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Currant American Brasserie, San Diego, CA

Currant American Brasserie

3.8
3.8
73 Reviews
$31 to $50
French American
We have modernized the classic French bistro with a touch of American ingenuity, creating a professional yet humble atmosphere. We are cooks, servers, and wine enthusiasts all dedicated to create a genuine dining experience to remember. We offer only the freshest, seasonal ingredients all while promoting sustainability and best practices in the industry.

Permanently Closed

This restaurant is permanently closed.

Additional information

  • Dining style

    Casual Dining

  • Cuisines

    French American, Contemporary French / American, Bistro

  • Hours of operation

    Brunch Mon–Fri 8:00 am–2:00 pm Sat, Sun 9:00 am–2:00 pm Happy Hour Daily 2:00 pm–6:00 pm Dinner Daily 4:00 pm–9:00 pm

  • Phone number

    (619) 702-6309

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Dress code

    Smart Casual

  • Executive chef

    Nancy Valenzuela

  • Private party facilities

    Our Dining room is a warm, elegant, intimate space that can seat up to 50 guests comfortably. Set beneath charming chandeliers and with black and white tile floor, the space welcomes diners to enjoy a pre fix menu tailored to your needs, a la carte dining or a classy hors d'oeuvre party. Our lounge has a dark, hip and sleek relaxed feel to it. It can accommodate 30 to 40 guests and lends itself to happy hour parties, cocktail parties, bachelor and bachelorette parties or even a coursed dinner. Seating is comfortable high-top tables and banquettes perfect for socializing. Our patio acts as an urban retreat, where guests can people watch and catch a little of the local flavor. Enjoy our perfect San Diego weather at all times of day, whether with bottomless mimosas for a weekend brunch, a relaxing place to unwind for happy hour or an elegantly lit veranda for an inspired romantic dinner.

  • Neighborhood

    Downtown / Gaslamp

  • Cross street

    Broadway & Front St.

  • Parking details

    $5 Valet parking validated, street parking and private lot also available

  • Additional

    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 73 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

3.8
3.8 based on recent ratings
  • 3.8Food
  • 3.6Service
  • 3.9Ambience
  • 3.6Value

NoiseModerate

Sort by

  1. JohnM

    Exclusive

    3 reviews

    1.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on March 11, 2020

    overall1food1service1ambience2
    None of the online menu items we went to eat were actually on the menu. Very limited menu and the couple items we ordered couldn’t be prepared the way we were told. After waiting 20 minutes for our entry we were told it couldn’t be made the way we needed and told it would be. We choose to order a pasta because it was the only other item that we could eat. It was overcooked. It was late. We were given no choice that to eat it. Lastly the desert that we were told was the best at the time we ordered and chose to not get alcohol so we could half the calories was not available by the time we finished. Horrible experience!
  2. cynthiad

    Los Angeles

    8 reviews

    4.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on February 19, 2020

    overall4food5service4ambience4
    Great location for the civic center theater; could park at the theater and walk each way. Very enjoyable
  3. Jeepchick67

    Cincinnati

    12 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on February 15, 2020

    overall5food4service4ambience4
    Valentines
  4. AngelaB

    San Diego

    4 reviews

    3.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on February 15, 2020

    overall3food3service2ambience5
    It’s a very pretty restaurant. I went for Valentines Day and it was nicely decorated for the occasion. The host was kind enough to seat us early. Our server wasn’t very attentive. My steak was tough and chewy, even though it was medium. I asked for the rest of my food to be boxed and was literally brought a box to do it myself. Not exactly the level of service I expected. My dessert was dry, but my husband’s was excellent. Overall, not terrible but I don’t need to hurry back.
  5. Lizzie

    Orange County

    11 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on February 15, 2020

    overall4food3service5ambience5
    Did not like hot pretzels & cheese Did not like Kale salad - should have been cut up a lot more. Main dish was very good. Service felt rushed - main dishes came out while we were still eating starters. maybe because of Valentines Day, We heard the menu was just changed so maybe our expectations for quality of food was because we read yelp reviews from previously..
  6. JH63

