Opening Day at Petco Park..Where to eat?

[Beach Chick]

Hi Chowhounds..
Monday is opening day with a 7pm game time and though I have been a million times to Petco..
Of course, I put my party hat on and hit the usual Tivoli's and other fun spots for the cocktails and beer but need something to absorb all that alcohol..
Any ideas?
Thanks!

[Beach Chick]

Opening day, Tuesday 4/9..
What's shaking for drinks and app's?

[Dagney]

I'm thinking The Blind Burro.

[Beach Chick]

Thanks Dags!
Can I request you for my police escort?
; )

Opening Day Block Party

www.themighty1090.com/pages/landing?P...

[Dagney]

of course! except I am on the bike team, so I won't be the best escort, lol...

[Beach Chick]

Awesome...you can ride along side the town car..hee hee

[MrKrispy]

thanks for the link BC.....the beer "garden" was kind of a pain last year...might try to catch a bar beforehand this year.

[Beach Chick]

You have to buy a tixs before the beer..
Tivoli's is fun along with Omni bar and they stamp your ticket for Ped bridge..giveaways and happy hour..good times..park at Hilton Bayfront.

[Beach Chick]

Had a blast with our beloved Pom at Dog Days at Petco Park yesterday.
Happy hour at McCormicks and Schmicks for John Dalys..calamari and fish tacos..
Tons of wonderful dogs and met up with Omar and Uggie from the Artist..
I highly suggest if you have a dog, go next year...they provide free tickets, goodie bags filled with free dog stuff, lots of beer vendors and a walk around the warning track..

Pics with Tony Gwynn too...life is good!

[MrKrispy]

Nice! Sounds like fun.

I went to the Padres game on Monday. For those burgertarians the Hodads switched up their process to be a little convoluted. You now have to be seated at a table to order food. I didn't have to wait for a table (Padres game after all) and the servers know you will take the food out. The good thing was they have a decent tap selection inside so I ordered my beer while waiting for the food. You can also go to the bar below Hodads and order food from a table there.

Not sure why they don't just have a ordering/delivery desk somewhere. Does someone really want to spend 3 innings inside a burger restaurant after they paid to see a (probably terrible) game?

[Beach Chick]

Taking my beloved Pom to Petco dog days at the park in a couple of weeks and wondering what pet friendly bar/restos are close to have a couple of cocktails and some apps?
I know that the Omni McCormicks and Schmicks has an outside patio.
Any other places you can think of?
I'm going to have my dog pee on my personalized brick for good luck to the Padres...hee hee

[phee]

Cafe Chloe immediately came to mind.

[cstr]

The way Padres are headed, so far, you'll be able to get a ticket to the game, a beer and a dog for $5.00 again.

[Beach Chick]

and a pony too..

[MrKrispy]

Well, we wanted to make it to Mission Brewing before the game but there was absolutely no traffic control for Opening Day so it took about an hour to get down 10th, ruining those plans.

Went to the Block Party to get a beer and some grub but the lines for the beers were ridiculous. We walked over to Proper "gastropub" and had a few beers on the patio with a nice view of the Park.

Checked out the new Hodad's....I believe it might be the best addition to Petco or Qualcomm ever. Prices were extremely reasonable, like you weren't even at a sporting event, you can get some decent beers, and the registers were running efficiently. I talked with the owner, he was thrilled to be in there and even mentioned he wished his parents were still around to see him at the Ballpark. Pretty cool.

Went to a Bull Taco stand outside the Omni area and had the lobster + bacon + chorizo. Quite tasty but somewhat puny at $10 for a taco.

There was an addition of many more craft beer stands at that level too, which is much appreciated.

I couldn't find a Patty Melt stand, sorry BC!

[Beach Chick]

The key to opening day is not get in the thick of things and park over at the Hilton bayfront and walk over...
We had a blast at the block party and the Stones cover band was pretty good.
No problems on the beer..tickets were down the way which could of been coordinated better.
The Stone on tap is always delicious..Arrogant Bastard
We went to McCormicks and was a blast..Jim Beam chicas were handing out shots and t-shirts.
Good to hear about Hodads..
I was looking for that vegan Patty Melt...none in sight.

Had a blast and left before those stinkin' Dodgers kicked our butts!

