User Lists in San Diego, CA Metro

We've scoured the San Diego area and now we're ready to name our Top 10 Bars and Clubs for 2009. Some are new and some are classic spots. Click through and see if you agree, but note that our Top 10 is randomly listed and not necessarily in our order of preference. (Photo courtesy of Firehouse American Eatery & Lounge)

We've scoured the San Diego area and now we're ready to name our Top 10 Restaurants for 2009. Some are new and some are classic spots. Click through and see if you agree, but note that our Top 10 is randomly listed and not necessarily in our order of preference. (Photo courtesy of Pizzeria Luigi)

Most of the New Year's Eve parties downtown cater to the stiletto-wearing, Jager-drinking crowd, but there are some low-key options around town for people who are ready to ring in 2010 without buying drinks at $14 a pop. We've found ways to celebrate the dawn of 2010 for singles, couples and even as a family.

Once your eyes glaze over from online shopping and the anxiety of finding parking at Fashion Valley is too much to handle, it's time to explore some alternative shopping destinations. Here's a guide to some San Diego-area shops that have fun and stylish goods for every special person on your gift list. (Photo courtesy of So Childish)

While tourists are out snapping photos of Surfing Santa at Seaport Village, what's a local to do? Throughout December, you can find nearly non-stop action--from wholesome daytime parades and cooking classes to nightclub events, where clubbers can opt to dress naughty or nice. We've combed through the options to find the best holiday events all around the San Diego area. (Photo courtesy of Hotel Del Coronado)

While we would be among the first to argue that French fries might just be the perfect food (salty, crunchy, fried pieces of heaven), there are a few restaurants and bars in San Diego that have figured out how to make them even better. And while each method for loading up fries is different than the next, most have one this in common: Bacon. And usually some sort of cheese. Sound like a fun research assignment? It was. And here are the results.

These days, kids are becoming foodies, too. Artificially orange mac 'n cheese, frozen french fries and sad pepperoni pizza just doesn't cut it with modern kiddos--or their parents. So we went looking for the new standard in kids menus: Organic, locally grown and all-natural are the new buzzwords, and there are plenty of San Diego restaurants answering the call.

Whether you're looking to impress the socks off your crush--or just minimize the awkward moments between the two of you--you've come to the right place for first-date planning in San Diego. From hidden wine bars stocked with liquid courage, to the most cozy booths for getting close, to random, wacky, get-to-know-you activities, we've got your guide to the best San Diego first dates.

From beachy, boutique motels to monsterous convention hotels, we're keeping track of what's new and now on the San Diego hotel front.

Whether it's Ingrid Croce greeting guests in the Gaslamp, Paul Dobson working the door during the power-lunch hour downtown, or Ms. Jayne Battle bustling about the dining room of her Normal Heights gastropub, we love it when a restaurant's namesake is present and accounted for at their own establishment. Here's a list of our favorite owner-occupied spots around town.