Counterpoint

This spot has been a favorite for me and my friends for 10+ years (congratulations on hitting 15 this past week!), the food is always great, the atmosphere is lovely, the dog-friendliness is above and beyond. They recently remodeled and of course I was a little nervous that something of the original feel would be lost, but it's still the same great counterpoint. People sleep on their brunch, but it's stellar. Glad to have more bar seating!

Great beer selection, good food, 2nd cheapest full pint of pliny in town

Counterpoint is 5 stars all around! Amazing food, great atmosphere and the people are just the best. They make you feel like family while you're there. Go enjoy yourself, you won't regret it!

Great service and very good burgers. I enjoy the food here and the quality of every dish I’ve tried. Friendly service in a comfortable set up. Nice beer selection 🙂

I’ve been coming here for nearly seven years. The customer service is what brings me back every time. Not to mention the unique drinks and consistency of the food quality. Plus we’ve had some phenomenal laughs and conversations here! Most recently last night. Cam and his team are kind and personable, a rare and special treasure for the entire Southern California region.

This place is a hidden Gem! I love their food! Their cocktail menu! The staff! Over all the whole vibe in this place. It’s also in one of my favorite neighborhoods of Sandiego (Goldenhill). I highly recommend it! No question about it. My last visit here, Matt took care of me and my date it’s solid cocktail and food recommendations. Btw, I suggest you try the Oaxacan old fashion or the boones Lick and go for the wings And pasta! They’re delicious. Thank you for the hospitality Matt! I will be coming back

Great staff, great drinks. Nice place to be a regular. Nice cross mix of patrons. Easy vibe

You got to try the chilaquiles. Their brunch, is next level!

A couple Canadians landed on a Tuesday (election day) and weren't sure what to do. Found ourselves at the most warm and welcoming bar. We wish we lived here so we could go by more! Owner and bartenders were friendly and helped us try the local beers. Thank you!

I love many things on the menu here! I think their cheeseburger is one of the best in town. The brussle sprouts are a great snack. Counterpoint does a good job changing up the food and drink menus regularly so there can always be new food or drinks to try. The items I love the most seem to stick around. Brunch on the weekends are good also. Staff is always friendly. ❤

Had the pulled pork sandwich and it was delicious! Their portion sizes are amazing for such a reasonable price.

A nice spot for brunch! It wasn't very busy so if you prefer quiet over loud this is your place. The service was also very good. The chicken and waffle benedict was delicious, I highly recommend. There are many creative cocktails on the menu that I will have to come back and try more of.

Food is good. Music is good. And they love our dog. I haven't tried their drinks.

This is an excellent little neighborhood spot. The food is excellent, the cocktails are incredible, and the staff is fantastic! Modern aesthetic with indoor and outdoor seating. Sit at the bar and chat with the bartender's about their house made bitters, syrups, and barrel aged cocktails or find a seat at one of the two tables upstairs in the loft. This is a favorite spot for Golden Hill residents and is a destination worth traveling to for everyone else.

Owner is awesome and really cares about his employees. Everytime I visit he is taking time to teach them bartending tips. Staff are also very friendly and the chicken fried steak is perfect 👌

The cheese curds are great and they have a good selection of Russian River beers.

Such a great spot in Golden Hill! We sat right at the bar and was greeted immediately and with smiles. Ate brunch before heading out for Sunday Football. Everything was so good and the portions were pretty large. Left full and happy. Definitely a must when hanging out in San Diego’s Golden Hill neighborhood!

Food was always great here, but did they hire a new chef or something? Cus the food now is on a whole other level of excellent. Huge fan of their kale salad. I haven't even mentioned the drinks: absolutely tasty. Do yourself a favor, skip the beer and wine and go straight for their original cocktails, ask for the one with matcha. This is Rick again, signing out 🙏🏻

Came for the brunch and was pleasantly surprised at the way the food was prepped. As a picky eater who notices the slightest of flavors being off, the hash browns were made in a way I’ve never had before, and it instantly became a favorite. I even managed to clear my plate without feeling like I over ate. I’ve also tried the chilaquiles and they were great too, but didn’t get to try the chicken waffle Benedict, but I definitely will the next time I come in.

Really good experience from the moment we walked in. We were greeted by the friendly proprietor, and a very sweet dog, and a room full of happy people. The food was really solid, the Nashville chicken sandwich and the birria tacos both quite tasty. They make their own tonic, which is a special touch. They have a cool space here with spaces upstairs, downstairs and outside, healthy green plants hanging down the walls, cool lamps, good dim lighting, really nicely decorated all around. Definitely recommended.

