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Above Ash, San Diego, CA

Above Ash

4.1
4.1
131 Reviews
$30 and under
Global, International
Top Tags:
Race You to the Rooftop! Above Ash Social is an intimate, welcoming rooftop bar on the 16th floor and rooftop of Carte Hotel. With glorious sunset views of San Diego cityscapes, relax near one of our fire pits and enjoy local focused beverages of every kind, from beer and wine to craft cocktails.

Sign off a great day with a hand-crafted cocktail and delectable shared bites. Offering daily Happy Hour from 4pm to 6pm with discounted drinks and shareables.

Age Policy: Above Ash welcomes guests 21+ only after 10pm. All ages are welcome at our lobby restaurant, Watercolors, located on the first floor.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 4 times today
Experiences are available.

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Global, International
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Fri 3:00 pm–11:00 pm Sat 11:00 am–12:00 am Sun 11:00 am–11:00 pm Brunch Sat, Sun 11:00 am–3:00 pm Happy Hour Daily 4:00 pm–6:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (619) 546-9600
  • Website
    http://www.facebook.com/aboveashsocial/
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Owned/operated by
    Asian and Pacific Islander, Black/African American, Latinx or Hispanic, LGBTQ+, Persons with Disabilities, Women
  • Executive chef
    Chef Phil Hoffer
  • Private party facilities
    Above Ash Social offers flexible event space and tailored banquet menus for any occasion.
  • Location
    401 W Ash ST, San Diego, CA 92101-3412
  • Neighborhood
    Little Italy
  • Cross street
    State Street
  • Parking details
    Valet
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Outdoor Firepit, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Vegan, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

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Experiences

  • Holiday Feast at Above Ash

    Dec 25, 2023 only
    Celebrate the season while taking in views of the San Diego cityscapes. Above Ash will be offering an a la carte menu on Christmas Day. Featuring feta cheese and roasted Romanesco dip, duck rillette ravioli, slow cooked prime rib, cheesecake and more.
    Holiday Feast at Above Ash Photo

  • New Year's Eve Dinner

    Dec 31, 2023 only
    Ring in the new year at Above Ash Social with our exclusive NYE a la carte menu. Featuring slow roasted pork chop, black cod, and a decadent toffee nut latte cake for dessert.
    New Year's Eve Dinner Photo

What 131 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.1
4.1 based on recent ratings
  • 4Food
  • 4.2Service
  • 4.3Ambience
  • 3.7Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • San Diego

    Great for outdoor dining

  • San Diego

    Great for outdoor dining

131 Reviews

  1. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 24, 2023

    overall2food1service4ambience1
    We really appreciate the service, and we had a great table. Unfortunately, the noise in that restaurant really amplifies with a large party there being excessively loud. The food was very dry and not edible. The waiter was great, however, for 169 dollars for a party of two very pricey.

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  2. TheLotus

    Las Vegas

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 24, 2023

    overall1food2service2ambience3
    They lost our order so the wait for the dishes was over an hour. Plus the turkey dinners were less then mediocre. They did give us one dish for free because of the long delay.

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  3. shesdope

    San Diego

    47 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    47 reviews

    Dined on November 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    It was so good, except for the basketball game playing. Don’t care for sports. But it was overall lovely.

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  4. Gail

    San Francisco

    41 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    41 reviews

    Dined on November 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We went for a pre-concert prix fixe dinner and everything was amazing! We had a beer and a nice mezcal cocktail to start. The menu choices were varied and we chose the Caesar salad, soup, flank steak, and shrimp over polenta. Everything was perfectly cooked and flavorful. We had cheesecake for dessert. Service was excellent, as was the very cool rooftop ambiance. If we lived in San Diego, we would be regulars here as we loved everything!

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  5. Jayy

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Not so many views because of construction happening around. Food was great and staff was super friendly!

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  6. OpenTable Diner

    Greater Boston

    1 review

    vip
    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 1, 2023

    overall1food1service3ambience1
    We were incredibly disappointed. I always like to try new places, and the photos and menu looked great. Unfortunately, it was not even close to enjoyable. Food: I will begin by saying they were not even close to being at 50% capacity - because I am very forgiving of packed restaurants. However, It took over an hour to get our Charcuterie Board (no cooking required). And over another hour for our meal. But usually, the long wait is forgiven once your food comes, but it was only further downhill from there. I have never tasted a more bland, flavorless meal ever. And my guests had the same experience. Environment: Even at barely 50% capacity, it was deafening. We were all not even speaking to each other because if we were to, we would have to yell, further adding to the loud volume. Unfortunately, it was just a fail all the way around. Certainly not worth the $80-$100 per person, with two drinks per person, appetizer for the table, and individual meals.

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  7. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 30, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Can’t wait to go back. Absolutely amazing in every way.

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  8. ScottS

    San Diego

    12 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on September 24, 2023

    overall3food5service5ambience5
    The venue is nice, the view is great but it's no longer 360. We were seated on the side without a view due to a new building being constructed. The service was good and the food was great. I gave three stars simply because I booked this for a 60s/70s music experience brunch. There was no music and it was not an"experience." It is a lovely rooftop hotel restaurant. They should advertise it as that rather than trying to make it sound like something it is not.

