Rehearsal Dinner Recs??- San Diego

[AnonymousWaitress]

Was hoping to find some recommendations for a rehearsal dinner to take place next summer on a Friday night. Wedding is at the Del in coronado but there doesn't seem to be a lot of options for on the island. There will be 50 people max and the price needs to come in at under 100/person. If travel is required off the island it must be under 70/person(including a couple drinks a person) as then transportation will be provided to guests to the site from the Del. No more than 20 minutes travel each way please.

Type of food isn't important, just nothing too adventurous. Cajun or comfort food has been requested by the couple but ambiance and a good space for the group is much more important than a specific type of food. Please help us out chowhounds with any and all suggestions. Thank you!!!

[AnonymousWaitress]

Urban solace is the exact type of place that would be ideal- ambiance, setups for groups, great food that is accessible but not run of the milll- unfortunately it does seem a little far away. The Peohe's comment "i don't think you can cram anymore pink or turquoise in there" would definitely be a turnoff, lol.

I know these are very picky requests but all of us are from out of town which makes it harder to find something and investigate different leads. So is there anything like Urban Solace but closer? Ambiance is important- whether it's rustic, sophisticated, on the water, etc. just something that sets a restaurant slightly apart from one you can find anywhere.

[honkman]

With no more 20 minutes travel you are pretty much restricted to Coronado which has only 1500 Ocean as a good option. If you are willing to travel 30 minutes you could have options like Alchemy, Urban Solace etc.

[newfoodie129]

What about Urban Solace?

It's nowhere near Coronado, but the prices are a lot more reasonable than the other places. I just checked. It's a 15 minute drive from Coronado. They have comfort food and the patio can be rented out for private parties.

http://www.urbansolace.net/menus-eat-...

[Dagney]

Oh yeah! Second US.

[honkman]

I think 15 minutes from Del to Urban Solace is quite optimistic especially on a Friday.

[Dagney]

I am probably going to get kicked off the board for this suggestion, but The Charthouse in Coronado could be a possible choice. If memory serves, they are located across the street from the Del, and they serve "comfort food" fare.

Another choice on the more expensive side would be Peohe's. Definitely not adventurous. (I think they serve coconut shrimp). They will be able to handle a wedding group effectively and efficiently. They have a lovely view.

[Ewilensky]

Although it is a chain, Il Fornio in Coronado might fit the bill. In your price point, private rooms, and a nice view. Food can be hit or miss, but its a reception dinner - nobody's expecting the French Laundry.

[stevewag23]

Those are actually pretty good suggestions, you have to work with what Coronado has right?

Peohe's is classic.

If Scarface was a film about san diego instead of miami, Peohe's would have been a great location for the film.

[Dagney]

Peohe's is like Disney south. It would be physically impossible to cram more pink and turquoise into that place.

[Beach Chick]

In Coronado, you have Brigantine casual fish/steak place known for their happy hour with good fish tacos and decent marg's..Miguel's is owned by the Brig and its average Mex..across the street from the Del and they have a lovely patio..
Candelas on the bay with great views of Downtown SD with good food.
Loews Resort..
Vigilucci's just opened up and that is decent Italian.

You can take a water taxi over to the Gaslamp but the food isn't all that stellar..maybe Donovan's Steakhouse or Jsix at Hotel Solamar.
Hornblower does charter and cruise the bay with cocktails and dinner at sunset.

www.hornblower.com
http://vigiluccis.com/#
www.sdhe.com
www.brigantine.com
www.candelas-coronado.com

[stevewag23]

Ha. There you go with the water taxi/ ferry idea.

Not a bad idea actually.

Have you ever eaten at Loews? I always forget about that place/ never hear of anyone going.

[Beach Chick]

we took my friends boat over to Loews for their brunch a couple years ago and it was pretty good..they have a dock.
Combo pack of drinking and dining is fun on a boat..SD is gorgeous from the water..more people need to experience it..not just the tourists!

[stevewag23]

"SD is gorgeous from the water..more people need to experience it..not just the tourists!"

I agree. If san diego will ever become one of the worlds great cities, it needs to develop the water front ie around broadway pier and seaport village with quality establishments. And add some architectural beauty.

Need a model to copy: Look no further than Sydney.

[Beach Chick]

used to live briefly in Sydney..totally get what you are saying..they use their waterways like no ones business..it's what any great metro city with an incredible bayfront does to maximize its highest and best use.

[AnonymousWaitress]

Loews and the Del are unfortunately pretty similar in pricing and food; too expensive and not worth it. For the brigantine do they have an area for a rehearsal dinner? With the budget there hopefully should be an option that is private enough where nobody should have to shout over other guests at nearby tables for a speech.

The water taxi idea has been discussed, if there is a great restaurant within walking distance that would absolutely be considered; however considering there would be a few elderly people even half a mile walk would be a little much.