Guidebook for San Diego
Food Scene
This super popular outdoor BBQ place is just around the corner and it is a favorite with locals. They open at noon and 6pm and sell delicious brisket, pulled pork, and rotating specials that are always outstanding. Closing time is when they sell out, which sometimes happens within an hour or two- check Twitter for updates about when they are getting close to selling out. Lines get crazy but we think it's worth the wait.
You didn't hear it from us, but many people buy a delicious local craft beer at the liquor store across the street and bring it along in a brown bag to enjoy along with their BBQ. There is occasional live music on the weekends.
60 recommandé par les habitants
Grand Ole BBQ Y Asado
3302 32nd StThis super popular outdoor BBQ place is just around the corner and it is a favorite with locals. They open at noon and 6pm and sell delicious brisket, pulled pork, and rotating specials that are always outstanding. Closing time is when they sell out, which sometimes happens within an hour or two- check Twitter for updates about when they are getting close to selling out. Lines get crazy but we think it's worth the wait.
You didn't hear it from us, but many people buy a delicious local craft beer at the liquor store across the street and bring it along in a brown bag to enjoy along with their BBQ. There is occasional live music on the weekends.
Santos is a family owned coffee shop where you will sometimes find proprietors Dawn or Christina behind the counter. They have a full selection of coffee and espresso drinks, Hawaiian Shave Ice, and bagels and baked goods. We love the Heaven on a Plate bagel with pesto cream cheese and tomatoes.
Santos is an easy walk from your studio and a great place to start your day with a cup of coffee on the patio or settle in with your laptop. Dogs are welcome on the patio.
47 recommandé par les habitants
Santos Coffee House
3191 Thorn StSantos is a family owned coffee shop where you will sometimes find proprietors Dawn or Christina behind the counter. They have a full selection of coffee and espresso drinks, Hawaiian Shave Ice, and bagels and baked goods. We love the Heaven on a Plate bagel with pesto cream cheese and tomatoes.
Santos is an easy walk from your studio and a great place to start your day with a cup of coffee on the patio or settle in with your laptop. Dogs are welcome on the patio.
Alexander's is nice for a date night or celebration with its pretty decor, extensive wine list, and nice outdoor patio where they project movies. The lobster ravioli is delicious, and there is a wide selection of fresh pasta dishes, seafood, steaks, and pizzas.
101 recommandé par les habitants
Alexander's
3391 30th StAlexander's is nice for a date night or celebration with its pretty decor, extensive wine list, and nice outdoor patio where they project movies. The lobster ravioli is delicious, and there is a wide selection of fresh pasta dishes, seafood, steaks, and pizzas.
Dunedin is a relatively new addition to our North Park restaurant scene and it has been a welcome one. The indoor/outdoor space is perfect for San Diego weather and the food is delicious. Lamb, fish and chips, and other New Zealand inspired dishes are on the menu, our favorite items are the fried green tomato and burrata salad and the soup and sammie bites.
44 recommandé par les habitants
Dunedin New Zealand Eats
3501 30th StDunedin is a relatively new addition to our North Park restaurant scene and it has been a welcome one. The indoor/outdoor space is perfect for San Diego weather and the food is delicious. Lamb, fish and chips, and other New Zealand inspired dishes are on the menu, our favorite items are the fried green tomato and burrata salad and the soup and sammie bites.
Tobeys is hidden away and seems to have been untouched by time. The basic diner food is good, the service is always very friendly if not always swift, and the real stand out is the panoramic view of Balboa Park and the San Diego skyline. You won't find a more affordable place with a better view.
18 recommandé par les habitants
Tobeys 19th Hole Restaurant
2600 Golf Course DrTobeys is hidden away and seems to have been untouched by time. The basic diner food is good, the service is always very friendly if not always swift, and the real stand out is the panoramic view of Balboa Park and the San Diego skyline. You won't find a more affordable place with a better view.
