Neighborhood Guide: Hillcrest

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

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Updated: July 07, 2009

With the annual San Diego Pride Festival set to take over Uptown San Diego July 18-19, Hillcrest is bracing itself for a crowd of 100,000+ friends of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community expected to attend. You can get all the festival, party and scheduling details for the festival here , and read on below for our top picks of the best restaurants, shops and nightlife spots to hit up throughout the weekend.

On this page:Hillcrest Restaurants, Hillcrest Bars and Nightlife, Hillcrest Boutiques and Shops.

Hillcrest Restaurants

  1. 1 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Tapas Picasso Spanish Rstrnt
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    3923 4th Ave, San Diego, CA 92103 (map)

    Small, spicy plates of Spanish cuisine offered in an intimate Hillcrest cafe since 1992.

  2. 2 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended La Vache -- CLOSED
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    420 Robinson Ave Ste A, San Diego, CA 92103 (map)

    Welcoming French eatery unveils elegant dishes in close quarters in the heart of Hillcrest.

  3. 3 Dish
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    1220 University Avenue, San Diego, CA 92103 (map)

    Restaurant arm of the stylish Hillcrest nightclub Universal, serving farm-to-table cuisine.

  4. 4 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Golden Dragon
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    414 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92103 (map)

    Former Golden Dragon gets a facelift and an updated, Asian-fusion menu in Hillcrest that's open late.

  5. 5 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Cafe On Park
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    3831 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92103 (map)

    Friendly neighborhood eatery serves up creative egg dishes and sandwiches to a young clientle.

  6. 6 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Bites
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    1417 University Ave , San Diego, CA 92103 (map)

    Confidential chef and Cafe W founder Chris Walsh offers upscale French/Italian small plates in a hip, Hillcrest dining room.

  7. 7 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Bronx Pizza Inc
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    111 Washington St, San Diego, CA 92103 (map)

    Get in line for Bronx-style pies and plenty of New York attitude at this Hillcrest pizza joint--a casual roadside favorite.

  8. 8 4 Star Rating: Recommended Kitima
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    406 University Ave Ste B, San Diego, CA 92103 (map)

    Bold meat and vegetarian dishes at Hillcrest's upscale, neighborhood Thai eatery.

  9. 9 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Chilango's
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    142 University Ave Ste, San Diego, CA 92103 (map)

    Former Chilango's Mexican Grill is back after the sushi teriyaki spot run by the same family in the same location failed.

  10. 10 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Arrivederci Italian Restaurant
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    3845 Fourth Ave, San Diego, CA 92103 (map)

    Family-style Italian spot serves up homemade pastas to nightly crowds on Hillcrest's hottest corner.

Hillcrest Bars and Nightlife

  1. 11 4 Star Rating: Recommended Baja Betty's
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    1421 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92103 (map)

    Whether Sunday brunch or happy hour fiesta, this old-school San Diego haunt is always packed.

  2. 12 4 Star Rating: Recommended Alibi
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    1403 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92103 (map)

    Dive bar turned hipster hangout offers cheap drinks, pool tables and a down-to-earth vibe.

  3. 13 1 Star Rating: Poor Universal Hillcrest
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    1202 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92103 (map)

    Intimate hillcrest wine bar balances strak red walls with a soothing blue lights, small plates menu and extensive by-the-glass wine list.

  4. 14 4 Star Rating: Recommended Wine Lover
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    3968 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92103 (map)

    Intimate hillcrest wine bar serves intelligent international list, with light nibbles on the side.

  5. 15 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Cafe Bleu
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    530 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92103 (map)

    Intimate hillcrest wine bar balances strak red walls with a soothing blue lights, small plates menu and extensive by-the-glass wine list.

Hillcrest Boutiques and Shops

  1. 16 Hillcrest Farmer's Market
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    Lincoln St at Cleveland, San Diego, CA 92104 (map)

    Hillcrest's artful community spirit shines in the unique, open air market on Sunday mornings.

  2. 17 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Blue Stocking Books
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    3917 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92103 (map)

    Hillcrest independent bookseller with used and new books, journals and gifts is also a popular meeting spot for book clubs and poets.