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San Diego A-Z: San Diego A-Z: RSS

By Erin Chambers, San Diego Editor

If you could only eat or drink at one place for every letter of the alphabet in San Diego, which local restaurants and bars would make your list? See who landed a coveted spot on ours (S was definitely the toughest letter of all to narrow down to just one) and let us know what we left out.
On This Page: A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O, P, Q, R, S, T, U, V, W, X, Y, Z

A

  1. Anthology

    1337 India St, San Diego, CA
    Little Italy's new live music venue brings fine acoustics, top-notch jazz acts and world-class cuisine.

  2. Arrivederci Italian Restaurant

    3845 Fourth Ave, San Diego, CA
    Family-style Italian spot serves up homemade pastas to nightly crowds on Hillcrest's hottest corner.

B

  1. Baja Betty's

    1421 University Ave, San Diego, CA
    Whether Sunday brunch or happy hour fiesta, this old-school San Diego haunt is always packed.

  2. Bondi Bar & Kitchen

    333 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA
    The Gaslamp goes Down Under with simple, fresh food and an impressive Aussie beer selection imported in eco-friendly kegs.

C

  1. Cafe Chloe

    721 Ninth Ave, San Diego, CA
    Not your average East Village eatery, this Parisian-style corner bistro serves pomme frites with a dose of sophistication.

  2. Cabrillo National Monument

    1800 Cabrillo Memorial Dr, San Diego, CA
    Awesome ocean views, hiking trails, tide pools, and a famous lighthouse lure visitors to this scenic national park.

D

  1. Dobson's Bar & Restaurant

    956 Broadway Cir, San Diego, CA
    Storied downtown haunt home to power lunches by day and theatergoers by night stands the test of time south of Broadway.

E

  1. El Agave

    2304 San Diego Ave Ste B, San Diego, CA
    Nouvelle Mexican cuisine in Old Town made better than the rest with a sunset patio and serious tequila selection.

  2. Extraordinary Desserts

    2929 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA
    Romantic dining room just off Balboa Park features gourmet, desserts-only menu.

F

  1. Fidel's Restaurant

    3003 Carlsbad Blvd, Carlsbad, CA
    North County's go-to Mexican food spot for authentic beans, rice, tacos, carne asada and carnitas, plus signature margaritas.

  2. Fred's Mexican Cafe

    535 5th Ave, San Diego, CA
    Lively Mexican eatery serves up tacos and fajitas to a college-aged, party-hopping crowd and tourists.

G

  1. Gelato Vero Caffe

    3753 India St, San Diego, CA
    Uncover Italy's favorite creamy dessert in this discreet cafe.

  2. Gulf Coast Grill

    4130 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA
    Gulf Coast cuisine, a lively bar scene and friendly service attract a fun-loving crowd.

H

  1. Habana: A Taste of Cuba

    7777 University Ave, La Mesa, CA
    The 'burbs of La Mesa hide this savory Cuban menu, live music, salsa dancing and even a cigar bar.

  2. Hard Rock Hotel San Diego

    207 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA
    Stay and play like a rock star at the Gaslamp's latest music-themed, nightlife playground.

I

  1. In Cahoots

    5373 Mission Center Rd, San Diego, CA
    From cowboys to frat boys, everyone gets in line (dancing) here, the heart of San Diego's country scene.

  2. Iowa Meat Farms

    6041 Mission Gorge Rd, San Diego, CA
    Locally-owned butcher, deli and gourmet market in Allied Gardens also boasts a vast wine selection and prepared foods.

J

  1. Juanitas Taco Shop

    290 N Coast Highway 101, Encinitas, CA
    Roadside taco shop in Leucadia famous for big burritos and low prices epitomizes the authentic "street meat" style os Mexican food.

K

  1. Kaito

    1476 Encinitas Blvd, Encinitas, CA
    Sushi, teriyaki and even spaghetti make for eclectic eats at this North County spot.

  2. Karl Strauss Brewery & Gardens

    9675 Scranton Road, San Diego, CA
    Locally owned brewery and restaurant serves an extensive list of beers and hearty comfort food in a lively indoor/outdoor setting.

L

  1. L Bar and Grill

    2223 El Cajon Boulevard, San Diego, CA
    Pop a quarter in the jukebox, grab a drink and sit poolside at the Lafayette Hotel's lobby bar.

  2. Lafayette Hotel

    2223 El Cajon Blvd, San Diego, CA
    Historic, colonial-style hotel north of downtown attracts groups and families

  3. Lahaina Beach Club

    710 Oliver Ave, San Diego, CA
    There isn't a better outdoor patio in San Diego than Lahaina's, which is an arm's length from the boardwalk.

M

  1. Mamma Mia

    1932 Balboa Ave, San Diego, CA
    Italian-born husband and wife duo in PB serve family-style Italian favorites with a touch of old-world charm.

