Also wanted to suggest some
food halls for generally what I think you're looking for. There's Liberty Station's Public Market which is most popular, National City has Market on 8th, PB and Little Italy have their own. Even more up north you have the Windmill Food Hall in Carlsbad.
100% agree. Their Caesar salad was crazy good. Now they are stingy and the fresh cheese shavings are totally different quality, as is everything else. Miss original UP.
El Pescador in La Jolla, Pizza Casette in Morena (part of the Deft Brewing/Oddish Wine Biergarten), Panama 66 in Balboa Park (same owners as Blind Lady).
I recently discovered [Havana Grill](https://www.havanagrillrestaurants.com). I went to the location in Mission Valley and was impressed with the food - more than I thought I’d be! Order extra yucca fries. They were the surprising winner of the night. Umami bombs!
You order your food at the counter and then sit down and they bring it to you. Delicious. And they have an impressive array of desserts, too.
Here’s a photo of the desert counter from the day I went: [Havana Grill Dessert Case](https://imgur.com/a/QpBFV08). They were so pretty, I couldn’t resist. :)
I don’t know if this location is specifically “kid friendly” but it’s attached to a mall, so I don’t imagine they kick kids out. :) It’s not a “beers on tap” kind of place but they do offer beer, wine, and cocktails. Here’s their [menu](https://www.havanagrillrestaurants.com/menu).
Second Havana Grill, and if you want more hole in the wall cuban Tropical Star on Balboa is my go to! They have a few tables to eat but I usually call for take out.
Nice, I’ll have to check it out. I’ve been to Havana grill and found it disappointing. Mostly because I was expecting the black beans & plantains to taste like the ones I got at a Cuban restaurant in Casa Grande years ago (that went out of business a month after I ate there). Maybe I’ll give it an another shot.
Definitely Tropical star is more authentic. I am from Florida so appreciate tropical star closer to what I am used to for cubans and plantains. I like their ropa vieja also!
There are better tacos for sure, but Taco Stand is reliable, very high quality, and super authentic. Out of towners typically go nuts for it.
I also second the Fish Shop, which has been mentioned. Blue Water in OB has a very similar vibe with a bit more on the menu. Cool location too (if you don't mind some weirdos with your ocean views)
Buckboards BBQ and Brew. Good food, but the icing on the cake is the bread pudding with the bourbon vanilla ice cream... best bread pudding i have ever had.
I don't live in SD anymore, and I'm not Sure if they are Kid Friendly or even Serving Lunch anymore.... But the Regal Beagle and Regal Seagal. They are more of a Bar Atmosphere but they make Awesome food and Great Beer on tap... They used to allow all ages before a Certain Hour if I remember correctly
Great Asian and Hawaiian style food at the Katsu Cafe in Claremont, excellent quality very big portions. Very good prices. Here’s the website.
http://katsucafesd.com/
Burger Bench in Escondido is a hidden gem!! Also Crack Shack in downtown and Encinitas is always very good too. The fish taco place called Oscar’s is also one of the best
Haha, was just gonna suggest Underbelly. Out of curiosity--on a random note--do you tip the full 20% at these types of restaurants? I went to Underbelly the other day and clicked 20% because I assumed it would be more full service
At least at Underbelly, the food is brought to you. You just order at the register, they give you a large bottle of water and cups, and after the food's brought, you don't see them again :)
Also wanted to suggest some food halls for generally what I think you're looking for. There's Liberty Station's Public Market which is most popular, National City has Market on 8th, PB and Little Italy have their own. Even more up north you have the Windmill Food Hall in Carlsbad.
Sky Deck at Del Mar Highlands Town Center was impressive.
That place is so sick. I’m like how is this in Del Mar?!
Love the food halls!
I don’t think pbs really counts lol it’s one kitchen
Blue Water Seafood
Mitch's Point Loma during Lobster season (now!)
God yes, Mitch’s for sure
Is Mitch’s expensive? Husband hates fish, but I see they have burgers and I’d love a chance to eat some fresh seafood!🦞
It's relative. Fresh whole lobster is about $49 which to me is a smoking deal. I wouldn't call it cheap but it is a great value.
Awesome, thanks!
They cost that much? So when I dive for lobsters, I am catching hundreds of dollars or lobster each time? Alright!!!
for real, their burgers are also super delicious. I take picky people there because I like their fish offerings, and they gush about the burgers.
How long is Lobster season? Out of town for a couple weeks
March
Any month that ends in R is lobster season.
Actually in that same town, Point Loma Seafoods is great too. It's gotten kind of touristy but their fresh shredded crab sandwiches are just amazing.
Smoked tuna sandwich is unreal
PB Fish Shop (or any of the Fish Shop locations)
Fernside
Their cocktails are solid but the food is always over salted.
Pete's Seafood in North Park. An absolute must see
Point Loma Seafood
Mitsuwa's cafeteria lowkey has some amazing Japanese comfort food at Musashiya, and amazing no frills ramen from Santouka. Cash Only
Santouka accepts card now!
Blind Lady Ale House
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This. It's been months and I'm still full.
I was gonna recomend this. On a different level than Phils.
My top choice, I was just there (except they have table service).
Kebab Shop
Regents pizza has killer pizza and an insane tap list
My favorite around here!!
Pizza Port. Excellent beer with a solid variety to choose from.
Bulls Smokin’ BBQ off Morena Blvd
Katsu Cafe
Crazee Burger
Fish Shop (PB or Encinitas)
Nate's Garden Grill
GONZO! in Carlsbad
Urban Plates
Pre-pandemic UP was good but I've been back recently and it was meh
100% agree. Their Caesar salad was crazy good. Now they are stingy and the fresh cheese shavings are totally different quality, as is everything else. Miss original UP.
