Kat’s guidebook
Coffee Shops in the neighborhood
In addition to the one-cupper in your room, there are some good coffee shops in the neighborhood, far better options than Starbuck's!
This is a great neighborhood coffee and tea shop just a block away at Broadway and 20th St. Bakery items made fresh daily. Cool hipster vibe. Try a croissant cinnamon roll with orange-zest and pecans or one of their breakfast sandwiches.
123 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Influx Cafe
1948 BroadwayThis is a great neighborhood coffee and tea shop just a block away at Broadway and 20th St. Bakery items made fresh daily. Cool hipster vibe. Try a croissant cinnamon roll with orange-zest and pecans or one of their breakfast sandwiches.
This is a trendy little neighborhood shop half a mile away. They supply coffee for Mutual Friend's coffee ice creams next door.
236 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Dark Horse Coffee Roasters
3260 Adams AveThis is a trendy little neighborhood shop half a mile away. They supply coffee for Mutual Friend's coffee ice creams next door.
Popular neighborhood spot with a nice shaded patio serving coffee, breakfast, and lunch, less than half a mile away.
134 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Krakatoa
1128 25th StPopular neighborhood spot with a nice shaded patio serving coffee, breakfast, and lunch, less than half a mile away.
Restaurants in the neighborhood
There are plenty of great eats around, no matter what you're looking for.
NY style pizza by the slice ($3) or by the pie ($20) just 5 blocks up the hill. Eat in, dine on the patio, or take out. They offer a variety of flavors including vegan options.
213 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Pizzeria Luigi
1137 25th StNY style pizza by the slice ($3) or by the pie ($20) just 5 blocks up the hill. Eat in, dine on the patio, or take out. They offer a variety of flavors including vegan options.
Affordable and tasty Mexican food just 5 blocks up the hill on 25th St.
17 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Humberto's Taco Shop
1015 25th StAffordable and tasty Mexican food just 5 blocks up the hill on 25th St.
Panchita's Bakery
2519 C StYummy Mexican bakery on 25th St.
Delicious ice cream on 25th and F St. with lots of flavors, some using Dark Horse coffees from next door.
14 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Mutual Friend Ice Cream
3004 25th StDelicious ice cream on 25th and F St. with lots of flavors, some using Dark Horse coffees from next door.
This is dark little a hole in the wall yet an iconic San Diego bar and grill on 25th St. with good drinks and a grill in the middle of the lounge where you can cook your own meat or have them do it for you.
168 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Turf Supper Club
1116 25th StThis is dark little a hole in the wall yet an iconic San Diego bar and grill on 25th St. with good drinks and a grill in the middle of the lounge where you can cook your own meat or have them do it for you.
El Paisa Fresh Mexican Grill
2494 Imperial AvenueGood and cheap Mexican Food
Wine bar with beer selection and good eats on 25th St.
115 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
counterpoint
830 25th StWine bar with beer selection and good eats on 25th St.
A Golden Hill gem, this little diner has an old-school vibe, American classic menu with delicious, no frills food, and great friendly service.
19 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Golden Hill Cafe
2505 C StA Golden Hill gem, this little diner has an old-school vibe, American classic menu with delicious, no frills food, and great friendly service.
Inexpensive but good Mediterranean food in a humble and plain strip-mall spot.
10 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Kabob House
2479 BroadwayInexpensive but good Mediterranean food in a humble and plain strip-mall spot.
Gothic vegan spot known for great food and drinks... hmmmmm
140 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
KINDRED
1503 30th StGothic vegan spot known for great food and drinks... hmmmmm
Very trendy sit-down pizzeria and wine bar in South Park, call ahead for a table because their wood-fired pies, fresh pasta & global wine list have people lining up outside!
317 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Buona Forchetta - South Park
3001 Beech StVery trendy sit-down pizzeria and wine bar in South Park, call ahead for a table because their wood-fired pies, fresh pasta & global wine list have people lining up outside!
