Mentioned by SmarterTravel
The Best Cheap Eats in San Diego
"For a casual dinner, check-out this local Memphis style BBQ joint where everything is made fresh daily. With spectacular park and bay views, they have over 100 varieties of beer to choose from to help you wash down the delicious food!. Don’t forget to check-out So Diego Tours for a chance to experience the best this island has to offer as part of a group!"
"Waitress brought a bowl of water and a dog biscuit for my lab. Outside picnic table seating, fast service. Excellent BBQ brisket."
"This brewery specializing in San Diego-style lagers and ales has great service, great food, and of course, great beer. The taproom is large (there’s even balcony seating) and unlike many San Diego breweries, the decor feels upscale, not industrial. Maybe because of that — and because of the welcoming atmosphere — the mix of people tends to be eclectic."
"When our friends at Humble Sea in Santa Cruz, California, recommended that we check out the beers from North Park, we didn’t hesitate. And the recommendation was spot on. North Park stands out from the San Diego pack by fashioning some of the most decadent, elegant stouts around."
"Bartender pouring a Death Before Dying beer at North Park in San Diego. Credit: Courtesy of North Park Beer. The first thing you should know about this company is that its tasting room is big, beautiful, and definitely a place where you’d want to spend an afternoon."
"When you come to this brewery, you’re not just getting a tasting room — you’re also getting an incredible beer garden that you’ll want to stay in all afternoon. Established in 1989, this beer brewing company exemplifies the Southern California lifestyle with its refreshing brews and laid-back atmosphere. It’s also credited as being one of the first breweries to kick off the craft beer scene in San Diego."
"Karl Strauss Brewing is one of the oldest San Diego breweries on the block!. Starting back in the mid 80’s, Karl Strauss has been leading the craft beer scene before it became popular. Their craft brews have received many gold medals, including the famous Red Trolley Ale (which has been award 11 gold and 5 silver medals)."
"Board and Brew has been a staple in Del Mar since 1979 that serves simple sandwiches with no preservatives, no substitutes and no frozen meats. The secret sauce is another hook that tastes good on any sandwich. But try the Baja Chicken with marinated chicken breast, bacon, and melted jack cheese on a toasted French baguette with mayo, tomato and lettuce."
"Red & White is the beachy neighborhood market you’d expect to see on a show about a beachy town of skaters and artists… or Oceanside. Despite the small size of the store, there’s a good chance they’ll have what you need in a pinch. The Vista Way location is ideal for locals living in South O, and the second location at the harbor (Red & White Superette) is ideal if you’re spending the day at the water and run out of a few things, or basically forgot to pack anything."
"The East Village steakhouse, which recently underwent an expansion and remodel, is doing takeout through its adjacent butcher shop, offering take-home cocktails and specials including its famous fried chicken on Fridays."
"Pull yourself up by your bootstraps and mosey on down to San Diego's East Village for a culinary journey back to the wild west at Cowboy Star.[Learn more]"
"Imperial BeachThe name of this spacious restaurant in Imperial Beach really says it all. Come here for sweeping 180-degree ocean views and coastal fare like Tuna Takoshimi Tacos, East/West Crabcakes, and macadamia-nut crusted fish. Social hour (2:30-5pm daily) is a great time to get small plates for $5-$9, plus beer, wine, and cocktails for $5 a pop; but you won’t get the full benefit of the wrap-around ocean views, so it’s better to extend your stay and have dinner on the patio."
"SEA180 is a Cohn Group restaurant located inside the new Pier South Resort which sits right on the beach in Imperial Beach. Due to its southern location, it's a lesser known gem but that's probably to the benefit of current fans. The menu is largely seafood-based with items like roasted black mussels with chorizo, shrimp ceviche and macadamia nut crusted local catch of the day."
"7660 Fay Ave, La Jolla, CA 92037(858) 274-1733Save Your Seat ASAP$$ | Bakery | Brunch Restaurant. This awesome spot is home to Food Network’s Chef Maeve. She won Holiday Baking Championship and has been featured on other Food Network shows."
"From biscuits and gravy to fresh Benedicts, this place has everything you could want to start your day off the right way."
"Although there are quite a few bakeries, donut shops, and ice cream parlors in San Diego that offer vegan options, Starry Lane Bakery is the only place I’ve found that offers 100% vegan desserts. And, might I add, really good vegan desserts. The great thing about this bakery is that it’s good for anyone who is sensitive to food allergens, since they make all of their desserts without the top 10 most common allergens."
"Born from the minds of two sisters – one with life-threatening food allergies – all of the bakery’s products are Top 10 allergen-free. Starry Lane values the health and safety of their customers, and they achieve that through transparency and delicious food."
"Crumbs - Freshly baked Cookies and Desserts (2707 Boston Ave)"
"Situated in an unassuming strip mall in Sabre Springs (west of Poway), Nutmeg has racked up its healthy share of local fans. Serving Caffe Calabria coffee, seasonal foods (breakfast, brunch, and lunch), gluten-free and vegan menu items, and sweet delights from its vast pastry case, Nutmeg makes culinary and coffee magic happen in an industrial-like, open space with bar seating, booth areas, and tables situated next to outlets. If you’re looking for an office away from home, Nutmeg is it."