The San Diego area thread

[sdreaper]

I'm heading out to California in a week or so and was wondering if anyone had any recommendations for places (breweries/bars/restaurants) I should try to check out. Will be driving up the coast but will be spending the most amount of time in San Diego so I figured I'd post here. My schedule and places I had in mind are below, any recommendations are greatly appreciated. Thanks!

San Diego
Breweries: Alesmith, Societe, Council, Modern Times, Mikkeller, Stone Gardens, Lost Abbey
Bars: Toronado, TigerTiger
Restaurants: Seabasstropub in Oceanside, Stone Gardens

If you are going to be downtown at all, I would add Resident to your list of breweries. It sits inside of a place called The Local.

Depending on when you get here, Council might not exist. I believe their last day is this upcoming Saturday, the 15th.

The rest of your list is solid though. Around Toro and around the corner from TigerTiger there are plenty of other satellite tasting rooms on 30th street.

Also...the link arren posted.

 

[chemman141]

I'm heading out to California in a week or so and was wondering if anyone had any recommendations for places (breweries/bars/restaurants) I should try to check out. Will be driving up the coast but will be spending the most amount of time in San Diego so I figured I'd post here. My schedule and places I had in mind are below, any recommendations are greatly appreciated. Thanks!

San Diego
Breweries: Alesmith, Societe, Council, Modern Times, Mikkeller, Stone Gardens, Lost Abbey
Bars: Toronado, TigerTiger
Restaurants: Seabasstropub in Oceanside, Stone Gardens

Central Coast (Avila Beach)
Breweries: Firestone Walker & Barrelworks
Winery: Au Bon Climat

Monterey/Carmel/Santa Cruz
Breweries: Alvarado, Both SARA locations

Santa Rosa/Russian River Valley
Breweries: Russian River (both locations), Maybe Lagunitas
Wineries: Pax, Copain

Sonoma/Napa
Bars: Cadet
Wineries: Sojourn, Bedrock, Scribe, Hendry, Caymus
Restaurants: Charter Oak, Boon Fly Café (brunch)

Sacramento
Brewery: Fieldwork

New Glory is the brewery you want to hit in the sac area.

 

[arren]

I will also say that Stone Gardens might be a nice place to drink, but it's not necessarily a great place to eat unless you like overpriced standard American fare.

I'd also wager to say Lost Abbey isn't really worth a visit, but that's just me.

 

[sdreaper]

I'd also wager to say Lost Abbey isn't really worth a visit, but that's just me.

I would agree with this, but since he is already going to be in the general area it isn't a bad option. I was up there yesterday to pick up the last member box and they still had about 5 one-offs and a couple of their seasonals on draft, along with their standard offerings.

They didn't really refill the fridge though, so there were a lot of Xs on the bottles side of the menu.

 

[rcubed1]

I will also say that Stone Gardens might be a nice place to drink, but it's not necessarily a great place to eat unless you like overpriced standard American fare.

I'd also wager to say Lost Abbey isn't really worth a visit, but that's just me.

Lost Abbey does generally have a bunch of draft only beers and some red handle taps pouring so it just depends on if you make it north or not. Between LA, Wild Barrel, Raging Cider, Newtopia Cider, Churchill's, and Urge Common House, it's worth heading to that area.

 

[Phischy1]

I'd say if on 30th start at North Park Beer Co, then Toro, then Rip Current then Tiger^2.

 

[jwacky]

New Glory is the brewery you want to hit in the sac area.

Ha, was gonna add New Glory to the Sac list after your (and others') recommendations before a recent Sacramento trip of my own. I would even consider doing Fieldwork at their Monterey location (0.2 mile walk, basically the same street) and spending more time at New Glory in Sacramento.

As for San Diego, as was mentioned above Council will probably be closed. Unfortunate that it is regarded has a 'must visit' by some and it wasn't sustainable for the owners, eh? Alas, in it's place I might recommend Pizza Port (OB my favorite; hit the beach, grab some beers and food afterward). Maybe Rip Current if you end up nearby.

 

[rcubed1]

I'd say if on 30th start at North Park Beer Co, then Toro, then Rip Current then Tiger^2.

Plus Second Chance, Belching Beaver, Home Brewing Co., and Eppig right there as well with Fall a bit further down.

