http://www.chow.com/boards/65 Wed, 22 May 2013 18:19:22 GMT Keep track of the lastest threads on Chowhound http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/902883#8092165 Pacific Beach can be trying at times with kids, mostly since a lot of options are designated as bars (no kids allowed) or are overtaken by the beach crowd (some parents don't like the exposure to the "whoo-hoo" crowd). That being said: Pizza - My top picks would be the Tap Room or Hoboken, but both are more "pub" atmosphere. My buddy swears by Ciro's, but I've yet to go. Naked Pizza has some interesting options, but is a chain, if you are looking to stay local. Sushi - most sushi, near the beach in PB, is meh, at best. Surfside has half-price sushi on Mondays that is at least a good deal. Nothing else I've had in PB by the beach has been memorable enough to recommend. However, Sushi Ota, at the 5, is one of the most recommended sushi restaurants in the city and I have had many a good meal there. Fish tacos - just go anywhere, they're all pretty good and each taco shop has their own little play on the final product. More notable places would be Oscar's, Don Bravo Bahia, Taco Surf and, yes, even Rubio's. Fresh seafood - the Fishery, family environment restaurant with a wide range of choices and prices - I really appreciate the chef's focus on local, fresh produce to pair with the fish dishes. PB Fish Shop, fish sandwiches and beers in a neighborhood setting. I personally prefer El Pescador over the Fish Shop, but that is about a 10min drive north to La Jolla. Asian Markets - none in PB, but every large asian market is about 15-20 drive, straight east, down Garnet, which becomes Balboa, to Convoy. Off the Convoy artery you will find Ranch 99 (Chinese), Zion and H-Mart (Korean), Nijya and Mitsuwa Marketplace (Japenese), and a bunch of others I am blanking on... Have fun in my little 'hood! CampySD Thu, 23 May 2013 15:50:59 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/902883#8092165 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/902475#8092153 Thank you for your suggestion! I will make a trip just for delicious chicken! Modz9636 Thu, 23 May 2013 15:45:56 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/902475#8092153 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/902928#8092136 "San Diego is home to a passel of big-name chefs". Really??? What a pathetic waste of paper.. cstr Thu, 23 May 2013 15:35:01 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/902928#8092136 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/902880#8092132 Though I second all BC's rec's, I just want to point out that all of these are in Pacific Beach, the closest being about a mile from Belmont Park. Not an issue if you're driving, but younger kids might find it a bit of a walk from the park. Especially hungry, younger kids ;) Unfortunately there is not a thing worth your time right beside Belmont Park. Maybe the Roberto's, but the rest is crap... I'd also add: Breakfast - Breakfast Burritos at La Playa (South PB), Pastries/Cinnamon Buns at Baked (North Mission Beach) Lunch - Cafe Mono for sandwiches, California Kebab for great beer choices for the adults and solid Mediterranean inspired options. CampySD Thu, 23 May 2013 15:32:49 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/902880#8092132 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/902890#8091603 How about Izakaya Sakura? I've been to a couple of birthday gatherings there and they had no problem accommodating a group of that size. zare_k Thu, 23 May 2013 06:31:27 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/902890#8091603 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/902772#8091550 Wank..solid list. I would add; Kaito for sushi Pony Room at Ranch Valencia resort. Claires on Cedros Inn at RSF Roberto's Del Mar/Carmel Valley Jakes/Poseidon..oceanfront..average Lodge at Torrey Pines Glider Port Betys Taco shop la Norte especial Georges at the Cove Ocean Terrace Carolinas at Scripps pier Beach Chick Thu, 23 May 2013 05:01:13 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/902772#8091550 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/902761#8089307 I really like the look and ambience of the place. The designers seem to have drawn on concepts from the beer gardens in Munich -- a nice touch, I think. Yet it has it's own unique layout, which is very appealing. A real winner! It's nice to have something like this in San Diego, not to mention that their beers are really excellent (IMHO). Now, if they can pair great food to go with the beer (I didn't eat there), well, then it would be in its own league. DoctorChow Wed, 22 May 2013 02:57:16 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/902761#8089307 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/902609#8088727 DD - Thanks for one of the best overviews of San Diego area Mexican - the highs and lows both - that I've come across in some time. Nicely done. burton Tue, 21 May 2013 21:47:21 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/902609#8088727 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/894386#8088244 We went there yesterday for the first time and the setting is really nice and it was a perfect day to sit outside. Somehow we ended up both ordering the burger which had good grass-fed meat and a pretzel bun but the addition of brie and tomato jam wasn't so good. The small side if salad was very fresh as were the (sweet) fries. The housemade passionfruit-chili lemonade was excellent. I wouldn't pick the burger again but some of the pannini and salads looked good and we will try them in the future. Overall much better than the current Green Acre place in the Campus Point Building (which is much closer to work) honkman Tue, 21 May 2013 18:21:44 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/894386#8088244 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/902009#8087778 Makes good sense Chad,- thanks. Fake Name Tue, 21 May 2013 15:26:43 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/902009#8087778 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/901954#8086887 I am a doctor. Just not a Surgeon. My blog title gives away a lot. Overall I had a great visit to San Diego and reviews will creep out slowly. Spots visited include: Donut Bar, Café Chloe, Hodad's, Brockton Villa, Georges at the Cove TBL3, The Cottage, Ariccia Market, AR Valentien, Carnita's Snack Shack, El Zarape, Barley Mash, Bread and Cie, Fig Tree Café, Urban Solace, Addison, Tractor Room, Oscar's, and Extraordinary Desserts. http://endoedibles.com uhockey Tue, 21 May 2013 00:47:35 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/901954#8086887 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/897809#8084544 I wonder if they've opened Muslin Terrace yet... Tripeler Sun, 19 May 2013 23:41:50 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/897809#8084544 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/902548#8084494 Fun, frivolity and food. But lets face it ... it