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 Airport-edge dining |
8885 Balboa Ave San Diego, CA 93123 United States +1 858 560 6771 http://www.94thaerosquadron.si... |
An inviting French farmhouse re-creation holds this aero plane-themed restaurant, one of a chain built next to small airports. Watch light aircraft land and take off as you dine in a World War I atmosphere accented with authentic military memorabilia. French-inspired and meaty dishes fill most of the menu, with a few lighter choices. Early Flight dinners offer Prime Rib, London Broil, Fish of the Day and other entrees. From the dinner menu, Rack of Lamb is a customer favorite. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Best Breakfast award winner |
1201 Hotel Circle South San Diego, CA 92108 United States +1 619 291 1103 |
Winner of the San Diego Magazine Best Breakfast Award, this spot is always crowded by locals and businesspeople. If it is breakfast food, it is offered here! But do not expect lunch, because you will not find it. Obviously, as the restaurant name implies, the house specialty is Steak and Eggs. Other highlights include Carne Asada and Eggs, Corn Fritters and Huevos Rancheros. The restaurant also offers breakfast classics such as waffles, pancakes and french toast. It is simple, traditional delicious down-home cooking. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Culinary artistry |
477 Camino Del Rio South San Diego, CA 92108 United States +1 619 298 4666 |
This long-standing restaurant makes your dining experience a theatrical event! It offers a culinary thrill as you watch the flying fingers of your tableside chef deftly chopping and cooking your food before your very eyes. The steaks are flavorful and tender, while the lobster is sweet and succulent. Guests may also enjoy fresh sushi at the contemporary sushi bar. Dinner entrees range from $16-36. Reservations are recommended. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Gregg O'Connell  |
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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 |
 Relaxed reading |
4496 Park Boulevard San Diego, CA 92116 United States +1 619 260 1917 |
This shop offers a charming setting in which to choose a book, sip a cup of coffee or tea, then sit down and relax. Close to Balboa Park, the light and airy cafe/bookstore brings people back time and again because of its friendly staff and great book selection. Gift items also include aromatherapy goods, pewter works, wind chimes, cards and plants. There is a computer on premises and open-mike poetry readings from 8p-10p every Wednesday. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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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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Vietnamese hunter's bounty |
7604 Linda Vista Road San Diego, CA 92111 United States +1 858 268 3161 |
Housed in a former chain restaurant's discarded shell, this Asian gem offers foods hard to find outside of Vietnam. The decor is simple, featuring floral patterned chairs and Vietnamese folk art. Rare delicacies rule the day, including dishes made with deer and wild boar, plus an abundance of seafoods. Vegetarians will delight in the textured tofu offerings, which include chewy chicken-like Do Chay Kho, tofu complete with skin, molded from pure soybeans. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Tasty food and top service |
3332 Adams Avenue San Diego, CA 92116 United States +1 619 283 0355 |
This restaurant's exterior is plain and the interior marginally comfortable, but the food and service are terrific. Homemade sauces and gourmet dishes set this venue apart from other Mexican restaurants in San Diego. Popular specialties include Pollo en Mole, chicken in a rich, spicy sauce touched with chocolate. The establishment offers a Cerveza (Beer) Brunch on Saturdays, with your choice of Mexican beer plus breakfast. Meanwhile, locals and well-informed visitors eagerly devour the popular Champagne Brunch on Sundays. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Food and Spirits |
Town and Country Resort & Convention Center 500 Hotel Circle North San Diego, CA 92108 United States +1 619 291 7131 http://www.towncountry.com |
People visit Charlie's for fun, food and spirits. You can play pool, or simply tune into one of the seven TV monitors and catch the latest game. Charlie's serves nachos, tacos, burritos, burgers, salads and pizza. If all this fails in raising your spirits, there are video games too. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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A popular place |
7067 Friars Road San Diego, CA 92108 United States +1 619 683 2800 http://www.thecheesecakefactor... |
