Is there parking nearby, and how easy is it to find a spot?

Street parking is available on Prospect Street and surrounding blocks, though it can be tight during peak hours and weekends. Arriving earlier in the afternoon or midweek will give you better odds of finding a space nearby without frustration.

Do I need a reservation, or can I just walk in?

The Spot takes reservations and accepts walk-ins, but with 1718 reviews and its popularity as a neighborhood spot, calling ahead during dinner service or weekends will save you wait time. The bar is usually accessible for solo diners without reservations.

What should I order on my first visit?

Start with the Bleu Lamb Burger if you want something memorable, or the Beach Bowl with shrimp if you're leaning lighter. The beer selection is notably solid, so ask your server for a recommendation based on what you typically drink.

Is this a good spot if I'm bringing kids?

Yes—the vibe is casual and family-friendly with a full menu that works for different ages, though the bar-centric atmosphere and late-night crowd means it's better suited for earlier meals with children.

What's the best time to go if I want good atmosphere without a long wait?

Late afternoon (3-5 PM) and weekday dinner hours tend to move faster. If you're coming for the full experience—drinks, games on TV, social energy—Friday and Saturday nights deliver what people come for, but expect to wait or book ahead.

Do you have vegetarian options or dietary accommodations?

Vegetarian options are available on the menu, and the kitchen can work with requests. Given the 1-star review mentioning a food safety issue, ask your server if you have concerns about food preparation standards.

Can I sit outside, and is there a dog-friendly patio?

Yes, there are street-side tables on Prospect Street for outdoor seating. Bring your own dog policy specifics aren't confirmed in available information, so call ahead if you're planning to bring a pup.

What kind of crowd comes here on a typical night?

You'll find after-work professionals, sports fans watching games, groups of friends, and locals treating it like a neighborhood staple. The vibe shifts from business-lunch casual during the day to lively bar scene at night—it's the kind of place where you might end up staying longer than planned.

The Spot La Jolla — Burgers in La Jolla, San Diego

“The Spot is La Jolla's rare late-night landing pad where you can order a burger at 11pm without getting side-eye from the staff.”

While most spots below the bluff close their kitchens by 9pm and shift into cocktail-only mode, The Spot keeps serving full meals until last call — making it the default answer when you need actual food after a long day or late show at the Athenaeum. It's fundamentally a sports bar that happens to be in La Jolla, not a La Jolla restaurant trying to be a sports bar, which explains the lack of pretense and the presence of 15+ screens showing every conceivable game.

The Bleu Lamb Burger is the move — thick patty, blue cheese that doesn't turn into a salty mess, cooked right. Beach bowls work if you want something lighter, especially the shrimp version. The pizza is serviceable bar pizza, nothing more. Breakfast runs late into the afternoon, which matters when you've been at the cove since dawn or had a slow morning.

Street-side tables on Prospect give you decent people-watching without the full sun assault you get at brunch spots further up the block. Inside, the fireplace corner fills first on marine layer nights. Bartenders know regulars by drink order, which either feels welcoming or slightly intimidating depending on how often you plan to return.

Downsides: it's a bar first, so if you're sensitive to noise or looking for a quiet dinner, this isn't it. Service can lag when every screen is showing a different sporting event and everyone needs refills simultaneously. Parking is standard village nightmare — the lot behind Warwick's or street spots east of Girard are your best bets.

Go for late-night reliability and sports, not for a refined meal. It fills a specific gap in a neighborhood that otherwise rolls up early.