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 Chinese comfort food |
7330 Clairemont Mesa Boulevard (Suite A-102) San Diego, CA 92111 United States +1 858 268 1168 |
This no-frills Taiwanese eaterie offers casual dining for good value and draws a steady stream of fans from all ethnicities, many of them on their way to or from grocery shopping at the Asian market, 99 Ranch, right next door. Service may occasionally be spotty, but the food here is tasty and authentic. Of note are the Beef Noodle Soup, Seafood Casserole and Pork with Dried Bean Curd. There is also a wonderful assortment of cold side dishes such as Drunken Chicken and Braised Bamboo Shoots. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Fifth Avenue flavor |
756 Fifth Ave San Diego, CA 92101 United States +1 619 233 2838 |
This is the perfect stop for fast, delicious Mexican food. Get your mouth set for piping hot, handmade corn tortillas and the best Alambres this side of Mexico City. Everything here is tasty including the tacos, fajitas and all the other Mexican classics. The service is friendly and fast, the vibe good and the room bright. Sit back and enjoy your meal and you are off into the night. Super cheap prices are less than $10. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 24-hour fun |
1932 Wildcat Canyon Road San Diego, CA 92040 United States +1 619 443 2300 / +1 888 722 7062 http://www.barona.com |
Thirty miles northeast of downtown is this Las Vegas-like 24-hour casino. If you are looking for a little excitement, try your luck at slots, video poker, cards, or satellite wagering. With buffets, a fast-food court and even a sit-down steak house on the premises, there is never a need to take a break in the action. Live entertainment is provided. There is also a hotel, with a 24 hours room service facility, adjacent to the casino. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Andrew C. Hilton |
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No blarney here |
5617 Balboa Avenue (at Genesee Avenue) San Diego, CA 92111 United States +1 858 279 2033 http://www.blarneystonesandieg... |
This established San Diego chain of Irish pubs invaded the Gaslamp Quarter, grabbing a prime corner location on the Convention Center edge of the district. Its charming Irish feel (with a somewhat un-Irish outdoor patio seating section) snags passersby, enticing them to come in and enjoy its ambiance. The late-night hours make this a popular spot among the 20-something local crowd, as well as among visitors seeking a lively evening. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Gregg O'Connell  |
 Photo: Gregg O'Connell |
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Classic 50s coffee shop |
1451 Washington Street San Diego, CA 92103 United States +1 619 296 8268 |
Theme restaurants spend millions trying to re-create what this unashamed coffee shop really is: a holdover from the 1950s, relatively unscathed by remodeling. This restaurant's charm is in its simplicity. It is plain, fun and comfortable, with "genuine naughahyde" booths lining the windows, a counter in the rear and cooks on parade behind the pass-through window. Cheap and good, the breakfast special includes pancakes or a waffle, plus two eggs, bacon and sausage. Dinner specials vary, but can include dishes like the tasty Barbecue Boneless Chicken Breast. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: koopa |
 Photo: koopa |
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A true winner all around |
2401 Camino Del Rio South San Diego, CA 92108 United States +1 619 291 2665 http://www.bullyssandiego.com/ |
The exterior is not anything special, with a partly enclosed patio on one side of a vaguely English-looking part-timbered building. However, the jammed parking lot is an indication of this spot's popularity. Try a Bully Burger, served with a fresh salad and choice of potato; the good deals extend into heartier fare, including prime rib, steaks, seafood and pasta. Expect a wait most nights. Dinner is served until midnight, every night. There is a good wine list, plus a range of beers. The full bar offers premium pours. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Breakfast panones to midnight lasagnes |
419 F Street San Diego, CA 92101 United States +1 619 238 0114 |
Sit outside on this cafe's sidewalk terrace and watch the world go by while you drink a beer or a glass of wine. Whether it is Panones or pancakes for breakfast to start your day, a large veggie sandwich to keep you going, or an enormous plate of lasagne served with a mixed salad and baguette to start your evening, then this is your rendezvous. Weekend night owls gather here for a chat and a coffee. No credit cards are accepted, but there is an ATM on the premises. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Metal meets menu |
558 Fourth Avenue San Diego, CA 92101 United States +1 619 232 4483 |
This restaurant offers a slick modernist atmosphere and a trendy Generation X/Y crowd to match. Depending on the diner's mood, this open, metallic, black, white and gray restaurant lit with flame-colored lighting can seem limitless and expansive, or cold and industrial. "Modern American" cuisine is the approach here, which in these times means a richly varied menu where Gourmet Wontons elbow jerk Scallops and Japanese Eggplant shakes hands with Portabella Mushrooms. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Christian Crowe |
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Old-style, comfortable deli |
535 University Avenue San Diego, CA 92103 United States +1 619 295 2747 |