  2. Market Restaurant & Bar

    3702 Via De La Valle, Del Mar, CA
    Carl Schroeder overhauled both the menu and dining room to reflect California style and local, fresh ingredients.

N

  1. Niederfrank's Ice Cream

    726 A Ave, National City, CA
    Old-fashioned ice cream parlor serving scoops from the same ice cream maker for over 50 years.

  2. Nine-Ten

    910 Prospect St, La Jolla, CA
    Award-winning California-fusion cuisine with an ocean view and lively bar scene in La Jolla.

O

  1. OB People's Market

    4765 Voltaire St, San Diego, CA
    San Diego's only community-owned grocery store stocks organic meat, produce and dry goods in OB and offers classes and workshops in organic living.

  2. Ortega's Mexican Bistro

    141 University Ave, San Diego, CA
    Your best bet for fresh Baja lobster without the travel insurance and good tequila without the whistle.

P

  1. Phil's BBQ

    4030 Goldfinch St, San Diego, CA
    Smokey ribs smothered in housemade barbeque sauce draw the crowds, while good prices and no-frills atmosphere keep locals coming back.

  2. Portugalia

    4839 Newport Ave, San Diego, CA
    Portuguese restaurant and pub serving specializing in authentic seafood, plus eclectic live music acts nightly.

Q

  1. Quarter Kitchen

    | Website

    600 F St, San Diego, CA
    From the menu to the sleek decor to patrons' designer ensembles, everything's expensive at The Ivy's new see-and-be-seen restaurant.

R

  1. Rainwaters on Kettner

    1202 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA
    Downtown steakhouse continues to pack special occasion crowds with luxurious atmosphere and familiar menu

  2. Red Fox Steak House

    2223 El Cajon Blvd, San Diego, CA
    Sizzling steaks and songs at the piano bar under the Lafayette Hotel in North Park.

  3. Red Pearl Kitchen

    440 J St Ste 108, San Diego, CA
    Upscale downtown Asian eatery buzzes with a hip bar scene and late-night lounge.

S

  1. Savory

    267 N El Camino Real Ste A-B, Encinitas, CA
    Fresh and satisfying bistro fare, plus a classy, well-lit dining room, set this sophisticated Encinitas spot apart.

  2. Sushi Ota

    4529 Mission Bay Dr, San Diego, CA
    Unpretentious sushi bar and Japanese restaurant in Mission Bay serves up some of the freshest seafood in town.

T

  1. Tacos El Gordo De Tijuana

    689 H St, Chula Vista, CA
    Simple, authentic taco stand serves beef, carnitas and other meat tacos with corn tortillas, cilantro and guacamole.

  2. The 3rd Corner

    2265 Bacon St, San Diego, CA
    Ocean Beach wine shop also houses a comfortable, casual-chic restaurant and wine bar backed by bigtime San Diego foodies.

U

  1. Urban Mo's

    308 University Ave, San Diego, CA
    The old Hamburger Mary's still rocks out Hillcrest with a new name, and the same great burgers and cocktails.

V

  1. Vagabond Kitchen of the World

    | Website

    2310 30th St, San Diego, CA
    South Park eatery embodies the flavors and hospitality of the owners' travels with an eclectic menu and friendly, warm ambiance.

  2. Valentine's Taco Shop

    665 H St Ste A, Chula Vista, CA
    Local Mexican food chain offers traditional combo plates, plus more Baja-style and seafood dishes with an extensive salsa bar.

W

  1. Whaling Bar & Grill

    1132 Prospect St, LA Jolla, CA
    Well-off locals and La Valencia hotel visitors have been packing this venerable restaurant since whaling was in full swing.

  2. Whistle Stop Bar

    2236 Fern St, San Diego, CA
    Some nights a hoppin' dance venue, others an afternoon knitting lounge, this neighborhood bar pleases artsy hipsters and old-timers alike.

X

  1. Zagarella

    1655 India Street, San Diego, CA
    Family-owned eatery features made-from-scratch Sicilian and Northern Italian cuisine with indoor and outdoor seating

Y

  1. Yogi's Sports Bar Restaurant

    2005 San Elijo Ave, Cardiff By The Sea, CA
    Unwind after work with a beer, a game and an ocean view.

  2. Yogurt Palace

    130 S Main Ave, Fallbrook, CA
    Old-fashioned yogurt parlor serves more than 20 flavors plus sandwiches, hot dogs and beverages.

Z

  1. Zanzibar Cafe and Wine Bar

    707 G Street, San Diego, CA
    East Village outpost of PB's popular cafe goes urban with a wine bar, upscale bake shop and fine food gifts.

  2. Zenbu Sushi Bar & Restaurant

    7660 Fay Ave, La Jolla, CA
    La Jolla sushi spot also features Pacific Rim specialties and a happening bar scene on weekends.

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