There is no doubt about this restaurant's popularity. The wait to be seated can be as long as two hours (no reservations accepted). But patrons know they are in for an epicurean delight. On the menu, treats such as Kahlua Almond Fudge, Lemon Mousse and Brownie Sundae cheesecakes rightfully take center stage. But the entrees deserve close inspection, too. With more than 200 options (from Chinese to meatloaf), it can be impossible to make up your mind. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: mactarkus |
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More than Cheesecake |
7067 Friars Road San Diego, CA 92108 United States +1 619 683 2800 |
The Cheesecake Factory is surely the place to go when craving a rich and delectable slice of the mouth-watering dessert, but this restaurant offers much more. Serving appetizers, lunch, dinner, late night dining, Sunday Brunch, and a full bar, the Factory is a great choice for a casual dining experience. Everyone will find something to their liking with over 200 menu selections of pizza, pasta, seafood, steaks, salads, sandwiches, burgers, and more. Be sure to save room for one of the 50 delicious cheesecakes and desserts. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Garden of delight |
3057 Clairemont Drive San Diego, CA 92117 United States +1 619 275 2888 |
Operated by the owners of Mandarin Plaza, this venue offers the same great food and value, just up the hill from Mission Bay. Pleasant decor and low prices make this spot a favorite destination for families, well-informed students and all penny-pinchers who appreciate good food. The "Dinner One" includes your choice of soup, a selection of appetizers, and one entree such as Cashew Chicken, Szechwan Beef or Sweet n' Sour Pork. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Bite this burger |
7007 Friars Road San Diego, CA 92108 United States +1 619 297 3247 http://www.crocodilecafe.com/ |
This perky restaurant serves shoppers from the upscale Fashion Valley Shopping Center, as well as local business people. The decor is vaguely reminiscent of "fern bars" of the 70s and 80s, accented with bright tile work and wicker chairs. Everything here has a little twist to it. Even the grilled onions on the hamburgers are grilled red onions, cooking up to an unexpected blue color. Blue food is a trademark; the Southwestern Taquito appetizers are made of blue corn tortillas. Calzones include Southwestern Roasted Pork and Moo Shu Chicken versions. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Classic pizza grotto |
3492 Adams Avenue San Diego, CA 92116 United States +1 619 283 3153 |
This family-run Italian restaurant offers a charming atmosphere with red-and-white checkered vinyl tablecloths and cozy booths. A deli counter provides freshly made Italian specialties, including delicious butter cookies. Pizza tops the menu. Vegetarians and non-vegetarians both delight in the Asparagus and Marinated Artichoke Heart Pizza. Meanwhile, pasta is accompanied by gigantic meatballs and fresh tomato sauce. A beer and wine bar is available, as well as outside patio dining. No reservations are accepted; expect a wait on weekends. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Californian Cuisine |
7450 Hazard Center Drive San Diego, CA 92108 United States +1 619 297 5466 |
The Cafe, located in the DoubleTree Hotel Mission Valley, has a gorgeous water fountain in its central area. A perfect location to indulge in the fine California coastal cuisine, the café's Sunday brunch is very popular with locals and tourists. The restaurant offers guests a variety of Mediterranean Cuisine. It is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and is a perfect spot to unwind and recharge after a long day. It is managed by the Hilton Hotels Corporation. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Tokyo in town |
7510 Hazard Center Drive Suite 611 San Diego, CA 92108 United States +1 619 297 8282 http://www.ginza-sushi.signons... |
This spot is an energetic, contemporary sushi and Japanese restaurant with a wide variety of freshly prepared items, beautifully presented. The restaurant offers a full Japanese menu in addition to its sushi. Try the California roll or Maguro (Tuna) sashimi. Noodle dishes like Udon and Yakisoba and appetizer-size Yakitori (skewers of chicken with teriyaki sauce) are also available. Try the box-style bento specials for a combination of items. Comfortable booths and tables are an improvement on slick sushi bars in Japan. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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African flavor |
2432 El Cajon Boulevard San Diego, CA 92104 United States +1 619 295 3735 http://www.ethiopianrestaurant... |