The best of our local (read: walking distance) casual fine dining options is the Smoking Goat. They have an interesting New American/French bistro menu with local, seasonal items and an interesting wine list. The prix fixe menu at about $40 per person is a pretty good value.
114 recommandé par les habitants
The Smoking Goat Restaurant
3408 30th StThe best of our local (read: walking distance) casual fine dining options is the Smoking Goat. They have an interesting New American/French bistro menu with local, seasonal items and an interesting wine list. The prix fixe menu at about $40 per person is a pretty good value.
The Big Kitchen, run by the incomparable "Judy the Beauty" is a combination of breakfast place and community center that is a home away from home for many colorful characters. Try the avocado and cream cheese omelette or the ridiculously big pancakes, everything we have ever tried on the menu has been good. Please note that they don't take credit cards, cash is preferred or they will even take a personal check.
80 recommandé par les habitants
Big Kitchen Café
3003 Grape StreetThe Big Kitchen, run by the incomparable "Judy the Beauty" is a combination of breakfast place and community center that is a home away from home for many colorful characters. Try the avocado and cream cheese omelette or the ridiculously big pancakes, everything we have ever tried on the menu has been good. Please note that they don't take credit cards, cash is preferred or they will even take a personal check.
Drinks & Nightlife
The Thorn Street Brewery is a favorite for a mixed crowd of beer enthusiasts, along with their kids (before 8 pm) and their dogs. There is a food truck parked outside every day- our favorite is the Mexican sushi truck, we suggest that you give the Greek truck a miss but all the other options are great.
It's not obvious from the front that there is a whole huge open air area in the back!
You can have a pint or do a flight, check their website to see what options they have on tap currently. You will also find event listings there, from pub quiz evenings to beer, cheese, and truffle tastings they have a lot going on.
129 recommandé par les habitants
Thorn St. Brewery
3176 Thorn StThe Thorn Street Brewery is a favorite for a mixed crowd of beer enthusiasts, along with their kids (before 8 pm) and their dogs. There is a food truck parked outside every day- our favorite is the Mexican sushi truck, we suggest that you give the Greek truck a miss but all the other options are great.
It's not obvious from the front that there is a whole huge open air area in the back!
You can have a pint or do a flight, check their website to see what options they have on tap currently. You will also find event listings there, from pub quiz evenings to beer, cheese, and truffle tastings they have a lot going on.
Bluefoot is a neighborhood bar with a relaxed feel during the week that ramps up for weekends. If you are a soccer fan this is the place to go while there is a match on- but forget about getting a seat for big games if you are not there extra early. There is a back room that turns in to a dance floor Friday and Saturday nights, there is often a mix of hip hop and top 40 but there are occasional theme nights.
You can have food delivered from nearby Tacos Perla and Lefty's Chicago Pizza, both of which are delicious. There are two pool tables and an outside patio (where dogs are welcome until 8:00 pm).
56 recommandé par les habitants
Bluefoot Bar and Lounge
3404 30th StBluefoot is a neighborhood bar with a relaxed feel during the week that ramps up for weekends. If you are a soccer fan this is the place to go while there is a match on- but forget about getting a seat for big games if you are not there extra early. There is a back room that turns in to a dance floor Friday and Saturday nights, there is often a mix of hip hop and top 40 but there are occasional theme nights.
You can have food delivered from nearby Tacos Perla and Lefty's Chicago Pizza, both of which are delicious. There are two pool tables and an outside patio (where dogs are welcome until 8:00 pm).
Modern Times has a few locations throughout San Diego- at this one you can get delivery from Tacos Perla and settle in to enjoy one of Modern Times signature beers. They make a lot of delicious stouts and IPA's.
It's an easy walk from your studio, and parking is difficult enough in the area it's best to leave the car at home.
