If you’re looking to grab some grub on your way to catch the Padres at Petco Park, you’ve come to the right place. Back in August 2006, we asked readers to let us know their favorite eateries in or near downtown San Diego, and they came through in a big way. Whatever you’re in the mood for, you’re sure to find something tasty here. Enjoy!
Last updated: 29 Mar 08
Downtown
Most of these are within a mile or so of Petco Park.
| Name | Location | Submittor | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Urban Kitchen & Bar | 410 10th Avenue | David | It’s a bar, hip but not in an annoying way, not one of the overdone Gaslamp places — it’s spacious and stripped-down. They serve drinks and pizza, that’s it. And the pizza is very good. |
| Caesar’s Cafe | 801 C Street | Steve | Try the cheesesteak pita. |
| Dirty Del’s | 499 10th Avenue (corner of Island) | Flash | A small sandwich and beer place. Great for grabbing a quick beer and taking a sandwich into the game. |
| East Village Tavern and Bowl | 930 Market St (between 9th & 10th) | Flash | Another sports bar. They have a few bowling lanes open now with an expansion opening very soon. |
| The Field | 544 Fifth Avenue (between Market Street and Island Avenue) | Geoff | Traditional Irish faire and beers, friendly atmosphere. |
| The Fleetwood | 639 J Street | Geoff | Excellent steaks, chops, and desserts. Guinness and Newcastle on tap. High-def TVs, cool vibe, friendly service. Stumbling distance from Petco. |
| Fleming’s | 380 K Street | Lance Richardson | |
| Fred’s Mexican Cafe | 527 Fifth Avenue | Coronado Mike | They have good margaritas and the burritos are pretty darn good. |
| Gaslamp Strip Club | 340 Fifth Avenue | Anthony | Steaks are pretty good; it’s a grill your own place. |
| House of Blues | 1055 Fifth Avenue | David | Pretty good happy hour, if you can handle the crowds. |
| JSix | 616 J Street | Lance Richardson | |
| Kansas City BBQ | 610 West Market Street (across from Seaport Village) | Steve | |
| Kebab Shop | 9th and Market | Flash | Grab a Doner or Shawarma Kebab or one of their fresh salads. I think they serve a limited selection of beers now too. |
| Lou & Mickey’s | 224 Fifth Avenue | Lance Richardson | |
| Max New York | 827 Fifth Avenue | Lance Richardson | Excellent steakhouse. |
| McCormick & Schmicks Seafood Restaurant | 675 L Street (@ the Omni Hotel) | Flash | Great happy hour in their bar with items for $1.95. |
| The Neighborhood | 8th and G | Flash | Great beer and burgers. Fantastic selection of local San Diego beers on tap and bottle. |
| Nicky Rotten’s | 560 Fifth Avenue | Steve C | Burgers. |
| Ra Sushi | 474 Broadway | Geoff | Best sushi downtown. |
| Red Pearl Kitchen | 440 J Street, Suite 108 | David | Outstanding Chinese-style tapas and great mixed drinks. Not cheap but not outrageous. If you sit at the bar, they have HD panel TVs where you can watch the game. It’s a good date place. |
| Rockin’ Baja Lobster | 310 Fifth Avenue | Coronado Mike | |
| St. Tropez Bistro and Bakery | 926 Broadway Circle (Horton Plaza, north side) | Geoff | Local chain; good sandwiches, crepes, and salads. |
| Sammy’s California Woodfired Pizza | 770 Fourth Avenue (Horton Plaza, east side) | Geoff | Local chain; California style pizza, huge salads. |
| Sushi Deli 2 | 135 Broadway (right next to the Spreckles Theatre) | KRS1 | Seriously the best sushi I’ve had and most of the rolls are less then $4 or $5. |
| Tilted Kilt | 10th and K | Flash | Think Irish pub style hooters. Standard bar food. |
| Tin Fish | 170 Sixth Avenue | SD Padres Gal | |
| Yard House | 1023 Fourth Avenue | Geoff | Excellent pasta and seafood (including sushi); great beer selection. |
Elsewhere
These are a little further away from Petco Park. Some are a short drive, while others are near a trolley line.
| Name | Location | Submittor | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chuy’s Numero Uno Restaurant & Cantina | 1894 Main Street (corner of Cesar Chavez Parkway; right next to the Barrio Logan trolley stop) | Marshall | |
| Filippi’s Pizza Grotto | 1747 India Street | Peter Friberg | |
| Jimmy Carter’s Cafe | 3172 Fifth Avenue (SW corner of Spruce Street) | Geoff | Everything is good; very friendly service. |
| Karl Strauss | 1157 Columbia Street | Anthony | Good food and good beer. |
| Phil’s BBQ | 4030 Goldfinch Street (@ Washington Street) | SD Padres Gal | Best BBQ in town. |
| Old Town Mexican Cafe | 2489 San Diego Avenue | Field39 | |
| Pizzeria Luigi | 1137 25th Street | David | Best (flat crust) pizza in town. It was started by one of the guys who used to work at Bronx, except it’s 1 million times better than Bronx. They also have a decent imported beer selection. |
| Porkyland | 2196 Logan Avenue | Pelotero 47 | In my opinion you cannot do better Mexican (Carnitas). |
Places to Avoid
I haven’t eaten at Pokez myself, but I found one diner’s experience a bit disturbing. This incident happened in early 2007, so maybe things have changed since then.
Related Links
- Ducksnorts Unofficial Guide to San Diego Taco Shops
- The local’s guide to San Diego eats
- Gaslamp Restaurants, Menus & Reviews
Additions, corrections, quibbles? Drop me a line.
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