Early Bird Eats: San Diego's Top Sunset Specials

by Erin Chambers - Citysearch Editor - 9,287 Reviews - 164 Lists

Updated: May 26, 2009

Economic times are tough, and grandma's not the only one scouting for a deal on dinner. We could all use an easy-on-the-wallet early bird special these days, and thankfully some of the best local restaurants have answered the call. So what if you're in and out before the sun goes down?

On this page:San Diego's Best Early Bird Specials, More Great San Diego Dining Deals.

San Diego's Best Early Bird Specials

  1. 1 Better Half -- CLOSED
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    127 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92103 (map)

    Stop in to this quaint, cute Hillcrest bistro between 5pm and 7pm and ask for the "stressed economy" blue plate special. It's 3 courses for $20 per person, and there's usually at least two options for each course.

  2. 2 3 Star Rating: Average Quarter Kitchen
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    600 F St, San Diego, CA 92101 (map)

    Check out Nathan Coulon's fabulous new menu (the short ribs are to die for!) at Quarter Kitchen. If you get in before 7pm, ask for the 3-course special for $30 per person.

  3. 3 3.5 Star Rating: Average Bully's East
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    2401 Camino Del Rio S, San Diego, CA 92108 (map)

    Stop in between 4:30pm and 5:30pm to get a special price on a 7-ounce portion of their salmon fillet, chicken breast or sirloin steak. Keep an eye out for local sports stars and newscasters.

  4. 4 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Royal India
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    329 Market St, San Diego, CA 92101 (map)

    Ask for the early bird special before 6pm and get 25% (with a few exceptions) off of your entire meal.

  5. 5 The Beach House
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    2530 S Coast Hwy, Cardiff, CA 92007 (map)

    They call it a "sunset special" with discounted dinners offered daily from 4:30pm to 6:30pm that range from $11.95 to $14.95. Ocean views come at no extra charge.

  6. 6 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Pacifica Del Mar
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    1555 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar, CA 92014 (map)

    Stop in before 6pm, nab an ocean-view table and enjoy a prix fixe, three-course menu for just $19.95.

  7. 7 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Chez Loma Restraunt
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    1132 Loma Ave, Coronado, CA 92118 (map)

    From 5pm to 6pm daily and all day on Tuesdays, they offer a special, prix fixe menu for just $24.95 that includes three courses and dessert. Considering the prime, romantic Coronado location, that's a steal!

More Great San Diego Dining Deals

  1. 8 2.5 Star Rating: Below Average R T's Longboard Grill
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    1466 Garnet Ave, San Diego, CA 92109 (map)

    Taco Tuesdays rock at Longboards, where taquitos and wings are just $0.25

  2. 9 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended South Park Bar & Grill
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    1946 Fern St, San Diego, CA 92102 (map)

    Stop in to South Park's local gather place on Monday nights when all entree are two for the price of one. We love the burger and any of the chef's special pastas.

  3. 10 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Confidential
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    901 Fourth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101 (map)

    Hip downtown loft restaurant is cool by association to celebs, a locally renowned chef and top DJs spinning into the wee hours ... and now you can hang there from 5-7pm on Wed-Fri and get half-price everything. That's right: The whole menu of small plates is half-off from 5-7pm, Wed-Fri and all night on Tuesday.

  4. 11 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Pizza Port-Solana Beach Brwry
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    135 N Highway 101, Solana Beach, CA 92075 (map)

    Since 1987, Solana Beach brewery packs in locals after work and on weekends for pizza and locally-brewed ales. On Monday nights, pulled pork sandwiches are just $1, and on Wednesdays, wings and cheese sticks are just $0.35 each.

  5. 12 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Red Circle
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    420 E St, San Diego, CA 92101 (map)

    It's not much, but the free edamame offered during happy hour (5-7pm during the week) is better than nothin'.

  6. 13 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended 5 to Try: Rooftop Bars
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    7536 Fay Ave, La Jolla, CA 92037 (map)

    Wednesdays are $1 pint night at downtown La Jolla's favorite bar & grill.

  7. 14 The Alley
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    421 Grand Ave, Carlsbad, CA 92008 (map)

    Grab some cheap drinks during happy hour and the appetizers are on the house from 5-7pm, Mon-Fri up at this Carlsbad watering hole.