You don’t have to bet on the right horse—or any horse, in fact—to have a great time during racing season in Del Mar. There’s a good time to be had after the races are finished for the day (and for just $6 if you show up at the stretch run, which grants admission to all events). The excellent concert lineup along with food truck and craft beer festivals provide ample reason to don your straw boater hats, fascinators, and racetrack finest.
You see Steel Pulse, Ziggy Marley and Ice Cube for $6? Yep—concerts start right after the last race (parking is $10 before last race, if you’re not arriving via public transit or rideshare). You can opt to step up your concert game with $50 tickets to the South Terrace VIP area, complete with a private bar and bathroom. Concerts are 18 and over.
Cick here for a full concert schedule, but get ready to start making plans. The all-star lineup includes:
Steel Pulse
July 27
Switchfoot
July 28
Matisyahu
August 3
Reggae Fest with Ziggy Marley
August 12
Warren G and DJ Quik
August 25
Ice Cube
September 2
Food and Beer
The Gourmet Food Truck Festival hosts three dozen delicious names. Here’s a taste of the guest list: Famoso Mexican Street Food, Mahalo Shave Ice, Mess Hall Canteen, The Coconut Truck, and Zs Buddies Sushi.
August 11, noon to 5:30 p.m.
Entrance to the Craft Beer Festival includes unlimited tasters from Bivouac Ciderworks, Ballast Point, Mike Hess Brewing, Second Chance, and other notable local names.
August 18, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Arrive hungry for the Turf and Surf BBQ Championship where 30 pitmasters from the likes of Grand Ole BBQ Y Asado, the Smok’d Hog, and more vie for your approval and $15,000 grand in prizes.
August 19, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Those seeking a more exclusive experience may want to shell out for Taste of the Turf Club, a $100 per person brunch of bottomless mimosas and menu prepared by celebrity chef Brian Malarkey.
Every Sunday in racing season.
10+ Things to Do at the Del Mar Racetrack This Season
San Diego is the craft beer capital of America—and that’s not just my opinion, it’s a fact. Already home to hundreds of breweries across the city, San Diego’s beer scene is ever-changing with new breweries emerging, old favorites experimenting with bold flavors, and local tap lists continuing to surprise even the most seasoned enthusiasts.
We all have our favorites, and that’s okay. No two beer drinkers are the same, and consensus in the craft beer world is almost as rare as a bad pint in San Diego. (Though we can probably all agree that Keystone Light belongs nowhere near a tasting flight.)
So, let’s lower our inhibitions and take a tour of San Diego breweries, with a brew worth ordering from each. From sours to stouts, pilsners, and porters, here are our top breweries in San Diego.
Courtesy of Hauck Architecture
North Park Beer Company
Yes, everyone should have their own opinion, but anyone who doesn’t also include North Park Beer Company in their own personal shortlists is wrong. With consistently high-quality brews and 360-degree approach to hospitality, those who wish to see how to run an award-winning brewery need only glance in North Park’s direction.
Locations in North Park, Crown Point, and Bankers Hill
AleSmith has been a giant in San Diego beer for decades, and there’s no sign of them slowing down. Their mammoth tasting room and brewery should be on any beer lover’s pilgrimage list, but don’t just stop your wanderings at the bar. Meander around the Tony Gwynn museum, pop into their not-very-hidden speakeasy Anvil & Stave, and grab a few packs of their housemade Cheesesmith cheese curds on your way out.
9990 AleSmith Ct., Miramar
Courtesy of Nickel Beer Company
Nickel Beer Company
After 10 years, Nickel Beer Company is still going strong. Helmed by local beer pioneer Tom Nickel, his reach extends to a number of beer-centric businesses around the county, but this rustic outpost is a lovely oasis smack in the middle of cider and wine country, offering a wide variety of both esoteric and traditional beers on tap.
1485 Hollow Glen Rd., Julian
Courtesy of Old Town San Diego
Societe Brewing
Societe takes its time, focusing on perfecting what they’re doing before moving onto the Next Big Thing. That’s why it took them 10 years to open a second location, and yes, it was worth the wait. Hype chasers may be left wanting, but those who value consistently excellent beer without gimmick will be more than satisfied.