[MrKrispy]

had a pre-paid ticket for the Parkade so no choice but to slowly wither in the traffic down 10th. Ugh.

What is a Vegan patty melt? A piece of bread with nothing on it? ;)

[Beach Chick]

OMG...Veggie Patty Melt is a thing of beauty!

First, it starts with marble rye buttered up on the grill with a garden burger that has already been cooked up and you stack that bad boy with a couple slices of swiss cheese, grilled onions and some thousand island dressing and you squish it together with golden brown marks on either side so the cheese oozes out a little bit and viola, you have one of the best damn sandwiches on the planet..

You can thank me later when you go home and make this and impress your friends and family and then they will thank you and give you lots of gifts for your birthday and Xmas for sharing the love of what is, Veggie Patty Melt!
; )

[cstr]

Bareback Grill, on 624 E, is offering $1.00 drafties, on opening day, with a valid game ticket. They also have a $5.00 food menu.

[Beach Chick]

$1.00 Drafties...sweet!

[Beach Chick]

Who's all going to Opening Day?

Me
Mr. Krispy

[Beach Chick]

Outstanding Enci. beat me to my own post...
Got my opening day tickets and I'm sure my beloved DH will want to hit up Hodad's inside the park after a few cold ones..wonder if the lines will be crazy..chica don't wait in lines.
Parking at the Hilton is the best call..walk over the bridge and there you are.
Tivoli's, Basic, McCormicks...gotta hit up something else.
Who else is going?

[MrKrispy]

I am hitting Opening Day. There is some block party along J street at the Park that is supposed to have a few food trucks.

I am more concerned with where to get some grub AFTER the game, since it starts early heh heh.

[Beach Chick]

Awesome Mr.Krispy...I'll be there too..

Park at the Hilton bayfront walk across the Ped bridge to the block party..$5 Stone Pale Ales and they'll have some food trucks..
McCormick and Schmicks for early happy hour (check to make sure this year for gameday) is great and get your ticket stamped at the bar and walk over the Ped bridge to Petco from Omni.

Everywhere is a zoo but I like McCormicks..fun time and good cheap happy hour food...
Basic would be good to absorb all that alcohol.. ; )

Bull Taco, Hodads and Everything Bundt cake is a new addition to Petco.

[Encinitan]

Apparently, Hodad's will be serving at Petco Park during the 2012 season. Rumor has it that it will be located where Rudy's was.

[Encinitan]

Changes in food concessions at Petco Park

Fiippi's has replaced Oggi's as the pizza purveyor at Petco. The Food Network has branded a small concession stand selling steak sandwiches. (I didn't see anyone purchase one during the several minutes I happened to be in the area.) A giant Sonoran hot dog is being sold for a whopping 12.50 at some of the concession stands.

[DiningDiva]

Food Network? As in the television network? Not sure that's a good idea.

[Encinitan]

Yes, the Food Network. I googled Food Network and stadiums and found this:

http://www.foodnetworkeats.com/admiss...

[DiningDiva]

I wonder what their mission really is now. Producing cooking shows (or what passes for a cooking show) or promoting the brand? (p.s. I think I probably know the answer to that rhetorical question)

[Encinitan]

Ka-ching!

[aloha925]

Rubio's has been replaced by a generic Mexican food stand. Same location and similar menu, but very different ingredients and execution. The fish taco I had was covered in watery lettuce. Blech.

[Beach Chick]

What a great day everyone had eating and drinking in the Gaslamp..words you don't see written here but the 3 block party with tons of food trucks, Stone Beer and music was a hit.
Parked at the Hilton for $15 and walked over that cool Ped bridge right to Petco.
$5 Arrogant Bastard of Pale Ale by Stone were excellent, DH had a $4 Reuben dog at the Patty Melt truck..which he enjoyed..

We headed to McCormicks & Schmicks at the Omni, since I had a $100 freebie and this place always is packed with fans with their party hats on..they had $5.95 cheeseburger fries and 2 fish tacos along with beer/wine /marg specials for around $5...had the Ahi, coconut shrimp, chowda and tons of cocktails and the total was $40...how great is that!
Overall, a great time as usual and now I want a greasy cheeseburger and a big ol' soda..
; )

[foodiechick]

Did you bust the PM truck for stealing your idea? ;D

[Beach Chick]

HA!

