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$ | Normal Heights |
There's almost no combination on earth as satisfying as pizza and beer—which just happen to be Blind Lady's specialties. The old-world-style pizzas are topped with organic ingredients, like house-made chorizo and avocado, which offer an excellent complement to their extensive beer selection, which is updated on their chalkboard daily. Just be patient waiting for a seat at the popular neighborhood spot, which is decorated with upcycled materials such as reclaimed wood floors and glass cases of vintage beer cans.
3416 Adams Ave., San Diego, California, 92116, USA
Known For
- Spicy chorizo pizza with avocado
- Crispy Belgian frites
- House-brewed craft beer
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch Mon.--Wed.
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$ | South Park |
A golden-domed pizza oven, named Sofia after the owner’s daughter, delivers authentic Neapolitan-style pizza to fans who often line up for patio tables at this dog- and kid-friendly Italian restaurant in South Park. Pizzas make a meal or can be shared, but don’t miss the equally delicious appetizers, heaping salads, or fresh pastas, and be sure to save room for some dolci.
3001 Beech St., San Diego, California, 92102, USA
Known For
- House-made sangria
- Bubbly Neapolitan-style pizzas
- Bustling patio
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$ | Ocean Beach |
Surfers with big appetites, and fans of Food Network's Diners, Drive-ins and Dives, chow down on huge, messy burgers, fries, onion rings, and shakes at this funky, hippie beach joint adorned with beat-up surfboards, stickers, and license plates from almost every state. Don’t be put off by lines out the door---they move quickly and the wait is worth it, especially for the Guido Burger; inspired by Guy Fieri, it's topped with pastrami, onions, pickles, and Swiss cheese. Wash it down with one of their own microbrews including a hazy IPA and a Mexican lager. A miniburger is a less-filling option, and there are veggie and chicken patty options for the red-meat averse. Newer outposts—as family-friendly as the original '60s joint—are Downtown and at Petco Park.
5010 Newport Ave., San Diego, California, 92107, USA
Known For
- Legendary bacon cheeseburgers and thick-cut onion rings
- Surf-shack vibe
- A little sass with your burger
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$ | Liberty Station |
The city's former Naval Training Center is home to more than 30 vendors so even the pickiest of diners will be pleased. Options include tacos and quesadillas at Cecilia's Taqueria; fried rice, pad Thai, and curries at Mama Made Thai; lavender lattes from Westbean Coffee Roasters; fried chicken and fries from Fluster Cluck; sweet and savory crepes from Olala; more than a dozen Argentinean empanadas at Paraná; and croissants, éclairs, and macarons at Le Parfait Paris. There are a few communal tables indoors, but the best seating is the kid- and dog-friendly outdoor patio, outfitted with Adirondack chairs and market lights. Not all vendors are open for breakfast.
2820 Historic Decatur Rd., San Diego, California, 92106, USA
Known For
- Cuisines from around the world
- Lively kid- and dog-friendly patio
- The best regional foods under one roof
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$ | La Jolla |
The desserts are magnificent at this small, charming shop in operation for nearly 50 years, where dessertier Michele Coulon confects wonders, using organic produce and imported chocolate. Snack on cookies, cupcakes, brownies, chocolate-dipped strawberries, and mini-desserts. But this is not just a place for dessert: lunch is served Tuesday through Saturday (the store is open 9 am to 3 pm), and the simple menu includes quiche and salads. Other irresistible treats found here are a chocolate-lovers’ Torte Lion Belge, pear-frangipane tart, and Marjolaine Torte with layers of meringue, chocolate ganache, and buttercream.
7556 Fay Ave., San Diego, California, 92037, USA
Known For
- Instagram-worthy presentation
- The buttercream- and berry-filled Gateau Aileen
- Gluten-free items usually are available
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon. No dinner, Reservations not accepted
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Recommended Fodor’s Video
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$ | North Park |
The doughnuts at Nomad are big, fluffy, colorful, and would make Homer Simpson drool. Its rotating menu of internationally inspired doughnut flavors is made with natural ingredients, like real fruit, and almost all of them have a vegan counterpart as well. Just make sure to show up early—doughnuts this good don't stick around for long.