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  9. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 24, 2023

    overall3food2service5ambience2
    Our waitress Bernadette is the only reason I didn't give this one star. If you're staying at the hotel, it's OK if you're a local there are better choices.

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  10. 1Banker

    Sacramento

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on September 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This is relatively new establishment, connected with and located on the 16th and top floor of a hotel bldg. Everything is trendy and fashionable. Very nice views of the water and the city. Menu selection was slightly limited but everything was very palate pleasing. I suggest trying the wedge salad, chopped, with shrimp added. Also, sharing the calabrese pizza is a can’t miss. The bar did not have khalua to make my Black Russian but their substitute was more than worthy. So finally, the location of this property is great. It’s on a hill in the Columbia District, which borders Little Italy. It’s quite a contrast if you want something a lot more toned down, modern and chic. Almost forgot, there is also an outdoor lounge with a very large big screen television. A soccer match was playing while we were there. Don’t be confused though, this is not a raucous sports bar.

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  11. jasmineg

    San Diego

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 9, 2023

    overall2food3service1ambience3
    overall it was ok, our server only served the drinks & never seen her after that. the food took a lil awhile it was tasteful but cold lol. we ended up finding someone at the bar to give us the check finally. i wouldn’t recommend.

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  12. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 9, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Ashley Taylor our waitress was amazing. This place is a total vibe.

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  13. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Very nice ambience in a great place to lounge and have conversations. And the food is delicious and Drinks are amazing.

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  14. Lindsey

    San Diego

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Perfect location and the view was breathtaking. Our server was extremely nice and had great recommendations!

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  15. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 13, 2023

    overall3food3service4ambience5
    Most of the food was amazing but the Bloody Mary Potatoes were a huge miss. The combination of flavors was strange and it didn’t meld into anything cohesive. The whole meal was cooked well, it was just that the flavors they used often made it feel like I was eating two different dishes trying to coexist on one plate.

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  16. DrFoodie

    San Diego

    156 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    156 reviews

    Dined on July 30, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    So beautiful here!! And the redesigned menu - and the mixology - are amazing. Had so many yummy dishes and a terrific cocktail. There are a ton of different patio options and lots of different views!

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  17. madg

    San Diego

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 29, 2023

    overall3food3service4ambience4
    overpriced for food that is just okay. drinks were tasty though

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  18. Ishmael

    San Diego

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Good views all around, chilled atmosphere. Servers checked on the table several times Bar drinks were really good. Certainly a place I'd recommend for a first date or date nite.

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  19. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 23, 2023

    overall3food2service4ambience2
    Food was good ,.. needed bigger selection . Drinks ok , no heat lamps on the entire balcony ?🤔 Apparently they all don’t work

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  20. Gbird

    Tucson

    44 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    44 reviews

    Dined on July 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had an amazing experience at Above Ash. The staff was really helpful and knowledgeable from the bartenders to the wait staff and the manager who was extremely hands on and accommodating. The charcuterie board was one of the best we ever had- sea bass and osso bucco were fantastic. Great outdoor space with harbor view. They suggested drinks - and not the most expensive. So great we went back a second time…

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  21. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food and the service was great! We had an excellent view of the fireworks and were given blankets when it got a little chilly! I'll definitely come back.

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  22. Kristen

    Washington DC

    27 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    27 reviews

    Dined on July 2, 2023

    overall2food2service1ambience4
    Overall beautiful view but service and accuracy of menu items was poor. A bit overpriced and the addition of a 2% surcharge for wages is a deceptive practice. It would more transparent and ethical to raise the prices 2%.

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  23. DeAnnaM

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 2, 2023

    overall2food1service3ambience5
    The environment was great and the hostess was very accommodating to where we wanted to sit. The food was UNSEASONED and not worth the price. There specialty drinks were not good as well...especially the end of summer drink.

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  24. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on June 25, 2023

    overall2food2service1ambience4
    Overall the food was okay. I didn’t like the lobster roll that I ordered however the truffle poutine fries were in fact delicious. Service can be way better. I read other reviews about service being slow… very accurate. Not to mention I think our server had friends at another table because she paid more attention to them. Took forever and a day to get our check then she never came back to charge the card. My friend had to go up to someone to have them run it. The SD night views are breathtaking, don’t get me wrong… just would never dine here again. Drinks maybe. Meh.

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  25. BriannaR

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 11, 2023

    overall4food3service5ambience3
    French toast , wasn’t not what except on there Insta , waitress should provide there serval times French toast flavor . I was only given chocolate. Which it was too much chocalate . And cold

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  26. JessicaA

    San Diego

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on June 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I loved the venue. It was perfect for a brunch with friends after my Graduation at Petco. Some of them got there early and were even given water and a place to wait for the rest of the party. Everyone was so nice and helpful. Food was delicious too!

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  27. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 7, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    The heater wasn’t working outdoors but everything else was great.

