Concierge Picks: Christos Brooks, Keating Hotel

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

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Updated: February 23, 2009

They've tried all the restaurants, can get you on any club's list, and keep the city's top stylists on speed dial. Talk about being connected. And now San Diego's most elite hotel concierges are spilling some of their insider knowledge out to you. This week, we caught up with Christos at The Keating Hotel to see what's on his radar:

On this page:Where to go for a big meal?, Where to go for a budget meal?, Where to go for a trendy scene?, Where to go for casual drinks?, Where to go for takeout?, Where to entertain the kids?, Can't-miss spots to see in San Diego?, Where to take the out-of-towners?, Where he goes on his day off?.

Where to go for a big meal?

  1. 1 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Gaslamp Strip Club
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    340 5th Ave, San Diego, CA 92101 (map)

    "You can build a meal as large as you're craving, and let's face it: what guy does not enjoy grilling his own steak?"

  2. 2 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Hash House A-Gogo
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    3628 5th Ave, San Diego, CA 92103 (map)

    "The portions are practically overwhelming."

Where to go for a budget meal?

  1. 3 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Cafe Sevilla/Sevilla Nightclub
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    555 Fourth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101 (map)

    "Enjoy authentic live music and entertainment in the tapas bar, located adjacent to the main dining room."

  2. 4 3 Star Rating: Average Bandar Restaurant
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    825 Fourth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101 (map)

    "It's not exactly 'budget' prices, but one dish comes with more than enough to share."

Where to go for a trendy scene?

Where to go for casual drinks?

  1. 5 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended East Village Tavern & Bowl
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    930 Market St, San Diego, CA 92101 (map)

    "It's a bar with a bowling ally inside. Simply put--awesome!"

Where to go for takeout?

  1. 6 2 Star Rating: Below Average China Too Restaurant
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    916 5th Ave, San Diego, CA 92101 (map)

    "China Too! No question!"

Where to entertain the kids?

  1. 7 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Balboa Park
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    Laurel St at Sixth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101 (map)

    "There is plenty here to make anyone feel young again--don't miss the Ruben H. Fleet Theater and Natural History Museum. Another option further north is the Birch Aquarium in La Jolla."

Can't-miss spots to see in San Diego?

  1. 8 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended San Diego Zoo
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    2920 Zoo Dr, San Diego, CA 92101 (map)

    "Of course, the World Famous San Diego Zoo--go early and check out the tiger. Also, the breathtaking view of San Diego's downtown skyline, especially when passing the airport on the 5 south freeway."

Where to take the out-of-towners?

  1. 9 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended On Broadway Events Center
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    615 Broadway, San Diego, CA 92101 (map)

    "On Broadway is always a sure thing to impress your visitors, but for something a little more low-key, try the Late Night Happy Hour at Harney Sushi in Old Town."

  2. 10 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended World Famous
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    711 Pacific Beach Dr, San Diego, CA 92109 (map)

    "Begin the day near the beach with a big breakfast at World Famous or the Mission. From there, grab a coffee and head north for sight-seeing at the Children's Pool in La Jolla."

Where he goes on his day off?

  1. 11 Wind and Sea Beach Vacation Rental
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    6713 Vista Del Mar Ave, La Jolla, CA 92037 (map)

    "Anywhere I can go to relax: Wind and Sea Beach is my first choice, but I'm happy with an ice-blended from the Coffee Bean and a day at the movies."