There is a lot to thank the 16th president for, but high on that list is being the inspiration behind The Lincoln Room.

The downtown restaurant and bar is better than the average downtown eatery in many ways.

It’s located on Fourth Avenue, just one block from the U.S. Grant, and it’s worth the trip. The place is hip and fun like a lot of downtown bars, but the prices are much more complementary to college students’ pockets.

Any restaurant that allows its guests to eat a satisfying amount of good food and chug down two beers for $20 is more than a good deal.

One of the best things on the menu is the Deconstructed Pizza. First, it’s a ton of food for around $5. Secondly, it’s delicious. Diners are served a basket of soft, doughy flatbread with baked-on parmesan cheese and a side of garlic cloves, warm goat cheese and tomato sauce. Not only is it inexpensive and great, but it’s fun to construct and easy to share.

Another $2 or so gets an enormous basket of fries that’s big enough to share while still feeling satisfied.

The Lincoln Room’s small size also makes it a cozy place to eat and spend time with friends. The walls are made to look like Lincoln Logs, giving guests the feeling of sitting in Abe’s mom’s living room. The bar is also covered in pennies, which is a nice touch — and a good place to find extra change — for those there.

Food is served hot and fresh, and the service is great. Even at its busiest times, the food comes out quickly and patrons never see the bottom of their glasses. If the food offered at Abe’s house isn’t enough, the Gaslamp location makes it easy to hop around to more bars.

Next time, instead of jumping on the party bus and heading to Pacific Beach, take the trolley downtown to give The Lincoln Room a try. After all, its motto is “Honest food and drink.”

The Lincoln Room
901 4th Ave.
San Diego, 92101
619.696.8888
thelincolnroomsd.com