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  28. kevdan

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 4, 2023

    overall2food4service1ambience4
    food was decent but the wait for the food was around 40 mins and when the food arrived the burger was undercooked and we waited another 10 mins for that

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  29. OpenTable Diner

    Las Vegas

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 4, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Amazing food and amazing customer service, they seemed short staffed so it took a little awhile for food and to get our checked once it started to get busy

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  30. ChristineD

    San Diego

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on May 28, 2023

    overall5food3service5ambience5
    Beautiful view, good music, great service - food was good. Great for brunch!

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  31. goldilocks

    San Diego

    25 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    25 reviews

    Dined on May 21, 2023

    overall1food2service2ambience1
    First off, the views are great, but the inside room feels like a cafeteria and the chairs are so loud when you move them to be seated and that feels cheap. The service is confusing. You have no idea who is your waiter and they all seem to be disorganized and confused as well, (this seems more like a management issue). The food is just ok. It's a bit elevated bar food and not a whole lot to it, as far as taste and presentation go. And lastly, the bathrooms. They are very dirty and were completely out of soap. They did have hand sanitizer, but some of us prefer soap. I would go back for a cocktail, but I won't be planning on dinner or a very long stay.

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  32. Tina

    Coastal Georgia

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 15, 2023

    overall2food2service4ambience4
    Great service, great cocktails, great truffle fries. So if you are going for just apps and drinks it would be nice. But for dinner, not so much. It is an enclosed patio so it is drafty in the evening. Mediocre chicken and pizza but got the job done. Flavorless, unseasoned and cold steak, puree and mushrooms. Do not order the steak.

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  33. TilaC

    Las Vegas

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Absolutely fabulous Mother's Day brunch! Great service and beet salad was 💯

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  34. Bart11

    Minneapolis

    6 reviews

    1.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall1food1service1ambience1
    I had reservations for Above Ash, and stayed at the Carte Hilton for the weekend. When I got off the elevator for my 5 PM reservation I was told that the restaurant was closed for a private party. I had received updates on Open Table regarding my reservation with no mention that the restaurant was closed for the private party. I wondered why I was not notified of this in advance? I flew to SD for the weekend from Indy and this was a highlight to our short visit. WTF why not text or call me with the cancellation. I could have found a better restaurant than Waterfall at the hotel. We got a free cup of coffee for troubles. I'm still trying to wrap my head around why this restaurant would prioritze a private party over existing reservations and then not contact those with reservations. I've never been part of such bad customer service. Next time a restaurant should think about customer service and use all of the tools available to them to contact customers with reservations and offer them an apology.

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  35. John

    Orange County

    9 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on May 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Above ash is an excellent spot for a good meal. The views are terrific and the service is good. I highly recommend it.

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  36. Ellie

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 30, 2023

    overall1food1service4ambience3
    Made reservations for 90’s R&B Brunch. Very underwhelmed with the environment. You couldn’t hear the music it was so quiet. The only thing that made up for our time was the mimosa deal. We won’t be coming back.

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  37. KellyW

    Sacramento

    3 reviews

    2.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on April 27, 2023

    overall2food2service1ambience4
    Ahi was good, views and fire pits were good, but it took 1.5 hours to get food. We asked for more bread, that took 50 min. If you want to hook up with a person who is here for business, this place is for you. Never again.

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  38. OpenTable Diner

    Vancouver

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 23, 2023

    overall1food3service1ambience1
    Service was terrible, food was decent, but the vibes were weird. Felt like an overpriced bougie food court. Feels like a Vegas casino.

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  39. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Went on a first date here, the waiters could tell and paid attention to that and made sure all our needs were fulfilled, the food was delicious!

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  40. ChrisB

    Seattle

    9 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on April 23, 2023

    overall2food2service3ambience2
    Came for dinner sat outside. Small seating area and loud party of 10 very close to us made it difficult to hear. In addition groups of people would come out on the rooftop deck to take photographs which made a crowd for dinner. The food was not worth the price. I had the Sugo Con Costolette di Manzo rigatoni, braised short rib, san Marzano, basil, burrata, gremolata. It sounded very fancy but came out it looked like rigatoni plopped on a plate with stringy beef.

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Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
    • Contactless payment available

  • Physical distancing

    • Extra space between tables

  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

Above Ash is rated 4.1 stars by 131 OpenTable diners.

Above Ash does offer gift cards which you can purchase here.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 4 times today
Experiences are available.
Google Map for Above Ash

401 W Ash ST, San Diego, CA 92101-3412

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Cross street
    State Street
  • Neighborhood
    Little Italy
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Fri 3:00 pm–11:00 pm Sat 11:00 am–12:00 am Sun 11:00 am–11:00 pm Brunch Sat, Sun 11:00 am–3:00 pm Happy Hour Daily 4:00 pm–6:00 pm
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Global, International
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Parking details
    Valet
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Owned/operated by
    Asian and Pacific Islander, Black/African American, Latinx or Hispanic, LGBTQ+, Persons with Disabilities, Women
  • Executive chef
    Chef Phil Hoffer
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Outdoor Firepit, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Vegan, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

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Send gift cards instantly by email or print to present in person.

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