    San Diego

    31 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    31 reviews

    Dined on February 5, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great for meetings
  7. WayneL

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 3, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was very good. The service was pleasant and efficient. The room was perfect for business conversation. Overall a good location for a business lunch or meal with a friend.
  8. RobertB

    San Diego

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 31, 2020

    overall3food5service2ambience2
    Noise level was too loud. We waited almost 15 minutes to be even order a drink. The sliders were great!
  9. RayJ

    Orange County

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on January 26, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    EXCEPTIONALLY DELICIOUS & TREMENDOUS SERVICE. Previous reviews spoke of slow service and undercooked food. Nothing could be further from our experience on Sunday. From the delectable beignets with maple, nut, & bacon dipping sauce to the spicy omelette to cocktails... it was exquisite. Will be the first place I book when next in San Diego.
  10. JulieE

    San Francisco

    5 reviews

    3.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on January 19, 2020

    overall3food3service4ambience3
    It is the year 2020. The restaurant lacks vegetarian entries. Us vegetarians don't always want pasta. A nice grain bowl, and salad wrap on lunch and dinner menus would be nice. And grilled cauliflower
  11. Kayleen

    San Diego

    3 reviews

    2.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on January 12, 2020

    overall2food3service1ambience4
    I was really excited to take my husband here for his birthday but left disappointed. We arrived on time for our reservation and were told we had to wait for a table to leave in order to be seated. It took 45 minutes for our overcooked pretzel appetizer to arrive, along with a soup (that had been sitting under a warmer too long) and a salad. The entrees were good. Beignets had raw dough in the center. I hope they simply had a bad night because the place LOOKS very inviting, but I had to apologize for a poor birthday dinner.
  12. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    3 reviews

    1.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on January 12, 2020

    overall1food1service1ambience1
    Terrible! 1) no reservation/table although we made a reservation. Had to be seated in the bar area. 2) servers appeared very unhappy and was reflected in the terrible service we had. Took four sep requests for water, bread and butter. 3) my Halibut was served after my other two guests. I could smell the fish the moment they set the plate in front of me. Of course I could, it was cold. My friends rigatoni was “ok” and my husbands steak sandwich was chewy. More like a sports bar with TV’s in every corner and the whooping which goes along with that. How’d I miss this was a sports bar? Terrible experience!
  13. AngelaB

    San Diego

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 12, 2020

    overall1food2service1ambience5
    Unfortunately, my experience at Current Brasserie was exceptionally poor on multiple fronts. I recommend you do NOT go here on a theater night (which is almost every night, right?). I had reservations for 6 at 6:15pm prior to the theater on a Saturday night. We were seated promptly. The restaurant wasn't full yet (although it's a very noisy restaurant even part full) but our waiter already appeared frazzled and short when he came to take the drinks order. Knowing we were on a time limit for an 8pm show we ordered our food at the same time - about 6:25. Appetizers came out ok, although the "soft" pretzels were dark to almost burnt. But it fell over the cliff from there. Around 7:10pm the entree for 1 person came out. That seemed odd but we assumed the others were right behind - wrong! After speaking with the waiter who said they were plating the others we were served at about 7:25. Two of the entrees were cold. We spoke with a manager as we ate quickly and he offered a discounted bill (which doesn't make up for the bad experience but was at least a gesture recognizing the deficiency) but then when the waiter brought the bill it did not have the discount and we wasted more time while he tracked down the manager again. This place makes most of it's business on theater patrons. They claimed they were overwhelmed that night but it's inexcusable that they couldn't handle proper reservations and timing in the kitchen. p.s. I would not recommend this place but the ope table app requires that you check a box so I randomly checked "gluten free". Sorry if that confuses anyone!
  14. jackie

