The chicken was my favorite because it had a crunchy skin while still being juicy on the inside. The chicken fat in the mashed potatoes gave it a great, smooth texture. We recommend dipping the fries in the mashed potatoes at the end. :) The ice cream sandwiches were also amazing, the pistachios added great texture and the toffee around the ice cream was chewy. The flatbread was light and full of vegetables which I loved! Overall I would definitely go again. Since they have a small menu I might try to wait until they have new things on the menu.

Came here seeking a delicious burger. Food did not disappoint. Make a reservation and bring a flashlight.

Delicious food and great ambiance. Would definitely go back and try some more items!

Came here for a party one night after work, to celebrate a coworker. Definitely check it out.

Tried this place for the first time and it did definitely live up to my standards! The restaurant is in a residential kind of area so it can be a little hidden and parking isn't the best. Inside the restaurant is really dark with light music so might be the best place if you don't have the best eyesight lol. Staff was very friendly and ensured us we made some good options and recommended some of the add-ons they prefer as well. For starters we ordered the kale caesar salad and meat and cheese plate and added bone marrow. For my entree I ordered the starlite burger. Everything was tasteful and the portion sizes are a good amount. For dessert we ordered the lemon ricotta cake which was one of my favorite things I've ever tasted, cake came out perfectly warm and paired well with the cold ice cream.

I haven't been to starlight in several years, and I specifically wanted to revisit since they have changed ownership. I was not disappointed..... it's still has that Lounge y night club bar, candlelit, romantic feel and I love the way the bar is center stage of the entire space. We started with one of our favorite cocktails that is still on the menu. The Kentucky Colonel is a bourbon twist on a mule, and it is absolutely refreshing and delicious. For starters we tried the buffalo style cauliflower and it was amazing! so light with a spicy delicate tasty crunch, shaved, celery, & a nice blue cheese dipping sauce complemented it. For our mains, we simply had to revisit their famous Jidori chicken and trust me it is still fabulous! I have to say it is hard to find chicken done well in most restaurants, and they do it right here ....delicate layers of roasted vegetables and creamy mashed potatoes, & flavorful jus lie beneath the most perfectly crispy, but moist and tender piece of chicken, you will eat . Oh & it's topped with delicate truffles too... every bite is wonderful and you could lick your plate afterwards. Paired well with a Lovely crisp French Rose. Trust me & get this. Finally, we had to end with their delicious ice cream Sammies, they are so good, even if you're full you have to try these . Great menu, killer cocktails & attentive service...YAY starlight I can't wait to return!

Oh boy! My favorite for over a decade is unfortunately down the drain... I've heard they changed owners during Covid... I was bombed, I knew nothing was going to be the same. I went there twice since then... Because everyone deserves a second chance right?! Let me just say "The steak" is not the same steak, and the mules ooooh the mules.... that was the best one and only in San Diego and they are not the same mules anymore... quality of the food is not the same and My steak was cold when it arrived. This review is to the ones who've known the old Starlite. You'll still enjoy the ambience, and the food if you are new here.

I was looking forward to the ambiance because the pictures looking amazing, but the restaurant itself is located on a random street right off the highway so its a little unexpected and awkward (?) We were also seated outside and not in the nice indoor bar area and the difference in aesthetic and vibe was sooo prevelant. Inside seemed upscale while the outdoor patio just seemed casual with loud music playing. One thing that I liked is that they check your ID as soon as you get to the restaurant. I didn't know this, but it is a 21+ up establishment so you wont have to worry about little kids or teens ruining your date night/client meetings. The cocktails are great and come in HUGE portions. The food is decent, especially the octopus appetizer but I'm not 100% sure I would go back again.

We celebrated our friend's milestone bday here. There were 10 of us so we were seated in the patio which was the perfect private area for us. We ordered doubles of numerous appetizers to share. We ordered Parmesan Truffle French fries, buffalo cauliflower, this yummy salad which I can't recall the name, mac and cheese, and grilled octopus. I also had a couple of the Starlite Mule cocktails. Service, food, and cocktails were fabulous. Serve comp'd the bday girl a scoop of vanilla ice cream with a candle. I loved the esthetics of this place! I highly recommend Starlite for group gatherings. I will definitely return to try the rest of the menu.