It’s rare to find a place that self-identifies as “punk rock” that doesn’t end up either seeming pretentious or for posers, but Fall Brewing manages to embrace edginess without either. Whether you’re in Doc Martens or docksiders, all beer lovers are welcome at their two Mid City locations. Come for the IPAs, stay for the stout on nitro.
Locations in North Park and South Park
Courtesy of Kairoa Brewing Company
Kairoa Brewing Company
San Diego doesn’t have nearly as many rooftop patios as it should, but what it lacks in quantity it makes up for in quality. Perch yourself above University Heights with a pint in hand, but don’t forget to come hungry—Kairoa’s kitchen is as good as their brewhouse.
4601 Park Blvd., University Heights
Courtesy of Hopnonymous Brewing Company
Hopnonymous Brewing Company
Located in the heart of the Convoy District, Hopnonymous is the perfect post-KBBQ wind-down spot. With 18 beers on tap, highlights include the Two Amigos Lime Mexican Lager—a refreshing alternative for Pacifico and Buenaveza fans. If you’re looking for something richer, Leaving Without Saying ‘Goodbye’ is a red ale that pays homage to the classic Irish goodbye with a hint of caramel. Whether you’re capping off a feast or looking for a dog-friendly brewery, Hopnonymous is the place to be.
7705 Convoy Court, San Diego
Courtesy of Pure Project
Pure Project
Pure Project opened in San Diego in 2016, but it seems like they’re been a part of the local brew scene for far longer than that. With 150+ breweries in the county, achieving icon status of this magnitude is no small feat, and I for one am thrilled that they keep opening new spots to make grabbing a pint (or two) easy.
Locations in Carlsbad, Bankers Hill, Miramar, North Park, and Vista
Courtesy of Craft Coast Brewing Company
Craft Coast Brewing Company
Good tacos deserve good beer, and both can be found at this Oceanside hot spot. With Pizza Port brewing alums at the helm and amazing birria coming out of the kitchen, this divine duo is a can’t-miss stop along the coast. Try Craft Coast Brewing Company‘s award-winning Old West IPA alongside a couple of tacos for a meal that’s hard to top.
All the clubs and companies bringing famous names and funny up-and-comers to town
Courtesy of Quartyard SD
By Ombretta Di Dio
On any given Friday night, a line forms across popular downtown corners, packed with people patiently waiting for a couple of hours of laughter and some relief from the monotony of their work week. Stand-up comedy—once only enjoyed locally at La Jolla’s Comedy Store, which opened its doors for the first time in 1977—is now everywhere in San Diego.
But, whether those remarks will actually give you belly laughs or leave you wondering why you even bothered abandoning the couch, depends on a number of variables that go from the night of the week and the lineup of the show, to who produces it. No matter what, however, I assure you that watching live comedy is a risk worth taking. I would know. In the almost 10 years I have been around it, both as a performer and as an audience member, I found nothing better to occupy my nights and my mind.
This guide will help you discover your next favorite spot to laugh and help you navigate the intricate and somewhat daunting map of shows that populate weekly and weekend nights all over town.
Courtesy of Mad House Comedy Club
Stand-Up Comedy in San Diego: The Signature Clubs
Mad House Comedy Club
The Mad House Comedy Club has been a staple among locals for over a decade, thanks to its signature open mic nights (currently on hold) and the comedy shows that, from Wednesday to Sunday, offer a platform to up-and-coming talent and out-of-towners. After Midnight host Taylor Tomlinson graced the stage here before catapulting to celebrity status, and I might have stumbled on that same stage for open mics and shows alike once or twice, too, which basically puts me at the same level as the second-most famous Taylor in show business.
American Comedy Co.
Just a couple of blocks down the road is the American Comedy Co., with its weekly Tuesday-night open mic that attracts hundreds of audience members and dozens of young comics hungry for three minutes in the spotlight. Big Jay Oakerson, Natasha Leggero, and other big names from Los Angeles and New York regularly pay visits to the venue. Locals get to open the act, and if you particularly like any of them, you will find them working the door in between shows. Strike a conversation, and you will make their night.