Extremely attentive and friendly service. Great beer selection. Delicious food. Cool ambiance. Not sure why I've only been here a couple times. It's seriously a great bar in a convenient location.

I adore this restaurant. Golden Hill is filled with many many quality eateries, and Counterpoint anchors the neighborhood with it's fun atmosphere and dedication to quality. They recently renovated and the new space is open, airy and provides a variety of seating options: bar seating, restaurant seating, and upper balcony (I use this as a quiet place to WFH during the week), and an outdoor patio. I'm partial to the biscuit and gravy for breakfast, but the brined chicken and waffles or breakfast hash always makes me smile and sends me unto the world with a better outlook on life and a doggie bag. When it's hot, delicious crunchy salads are on the lunch menu and the craft beers and unique slushy flavors change. Counterpoint takes the quality of food and libations seriously. The craft cocktails rotate as the bartenders are encouraged to explore and grow. The owner and team are always warm, welcoming and make sure you have a good experience. Did I mention they are DOG friendly? Definitely worth the trip up the hill from downtown if you're looking to wind down after an event or precharge and eat before a baseball game. I love to bring my friends for a snack (try the olive selection) and chat on a twilight night. Space heaters outside if you get cold. Fans inside if you get warm. Honestly if you live in or are visiting the 92102 area code you should go to Counterpoint: good food, really good cocktails, and great company. It is clear that this establishment cares about quality, cares about your comfort and loves if you have a good time.

Real chill space sorta small but cozy. They have really cool decor and design. And a fair drink menu. Food was good to. I had the steak and cheese sandwich with fries. It was really good the the fries were so good. They have really good ranch to. I don't know what it is but something about it just hit different. The portion sizes are really large to so be sure to bring your appetite. Our waiter was super cool and knowledgeable on the menu and they have out door seating also. The sangria could had a little more alcohol but over all everything was good I'd definitely come back.

Excellent Brunch service. Small and quiet. Chris was our server. We shared a Delicious breakfast biscuit sandwich and had to go with the Brussels. loved them both! We will be back.! Affordable and quality restaurant! Highly recommend. No lines on a Saturday!!

Food is great, atmosphere is cozy, but what sets this place apart is the service. Mymy and Zoey are the cutest and most welcoming. If you are indecisive, don’t be afraid to let them guide you through the menu, as they are knowledgeable, honest, and fun! Burger is bomb, soup of the day always delicious.

Very good food, friendly staff, inviting and cozy atmosphere. Definitely a favorite!

Rick Chankladze

Food was always great here, but did they hire a new chef or something? Cus the food now is on a whole other level of excellent. Huge fan of their kale salad. I haven't even mentioned the drinks: absolutely tasty. Do yourself a favor, skip the beer and wine and go straight for their original cocktails, ask for the one with matcha. This is Rick again, signing out 🙏🏻

Charles

The cheese curds are great and they have a good selection of Russian River beers.

David Spiewak

Such a great spot in Golden Hill! We sat right at the bar and was greeted immediately and with smiles. Ate brunch before heading out for Sunday Football. Everything was so good and the portions were pretty large. Left full and happy. Definitely a must when hanging out in San Diego’s Golden Hill neighborhood!

Anas Deiranieh

Came for the brunch and was pleasantly surprised at the way the food was prepped. As a picky eater who notices the slightest of flavors being off, the hash browns were made in a way I’ve never had before, and it instantly became a favorite. I even managed to clear my plate without feeling like I over ate. I’ve also tried the chilaquiles and they were great too, but didn’t get to try the chicken waffle Benedict, but I definitely will the next time I come in.

David Oliver

Really good experience from the moment we walked in. We were greeted by the friendly proprietor, and a very sweet dog, and a room full of happy people. The food was really solid, the Nashville chicken sandwich and the birria tacos both quite tasty. They make their own tonic, which is a special touch. They have a cool space here with spaces upstairs, downstairs and outside, healthy green plants hanging down the walls, cool lamps, good dim lighting, really nicely decorated all around. Definitely recommended.

Nick

Extremely attentive and friendly service. Great beer selection. Delicious food. Cool ambiance. Not sure why I've only been here a couple times. It's seriously a great bar in a convenient location.

