Mentioned by Thrillist
San Diego’s 15 Best Eats Under $5
"If you’re looking for a solid taco or burrito, head to Taco Stand. It’s inspired by the taco stands of Tijuana and Baja Mexico and busy for a reason. It’s best to go on the early side to avoid peak lunch and dinner crowds (or opt for takeout)."
"What we found: Evolution is the original vegan drive-through restaurant in San Diego. The menu features fast food classics like burgers, fries, sandwiches, wraps, as well as such California musts as burritos, tacos, and smoothies. There’s also a number of pre-made desserts stacked in a refrigerated showcase by the register."
"I've come to evolution many times prior to covid and had pleasant experiences. Today, was very unpleasant. Our burger was wrong.."
"A good example of this is the amount of vegan ‘fast food’ places that are popping up in California. You might not think the words “healthy” and “fast food” could be in the same sentence, but vegan fast food eateries have changed the game, offering healthy meals on the go. I used to only be able to find sit-down vegan restaurants that would take ages to prepare the food (sorry Cafe Gratitude, I’m looking at you)."
"Plant Power offers awesome vegan food without GMOs or artificial ingredients. Their menu includes burgers, sandwiches, breakfast, salads, small bites, and shakes, along with a kids’ menu. Plant Power has three locations in San Diego, and their Ocean Beach restaurant has a drive thru—for those of you who need your vegan fix fast."
"In-N-Out Burger is just a classic fast food chain out West, it originated in California in 1948. It’s famous because the chain has barely changed since then. Stepping into an In-N-Out Burger will take you back to the 40’s with its interior design, same small menu, similar prices, and high quality!"
"Tony’s Wings in North Clairemont and Absurd Bird and Chicken Wing Co. in Carmel Mountain are some of the more affordable places from which to order Fast Food delivery. For other places in San Diego with budget-friendly options, look out for the places with one “$” as you browse."
"Located in Balboa Park, this place deserves its own spot on my list of Instagrammable places in San Diego!. Cacti are super photo-worthy, and that San Diego sunshine will give you the perfect lighting for an epic photo. (PS. Check out this post on how to pose for Instagram photos!)"
"For a complete change of scenery, Balboa Park is an unusual park right in the city center. It was actually built for one of those old-timey expositions but the city loved it so much they made it permanent. In addition to the museums, there’s also a Botanical Garden and several beautiful gardens, like this moorish styled one below."
"Day 1: Balboa Park, San Diego Zoo, Downtown & The Gaslamp District [Skip to Page] Day 2: Old Town, The Midway & Coronado [Skip to Page]"
"Study humankind at the San Diego Museum of Man, marvel at aeronautic engineering in the San Diego Air and Space Museum, then catch your breath in the Botanical Building. Head up to North Park for happy hour at Polite Provisions; its beautiful cocktail lounge may hook you up with some small plates if you’re hungry. Save the appetite, though—North Park’s Restaurant Row is nearby."
"The lath building was built for the 1915-1916 Exposition and now houses over 2100 tropical plants and palms (I recommend it if you like orchids). It is open every day except for Thursdays and one of the most photographed spots in San Diego. You can picnic on the grassy areas in front of it, too."
"Ash St., Suite 100 (between India Street and Kettner Boulevard) in Little Italy, it's the highest-rated Italian restaurant in San Diego, boasting four stars out of 330 reviews on Yelp. Its offerings include pasta, pizza and desserts."
"In-N-Out Burger is just a classic fast food chain out West, it originated in California in 1948. It’s famous because the chain has barely changed since then. Stepping into an In-N-Out Burger will take you back to the 40’s with its interior design, same small menu, similar prices, and high quality!"
"You can get everything from Boba tea to sandwiches to Greek yogurt here – in addition to their yummy smoothies and juice options. Great for a quick, healthy lunch. Perhaps you’re interesting in smoothies and juices for detoxing."
"The second location of the Athenaeum Music & Arts Library, the AAC offers four exhibition spaces, an event space, a fully equipped print studio, a kiln, and art studio. www.ljathenaeum.org/aac. 1955 Julian Ave, San Diego, CA 92113"
"By Oleg Alexandrov (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0], via Wikimedia Commons. Visit this vibrant, community-driven museum and get a taste of the San Diego art scene right at the source: the San Diego Art Institute. This museum's mission is to connect contemporary artists from southern California and northern Baja with audiences and to showcase art in a way that promotes cultural perspective and understanding."
"When founded in 1941, the San Diego Art Institute was called the San Diego Business Men’s Art Club, only permitting male members. By the 1950s, women were allowed in and the name had been changed. The cultural institution now showcases experimental art from a diverse array of artists from the Southern California/Baja Norte region."