The owners of Werewolf American Pub, Chad Cline and Jason Nichols, already have some serious roots in the hospitality industry. These two young entrepreneurs jointly own the city’s oldest tavern, The Waterfront, established in 1933 with their Grandma Nancy Nichols. With the success of The Waterfront these cousins decided to venture out on their own and created Werewolf American Pub in 2014. Their historical roots form the basis of their American and SoCal menu that adds little twists to kick it up a notch. Couple this with the funky décor, and you’ve got a fun dining experience. Chad and Jason live by two rules since growing up in the bar business, “1- PB & J hamburgers while actually quite delicious, don’t sell, and 2- love what you do, or don’t do it.” Once you walk into Werewolf, you’ll immediately realize they love what they do, and they do it well.
Werewolf Ambiance
Werewolf has the look and feel of a high-end sports bar using industrial materials such as brick walls and a concrete bar to add an urban vibe. Eclectic touches make it a funky cool space, like one wall made up entirely of bullet shell casings designed in such a way the word SHOTS appears to emerge from the wall. When you enter the restaurant you’ll see several booths to your left, and to your right is an expansive bar with comfortable leather high back stools and six mounted televisions. In the back, high-top tables with stools and low booths are arranged with views of televisions mounted on the walls. Werewolf American Pub is an ideal place to watch your favorite sporting events, dance to the music of a local DJ, or sing your heart out on a karaoke night.
Werewolf Food
You’ll find traditional American and SoCal dishes being served up at Werewolf where it’s all about burgers, sandwiches, tacos, salads, and traditional appetizers. You can also get an amazing breakfast here with a mix of traditional American and dishes reflective of our neighbors to the south. These cousins like to keep to the simple staples, but add a little flair to every dish. It should also be noted that they have some truly spectacular signature cocktails that will blow you away.
For breakfast you can choose from a variety of selections; biscuits and gravy, country fried steak, chilaquiles roja, and quesadilla huevos rancheros are just a few examples of their blended menu. One item in particular deserves a special mention; the Pork Belly Benedict made with pork belly, potato cake, poached eggs, cherry tomatoes, with a maple glaze and cilantro to top. Keep in mind it is only available on weekends though. Be sure to pair this with a beverage from the “Drank” section. Try the Hair of the Wolf; it may be just what you need to get your day started and lose the hangover.
For lunch and dinner you can choose from a wide range of delicious appetizers, juicy burgers, scrumptious sandwiches, tasty tacos, and crisp refreshing salads. Start your meal off with their famous Papas Balls also known as Werewolf Balls – mashed tater, bacon, scallion, cilantro, cotija cheese, house sauce. Go a little off the beaten path with something like Pho King Amazing sandwich, or the Hannibal Burger – one-third pound, 100% Australian lamb patty with Wolf steak sauce, balsamic brussels, and blue cheese mayo. For those who come for the tacos and salads, there are tons of choices, including many gluten free options. All of these tasty dishes can be paired with something from their expansive drink menu; be brave and try a punch bowl like the Bears and Bees.
Note: They offer a late night menu of sliders, wings, fries, and Werewolf Balls. These are the only food items available after 11 p.m.
Werewolf Details
Werewolf American Pub believes that “brunch was invented so people can drink before noon with no guilt.” They respect that ideal and offer brunch on Saturdays and Sundays with college and professional football for your viewing pleasure. As with many restaurants in San Diego, Werewolf is all about the Taco Tuesday, what sets them apart is the all you can eat buffet for just $9.99, and the chance to sing your heart out with karaoke from after dinner to close. They also love giving back to their community so every Thursday guests are gifted with guest bartenders working hard for tips to contribute to their respective charities. Friday and Saturday nights local DJ’s come in to spin some great tunes while you enjoy your food and drinks. Werewolf is a casual local spot that is great for groups, but not so much for kids. Parking is strictly street parking, but they do offer bike parking and free Wi-Fi throughout the restaurant.
Werewolf Neighborhood
Werewolf American Pub is located on 4th Avenue between G Street and Market Street in the heart of San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter. The restaurant is within walking distance of the San Diego Convention Center, PETCO Park, and Horton Plaza. Nearby accommodations include two upscale boutique hotels – Hotel Solamar and Hotel Indigo Downtown – or the historic Horton Grand Hotel.
To get to the San Diego Convention Center, take the Harbor Drive Pedestrian Bridge, which at 550 feet is one of the longest pedestrian suspension bridges in the world. PETCO Park is home to the San Diego Padres MLB team. The ballpark at 7th Avenue and K Street offers stunning views of San Diego Bay and the San Diego skyline. Westfield Horton Plaza is an expansive outdoor mall that is home to department stores, chain retailers, boutiques, bistros, entertainment venues, and a movie theater.