I'm heading to Orange County, CA in July but flying into San Diego and I was looking for suggestions for a good restaurant for lunch with a good atmosphere/vibe in San Diego. We are planning on renting a car from the San Diego airport and then driving up to Orange County and wanted to grab lunch in the San Diego area. Most of the people in our group have never been to San Diego so we are trying to get as much of the SD experience in a very small lunch time window (I know that's not really possible). Our initial thoughts are to go to LaJolla...grab a bite and then continue on to the OC. Any suggestions would be appreciated. ________ DEPAKOTE SIDE EFFECT
San Diego There are so many out there, it is unreal! I like El Pollo Loco, Roberto's, Islands, I could go on and on! My favs out there are all of the authentic Mex places!! Good luck and have fun!
just to further clarify...we would love a place on (or with view of) the water. ________ Suzuki gsx series history
You basically have the Gas Lamp district (near the new baseball stadium downtown), the waterfront, Old Town (mostly Mexican food), Little Italy and La Jolla. Gas Lamp is newer and trendy, not real San Diego atmosphere if you ask me - some place to go if you have a few days. The water front restaurants are mostly big operations - ok, has a view if you are not stuck in back and you are on the water. Old Town has some good places (e.g., Agave) and some average for San Diego (which might be much better than back East), more touristy area. After eating drive up the mountain to the public park overview. Little Italy has some good eateries but not much "San Diego atmosphere." La Jolla has several good restaurants in and around the village and you can take a long walk along the coast from the cove to the surf breaks on the south end (Hospital and Horseshoe), passing body surfing only Boomer along the way. Ladies will love window (or real) shopping in La Jolla. On the southside of town is a nice car dealership, Symbolic, that is worth checking out - not your run of the mill vehicles and a decent Mexican restaurant right down the street. A little further south and down to the beach is classic Windansea Beach. Nearbye, on La Jolla Drive near Neptune, is a small strip shopping area with a few stores including a liquor store and a Mexican eatery (mostly carryout, Robertos I believe) - grab some beers in cans and order the half dozen rolled tacos with cheese and guacamole and take it all down to the beach. There is also the San Diego classic, independent nation of Ocean Beach. Several decent restaurants there plus beach atmosphere and shops. Then drive south along the cliffs to check out The Cliffs.
since you asked for on the water.....for on the water view of coronado island and the boats moving in and out of harbor, the edgewater in seaport village in san dog is good...food is ok. ask for a view seating in back (harborside) or on southside patio go here and choose pic #2 to see it... http://www.seaportvillage.com/restaurants/index.php?rid=56#sectionheader parking costs but they do validate...or did when i was there... also, the village has a good hat shop and a ben and jerry's there and all kinds of useless chochkis to spend yer moolah on....
If you're headed to OC than Coronada, the Gaslamp and even La Jolla are the wrong way. Las Olas in Cardiff by the Sea is the money spot. Best Mexican in North County IMO and always a good time. Plus you can check out Cardiff Reef, Swami's and some of the North county spots. http://www.lasolasmex.com/ Enjoy your trip.
ROBERTO"S!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Carne fries, 3 rolls with guac, breakfast burrito...... o man! the plane ticket price is worth it for one trip! Hodads is a awesome burger joint in Pacific beach - Just go to PB theres a lot to do! The Wavehouse in mission beach is pretty sick time too... standing 6 foot wave, beer, food and the ocean is in view Cant wait to go back!!
more than horseshoes and hand granades those are sweet spots, but taking north harbor drive south to east harbor south from the airport puts you in a restaurant in about ten minutes.....easy shot for quick grind for the hungry out of towner...and a nice view of harbor and naval and historic ships along the way.... hopefully the poor guy won't explode from info overload