Comfy diner-style South Park restaurant plastered with memorabilia and known for delicious breakfasts. Whoopi Goldberg used to serve there!
80 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Big Kitchen Café
3003 Grape StreetComfy diner-style South Park restaurant plastered with memorabilia and known for delicious breakfasts. Whoopi Goldberg used to serve there!
Shops in the neighborhood
Shopping in the neighborhood
Small grocery store with alcohol sales on C and 25th St. Inspect produce, fresh, or frozen foods before purchase. Check all dates. For these foods, I generally go to Trader Joe's, Sprouts, or farmer's markets.
54 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Krisp Beverages + Natural Foods
2511 C StSmall grocery store with alcohol sales on C and 25th St. Inspect produce, fresh, or frozen foods before purchase. Check all dates. For these foods, I generally go to Trader Joe's, Sprouts, or farmer's markets.
Local butcher shop on 28th St.
9 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Sepulveda Meats and Provisions
1220 28th StLocal butcher shop on 28th St.
There is so much here, about 3/4 mile away. If you need some cheap shaving cream or a facial mask, socks, groceries... there is a lot of inexpensive stuff to be found.
8 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
99 Cents Only Stores
2611 Market StThere is so much here, about 3/4 mile away. If you need some cheap shaving cream or a facial mask, socks, groceries... there is a lot of inexpensive stuff to be found.
Parks
Closest Park to us which is at the southern end of Balboa Park. There are walking trails, BBQs, public rest room, sights.
38 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Golden Hill Market
2044 Market StClosest Park to us which is at the southern end of Balboa Park. There are walking trails, BBQs, public rest room, sights.
This is one of the best local off-leash dog parks, on the east side of Balboa Park and just about a mile and a half away from us.
26 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Parque para perros de Grape Street
1998 28th StThis is one of the best local off-leash dog parks, on the east side of Balboa Park and just about a mile and a half away from us.
Another great local dog park is at Morley Field. You can let your dog off-leash in designated areas.
21 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Morley Field Dog Park
2225 Morley Field DrAnother great local dog park is at Morley Field. You can let your dog off-leash in designated areas.
Balboa Park is huge. We are just south of it so you can walk, scoot, bike to much of the south end and even to the Grape St. dog park and possibly all the way up to the museums, merry-go-round, zoo, botanical gardens, and other attractions if you go a bit further. There are also many restaurants, shops, theatres and other attractions.
3290 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Parque Balboa
Balboa Park is huge. We are just south of it so you can walk, scoot, bike to much of the south end and even to the Grape St. dog park and possibly all the way up to the museums, merry-go-round, zoo, botanical gardens, and other attractions if you go a bit further. There are also many restaurants, shops, theatres and other attractions.
Beautiful park across from the harbor with fountains and water play.
114 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Parque frente al mar
1600 Pacific HwyBeautiful park across from the harbor with fountains and water play.
Local historical park with cultural art displays.
51 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Parque Chicano
Local historical park with cultural art displays.
Beautiful park and stadium about a mile away.
709 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Petco Park
100 Park BlvdBeautiful park and stadium about a mile away.
Restaurants and Night Life Downtown, Gaslamp, Little Italy
Excellent food including great seafood selections with frequent live musical performances on Harbor Drive.
156 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Eddie V's Prime Seafood
1270 Prospect StreetExcellent food including great seafood selections with frequent live musical performances on Harbor Drive.
Beautiful views, great food and drinks at the harbor.
130 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
C Level Lounge
880 Harbor Island DrBeautiful views, great food and drinks at the harbor.
Historical downtown district with countless bars and restaurants, very walkable, great nightlife, Sunday art and makers market, festivals and events.
1208 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Gaslamp Quarter
Historical downtown district with countless bars and restaurants, very walkable, great nightlife, Sunday art and makers market, festivals and events.
Historic, walkable neighborhood with trendy shops, bars, and restaurants. Saturday farmers market, events and night life. Probably one of the most dog-friendly place you've ever been.
