Good non-touristy eats near Balboa Park?

[erinvp]

Hey hounds,
Other than Cucina Urbana, are there any good places to grab a nice lunch in that area? Nothing fancy, just good, fresh food. We are going to check out the SPanish Village artist thing--which I know is touristy in and of itself. But still... Don't like our food to be!

[Beach Chick]

Prado for lunch...the whole area is touristy but I enjoy the lunch and dine on the back patio.
You can walk from the Spanish Village to the resto.
Barrio Star is a good choice too.

www.cohnrestaurants.com/menu-restaura...

[Tripeler]

Hey Beach Chick,
Is the Patty Melt truck (in the Cohn Group) any good?
As I remember, you are a Patty Melt fan, so likely you may know.
Thanks!

[Beach Chick]

I am a 'Patty Melt' chick but the garden burger variety...which btw, is so frigging good!
DH had something non PM a couple of opening days at the Padre game/street fair from the truck and he said it was ok..
Since I don't eat...for almost 37 years..mere enfant when I made the decision along with my pet steer, so I do crave a double double with grilled onions, extra spread once a year and the Patty Melt at Studio Diner kicks serious ass on the goodness scale but give me a replacement of burger with a garden burger any day..

[beth1]

My friend and I like Cafe on Park. It's good for kids, if there are any in your group. Everything I've gotten there has been great. Their meatloaf is different than the norm, but it's great. They serve breakfast and lunch. There tends to be a line on weekends, but it's never very long. Weekdays are generally wait-free.

[pickypicky]

I like Barrio Star for lunch or breakfast (through lunch) = http://www.isabelscantina.com/barrio-star.php Also Pappalecco = http://www.pappalecco.com/

[Dagney]

2nd Barrio Star.

[tavmark]

Is Jimmy Carter cafe still open? More of a breakfast place but I thought they stayed open through at least lunch.

[DiningDiva]

JImmy Carter's is on 5th and isn't very good.