was a fucking zoo. ipsedixit Sun, 19 May 2013 23:11:04 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/902548#8084494 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/898385#8084435 Yes, perhaps just wishful thinking on my part. But once upon a time there was a ray of hope that I think no longer exists. We can debate this forever -- we'll never know. DoctorChow Sun, 19 May 2013 22:35:07 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/898385#8084435 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/902528#8084402 Years ago, our friends in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, asked us to bring down U.S. Prime beef steaks. I filled up a Styrofoam ice chest with dry ice and the gift survived the long flight and the customs inspection. Gypsy Jan Sun, 19 May 2013 22:07:32 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/902528#8084402 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/902446#8083405 I would hit up.. Mille Fleurs Rancho Santa Fe..brunch menu on patio Claires on Cedros in Solana Beach Inn at RSF Pony Room at Rancho Valencia resort Kitchen 1540 at L'Auberge Del Mar Red Tractons Del Mar Blue Ribbon Encinitas Sunday at the Self Realization Temple in Encinitas is a wonderful place to walk the oceanfront gardens. All places are close to Quail Gardens. Beach Chick Sun, 19 May 2013 04:48:47 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/902446#8083405 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/863125#8083239 This doesn't appear to be good, any idea what's happening? cstr Sun, 19 May 2013 02:16:17 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/863125#8083239 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/828447#8080838 "No ranking here! Restaurants are listed in no particular order" ...that quote is from the same article. It is not the ranking it is just the top 10 restaurants numerically listed. It is not a ranking. hugowhereigo Fri, 17 May 2013 16:52:14 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/828447#8080838 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/847526#8079768 I an confused by parts duex et tres? Is there a quatre? Or is this the latest place for new openings? Blue Ribbon Rustic Kitchen from Wade Hageman going in in Hillcrest where the African place used to be on University and 5th St. http://www.blueribbonrustickitchen.com/ Oh and Salt and Cleaver in Hillcrest too on 5th as well, was supposed to Sausage King, but had to change the name. scottca075 Fri, 17 May 2013 00:29:49 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/847526#8079768 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/874837#8078105 I had this Monday and it was most excellent. And a lovely change of pace from generic_salad_02. TeeBeeinSD Thu, 16 May 2013 06:04:37 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/874837#8078105 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/807630#8076740 Blue Ribbon Rustic Kitchen from Wade Hageman going in in Hillcrest where the African place used to be on University and 5th St. http://www.blueribbonrustickitchen.com/ Oh and Salt and Cleaver in Hillcrest too on 5th as well, was supposed to Sausage King, but had to change the name. scottca075 Wed, 15 May 2013 17:44:15 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/807630#8076740 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/893107#8075981 I know I'm super late to this post but the OP mentioned going in a few months and I was poking around this thread because I wanted to see if anything new and interesting popped up recently since I haven't been in SD for 5 months and I'm due to go back this weekend. ipsedixit hit the nail on the head about spending your money in SD on more "hole-in-the-wall" establishments. I've never been to TBL3 but my friends went last year. From what they told me, it is the most equivalent to NYC fine dining experience in SD but for $170 a head with an additional $90 for beverage pairing, I'd rather spend a few bucks more and get the tasting at EMP in your hometown. Many of the places mentioned on this thread are decent to good but will not blow your mind or even be memorable. For instance: - Addison had impeccable service but average (heavy at times) food. I actually preferred Amaya's brunch over Addison's tasting. - Kitchen 1540 was decent but this was when Chef McCabe ran it. I'm not sure how well the new chef is doing but I'm not sure if it's even remotely comparable. - Cafe Chloe and Farm House Cafe are decent and cozy but nothing spectacular. - Urban Solace is okay for drinks but the food is average at best. - Starlite has even worse food than Urban Solace and they are known more for their Moscow Mule-esque drinks. - Sushi Ota and Kaito are the best sushi joints in SD so if you're a resident and you're craving sushi, this is where I would go but for your trip, I don't think it's worth it, especially if you're accustomed to good sushi/sashimi. -Extraordinary Desserts has decent desserts but the food is extremely underwhelming. So when I visit, I always try new place but I tend to prefer the less exciting but consistently above average places that are pretty affordable like Market in Del Mar, Cowboy Star for steak (they serve bison as well), Carnitas Snack shack for a snack, and a few ethnic eateries that happen to be in whatever area I'm visiting. In summary, stick with the more hole in the wall places. - Try fried fish tacos (TJ Oyster) or El Pescador but be ready to drive as both are in Southern SD (Chula Vista). - Try some al pastor (most people get carne asada) fries with pico de gallo, sour cream, and guac as a snack. - If you really want a good quality meal but don't want to feel ripped off since you have so many better options for your cash in NY, maybe try something like Cellar Door if you're ok with communal seating and can secure a spot in time. I haven't been yet but I've been wanting to go and have heard great things. I hope Cellar Door is similar to El Ideas in Chicago because I was blown away by that dining experience. Hope this helps. yakigyoza Wed, 15 May 2013 10:01:27 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/893107#8075981 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/902058#8075854 Maybe Berto's out on Miramar Road (or a few other places near MCAS Miramar), or Cotixan, Vallarta Express, or El Portal near the Genesee / Balboa intersection. RB Hound Wed, 15 May 2013 04:56:32 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/902058#8075854 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/900512#8075304 Huh? Why would you be surprised to see a mention of World Curry on this site? I'm confused by your response. Tikitamra Tue, 14 May 2013 22:45:51 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/900512#8075304 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/901875#8074200 I think it's a great list. Although, it's missing El Indio's... wanker Tue, 14 May 2013 15:04:44 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/901875#8074200