March was good to us here in San Diego. We got a few beach days in, got back to exploring, and just enjoyed being home. I’ve said it many times, in many posts, but I cannot get over the weather here. It’s warm and SO MUCH sunshine. I’m still wowed that we can go to the beach in March (and February)! We just keep adding to our list of things to see, eat, and do!
FOOD
Tajima (Hillcrest)
P & I are obsessed. We went two-weeks in a row! It is very tasty ramen. I like this ramen over Underbelly’s ramen. Both times I got the curry ramen, it was so good I couldn’t resist. P got the spicy sesame ramen the first time, but switched to the curry on our second visit. So, I guess what I’m saying is get the curry ramen 🙂 They have an interesting selection of Japanese beers too.
Stone Brewing Bistro & Beer Garden, Escondido
It’s an amazing space, very indoor/outdoor. The food was excellent, but I was pretty disappointed with the beer selection. There were not very many unique beers offered. I love that you can make reservations. However, it was overrun by children. I am not exaggerating when I say that every other table had one or more child at it. They were climbing all over the stone pond area in the middle, we saw three trip and start screaming while playing around said pond, all right in the middle of the outdoor patio…it was far from relaxing. They had further outdoor space that you could walk around with your beer and sit an enjoy, that was very cool. It was a nice trip, but not something I would say is really worth your time if you are just visiting San Diego.
Indigo Grill
This is a upscale Mexican inspired restaurant in Little Italy. They have a nice space, with a lovely glassed in patio. I was pleasantly surprised by how good our food turned out to be. The cocktail was not very good, not well balanced. I would order beer or wine if we went again. We ordered the shrimp and scallop ceviche, it lacked flavor overall and was short on seafood. I would skip the ceviche here. However, the meal was redeemed with our other two dishes. The clam and mussel dish had the best broth so far of all the mussel dishes we have had in San Diego, I liked the clams better than the mussels, but all had great flavor and were cooked perfectly. The second dish was the Anticucho Board, my favorite part was the hummus, it all went together really well. Again, impressed with the variety and depth of flavor.
Table 10
We tried this for brunch, and it was good, but I wasn’t wowed. I love their space, very clean and open, and the service was great too. The french toast deviled eggs were the highlight of brunch; very interesting idea, sweet and savory. Both of our other dishes were good, but I’ve had much better versions of chilaquiles and shrimp and grits elsewhere. The grits were too watery and the dish overall lacked that flavor punch. P’s chilaquiles was good but the garlic in the verda overwhelmed the dish a bit. We will still try it for dinner, but it is not a top pick for brunch.
Cantina Mayahuel
You have to get the pinto beans!! I’m totally addicted, we went two-weeks in a row. Oh, their tacos aren’t too bad either. 😉 This place is so good, definitely a hidden gem. Huge selection of tequila and good margaritas. This is our new go-to Mexican place! I want to make it back soon on a Friday to try their mole, which they prepare 3 different ways!
Subterranean Coffee Bar
P and I have walked by this place on several occasions and decided to pop in for a light breakfast one morning before heading to the beach. They caught my eye with a green tea and strawberry smoothie which was pretty tasty…almost like a strawberry milkshake. Their breakfast bagels were very good; it hit the spot for a filling, but not too heavy breakfast. They serve Bird Rock coffee, which is cool. Bird Rock is an award winning roaster in La Jolla, so it is nice to be able to get their coffee in the North Park area. Very friendly staff and a wide selection of creative beverages, we will certainly make our way over here again.
Half Door Brewing
It’s right near Petco Park, in an old restored house. Such a cool space, but more restaurant than brewery feel. I went here first with Shannon for lunch and then had to go back immediately with P as he could not stop talking about not getting to go 🙂 Their beers are spot on, really good beers. Now the food…so the first two times I went the food was wonderful, I was so impressed. P and I went a third time and well I was not impressed with the changes they made to the chicken sandwich. It was like they stepped the quality down by half on the meat, the cheese, and the bread used. So disappointing. P’s flatbread was good that trip, but I’m worried that this might be a trend of lowering quality after their initial open. Hopefully it is was a one-off experience. If you are looking for a great beer in a great space, this is your stop. I love their upstairs balcony, you get lots of sun, which can be hard to find downtown.