This delicatessen in the heart of Hillcrest stays open late for those who like late-night dining. It is located on a busy corner, and the windows all around offer plenty of people-watching opportunities. All pastries, including cakes and cheesecake, are baked fresh on the premises. Corned Beef on Rye and Chopped Liver, served with kosher dills, are favorites here. Servings are large and prices are moderate. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Dale Welcome |
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In Honor of Jim |
802 Fifth Avenue San Diego, CA 92101 United States +1 619 233 4355 http://www.croces.com |
Named for the late, great singer Jim Croce, this trendy spot in the downtown Gaslamp Quarter is an ideal place for people-watching, while enjoying live jazz entertainment. From time to time, the late performer's son (now known in his own right), pops in with his friends to jam. The food is good, unpretentious American and you cannot go wrong with the selection of steaks and seafood, particularly the Grilled Ahi or Swordfish. Dinner entrees range from USD24.95 - 32.95. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: icon tact |
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Beware of waiters here |
345 Fourth Avenue San Diego, CA 92101 United States +1 619 231 9100 http://www.dickslastresort.com/ |
Unless you have a thick skin, do not bother to visit this dining and music venue. The servers are actually schooled on being obnoxious; all in good fun, of course, but it can be a little unsettling when your server wraps you up in toilet paper or throws paper napkins across the room. People come for the heaping buckets of steaming crab legs, shrimp, burgers or ribs served with heaps of french-fried potatoes. A full bar and nightly live entertainment are offered. Dining is available inside and on the patio. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: David and Rose Stockman |
 Photo: Xenia S. Galaviz |
 Photo: Glenn's GISuser.com Map, Mash-up & GIS PhotoBlog ( |
 Photo: David Jakes |
 Photo: Xenia S. Galaviz |
 Photo: Arnold / hanapbuhay |
 Photo: Dominic Williams |
 Photo: Dominic Williams |
 Photo: Jeff C |
 Your Neighborhood Meeting Place |
708 4th Avenue San Diego, CA 92101 United States +1 619 239 9994 http://www.hennesseysgaslamp.com/ |
In the heart of San Diego's Gaslamp district, Hennessey's Tavern serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner seven days a week with the only kitchen in the Gaslamp Quarter open until 1am. There are three rooms to choose from, a wide array of domestic and imported beers on tap, and the food choices are just as remarkable! Two full service bars serve beer, cocktails, and spirits for Karaoke Tuesday nights, or live music on Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday nights (check website for listings). Look for daily specials and enjoy breakfast, steak, fish, or specialty burgers for a great deal and downtown view. -Lawrence Hocog Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Great for night people |
3871 Fourth Avenue San Diego, CA 92103 United States +1 619 291 9449 |
Got a craving for Chicken Chow Mein in the wee small hours of the morning? Or maybe you just have to taste an order of Pork Fried Rice? Whatever the reason, this place fits the bill with good, down-to-earth, tasty, unpretentious fare at fair prices. Recently remodeled, regulars think they took out some of the charm, but the food remains delicious. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Tom Cruise ate here |
610 West Market Street San Diego, CA 92101 United States +1 619 231 9680 http://www.kcbbq.net |
Offering a huge patio with a terrific view of the harbor, this venue is famous for its role in the film Top Gun (Tom Cruise and Kelly McGillis ate here in the movie). Clientele ranges from curious tourists to diehard regulars who flock here for the "real" food. The barbecued chicken and rib meals come with all-American side dishes like corn on the cob, tasty fries, coleslaw and potato salad. Beers on tap and mixed drinks are available. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: ra64 |
 Photo: Amanda & Ryan Groe |
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Delicious Late Night Food Joint |
5026 Newport Avenue San Diego, CA 92107 United States +1 619 224 8088 |
When leaving the Sunshine Company Limited Bar late at night, there is really only one choice: Livingston's Chicken Kitchen, a place known for its Mexican and chicken oriented specialties. However, this small restaurant is far more than just a late night food stop. With a huge menu that includes anything from burritos to chicken fingers, Livingston's is a staple for Ocean Beach locals and visitors at any time of day or night. Treat yourself to the affordable rotisserie chicken meal or any of the enchilada/taco platters. Just want a bite to eat while you shoot pool next door? No worries, the chips and salsa appetizer is a delicious and accommodating snack. -Eric Fischgrund Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Contemporary Indian |
314 5th Avenue (at K Street) San Diego, CA 92101 United States +1 619 232 4634 / +1 619 232 5050 http://www.masalarestaurant.com/ |
