With so many new restaurants opening up in Ocean Beach, it had been a long time since I ate a meal at Raglan Public House. It is rather surprising, because it has been one of my favorite restaurants and I was there on opening day.
A new friend – Claudia – and I decided to try it out. We had already decided that we wanted to eat outside, in spite of it being a cloudy, damp day. There are many space heaters mounted on the wall and we knew it would be quiet outside. For the most part, we were comfortable and did not feel the cold at all.
Our server – Aubrey – was attentive and immediately brought us a jug of water. I appreciate water being brought to the table without asking for it, and it was there so that we could constantly refill our glasses if we wanted. 
The menu has changed since I was there last. It now starts out with munchies, which included sweet potato fries, grilled corn, onion rings, calamari, chips, etc. Many of the orders are listed as “small” or “kiwi size” and range in price from $4.90 to $12.90
There are “Burgers & Witches,” which lists all the burgers, from salmon to grass fed beef, to chicken or lamb; to swordfish, ahi or tuna; to tofu or BLT. As you can see, there is something for everyone. Also listed on the menu are gluten-free buns.
There are also “Townie Faves,” which included Steak, Fish and Chips, Chicken Pot Pie, Meat N’Mash (otherwise known as meatloaf but made with lamb and beef). There are five different salads on the menu and topping it off are “Happy N’ Ding,” which for those of not living in New Zealand, are desserts. They have cookies, which you are told take 15 minutes to make; a “Virgin Float,” which is a traditional root beer float, and there was one that I was tempted to order – an “Old Float” – an ice cream float made with stout. It is for old souls only – you must show your I.D. proving that you are at least 21!
I remembered how great tasting the sweet potato fries were when I was there last, so Claudia and I decided to have an order as an appetizer. Our server suggested that we order the “Fry Trio,” which had the delicious sweet potato fries, shoestring fries, and fatty potatoes. She told us it came with three sauces – and I remembered the aioli from previous visits. She sold us, and we gorged ourselves until our food arrived.
Claudia ordered a “Newport Wedge” salad. There were two large iceberg lettuce wedges, with bacon, egg, blue cheese, cherry tomatoes and fried chicken on the side. It was covered with Bleu cheese dressing, and Claudia asked for more dressing, which was brought almost immediately. She said the salad was very good.
I ordered the “Average Joe” hamburger, 100 percent organic grass fed beef, with American cheese, ketchup, mayo, and mustard on a fresh bun. I also asked for some of their aioli sauce, which was just piquant enough to satisfy all my taste buds!
There is still no doubt that this hamburger is one of the best around, and I compare it to the other hamburger place in Ocean Beach. Both of them spare nothing in their meat; the way it is cooked; and the way it is presented make you want to eat there again and again.
The fries, salad and hamburger came to $43, without the tip but it was well worth the price. Both of us took half of our meals home and there was enough left over for a full meal. There is no question that I will not wait as long to go back as I did this time. RAGLAN PUBLIC HOUSE
1851 Bacon St.
619-794-2304
raglanpublichouse.com