This restaurant has never been hyped, and that's why it has maintained a low profile and never failed to impress. Come here for lovely Ethiopian cuisine and spicy African flavors. The vegan options are ample and the wine list too is not far behind. The lunch hours are vivacious with office goers and students crowding the place, while in the evenings you will see more of a family crowd. Reasonable rates, delicious preparations and apt location make this a perfect hit. And note that Harar's collection of maps, artifacts and literature pertaining to Ethiopian culture and history make it an educational experience as well as a tasty one. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Burgers and fine spirits |
7637 Balboa Avenue San Diego, CA 92111 United States +1 858 569 8866 http://www.islandsrestaurant.com/ |
This popular dining venue is loud, bright and cheerful. Everything is tropical, from the ceramic birds and fish to the greenery, tiki torches and surfboard tables. The atmosphere is casual, and kids are very welcome. On the menu, this spot is famous for huge burgers, with several different toppings. Try a giant basket of fries or onion rings for a great complement. The bar is full service with dozens of specialty tropical concoctions. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Happy Crabbing |
7610 Hazard Center Dr San Diego, CA 92108 United States +1 619 260 1111 http://www.joescrabshack.com |
This lively restaurant is not for those seeking out a quiet seafood meal, but if you are ready to party, this place is it. Periodically, sirens go off, the dance lights spin, music comes up and a carefully-rehearsed but apparently impromptu conga line of waiters and waitresses snakes through the dining area. Messy seafood is the main course here: crab claws, peel and eat shrimp, and other delights from the sea. It is popular with the college-age date crowd and young families. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Start your day off right |
5650 Balboa Avenue San Diego, CA 92111 United States |
This location is convenient to many of the industrial parks situated in the Kearny Mesa area. Many locals stop here on their way to work to start their day off right with a delicious, nutritious juice drink or smoothie. A handful of tables are available, but the venue is mostly a carry out type of restaurant. More than 35 different combinations of smoothies are available (prices start at $4.25 for a 16 ounce serving). Also available are teas, coffee and healthy snacks. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Enlightened Vegetarian Cuisine |
3351, Adams Avenue San Diego, CA 92116 United States +1 619 282 4116 http://www.jyotibihanga.com/ |
This small corner restaurant in the heart of Normal Heights is anything but normal – it's extraordinary. A mainstay for locals for years, under its airy high blue-painted ceiling it offers delicious vegetarian and vegan cuisine prepared and served by followers of Sri Chinmoy, a prolific spiritual poet and teacher who runs marathons in his spare time. The chili, when available, is fantastic and is a great choice for any non-vegetarian in the group – they won't miss the meat. A Saturday buffet is offered several times a month – call for this month's schedule. -de Traci Regula Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Ideal for a date |
500 Hotel Circle North Mission Valley San Diego, CA 92108 United States +1 619 291 7131 http://www.towncountry.com |
Located in the trendy Town & Country Resort & Convention Center, the restaurant is well worth a visit. It is a classic American steakhouse serving mouth-watering steaks and even better prime ribs. There is a good selection of chicken and seafood as well. Relax at the bar with some cocktails and enjoy the live musical performances. Don't forget to top your meal off with one of their incredible deserts. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Sophisticated, serene |
4055 Adams Avenue San Diego, CA 92116 United States +1 619 281 4014 |
Sophisticated, intimate, yet uncluttered decor creates a pleasant ambiance for young professionals, art film buffs and local Kensington couples to enjoy good, moderately priced food and drink. Outside, a narrow, candle-lit patio lets people watchers have their fill of more than just dinner. Freshly baked breads accompany most selections, which are creatively combined with ingredients of California. Choose the Mixed Greens Salad, adorned with tart dried cranberries and nuts, to complement your meal. Full bar service is available, including an extensive wine list. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Revolutionary dining |
1770 Camino De La Reina San Diego, CA 92108 United States +1 619 209 3700 http://www.ontheborder.com/men... |