Mic Drop Comedy
Downtown isn’t the only comedy hotspot! Out in Kearny Mesa, Mic Drop Comedy makes it a mission to feature diverse and unforgettable lineups, as well as themed shows where comedians draw from holidays, movies, and music to deliver side-splitting jokes (picture a Taylor Swift–inspired midday brunch show). Sip cocktails while you get lost in pop culture references or discover witty, new LGBTQ talent and brilliant women headliners.
Courtesy of Duck Foot Brewery
Stand-Up Comedy in San Diego: The Indie Shows
Comedy Heights
If you think comedy merely belongs to clubs, think again. San Diego’s best stand-up shows sometimes happen in bars, breweries, and even yards. Comedy Heights—which called the recently shuttered Twiggs Bakery Cafe home for 12 years—found a new permanent residence in Normal Heights at Lestat’s on Adams, hosting PG-13 comedians every Friday and Saturday. Make sure to grab a complimentary coffee next door and bring your own booze to enjoy the show!
Duck Foot Comedy Night
Comedy is serious business in Miramar, where you can savor an expansive comedy show experience at the familiar Duck Foot Brewery. This monthly event takes place right outside of the brewery and is consistently packed thanks to a good mix of local and nationally touring comics who are funny enough to grab the attention of a sea of people, despite—or maybe thanks to—the unusual location.
Going Dutch Comedy
If you are a fan of crowd work and want to join in the fun of creating comedy magic, head to Going Dutch Comedy’s monthly evening event. Participating comics pick prompts out of a bowl and riff on them then and there to deliver hilarious dating advice. The trick? Audience members get to come up with the prompts. Going Dutch Comedy recently partnered with Don’t Tell San Diego, the national franchise that brings Netflix-approved comedy faces to unexpected secret venues.
Laugh Outside
Every month, Quartyard San Diego transforms into a comedy-filled garden where beer and laughter flow to the sound of seasoned comics and up-and-comers who have learned how to master a major stage. This outside show in the middle of the East Village is ideal for smart audiences who appreciate diverse humor that isn’t overly obscure or edgy.
What does “HTTP” stand for? What is Hermione Granger’s Patronus in Harry Potter? What is the least common zodiac sign? If you love a good trivia night, San Diego has plenty of ways to test out all the random facts and knowledge you’ve stored up over the years—while also enjoying a great craft brew.
We put together a list of the best bars and breweries offering trivia in San Diego where you can win fun prizes like t-shirts, free shots, tasty food, and most importantly, team pride.
Courtesy of Duck Foot Brewing Co.
Duck Foot Brewing Co.
Multiple locations
Duck Foot’s portfolio of gluten-reduced beers means you can have your trivia and beer too, without the gluten levels found in a typical craft beer. Both of their locations offer weekly trivia nights, as well as long tap lists and food trucks for the full experience.
When: Wednesdays in Miramar from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. | Thursdays in Leucadia from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
What to drink: Their limited releases give patrons a chance to try something new, but I’m partial to their Duckzilla Double White IPA, a mashup between a White Ale and Double IPA.
8920 Kenamar Drive, Suite #210 | 978 N. Coast Highway 101
Black Plague Brewing
Multiple locations
Arrive early to snag a seat at the heavy metal-themed brewery’s trivia nights in all three of their taprooms—it gets pretty packed in all of them. Black Plague’s Purgatory Lounge in Escondido and Oceanside tasting room both have Full Metal Burgers to supply plenty of brain food, and the Dearly Departed taproom in North Park’s full kitchen offers omnivore and vegetarian-friendly fare as well.
When: Tuesdays in North Park from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. | Thursdays in Oceanside from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. | Thursdays in Escondido from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
What to drink: Stay hoppy with one of Black Plague’s IPAs, like their Dearly Departed Cold IPA, brewed with three hops for a tropical and citrus-forward refresher.
2899 University Avenue | 2550 Jason Court | 239 E. Valley Parkway
Kilowatt Brewing
Oceanside
See if you can beat Trivia Tim every Tuesday during Trivia Night and Music Bingo at Kilowatt’s Oceanside taproom. Can’t make it on Tuesday, or trivia not your thing? Check out the hidden speakeasy The Space Pad, a psychedelic journey through space and time (open Thursday, Friday, and Saturday). Reservations recommended.