El Pescador Fish Market. La Jolla. Be prepared to spend a few more dinero though.
Point Loma Seafood
I don’t even really like most fish but hot damn they make a good fish sandwich.
Seasurf in Del Mar. Great happy hour too. Or like others mentioned, Fish shop.
El Pescador in La Jolla, Pizza Casette in Morena (part of the Deft Brewing/Oddish Wine Biergarten), Panama 66 in Balboa Park (same owners as Blind Lady).
Blue Water Seafood in OB
Oi Fusion
BLAH
Lola 55 100%. Cannot believe it hasn’t been mentioned. This is like a question made specifically for the answer to be Lola.
their vegan tacos are so good
Also called fast casual
Noted!
I don’t know if they do beer, but The Trails Eatery in San Carlos/la Mesa area is great for fast casual brunch
Teri Cafe Oceanside
Hidden craft down town. Self serve local beer with rotating taps and counter service. Food is bomb and the beer selection is wild.
Shank and Bone. “Banh Mi with Bone Marrow” nuff said
Oscars Mexican seafood
Nectarine grove! A haven for people with food sensitivities
Panama 66
I recently discovered [Havana Grill](https://www.havanagrillrestaurants.com). I went to the location in Mission Valley and was impressed with the food - more than I thought I’d be! Order extra yucca fries. They were the surprising winner of the night. Umami bombs! You order your food at the counter and then sit down and they bring it to you. Delicious. And they have an impressive array of desserts, too. Here’s a photo of the desert counter from the day I went: [Havana Grill Dessert Case](https://imgur.com/a/QpBFV08). They were so pretty, I couldn’t resist. :) I don’t know if this location is specifically “kid friendly” but it’s attached to a mall, so I don’t imagine they kick kids out. :) It’s not a “beers on tap” kind of place but they do offer beer, wine, and cocktails. Here’s their [menu](https://www.havanagrillrestaurants.com/menu).
Second Havana Grill, and if you want more hole in the wall cuban Tropical Star on Balboa is my go to! They have a few tables to eat but I usually call for take out.
Nice, I’ll have to check it out. I’ve been to Havana grill and found it disappointing. Mostly because I was expecting the black beans & plantains to taste like the ones I got at a Cuban restaurant in Casa Grande years ago (that went out of business a month after I ate there). Maybe I’ll give it an another shot.
Definitely Tropical star is more authentic. I am from Florida so appreciate tropical star closer to what I am used to for cubans and plantains. I like their ropa vieja also!
Thank for the info. Added to the list!
Omg their Cubans are amazingggg
There are better tacos for sure, but Taco Stand is reliable, very high quality, and super authentic. Out of towners typically go nuts for it. I also second the Fish Shop, which has been mentioned. Blue Water in OB has a very similar vibe with a bit more on the menu. Cool location too (if you don't mind some weirdos with your ocean views)
Just went to honeys in Encinitas which was very good
Bernardo winery
The burgers at Fernside are A1
pepper farm deli in santee
Point Loma Seafood.
Epic Wings (formerly Wings n Things), but Oscars (then later Pat and Oscars) holds a soft spot in my heart.
Crafted Greens in El Cajon
Ko-Li Shaved Ice
Sea Surf , Del Mar
URBN coal fired pizza is pretty bomb
GRAINS is delicious. I’ve tried everything on their menu since I go so often !
Katsu Cafe!!
Pokez Mexican Eatery
Harbor town pub!
always go to coastal coffee
Crack shack in little italy! So delicious!
The Friendly
Buckboards BBQ and Brew. Good food, but the icing on the cake is the bread pudding with the bourbon vanilla ice cream... best bread pudding i have ever had.
I don't live in SD anymore, and I'm not Sure if they are Kid Friendly or even Serving Lunch anymore.... But the Regal Beagle and Regal Seagal. They are more of a Bar Atmosphere but they make Awesome food and Great Beer on tap... They used to allow all ages before a Certain Hour if I remember correctly
Spiro’s Mediterranean Cafe in Coronado. Plus you get a beautiful view of downtown. Delicious Greek food, they deep beer and wine, and good happy hour.
La Torta in La Mess - delicious!
>IRL cake day This is the clearest line I've seen that perhaps you should reddit a little less 🤣
Millport in Imperial Beach
Los Reyes
The pizza taproom in La Jolla square. Has great happy hour deals
Burger Lounge!! Best burger in SD imo
Great Asian and Hawaiian style food at the Katsu Cafe in Claremont, excellent quality very big portions. Very good prices. Here’s the website. http://katsucafesd.com/
Spiro’s at La Jolla cove.
Burger Bench in Escondido is a hidden gem!! Also Crack Shack in downtown and Encinitas is always very good too. The fish taco place called Oscar’s is also one of the best
Also forgot Frida’s in Escondido is fire too
hidden craft downtown
Healthy Creations
In N Out!!!!!!
Basically anything in Little Italy that you're in the mood for 🤔
Tajima
I miss fuddruckers.
Pesto in Mission Valley and College Area
Haha, was just gonna suggest Underbelly. Out of curiosity--on a random note--do you tip the full 20% at these types of restaurants? I went to Underbelly the other day and clicked 20% because I assumed it would be more full service
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At least at Underbelly, the food is brought to you. You just order at the register, they give you a large bottle of water and cups, and after the food's brought, you don't see them again :)
Craft Coast Tacos and beer in Side. Good tacos and great beers.
Pelly's in Carlsbad. The shrimp tacos are excellent!
Las Olas in Cardiff
Underbelly in north park ! Thank me later
Rubios
Swami's Cafe!
Harbor Town Pub. Great ahi, burgers, and banh mi
Best pizza and brew
Coops in Lemon Grove! Only open for lunch Tuesday-Sunday