Foodie staying in Gaslamp District. Am I screwed?

[sbkat]

Spending 2 nights in SD with fellow food lovers. Looking for 2 dinners and a couple breakfasts. Days are spent doing tourist things with nieces and family. Would prefer to stay in the area, walking to and from. My choices so far:

Cafe Chloe.
Cowboy Star.
Neighborhood.
Oceanaire.
Chocolat.

Any advice and recs are really appreciated!
Kat

[plantman]

I would suggest The Cheese Shop on 4th Ave for a good breakfast served any time....also serving good sandwiches for takeout.

[sdnosh]

But they do close early, 2pm or 3pm.

[sbkat]

Thanks for the rec, Plantman. Checked out their site, and their sandwich selection looks great as well. Worth packing up a few to munch on while we do the SD Zoo/Seaworld with the kiddos? The food scenes at most parks are pretty limited, overpriced and rather disappointing. Any other recs for a take-away lunch much appreciated!

[mcgrath]

As between Oceanaire and Cowboy Star...you may wish to consider decor and ambience, because the two are like night and day in that department. Cowboy Star is rustic and western in a fun way. Its like they're trying to be Wyoming, the Alamo and a gourmet dude ranch all at the same time. Very unique. An open kitchen. Lots of leather and cowhide.

Oceanaire is urbane, metropolitan and polished. Gorgeous bar. Definitely more of a dress up kind of place than Cowboy (keeping in mind this IS San Diego.)

[sbkat]

Duly noted Mcgrath. I must say I am more drawn to Cowboy than Oceanaire, mainly since I get my share of fine seafood here. Love leather and cowhide, brick, open kitchen, etc. I may have to ride on in.

[stevewag23]

"Foodie staying in Gaslamp District. Am I screwed? "

Yes.

You need to get out of the Gaslamp. (Save for Oceanaire).

But your list has places close by.

Good list.

[DougOLis]

Disclaimer: stevewag23 keeps to a very tight and strict definition of the Gaslamp. Technically speaking most of your places are in East Village but it's still the greater Gaslamp area and they all are good.

[sdnosh]

Steve,
Not a fan of Chloe or Cowboy Star?

[stevewag23]

Huge fan.

Was at Chloe last night.

As DougOLis says, "stevewag23 keeps to a very tight and strict definition of the Gaslamp".

Chloe and Cowboy Star are both outside the Gaslamp.

[sbkat]

Thanks all for the comments. Going to stick with the list - Chloe for sure, and either Oceanaire or Cowboy for our final dinner. East Village looks like a cool spot - will heed the advice to eat "out of Gaslamp". Lots of good eats within walking distance - Cheers!

[Fake Name]

While traveling around the area near Chloe and Cowboy Star, just wave your hand around and say HELLO, FakeName. My studio's less than a block away. You could throw rocks from Neighborhood. Or their dry hamburgers (sorry, Josh).

[sdnosh]

true, true

[Beach Chick]

I would add Jsix at the Hotel Solamar rooftop for dinner or drinks/small plates/app's..
Love the mussel bisque en croute at Dobsons.
Mary Jane's Coffee Shop at the Hard Rock for breakfast is good..pricey but good.

[duck833]

I was there for a conference in January and did two dinners at Cafe Chloe, was just great. Sat at the bar by myself and enjoyed too many glasses of wine and creative and tasty food.

[sbkat]

Thanks Fake Name & Duck - I feel more assured now! If I have to choose between Cowboy Star and Oceanaire, which one gets the vote?

[Ewilensky]

Great list, you'll do fine. As for deciding between the two -- depend on what you want; if you want Seafood, Oceanaire. Streaks, Cowboy Star. We've never had a bad meal at Oceanaire however...

[Fake Name]

Screwed? Nope, you hit the right places- you're going to be just fine.

[Josh]

Seconded. Stick to that list and you'll be happy.