106 recommandé par les habitants
Modern Times Flavordome
3000 Upas StModern Times has a few locations throughout San Diego- at this one you can get delivery from Tacos Perla and settle in to enjoy one of Modern Times signature beers. They make a lot of delicious stouts and IPA's.
It's an easy walk from your studio, and parking is difficult enough in the area it's best to leave the car at home.
Essentials
Parkside is a small neighborhood grocery store with a surprisingly wide range of products. They have a butcher counter where you can pick up some tasty Italian sausages to throw on the grill, a small fresh produce section, fresh bread from local bakery Bread and Cie (plus half price day old loaves!), and plenty of beer, wine, and other beverages.
You'll be able to tell you are in California by the array of kombucha, gluten free products, and milk and sugar substitutes :)
39 recommandé par les habitants
Parkside Market
3209 Thorn StParkside is a small neighborhood grocery store with a surprisingly wide range of products. They have a butcher counter where you can pick up some tasty Italian sausages to throw on the grill, a small fresh produce section, fresh bread from local bakery Bread and Cie (plus half price day old loaves!), and plenty of beer, wine, and other beverages.
You'll be able to tell you are in California by the array of kombucha, gluten free products, and milk and sugar substitutes :)
Baron's is like a more affordable, family run Whole Foods. They have a lot of great produce, fish, meat, etc and you'll find ingredients for any dietary restrictions. It's a 15-20 minute walk and a quick car ride away, note that there is the street level parking lot as well as underground parking that you can access from Bancroft Street.
65 recommandé par les habitants
Barons Market North Park
3231 University AveBaron's is like a more affordable, family run Whole Foods. They have a lot of great produce, fish, meat, etc and you'll find ingredients for any dietary restrictions. It's a 15-20 minute walk and a quick car ride away, note that there is the street level parking lot as well as underground parking that you can access from Bancroft Street.
Smart & Final is the most affordable local option for groceries, it's not the most pleasant shopping experience but they have all the standard items at a low cost.
69 recommandé par les habitants
Smart & Final Extra!
6235 El Cajon BlvdSmart & Final is the most affordable local option for groceries, it's not the most pleasant shopping experience but they have all the standard items at a low cost.
Entertainment & Activities
The Bud Kearns pool is a short distance away in Balboa Park and it's a great place to cool off on a hot summer day. Day passes are very inexpensive and it's a nice 20 minute walk in the park (or 5 minute drive) to get there.
22 recommandé par les habitants
Bud Kearns Memorial Swimming Pool
2229 Morley Field DrThe Bud Kearns pool is a short distance away in Balboa Park and it's a great place to cool off on a hot summer day. Day passes are very inexpensive and it's a nice 20 minute walk in the park (or 5 minute drive) to get there.
Digital Gym is a nonprofit theater showing independent films and documentaries. They host educational programming and workshops and have a quirky gift shop with interesting items.
12 recommandé par les habitants
Digital Gym CINEMA
1100 El Cajon BlvdDigital Gym is a nonprofit theater showing independent films and documentaries. They host educational programming and workshops and have a quirky gift shop with interesting items.
Parks & Nature
Balboa Park is one of the things I miss most when I am not in San Diego, it is beautiful and so big you could spend a month just exploring the park. One edge of the park (Bird Park) is within walking distance of your studio, other parts (like the Prado and the zoo) may be better reached with a car or public transportation.
The botanical garden, rose garden, succulent garden, Old Globe Theatre, and beer garden at the SD Museum of Art called Panama 66 are all favorites. The Coast to Cactus exhibit at the Natural History Museum gives you an interesting overview of our region, and the Museum of Photographic Arts always has interesting exhibits.
3290 recommandé par les habitants
Balboa Park
Balboa Park is one of the things I miss most when I am not in San Diego, it is beautiful and so big you could spend a month just exploring the park. One edge of the park (Bird Park) is within walking distance of your studio, other parts (like the Prado and the zoo) may be better reached with a car or public transportation.