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 6, 2020

    overall3food3service1ambience2
    food was good service was not good they were very slow, didn't give refills on any drinks. only saw server when we ordered and when we paid.
  15. fishwine

    Los Angeles

    54 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    54 reviews

    Dined on January 3, 2020

    overall4food4service3ambience3
    Food was good, but service slow. Noise level was high. Location was great.
  16. OpenTable Diner

    Vancouver

    5 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on December 23, 2019

    overall2food3service2ambience3
    Half of the menu options were not available
  17. Gourmet12B

    San Diego

    48 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    48 reviews

    Dined on December 22, 2019

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    We came here for a pre-theater dinner with a party of five. Due to unforeseen delays, we had to change the reservation en route for 30 minutes later, which the restaurant graciously accommodated. On arriving, the service was attentive and especially efficient after they learned that we had to be at our show in just over an hour. We ordered the salmon and the halibut, and a couple in our party shared the steak frites. All items arrived timely and piping hot, and the dishes were all very tasty. Overall a great experience with the food and service, and at a restaurant that we will frequent again. Prices were not cheap, but overall good value for the occasional treat when downtown for a show.
  18. Visitor

    San Diego

    6 reviews

    4.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on December 16, 2019

    overall4food3service3ambience4
    We went on a Sunday evening, and several menu items were unavailable. Seems like they could do better.
  19. SuePer

    Portland

    18 reviews

    5.0

    18 reviews

    Dined on December 8, 2019

    overall5food5service3ambience4
    The short-rib entree was fabulous. So tender and flavorful. Lovely presentation on the mashed potatoes. Beef perfection. The lettuce cup appetizers were tasty but were difficult to manage. Presenting the iceberg lettuce separately from the filling was awkward and not attractive. I'd recommend using bib lettuce.
  20. Lefty

    New York Area

    8 reviews

    1.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on November 20, 2019

    overall1food1service1ambience2
    We went for my husband's birthday, first time visit thought we'd try something new. We were seated immediately, though there were only 2 other tables occupied. Our server came to the table to take our order, was not very friendly or pleasant. I placed my dinner order, then my husband requested the chicken which is on the regular menu and was told they didn't have that dish. OK, so we look at the wine list and order a bottle of champagne. After several minutes the server returns to say they don't have that particular bottle so we order a different one. Meanwhile, no explanation or apology was given for the lack of dishes or champagne we chose. After waiting for several minutes, (remember, there was only 2 other tables occupied) and still no champagne, we decided to call it off and leave as we knew it was not going to get any better. So I can't comment on the food or wine but the service is awful. So, no, I do not recommend.
  21. PamelaW

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 18, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    What a wonderful dining experience for the dollar! Our delicious lunch salads were served in a pleasant and timely manner and every special request was attended to with precision. The extensive menu had several vegan selections which pleased our out of town guests! I cannot wait to return to try the roasted red pepper soup and famous Beignets!
  22. EmilyPG

    San Diego

    16 reviews

    4.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on November 18, 2019

    overall4food4service4ambience5
    Six of us went to Currant for lunch. Four of us absolutely LOVED our meals, but the two who had the French Dip sandwiches said they were a little dry. This is the first time I tried a Beyond Burger, and my Beyond Sliders were fantastic!! I tried the homemade potato chips and they were good, but the French fries were better (they have the thin kind). We got there at 11:30 and there were only a few other people there. The host seemed like we were bothering him, and barely looked at us when I told him we had reservations. He said our table was "over there." He ended up being our server, took a while to take our order, but he warmed up and was efficient overall. Price was decent considering the location of the restaurant ($120 including tip for all six of us). We'll definitely go again!
  23. Jennifer

    San Diego

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 9, 2019

    overall3food3service2ambience2
    At first we were the only ones in the restaurant and we were not being served. When we did put in our order it took forever to get our drinks. We put the kids Food order soon wanting to get their food first. That didn’t work, the kids food came after the adults food. We won’t be going back.
  24. Till

