Downtown Lunch Break at Brian's 24

Every clued-in local knows that Brian’s 24 is the go-to spot for late-night dining in San Diego. Whether you choose the infamous plate of chicken and waffles as your 3 am breakfast or opt for the generous portion of tender pot roast and gravy served over egg noodles, this 24 -hour diner has all the bases covered when it comes to food.

But while it may seem that Brian’s 24 is a revered watering hole for San Diego party-goers in search of late-night sustenance, it also provides as a great place to meet friends or business associates for a little lunchtime snack. 

Being that every meal is my favorite meal – and the fact that I never pass up an opportunity to indulge in a prodigiously sized midday snack – I took an afternoon stroll to Brian’s 24 with our Advertising Manager Mia Litman and VP Managing Partner Chris Caudle last week to enjoy some quality lunchtime fare. 

If you’ve never ventured inside Brian’s 24, don’t be fooled into thinking that it’s your average your run-of-the-mill Denny’s-style diner. A rich mahogany palace, Brian’s 24 features a copper-clad, open kitchen, an oversized crystal chandelier and huge beveled glass windows that provide for prime people watching during your afternoon escape from the office. Most notable is the central antique mahogany bar – a historic piece that was originally from Joan Crawford’s home in Italy. But you won’t be beaten with a wire hanger for taking someone’s seat here.

The three of us plopped down near the oversized front window and poured over the extensive menu in search of something juicy to sink our teeth into. Unfortunately, our stomachs were growling uncontrollably and nearly every item seemed to be calling out to us so we did what any normal group of humans looking to compete for the Biggest Loser would do – we ordered four entrees and decided to share. 

Best known for traditional American comfort food prepared with innovative recipes, the lunch menu at Brian’s 24 boasts everything from enormous sandwiches and hearty burgers to leafy green salads and fried finger foods galore. 

I felt that it would be highly inappropriate to order all fried foods so I opted for the Mango Chicken Tostada Salad which just so happened to arrive in a massive flour tortilla shell filled with pinto beans, mixed greens, chicken, diced tomatoes, onion, fresh mango, shredded cheddar jack cheese and topped with sour cream. For those of you who’ve ventured to Disneyland’s New Orleans Square, the name Monte Cristo shouldn’t come as a surprise. A sweet-tooth-craving delight, this breakfast-style sandwich composed of ham, turkey, and melted Swiss cheese between two slices of thick French toast and sprinkled with powdered sugar is, in my honest opinion, appropriate for any hour of the day…especially when in dire need of a sugar rush at lunchtime. (pictured)

For those in search of a heartier sandwich, we suggest the eight-ounce charbroiled New York Steak Sandwich served on a hoagie roll with a side of crispy onion rings and creamy horseradish sauce or the Western bacon cheeseburger topped with onion rings and tangy BBQ sauce. Last, but definitely not least was the infamous Peanut Butter Burger because really, we were curious and couldn’t help ourselves. Needless to say, the half-pound patty topped with peanut butter, bacon and cheddar cheese was actually a rather interesting and scrumptious concoction, one that most definitely must be tasted in order to be fully appreciated.

By the end of the meal, the three of us were more than fulfilled and nearly felt like we needed a wheelbarrow to transport us back to the office to finish off our day’s work. So the next time you’re in search of a place to curb your midday cravings in the Gaslamp Quarter and want to try something different than your usual $5 footlong at Subway, head to Brian’s 24 and indulge in a hearty meal ... or four.

Check out the new lunch special at Brian's 24! For $6.99 diners can enjoy a half-pound sirloin burger served on a crispy baked bun, topped with lettuce, tomato and onion and served with a side of shoestring fries as well as unlimited soft drinks or iced tea.

Brian’s 24 is the ultimate downtown San Diego dining destination for great American comfort cuisine … no matter the time of day or night. To reserve your group table today, please call 877.232.5443. 

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