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Jenn "jbruin" V.'s Profile

Photo of Jenn V.

Photo of Jenn V.
Photo of Jenn V.

"Tied in Knots"

Review votes:
17 Useful, 2 Funny, and 8 Cool

Compliments You're Funny (1) Thank You (1) Good Writer (1) You're Cool (1) Write More (2)
Location

San Diego, CA

Yelping Since

September 2006

Find Me In

My pajamas and coffee houses the world round

My Hometown

San Diego, CA

My Blog Or Website

http://www.jennifervan...

When I'm Not Yelping...

I read, frequent dive bars, belt karaoke, run everywhere, and use social media

Why You Should Read My Reviews

I've got an opinion about everything!

The Last Great Book I Read

The Bell Jar

My Favorite Movie

Love Actually

My Last Meal On Earth

iced soy latte and wheat thins

Don't Tell Anyone Else But...

Angie and I go to the F word

Most Recent Discovery

Twitter rocks, follow me! http://twitter.com/jbruin

Current Crush

It's a secret!

Recent Reviews

12 Reviews

Filter by: Location   Category
7878 Clairemont Mesa Blvd
San Diego, CA 92111
(858) 560-1747

The Godfather Restaurant  

Category: Italian
Neighborhood: Kearny Mesa

4 star rating
 10/18/2008  
When watching Sopranos or Goodfellas just doesn't cut it, The Godfather can transport you to a different place and time in history.

Angie convinced me to give this place a try and from the moment I walked in the door I was in love. The ambiance is phenomenal; from mood lighting to the very Italian staff and talented piano player - it's a different world inside The Godfather.  I can't speak to the quality of the entrees, but I can say that the appetizers, wine selection, and service are phenomenal.

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873 Turquoise St
San Diego, CA 92109
(858) 488-4200

The Turquoise, Cafe Bar Europa  

Category: Mediterranean
Neighborhood: La Jolla

4 star rating
 1/7/2008  
Turquoise was definitely memorable.

On the night I went there was live music, the owner was mingling with patrons, the wine was superb, and the tapas were tasty.

The ambiance and decor mingle nicely with a bottle of red and a little jazz, which is all I really need to wind down after a long day.

Would be a five star rating but I'll have to go back to confirm my suspicions about its fabulosity.

Funny side note. The girls bathroom is ridiculous (in a good way). I can't say that I've ever peed in a nicer bathroom. I definitely felt a little under dressed.

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100 Park Blvd
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 795-5000

Petco Park  

Category: Stadiums & Arenas

5 star rating
 1/4/2008  
I love the Pads but I love their new digs sooo much more. From the view level seats to the best seats in the house, I've seen it all. I practically live here when the boys of summer are in town.

The suites are to die for and although pricey, they are much more affordable then the suites in other major market cities. (Suites are usually rented out for an entire season by big companies, but these companies are always looking for ways to rent single game usage of the suites, check craigslist during the season).

If you have happen to have access to the Toyota Terrace level make sure to check out the sushi joint. It's got some pretty darn good sushi and amazing views from above the third base line.

If you want direct access to the players make sure to check out the very back of the Padres store, where you can stand directly in left field and watch or heckle the players (unless the Giants are in town). If you're looking for an up close bullpen action, definitely venture over to the lower level left field seats directly adjacent to the bullpen. I've been close enough to swear that some of the pitchers were checking me out (or at least I'm happy believing that).

Good beer is available but you'll definitely have to search for it, and if there was anything to complain about that would be my only pet peeve. I know of a Hefeweizen cart that was on the top level, but they seem to move this around on occasion. Oh and don't forget your ID...they check everytime, even if you're a return patron.

One final thing. Big fans should stay after all wins and head towards the Padres dugout. Usually a few of the players, especially the player of the game, will stay and sign some autographs.

Go Pads!

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3365 India St
San Diego, CA 92103
(619) 297-7211

The Aero Club Bar  

Category: Dive Bars
Neighborhood: Mission Hills

5 star rating
 1/4/2008  
Love me some Aero Club Bar!

Okay in the interest of full disclose, I must admit that I did work here one summer a few years ago, I know the owner, and I used to know all the regulars...meaning I'm definitely partial.

Truth be told, though, Aero is awesome and my favorite dive bar in this city. I lost my beer virginity here to Hefeweizen and have since discovered that I love Stella, Blue Moon, Bass and soooo many other of the amazing beers on tap. Angie, a former bar maid as well, and I even invented our own drink; half Stella Artois + half Pear Cider = knee cap (there was a reason for the name but it's totally escaping me right now).

Aero rocks, especially with the addition of the full bar, black booths and subtle updates in decor.

Love. Love. Love. Meet me for some bupkis and beer. You game?

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3701 India St
San Diego, CA 92103
(619) 299-0230

Shakespeare Pub & Grille  

Categories: Pubs, British
Neighborhood: Mission Hills

3 star rating
 1/4/2008  
As a former Mission Hills/Bankers Hill resident, I definitely found myself at Shakespeare's quite frequently. The place definitely has charm. The outdoor patio rocks and the bar patrons are usually pretty darn chill.