    San Diego

    26 reviews

    5.0

    26 reviews

    Dined on November 7, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Worth many repeat visits - outstanding food, excellent menu choices, well-chosen wines (appreciate the by-the-glass offerings at non-gouge prices), attentive service (Luis), bistro-classy ambiance. Will save room for Nutella beignets next time.
  25. Wendy

    Orange County

    12 reviews

    4.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on October 27, 2019

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    The food was amazing, the service was great. I would definitely go back there.
  26. OpenTable Diner

    Las Vegas

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on October 26, 2019

    overall4food5service2ambience3
    The food was great! It took forever to get our food and waiters took forever to take our order as well.
  27. LeeM

    San Diego

    8 reviews

    4.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on October 2, 2019

    overall4food4service4ambience5
    Loved everything we ordered.....the ambiance and decor is beautiful and fun to look at...
  28. Foodie

    San Diego

    70 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    70 reviews

    Dined on September 5, 2019

    overall4food5service1ambience4
    This was an Anniversary dinner, and although I noted that in my reservation, the restaurant never acknowledged it. The waitress was a bit ditzy, bringing an incorrect bottle of wine to the table before fetching the ordered one. The food and the presentation were quite lovely. The waitress could have been a bit more polished and professional. That said, I would return to this venue. The food was wonderful.
  29. DavidB

    San Diego

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 22, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Well-located restaurant that is ideal for business or casual workday lunch. Good food and friendly, fast service.
  30. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    7 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on August 18, 2019

    overall1food1service1ambience1
    We went in on a sat night, waited for someone at the host stand for 10 min. Was seated with laminated menus that were different than posted on Open Table and their web page. We were in familiar with their wines so we asked to sample one, and were told they would not open a bottle for us to sample. We then selected a glass of wine each and we waited for 35 min for the glasses. In that time no one came by or said a word to us. So we left!
  31. MarkS

    Houston

    8 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on August 18, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great Happy Hour menu, comfortable outdoor seating area, very friendly and attentive service.
  32. Sabo

    Los Angeles

    34 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    34 reviews

    Dined on July 30, 2019

    overall2food2service2ambience2
    We were disappointed with this place. The decor was modern depression, the food very mediocre to poor and the server was very weird. The French onion soup was tepid, not hot, the steak tough and fatty and the Croque monsieur something we could have eaten at a fast food joint. If you are looking for a genuine bistro experience, you won't find it here.
  33. Maggie

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 28, 2019

    overall3food4service1ambience2
    The reservation process was super easy but when we got to the restaurant the dining room was almost completely empty, I think there were 2 parties seated. All the tables were set with most being for parties of 2. The hostess/waitress tried to seat us next to the hostess stand and door that had not been wiped down yet and was not set up. The table was on the opposite side of a wall that separated the dining room from the entrance. When we asked if we could sit at one of the tables inside the dining area we were told that they were all reserved for customers going to a show afterwards. We were going to the SAME SHOW! We ended up opting to sit in the bar and eat. Not at all the "romantic" dinner I had planned for our evening. When we asked to speak to the manager, he comped us dessert and explained that all the tables had been assigned and could not be changed. I have NEVER heard of such a thing and the restaurant dining room was still partially empty with open tables for two when we left on time to attend the show. Very unaccommodating, unprofessional and I would NOT go back, nor will I recommend this restaurant, which is sad because it is in a great location and is a cute little place.
  34. Channing

