Gaslamp Quarter This Month:
San Diego International Film Festival at Balboa Theatre, October 4–8
Monster Bash block party, October 28
The Smoking Gun/Spill the Beans
The dual-concept space leads with The Smoking Gun, a retro-themed eatery with foosball, shuffleboard, and a menu that leans Southern—think brisket, fried catfish, and veggie sides. Next door is Spill the Beans, a bright café with “California” bagels (nontraditional flavors like habanero and pear) and drinks by Dark Horse Coffee Roasters.thesmokinggunsd
Dolcetti
All things pink, floral, and metallic come together at this women’s boutique, known for its party dresses, accessories, and giftables. Brands include BB Dakota and Rifle Paper Co.dolcettiboutique
11 San Diego Neighborhoods to Add to Your Must-Visit List
Queensborough
Vets from Searsucker, Holsem Coffee, and Bang Bang have launched this bilevel lounge that nods to 1920s New York City cocktail culture (look for original subway tokens embedded in the floor). Tipples are classic with a twist, like the Matcha Julep made with a green tea syrup. The menu spans gourmet popcorn, surf-and-turf sliders, and a feta faro salad with pistachios.queensboroughsd
Horton Plaza Park
The urban plaza wrapped up an $18-million facelift last year and with it, beyond much-needed green space, came a large-scale mural, interactive fountains, patio seating, and an ice cream stand. hortonplazapark
San Diego Neighborhood Guide: Gaslamp Quarter
Blo Blow Dry Bar
Blo Blow Dry Bar
Get primped at this salon, which includes mani-pedi stations and à la carte blow dry sessions. Options range from fishtail braids and beachy waves to the “High Society” topknot.bloheartsyou
Nason’s Beer Hall
Sports bars aren’t typically this chic, but leave it to the Pendry Hotel to make a beer bar with style. There are classic arcade games (Ms. Pac-Man), Jenga, and weekly bingo, plus TVs, beer, cocktails, and an upscale bar menu. Don’t pass up the buttery soft pretzel paired with violet mustard.nasonsbeerhall
San Diego Neighborhood Guide: Gaslamp Quarter
Sparks Gallery
Sparks Gallery
Located in a former hardware building, this industrial-style gallery highlights contemporary pieces by Southern Californian artists. Gallery Selections is showing works picked by Sparks staff through October 29, including Alexander Arshansky’s Cubist-inspired pieces.sparksgallery
The Nolen
The 14th-floor lounge is a chic option with 180-degree views. Cocktails range from classics to their own riffs, like the Uncle Bobby’s Lemonade with vodka, strawberry shrub, and limoncello. Chili glazed meatballs are a part of the shared plates menu, and they also serve Sunday brunch. thenolenrooftop
San Diego Neighborhood Guide: Gaslamp Quarter
Horton Plaza Park
