Mentioned by Thrillist
San Diego’s 15 Best Eats Under $5
"If the fresh ocean air has you ironically craving BBQ, head over to the Coronado Ferry Landing for pulled pork, brisket, sausage, ribs, and chicken. Served as a sandwich or plate with your choice of three housemade sauces ranging from sweet to spicy, this casual spot is a popular choice to get your BBQ fix. Insider tip: Tables can be hard to come by during the lunch and dinner rush so come early or order online."
"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."
"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."
"The North Park tasting room is open for curbside pick-up delivery of cans, crowlers and growlers. Local same day delivery available Thursday - Saturday for orders placed by noon. along with shipping anywhere in California."
"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."
"The downtown, Sorrento Mesa, Carlsbad, and 4S Ranch locations of Karl Strauss brewpubs are open and offerer their full menus along with barre, wine,and hard seltzer for pickup (order online) or delivery through Door Dash,GrubHub,and Uber Eats."
"Their red trolley ale is my favorite and a great pick for first time visitors. Many convenient locations across San Diego (even inside airport terminal!) makes it a great option to try."
"Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account. View this post on Instagram. A post shared by BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse (@bjsrestaurants)"
"I’m from Arizona and decided to go here and you guys make the best burgers compared to the one here in Arizona."
"If you can get past the strange name, you’ll find some tasty craft beers (and a lot of beaver puns) here. This quirky brewery is all about “dam good times,” as it says, so all of the company’s beers, from its light blonde ales to barrel-aged stouts, have an extra dose of personality. The company features lots of interesting flavor combinations, like a Mexican Chocolate Peanut Butter Stout, a caramel-flavored Tastes Like Space brew, and a malty lager that apparently has a “mild biscuit” flavor."
"The most popular Belching Beaver beer, the Peanut Butter Milk Stout. Photo credit: Belching Beaver Brewery. This brewery has one of the most unique flavored stouts and a lively atmosphere."
"Well known as a great seafood place in La Jolla, Crab Catcher is most famous for their crab legs and perhaps surprisingly, their truffle fries!. Truffle fries might not be expected from a fine dining restaurant, but we’ll tell you they’re incredible just before a tender filet mignon. Expect a great view of the waves from your table."
"This restaurant is a good middle-ground option between informal and expensive dining. The Crab Catcher occupies a corner in downtown and features views of the nearby water. The menu focuses on locally caught seafood, and the specialty is red king crab legs."
"Location: Shelter IslandWater slide: NoAdults-only pool: Yes. For a colorful, chic, and modern hotel with a swimming pool adjacent to the San Diego Bay, the Kona Kai is the place for you. This small, long family pool gives you a front seat to the path where boats navigate to their pier."
"Morning Glory's design hits you with a checklist of Instagram hits—rose-gold accents, tiled floors, Millennial-pink booths, wallpaper galore, and a few rock 'n roll touches like skulls. It's hard to know where to look; thankfully, you'll have plenty of time to take it all in because there's usually a wait, particularly on Saturday mornings. There's a full section devoted to pancakes, from a classic iteration to a Japanese-style soufflé pancake with whipped cream."
"Morning Glory , located in the heart of Little Italy is Great Gatsby meets decadent millennial, and I’m here for it. Every little aesthetic details is thought of, from the champagne vending machine to the coffee served in glass goblets. Note: they also serve lunch and afternoon tea."
"This could be the only Michelin-recognized brunch spot in existence. It’s certainly in a category of its own, serving an internationally-inspired breakfast menu and commendable cocktails in a pink-hued, fantastical setting."
"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."
"This South Park gem is the perfect place to go whether you and your date just want dessert, or you’d like to have your sweets accompanied by an amazing brunch or dinner. Eclipse Chocolate Bar & Bistro serves nearly 100 different handcrafted confections, and has regular events like Build-a-Bar Nights, Game Nights, and Supper Clubs – perfect for a hot date!"
"This local bistro and chocolatier sells flavored bars, truffles, cupcakes, and many other confections, as well as breakfast favorites (buttermilk...Read More"