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Month: July 2017

Brunch & Coffee Spots in San Diego

Breakfast Republic of California

 

Also located around the corner from Lucky D’s is the Breakfast Republic of California, a Zagat-rated breakfast joint with tasty takes on traditional American classics, such as Oreo pancakes, Shrimp & Grits, and S’mores French Toast. They keep a steady rotation of 20 California beers on top, and offer a clean, simple interior with lots of vibrant greenery lining the walls; if you’re looking for a hearty brunch on-the-go, this fast-paced joint is the spot for you.

 

The Mission

A Mexican inspired brunch spot, The Mission strives to provide “simple healthy, tasty food with a whimsical edge,” offering delicious fresh breakfast food with south of the border flavor and great drinks in a chilled out ambience. It’s a simple space with art hanging from the walls and is a favorite among San Diego locals.

Café 21

If you’re in need of a hair-of-the-dog after a long night out clubbing, Café 21 is your best bet. Try one of their creative Bloody Mary’s to start off a boozy brunch, then mix it up with a flight for a little more variety—mimosas, house-made sangrias, and mojitos all available—while lounging on their patio which borders the vibrant central vein of the Gaslamp Quarter. All of their food is locally sourced and prepared in house (even the breads, all of which are made from scratch and gluten free!) and all meat on their menu is hormone free and free range. They offer a variety of egg dishes, skillet omelets, and original renditions of eggs benedict, as well as tiramisu pancakes and an array of crepe cakes for those with a sweet tooth!

COFFEE SHOPS

Café de L’Opera

With from-scratch croissants known to rival the best in France and organic fair-trade coffee from locally-owned vendors, Café de L’Opera is a laidback café with a quaint, simple and clean interior. Just a short 5 minute walk from the hostel, they’re extremely considerate of all types of diet and food sensitivities while also providing a perfect spot for a quiet workday or a quick and tasty lunch break.

Copa Vida

An open café filled with natural light, the interior style is modern classic elegance, with large open windows for a refreshing breeze and plenty of tables for work. They serve breakfast, brunch and lunch, as well as rich, high-quality coffees and specialty lattes. Copa Vida provides free wifi and an outdoor patio as well as great people watching, inside and out.

 

Bean Bar

Bean bar is a quiet little café located smackdab in the middle of the bustling downtown area. It’s relaxing, uncomplicated and cozy with lots of seating and eclectic décor to feast your eyes on while sipping your beverage of choice. A great neighborhood coffee shop offering locally made sandwiches, pastries, and sweets.

The Cat Café

What goes better with a strong cup of coffee than adorable kitties? The Cat Café offers a wide variety of coffee drinks as well as a large open play area with lots of cats roaming about, many of them available for adoption! Entry to the café is free, though they ask that you purchase a drink before going in to play with the kittens. Practice Cat’s Pose while cute kittens frolick about during their Cats on Mats, a yoga class occasionally offered at the Café.

 

Halcyon

Coffee house by day and bar/lounge by night, Halcyon is a large luminous space—a cool industrial ambience with a retro flare and large garage style doors that blur the lines between inside and outside. With lots of seating and hours that stretch til midnight, Halcyon is a great day or night alternative; get some work done in a cozy lounge chair on a breezy, sunny afternoon or mingle at the busy bar during golden hour. They have a variety of options as far as both caffeinated and alcoholic beverages and a spacious patio with outdoor fireplaces, perfect during cooler nights.

 

Lofty Coffee Little Italy

A little bit further away (but definitely worth the trek), Lofty Coffee in Little Italy is must for all serious café-goers and wannabe beatniks. The architecture feels very Fallingwater, incorporating natural elements and open air into the composition for a very fluid indoor to outdoor transition, a space where interior and exterior blend seamlessly. We recommend checking it out on Saturday morning—when the weekly Little Italy farmers’ market, Il Mercato, takes place—for some stellar people-watching. Locally owned and sustainable, Lofty Coffee offers plenty of vegan and gluten-free pastries made from scratch, with a locally sourced organic breakfast and lunch menu.

Best Clubs in the Gaslamp Quarter

Parq Restaurant & Nightclub

Parq offers a unique ambience via their stylized aesthetic, with different textures and moods throughout the space; it’s the biggest nightclub in San Diego, with great attention to detail regarding their sound, lighting and design, in order to evoke different sensations as you navigate Parq’s expanse. Competing with the most opulent clubs in Vegas, famous acts can be seen on their stage in addition to traditional go-go dancers, aerial dancers and a gyrating robot. It’s a really grandiose, visually enticing locale that draws you in, with a restaurant connected to the club as well.

 

 

OMNIA

multi-level club with live DJ, main level and middle you can see the stage. There’s a rooftop lounge with a separate DJ, and at Lucky D’s we get a special deal every Thursday, any vodka mixed drink free from 9:30-10:30.

