Browse San Diego Editors’ Lists

Power Plays: San Diegians Seal the Deal Over Lunch

From suit-and-tie fine dining to quick Friday-casual bites, we've uncovered San Diego's top power lunch destinations.

Reality Bites: San Diego Spots Made Famous on Reality TV

From real housewives and top chefs, to crabby newlyweds and crab fishermen, San Diego is no stranger to the spoils--and high ratings--of reality television. In fact, and maybe it's because we're just a stone's throw from LA, San Diego seems to be one of the most popular reality TV day trip destinations. Is it planned? Is it really real? Do the reality stars ever pay their own way? Read on for all the juicy details.

Destination Dude: A Guys Night Out in San Diego

Planning a bachelor party or just a casual night out with the guys? Find the best bars, restaurants and clubs for a memorable guys night out in San Diego.

Summer Drinks: San Diego's Coolest Cocktails for 2009

When a plain ol' margarita just won't cut it, we've uncovered a round of drinks that will kick cocktail hour up a notch. From sweet pineapple treats to sour whiskey-laiden mules, here are our picks for the best summer cocktails for 2009.

Find the Best Jeans in San Diego

Searching for the perfect pair of jeans? Whether you're one of the three people who look great in skinny jeans or, like the rest of us, you're on the hunt for that flattering wide-leg look (please, oh please stay "in" for another season), we have a boutique for you. From La Jolla to Otay Ranch, we scoured the city to find the best denim selections in town.

One Dollar Wonders: San Diego's Cheapest Eats

Looking for something even cheaper than the standard 2-for-1 special? Something more enticing than 5 rolled tacos for $1.99 or even cheaper than $2.50 you-call-it drinks at the beach? Look no further. We found a host of food and drinks in San Diego that cost $1 or less. Yes, we said $1 OR LESS! What a wonderful world.

No Boys Club: A Girls Night Out Guide to San Diego

You've gathered the gals, done your nails, swapped shoes and wrangled a car or designated driver. All that's left for the perfect girls night out is a place to meet, eat, dance and drink, right? That's where we come in. From VIP club scenes and karaoke dens to low-key wine bars and spa havens, we've pulled together San Diego's ultimate list of ladies night destinations.

Meatless Market: San Diego's Best Vegan Meals

When you have to cross meat, chicken and fish off the menu and you 'don't go there' with dairy and eggs, the options for a tasty meal in San Diego may suddenly seem minuscule, right? Wrong! Meet Veggie Thing, our latest foodie lookbook showcasing the finest in cruelty-free feasting. Check out a few of our most favorite buzzed about and hidden delights you'll want to eat--without all the animal by-products that you won't--then head over to the site and submit your own veggie things to be featured next.

(Photo: Haley W.)

SugarBomber: San Diego's Most Wanted Desserts

Does the mere mention of something as simple as milk and cookies send you skyrocketing into sugar-coated bliss? Do you sleep at night with visions of gummy bears dancing in your head? Do you believe some ice cream sundaes are better than sex? Well, then: You. Are. Not. Alone. That's why we've created a finger-licking online lookbook called SugarBomber, the ultimate go-to guide for dessert devotees. Here is a sampling of San Diego's finest, plus where you can go get 'em. And if you've already found a sweet spot on your own, make sure you submit it through the site! Who knows? We might feature your pick next. Bombs away!

(Photo: Moowiesqrd, Adventures Of An Amateur Foodie)

3 Buck Bites: San Diego Meals Under $3.99

Remember the days of throwing a handful of change down on the counter and saying, "What can I get for this?" We do. Partly because we said it just last week! We're allowed to, thanks to our new frugal foodie lookbook, 3 Buck Bites, a go-to guide for meals under $3.99. From adventurous ethnic eats to classic standards, you'd be surprised how far you can stretch those quarters you found between the couch cushions. Here are a few highlights. And if you've got some of your own share them with us--you could be featured next!

(Photo: Moowiesqrd, Adventures Of An Amateur Foodie)

Gastro Globe-Trot: Around the World in San Diego

From Northern Africa to Southeastern Asia, and even down under to Australia, we've uncovered exotic menus from every continent on the map right here in San Diego (at least every continent that has food fit for humans--we'll leave that Antarctic krill to the penguins). So sit back, relax and enjoy our so-local gastro globe-trot.

San Diego Singles Guide

Don't have a special someone to share your weekend with? Who needs flowers and jealous lovers anyway? It's time to celebrate singledom in all its glory. Whether you're planning to chill out by the beach or rock out in a club, here's where to go in San Diego if you're flying solo these days.