Masala is an Indian restaurant like no other. Here, an appetizer of naan and hummus is called "Love Story" (referring to the love between bread and dip). Little touches like this make dinner at Masala an experience to cherish. The décor blends contemporary chic with a dash of traditional Indian imagery. There is a whole menu just for chutney choices (try the date, the cranberry, the banana, the mango or the mint). The lengthy lists of chicken and lamb entrees (curried, tandooried or otherwise) will make you salivate. A number of fresh seafood specialties and luscious vegetarian dishes round out the offerings, and don't forget that the bar area rivals anything in the area in terms of downtown attitude. See website for full menu, chef bio, virtual tour and more. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Authentic Shanghainese specialties |
4681 Convoy Street San Diego, CA 92111 United States +1 858 569 4833 |
This Chinese restaurant in a bright pink strip mall along Convoy Street serves up authentic Shanghainese cuisine along with the standard Chinese fare, all of it good and cheap. Typical Shanghainese dishes include the tender Braised Lion's Head Meatballs and the succulent Shanghai Five Flavored Duck. Or try the dim sum specialties such as Steamed Pork Buns, Leek Pancakes and Eight Treasure Rice. There is a weekday lunch buffet which offers a great chance to try many items. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Slices, Pints & More |
425 S Melrose Drive San Diego, CA 92081 United States +1 760 295 3851 http://www.oggis.com/ |
Oggi's (pronounced "oh jeez") is a beloved regional chain of pizzerias, many with an in-house brewery. The Vista location is the cream of the crop, famous for signature brews like Hop Juice. In addition to beer, they make a decent pizza, as well as a number of other pub-grub staples. There is a booth-heavy dining area that is positively family friendly, and the bar area has its own cluster of tables and booths, from which you can watch any of more than a dozen television screens, showing sporting events from all over the world. There is a full bar, so even if beer isn't your thing, you can get loaded and cheer your favorite team with the best of 'em. See website for menus and other locations. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: D.B. Blas |
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Fish and Fish |
904 Fifth Avenue San Diego, CA 92101 United States +1 619 239 1800 http://www.osetrafishhouse.com |
Osetra features haute cuisine with a focus on seafood. The restaurant has gained popularity in a relatively short span of time. The menu includes hot and cold appetizers, salads and soups, meat and of course, fish. An interesting feature is the multi-level tower that stocks a huge collection of the finest wines. You will be impressed by the Wine Angel who flies up to get your pick of the evening. This restaurant also has an oyster bar, caviar bar and an ice bar. The lounge and the tastefully designed dining area have a seating capacity of 250 and can be an ideal venue for special events. Stop by for an experience you won't forget. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Come for the Garbage Pizza |
860 Garnet Ave San Diego, CA 92109 United States +1 858 272 4745 http://www.pbbarandgrill.com |
Located in Pacific Beach, this restaurant offers superb pizza. Try the Garbage Pizza or the Mexican Pizza, which substitutes layered flour tortillas for pizza dough. Other tasty treats include coconut-covered shrimp, pasta, sandwiches, burgers, gyros, prime rib and a large selection of "south of the border" dishes like tacos and fajitas. For those with late-night pizza cravings, this spot stays open nightly until 1:45a. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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A little spice |
731 Fifth Avenue San Diego, CA 92101 United States +1 619 234 7226 |
Step inside this faithful replica of a Louisiana roadhouse, start off with a Hurricane Rum Punch, and then order up a Crawfish Etoufee or a Blackened Cajun Chicken dinner. Featuring Cajun cuisine, this venue has spice not only in its entrees, but also in the atmosphere. Dine at the bar, brick dining room or outside patio. As an added bonus, enjoy live jazz and blues music on Thursday-Saturday evenings. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Nice! |
421 West B Street The W San Diego Hotel San Diego, CA 92101 United States +1 619 231 8220 http://www.ricesandiego.com/ |
Located at the W Hotel, this radiant, colourful and cozy restaurant is as fancy as the hotel itself. Dark shades of red, orange, green, gold, and violet dominate its interiors; and the curved seating, suede couches and cushions only add to the comfort. The menu isn't as fancy but offers a good variety - sandwiches, burgers, seafood, dessert, and cheese. Just make sure you order the signature Rice Rolls for starters - they're delicious! There is also a late night menu for those whose stomach growls post 11p. And the innovative 'Jazz in Rice' event takes place every Wednesday between 7p and 10p. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Dining done right |
2900 El Cajon Boulevard San Diego, CA 92104 United States +1 619 282 8423 http://www.rudfords.com/ |
This classic, genuine diner is a magnet for locals and an inexpensive 24-hour surprise for travelers. It offers plain yet authentic diner decor, complete with the traditional diner counter. The venue offers standard American fare, with inexpensive daily specials for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Look for classic hamburgers and all the dishes newer diners try to master. This spot has been cooking traditional specialties the way Mom did for decades. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Exotic Persian Cuisine |
828 Fifth Ave San Diego, CA 92101 United States +1 619 338 0008 http://www.sadafrestaurants.com |