My only gripe about this place is that the food is inconsistent. Yeah the fish and chips are good, but I haven't had anything else on the menu that lived up to my expectations. Sometimes this isn't too big of a deal if my main priority is beer, and I have no qualms about their beer selection.

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3345 Rosecrans Street
San Diego, CA 92110
(619) 223-2919

Closet  

Categories: Women's Clothing, Accessories
Neighborhood: Loma Portal

3 star rating
 12/28/2007  
The Closet is my salvation in times of destitution.

I'm definitely a brand whore when I can afford to be one, but given the pricey nature of this city there are times when a little cheap will go a long way; the Closet is proof of this.

The shoe selection and price range is fantastic. Of course there's searching involved, but every pair of shoes I've ever purchased has stood the test of time and the test of friend scrutiny.

Budget conscious chicks will feel like they've experienced a small piece of heaven.

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4096 30th St
San Diego, CA 92104
(619) 521-0533

The Other Side Coffee House - CLOSED 

Category: Coffee & Tea
Neighborhood: North Park

4 star rating
 12/28/2007  
This place is ideal for people who are self-employed and need a quiet and comfy place to work (during the day time). The free WIFI works really well, my iced soy latte is excellent, the service is polite and friendly, and I'm super content setting up shop and getting some real work done.

I'm a huge fan of Claire de Lune, but this place totally wins in the WIFI and personality categories. The decor is very artsy without being pretensious. I think this will become one of my favorite places to work and sip a cup of joe.

Thanks everyone for your recommendations!

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525 University Ave
San Diego, CA 92103
(619) 291-6468

Mint  

Category: Shoe Stores
Neighborhood: Hillcrest

4 star rating
 12/18/2006  
I love mint for their extraordinarily unique bags and shoes. I can go shopping at Nordies, Macys, and Steve Madden and have absolutely no luck...but I've always had shoe-happy days when I go to Mint.

Brands they carry include Dollhouse, Irregular Choice, Seychelles, Bronx etc. I am mad about their quirky and quixotic collection of personality-inspiring shoes and bags. I started going to Mint about two years ago and I think I owe alot of my personal style to the inspiration I get from their shoes!

I would give this place a 5 star rating on goods alone, but sometimes the service leaves a little to be desired. Some of the employees just don't seem to care about the customer, but when it comes to shoes I can usually overlook such slights.

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6110 Friars Rd Ste 108
San Diego, CA 92108
(619) 542-1786

Mr Peabody's Burgers & Ale  

Categories: Pubs, Burgers
Neighborhood: Mission Valley

4 star rating
 12/18/2006  
Back when I used to inhabit the USD neighborhood for the more affordable rent, I would occasionally frequent Mr. Peabody's for the lovely eye candy, delicious turkey burgers, and occasional beer specials.

Eye candy = young USD frat or sporty boys, barely liquor legal, preparing for the years of womanizing ahead of them. Very cute, very friendly, and very pleasant (if your a beer drinking, sports watching, or just plain hot kinda gal).

Turkey Burger = the best I've ever had in my life. Love it and can't live without it. I seriously have cravings for this thing!

Beer Specials = so good that I can't even remember what they were :O).

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817 W Washington St
San Diego, CA 92103
(619) 298-3624

The Lamplighter  

Categories: Karaoke, Lounges
Neighborhood: Mission Hills

5 star rating
 12/7/2006  
Oh lamplighter, you are my refuge in times of karaoke cravings.

I was turned on to lamplighter about two years ago...I can't remember the first time, but I can remember that ever since I've been an addict. Honestly, there is no better place in all of SD for karaoke then lamplighter.

There is a good mix of people, good and bad singers, stiff drinks, and excellent bar tenders. My personal favorite KJ is Mitch, and the bar tenders I love are Russ and Tom...

I've definitely had a few good make-out sessions post karaoke (although that doesn't happen anymore since I haven't been single in quite some time). David M. is right about the pick up nature of this popular hangout...everyone is on the prowl and everyone (especially Thurs. through Sat.) is wasted.

Seriously can't get enough. Karaoke rules!

And...if you visit my MySpace page you can hear one of my fav songs to sing and dance to!

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6 Compliments

  • Write More

    Damn, girl... you should write some more reviews! This is dope--and you've… More »

  • Write More

    I know you must have a lot of other commitments and social activities that… More »

  • Good Writer

    Great review.  I'll definitely give Hawthorn's a try.

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3 Lists

Photo of Hawthorn's Restaurant

Top Restaurants

Some of my favorite dining destinations in the…
1.  Hawthorn's Restaurant
A friend recommended that…
2.  Celadon
Absolutely the best Thai…
3.  The Godfather Restaurant
When watching Sopranos or…
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1.  Mint
I love mint for their…
2.  Closet
The Closet is my…
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See all lists