24/7 San Diego: Where to Feast After Midnight

Hungry after midnight? Craving a burrito at 4am? From North Park taco shops to Downtown pizzerias, we uncovered a host of after-hours eats in San Diego.

5 to Try: Carnitas

Fried, salty, stewed pork heaven: Carnitas rank right up there with carne asada on the list of our favorite Mexican taco fillers. Here are five spots that do it right in San Diego.

5 to Try: House-made Charcuterie

Cheese plates are so 2006. Today, with the explosion of farm-to-table food, charcuterie plates are all the rage at San Diego's best restaurants. Charcuterie (a French term) simply refers to any sort of prepared or cured meat products, from house-cured sausages and ham to bacon, pate, salumi and more. Chefs usually serve a charcuterie plate with a few different mustards for dipping or spreading, pickles (or pickled veggies) and bread or toasts. Here are a few of our favorites in San Diego.

Liberty Station: Our Neighborhood Guide

Neighborhood wine bars, casual pubs and an easy, breezy par 3 golf course: See why Liberty Station is one of our favorite up-and-coming villages.

Early Bird Eats: San Diego's Top Sunset Specials

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?

Small Plates: 10 Restaurants, 10 tables or less

There's something neat about squeezing in to the last available corner table of a tiny restaurant. Sure, you might be able to tell the life stories of the people sitting next to you by the end of dinner, but it's usually worth the tight fit. Small restaurants usually come with a passionate chef, attentive service and an owner who's more concerned with an intimate experience than table-turning profit ratios. Our editors picked 10 of their favorite small restaurants.

Taco Tuesdays: The Best Deals of the Week

Thank heaven for alliteration, if only because it's the reason behind one of the greatest cheap eats traditions in San Diego: Taco Tuesdays. Most Mexican restaurants and bars celebrate some version of cheap tacos on Tuesdays, and we've picked out a handful of the best.

Dog-Friendly San Diego: Where Four-Legged Friends Rule

Looking for a posh doggie day spa? What about gourmet treats? How about a chill bar where your puppy is welcome, too? From South Park to San Marcos, we've found San Diego's best spots to hang with your four-legged friend.

Beer City, USA: A Guide to San Diego Microbrews

Nationally recognized as one of the foremost centers of local brewing, San Diego enjoys quite a reputation among beer connoisseurs. So we've brought togther a list of the best of the best beer bars and brewers in our very own Beer City, USA.

San Diego Picnic Planner

Ready to become a basket case? We can help. From romantic picnics for two to family-size beach BBQs, we've got everything you need to create the perfect San Diego picnic just time for summer.

Kid-Friendly San Diego: Where Little Ones Can Run Wild

We've made finding family-friendly restaurants, sights, and entertainment in San Diego as easy as ABC.

5 to Try: Savory Popcorn

Gone are the days of microwave bags, movie-theater butter and day-glow cheese paste. Popcorn is back in a gourmet way these days, and some of San Diego's best restaurants are working it into their latest menus. Here are five of our favorite savory popcorn treats.

Scooter Mania: Where SD's Vespa Set Scoots Around

Beep, beep! I'm a little bit greener these days with my new red scooter. After renting one in Europe last year, my sweetie and I were convinced it would be the perfect "buzz around" vehicle for our neighborhood in South Park. Turns out, we were very late to a very large party of scooter fanatics already active in San Diego. Here's a few go-to scooter spots we've discovered so far:

Get Schooled: 5 San Diego Surf Lessons

Are you one of those locals who lies to your out-of-town friends about knowing how to surf? Well summer's almost here (and so are the couch-surfing friends), so it's time to suit up, hang ten, and learn the basics. Here are five San Diego surf schools that we can vouch for.

Red Line Bargains: $5 Finds Near SD Trolley Stops

Why not ditch the car and put some fuel into what really drives you: your belly? Five dollars may not get you far in a car, but it'll get you plenty to snack on at these humble eateries, all within a short walk of local trolley stops.

Bourbon is Back: Where to Find it in SD

With the cocktail culture enjoying a healthy revival in San Diego, bourbon is back in a big way in local pubs and lounges. Here's five of our favorite bourbon cocktails around town.

5 to Try: Farm to Table Restaurants

Even though in San Diego we all live within close proximity to some of the nations top organic produce growers and farms, who has the time to trek out to the farm stands and dairy pastures to get the best of the best ingredients? Luckily, several local restaurants are jumping on the farm-to-table movement and doing just that: Buying produce, meat and dairy direct from local growers and putting it on their menus with no preservatives, freezing or rehydrating. The result? Menus full of simple flavors, local ingredients and sustainable deliciousness. Now if only we could get carbon credits for eating out ...