 

[sobeleg]

oof

Here's a pretty comprehensive list: https://www.talkbeer.com/community/threads/san-diego-visitors-guide.2069/

It's nearly a year old, but all of the suggestions are more or less on point.

Thanks!

New Glory is the brewery you want to hit in the sac area.

Thanks, added to the list. Only going to be in Sac to catch our flight home, but our flight isn't until Midnight, current plan that day is to get brunch at Boon Fly, stop by Caymus, and make our way to Sac so I'll definitely have time to kill.

I will also say that Stone Gardens might be a nice place to drink, but it's not necessarily a great place to eat unless you like overpriced standard American fare.

I'd also wager to say Lost Abbey isn't really worth a visit, but that's just me.

I'll be with my family during the San Diego leg of the trip, was thinking Stone Gardens may be a cool place to hang for a meal. and we would then have time to hit another spot or two while in the area.

My father and sister have recently gotten into sours so I figured it would be a good place to stop on the way too/back from Oceanside.


Any can't miss restaurants in the San Diego area? We will be staying in La Jolla.

 

[Tyrsis]

Any can't miss restaurants in the San Diego area? We will be staying in La Jolla.

Wrench and Rodent, Juniper and Ivy, Grand Ole BBQ, Kindred (if you dig vegan food)

 

[arren]

Plus Second Chance, Belching Beaver, Home Brewing Co., and Eppig right there as well with Fall a bit further down.

You can't discredit Bottlecraft either. I've actually drank there more than most other places on 30th lately because they always have something awesome on tap. Last I checked, they still have Cellarman and Rusty Nail on the board.

I'll be with my family during the San Diego leg of the trip, was thinking Stone Gardens may be a cool place to hang for a meal. and we would then have time to hit another spot or two while in the area.

My father and sister have recently gotten into sours so I figured it would be a good place to stop on the way too/back from Oceanside.


Any can't miss restaurants in the San Diego area? We will be staying in La Jolla.

Yeah, that's fair. It's a great place to hang with family - the closest thing to a beer theme park we have in town.

If your family's recently gotten into sours, I'd also check out Belching Beaver. Their sour program is one of the best in town.

Restaurant-wise, eh. I'm a little jaded I suppose, but personally, San Diego's kind of a culinary wasteland, with nobody here really being spectacular or trendsetting - especially compared to the other places in CA you're visiting. Seems like most fine dining places here are a good year or two behind on the current trends, so it's all the same farm-to-table BS.

We do have fantastic Mexican food, however - it's definitely worth heading to Tacos El Gordo for TJ tacos, or hitting up one of the plentiful food trucks for a fish taco.

EDIT:

Wrench and Rodent, Juniper and Ivy, Grand Ole BBQ, Kindred (if you dig vegan food)

These are solid recommendations. I haven't been to El Jardin yet, but I hear that place is pretty awesome as well.

 

[Tyrsis]

Mexican food down here is great because it's so varied.

Want just some taco shop ****? Literally go to any -bertos.
Want actual Mexican cuisine? Super Cocina.
Want some bomb ass mole? El Comal.
Want some really solid food and a big tequila / mezcal selection? Cantina Mayahuel.

If I had to recommend just one place though? Las Cuatro Milpas.

 

[Brent212]

if going through SF I'd hit Cellarmaker, and in Santa Rosa, both Hen House and Beercraft are worthy stops

 

[riko1]

I haven't been to El Jardin yet, but I hear that place is pretty awesome as well.

Stone Liberty Station for a beer and enjoy the patio for a bit, then dinner at El Jardin.

 

[DougOLis]

Thanks!



Thanks, added to the list. Only going to be in Sac to catch our flight home, but our flight isn't until Midnight, current plan that day is to get brunch at Boon Fly, stop by Caymus, and make our way to Sac so I'll definitely have time to kill.



I'll be with my family during the San Diego leg of the trip, was thinking Stone Gardens may be a cool place to hang for a meal. and we would then have time to hit another spot or two while in the area.

My father and sister have recently gotten into sours so I figured it would be a good place to stop on the way too/back from Oceanside.


Any can't miss restaurants in the San Diego area? We will be staying in La Jolla.

In La Jolla you should check out Galaxy Taco for upscale authentic tacos.

Nearby in PB, I've been hearing good things about El Jardin for modern Mexican.