Abigail Partyka

I adore this restaurant. Golden Hill is filled with many many quality eateries, and Counterpoint anchors the neighborhood with it's fun atmosphere and dedication to quality. They recently renovated and the new space is open, airy and provides a variety of seating options: bar seating, restaurant seating, and upper balcony (I use this as a quiet place to WFH during the week), and an outdoor patio. I'm partial to the biscuit and gravy for breakfast, but the brined chicken and waffles or breakfast hash always makes me smile and sends me unto the world with a better outlook on life and a doggie bag. When it's hot, delicious crunchy salads are on the lunch menu and the craft beers and unique slushy flavors change. Counterpoint takes the quality of food and libations seriously. The craft cocktails rotate as the bartenders are encouraged to explore and grow. The owner and team are always warm, welcoming and make sure you have a good experience. Did I mention they are DOG friendly? Definitely worth the trip up the hill from downtown if you're looking to wind down after an event or precharge and eat before a baseball game. I love to bring my friends for a snack (try the olive selection) and chat on a twilight night. Space heaters outside if you get cold. Fans inside if you get warm. Honestly if you live in or are visiting the 92102 area code you should go to Counterpoint: good food, really good cocktails, and great company. It is clear that this establishment cares about quality, cares about your comfort and loves if you have a good time.

HX Re

Real chill space sorta small but cozy. They have really cool decor and design. And a fair drink menu. Food was good to. I had the steak and cheese sandwich with fries. It was really good the the fries were so good. They have really good ranch to. I don't know what it is but something about it just hit different. The portion sizes are really large to so be sure to bring your appetite. Our waiter was super cool and knowledgeable on the menu and they have out door seating also. The sangria could had a little more alcohol but over all everything was good I'd definitely come back.

Brandon C

Excellent Brunch service. Small and quiet. Chris was our server. We shared a Delicious breakfast biscuit sandwich and had to go with the Brussels. loved them both! We will be back.! Affordable and quality restaurant! Highly recommend. No lines on a Saturday!!

Erin D'Amore

Food is great, atmosphere is cozy, but what sets this place apart is the service. Mymy and Zoey are the cutest and most welcoming. If you are indecisive, don’t be afraid to let them guide you through the menu, as they are knowledgeable, honest, and fun! Burger is bomb, soup of the day always delicious.

Extremely friendly staff and good food/drinks Next time I’m in area I will definitely grab a cocktail again.

Visited for lunch and it was nice and not too busy. They recently got a new cocktail menu so we tried a couple that the staff recommended (matcha cocktail, a mezcal drink, and a mango gin drink) all refreshing and delicious! We also got their cheeseburger and the quinoa salad with chicken, both great, especially the burger which was juicy and perfectly cooked. Definitely recommend this place!

I went to Counterpoint today and this place is truly something special. The food was incredible, but what really made the experience unforgettable was the staff. Cam, the owner, is amazing. He tells the best stories and has a way of making you feel completely at home. This was my second time coming with my best friend and the ever changing menu never disappoints. You can tell he puts real care into the experience and makes every guest feel seen. Adele, our server, was so warm and welcoming. She was friendly, attentive, and you can genuinely feel how much she cares about her work. The manager, whose name I sadly forgot, was fantastic as well. Counterpoint is a solid ten out of ten with absolutely no notes. If you want great food, great energy, and a team that makes you feel like family, this is the spot.

Yes the food was good and the drinks were great. That said last night we (group of friends and myself) had the purest form of hospitality. When great hospitality presents itself you feel valued and cared for. It shows itself when someone looks at you and asks "how do I make their moment better". We had the great pleasure of getting to connect with the owner and one of his fine team members and it was a wonderful evening. If you are looking for a local spot that is owned by a local who is wanting to pour into their community then Counterpoint is a great choice. It was one of the highlights of our evening and we will be coming back for sure. Thank you Cam and Adele for helping make memories. Cheers!

Such a fantastic local spot for great food and service! This business truly cares about every single person that walks in the door and makes amazing effort to be completely attentive throughout your visit. Only good vibes here - check it out!

Great food, drinks, atmosphere and service. Very kind, friendly staff who makes you feel welcome and right at home. The burger I had was so tasty! Counterpoint is definitely on my list of must stops every time I visit SD!

The food here is enjoyable, and the staff is even more enjoyable.They are all very nice , polite and attentive. The owner is a gem! Himself- And greets restaurant Attendees , with the warmest jokes in a warm hug and handshake.

Elsa Gerena

Extremely friendly staff and good food/drinks Next time I’m in area I will definitely grab a cocktail again.

erinkathleen

Such a fantastic local spot for great food and service! This business truly cares about every single person that walks in the door and makes amazing effort to be completely attentive throughout your visit. Only good vibes here - check it out!

