New Red Card Cafe Opens in Bay Ho

Char Siu Pork

Steambuns, Cabbage Slaw, Ginger Aioli

Red Card Café, a new gastropub in Bay Ho officially opens today at 4140 Morena Boulevard.

Offering a modern interior design, indoor-outdoor seating and a menu built around the rising popularity of international street foods, Red Card Café is the first restaurant by Paris-born proprietor Caroline Sternberg, a resident of the area.

I dropped by last night to check it out and to meet Ms. Sternberg. My date and I sat at the concrete bar in comfy red seats so we could watch a little bit of the Olympics. Our server/bartender, Richie, greeted us with a smile and an offer to make recommendations.

We quickly decided on a bottle of rosé from the wine list, which offered several selections I hadn't seen before. Along with the wine we shared an order of the pierogi and an order of empanadas. My date also had the lamb sausage. I'm no restaurant reviewer but I can tell you all three dishes were thoroughly enjoyed-- as my mom would say, "clean plate club".

Red Card Cafe Interior

The atmosphere is great, a variety of spaces make it comfortable whether it is just the two of you for a romantic dinner or a group for lunch. There's even a communal "king's table" for when you are alone but feel sociable. Staff all seemed happy and knowledgeable.

If you are looking for something different for lunch or dinner, and you like supporting locally owned businesses, give Red Card Cafe a try.  We've already decided on trying the shrimp dish next time!

Red Card Café will be open daily beginning August 17; walk-ins are welcome. The restaurant will serve lunch and dinner Monday through Friday, and brunch and dinner on Saturdays and Sundays.

Red Card Café is located at 4140 Morena Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92117 and online at www.redcardcafe.com.