I wanted that obligatory Gaslamp District dining out experience during my week-long stay in San Diego – which believe it or not, I haven’t visited since Sand Diego Comic-Con 2006 so that lets you know how often I bother to get down that way to begin with. I didn’t realize it at the time but it seems many San Diego locals view the Gaslamp District as an extraordinarily tourist-y area with a thorough lack of quality control. It was definitely pretty aggressive – in both vibe; not helped at all by the happy hour barkers positioned outside every eatery trying to win over passerby’s; and atrocious stench.

After much menu gazing and tummy rumbling, mom and I finally settled on Ocean Room, which wanted to be part cool kid lounge and part traditional sushi bar. The menu was a wide assortment with only “seafood” being the main connector. Sushi, pasta, traditional American seaside fare and cocktails to go with everything. As I was struggling between seafood pasta and sushi I wasn’t ready to complain.

Sweet Oyster Martini (10)
Stoli Orange | Peach Schnapps | Grand Marnier | pineapple juice | Grenadine

I asked for more peach than Stoli and the bartender obliged, sending out one of the tastiest cocktails I’ve ever had the pleasure to drink. Sweet, peachy and boozy – just how I like it.

Tuna & Crab Tartare (approx. 10)
mango | avocado

Aside from the browning on the avocado, mom really enjoyed this. I forget exactly what the sauce is (my notes were left on the phone that died a short while ago) but instinct is telling me passion fruit, though I could be totally wrong. Along with the soup, this filled my mom right up and she felt good about eating relatively healthy.

Rainbow Roll (12)

If it weren’t for the half-rotten avocado glaring at me like a dead fly in the soup, this would have been a lot more appetizing.

Clam Chowder (approx. 7)

It may not look like much, but this was actually pretty damn tasty. I was envious of my mother’s choice and lamented the fact I only had but a single taste.

Linguine with Clams ($16)

I’d been jonesin’ for linguine and clams for a long while now and thought, Yes! Finally! It will be mine! Except that the sauce was a creamy, cheesy concoction that I just could not get behind. I’m not a snob about seafood + cheese, but it is a combination I need to be in the mood for. I powered through the dish but knew I’d still be trudging along on my quest for the perfect linguine & clams.

All in all, it wasn’t a terrible experience. It was just mediocre, which is what I would eventually come to discover, is what the Gaslamp District does best. I wouldn’t necessarily recommend Ocean Room, but I wouldn’t go out of my way to dissuade someone from going there, either. The cocktail was awesome so I think they should take that along with their lounge/club decor, ditch the traditional sea fare, invest in their sushi and sushi chefs alike and start over. Judging by their website alone, they have already revamped their menu. So long as they figure out their identity and hone it, Ocean Room can make a comeback and prosper.

Ocean Room
630 5th Avenue
San Diego CA 92101
website
619.501.6550
Hours: 4pm-11pm