Thee Bungalow
San Diego, CA 92107
Phone: (619) 224-2884
- Price:
- $$$
- Hours:
- Mon-Thu 5:30pm-9:30pm, Sat 5pm-10pm, Sun 5pm-9pm
Editorial Review for Thee Bungalow – by Erin Chambers
The Scene
Walking into the cozy, dimly lit dining room today out on the point in OB is virtually the same experience as entering it 20 years ago. Custom wood cabinetry houses the non-cellar portion of the extensive wine collection, and white-clothed tables lay well-spaced throughout two main rooms. Local art in gold frames and menus from the restaurant's bygone eras don the walls. Servers move swiftly, but quietly in the carpeted dining room.
The Food
Thick and rich as always, this menu is fond of French classics but has also incorporated a few contemporary preparations. Standout starters include a cheesy stuffed ravioli and light, fluffy San Diego crab cakes. The succulent roast duck--a house specialty--comes with either a cherry reduction, orange sauce, or peppercorn demi glaze, while lighter dinner options include a bouillabaisse with fresh lobster, mussels and shrimp in a slightly spicy broth.
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
Insider Tips
On the MenuThe famous roast duck served three ways has been prepared by the same line cook for 30 years. He still works six nights per week.
ParkingThe adjacent small dirt lot is reserved for restaurant patrons, but first-timers often don't "get" the layout. There are three lines of cars, but the middle row needs one space open on each end, otherwise the last row of vehicles gets trapped.
What to DrinkKnown for it's extensive, 100-page wine list, choosing can be a chore. Ask your server for help in narrowing it down, or try attending one of the wine-paired tasting dinners.
User Reviews for Thee Bungalow
07/02/2008 Posted by rebdiner
We went for restaurant week. We arrived ontime for our 8:45 reservation and were not sat until 9. Our first course which was soup or salad was not served until 9:30. The service was slow and averagely attentive. My friend said her duck was dry, my medium steak was bleeding. I did enjoy the lobster bisque and chocolate dessert although portions of both were small. In summation I would have enjoyed myself more if I went to 3rd corner wine bar across the street, and if I want to spend that much on a nice dinner I would choose a different place.
Pros: lobster bisque and chocolate lava cake
Cons: service and value
03/01/2007 Posted by weinman
I have been a patron of Thee Bungalow since late 60's. It has always been a place to go where you knew the food would be excellent and the wine choice would be outstanding, the atmosphere cozy and the service impeccable. The resaturant has never failed me at any time over the decades. There have been some lovely structural changes to add more seating, but the ambiance has remained cozy and intimate. I feared that when it was taken over by the Cohen's Restaurant Group that it might lose some of its former magic, but have to say that they have remained true to the Thee Bungalow's style. Maybe I'm nostalgic about it, but I feel that it still one of the best restaurants in San Diego. I have some great memories of many special dinners at Thee Bungalow. This is BY FAR the nicest restaurant in the OB neighborhood. I have always enjoyed the duck with cherry sauce, and it remains one of my favorites. I have found it to always be moist and tasty and the cherry sauce to be sweet but appropriate with the duck.
Pros: Great food and outstanding wine list
Cons: Once in a while a loud diner with kind of spoil the atmosphere (cell phone)
Users Like You Also Viewed
Arrivederci Italian Restaurant
3845 Fourth Ave
San Diego, CA 92103-3113
Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
380 K Street
San Diego, CA 92101