When: Tuesdays from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
What to drink: With 25 taps to choose from, Kilowatt offers everything from hazy IPAs to hard seltzers. But I prefer to keep my wits sharp for trivia night, so a low-ABV option like a tangy Berliner Weisse is best.
406 Mission Avenue
Pali Wine Company
Little Italy
Bring a friend to Pali’s free trivia nights every Thursday in Little Italy. Their breezy, modern tasting room is the perfect spot to sip wine, shout answers, and share some small plates like charcuterie, oysters, and yellowtail tuna crudo.
When: Thursdays starting at 7 p.m.
What to drink: Not sure what to start with? Try a curated flight of five different wines, ranging from seasonal favorites to more esoteric natural wines from across California wine country.
Helix Brewing Co. is nestled next to car repair shops and dispensaries, but don’t be fooled by the gritty surroundings. Their indoor/outdoor patio is one of the best-kept secrets in East County and their weekly trivia nights are the perfect chance to come check it out.
When: Thursdays from 6 pm to 8 pm
What to drink: The Commercial Street location is actually home to two concepts: Helix and Sourworx, their wild and sour beer counterpart. Try a little something from both, but their Dark Sour beers like Animals in the Night and Betting On Stars are as complex as they are funky.
8101 Commercial Street
Resident Brewing
Downtown
Pop inside The Local every Wednesday to try your hand at Resident Brewing’s trivia night, paired with brews made by local brew icon and head brewer Bill Lindsay. The space gets pretty lively as the night goes on, so arrive early to stake out a good spot.
When: Wednesdays from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
What to drink: It’s a tie between No-No Joe, their West Coast IPA collaboration with Joe Musgrove, and their Gaslamp Porter, a malty, smooth, and wildly drinkable robust porter. Or, of course, you could just try both.
Enjoy $2 off cider flights during Bivouac’s own Sunset Trivia nights on Wednesdays at their North Park location. Don’t skip their food menu, either—from a Mediterranean meze platter to a chimichurri-smothered steak, this is beyond basic bar food.
Beth Demmon is an award-winning writer and podcaster whose work regularly appears in national outlets and San Diego Magazine. Her first book, The Beer Lover's Guide to Cider, is now available. Find out more on bethdemmon.com.
For Executive Chef Emily Brubaker, Omni La Costa Resort & Spa feels like home. She grew up just a mile-and-a-half away from the 400-acre property and fondly recalls walking the golf course perimeter as a kid. Though her ambitions led her away from San Diego for nearly two decades in which she honed her craft in some of the highest of high-profile Las Vegas restaurants—including triple Michelin-starred Joël Robuchon at MGM Grand—they ultimately brought her back to North County.
Courtesy of Omni La Costa
Today, the classically French-trained chef, who’s fresh off a victory on NBC’s Yes, Chef!, judged by Martha Stewart and José Andrés, oversees Omni La Costa Resort & Spa’s seven distinct dining concepts. Her goal is to elevate the resort’s culinary program with her creative, hyperlocal ingredient-driven approach while maintaining the Spanish- inspired flavors and fresh California coastal cuisine that are the bedrock of its culinary identity.
“The San Diego food scene is really growing, and in North County alone, it’s really exploded in the last five years,” Brubaker says. “There are Michelin stars, beautiful tasting menus, craft bakers, and all this food—when I was growing up in La Costa, it was fish tacos. Now there are really cool things popping up, and I’m so happy to be here to see where it’s going to go.”
Brubaker gives chefs de cuisine at each individual restaurant autonomy, however, her influence is evident across the resort.
For example, lobby restaurant Bar Traza serves as Omni La Costa’s culinary centerpiece and features bold Spanish flavors in a lively, social atmosphere. Brubaker overhauled the menu to be more consistent and centered on casual bites with that signature vibe. Think smoky paprika, vibrant citrus, and Spanish meats and cheeses.
At VUE, the focus is on seasonal offerings, California coastal cuisine, and Baja-inspired dishes. She and Chef de Cuisine Cameron Dixon change the menu biannually, which heading into summer, will highlight farm-fresh produce and hyperlocal ingredients—the resort even has its own herb garden and honeybee hives.