Onyx Room

The Onyx room offers a more diverse musical experience, with opportunities for both hip-hop aficionados and Latin music lovers. If you’re looking to shake your tailfeather to popular hip-hop beats and top 40 hits, the upstairs is where it’s at; for those who prefer Latin rhythms a la Despacito, check out the downstairs—they even have salsa, bachata, and merengue dance lessons in the back on certain nights, with inexpensive options for bottle service.

Sidebar

An intriguing blend of neo-Victorian vamp and carnivalesque décor, elaborate bird cages and disco balls dangle from Side Bar’s ceiling while avant-garde paintings and louche vintage portraits line the walls. They have large, comfortable booths for lounging that provide a bird’s eye view of the dance floor, and they offer a mixology class the first Saturday of every month.

 

Sevilla Nightclub

Sevilla Nightclub also offers a more Latin ambience, with live music certain nights of the week and DJs druring others. Wednesdays are salsa and bachata night, and on Tuesday they offer basic dance lessons in both!

Whiskey Girl

If you’re looking for something a little more casual, Whiskey Girl on 5th is the place—with no cover charge and no strict rules regarding attire, it’s something of a mix between a sports bar and night club. There is a large dance floor and bar area and are located in the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter

Altitude Skylounge

Also offering free admission is the Altitude Skylounge, highlighted by its gorgeous décor and phenomenal views of the downtown area. Located on the 22nd floor of the downtown Mariott, Altitude Skylounge provides panoramic views of the city—from Coronado Island, San Diego Bay, the downtown skyline and Petco Park. The bar’s atmosphere is nothing to sneeze at either, with glass fire pits and lots of comfortable chic lounge style seating.

 

American Junkie

This is the place for TacoTuesday, with $5 all you can eat tacos; choose from beef, chicken, or vegetarian option, plus required purchase of a beverage ($3 Corona, $5 Margaritas, Jameson & Don Julio Shots). At 10 the place turns into club until 2 a.m, giving you plenty of time to dance off your taco food-baby.

Hard Rock Pool Party

Every Saturday, the Hard Rock San Diego throws a luxe rager of a rooftop pool party. Come experience Southern California at its finest, sipping beverages and lounging poolside in the abundant sunshine. Lucky D’s gets an exclusive discount, and many guests rave it’s the cherry on top of their SoCal vacay.

Barley Mash

A cross between a sports bar and a gastropub, Barleymash is a high energy bar with a menu focusing on local craft beer and bourbon. They have a large dancefloor, as well as plentiful TVs for gameday; a great spot for day-drinking and people-watching along one of the busiest streets in the Gaslamp.

 

LIVE MUSIC

House of Blues

Built on a foundation of Southern musical traditions, the House of Blues tries to find and support local artists as much as big name performers. Inspired in part by Southern juke joints, the House of Blues “is dedicated to educating and celebrating the history of Southern Culture and African American artistic contributions to music and art.” Underneath the stage in every House of Blues is a box of Delta Mississipi mud—a sort of talisman “to ensure that every artist has the roots and spirit of the South beneath their feet.” They have an eclectic assortment of art on the walls, ranging from folk art and self-taught to ‘outsider style’, constantly striving to mix it up and feature more off the beaten path styles. If you’re looking for live folk, rhythm & blues, or rock music in San Diego, check out the House of Blues itinerary.

Tin Roof

Just a short 5 minute walk from Lucky D’s, Tin Roof brings a little bit of Southern charm to San Diego; though spacious, the Nashville inspired bar is an intimate spot where you can enjoy live local music and great people watching! They have tables for beer pong, jenga, and cornhole; on the patio outside is a large place to play shuffleboard. Bonus: they serve weekend brunch from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, with bottomless mimosas and $5 bloody mary’s!

Café 21

Also a popular eatery, the Mediterranean inspired restaurant features live local musicians every night of the week starting at 7 p.m. Grab a seat and a cocktail in their earthy and arabesque space and enjoy local acts ranging from jazz, big band, and flamenco to folk music. Best of all, it’s free! (Though we do recommend at least a minimal purchase as a gesture of gratitude.)

 

Cheap Eats in San Diego

Big Thyme Sandwich Co

A four-minute walk from Lucky D’s, Big Thyme is a local favorite for fresh, tasty sandwiches with locally sourced ingredients. The dining area is a simple and rustic little cave, with ochre red walls, wooden tables and beautiful local art on display. They offer Domino’s, cards, and Nintendo 64 to entertain yourself before the big feed, with outdoor patio seating also available. All sandwiches are well-portioned and served with a side of house-made potato salad or fries; they have a variety of vegan and vegetarian options, and all of their sandwiches are available on gluten free bread.   Their beverage offerings including craft soda, fresh juice, beer and wine—even a kombucha float! Try the Reuben or the grilled cheese, which many say is the best they’ve ever had.

 

Azteca

Azteca is a hole in the wall, no-frills over the counter taco shop, but what it lacks in ambience it makes up for in rich and authentic flavor. If you’re looking for a quick meal of fresh, homemade Mexican food at a very friendly price, look no further. They’re open late and it’s worth the four-minute walk from the hostel, but be wary that the outside area can be a little ‘colorful’ at certain hours—maybe best to bring some company with you while getting your grub on. Try the breakfast burrito, a real crowd pleaser.