Half-Price Wine Nights

In the ever more accessible world of wine, it's easier than ever to pair vino with your meal without breaking the bank. And from Downtown bistros to Del Mar wine bars, we uncovered a host of half-price wine specials on nearly every night of the week.

In-Town Getaways: 5 Spots That Feel A Million Miles Away

Staycations are so 2008, according to most of our travel industry insiders. This year, our tipsters tell us that traveling on a budget is all about rediscovering the exotic, worldly and wild destinations right here in San Diego. Wait, isnt that exactly what a staycation is? Well let you be the judge and, in the meantime, here are our picks for 5 exotic, in-town experiences.

Get Hitched: San Diego Wedding Planner

Getting ready to tie the knot? The big day doesn't have to bring out the bride (or groom) "zilla" in anyone. For a stress-free prelude to the altar, consult our guide to San Diego's top reception sites, florists, bridal shops and more.

Eco-Chic: A Green Living Guide to San Diego

Being green is always in fashion. From natural threads at Migrate Home to all-natural cleaning services at Ecoclean, check out these eco-friendly hot spots in San Diego.

Cat Power: Where to Catch a Cougar

In case you hadn't noticed, cougar mania has pounced on the San Diego scene. And in case you've been living in a cave, a cougar is a 40+ femme fatale with an insatiable appetite for her prey--namely, young men. From swanky hotel bars to saucy shops, cougar dens are popping up at a record pace. Find out where to catch a cougar in San Diego. Rarrr!

5 to Try: Noodle Shops

Because it's fun to slurp your dinner. Because there ought to be more late-night dining options than just greasy pizza and monster burritos. Because they authentically evoke that feeling of traveling through Asia. These are the reasons to worship the noodle shop. They may not be clean and they may not be local, sustainable or organic, but our favorite five restaurants dedicated to the noodle are reliably cheap, filling and undeniably comforting.

Concierge Picks: Christos Brooks, Keating Hotel

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:

Concierge Picks: Cindy Amador, Keating Hotel

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 Cindy, a martial arts enthusiast, at The Keating Hotel to see what's on her radar:

San Diego's Best Cigar Bars

Hookah bars had their day in the 90s. Sure, a few still survive to this day on the side streets downtown. But if we're lookin' for a huff and a puff in 2009, it's going to be at a sultry, smokey, old-school cigar bar. San Diego's best cigar bars are enjoying a rebound these days, and we've picked a few of our favorites.

5 to Try: Dim Sum

Both affordable and fun--choosing from passing carts laden with steaming buns, meats and vegetables--dim sum can be addictive. We've found five fun destinations for the little "touches of the heart" in San Diego. Think we missed a must-try? Send us a note and tell us about it.

Neighborhood Guide: Hillcrest

Boutiques, bars and some of the best restaurants in the city: Hillcrest anchors San Diego's uptown neighborhood for a reason. Discover all the secrets of this funky, artsy, creative uptown community.

More than Just Lunch: An Insider's Guide to La Jolla

La Jolla isn't just for ladies who lunch anymore. Get the lowdown on everything this posh coastal enclave has to offer, from coffee shops to sushi bars.

Going Out in The Gaslamp: A Neighborhood Guide

Find out what's happening, from restaurant openings to the best dance clubs, in the downtown Gaslamp scene.

La Playa Living: What to See & Eat in Point Loma

From restaurants to walking trails, find out why many deem Point Loma's coastal community one of San Diego's last little gems.

Boutique Chic: 22 Shops We Love in San Diego

From La Jolla's designer row to funky antiques in OB, our editors highlight San Diego's top shops.

5 to Try: Pho

With steaming clear broth and tender noodles, Vietnamese pho soup is the ultimate Asian Comfort food. Here are five of our favorite spots to find it in San Diego.

From Ghost Town to Restaurant Row: East Village Eats

From bars to boutiques, see why everyone's buzzing about San Diego's East Village neighborhood.

San Diego's Next Great Neighborhood: North Park

We've got your guide to eating, drinking and more in North Park, one of San Diego's most artsy, unique, up-and-coming neighborhoods.

Neighborhood Guide: Ocean Beach

Some say quaint, some say funky, and everyone agrees it's old-school. Ocean Beach is like a time capsule of the 1960s beach culture, and from bars to burger shacks, we've got your guide on how to enjoy it today.

Hip and Historic: South Park Neighborhood Guide

Historic and hip aren't exactly a match made in heaven when it comes to San Diego neighborhoods. But at just a stone's throw from downtown and a bike ride away from Hillcrest, South Park proves that hip and historic can happily coexist. It offers all the local live music, edgy boutiques and intimate eateries that lure the urban hipsters, but it's all set against a backdrop of original craftsman homes and the historic landmark of Balboa Park. Now let's get to the details: Here are nine reasons why we love this part of town.

