Pacific Beach is a neighborhood in San Diego that’s especially popular among the younger crowd. Thousands of people flock here to check out the outdoor activities and fun attractions, and the city has many restaurants and bars that tourists and San Diego residents alike love. If you’re visiting and want to check out the local culinary scene, pay a visit to these spots around town.
Fat Fish Cantina Grill
You’d be remiss if you didn’t try some authentic southwestern food during your trip to the San Diego area. Fat Fish Cantina Grill, at 4474 Mission Blvd, is within a short walk of the Pacific Beach Pier and serves up highly praised Mexican dishes and unique margaritas. Visit between 3 and 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, for $4 house margaritas. The eatery also has daily meal specials during happy hour.
Fat Fish Cantina Grill is open Monday through Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Kono’s Cafe
Kono’s Café is an excellent spot to fuel up on a big breakfast. The restaurant gained popularity with San Diego surfers when it first opened, and it’s been a local favorite ever since. Though you’ll wait in line for a few minutes, the food is more than worth it. Grab some comfort food, find a spot to sit outside, and watch the locals head to the beach for some early morning surfing. Kono’s Cafe serves breakfast staples, such as burritos and egg platters, as well as burgers, sandwiches, and more for lunch.
The restaurant is open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday and Sunday. It’s located at 704 Garnet Ave.
Amplified Ale Works
If bar hopping is a must-do on your trip, check out a Pacific Beach hotel room within walking distance of Mission Boulevard, which is dotted with many area-favorite watering holes. One example is Amplified Ale Works at 4150 Mission Blvd. The brewery manufacturers dozens of beers, and you can try a few straight from the source during your visit to Pacific Beach. Amplified Ale Works also serves up a mean brunch featuring breakfast fries, a fried chicken sandwich, a Cal Med burrito, a yogurt bowl, and waffles.
The beer garden and brew pub is at 4150 Mission Blvd #208. Visit Monday through Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Thursday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to midnight, and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
If you’re driving and need a parking space for your Pacific Beach adventures, you can find paid parking lots around the area or garages offering free parking for a few hours to accommodate a meal and some sightseeing. If you don’t mind walking a few blocks, look for less crowded free spots up Garnet Avenue. Cass Street is a bit further away, but you might have better luck with parking there since it’s not a main thoroughfare.
There’s no trick to finding excellent food to complement a wonderful trip to San Diego. Dine like a local and take in all the nightlife you want at one or a few of these top-rated spots in Pacific Beach.