889 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Little Italy
Historic, walkable neighborhood with trendy shops, bars, and restaurants. Saturday farmers market, events and night life. Probably one of the most dog-friendly place you've ever been.
My favorite fried chicken spot, they use free-range, antibiotic and hormone-free chicken. There are also veggie options. Try the fried chicken, maple miso biscuits, and the mexican poutine... OMGoddess! Order ahead or wait in line, outdoor seating only. Dog-friendly.
145 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Crack Shack - Little Italy
2266 Kettner BlvdMy favorite fried chicken spot, they use free-range, antibiotic and hormone-free chicken. There are also veggie options. Try the fried chicken, maple miso biscuits, and the mexican poutine... OMGoddess! Order ahead or wait in line, outdoor seating only. Dog-friendly.
Delicious Spanish restaurant in the Gaslamp Quarter with flamenco shows and occasional live music and other events.
47 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Cafe Sevilla of San Diego
353 Fifth AveDelicious Spanish restaurant in the Gaslamp Quarter with flamenco shows and occasional live music and other events.
Gourmet pizza by the slice on Little Italy's India St. They use locally sourced ingredients and have a thick, rich crust. These are rectangular slices. Delicious! Try the breakfast pizza. They also have a gluten free option most of the time. Eat in or on the patio or take out.
11 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Napizza
1702 India StGourmet pizza by the slice on Little Italy's India St. They use locally sourced ingredients and have a thick, rich crust. These are rectangular slices. Delicious! Try the breakfast pizza. They also have a gluten free option most of the time. Eat in or on the patio or take out.
Delicious ice cream on India St in Little Italy, footsteps away from Napizza... wink wink
48 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Salt & Straw
1670 India StDelicious ice cream on India St in Little Italy, footsteps away from Napizza... wink wink
Every Saturday 8am-2pm... dogs welcome.
247 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Little Italy Mercato Farmers' Market
600 W Date StEvery Saturday 8am-2pm... dogs welcome.
Gaslamp Artisan Market
599 Fifth AveEvery Sunday 10am-3pm.
This is the oldest existing bar in San Diego, located in the Gaslamp Quarter.
Opened as a saloon in 1885, the building housing it actually dates back to 1872. This part of town used to be San Diego's red light district, and the apartments above the bar in the Tivoli Towers were once a brothel. The wooden bar and back bar are original, and the bar's first silver cash register is still on display.
Wyatt Earp was an early patron who came to gamble, drink, and get his groove on... some say his spirit never left.
7 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Tivoli Bar and Grill
505 Sixth AveThis is the oldest existing bar in San Diego, located in the Gaslamp Quarter.
Opened as a saloon in 1885, the building housing it actually dates back to 1872. This part of town used to be San Diego's red light district, and the apartments above the bar in the Tivoli Towers were once a brothel. The wooden bar and back bar are original, and the bar's first silver cash register is still on display.
Wyatt Earp was an early patron who came to gamble, drink, and get his groove on... some say his spirit never left.
The Waterfront is located in Little Italy and actually claims the oldest liquor license in San Diego, opening just days after Prohibition ended on December 5th, 1933. In its early days, it was a hangout for fishermen, whose photographs still hang on the walls. One of the two original owners, Chaffee Grant, was Ulysses S. Grant's grandson.
"Always lively, Waterfront is more than just a reliable eggs-and-hash-browns dealer by day, quarter-pounder griller by night. It’s like a storied community center that sells great beer." -SD Tribune
86 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Waterfront Bar & Grill
2044 Kettner BlvdThe Waterfront is located in Little Italy and actually claims the oldest liquor license in San Diego, opening just days after Prohibition ended on December 5th, 1933. In its early days, it was a hangout for fishermen, whose photographs still hang on the walls. One of the two original owners, Chaffee Grant, was Ulysses S. Grant's grandson.