Street Meat: San Diego's Top Taco Shops

From greasy carnitas to salty carne asada, there's nothing like a roadside taco shop to satisfy a craving for authentic Mexican food. We've pulled together a few of the top stops from the border to the beach.

Smooch: Best Spots to Kiss in San Diego

From a sexy nightclub to an intimate restaurant or bar, find fresh spots to kiss in San Diego.

Beach Party: A Neighborhood Guide to Pacific Beach

From crazy spring break bars to a quiet walk on the beach, we've picked out the best of best in PB.

Neighborhood Guide: Little Italy

Founded by the Italian and Portuguese tuna fisherman decades ago, today's Little Italy casts a wider net, blending a modern Italian asthetic with the old-world feel of the neighborhood. And, of course, the pizzerias and gelato are still the stars of the show.

Concierge Picks: Rochalle Racine, Tower 23 Hotel

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 Rochalle at Tower 23 to see what's on her radar:

5 to Try: Rooftop Bars

Some light it up with firepits, others keep it loungy with cabanas, and the W even brings in heated sand. But one thing all of San Diego's rooftop watering holes have in common: They all boast take-your-breath-away views. Cheers to living the outdoor life.

Concierge Picks: Erin Brady, Tower 23 Hotel

They've tried all the restaurants, know how to get on every list, and keep the city's top stylists on speed dial. 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 Tower 23's Erin Brady, an avid Aztecs fan, who dished on her top picks:

5 to Try: San Diego Dance Lessons

Whether you're inspired by Dancing With the Stars or just fed up with your sweetie's not-so-subtle hints, kicking up your heels for a series of dance lessons really isn't all that bad. We've done it--sampled a few of the best dance studios town--and there's definitely a rhythm to match anyone's beat in San Diego. Here are 5 of our favorite dance schools:

Concierge Picks: Gaby Delgado, Hard Rock Hotel

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 Gaby at the Hard Rock to see what's on her radar:

Concierge Picks: Christian Marin, Hard Rock Hotel

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 Christian at the Hard Rock to see what's on his radar:

Editor's Picks: Erin Chambers, San Diego

She lives in South Park, she's a sucker for strawberry ice cream and white sangria, and nothing makes her quite as happy as a luxury pedicure from Lulu's by Travis Parker. Meet our editor, Erin Chambers, and see what she loves most about San Diego.

Neighborhood Guide: Eating in La Mesa

Good food in La Mesa? Yes, it's true. We swear. There is excellent food in La Mesa. You just have to know where to look.

5 to Try: Cheese Plates

Whether it's just a nibble to enhance the Cab-Franc you just splurged on, or a decidedly decadent, creamy dinner for two, sometimes a great cheese plate is just the ticket. Based on a criteria of price, selection and originality (we love a surprising smoked gouda), our editors rounded up 5 of the best cheese plates in San Diego.

5 to Try: Cupcakes in San Diego

They're the trendiest treat around--it's no secret that cupcakes have made a comeback and are popping up all over San Diego. So put your diet on pause, and check out some of the best frosted tops San Diego has to offer.

Shop Talk: Fave San Diego Boutiques

From luxe boutiques and edgy outlets to trendy houseware emporiums, find the latest shops to take San Diego by storm.

5 to Try: Chicken Wings in San Diego

From spicy Buffalo to sweet honey barbeque, see who flies high in San Diego's chicken wings scene.

Outdoor Dining in San Diego

Sip and be served al fresco at one of the city's many outside eateries. For us, it's Summer all year long.

San Diego Farmers' Markets

From produce to homemade bread to fresh-cut flowers, get all your goods straight from local growers.

San Diego Beach Guide

Whether you're looking to spend the day at one of San Diego's many public beaches or find a scenic beachside restaurant or hotel, we've got your ultimate guide to to the 30-mile stretch of San Diego's coastline.

Fry Me to the Moon: SD's Best French Fries

We've sampled all the best spuds in San Diego and pulled together our favorites.

Loving Lincoln: Five Dollar Finds in San Diego

Need something fun and delicious in San Diego on the cheap? We've uncovered a host of food, drinks, activities and more -- all for just five dollars.

5 to Try: Hot Dogs

From the boiled ballpark dog to the trendy TJ-style ones wrapped in bacon, nothing embodies a guilty food pleasure quite like a good hot dog. Just don't ask us what's in them.

