The Wide Angle April/May 1996 Volume 1 No 6

AT THE PLATE...touching base with dining in San Diego

by Kimberly Moore and Hans Hornstein

rating guide:
Strikeout = don't bother (neg. * )
Walk = so so ( * )
Single = okay ( * 1/2 )
Double = better than most ( * * )
Triple = very good ( * * !/2 )
Home Run = top of the line ( * * * )
Grand Slam = excellent on all counts ( * * * * )

With spring break in the air, we thought we'd visit a typical college crowd establishment that will appeal to the youth in us all.

Dick's Last Resort

Wow! When we walked into Dick's right there on the wall is a sign claiming "Bigger is Better". "This must be the place!", we exclaimed. (they do have souvenir T-shirts in sizes up to 3XL) Well this is definitely some place.

The cavernous interior is decorated in memorabilia, including a vintage motorcycle dangling from the ceiling. Hanging from this classic are the bras of uninhibited patrons. We chuckled to ourselves that Dick's hadn't seen nothing yet until they have seen one belonging to a coalition member!

The roadhouse feel prepares you for the roadhouse mannered service. They add a bit of humor to the rudeness of their manner, but it is all in fun. They are never neglectful. In fact, they often stop by your table to see if you are feeling well because the last poor soul who ordered what you did left in an ambulance. (well you get the picture).

The menu is simple and artery clogging. Big juicy burgers, onion rings, homefries , and buckets of crab legs washed down with a favorite beverage and you have a very filling meal. I noticed a Cajun flair to a lot of the menu items. They offered limited but tasty deserts.

The seating is all armless, but the tables are arranged in long rows dormitory style. The patio does offer tables for a more private meal but privacy is not what Dick's is about. It's about fun and sharing good food with friends whether you've been friends for years or minutes.

Dick's offers a full bar and at night, no cover music. There's plenty of parking with lots across the street on both 4th and 5th streets. It's a great place for lunch and at night is a popular place with visitors and locals alike.

RATING: A stand-up double