3102 University Ave., San Diego, California, 92104, USA
Known For
- Cinnamon-sugar cruller
- Pomegranate with Meyer lemon drizzle doughnut
- Panther milk breve, iced with sweetened condensed milk
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$ | |
Next to his successful fine-dining restaurant, Juniper and Ivy, celebrity chef Richard Blais has opened this more casual eatery complete with a walk-up counter, picnic-style tables, a bocce court, and a giant rooster—a nod to the egg- and chicken-theme menu. Ingredients are sourced from high-quality vendors and used for sandwiches, of which the fried chicken varieties shine, as well as salads and sides like fluffy minibiscuits with a miso-maple butter and a Mexican spin on poutine. The all-outdoor space feels like a cool playground for foodies, and there's even a slick bar that doles out craft cocktails.
2266 Kettner Blvd., San Diego, California, 92101, USA
Known For
- Señor Croque fried chicken sandwich with smoked pork belly
- Biscuits with miso-maple butter
- All-outdoor seating with bocce court
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$ | |
Until recently, you had to head to the Miramar/Scripps Ranch area for a tasting at Ballast Point, but now there's a spacious (and popular) local taproom in Little Italy. The Sculpin IPA is outstanding, as are the blue cheese duck nachos.
2215 India St., San Diego, California, 92101, USA
Known For
- Duck nachos
- Truffalo wings
- More than three-dozen beers on tap
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$ | University Heights |
Employing the motto "If your grandmother wouldn't bake with it, we won't either," Blackmarket Bakery emphasizes that all its creations are made from scratch, and the proof is in the tasting. Its pastry case is full of buttercream-frosted cakes, drop cookies, and other fresh-baked goodies, in addition to breakfast sandwiches and vegan pastries.
4686 30th St., San Diego, California, 92116, USA
Known For
- Vegan cookies
- Cookie Monster bread pudding
- Handmade marshmallows
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$ | Ocean Beach |
Portions and prices are on point at this OB seafood hole-in-the-wall where dining is a three-step process—choose your fish, pick your marinade, and decide how you want it prepared (sandwich, plate, salad, taco, or à la carte). There’s an on-site market serving wild, organic, and local seafood ranging from snapper and calamari to shrimp and scallops, and all the soups are from scratch including the New England clam chowder served in a bread bowl. The chilled seafood cocktail is refreshing on a hot summer day, especially when paired with local craft beer. For greasy comfort food, try their tuna melt, fish-and-chips, or beer-battered tacos.
5083 Santa Monica Ave., San Diego, California, USA
Known For
- Fish served five ways
- Locally sourced seafood
- Beer-battered fish tacos
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$ | Mission Hills |
Blame a television segment by Guy Fieri on “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives” for the long lines of fans from around the globe. But it’s the fresh seafood cooked to order that keeps them coming back to this no-frills fish market and restaurant.
3667 India St., San Diego, California, 92103, USA
Known For
- Beer-battered cod tacos
- Classic cioppino plate with mussels and clams, scallops, shrimp, and red snapper
- Fresh catch cooked to order
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Reservations not accepted
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$ | |
A classic diner with bar seating in a circle, Clayton's is a great lunch or breakfast spot with a menu that ranges from classic American fare to Mexican-inspired dishes like the popular breakfast burrito. Just don't forget dessert!
979 Orange Ave., San Diego, California, 92118, USA
Known For
- Bottomless coffee
- Breakfast burrito
- Gooey cinnamon roll sundae
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$ | Liberty Station |
The scent of fresh-baked bread whets the appetite of customers at this Liberty Station bakery and café seeking rustic scones or raisin brioche cinnamon rolls for breakfast, or one of the hearty lunch sandwiches like almost-grilled cheese with melted Brie and Gorgonzola on warm rosemary--olive oil bread. All can be enjoyed inside or on the sunny patio with hot or cold drinks including the house-made lemonade. The bakery turns out 21 different loaves; among them are the popular Pt. Loma sourdough, Gruyère and chive, and the Pane Cioccolata with Belgium and Swiss chocolate (only available weekends). Box lunches with a sandwich, chips, and cookie, perfect for picnics or other outings, are $14 to $19 each.