"Always lively, Waterfront is more than just a reliable eggs-and-hash-browns dealer by day, quarter-pounder griller by night. It’s like a storied community center that sells great beer." -SD Tribune
Since 1949, this spot has been a local favorite. This is one of those red-checkered-tablecloth spots, Chianti bottles overhead, serving amazing ravioli, spaghetti, lasagna and pizza. Originally D’Filippi’s, this is the first Filippi’s location.
59 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Filippi's Pizza Grotto Little Italy
1747 India StSince 1949, this spot has been a local favorite. This is one of those red-checkered-tablecloth spots, Chianti bottles overhead, serving amazing ravioli, spaghetti, lasagna and pizza. Originally D’Filippi’s, this is the first Filippi’s location.
Established in 1951 as a part of the US Grant Hotel, the Grill’s gourmet, New American menu ( sea bass; sweetbreads; pork cheeks) and craft cocktails make it a tasteful venue.
Grant Grill Lounge
326 BroadwayEstablished in 1951 as a part of the US Grant Hotel, the Grill’s gourmet, New American menu ( sea bass; sweetbreads; pork cheeks) and craft cocktails make it a tasteful venue.
Tourist Attractions and Sightseeing
This is the site of the original town of San Diego, a historic setting with many of the original buildings still standing and turned into shops and museums. There are many restaurants, mostly Mexican, a haunted house with tours, an old hotel with bar and restaurant, a schoolhouse, live music and festivals and events on a regular basis. On event days it may be best to use a ride share app or park and ride shuttles.
1070 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Old Town
This is the site of the original town of San Diego, a historic setting with many of the original buildings still standing and turned into shops and museums. There are many restaurants, mostly Mexican, a haunted house with tours, an old hotel with bar and restaurant, a schoolhouse, live music and festivals and events on a regular basis. On event days it may be best to use a ride share app or park and ride shuttles.
Tour the USS Midway and see other sites nearby such as the Bob Hope Memorial, the Kissing Statue, and more at the Port of San Diego.
775 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
USS Midway Museum
910 N Harbor DrTour the USS Midway and see other sites nearby such as the Bob Hope Memorial, the Kissing Statue, and more at the Port of San Diego.
Tons of shopping and restaurants by the San Diego port and harbor.
762 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Seaport Village
849 W Harbor DrTons of shopping and restaurants by the San Diego port and harbor.
You already know, this is one of the best zoos in the world. Tickets aren't cheap and there is so much to see that it's important to plan your day ahead. Use the skyfari aerial tram to get across the zoo quickly and buses on the ground. Check out the new African exhibit.
2510 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Zoológico de San Diego
2920 Zoo DrYou already know, this is one of the best zoos in the world. Tickets aren't cheap and there is so much to see that it's important to plan your day ahead. Use the skyfari aerial tram to get across the zoo quickly and buses on the ground. Check out the new African exhibit.
Fitness and Self-care
This a a great little boxing gym just a few blocks away in the East Village. They offer a free introductory class and you can request it for the same day if you like.
The Boxing Club Sport & Fitness
8650 Genesee AveThis a a great little boxing gym just a few blocks away in the East Village. They offer a free introductory class and you can request it for the same day if you like.
If you need to really unwind, try this amazing float therapy spa in Little Italy. You float on salt water in something almost like a sensory deprivation tank. I'm slightly claustrophobic and it doesn't bother me, I adore it and wish I could go every night.
flōt - Float Sap San Diego
1202 Kettner BlvdIf you need to really unwind, try this amazing float therapy spa in Little Italy. You float on salt water in something almost like a sensory deprivation tank. I'm slightly claustrophobic and it doesn't bother me, I adore it and wish I could go every night.
Yoga.... and it's hoppy. Hoppy Yoga partners with local craft breweries to host yoga classes in their tasting rooms. Online classes available.
Hoppy Yoga
2567 C StYoga.... and it's hoppy. Hoppy Yoga partners with local craft breweries to host yoga classes in their tasting rooms. Online classes available.