[sdaints]

I went down to the game and enjoyed some great weather and the Padres win. I didn't have time to try a lot of the trucks but it was cool to see them all down there. I thought about getting something from Miho but decided to give the Patty Melt a chance. When I saw the $4 price tag I adjusted my expectations but I was still a little disappointed. The bread was dry and didn't seem like it had been cooked with everything as in a traditional patty melt. I wasn't that hungry but the size of the burger left me thinking "where's the beef". Obviously they are trying to keep the prices down but I would have rather paid a couple of dollars more and had a better melt.

[Beach Chick]

Glad I didn't get the $4 patty melt...they need to step it up if they are going to play ball with the other food trucks.

[cstr]

Couldn't imagine the quality of that PM, not for a 4 spot, a waste of $$. I'd rather pay double and get something worth eating.

[Beach Chick]

Exactly my c---sta..
From a psychological viewpoint, $4 patty melt didn't synapse well in the cerebral cortex.
; )

[MrKrispy]

what do you guys think is a fair price for a patty melt from a food truck? It seems like most trucks charge $6-8 for a sandwich or burger.

[cstr]

I'd be happy with 6-8 for fresh quality ingredients.

[Beach Chick]

Price point of $4 for a patty melt already has me questioning how good it will be...
I would gladly pay up to $10 for an excellent patty melt from a food truck..

[Beach Chick]

Opening Day tomorrow..wooo hoooo!
Besides the usually Tivoli's, Basic, McCormicks & Schmicks.
Thinking of adding Proper Gastropub or Nicky Rotten's to the mix..
Rockin' Baja is another thought..recommended by sd4life.
Hilton Bayfront is $15 for parking and you walk over the new Ped bridge to Petco.
Who's going tomorrow?

[FireFlyFiftyFive]

The SD Food Truck Nation is talking about a East Village Opening Day Block Party on Tuesday starting at 11:30 am. Supposed to be around 10 food trucks. Stone beer garden. The works.

J Street between 7th and 9th Ave. Or maybe 10th. This is from the MIHO website. Hey now!

[Beach Chick]

Holy Crap...that is awesome!

www.mihogastrotruck.com

[Encinitan]

That complicates my opening day plans somewhat, but in a good way!

[beantowntitletown]

Plan was to just hit up McCormick and Schmick's, then take the easy walk to our seats, but we could get off the trolley one stop later and check out the party first.

[tplife]

Head to where Mr. As on 5th avenue, at the the Plaza Level (street level) at Alex's Brown Bag and get some Philly Cheesesteaks to go for the game - way better than the other local fare and doesn't cost you an arm and a leg.

-----
Alex's Brown Bag
2550 5th Ave Ste 171, San Diego, CA 92103

[MrKrispy]

I think Tilted Kilt is still open ;)

[Norm Man]

Looks like Tilted Kilt is a chain that looks to be competing with Hooters. I like the uniforms at Tilted Kilt better (I hope the food is better too) I've seen Tilted Kilt discount coupons on Living Social and The Daily Save.

http://www.tiltedkilt.com/about-us.html

Tilted Kilt
310 10th Ave
San Diego
619 814-8458

[bizzwriter]

Ugh. That menu is an abomination. I definitely wouldn't go there for the food -- nor for the very weak selection of beers.

[Beach Chick]

Just got my Opening Day tickets for a 3:35pm Tuesday day game...
Anything new and exciting?

Go Padres!

[cstr]

Maybe go to The Field and get a bar stool warmed up before next Thursday.

[Beach Chick]

LOL...like I hang out at Irish bars on the biggest drunk fest of the year..
Those days of green beer, tofu corned beef and wearing my 4 leaf clover get up is so 80's..
Houlihans and Patricks were some fun times..
; )

Anyone been to Proper Gastropub?

[cstr]

Houlihan's OMG.... remember many a time where I was holding up one of the support pillars at the bar!

[Beach Chick]

LOL..I was one of those chickas looking for guys holding up those pillars!