Great burgers. Ordered the wings for an appetizer and the Starlite burger which was very good, lots of flavor. The restaurant is very dark inside but cool vibe. In a weird location off the beaten path but would recommend for burgers and date vibes.

Came here with a friend while we were in the area. He heard of Starlite from some friends so we thought we should check it out since we were just down the street. I initially ordered the Adrift on Spruce which was an ok drink however there was just a flavor I did not particularly enjoy and after the bartender noticed, she asked if I wanted a new drink. That was very kind of her and I swapped my drink for the Pomegranate Sparkler which I enjoyed much more! Thank you Starlite for your kindness and consideration! If you are in the area, give this place a try! (They also have food, we only came for drinks)

This was a great, old school place but now under new ownership and closed for remodeling. New owner says it will keep the same vibe, but that is commonly said and a promise rarely kept. Prices will go up and music will probably go. Bad sign is the website has been taken down and no news on re-opening, so not a good handling of transition PR indicating its yet another SD landmark biting the dust under the guise "to be improved." So why do we still live here as newbies come and change SD legacies into anywhere-USA establishments?

Ever since Consortium Holdings took over this fine establishment it's only gotten better. We stopped in around 7pm and got the last two spots at the bar. The menu is small with some very delicious options on the menu. The wings were delicious, well cooked and flavors were delightful, we also had the sausage and the Mac and cheese which was both house made and delicious. The burger was one of the best I've had but the real show stopper was the ice cream sandwich. The decor is amazing and I'm glad to see not much has changed and why would it? This place is gorgeous! The service was so good, I tipped the bartender twenty percent and slipped him an extra 20 for how damn attentive he was. Absolutely can not wait to go back!

Everything was honestly really good. We came for a date and it was the right ambience talk and enjoy food. We also got the burger and jidori chicken which were amazing. The mashed potato and veggies that came with the chicken was tasty. Just be prepared to spend some money, it's all worth it though. Parking is on the streets and neighborhood around it.

Love this place. Total MOOD. Food is great. Favorite date night spot. I definitely recommend making reservation tho

Off the beaten path and worth the trip. Make a reservation because they fill up. Their lower level was still not open when we went. But that worked out because we got to sit in their indoor/outdoor area. Great service. Amazing cocktails- especially their Salted Maple Old Fashioned. Loved the food we tried, as well. Great spot!

Its a small dimly lit place, could be kind of romantic but the tables are really close to each other. Our first server was kind of rude but I think she was filling in, our real server was better. The food was just OK, nothing to write home about. The bone marrow, it smelled so bad, my friend only took one bite and he was done with it. Burgers were good, fries too. Overall I wouldnt come back and wouldnt recommend to my friends to try.

Very nice ambiance. It is dark but not excessively dark. I could still see the menu and enjoy the decor. We both got the burger, fries are very crispy. The burger was well made and very filling.

Our group of 10 went to Starlite to enjoy a nice dinner celebrating a bride-to-be. We ordered fries for the table, which were the perfect size and crispiness, and came with a tasty garlic aioli dip. One of the girls and I shared the Starlite burger and the Jidori Chicken. The burger was a generous portion and cooked to a perfect medium. The chicken was juicy, and I couldn't stop eating the sweet corn tamale cake and was pleasantly surprised to find whole kernels of corn with each bite. Overall a delicious, filling meal that left us stuffed!

Starlite in San Diego is a standout for its exceptional drinks and enchanting ambiance. The cozy yet chic setting is perfect for a relaxed evening. As a lover of well-crafted cocktails and inviting atmospheres, I find Starlite to be a consistently delightful destination.

Tasteful atmosphere with a gorgeous chandelier above the bar. One of the best burgers I've ever had, I crave their espresso martinis from time to time. This is a great date night spot, excellent service, and top notch bartenders. I rave about this place to San Diego locals and visitors alike. Can't wait to come back!

I came by starlite again the other night! A super cute little hidden spot in mission hills area. I've been here a few times in the past and I've always loved it. The inside of this place is so beautiful which is why I'd always come and grab drinks on nights out. It was my first time trying the food & it was okay. I probably would just stick to grabbing drinks inside when I come here just because I think that's the main attraction of this place!