Soda & Swine
11:45 PM
So two weeks ago, I went with a friend to a unique restaurant, Soda & Swine, in University Heights, San Diego CA. It specializes in soda and meatballs. Weird right? But it is surprisingly delicious. When we arrived, the interior gave off an outdoorsy and vintage feel. There were little lamps and dainty potted plants stationed on the wooden tables. Sunlight filtered through the wood planks above. At the very end of the room, a fireplace was situated. It was odd to see a fireplace because we are in the middle of summer but perhaps it will capture the homey environment in the wintertime. The interior was not very big; I can imagine it getting crowded quickly during the peak hours.
Soda & Swine is a restaurant where you order first and then find a seating. Take-out is available too if desired. I ordered brussel sprouts with bacon, a slider with "The Swine" meatball, which contained pork, chipotle and pepper jack. I normally do not order drinks in restaurants, but I couldn't leave Soda & Swine without a soda! I decided on Cherrywine.
The Cheerwine soda tasted like cherry cola, but it came in a fancy bottle, so props to that. I wished I was more adventurous in my decision. There were other soda flavors such as grapefruit, ginger, huckleberry and etc. My friend tried the ginger ale which was not as sweet as my drink.
The slider was delicious and surprisingly filling. When the food arrived, my first thought was that the portions are small. But man oh man, it filled me up quickly. The cheese was nicely oozing (I looove melted cheese!). The bun was toasted, and the sauce gave it a sweet flavor. "The swine" meatball was definitely not a meatball made from your school cafeteria. It had such complex flavors that complemented each other so well: sweet yet savory.
The brussel sprouts came in a small cast iron pan. It was nicely roasted with chopped green onions sprinkled on top. There were bacon bits that flavored the sprouts with a hearty taste. Although it was a small dish, the brussel sprouts were quite filling, thanks to the bacon oil drizzled throughout. Now, if you are vegetarian, I am truly sorry that you will missing out on this delicious experience.
All in all, Soda & Swine is a cute hipster restaurant to catch up with a small group of friends. It definitely not your typical restaurants; it does have its own flare when it comes to decor & food. If you are ever in the area, go check it out. Let your taste buds experience a whole new world ;)
--- J.
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