Jaynes Gastropub
Oh man, we had heard great things about this place from many different people, and they were not lying. The description as a gastropub is a bit misleading. It’s much nicer than what I think of as an American gastropubs and it has a better feel. What gastropub have you been to that has fresh flowers? I totally was in love with the place and the food was so good. They have more than just sandwiches (my second choice was the duck) but for some reason the pastrami special was calling my name that night. I’m glad I listened because it hit the spot, it wasn’t greasy and had great flavor overall. P’s fish was SO good too, the breading was very light and it wasn’t greasy at all. The fish was well seasoned, even without the breading. We will definitely be back for another visit. The service was also very friendly and we just instantly felt relaxed here.
Supannee House of Thai
I’ve finally found a Thai place with good Tom Yum!! Of course it’s not in near our neighborhood, but still the food was spot on! Lots of flavor and spice. I got most of mine a medium and it was spicy! The green papaya salad was quite spicy and had good flavor though the shrimp were a bit overcooked. Very nice space, lots of light. I’m sure we will making a trip back here at some point.
West Coast Tavern
Great service, interesting menu, but nothing to really write home about. 🙂 The atmosphere is just not our scene and the music (even outside) was too loud. Our food was fine, nothing wrong, but both P and I agreed it was only ok. I think there are so just so many REALLY good brunch spots in San Diego that you have to be sourcing great ingredients and have solid cooks to make an impression. I wouldn’t say avoid West Coast by any means, but it’s unlikely a repeat for us.
The Not So Good
Alexander’s
This place is so cute, I want to like it, but I just can’t. This will not be getting a second chance from us. The risotto was not risotto, not even close, it was closer to paella than risotto. P’s alfredo was good, but given how bad my dish was, and how many other Italian places there are to choose from, I can’t justify going back.
BOOZE
Sycamore Den
Very retro! They really stick to their theme (70’s-80’s) too, they play 70’s music and had Footloose and Dirty Dancing on the tv. The drinks were made well, though I wish they had a wider cocktail menu. Overall, a neat little place.
Mother Earth, Vista, CA
We went to not one, but both their tasting rooms in Vista. The one on Main Street is definitely the one to go to, much nicer atmosphere with basically the same beer list available. Nice selection of beers, and good space. Very dog friendly.
Lost Abbey-Port Brewing, Escondido
This place was PACKED. Nice selection of beers from Lost Abbey and Port Brewing. We only sampled a few Lost Abbey ales, all quite good. We didn’t hang out for too long since it was so busy.
That’s it for March. We also went to Old Town, but I wasn’t inspired to get pictures…too touristy for my taste.
If you are wondering about our other adventures in San Diego, make sure to check out these posts:
I’m always so jealous of your food photos! It all looks so delicious. And since I’ve always wanted to go to San Diego, I’m loving these posts. I think I just need to do a food tour of the city. Hah. 😀
Yes you do!! San Diego certainly has a lot to offer in food (and other activities too) 🙂 We love getting to try so many new places, though it’s getting hard not to end up at some of our new favorites too.
I LOOOOOVE Cantina Mayahuel! We should meet up there sometime 🙂
And we just went to Half Door for the first time over the weekend — we just snacked on their truffle fries (which were good but a little over-salted), but I thought one of their IPAs was one of the best I’ve had in a while. Definitely going back.
I’m definitely down for that!!!
Yes, we certainly have enjoyed the Half Door beers. I’ve been pretty impressed with all their beers. I was super impressed with the House of Hops IPA.
I just visited San Diego a few weeks ago and fell in love! It looks like such an amazing place to live. 🙂
We are certainly enjoying it! The weather is fantastic and there is plenty to eat, drink, and do 🙂
I want to go to Sycamore Den and the Mexican place! And lots of the others, but those stuck out the most. And your pictures are great. Also, A+ for going to so many brunches. We went to brunch today for the first time in forever because I never want to get out of bed 🙂
I would love for you to visit so we can share all the places with you 🙂 Thank you Lauren! There are so many brunch places to choose from here, and almost all of them do Saturday and Sunday brunch. It can be challenging sometimes to find regular lunch on the weekend.
STOP TRYING TO GET ME TO COME VISIT, YOU TEMPTRESS!
