492529 Sat Feb 23 11:14:36 -0800 2008 9 3 California 0 3427441 Has anyone tried Ole Madrid in the Gaslamp? We're planning to take a friend there tonight. We've never tried real Spanish food, so we thought this would be a break from the typical San Diego Mexican/Pizza/Sushi mix (although good, we need to broaden our horizons :). Sat Feb 23 11:14:36 -0800 2008 166787 beth1 1 3427577 Ole Madrid is absolutely horrible! I've tried it twice and it was such a waste of money. The food was salty and really poor quality. The service was also lousy. If you want Spanish food in Gaslamp, Seville might be worth checking out. Sat Feb 23 12:06:20 -0800 2008 3427441 57729 californialoving 1 3427867 For traditional Spanish food, I would say that Café Sevilla on 4th would be a better choice. I do believe they are comparable in price though.... Sat Feb 23 14:12:17 -0800 2008 3427441 168798 JonDough 1 3428065 thanks to both of you for preventing an unpleasant experience for us and our guest. We will take your suggestion and go to Cafe Sevilla. Thanks again. Sat Feb 23 15:27:13 -0800 2008 3427441 166787 beth1 1 3429850 Cafe Sevilla is better than Ole Madrid, and I hope you guys had a great time! I really like Costa Brava in PB though. It as a more low key atmosphere and very good food - and it's quite affordbable too. It's across from the Vons shopping center on Garnet, but has a nice private feel to it b/c the front is surrounded by a garden wall, it's easy to forget that it's on a major street. If you get a chance, let us know how you liked Sevilla, it's been a while since we've been there. Sun Feb 24 11:20:31 -0800 2008 3427441 11803 Alice Q 2 3429984 I totally forgot about Casa Brava and what Alice Q said about it is right on the money. I do hope you update us on your experience at Café Sevilla, it has been awhile since I have been there as well. Thanks and I hope you had a great time! Sun Feb 24 12:09:55 -0800 2008 3429850 168798 JonDough 1 3430181 thank you all for suggesting cafe sevilla. we wad a wonderful time, and our guest loved it. the food and service were both great. we ordered a few tapas and the grilled veggie paella. Sun Feb 24 13:27:23 -0800 2008 3427441 166787 beth1 2 3430216 Good to know. I liked it the last couple of times I went, but it's been awhile - I won't hesitate to recommend it again. I have always thought it was a good place to eat with a group - we've gone there with several people and ordered multiple tapas and sangria and walked away for 20-25 bucks apiece, which is pretty rare these days. Sun Feb 24 13:43:39 -0800 2008 3430181 11803 Alice Q 1 3438000 Ole Madrid and their sister restuarant, The Boat House both do the Maine Lobster for $12. Ole Madrid on Thursday, and The Boat House on Wednesday. I've tried both in the past. The Boat House is a place where you can take the whole family to eat lobster with plastic bibs around your neck, and it's good times. Ole Madrid on the other hand is more schnazzy. As for the rest of the food on the menu..people have offered other great suggestions for that type of cuisuine! Go to Ole Madrid for Lobster Thursday or a cocktail and cross it off your list. ;) Tue Feb 26 16:36:49 -0800 2008 3427441 157583 epicureous eggplant 2 3438598 Ole Madrid is owned by the same people as the Boat House on Harbor Island? Then no WONDER it's awful. Tue Feb 26 20:07:02 -0800 2008 3438000 11803 Alice Q