Ryan Sisson

Yes the food was good and the drinks were great. That said last night we (group of friends and myself) had the purest form of hospitality. When great hospitality presents itself you feel valued and cared for. It shows itself when someone looks at you and asks "how do I make their moment better". We had the great pleasure of getting to connect with the owner and one of his fine team members and it was a wonderful evening. If you are looking for a local spot that is owned by a local who is wanting to pour into their community then Counterpoint is a great choice. It was one of the highlights of our evening and we will be coming back for sure. Thank you Cam and Adele for helping make memories. Cheers!

Nathan Giovani

I went to Counterpoint today and this place is truly something special. The food was incredible, but what really made the experience unforgettable was the staff. Cam, the owner, is amazing. He tells the best stories and has a way of making you feel completely at home. This was my second time coming with my best friend and the ever changing menu never disappoints. You can tell he puts real care into the experience and makes every guest feel seen. Adele, our server, was so warm and welcoming. She was friendly, attentive, and you can genuinely feel how much she cares about her work. The manager, whose name I sadly forgot, was fantastic as well. Counterpoint is a solid ten out of ten with absolutely no notes. If you want great food, great energy, and a team that makes you feel like family, this is the spot.

Alex Morgan

The food here is enjoyable, and the staff is even more enjoyable.They are all very nice , polite and attentive. The owner is a gem! Himself- And greets restaurant Attendees , with the warmest jokes in a warm hug and handshake.

Bill Griepenstroh

Great food, drinks, atmosphere and service. Very kind, friendly staff who makes you feel welcome and right at home. The burger I had was so tasty! Counterpoint is definitely on my list of must stops every time I visit SD!

Nodge Podge

Adele is genuinely one of the best of the best when it comes to hospitality and kitchen knowledge We walked right in, were greeted and seated, and my partner and I had one of the best nights in a long time We will be coming back and I'm so happy to recommend Adele and the staff

Lola Rocha

Visited for lunch and it was nice and not too busy. They recently got a new cocktail menu so we tried a couple that the staff recommended (matcha cocktail, a mezcal drink, and a mango gin drink) all refreshing and delicious! We also got their cheeseburger and the quinoa salad with chicken, both great, especially the burger which was juicy and perfectly cooked. Definitely recommend this place!

We love coming to Counterpoint. It does not have a “scene”, the staff is superb & friendly, the lemon drops delicious, the food yummy, and the beer list plentiful with a good variety. Perfect neighborhood gathering spot. Street parking only but you can always find an open spot within a block.

My boyfriend and I went here and it is a cool spot. A little pricey but nice ambiance and good food. We ordered the the BBA and the Mikkler traeport (I think I may be mispelling). The beers cost $9 each and came in 2 snifter glasses, seemed a bit small portion but I really enjoyed the dark beer I ordered and my boyfriend likewise. We also ordered the cheeseburger which was $15 and came with fries and we split. It was filling for me and came with lots of fries which the server kindly divided onto 2 plates. We checked out the artwork on the top floor and chilled for a bit. The servers were on point!

+1

I went to Counterpoint for the first time to watch a basketball game. I really loved the atmosphere and vibe of a small town bar. The bartender was friendly and attentive even though the place was busy. I wasn't drinking but my friend and I ordered food. He got a burger that was perfectly cooked, served with crispy fries, and I ordered the Cubano. It was delicious except the bun was burnt and while some people don't mind that, I think it takes away from the flavor of the sandwich. I didn't want to send it back, so I ate around the burned parts, and it was still pretty good. Overall, we had a great experience, and I definitely recommend checking them out. Next time, I will get the burger.

Good food, grat service and a relaxing atmosphere.

Great people and super good food. Local vibe and the attention and care that goes with it.

K EE

Great people and super good food. Local vibe and the attention and care that goes with it.

Update It has lost some of its character. The great service has dropped, mostly because they are so busy now. I not sure if I want to keep going back. 8 months ago Nice hole in the wall. Good for a quick meal and beer. Clean and urban. A little hipster but nice service and fun atmosphere. Affordable food. I would rate this place a 4.5. I had it as a 4 for a year but I have to give a 5 because I keep going back. The service is great. Its not a top notch restaurant but It's just such a nice place to go eat and have a drink.

Cool spot, really like the vibes but we got kicked out right before last call without warning which is a shame because we really like this bar, seems like one of the bartenders was in a rush to leave early which is bizarre to me but okay....

Victor D.T

Cool spot, really like the vibes but we got kicked out right before last call without warning which is a shame because we really like this bar, seems like one of the bartenders was in a rush to leave early which is bizarre to me but okay....