Caroline’s Seaside Cafe

Originally published October 2021 | Updated March 2023

Outdoor Dining Spots / Rooftops

Pali Wine Co.

Little Italy can sometimes feel frenetic, but that all slips away on the second-floor patio of this stylish, serene wine bar. The Lompoc-based vintners specialize in pinot noirs and chardonnays, with some bold reds to sample, too. You can even take your vino in a growler to go.

Vintana

While we never thought dining and car dealerships could mix, Vintana proves us wrong. This fine dining spot has panoramic city and mountain views atop Escondido’s Lexus Centre, and the menu is as luxurious as the sedans below. Decadent items include filet mignon and lobster mac ’n’ cheese, and their Tuesday date night special includes two entrées and a bottle of wine for $50.

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The Nolen

Some downtown rooftops can be, ahem, cheesy. Not so at this refined space atop the Courtyard San Diego Gaslamp. Enter through a dedicated, non-hotel doorway and head up to the 14th floor for views of downtown and the bay. The menu is mostly small bites, and the cocktails focus on barrel-aged and throwback concoctions.

Trilogy Sanctuary

Superfoods, ocean views, and yoga sound like a winning La Jolla trifecta, and that’s what you’ll get at this rooftop vegan and organic café that shares a space with a yoga studio. While dining on grain bowls, smoothies, and vegan nachos, you can scope out their cool aerial yoga classes. They also host virtual events for breath work and reiki training.

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Catania

The coastal panorama from this Italian restaurant’s La Jolla rooftop is award-worthy, but Michelin doesn’t give out stars for views. The food’s gotta be spectacular—and, in 2022, Catania’s wood-fired pizzas and housemade pastas landed them a coveted spot in the Guide. Try the duck sugo orecchiette with braised duck and porcini mushrooms.

Rustic Root

Take in the Gaslamp action from the comfort of this hip, open-air deck outfitted in rose gold seats, life-size animal topiaries, and market lights. The rooftop has its own menu, with shareables like poke tostadas and firecracker shrimp. They’re well-known for their old-school tipples and craft cocktail shots.

Mister A’s

The perch 350 feet above sea level means you’ll be dining at eye level with incoming planes—plus skyline and bay views. The restaurant is known for its five-star plates of prime beef selections and seafood, but you should definitely order the truffle mac ’n’ cheese to start.

Half Door Brewing Co.

Housed in an early–1900s building near Petco Park, this brewpub has a charming roof deck with a robust menu and plenty of beers brewed in–house. The pretzel bites and fried goat cheese with Sriracha aioli are crowd-pleasers; then move on to juicy burgers and red-ale-braised pork belly.

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Outdoor Dining Spots / Ocean Views

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Hello Betty Fish House

The rooftop at this Oceanside seafood spot has all the beautiful ocean views without the stuffy, fine dining vibe (flip-flops are welcome). It’s an expansive space with picnic-style seating, where diners feast on fish tacos, oysters, and margaritas.

Il Fornaio Del Mar

In terms of outdoor dining, the top of Del Mar Plaza is a golden standard. Il Fornaio offers formal dining on its own (closed-in) patio, but for informal drinking and eating, snag a couch on the Plaza terrace. Pasta, pizzas, and a lengthy gluten-free menu are popular.

Coasterra

It’s not a view; it’s the view. The Mexican American restaurant has a massive outdoor deck that overlooks the bay, harbor, and downtown, and is a popular spot for sunset viewing, preferably with a Deb’s Coconut Margarita in hand, and chips and fresh guacamole made tableside. Plus, a location by the airport means it’s the perfect stop for hungry out-of-towners—hello, holiday visitors!—who’ve just landed.

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Wonderland Ocean Pub

You’d be hard-pressed to find a better place to catch the sunset. This Ocean Beach pub is famous for their amazing ocean view and daily “sunset toast,” a complimentary shot of the bartender’s choice. Enjoy taco specials and $5 margaritas on Wednesdays, half-off mussels and oysters on Mondays, and other happy hour specials the rest of the week.

Jimmy’s Famous American Tavern

Set along the harbor between Shelter and Harbor islands, Jimmy’s balances the calming marina view with a lively atmosphere. The patio promises nautical eye candy—from the boats to the sailors boarding them—and the menu is full of burgers and bloody marys.

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Hudson & Nash

Located near the San Diego Convention Center in downtown, Hudson & Nash provides killer Comic-Con people watching—if you can tear your eyes from the seascape. Watch boats pass and cosplayers clash (faux swords only, fear not) with a tiki drink in one hand and a sweet chili chicken wing in the other.

Poseidon

Holiday parties may be on hold, but you can still toast to the season (and the end of 2020) with these festive to-go cocktails from some of San Diego’s top restaurants, hotels, and pop-ups. Cheers!

Campfire and Jeune et Jolie

These two Carlsbad restaurants, both co-owned by John Resnick, will be offering a holiday sangria and cocktail recipe in addition to their takeout menu all season long. Try the Grizzly Folk, a bourbon beverage with mulled cider, tamarind, and lemon.

2725 State Street, Carlsbad

2659 State Street, Suite 102, Carlsbad

Civico by the Park

Civico by the Park

The Bankers Hill outpost of this Italian eatery is offering four cocktails to go for their Cocktails di Natale menu. The drinks are classic recipes with a holiday twist, like the Holiday in Manhattan with black walnut bitters and a Punt e Mes aperitivo, or the Espresso Martini with a housemade vanilla bean syrup and a cinnamon garnish.