Courtesy of Omni La Costa
Poolside dining options are leaning into the country’s 250th this summer with a selection of classic American dishes with an Omni La Costa twist. And Bob’s Steak & Chop House (Brubaker is a trained butcher) offers a classic steakhouse experience with elevated service.
The chef and company also plan menus for special events at the resort where her creativity can really shine. For an upcoming National Ski Association dinner, the banquet hall will be transformed into an Alpine-themed winter wonderland complete with a snow machine, savory sausages, and melty, decadent raclette. A recent dinner was built around the Carlsbad Flower Fields and each course was matched to a color of ranunculus (Did you know pink dragonfruit are grown in North County? You do now.).
“It’s my zen to be in the kitchen playing with food,” Brubaker says.
Omni La Costa’s culinary program is a key part of the resort experience. And with Brubaker’s leadership, it’s becoming a draw for visitors and locals alike.
“These aren’t just hotel restaurants, these are restaurants that you should go to. They’re destinations, and I’m really hoping for the future that’s where we’re going,” Brubaker says.
Courtesy of Omni La Costa
Brubaker is also channeling her experience on Yes, Chef! into the culture at Omni La Costa—more emphasis on teamwork and collaboration, empowering her staff to share constructive critiques, and embracing different perspectives. Alongside her leadership role, Brubaker has become an advocate for mental health in the hospitality industry, serving as chief ambassador for the Burnt Chef Project and serves on the Board of Advisors for the Apex Culinary Program, where she mentors and develops future talent.
Pairing food with drinks doesn’t have to be fussy or frustrating. Just look at Sauvignon Blanc and raw oysters, tacos and margaritas, or roast duck with Pinot Noir. Classic pairings like these exist for a reason—they’re delicious—but stopping at what’s expected is, well, boring. Why not shake it up by pairing a beloved beverage like craft beer with exciting regional cuisine?
Harland Japanese Lager Asian Food Beer Pairing San Diego
Courtesy of Harland Brewing
At Animae, the high-end, Asian-influenced menu features plenty of innovative cocktails with ingredients like shiso, lemongrass, and pandan, but chef Tara Monsod says beer pairs spectacularly with certain plates from the “Hot Dishes” menu. “All of the hot sides on Animae’s menu—except the wontons—are inspired by Asia’s drinking culture,” she explains. “Fried food pairs perfectly with beer.”
Animae Asian Food Pairing with Beer San Diego San Diego
Courtesy of Animae
She points to Animae’s lechon kawali, a Filipino-inspired dish made of fried pork belly with apple pâté sarsa and plum, as an ideal companion to a popular Filipino lager called Red Horse. For a more craft-oriented local option, I suggest Abnormal Beer Company’s Secret Safari, a 5.0 percent ABV pale ale with tropical citrus notes from the hops and light malt profile. It’s balanced enough to make crispy pork belly pop on the tongue and refreshing enough to wash it down.Golden Hill’s Kingfisher—which was recently recognized by the Michelin Guide and SDM‘s pick for best Vietnamese restaurant 2023 (critic’s choice)—also offers a small number of local draft beers to complement their French-Vietnamese fare. Kingfisher focuses on light and hoppy selections from breweries like Fall Brewing and Harland Brewing to let the food shine against their carefully curated, occasionally intense flavors. Here, a hazy IPA is never out of place, allowing the fruit-forward notes of the hops to sing alongside an umami-rich experience.
Speaking of intensity, pairing spicy food with light lagers does fall under that somewhat obvious pairing umbrella. However, the sheer number of crisp lagers made here in San Diego makes finding the right one a fun (and delicious) endeavor. Wilson To, partner at Cross Street Chicken and Beer, says that while he considers Korean fried chicken and Champagne to be “the underrated pairing of summer,” their menu already provides beer and chicken pairings like Pizza Port’s Chronic Amber with Garlic Parmesan, Alesmith’s .394 Pale Ale with Honey Butter, and their Cross Street Lager with Seoul Spicy, which he calls a crowd favorite. “The carbonation and light refreshing taste helps reset your palate for the next burst of flavor of the sweet and spicy notes of the Seoul Spicy,” To explains. “[But] for the heat seekers that want to elevate the spice, switch the lager with Societe Pupil West Coast IPA.”
