Erin Chambers: Editor, eater and not a surfer
By Erin Chambers, San Diego Editor
A large part of my job as Editor of Citysearch is to check out all the new restaurants, bars and spas as soon as they open. And in a place like San Diego, where a new hot spot seems to pop up on every corner, every weekend, I rarely have the chance to go out “off the clock,” i.e. to revisit my old favorites—the places I’ve been hanging out at for years where the bartenders and service staff have no clue I write about bars and restaurants for living. Here’s a peak inside my go-to spots for everything from coffee to cocktails, written up not as the Editor, but rather as regular ol’ Citysearch user ”notasurfer”. Why does everyone think everyone in San Diego surfs, anyway?
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Mamma Mia
1932 Balboa Ave, San Diego, CA
"My family and I frequented their old trattoria in La Mesa, and we were so glad to see cinzia and crew back in town. Parking is difficult at this location, and you usually have to wait, but that only makes it more like Italy. All the pastas are usually under $10 and the guy at the door seems genuinely excited to greet everyone that walks through the door. Good food, good company, no-frills. It's places like this, and cafe one three, lei lounge, cafe chloe, ken grill, etc. that are slowly but surely turning sd into a foodie-friendly place to live."
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Old Town Mexican Cafe
2489 San Diego Ave, San Diego, CA
"So the wait for a table is longer than ever here but the tortillas and the fresh margs are absolutely worth the wait. Last time we were here was a cousin's birthday: We had eight people, 4 pitchers of margaritas, never ending guacamole and ended up making friends with all the people at neighboring tables by the end of our dinner."
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Pannikin Coffee & Tea
675 G St, San Diego, CA
"Have you noticed the two sisters who open the shop every morning have matching vespas? it's so cool! this is the best downtown coffee shop!"
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Turf Supper Club
1116 25th St, San Diego, CA
"This is another of my fave local spots to hang out. It's crowded on weekends, but it's all locals and everyone is usually friendly around the grill. Great place to meet others in the neighborhood, great martinis, and just an all-around chill place to hangout."
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Tacos El Gordo De Tijuana
689 H St, Chula Vista, CA
"...the real deal. They're just like the street meat tacos you get in Mexico....it's a little sketchy driving/walking up to this place, but once you get there, you realize that it's all worth it."
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Venissimo Cheese
754 W Washington, San Diego, CA
"You'll definitely pay a pretty penny for the cheeses here, but that's probably because the gal that operates this place is so nice and so knowledgeable about her products. She has cheeses from every country, and always a good tip or two about what to serve them with and how to store them."
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Old Venice Italian Restaurant
2910 Canon St, San Diego, CA
"...perfect date place in point loma. I'm hesitant to even write a good review of it, b/c I don't want it to become too popular and crowded. just a simple, casually elegant spot for a nice italian meal or glass of wine. love it!"
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Fred's Mexican Cafe
535 5th Ave, San Diego, CA
"...I love the chips and salsa. We go just at happy hour and just get margaritas and chips and salsa. Rolled tacos appetizer is good too. It's not the most authentic, but it's a chill vibe and easy place to hang out with friends or for happy hour."
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Nunu's Cocktail Lounge
3537 5th Ave, San Diego, CA
"...always run into someone I've known in the past, and they have a kitchen that serves food until late."
