John "Hurry" V.'s Profile

Got dragged in by a buddy recently for a late night dinner and wasn't expecting much as I've never really heard of the place. I ordered their burger with portobello mushrooms and peppers about 11PM on a Sunday night and was pleasantly surprised.

Fridays is officially not the only edible late night food in North County coastal!

It was literally the best local restaurant-quality burger I've ever had in a long time and paid only $10 for it. I went back for a second one (craving a burger again) around 11PM on a Wednesday night. The kitchen was still open and the burger was stellar again!

I ate at the bar and knocked down a couple drinks until a movement of people in and out of the back door caught my attention. Turned out the fire pit in the back was surrounded by interesting people and good conversation. I could see myself getting a little too comfortable there--so I went for it. The owner, the staff and guests were all hanging out together by the fire having a good time. I was glad to be there and it felt more like a family after the first hour.

That being said, I could see that my late night stamina was not ready for what this gathering of people had in mind as it was already midnight and they were just starting to invite their friends over to the fire pit at Casablanca. Well, I'm in next time. I'll work up to it. If they keep making good late night food, drinks and conversation I'll keep coming back. Good job.

Definitely the best burger joint around. Great variety, full bar and nice staff. Been there a few times now. Usually spend the extra $ for no bun option on a large bowl of salad. The only problem is the Apple store within walking distance. Once again, a $10 lunch turned into $100 spending spree! Be careful :-)

I was glad to see a new fish joint in Encinitas as Pelly's is a little too far and very expensive. I've been there several times now and tried several things on the menu.

- The prices, service and staff are great; (A) good job
- Fish seems fresh and cooked right; (A) good job
- The fish salads are decent; (B) could use better lettuce
- Fish bowls are excellent (A+) love it over brown rice & vegetables
- The steamers were great (B) but too small portion.
- The coleslaw is cream-base (B), love to see an oil/vinegar version.
- Good gluten-free menu

Overall, great job, I'll keep going back.

Chuck's Tire Center took care of my flat tire for free and my last set of tires were the lowest price around. Wife got brakes done there too and i was afraid she paid too much one time but checked it out... They were more than fair. Good people and they seemed to care about getting us the best tires at the lowest price.

I have had great experiences with Thai Pasta on El Camino Real, Encinitas. Great food, nice staff, & quick takeout. Keep in mind, this is "fast" Thai food, but there's nothing that tastes fast about it. You could bring takeout home, spice it up a little, throw away the paper crates and look like a genius. It just isn't a fancy atmosphere, but much more than fast food. I'll be back.

The food is fine... Panda is fresh and good experience usually. But this store recently hired a super poor excuse for an employee and she acts like she works in a prison food line. She splashes the food down and acts rushed and annoyed with no one else in line. Hire better people Panda, cause your food is great. I'll keep going back cause its the closest Panda Express to my office.

UPDATED REVIEW
Not sure if it was coincidence or what, but Apple is listening to someone as I've been distinctly noticing a higher quality of employee at the stores lately. I'm not getting that; "just walked into a college dorm" feeling any more. Good job Apple. Love my Macbook too.

OLD REVIEW
I love Apple products and the store itself is killer, so this is hard to write. But, WTF are they thinking that mediocre uninspiring nose-pierced tattoo'd lost children (or worse grown-ups) are a positive customer service experience? Sure, they smile and can answer basic questions, but I looked like the only genius at the genius bar (which is a problem). This is business technology at $2K + per Macbook Pro and $400 iphones. The average freak that owns this stuff still lives with his parents. So, why not just hire the best person for the job? That store is discriminating against normalcy for some kind of misguided branding exercise. Lame. 5 stars to the product. 1 star for trying to jack with the definition of genius.

As far as Encinitas Mexican food goes, Cotixan really delivers and is open 24 hours. The Surf and Turf burrito is as good as a burrito I've ever had. I'd give it 5 stars, but really... it's still fast food. Is there any better fast Mexican in Encinitas area? If so, let me know and I'lll be there.

I'd give them 4 stars on entertainment, taste, service, environment, everything in fact---except too many people from our parties and other's I know complain of stomach issues after. We've been in large groups about 30 times from 2007--2009 and I guess we're stupid because each time there's a noticeable bug caught at that place. I haven't been in 2010, but I'd be willing to go back if I knew they fixed the problem. I'd have to guess it is an issue cutting chicken and steak on the same platters or something in the back kitchen. It got so common when we go out to eat if we don't feel well, we always say; "I got Miybied" Either way, just tell me it is fixed and I'll be back for sure.

I'm a full blown sushi snob. Relentless pursuit of perfect sushi. When something is a little off, I should probably say something, but I just don't go back again. I've been hitting love boat for about a year now and it has been 5 star all the way. The place is a little disco (loud music, etc), but it is fun. How the chefs can cut fish sh** faced I can't tell you, but they are top-notch. The Surf-N-Turf roll is off the hook! If you guys do a shorter birthday shout no more than every 30 min, I'll go to 5-stars. It gets annoying after the 3rd one in an hour. Great job on the quality!