The botanical garden, rose garden, succulent garden, Old Globe Theatre, and beer garden at the SD Museum of Art called Panama 66 are all favorites. The Coast to Cactus exhibit at the Natural History Museum gives you an interesting overview of our region, and the Museum of Photographic Arts always has interesting exhibits.
There are canyon walking trails throughout the neighborhood, including one that lets out at the bottom of the "Juniper Dip" nearby. They are great for exploring on your own or with your dog.
Juniper Street
Juniper StreetThere are canyon walking trails throughout the neighborhood, including one that lets out at the bottom of the "Juniper Dip" nearby. They are great for exploring on your own or with your dog.
Arts & Culture
The Lambda Archives works to collect, preserve, and teach the LGBTQ history of San Diego and Northern Baja. You can visit the archives for free, attend their "Out at the Archives" programming, or go on the walking tour of LGBTQ history in Hillcrest (the next neighborhood over). Check out their website at lambdaarchives.us for more information.
Lambda Archives of San Diego
4545 Park BlvdThe Lambda Archives works to collect, preserve, and teach the LGBTQ history of San Diego and Northern Baja. You can visit the archives for free, attend their "Out at the Archives" programming, or go on the walking tour of LGBTQ history in Hillcrest (the next neighborhood over). Check out their website at lambdaarchives.us for more information.
Art Produce is a gallery where you will find workshops and art activities, an outdoor beer garden with a nice selection of brews and occasional live music, and work by local artists.
Art Produce Gallery
3139 University AveArt Produce is a gallery where you will find workshops and art activities, an outdoor beer garden with a nice selection of brews and occasional live music, and work by local artists.
An evening at Finest City Improv is fun to combine with drinks at the iconic Red Fox Room, a suitably dark piano bar with stiff drinks and steaks on offer.
Finest City Improv
3746 Sixth AvenueAn evening at Finest City Improv is fun to combine with drinks at the iconic Red Fox Room, a suitably dark piano bar with stiff drinks and steaks on offer.
The Old Globe is a fun place to see small productions in the middle of Balboa Park. The Prado often has a pre- or post- theatre special menu that is worth taking advantage of!
96 recommandé par les habitants
Théâtre The Old Globe
1363 Old Globe WayThe Old Globe is a fun place to see small productions in the middle of Balboa Park. The Prado often has a pre- or post- theatre special menu that is worth taking advantage of!
Sightseeing
On the weekend the Houses of Hospitality in Balboa Park organize refreshments and entertainment from their home countries. You can take a stroll through the houses and learn about different cultures in an iconically San Diego setting.
House of Hospitality
1549 El PradoOn the weekend the Houses of Hospitality in Balboa Park organize refreshments and entertainment from their home countries. You can take a stroll through the houses and learn about different cultures in an iconically San Diego setting.
Old Town is an interesting place to visit and learn about San Diego's early days. There are free walking tours leaving a few times each afternoon, and they are very informative and fun. There is usually live music at one of the stages near the main square and there are always roaming mariachis.
1070 recommandé par les habitants
Old Town
Old Town is an interesting place to visit and learn about San Diego's early days. There are free walking tours leaving a few times each afternoon, and they are very informative and fun. There is usually live music at one of the stages near the main square and there are always roaming mariachis.
Chicano Park is located under the Coronado Bridge and features the country's largest collection of outdoor murals. It was designated as a National Historic Landmark last year because of richness of the public art and because of the role it played in the civil rights movement. For some of the best tacos anywhere combine your visit to Chicano Park with a stop at La Fachada (20 25th Street).
51 recommandé par les habitants
Parc Chicano
Chicano Park is located under the Coronado Bridge and features the country's largest collection of outdoor murals. It was designated as a National Historic Landmark last year because of richness of the public art and because of the role it played in the civil rights movement. For some of the best tacos anywhere combine your visit to Chicano Park with a stop at La Fachada (20 25th Street).