The spicy aroma wafting out the door only hints at the delicious taste of the Persian food inside—and it is all the more enjoyable being low in fat and cholesterol. Here, the hands-down favorite is the Sadaf Special, which includes tender chunks of filet mignon, chicken and white fish on a bed of rice or saffron. The dinner prices are modest for the bustling Gaslamp location. It is an ideal spot for informal business or leisure dining. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: shabizak |
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Succulent Chinese barbecue |
7330 Claremont Mesa Blvd San Diego, CA 92111 United States +1 858 505 9888 |
Tucked away in the back of a shopping complex, this restaurant makes no pretensions to high dining. Instead it is typically loud and full of hungry patrons stuffing themselves from an array of dishes. In the take-out section on the side, recently barbecued fowl are strung up for the admiring. The chicken in soy sauce, roast duck and barbecue pork are all good. Almost every other kind of Cantonese and Szechuan dish can also be found here. Try the Rock Cod Filet with Black Bean Sauce or the Sam Woo Hot Pot. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Deluxe late-night dining |
3768 Mission Boulevard San Diego, CA 92109 United States +1 858 488 7311 http://www.saskas.com/ |
This place is a shrine to the steak and eating well. The Saska is a 10-ounce piece of top sirloin steak, broiled perfectly by chefs who know the difference between rare and medium rare. There is also a huge selection of sushi, sashimi and combination platters, with the signature Dynamite Lobster, a choice tail served in spicy Dynamite sauce. Service is casual but competent and friendly. Vaguely Nouveau Deco and very pink exterior contrasts with the solidly traditional red leather booths and steaks that are the mainstay of this restaurant. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Spanish Passion |
555 Fourth Ave San Diego, CA 92101 United States +1 619 233 5979 http://www.cafesevilla.com/ |
This intensely romantic restaurant offers outstanding Tapas—small, savory dishes served as appetizers or as an entire meal. The salmon, pine nut and cranberry empanada is particularly good, and the rich melted mancheco cheese in the Queso Fundido smears over the crusty bread in a very satisfying way. Enjoy the Tapas in the music-filled bar or dine on a full Spanish meal in the adjacent dining room. The downstairs nightclub is a big draw and also offers dance lessons some nights. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Premium American cuisine |
1005 Prospect St San Diego, CA 92037 United States +1 858 459 0800 |
This trendy La Jolla joint is "the spot" for nightlife and premium cuisine. The bar is popular among thirty-something professionals. Expect to find large crowds, particularly on weekends. Many customers visit this place for one main culinary reason: steak. Utilizing the famous Al Farber's Char-Crust Spices, this restaurant offers a bevy of tantalizing steak specialties. Try the hometown-favorite Junior Seau Steak. And, for those customers who cannot get enough of the homemade barbeque sauce, purchase a bottle to take home. They also serve great hamburgers and sandwiches. See website for full menu. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Three-Level Nightclub Deluxe |
454 6th Avenue San Diego, CA 92101 United States +1 619 544 9500 http://www.stingsandiego.com/ |
Stingaree is a Goliath of a night spot. The ground floor is a proper restaurant/nightclub, replete with a full dinner menu and a full dance floor. The bar is famous for its extensive wine list and specialty cocktails (including the "Berry Manilow"). The food menu is awash in French, Italian and Mediterranean influences, all served with a dash of Californian flair, and always full of the freshest local and seasonal ingredients. Choose from small plates like the seafood "Menage a Trois," or no-nonsense entrees like Lobster Linguine. Up one flight of stairs is the Mezzanine, a more intimate lounge-style area where revelers can sip drinks and survey the action down below. Keep heading skyward and you'll find yourself on the Rooftop Oasis with a fire pit by your side and a cool breeze in your hair. See website for menus, wine list, happy hour info, event calendar, online reservations and more. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Everybody Must Get Stoned! |
1999 Citracado Parkway (between Andreasan Drive & Vineyard Avenue) San Diego, CA 92029 United States +1 760 471 4999 http://www.stoneworldbistro.com/ |
Perched high on a hill in the industrial outskirts of Escondido, Stone World Bistro is quite literally a desert oasis. The cavernous dining room is adorned with slabs of granite, beams of steel and a 30-foot bamboo tree. The bar sits in one corner, in the shadow of the brewery's series of two-story brew kettles (which you can see up close and personal on the free daily brewery tour). Across the way, airplane-hangar-like doors open onto the facility's centerpiece, a beautifully manicured patio and garden about the size of a city block. Pathways snake past lawns, fountains, a creek, and a fire pit. Pick a spot and down a pint or two of the award-winning homemade beer (including rarities like Oaked Arrogant Bastard). The food menu is a cut above your average pub grub, focusing on locally raised seasonal ingredients and exotic preparations. The on-site gift shop features everything from Arrogant Bastard hoodies to freshly jugged beer to go. See website for full menu, beer info, event calendar, online shopping, tour schedule and more. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