I am really bummed you didn’t have that great of time at Stone. I was able to go twice when my brother was brewing there but I went in the colder months at a down time so it was definitely more quiet so I was able to enjoy their beautiful garden. Lost Abbey has one of me favorite beers ever: Angel’s Share. It’s the kind of beer that store owners get one case of and keep it in their stock room and you just have to be in the know that they have it.
I’ve said it before I would be happy to see you in San Diego for a pint….or a half-dozen 🙂 Stone definitely had a cool space, I’m glad we went, but the screaming kids just aren’t my idea of a nice afternoon. I want to try out the Stone Farm at some point still. I don’t think I’ve ever had that one. I’ll have to keep my eye out!
Man, you are just all over the place! I haven’t heard of Alexander’s or Jaynes Gastropub, but I’ve blogged about West Coast Tavern and Tajimas, but the one in Kearney Mesa. Isn’t San Diego the best for eating and drinking craft beer?!!! =) We have to meet up, preferably in a spot I’ve apparently never been to before! I’ll be gone for a little bit, but some time in May maybe? Oh, and this is a great post, by the way! Love your discovering San Diego series of course! -Jessica
Thank you Jessica!! Yes, we take our eating exploration very seriously 🙂 I’ve had a few people mention the Tajimas in Kearney Mesa is the best one…P and I will have to make it out to that one at some point! We certainly appreciate all the eating and craft beer options San Diego has to offer. I just keep growing the list of new places we have to try. I absolutely would love to meet up when your schedule allows!
So much fantastic food!!! I can’t read your blog before lunch anymore. Now I need to go downstairs and get food and a brew! Everything looks fabulous!
I know, I know…trust me I feel the same way after reading MANY of your posts! We are throughly enjoying our San Diego dining options. Speaking of which we are off to find some brunch soon 🙂
You are definitely discovering [and eating] San Diego. What a selection! The ramen caught my eye [probably because we are thinking about going to Japan soon] but the burger at Half Door Brewing made my mouth water [and that is because I didn’t have a good burger in awhile.]
San Diego so many restaurants to try, I just keep adding to our list! It’s hard too when we find places we really like, but we certainly make an effort to keep trying new ones. I would guess burgers are not a too common where you are? Can’t wait to see your pictures from Japan, when you make it!
It was a mistake to read this before lunch. I want ALL the food. Especially that ramen, which looks great, but I don’t really like curry….so I’d probably order something else. But it looks awesome!!
Yes it was 🙂 Even when I looked over it I was like, umm I need more ramen. They have a vegetarian miso one that sounds super good that I will probably branch out to next time.
That is such a bummer about Stone, we went in 2013 and really enjoyed it but of course the beer selection compared to what we have in our small town here was much better but living in San Diego you are lucky with so much to choose from. I have to say though when we went to Firestone I was also dismayed a bit at all the kids running around.
It’s a thing now kids+breweries. It was just super pronounced when we were at Stone. We have seen it all over San Diego though, I’m not a fan of the trend…I actually have a half written post detailing some it but haven’t decided to post or not. We really like if a brewery has some more unique/not on the shelf offerings when we visit…this is a common brewery visit complaint I have 🙂
Your “Discovering San Diego” posts are always so detailed, it’s amazing! Do you write down notes after each restaurant visit or do you just have a really good memory? I know that I will print out all your travel posts if/when I’ll get to visit SD. Such helpful reviews!
No need to print Miriam, M and I will give you a personal tour 🙂
You girls are the bomb!! Luv ya <3
Shannon’s right, we will totally have a full schedule for you WHEN you come to visit 🙂 I do have a good memory when it comes to food, ask me the name of a place and I’m at a lost but I can remember what I had 🙂 I do try to write a rough something about it right after or the next day.
I love Alexander’s!! I order the lasagna usually and it’s the only place I’ve found that could compare to Olive Garden’s (I know I’m weird!). My husband likes it too and we went on recommendation of a co worker. It just goes to show you how important first impressions are. I hear good things about Stone brewing. Haven’t made it there yet. Probably so many kids because of the indoor/outdoor thing? But yeah, annoying.
We did get recommendations for Alexander’s from a few people, but it just did not come through for us. I don’t remember the lasagna on the menu 🙁 There is just so many other Italian restaurants we have to try I can’t justify going back on our own accord. You should make it out to Stone, it is a really cool space. They also have a Stone Farm, that I think would be cool to visit too.