Restaurant Review: Tent City

This restaurant is named after the early 1900s tent city established by John D. Spreckles located just south of the Hotel Del. It served as a lower priced vacation getaway for the American middle-class and remained a hot spot until its closure in 1939.

I recommend their outdoor seating when dining during an early evening. Their outdoor heaters provide sufficient heat and, if you are lucky enough to be the only couple seated outside, the experience can be enchanting.

If possible you should call ahead to see if Thomas is serving since he turns the dining experience inside out. He is consistently charming, cool, and casual. I've notified the owner in writing about how lucky Tent City is to have Thomas around.

Tent City is owned by the same guys who own the Coronado Brewing Company. Both restaurants are located on Coronado's main drag, Orange Avenue, on opposite sides of the island. I highly prefer Tent City to the brewery (see upcoming blog for specific reasons).

Their menu is sparse and their prices are ten percent too high. However, their cooks consistently know how to prepare a piece of fish and they make a good burger. I appreciate the hot bread while you wait. Also, it's good to note that their wines are half off on Sunday nights.

Oh, and if you can, try one of their loose leaf teas.

My overall score for Tent City is a B+

Why not an A? Because Rhino's delivers a better selection of quality food for the same prices and they are located only half a block down the street.