 

[DougOLis]

Guess I should have read the last page before chiming in about El Jardin

 

[richiesd]

Any can't miss restaurants in the San Diego area? We will be staying in La Jolla.

Dunno how many other TB people live in the la jolla other than me, so I guess i'll chime in.

La Jolla is a nice part of SD. Lot of decent eats in the area. I don't know about CAN'T MISS, but you're in an area with a high concentration of pretty good restaurants and food places. Assuming you're in downtown la jolla, I'd recommend:

Restaurants:
Whisknladle - for some just amazing cali-style comfort food. slightly upscale.
George's at the Cove - Casual lunch with one of the best ocean views in the city at the rooftop terrace. fine dining downstairs. it's a classic fine dining staple here in SD.
Masala Street - they make a slightly more upscale indian food than your typical indian food joint.. father son duo.. father is a legendary chef from mumbai.. son has worked in michelin star restaurants. i haven't been yet, but it's at the very top of my to-do list.
Catania - if you're in the mood for italian, they are damn good. i'm usually happy with cheaper italian food than this, but if you want an awesome meal, i don't think you can ignore this option.

Cheaper eats?
Definitely Taco Stand La Jolla. You can get one of the best cali burritos in the city here, as well as some extremely solid tj style tacos al pastor. People argue that Don Carlos a block away is just as good or better. I'm not in that camp, but hey, you're in San Diego.. try them both lol.
Sicilia Bella... this is probably my favorite place in la jolla right now. sort of a deli/italian market. cheap italian food. super authentic.

Into pastries?
Girard Gourmet and Sugar and Scribe are can't miss.

Ice cream or gelato?
Bobboi's Gelato - it's just so damn good.

Need some beer?
Honestly, Karl Strauss makes really solid beer. It's not a bad option to come here with the family. The food is actually pretty good.

Don't take my word for these recommendations... look them up on tripadvisor, yelp, whatever resource you need to to see if these places fit your need. check out the menus, etc etc.

 

[arren]

Dunno how many other TB people live in the la jolla other than me, so I guess i'll chime in.

La Jolla is a nice part of SD. Lot of decent eats in the area. I don't know about CAN'T MISS, but you're in an area with a high concentration of pretty good restaurants and food places. Assuming you're in downtown la jolla, I'd recommend:

Restaurants:
Whisknladle - for some just amazing cali-style comfort food. slightly upscale.
George's at the Cove - Casual lunch with one of the best ocean views in the city at the rooftop terrace. fine dining downstairs. it's a classic fine dining staple here in SD.
Masala Street - they make a slightly more upscale indian food than your typical indian food joint.. father son duo.. father is a legendary chef from mumbai.. son has worked in michelin star restaurants. i haven't been yet, but it's at the very top of my to-do list.
Catania - if you're in the mood for italian, they are damn good. i'm usually happy with cheaper italian food than this, but if you want an awesome meal, i don't think you can ignore this option.

Cheaper eats?
Definitely Taco Stand La Jolla. You can get one of the best cali burritos in the city here, as well as some extremely solid tj style tacos al pastor. People argue that Don Carlos a block away is just as good or better. I'm not in that camp, but hey, you're in San Diego.. try them both lol.
Sicilia Bella... this is probably my favorite place in la jolla right now. sort of a deli/italian market. cheap italian food. super authentic.

Into pastries?
Girard Gourmet and Sugar and Scribe are can't miss.

Ice cream or gelato?
Bobboi's Gelato - it's just so damn good.

Need some beer?
Honestly, Karl Strauss makes really solid beer. It's not a bad option to come here with the family. The food is actually pretty good.

Don't take my word for these recommendations... look them up on tripadvisor, yelp, whatever resource you need to to see if these places fit your need. check out the menus, etc etc.

El Pescador across the street from Taco Stand is one of my favorite places to get fish too.

 

[LSUPT]

Mexican food down here is great because it's so varied.

Want just some taco shop ****? Literally go to any -bertos.
Want actual Mexican cuisine? Super Cocina.
Want some bomb ass mole? El Comal.
Want some really solid food and a big tequila / mezcal selection? Cantina Mayahuel.

If I had to recommend just one place though? Las Cuatro Milpas.

pugsandsuds turned me on to the mole at Cantina Mayhuel and it was life changing. That place is my go to anytime I have friends and family in town.

