A non-comprehensive list of places we enjoy
Welcome, friends and fellow food and drink aficionados! Ever been stuck in the eternal debate of where to grab that next sumptuous bite or sip? Well, stress no more! Introducing the ultimate gastronomic guide, curated by none other than Joy and yours truly, from our relentless and highly scientific process of “Eat, Drink, Repeat.” From the coastlines of San Diego to the wilds of East County, we’ve braved the edible frontier so you don’t have to. And by “braved,” we mean thoroughly enjoyed, occasionally over-indulged, and now proudly share with you. Dive into our favorite spots in America’s Finest City – because life’s too short for mediocre tacos and lackluster cocktails! Cheers to the delicious journey ahead!
Restaurants
- Buona Forchetta – Italian in South Park
- Curryosity – Indian in South Park
- Signature Thai – Excellent Thai in La Mesa
- Fortunate Son – Cool Chinese in North Park
- Grand Ole BBQ – Great Texas BBQ in Lakeside
- Shogun – good Benihana alternative in Kearny Mesa
- Sky Deck – upscale & trendy food court in Del Mar
- Tajima Ramen – the North Park location
- An’s Dry Cleaning – handmade gelato and weekly flavors
- Great Maple – awesome breakfast in Hillcrest
- Swami’s – our favorite breakfast spot in La Mesa
- One Door North – American cuisine in North Park
- S3 Coffee Bar – cute coffee place in Mission Gorge
- Kaiserhof – great German eatery in OB
- Queenstown Public House – Aussie in Little Italy
- Dunedin – New Zealand eatery in North Park
- Morning Glory – hip funky breakfast in Little Italy
- Quixote – Oaxacan-inspired cuisine in cool atmosphere
- Sheldon’s Service Station – excellent breakfast and lunch in La Mesa
- Nate’s Garden Grill – good breakfast spot in City Farmer’s Nursery
- Lido’s Italian Foods – old-school family Italian spot in Lemon Grove
- Smokey and The Brisket BBQ – good BBQ off of Lake Murray
- The Presley – outdoor restaurant in Liberty Station
- Ono Grinds – Hawaiian food with great huli huli chicken and mac salad
- City Tacos – upscale street tacos
- Baja Beach Cafe – right on the water on the boardwalk in PB
- Bali Hai Restaurant – great food and views from Shelter Island
- Pizza Port – pizza and garlic beer buddies in Solana Beach
- Leila – Middle Eastern in a beautiful setting
Bars & Speakeasies
- Mothership – retro space speakeasy
- Part Time Lover – trendy Japanese style listening bar
- The Neighborhood – hip swanky bar downtown
- Noble Experiment – speakeasy inside of The Neighborhood
- Young Blood – more exclusive speakeasy behind Noble Experiment
- False Idol – cool tiki speakeasy in Little Italy
- Grass Skirt – cool tiki speakeasy in PB
- Captain’s Quarters – Grass Skirt’s sister bar attached to it; pirate themed
- Raised by Wolves – New Orleans theme bar in UTC
- Polite Provisions – hip bar in North Park
- The Hills – La Mesa bar with great food
- The Lafayette – All the bars in the newly remodeled Lafayette hotel
- Kindred – cool bar in South Park with great drinks and vegan food
- The Luau – low key tiki bar with strong authentic tiki cocktails
Palm Springs
- Birba – Italian al fresco with excellent pizza
- Tac/Quila – indoor/outdoor Mexican with fresh margaritas
- Monsoon Indian – strip mall Indian but the real deal
- Sherman’s Deli – giant deli sandwiches and fresh cakes/pies
- Farm – farm to table eatery, great for lunch
- Elmer’s – breakfast comfort food with great service and portions
- Tonga Hut – the real deal authentic Tiki with great drinks and food
- Bootlegger Tiki – small tiki bar with top notch drinks, no food
- The Reef – very cute tiki bar and restaurant at Caliente Tropics Resort
- Kreem – hole-in-the-wall delicious handmade ice cream
Garry and Joy 