Jake's Del Mar

Key points: - I have celiac and did not get glutened by the meal, although the staff was NOT reassuring at all - Food was overpriced and $60 lobster meal was so bland the butter was the only worthy ingredient - they made the alcoholic drinks strong for the guy in our party, and weak for me, the female Food allergy: I had called ahead to ensure they could accommodate my celiac disease. The server said they had methods for preparing food gluten free yet he seemed oddly un-knowledgeable, just good at reciting facts. The people who actually brought the food out seemed offended that I double checked on the GF-ness of the meal, making me inquire harder and they did not offer more info than “yes it is GF”. I asked what procedures were used to make it GF, they responded “we have procedures in place”. Would not give out specific details although I kept asking, not offering me to talk to someone else like the chef or manager. When the food was given to us they didn’t point out that my food was GF, which I feel expensive establishments should, so they can reassure the customer with a food allergy. This is why we went somewhere expensive, so I can expect higher service and accountability. In the end I did not get sick, but that was not an obvious outcome based on interactions with the staff. I got the $60 lobster because, heck why not we never go out and they promised GF and good food on the beach. Blandest meal I have ever had, I’m pretty sure the rice and vegetables were frozen a long time because they were soggy and tasteless and mushy. The lobster was definitely not fresh, probably frozen before, and a tiny bit of old bay spice was added as the only flavor besides butter. I seriously expected a much grander meal and I don’t know how they can take pride in serving frozen lobster tail and destroyed soggy wild rice in a mush pile with tasteless unknown veggies mixed in, at the price of $60. Ridiculous. My husband and MIL got the seafood pot and it was so -over-flavored that they had zero seafood taste. Clearly Jake’s does not know how to cook or source ingredients, so they either add spice until the lack of good ingredients is not apparent, or just remove flavor altogether because why do they have to make a lobster meal good, it’s lobster. At least that is the feeling I am left with. Definitely not going back. We got a table right by the window on the beach which was nice. This was the only plus. My drinks were so weak I could just as well have gotten a soda, and they were expensive too. My husband got a mega strong martini. Not sure if the difference in strength per gender was intentional or not, but this also made the drinks a bit of a joke. Music was so loud even at the end of the restaurant that conversations were very hard.

Nice spot right in the beach in Del Mar. The location is lovely- you have a great view of the beach. Food is also good! There are a few gluten free options on the menu, and the staff was really helpful.