I remember wearing my gorgeous gauzey white mini skirt dress and I was looking all that and some ass with green beer for St. Paddy's day, said I was too pretty not to have some green on me...he threw his pint on me.
; (

[Encinitan]

Nickey Rotten's burger got a great recent review from a blogger on the website Serious Eats. They also have vegetarian and poultry patties for those that are not interested in beef. And they have a patty melt.

http://aht.seriouseats.com/archives/2...

I too will be at the opening game.

[Beach Chick]

Thanks Encinitan!
The name has always thrown me off but if they have a vegan patty melt and a burger for DH, sounds perfect..
Usually we hit up Tivoli's and then McCormicks bar for drinks and food and then get stamped to walk over the bridge..its a great crowd at both places but I need to branch out.
We park at the Hilton for $10 which is a great deal.
Go Padres!

[sd4life]

I also go to Tivoli's before games. I have to limit myself to only 2 drinks max because they free-pour their drinks nice and strong. Then I head over to Rockin' Baja..."I know I know" it's old school...but I still like them. I never crossed that bridge before...now I know how. Thanks for that tip.

[Beach Chick]

I'm a 2 drink gal at Tivoli's too its the oldest bar in SD besides the Waterfront and it rocks at gameday..never been to Rockin' Baja before but maybe I'll have to swing by for beer or marg.
McCormicks & Schmicks at the Omni hotel has a lively crowd and good drink prices with food..lots of past players stay there so there hang out in the bar, so it makes for a great party scene.
That bridge from the Omni over to Petco is a great way to get over to the game and the bartender will give you a stamped pass.

[Encinitan]

DH? Designated Hitter at a National League game?

I never would have guessed that parking at the Hilton would be so reasonable. Thanks for the tip.

[Beach Chick]

I'm just a plethora of knowledge...; )
DH means 'dear husband'..designated hitter..ha!

SD Hilton Bayfront is a great place to park..let's see if it still stays $10 and the Ped Bridge opens up on opening day too.
You take the Imperial exit off the I-5 so you avoid all the craziness of the Gaslamp/Downtown area.

[sd4life]

I often have fun at Tivoli's before the game. One time I had even more fun after a game and paid the price the next day. They free-pour their drinks. Their little snack bar isn't very good though. It is a fun "divish" bar. I also still like to go to Rockin' Baja...been going there for years.

[Beach Chick]

Went to a very packed Tivoli's yesterday and again it never disappoints..we headed there after splitting a cheeseburger, fries and beers at McCormicks at the Omni..no happy hour but a fun time was had by all with a 17-2 win..
Tried to get into Basic but the line was around the block, along with Tilted Kilt.
Love seeing the Gaslamp filled with people in the streets eating and drinking..mostly drinking!

[Beach Chick]

well the big day is here and it's raining..means that I'll be eating and drinking close to Petco..
Has anything opened where Bondi used to be?
I'm thinking McCormicks at the Omni..Tivoli's for tradition, Basic for some of the best pizza..only had the cheese pizza..forget who was saying their white pizza with clams is sublime..
Any other fave's pizza toppings?
I always get a Turkey Dog at Petco and I hear beer prices are down to $5..I'll miss the 5 for 5 promo.
Let me know if you have anything new for me..
Thanks and Go Padres!

[DougOLis]

I don't think anything has gone into Bondi yet. Probably too soon. I think someone did post something about Donovan's opening some new restaurant there though.

Venissimo's newest cheese shop isn't too far from the ballpark if you want a baguette and cheese.

I was going to say try and get into Noble Experiment after the game for a postgame drink, but I think they're closed on Mondays.

[Beach Chick]

Anyone been to Tilted Kilt?
I have that same outfit the servers where but in a size smaller!
; )

[Beach Chick]

Just scored great tickets for my beloved Padres for Opening Day!
Going to hit up the usual..Basic for a slice..Tivoli's for cheap cocktails and fries..Omni for cheap drinks and happy hour cheeseburger along with getting my ticket stamped so I can go over the ped bridge..
Anything new and exciting Downtown/East Village that involves lots of drinking and eating for this chicka?

[cstr]

Definately Tivoli's before the game and maybe The Field after the game, wish they still had the 5 for 5, maybe they have to lose a few before that comes back.

[mimosa]

Wine Steals' new place is set to open really soon - this week maybe. It's next to the park and includes a new venture from the same folks called Proper which is billed as a gastropub. Chef is Sean Magee who most recently was at the US Grant I believe. I've seen the menu and it looks promising.