Border towns in the time of revolutionary Emiliano Zapata probably did not look just like this, but relax and enjoy the Mexican decor and food, served with spirit and creativity. The dining area combines booths and tables illuminated by interesting western metal light fixtures. Old photographs, signs and vaquero cowboy gear from Mexico enhance the feeling of being in a small village. Dinner focuses on Mesquite Fired Fajitas. The OTB House margarita is an enjoyable complement to your meal. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Seafood extravaganza |
1640 Camino del Rio North (Suite 341) San Diego, CA 92108 United States +1 619 295 9774 |
This sparkling seafood buffet is perfect for those who are both hungry and health-conscious. The decor is slick and sanitary yet comfortable, with a modern charm. The offerings change daily, but the buffet stations can usually be relied on to produce dozens of kinds of sushi, shrimp in several different styles of preparation, snow crab claws, and even lobster. Add to this a seemingly endless variety of salads, everything from romaine to soybean and a naughty selection of desserts, and you begin to have an idea why this restaurant is popular. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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20 years of tradition |
3906 Convoy Street San Diego, CA 92111 United States +1 858 565 1740 http://www.originalpancakehous... |
This breakfast spot has been serving San Diego locals for more than 20 years. The cooks still make everything from scratch, including fresh-squeezed orange juice. The restaurant still features specially blended coffee, and it still has what is allegedly "the world's most copied menu". Whatever breakfast you are craving for - you will not walk away hungry. The Swedish Pancake is covered with imported Lingo berries from Sweden and is the size of a pie. The Eggs Benedict could feed three. It is easy to see why this spot has won numerous awards. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Sophisticated tastes |
7077 Friars Road San Diego, CA 92108 United States +1 619 260 8484 http://www.pfchangs.com |
Sophisticated and sexy decor is the background for potent drinks and 21st-century Chinese food offered here. If the mysterious, stylish architecture of northern China intrigues you, then you will enjoy the giant horse statues holding up the eaves and the replica guardian statues displayed museum-style between the tables. The slickly trained staff makes sauces at the table and delivers extraordinary Chinese dishes. The Peking Dumplings are outstanding; best enjoyed fried and anointed with a perfect lightly spiced sauce. There is a full bar and an extensive wine list. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Continental Cuisine |
543 Hotel Circle South San Diego, CA 92108 United States +1 619 298 6515 http://www.daysinnhc.com |
Located at Days Inn Hotel Circle, this place is well-worth a visit. The decor is simple and the food is as terrific as the prices. If weather permits, opt for the outdoor seating. Also try the warm bruschettas and Chipotle Lime Chicken Salad. And for the grand finale—Apple Pie or Butterscotch Cream Pie. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Modern-style cuisine |
4574 Park Boulevard San Diego, CA 92116 United States +1 619 295 7275 http://www.parkhouseeatery.sig... |
This restaurant is so familiar to many local diners that they use a nickname for one of the dining rooms - it is known as 'The Hearth Room'. The building that houses this restaurant was formerly a thrift shop, but has been renovated into a lively local cafe. Available seating areas include an outdoor garden patio (with a large clock, green umbrellas and tall trees), the front dining room, as well as the Hearth Room, hosting a wood-burning fireplace. The menu is vast and rather unusual. Try the Pan-Fried Pork Dumplings or Pan-Roasted Mussels. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Jason Schultz |
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A local favorite |
7612 Linda Vista Road (Suite 117) San Diego, CA 92111 United States +1 858 569 7515 |
This informal restaurant is most frequently patronized by Vietnamese locals. The restaurant consists of two dining areas separated by an elaborate archway. A big-screen television shows Vietnamese music videos. With almost 200 items on the menu, diners have a variety of authentic Vietnamese dishes to experience. One of the most popular culinary specialties is Pho Pasteur, a rice noodle soup. Waiters bring plates of fresh vegetables and beef, shellfish or poultry to the table for diners to add to the soup. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Neighborhood secret |
4050 Adams Avenue San Diego, CA 92116 United States +1 619 282 4413 |
Scores of diners visit this restaurant on weekend nights, especially when an exciting independent film is premiering at the Ken Cinema across the street. Inside, the recently renovated restaurant has abandoned its old 1950s diner atmosphere in favor of dramatic rust-colored walls, and a new wine list offers more choices. But this family-run restaurant continues to offer unique and wholly-Mexican. Fresh made tortilla chips arrive with a thick spicy salsa, a bowl of dangerous jalapenos and slightly milder carrots. For your entree, handmade Chile Rellenos are a good bet. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Stamp of Approval |