Pokez

Also within walking distance is Pokez, Classic Mexican fare with an herbivore-friendly twist. It’s a more upscale version of a traditional taco shop but still in a very welcoming price range, with free chips and salsa included when dining in. Their focus is on vegan/vegetarian and gluten-free Mexican cuisine in a hip and edgy atmosphere, a ruggedly chic update of a traditional cantina with lots of exposed brick and wooden design elements.

 

 

Hodad’s

Featured on The Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives,” Hodad’s is a San Diego local favorite— Guy Fieri calls Hodad’s as the best burger he ever ate! The “good old fashioned run-down-your-arm sloppy hamburgers” offer very generously portioned beef burger patties—be advised ahead of time that a single is more like a double, and even that can be hard to fit in your mouth! The store itself is full of California kitsch, with skateboards, surfboards and license plates from across the states decking the walls and picnic table style benches. Enjoy huge milkshakes and malts topped with a heaping scoop of ice cream, as well as house-made potato wedges and onion rings. The Ocean Beach location is packed around the clock, whereas if you catch the downtown location at the right time you can squeeze in without a wait.

Bootlegger

Of course we couldn’t leave our downstairs neighbor off the list! Bootlegger has a laidback speakeasy-esque vibe and is a convenient place to grab a quick bite full of comfortable booths and trendy old timey décor. In addition to a daily happy hour, they have specials on certain menu items throughout the week, with two of our favorites being $2 tacos and $10 nachos (beer included!) on Tuesdays and $10 build-your-own-burgers on Thursdays (draft domestic also included). For Sunday brunch, they have $15 bottomless mimosas from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Sushi Deli

Considered the best of the Sushi Deli stores, Sushi Deli 2 features Japanese inspired cuisine, a creative twist on classic sushi. Known for their great prices, Sushi Deli 2 offers lots of daily specials and generous portions of high quality seafood, all wrapped up in an aesthetically pleasing presentation. Leave feeling satisfied and without putting a dent in your wallet!

Tin Roof

 

Just a short 5-minute walk from Lucky D’s, Tin Roof brings a little bit of Southern charm to San Diego; though spacious, the Nashville inspired bar is an intimate spot where you can enjoy live local music and great people watching! They have tables for beer pong, jenga, and cornhole; on the patio outside is a large place to play shuffleboard. Bonus: they serve weekend brunch from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, with bottomless mimosas and $5 bloody mary’s!

 

Tajima Ramen

Considered one of the top Japanese restaurants in San Diego, Tajima Ramen maintains consistently quality throughout their restaurants, with rich, flavorful broths and a variety of enticing appetizers. The décor feels very Shinto-chic, with lots of dark wood, ambient orb lighting and gilded mandalas; the Gaslamp spinoff is rumored to have less of a wait than the other stores, with wooden booths and picnic table style seating.

Grapes & Hops

Across the street from Lucky D’s lies Grapes & Hops, a deli and spirit vendor offering a variety of fresh sandwiches, salads, beer and wine. The place has a neighborhood deli shop feel, reminiscent of something you’d see in a New York borough. They use top quality Boar’s Head cold cuts, along with flavorful bread and fresh veggies, and the service is fast and efficient. While they don’t offer indoor seating, there’s outdoor tables available for munching in the San Diego sunshine. Even better, grab one and have yourself a picnic in Balboa Park!

Oscars

Another hole-in-the-wall, Oscars offers authentic Mexican seafood at a very agreeable price. Known for their shrimp ceviche, they also offer $1 fish tacos Monday through Thursday from 2:30 to 5:30—a delicious bang for your buck.

Rockin’ Baja

Rockin Baja Lobster is inspired by the lobster village of Puerto Nuevo in Baja California, a pacific paradise of lobster fare which the owner visited frequently as a child. With décor modeled off of the traditional Puerto Nuevo style, they offer delicious Mexican seafood at great prices. Our manager recommends the sizzling garlic shrimp!

 

Gaslamp Pizza

Located in the heart of downtown San Diego, this family owned and operated pizza joint offers pizza by the slice and delivers! Go here for late night New York style pizza.

Ciro’s Pizza

A chill pizza joint with a full bar and a wide variety of local craft beers on tap, Ciro’s is a staple for Lucky D’s patrons. They offer large New York style slices, Stromboli, chicken wings, and garlic knots with great happy hours! Ciro’s is open late on weekends, with a DJ’d dance party in the back, and all Lucky D’s guests receive a 20% discount when they present their key card at the register.

Brooklyn Bagel Company

A counter-serve bagel shop serving breakfast and lunch sandwiches with a variety of toppings, Brooklyn Bagel Company is a very American sandwich shop with great coffee drinks and free wifi. It can be a little busy at peak times, but the service is always quick and efficient. (10th & Island)