Come as you are - $$-$$$ The Lafayette Hotel that houses this San Diego icon may have gotten a makeover, but this dimly-lit piano bar and steakhouse remains its friendly, worn-in self. When you head to this classic piano bar, the old-timey lounge ambience that greets you isn’t a part of some shtick to keep up with vintage-themed restaurant trends. You’re looking at the real deal. Despite being voted one of the ‘Best Bars in America’ by Esquire, this place remains as unpretentious as can be, with generous portions, stiff drinks, great live jazz music, and killer steaks—all at a reasonable price.
Come as you are - $$ Right across the street from the Lafayette you will find Pomegranate, where Russian and Georgian food sings with fresh herbs, garlic, and touches of hot pepper. Don’t miss the world-beating beefy, herb-jungle borscht, the lobio bean dip, and Olivier salad. The chef slow-smokes moist barbecued beef and pork and cold-smokes whole trout. Small wonder that the walls are covered in the scrawlings of happy customers from far and wide.
Cocktails - $$ Polite Provisions cocktail parlor is immaculately decorated: marble countertops, velvet cushioned stools, intricate wood inlays and bronze statues inhabit this area ? No amount of photos do justice to this place. Bands of hipsters in plaid mingle with a rowdy Hawaiian shirt-clad crowd, bonding over a shared love of fancy $8 elixirs with ingredients like housemade grapefruit soda, Blanco tequila, London dry gin, organic mint and celery bitters.
Come as you are - $ Educate yourself in all things agave at this real-deal cantina, with delicious Mexican food that just so happens to boast one of the biggest tequila selections in San Diego. Any of the two hundred plus bottles of añejo, blanco and reposado can be combined with orange nectar, orange liquor and fresh lime juice, and made into a delicious margarita. Tristan recommends ordering the Tortas Ahogadas and chatting with the bartender, they are generous with samples for curious guests.
Come as you are - $$ This South Park rebel burst onto the scene with the infrequently-seen pairing of top-notch craft cocktails with a chef-powered, plant-based menu. Add a dose of seriously eye-catching design and you've got a winner. Tristan always gets the Soul Crush, Barrett loves the Memphis BBQ Jackfruit Sandwich. They also have weekend brunch!
This stylish independent restaurant is attracting the attention of the entire city thanks to a progressive menu from chef/co-owner Brad Wise and gracious service managed by co-owner Steve Schwob.
Didn't get enough Dame Chocolat or Blood Orange Ricotta Torte wedding cake? Karen Krasne's Extraordinary Desserts has more for you! If your sweet tooth has been satisfied, they have a lovely selection of cheeses like Tristan's favorite Ping Pong Surfing Goat from Maui.
Drinks only - $$ This tropical wonderland is a BIG favorite of B & T's. The entrance is hidden inside Craft & Commerce Restaurant, so be sure to talk to the hostess when you walk in so they can show you inside. To avoid a wait, we recommend going early and sitting at the bar so you can watch the bartenders mix up impressively complex tiki libations. Reservations are also available.