950 Hotel Circle North San Diego, CA 92108 United States +1 619 298 0511 http://www.handlery.com |
Located at the Handlery Hotel, this restaurant offers a unique dining experience. It's innovative and interesting theme is its biggest attraction. Every nook and corner of this place is taken up by postcards of the city. As a souvenir, each guest gets to take one home. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Mama mia |
1370 Frazee Road San Diego, CA 92108 United States +1 619 294 4700 http://www.pregoristoranti.com... |
This restaurant offers authentic Northern Italian cuisine bursting with flavor and freshness. The prices are a little high, but worth every penny, and you will know it just as soon as you lift your fork to your mouth. Choose from wood-fired pizzas, homemade pastas, rotisserie-grilled meats and fowl and mesquite-grilled fish. The restaurant has a sleek, modern design inside and out. Small black lamps hang on slender threads from the backlit ceiling, and an abundance of polished marble and subtle use of beige and black add to the decor. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Step back in time |
2223 El Cajon Boulevard San Diego, CA 92104 United States +1 619 297 1313 |
At a time when more and more people are becoming vegetarians, places like this venue are few and far between. This restaurant serves a menu full of red meat, including hamburgers and steak dinners. Composed of two rooms, neither having windows, yet rich in burgundy vinyl booths, this spot is the perfect place to enjoy a cocktail and relax. The best seat in the house is right by the piano, where live entertainers perform on some nights. 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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Football player's fare |
1640 Camino del Rio Norte San Diego, CA 92108 United States +1 619 291 7328 http://www.seau.com |
If you like life on a large-scale, this is the restaurant for you. This sports-theme restaurant owned by NFL linebacker, Junior Seau, has become a premiere gathering spot and watering hole since opening in 1996. Open and airy, the 14,500-square-foot restaurant with three levels provides plenty of elbowroom. Especially lively while the Chargers are playing (57 televisions project the highlights) the focal point is an 11-foot by 14-foot television projection screen. To accompany the full-service bar, the menu includes sushi selections, salads, sandwiches, burgers, pizza and fresh grilled fish. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Award-winning Restaurant |
1640 Camino Del Rio North San Diego, CA 92108 United States +1 619 291 7 3287 http://www.seau.com/ |
Seau's is a popular and an affordable sports restobar. It has won several awards for its contemporary food and service. The sprawling restaurant has 60 television monitors and a huge 12x14 feet projection screen. Seau's also offers custom merchandise at the restaurant's souvenir shop. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Asian elegance |
7510 Hazard Center Drive (Hazard Center; second floor) San Diego, CA 92108 United States +1 619 297 3110 http://www.shanghairestaurant.... |
Since 1974, this Chinese restaurant has been serving reasonably priced, gourmet Mandarin-style dishes. The decadently rich Shrimp and Candied Walnuts is memorable enough to make the mouth water months later. The Mandarin Gourmet dinner begins with a tray of appetizers to self-cook over a volcano-like brazier brought to your table. Very inexpensive lunch specials make this a popular lunch spot with the local business crowd in the Mission Valley area. There is a full bar, with signature tropical cocktails. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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An L of a Bar |
2223 El Cajon Boulevard In the Lobby of the Lafayette Hotel & Suites San Diego, CA 92104 United States +1 619 296 2101 http://www.lafayettehotelsd.co... |
This spot makes a great gathering place for a casual lunch after a day's shopping or for a relaxing after-work get-together. They serve late lunch and dinner, along with all the amenities of a full bar. Padded wicker furniture, indirect lighting, and eye-easy deep rose-burgundy walls combine to offer an agreeable atmosphere after a long day. A jukebox and pool table add just the right touch, offering its clientele a refreshing break from the trendy downtown club scene. Happy Hour is from 4:30 to 7p Monday - Friday, with half-price appetizers and $3 pints and well drinks. -Detraci Regula Review © 2007, Wcities |
