Top 5 San Diego Food & Drink Spots: A Local’s Guide

So, you’re planning a trip to San Diego, huh? Or maybe you just landed here and, like, really want to, you know, experience the *real* San Diego. Either way, that means grub. It also might mean thirst, which is that thing you’re thinking. Forget the tourist traps. I’m dishing that dirt on the food and drink destinations that the locals keep secret…ish. Very much that, if I’m being honest.

1. Mitch’s Seafood: Waterfront Wonders

First, there’s Mitch’s. Mitch’s Seafood. Now, that spot isn’t, like, exactly a secret, I suppose, but, you know, it’s so often overlooked by the crowds. It’s a working fish harbor down at Point Loma, and that place kind of drips with that old-school San Diego vibe. Really, honestly. Is that you feel at a restaurant. It’s casual. I should also point out it’s nothing fancy. This is about as real as you can get when enjoying yourself with what you’re eating. Sit at a picnic table overlooking the boats, smell that salty air, and chow down on some fish tacos. This spot basically captures what San Diego food is *really* supposed to represent.

For something to nibble, so, try their grilled fish tacos. In fact, they could easily win the award for my pick in the whole of San Diego. Fresh fish, a tangy sauce, all stuffed into a tortilla… Oh, and that location *really* cannot be beaten. That thing must be a sight for sore eyes. You could make an afternoon of just chilling there, very likely, watching the boats come and go. Grab a local brew. Many people enjoy that very thing, and cheers the sunset. Trust me: that sounds like a beautiful day.

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2. Hodad’s: Burgers That Rock

Alright, moving on. This very choice sounds good. Burgers… You thinking? Hodad’s it is. Basically, you know Hodad’s means San Diego. In that case, it would be burgers and a beach scene that, just possibly, couldn’t be separated. But the important detail is be warned: this spot gets busy. Actually, so busy. Is there a good day of time? The line often snakes down the block, very clearly, so you may want to factor that. However, as a matter of fact, those in line keep telling themselves it is completely worth the wait.

In some respects, here’s that “Hodad’s thing” explained. They serve, naturally, gigantic, juicy burgers piled high with toppings. Everything that makes a fantastic burgers you’d expect from a busy joint is what you will receive. That taste of one is that the place has built an, I suppose, unarguable, reputation around it. Basically, it’s an old-school burger joint with tons of charm. As I was saying, grab a burger, fries, and a shake, so you can experience a classic San Diego meal.

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3. Ballast Point Brewing: Craft Beer Heaven

This third pick will probably interest you. Want some beer? Ballast Point, okay. San Diego really enjoys brewing, but Ballast Point stands apart even by San Diego standards, in the same way your first crush does. What they serve isn’t just beer… It’s a science. In fact, many could call it that. Now, they have, in effect, a few locations, yet the Scripps Ranch spot is the big daddy, that I feel. Tour the brewery, you might like that. Sample what comes to the mind from really innovative beers. And if I said relax outside at that beer garden. Also sample what food they offer and is designed to match what’s in the drinks. What that beer garden does well is creates that *totally* relaxed San Diego vibe. Try that. Really experience their creativity. Then kick back.

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4. Juniper and Ivy: Fine Dining with Flair

Feeling a little classy, by the way? Or, rather, so very classy? Juniper and Ivy, clearly, should do it. Located over in that district called Little Italy, in that place’s bones there once lived a warehouse which is pretty common with many of that district’s business. So, there exists the feeling that what it really serves you is elevated California cuisine and then they have flair with how that offering is displayed, which is really kind of important when thinking of class.

The location itself tends to be that hip and modern, so this means it sets the tone. Everything feels modern, too, the menu isn’t an exception to this, and very constantly features what the region grows *very* best from farmer’s. Let’s be honest, though, it has the tendency of being spendy, still, as a matter of fact, if your wish is a *truly* noteworthy meal this thing will be it.

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5. Extraordinary Desserts: Sweet Endings

Saving that sweet tooth for very last, yes? Well, you know, there can be no conversation involving grub down in San Diego which can’t include Extraordinary Desserts, yet it makes the experience the top of one. That very dessert cafe offers so much in that, apparently, what someone chooses, too it is almost a tough challenge. Those selections contain from lavish cakes that use rich colors with very bold themes to those more soft types that is just what it claims.

That point is: if sweets, for instance, are a craving on your agenda, just go and get it at one of those stores at Extraordinary Desserts. In fact, both the Balboa Park location and that of Little Italy’s both grant to its visitors, that must have need, an offering and a place of comfort, because that one’s dessert needs cannot always come with much advanced notice.

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