 

[Tyrsis]

pugsandsuds turned me on to the mole at Cantina Mayhuel and it was life changing. That place is my go to anytime I have friends and family in town.

is it still only once a week though?

 

[pugsandsuds]

is it still only once a week though?

Fridays and either Tuesdays or Wednesdays (pretty sure it's Tuesday, and Wednesday is a shrimp dish)

 

[richiesd]

El Pescador across the street from Taco Stand is one of my favorite places to get fish too.

sobeleg
yea... i just typed that up rq last night, forgot a bunch of other options.

himitsu is pretty awesome sushi. it's a more authentic feel that most typical american sushi joints. you won't find any dragon rolls, philly rolls, or anything of the sort. they barely have california rolls... and that's only with snow crab instead of artificial crab. they have a pretty reasonably priced $20 lunch special as well.

nine-ten is a hotel restaurant that makes one of the better burgers in all of san diego. it's a little pricy, but you can't go wrong eating here either.

for casual indian food, taste of the himalayas is an awesome choice.. also one of the better indian restaurants in san diego imo. it's just around the corner from bobboi's gelato.

honestly, there's probably no better concentration of good eats in san diego than la jolla. la jolla is sort of the fancy part of town though, so it's sort of to be expected.

if you're down to venture slightly out of the area, i would highly recommend going to oscar's tacos in the next neighborhood over in pacific beach (on the la jolla / pacific beach border). they make imo some of the best fish tacos in town. pretty much like if a bomb mariscos truck were to set up shop and go slightly more upscale, it'd be oscars.

 

[rcubed1]

is it still only once a week though?

Fridays and either Tuesdays or Wednesdays (pretty sure it's Tuesday, and Wednesday is a shrimp dish)

I keep going by there and telling myself I need to check it out.

 

[pugsandsuds]

I keep going by there and telling myself I need to check it out.

I'm a fan for sure. Mondays are a good day to go, all day happy hour ($5.50 margaritas, $7.50 for a plate of 3 street tacos). Friday's mole and Saturday's seafood stew are my favorite specials, and their shrimp cocktail is always great. The menu is relatively small, but then again, think of it as a mezcal/tequila bar that happens to have a few great food items. Very friendly staff too. Weekends get crowded, so expect a wait if you go prime time and hang out at the back patio bar with a bucket of negra modelo and chips/salsa/guac. My sister's visiting this weekend, will either be here or Lola 55 most likely on Friday.

 

[Tyrsis]

I'm a fan for sure. Mondays are a good day to go, all day happy hour ($5.50 margaritas, $7.50 for a plate of 3 street tacos). Friday's mole and Saturday's seafood stew are my favorite specials, and their shrimp cocktail is always great. The menu is relatively small, but then again, think of it as a mezcal/tequila bar that happens to have a few great food items. Very friendly staff too. Weekends get crowded, so expect a wait if you go prime time and hang out at the back patio bar with a bucket of negra modelo and chips/salsa/guac. My sister's visiting this weekend, will either be here or Lola 55 most likely on Friday.

****, how did I forget to recommend Lola 55? Probably the best new restaurant in town.
Go and order yourself a big ass bowl of beans. mmm

 

[pugsandsuds]

****, how did I forget to recommend Lola 55? Probably the best new restaurant in town.
Go and order yourself a big ass bowl of beans. mmm

100% agreed on best new restaurant, have not had a single item from them that was not pretty damn tasty. Careful with the spicy smoked fish, they're not ******* around with that first adjective.

 

[Tyrsis]

100% agreed on best new restaurant, have not had a single item from them that was not pretty damn tasty. Careful with the spicy smoked fish, they're not ******* around with that first adjective.

My only complaint is that every ******* time I go, they're out of the corn.
HOW DO YOU RUN OUT OF CORN

 

[blackzag05]

My only complaint is that every ******* time I go, they're out of the corn.
HOW DO YOU RUN OUT OF CORN

Dude chill. It’s hard to pump out mass amounts of masa

 

[stawn]

****, how did I forget to recommend Lola 55? Probably the best new restaurant in town.
Go and order yourself a big ass bowl of beans. mmm

You're welcome.

 

[SanDiegoJoe2011]

#talkfood #talkrecs #talkrestaurants

Digging the thread. Planning a return visit next month!