"**Overall Rating:** 3/5
**Service and Setting:** 3/5
**Value:** 3/5
Sometimes, the craving for a specific dish can lead you on a journey that ends in disappointment. For me, finding poutine—a beloved Canadian delicacy—was quite a challenge in San Diego. After exploring several restaurants and facing disappointments, I stumbled upon H Brothers, which seemed promising with its rich brown gravy and cheese curds. The restaurant's modern entrance gave me north-Italian vibes, but stepping inside revealed an eclectic and somewhat hipster interior. The ordering process is straightforward: place your order first and then take a seat while your food is brought to your table. The service was quick and friendly.
**Original Poutine: 3.5/5**
I had high hopes that H Brothers would satisfy my craving, and it somewhat delivered. I opted for extra cheese curds because, based on photos I'd seen, I wanted a generous amount of cheese on my fries. The overall presentation of the dish was good. The fries were crispy and thick enough to support the weight of the toppings. The gravy had a pleasantly familiar taste—similar to instant or jarred varieties, but in a good way—and the portion size was commendable. However, it felt a bit salty for my taste. The cheese curds were creamy rather than squeaky and had a mild and slightly salty flavor. While the portion could easily serve 2 to 3 people as a side or appetizer, the saltiness and overall flavor didn’t leave a lasting impression. It's not a must-try dish, but it's worth sampling if you’re in the area.
**H Brothers Cheesesteak: 1/5**
After enjoying the poutine, I was shocked by the cheesesteak. The meat didn’t resemble any cheesesteak I’ve had before; it tasted more like thick, dry deli roast beef slices straight from a Costco pack. It wasn’t cooked with onions, peppers, or mushrooms—just served on a bun. The béchamel sauce was overly thick with a grainy texture that detracted from the overall experience. While it had a slight cheesiness, it didn’t elevate the dish at all. The addition of barbecue sauce and fried onions completely disrupted any chance of coherence. On a positive note, when I asked for additional sauce to counteract the dryness of the sandwich, the server generously brought me a full cup. Unfortunately, even that didn’t save the dish. I left half of it behind, knowing I wouldn’t enjoy it later.
**Hush Puppies: 4.5/5**
In contrast to my experience with the cheesesteak, I must mention the hush puppies. They were delightful and provided a much-needed uplifting moment after my earlier disappointments.
Overall, H Brothers has moments of promise, but it seems they still have some work to do with their menu."