2750 Dewey Rd., San Diego, California, 92106, USA
Known For
- Fluffy raisin brioche cinnamon rolls
- Sandwiches served in half portions
- Box lunches to go
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Tues. and Wed.
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$ | |
Perfect for beer lovers with kids, this popular, laid-back Coronado brewpub offers a menu that features large portions of basic bar food like burgers, sandwiches, pizza, and salads. Enjoy a brew at a pair of sidewalk terraces or belly up to the bar and a new batch being made such as the Islander Pale Ale (IPA) or Mermaid's Red Ale.
170 Orange Ave., San Diego, California, 92118, USA
Known For
- A good selection of house-crafted beers
- Kids' menu
- More strollers than bar stools
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$ | Balboa Park |
Enjoy views of the Bea Evenson Fountain from the patio of this quick lunch option outside the Fleet Science Center. The menu offers everything from flatbreads, sandwiches, and soups to smoothies, specialty coffees, and soft-serve ice cream.
1875 El Prado, San Diego, California, 92101, USA
Known For
- Fountain views
- Smoothies and specialty coffees
- Color-changing ice-cream spoons
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$ | Old Town |
If traveling back in time has left you tired and hungry, Old Town's Fiesta de Reyes has several options for a quick recharge. Old Town Jerky and Root Beer offers a good selection of snacks, fresh lemonade, and, of course, jerky and root beer. If you're with kids, consider Barra Barra Saloon where the tequila flows and kids eat free with a matching adult, and if you're visiting between Friday and Sunday, look for the booth marked Street Tacos for a quick meal.
4016 Wallace St., San Diego, California, 92110, USA
Known For
- Good place to grab a quick bite
- Kid-friendly
- Fun shopping options
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$ | North Park |
Reopened after a recent remodel, this North Park spot is an authentic and eclectic stop for barbecue—both Texas-style and Argentine—with patio dining to preserve the feeling of a backyard fete, even if someone else is cooking. Meat is served by the pound (or half- or quarter-pound—there's no minimum order when you're selecting between brisket, hot links, smoked turkey or ribs) or available as a sandwich, for those who prefer some carbs with their protein.
3302 32nd St., San Diego, California, 92104, USA
Known For
- Casual backyard BBQ vibe with long, communal picnic tables
- Sunday Argentine BBQ dinner
- Smoked, grilled meats by the pound
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues.
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$$ | Hillcrest |
Big caloric portions and long lines are hallmarks of this Southern-accented comfort food destination where hungry regulars from near and far line up for an indulgent meal in the crowded (and sometimes noisy) dining room. Bring an appetite and a friend; sharing plates is a necessity here.
3628 5th Ave., San Diego, California, 92103, USA
Known For
- Decadent sage-fried-chicken eggs Benedict
- Huge portions perfect for sharing
- Inventive and generously garnished cocktails
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No dinner
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$ | |
San Diego's first microbrewery now has multiple locations, but the original one remains a staple. This locale draws an after-work crowd for German-inspired pub food and pints of Red Trolley Ale and later fills with beer connoisseurs from all walks of life to try Karl's latest concoctions.
1157 Columbia St., San Diego, California, 92101, USA
Known For
- Beer pretzels with ale cheese dip
- Beeramisu dessert, made with Imperial Stout
- More than a dozen rotating and seasonal beers on tap
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$ | Pacific Beach |
Surfers, bicyclists, and sun worshippers visiting or living in Pacific Beach line up at the counter of this casual seaside café for hearty breakfasts and lunches. Some chow down inside surrounded by surfing decor, while others watch waves crash from the outdoor patio. Walk off your meal along the bustling boardwalk, which also offers prime people-watching.
704 Garnet Ave., San Diego, California, 92109, USA
Known For
- Huge breakfast portions
- Local favorite for breakfast burritos
- Great people-watching along the boardwalk
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No dinner