[Beach Chick]

Awesome mimosa!
Proper sounds like the perfect place to hang before or after the game..love me a good gastropub and its owned by Wine Steals..it will kick some serious ass!
The menu..did you see any Patty Melt Sliders?
; )

[mimosa]

Haven't seen the final menu so I don't know about sliders. I'll ask the chef if/when I see him at the Hillcrest location.

[stevewag23]

Wolfies is a new chicago place close by.

[Beach Chick]

Still doing the happy hour at the Omni but this is a great deal.

The “5 for $5,” available at every home game, includes a regular-sized hot dog, peanuts, popcorn, cookie and soda for $5. For an additional $5, fans can swap the soda for a 16-ounce draft beer.
Plus, I can swap out my beef dog for a veggie dog!

[jmtreg]

For cheap and appropriate eats (somewhat), go for the California burrito at Valentino's on 9th and Market.

[gotukola]

FYI : Monday, April 5th, 2009 at 4:05 is opening day this year!

[Beach Chick]

Are you trying to mess with me... ; )

My tickets say "Opening Day, Monday, April 6th, 2009 at 4:05pm'

[gotukola]

My bad! Monday is April 6th!! Sorry!!

[Beach Chick]

Thought you might be a Dodger fan!

[Beach Chick]

Using my $50 Gift Certificate at McCormick & Schmick's at the Omni..that will be blown with cocktails and the happy hour menu in the first hour..
Any ideas close to Petco that will set this party girl up for the Big Opening Day Game?
Done Basic which I love..Tivoli's is another beauty..thinking maybe the Tilted Kilt or JSix..need to be eating along with drinking..
It's a Monday late afternoon game..
Thanks!

[JRSD]

I've hit Neighborhood for pre-game before - loved the burger and great local taps. I haven't eaten there, but I would think East Village Tavern and Bowl would have a big pre-game crowd.

If you are not concerned about being in the gaslamp, I liked the boxty's at the Field.

By the time I am headed towards the game, Tilted Kilt usually has a line out front.

[timbigworm11]

If you arent looking for anything fancy and just some good grub, try out Lolitas. They just opened one right next to Petco. IMO its the best "taco shop" in all of San Diego. Really good food and never too expensive.

[beantowntitletown]

found out today that mccormick & schmick's policy on happy hour prices on game days is 3-5pm when it's a night game and the regular 4-6:30pm when it's a day game. we went after going to today's game and ordered buffalo tenders, chicken satay, tuna roll, sliders, mussels, and pizza. would order mussels and tenders again any time. the sliders were really tasty, but the $2 cheeseburger might be our choice next time. the $2 tenders were lightly battered and deep fried then dunked in frank's sauce. they were good even though they were chicken breasts. the mussels were simmered in a white wine and butter broth and are a steal at $5. the pepperoni pizza was actually decent, and the satay, though bland, was good at $2. the tuna roll didn't have anything going for it.

also, we had some pretty good fish and chips at the anthony's stand in the toyota terrace. it had been sitting under the heat lamps, but the fish was actually pretty tasty. the fries were kinda soggy, but the fish was 2 decent sized pieces with crisp breading and no fishiness. have definitely had worse at sit-down places and stands. at $9 it's an okay deal for petco.

[KSin]

Oceanaire had an awesome happy hour on our way to the game on Monday eve. Great service at the bar with $1.00 fresh oysters from various regions, a good Caeser Salad, delicious Boston Clam Chowder, and some tasty, spicy fried Calamari. The fish and chips were good- lots of chips, small pieces of fish, though. There were a few Martinis to choose from- they made a good Cosmopolitan. We will definately go back and try some of the other items such as spicy rock shrimp and crab and bay shrimp salad.

[jessicah]

For cheap and good Japanese food try Little Hawaii (they close at 7:30). You can't beat $6.95 for a bento that comes with your entree (the teriyaki chicken/beef is good and has a nice crust), 4 pieces of a california roll, rice, salad, tempura and gyoza.

Their sushi menu was pretty reasonably priced and must be good since they were almost out of sushi rice when I got there last night.

