Puesto at The Headquarters in the Marina District
As Downtown San Diego prepares for Comic-Con yet again, we thought that it would be a great idea to give the influx of tourists a peek into the best places to eat in Downtown San Diego. With the help of our friends at Yelp (hey, that rhymed!), we compiled a list of the restaurants that have the best reviews, and some staff favorites as well.
Fogo de Chao Brazilian Steakhouse – $$$ – This is for the meat-lovers out there. Brazilian steakhouses are by far and away my new favorite type of restaurant. Basically, you take your seat and are given a plate. You then have the option to visit the salad bar, which also includes fruit, shrimp, etc. Upon returning, you turn your red/green dowel thingy up to the green side and the servers start making rounds to your table with 12-15 different selections of meats including: bacon wrapped filet, house chicken, pork, lamb, etc. They will continue coming to your table until you turn the little dowel thingy to the red side, which is equivalent to “tapping out” in a UFC match. While its a bit pricey come dinner time, you’ll definitely leave full. Honorable mention: Rei de Gado Brazilian Steakhouse – $$$
Neighborhood – $$ – Staying near the East Village and looking for a casual atmosphere, beer, and great food? Neighborhood has all three. Coming from the same family as Little Italy’s Craft & Commerce and the new Rare Form Deli, Neighborhood is a local favorite. They pride themselves on staying true to the craft beer scene (you won’t find Bud Light) and specialty foods (you also wont find ketchup). Vegetarians love Neighborhood for their many options, and apparently the Mac and Cheese is a cult classic. Pro tip: If there is a line for the restrooms, don’t lean against the the wall of kegs. At least not without a reservation.
Blind Burro – $$ – Another East Village favorite. The Blind Burro is a South American – Mexican fusion restaurant/bar from the Good Time Design Restaurant Group. There are vegan and vegetarian options as well. My personal favorite is the skirt steak, the marinade is fantastic. You should use the Yelp link to make a reservation on Open Table, because there is usually a pretty decent wait. Also from Good Time Design: Bubs at the Ballpark, Moonshine Flats, Lucky’s Lunch Counter, Cat-eye Club.
Puesto – $$ – Hate to go with two mexican places back to back, but Puesto is THAT good. If you’re staying down near Seaport Village or the Marina, make it a point to visit. Taco Tuesday is going to be rough, and you will definitely need to have a reservation, but otherwise it’ll be less than a 30 minute wait. Some great outdoor seating with fire pits will provide a perfect lcoation for people watching. The tacos are unique and very good. On a normal night, the 3 taco for $11 special will hit the spot.
Prepkitchen – $$ – Staying up in Little Italy? Make sure to visit Influx Coffee Shop on India and Fir, and thank me later. No that I’ve got that out of the way, on to the food. Prepkitchen Little Italy is the 3rd restaurant from the Whisknladle Restaurant Group. Located upstairs from Yougurtland on India street, Prepkitchen is set up perfectly for a dinner and dessert date night. Prepkitchen has a cool/hipster-ish vibe with strong drinks and great food. The WNL Burger is one of my favorites in Downtown and they always have a special including the “fresh-catch” of the day. ')}