    San Diego

    4 reviews

    3.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on July 28, 2019

    overall3food2service2ambience4
    We were told this was an amazing place to eat. Its proximity to the theater was awesome as well. However the whole experience was not good. Most the food was bland at best. We had french onion soup. It had great cheese taste - but the broth was like onion water. We had a wedge salad, and caesar salad. Both were only decent. They didn't taste bad... just basic. We then had steak frites. It was a tough piece of steak - cooked to the right pinkness - but had too much mushroom sauce on it - or something - it felt drowned in it. My wife had ordered RED WINE for the steak portion... it came when we were almost done with the steak. Which is the place was busy would make sense. It wasn't busy. Then I ordered vodka and redbull and he brought me a glass that looked like water in it. We said there is no way there is redbull in the glass... he said the bartender says it is... we said no way ... so he took it back... and comes back with a glass with that gold looking water in it - and it was clear we were right... Finally my wife ordered a dessert wine with BINETs. we got the dessert - no wine - reminded him that we ordered a dessert wine - it was a "OH YEAH". The waiter brings my wife the dessert wine with lipstick on the glass. The dessert was basic. For the cost of this place its not worth spending a dime here.
  35. SherylM

    San Diego

    2 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 24, 2019

    overall1food1service1ambience1
    They knew it was our anniversary and they still put us in a terrible table. Restaurant was half empty, and hostess wouldn’t let us move. We even tried moving to the bar where a nice corner table was available. Nope, sorry that’s reserved even though no sign on table and there was a huge sign in this area that says seat yourself!! Instead of staying, we decided to leave.
  36. Jason

    San Francisco

    41 reviews

    4.0

    41 reviews

    Dined on July 23, 2019

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Went here for breakfast. Food and service was very good. Beignets were delicious. Highly recommend if you need a place for breakfast.
  37. HungH

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 6, 2019

    overall3food3service4ambience4
    Food was average. Had the steak. Asked for medium, received well done. Service staff was attentive.
  38. FoieGrasCA

    Orange County

    13 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on June 26, 2019

    overall3food3service3ambience3
    Great place
  39. Cosmo

    San Diego

    15 reviews

    2.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on June 26, 2019

    overall2food2service3ambience2
    I will give them another chance at some point, but the baked Brie came out cold, soup was not hot like soup should be and my fish was over cooked. Maybe it was because it was a Tuesday and they had the new guys on the grill but for that kind of money I would expect things to come out properly cooked.
  40. FoieGrasCA

    Orange County

    13 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on June 26, 2019

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    Luis was a fantastic server everything was perfect

FAQs

Currant American Brasserie offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (619) 702-6309.

Currant American Brasserie is rated 3.8 stars by 73 OpenTable diners.

Permanently Closed

This restaurant is permanently closed.

Google Map for Currant American Brasserie

140 W Broadway, San Diego, CA 92101-3811

Additional information

  • Cross street

    Broadway & Front St.

  • Neighborhood

    Downtown / Gaslamp

  • Hours of operation

    Brunch Mon–Fri 8:00 am–2:00 pm Sat, Sun 9:00 am–2:00 pm Happy Hour Daily 2:00 pm–6:00 pm Dinner Daily 4:00 pm–9:00 pm

  • Cuisines

    French American, Contemporary French / American, Bistro

  • Dining style

    Casual Dining

  • Dress code

    Smart Casual

  • Parking details

    $5 Valet parking validated, street parking and private lot also available

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Executive chef

    Nancy Valenzuela

  • Additional

    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

  • Phone number

    (619) 702-6309

  • Private party facilities

    Our Dining room is a warm, elegant, intimate space that can seat up to 50 guests comfortably. Set beneath charming chandeliers and with black and white tile floor, the space welcomes diners to enjoy a pre fix menu tailored to your needs, a la carte dining or a classy hors d'oeuvre party. Our lounge has a dark, hip and sleek relaxed feel to it. It can accommodate 30 to 40 guests and lends itself to happy hour parties, cocktail parties, bachelor and bachelorette parties or even a coursed dinner. Seating is comfortable high-top tables and banquettes perfect for socializing. Our patio acts as an urban retreat, where guests can people watch and catch a little of the local flavor. Enjoy our perfect San Diego weather at all times of day, whether with bottomless mimosas for a weekend brunch, a relaxing place to unwind for happy hour or an elegantly lit veranda for an inspired romantic dinner.

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