The Kebab Shop down on 9th

[Beach Chick]

Was it a wild time in the Gaslamp for opening day..
Went to Basic and had drinks and pizza which was excellent..I called ahead of time to see if their happy hour applied to game day and the gal said yes...well, get there and the bartender Shaun said no..he was cool about it but if you are going to give out information, make sure it is right..
The bar is fun and it was packed..
Went to Tivoli's early which is always fun and also Omni hotel/McCormick & Shmicks for drinks..
I was charged $17.25 for 2 drinks..blue moon draft and a well vodka and cranberry..wtf..
This is a place that normally has cheap drinks for where it is..they gave me back $2 bucks but they admitted I was overcharged and made me another round but still..
Beer is $9 at Petco..didn't eat there but everyone else was.
It was a great time and the Padres won..
Thanks everyone for your suggestions!

[Beach Chick]

Basic looks great and they have happy hour from 4-6 on game days too..
Luna-Lounge..is it closed?
East Tavern has to be a stop for at least one.. ;)

[MrKrispy]

We often stop at Luna Lounge at the corner of the NW entrance to Petco. Good happy hour, not very crowded, food is very hit-or-miss.

Actually I haven't been there since last season so it may not even be around this year.

[stevewag23]

Luna Lounge has been closed for over a year.

It is now the fleetwood, I think.

[Beach Chick]

Thanks Chowhounds!
I find that the bar at the Omni has some of the best prices for drinks in the Gaslamp and love that I can walk on over that bridge..too bad they don't have that happy hour going on..

[El Chevere]

McCormick & Scmick's does not offer happy hour prices on food on game days (still a fun bar) and the Omni will only let you use the escalator if you have field level box seats.

[Beach Chick]

I usually drink at the Omni with my $7 park passes and go on up the escalator, to the foot bridge..I have never had any problems but maybe it will be different this year..
Does M & S still do the lobster for $19.99 on Thursday's?
Thanks El Chevere!

[El Chevere]

Don't know about Lobster Thursdays.

One other place that is real cool, especially if you have not been to yet, is the East Village Tavern & Bowl....owned by the same folks as Gaslamp Tavern....very good sports bar, I really like their food (though it can sometimes take awhile) and cool, attached bowling alley....on 9th and Market.

[Beach Chick]

You would have to throw the bowling alley in there..
Sounds like an awesome place..

[KSin]

I had a great time bowling on Monday afternoon at East Village Tavern & Bowl... even though we were the only ones in there. I was disappointed with the lunch, though. My Panini turkey sandwich wasn't too bad but my friend's fish tacos were horrible. Her salad was unappealing, too. Looks like fun to go back and bowl with cool cocktails at night but I am a little leery about their food, now. Perhaps Monday was an off day to go there.

[DougOLis]

Cafe Chloe
Bondi
The Kebab Shop
Basic (I wouldn't say it's the best pizza in SD, but it's good; try the one with mashed potatoes on it)

[Cathy]

The McCormick and Schmidt's inside the Omni will most likely have the $2 happy hour...great burgers. Then you can take the escalator and walk right into the ballpark at kind of a private gate...

[JRSD]

When I called M&S last year they said they did not do the happy hr on gamedays, but if they do it is a great deal.

Basic was very good for pre-game.

[Cathy]

I was thinking even if they did, they might not for Opening Day...

[El Chevere]

New place opened up behind right/centerfield on 10th Avenue called The Tilted Kilt--an Irish sports bar....of course, Basic Urban Bar is another great place and serves, arguably, the best pizza in all of San Diego.

[Beach Chick]

Thanks El Chevere!
Tilted Kilt looks like a good spot and forgot about Basic Urban Bar..

[sdnativa]

Just a heads up - sources report that the TK is basically an irish-themed Hooters.

[stevewag23]

Or is Hooters an american themed Tilted Kilt?

[sdnativa]

Well SW, which is it?

[stevewag23]

Ha. Not sure.

[volvo99]

+1 on Tilted Kilt. I tried it with a guest on Monday prior to a Madres game. I suppose because of the little school girl look on the talent I was a bit skeptical. Actually a pretty extensive menu, definitely more so than H*@ters. We were in and out inside of an hour to first pitch.

[UrDaddy]

Tilted Kilt is a breastaurant franchise chain.