Spicy House Asian Food Beer Pairing San Diego
Courtesy of Spicy House
Elevate the spice? Count me in. Two of my absolute favorite Sichuan dishes from Spicy House, Mapo tofu and Cold Chopped Chicken with House Special Sauce (I’m convinced the “special” ingredient is lava), both incorporate a signature spice from China’s Sichuan province: Sichuan peppercorn. Sichuan peppercorn’s trademark is a tongue-numbing sensation, and I’d argue that San Diego’s trademark is craft beer. Crisp lagers like Eppig Brewing’s Special Lager provide the necessary cool-down to keep chowing through the (delicious) pain.
Beer Fridge Barkada Asian Food Pairing with Beer San Diego
Photo Credit: Beth Demmon
Of course, one needn’t stop at light and refreshing. When I pick up a bánh mì from Cali Baguette Express or Lee’s Sandwiches, I prefer a more robust mouthfeel to round out the cured meats, pickled daikon, and crusty bread. That’s when I reach for a Witbier or Saison, like Coronado Brewing’s classic Orange Avenue Wit or Karl Strauss’ Windansea Wheat. The coriander, fruit, and light haze accentuate the flavors of the food, but remain complex enough to enjoy by themselves.
Din Tai Fung Asian Food Beer Pairing San Diego
Courtesy of Din Tai Fung
It’s with dumplings that San Diego beer really shines. Our aggressively bitter IPAs are some of the best beers in the world, and they deserve to go up against some of the best food in the world. That’s where Din Tai Fung comes in. Their globally acclaimed Xiao Long Bao (XLB) soup dumplings burst with aroma and flavor, so it stands to reason the accompanying beer should meet that intensity. Ballast Point’s Sculpin IPA shook the beer world when it first hit shelves and hasn’t slowed down since, resulting in a pairing that’s a match made in heaven.
Beth Demmon is an award-winning writer and podcaster whose work regularly appears in national outlets and San Diego Magazine. Her first book, The Beer Lover's Guide to Cider, is now available. Find out more on bethdemmon.com.
Bavarian vibes are returning once again for weekend-long celebrations full of beer gardens and brats. Oktoberfest is a German tradition (which technically begins in September), but there are plenty of places in San Diego offering you the excuse to drink, dance, and avail yourself of pretzels and gingerbread. Grab your stein and prepare your yodel for a memorable weekend. Lederhosen optional.
Compete in stein-holding and bratwurst-eating contests, drink all the beer at the beer garden, and listen to free, live music all day by Ocean Beach Pier.
This brewing company is putting their own Mexican twist on a traditional German holiday in Barrio Logan. Enjoy two days of flowing, foamy beer, custom steins, and food specials to satisfy your cravings for German grub.
Leave your leather lederhosen at home—grab your wetsuit instead. In addition to catching some gnarly waves, your ticket buys access to unlimited beer tastings, music, a t-shirt, and food. The proceeds help provide back surgery and other health services to veterans, economically disadvantaged persons, and animals.
After a weekend full of beer and sausages, give back to the community that has provided much more than just food and brew. This event is put on by I Love A Clean San Diego and Think Blue! with help from Thorn Brewing Company. After a day of hard work, you can celebrate with discounted brews from Thorn Brewing.
While glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agents have been used to treat Type 2 diabetes for more than 20 years, their recent emergence as weight-loss wonder drugs marked a new frontier in medicine. But their effectiveness has left some patients wondering what to do once they’ve reached their goal. Stopping the medication could mean regaining some, if not all, of the weight. A Scripps Clinic internal medicine physician recently conducted a small study of whether GLP-1 patients who had reached their goal weight could maintain that weight by taking their regularly prescribed injection every other week instead of weekly. Spoiler alert: 30 of 34 patients did. Read more about the study here and what that may mean as pharmaceutical companies roll out oral GLP-1s.
For more nutrition, wellness, and healthy living tips, sign up for the San Diego Health newsletter here.
