The Duck Dive

Went for brunch which was okay. Pretty average food options. Would love to try their dinner options. Got a shareable cocktail in a clam shell. It was cute, but only tasted like redbull. There are other cocktail choices for the clam though. The single cocktails were better! Service was excellent and accommodating.

While visiting with my aunt from out of town, mom and I met with her at her boyfriend at Duck Dive. I never heard of it, let alone been there but, but it was a wonderful experience. I was on a bland diet for awhile due to a recent medical emergency, and they were more than willing to cater to that with a special menu request that differed from the usual menu. Right down to ginger ale with a splash of cranberry juice. I was so grateful. Mom got the Dagwood Sandwich, my aunt the Stuffed French Toast piked with whipped cream and fresh seasonal berries. The place has a full open air environment that allows the breeze to blow through, with lots of outdoor seating. Being a corner lot establishment, there is seating on both Mission and the side street. There is seating around the bar if you choose to be served your meal there as well. And the bathrooms are clean. Great sign of attention to every detail. My aunt was in San Diego last October for a while and attended the taco challenge contest on the boardwalk. All the various restaurants were in on it and The Duck Dive won the contest! I reckon we gotta try those one day when I’m not on a restricted dietary intake. Who doesn’t like tacos? If they don’t, check for a pulse. Yes, I’ll definitely be back one day to try those tacos and take a walk along the boardwalk. Definitely. Be. Back.

Dinner: Wonderful server, fun atmosphere, comfy booths, delicious “take me to Mexico” cocktail, and scrumptious ‘from the very first bite’ beer battered shrimp and blackened mahi mahi street tacos. Brunch: yum! Lived the fresh fruit, eggs Benny, and fish and chips! Again- great service! Fun decorations!!

What a gem of a happy hour find. First, our server Madison, was friendly, enthusiastic and knowledgeable. I was surprised that she hadn’t been working there that long. The 1/2 price HH shareables were very well done - large portions, as well. The tenders and calamari were perfectly lightly breaded and piping hot. The dive wings were huge and flavourful. The one disappointing thing was that the drink prices on the online menu (part of the reason for going) showed lower than the actual menu ($6 vs $8 actually for the HH cocktails). Given the food prices being so reasonable, it wasn’t that big of a deal.

This is one of my favorite places in Pacific Beach. It’s not a fancy or upscale restaurant, but that’s exactly what makes it so great. The atmosphere is relaxed, casual, and welcoming—the kind of place where you can come as you are, enjoy great food, and unwind. The baked oysters are my favorite and, in my opinion, the best in San Diego. I’ve tried them at many places, and I always end up coming back here. The service is friendly, the food is consistently delicious, and the weekend bottomless mimosas make brunch even more fun. Such a great beach vibe!