Breakfast of Champions: Bars that open before 10:00am

Forget the hot cup of coffee. There are some folks out there who crave none other than an ice cold beer to get the morning started. Lucky for them, San Diego boasts a handful of bars that open before breakfast. We are tickled to make the annoucenment.

Faking It: Gourmet Foods To-Go

No one needs to know about your constant confusion between the sugar bowl and the salt shaker. Or that the only reason you own a cookbook is that Tyler Florence was signing them at Borders and you wanted a photo. So you're not a chef? No worries. We've rounded up all the best gourmet to-go spots in San Diego to help you fake it, 'til you make it.

5 to Try: Sangria

Whether made with red or white wine, this sweet and tangy Spanish libation is deceptively easy to drink. Bottoms up to San Diego's best sangria.

How to Give Back Locally, San Diego

It's time to ask not what San Diego can do for you, but what you can do for San Diego. We rounded up some of the best local volunteer opportunities in town, so whether you believe in karma, or just want to be a better citizen, this list is a great place to get started.

Pampering 101: Salons and Spas We Love in San Diego

From the latest massage therapy treatments to the best spots for perfect mani/pedi, check out the top new spas and salons in San Diego.

Half-Day Away: A Neighborhood Guide to Escondido

From restaurants to vineyards, boutiques to day spas, take a tour through historic Excondido to see why it's our favorite half-day trip.

Roll With Me: Sushi in San Diego

We've gathered the freshest and most interesting sushi spots in San Diego.

Expert Picks: Where The Chefs Shop

From out-of-the-way farm stands to the freshest fish markets, we've uncovered where the pros get their ingredients so you can shop like a gourmet chef.

Neighborhood Guide: Coronado

Award-winning beaches and the historical Hotel Del aren't the only things Coronado has going for it. We've got the inisde scoop on all the food, drinks and fun in "The Island's" quaint village.

Carb Lovers Guide

Atkins, Shmatkins. Carb lovers everywhere rejoice as we resurrect the power of flour. From bread baskets and bagels to pasta and potatoes, we've got your guide to the ultimate San Diego carbo load.

Surviving the Santa Anas: A San Diegan's Guide

When the Santa Ana "devil winds" start blowing, everyone from La-La Land to Ensenada feels the hot, dry breezes that Raymond Chandler famously described as a force that can "curl your hair and make your nerves jump and your skin itch." They've been as much a part of Southern California lore as they are of weekly forecast reports, and whether the winds bring you allergy attacks, wildfire warnings, or just fond memories of the old 90210 episode when Dylan blames the Santa Anas for his lustful night with Kelly (while--gasp--Brenda was still in Paris), we've got a few helpful tips on how to survive, even enjoy, the Santa Anas in San Diego.

Per Diem: A Guide to Expense-Account Dining in San Diego

From traveling with no-limit credit card to pinching pennies and haggling with accounts payable, we've got your guide to living on an expense account in San Diego. You pick your daily per diem limit, and we handle the rest.

San Diego's Most Extreme Cocktails

Whether it's the end of bad day or the beginning of the best night of your life, sometimes a regular ol' vodka soda just doesn't cut it. Enter extreme cocktails, San Diego-style. From fish bowl-sized mai tais to a 60oz. tsunami punch, these drinks take cocktail hour to whole new level.

Whip It Up: Best Cooking Classes

Whether sharpening your knife skills or just learning to boil water, these San Diego cooking classes will surely get you feeling comfortable in the kitchen.

Booze Clues: Bar Trivia Nights

Are you the type who always wins Trivial Pursuit and knows all the answers on Jeopardy? It's your time to shine. Gather a group of your nerdiest friends, order a pitcher and settle into a night of trivia at these San Diego bars.

The Best of University Heights

A stroll down Park Blvd to the intersection at Adams Ave reveals some of San Diego's most artsy, indie, interesting and delicious hidden gems. Check out our guide to the eats, drinks and shops that can't be missed.

San Diego 101

With miles of sandy beaches, world-class attractions and some of the best Mexican food north of the border, it's no wonder San Diego draws millions of tourists each year. The year-round, 70-degrees-and-sunny climate helps, too. Here's our editors' picks for the best of the best of America's Finest City.

5 to Try: Breakfast Burritos

Whether filled with tradional eggs and potatoes, or fancy salsas and seafood, breakfast burritos are the perfect way to wake up on weekends. Here's five of our favorites in San Diego.

San Diego's Beach Cities' Eats and Drinks

Whether you dig and casual, hippee vibe of OB, the college frat-boy atmosphere of PB or the family-friendly Carlsbad sea wall, we've got the San Diego beach cities covered. From eats to drinks, sandy beaches to rocky cliffs, check out what our editors love along the coast.

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