2550 Fifth Avenue, Suite 120, Bankers Hill

Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa

Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa

Head to the hotel’s Greenfinch Holiday Pop-Up Bar for fun holiday-themed boozy beverages every Friday and Saturday in December. Go for the English Ginger Snap, made with Earl Grey–infused Tito’s vodka, Amar Nonino, persimmons, and ginger beer. Rum fans will want the Santa Smokes Cigars, a smoky and spicy sipper with locally distilled Malahat rum.

9700 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla

The Grass Skirt

The Grass Skirt

The Grass Skirt’s “Tiki Christmas” continues with their cocktail boxes. This week’s theme (the last one!) is Sippin’ Santa, an aged rum and Italian amaro–based cocktail completed with fresh lemon, orange juice, and a garnish of ginger and nutmeg. The box also comes with their signature Surfin’ Santa mug and a special edition The Grass Skirt stocking.

910 Grand Avenue, Pacific Beach

Kindred

Kindred’s popular takeout cocktails received the holiday treatment with a menu rollout of five seasonal libations. Find their takes on classics like a hot toddy or mulled cider, or go for something more unique like the Loxian Gate with gin, aquavit, sherry, lemon, cherry, rosemary, and allspice bitters.

1503 30th Street, South Park

Fallen Apple at Lionfish

Lionfish

Take your festive fix to go with one of Lionfish’s seasonal cocktails. The Fallen Apple, for example, puts the fruit forward with an apple spice syrup and apple brandy. They also have holiday classics for the traditionalists, like a spiced mulled wine and eggnog.

435 Fifth Avenue, Gaslamp Quarter

Moniker General

This Liberty Station hangout put together festive cocktail baskets for a boozy at-home celebration to last through the holidays. Each basket comes with staples like a Spiced Pear aperitif or their signature margarita; then you have the option to upgrade your kit with extras like their custom-blend Woodford Reserve or a Wildsong Sauvignon Blanc. Each basket comes with servings for 10–12 cocktails for you to hunker down and sip 2020 away.

2860 Sims Road, Liberty Station

Mr. Trustee

Mr. Trustee

Stop by the Mr. Trustee pickup window at Cardellino restaurant Fridays through Sundays to warm up with some hot holiday drinks. The beverages—think candy cane hot chocolate and a classic apple cider—are naturally nonalcoholic (and delicious), but you can make it a true “holiday spirit” for an extra $6.

4033 Goldfinch Street, Mission Hills

Nolita Hall

James Tran

Nolita Hall

Bar Manager Corey Tighe rolled out a tongue-in-cheek menu of holiday cocktails as part of Nolita Hall’s “F*ck 2020” takeout pizza pop-up. Try the Certify for Benefits, made with blanco tequila, apple cider, blonde ale, ginger, cinnamon, and lemon. Or the Melting Giuliani, a butternut squash eggnog with Malahat spiced rum.

2305 India Street, Little Italy

Realm of the 52 Remedies

The beloved speakeasy’s Home Therapy cocktail service continues with timely seasonal additions, like Nutcracker-themed tinctures. Each kit comes with a bottle of the selected spirit, all the garnishes and mixers to make 10–12 cocktails, recipe cards, and special gifts and barware.

4805 Convoy Street, Kearny Mesa

Grizzy Folk at Campfire and Jeune et Jolie

Breakfast Republic

With a string of locations around San Diego from East Village to North County, this popular brunch spot is known for more than just a never-ending supply of chicken puns, egg decor, and eclectic pop culture references. Brunch lovers can flock here for Oreo pancakes, shrimp and grits, s’mores French toast, and breakfast cocktails.

Eight locations, see website for details

Brockton Villa Restaurant

Salty sea air, the sounds of seagulls and waves, and a stunning view of La Jolla Cove. Housed in one of La Jolla’s original beach cottages, Brockton Villa offers a fusion of American, Mexican, and Mediterranean flavors sprinkled throughout their menu items. But before letting your eyes wander the menu for too long, look for the house specialty: Coast Toast. The popular French toast, similar to a soufflé, is a must-try for first-timers. The award-winning dish has a hint of orange, and if you’re really in the mood to splurge, you can get it à la mode.

1235 Coast Boulevard, La Jolla | 858-454-7393

Broken Yolk Cafe

Started in 1979 in Pacific Beach, the hometown favorite has grown to 15 locations in San Diego County. Try their Tiki Toast (Hawaiian bread made into French toast), or their Golden State Benedict, a toasted English muffin topped with grilled tomato, avocado, applewood-smoked bacon, poached eggs, hollandaise, and a Sriracha drizzle.

15 locations, see website for details

Cafe 21

Experience the culture of Azerbaijan at Cafe 21, from their fusion dishes to their style of service and everything in between. Their concept is small plates, which allows for variety and the experience of trying different tastes and flavors—the bread and housemade jam is a must at breakfast, it goes well with the organic Peruvian blend. 802 Fifth Avenue, Downtown | 619-795-0721

2736 Adams Avenue, University Heights | 619-640-2121

Caroline’s Seaside Cafe

The cafe is on the campus of UCSD Scripps Institution of Oceanography, in the Seaside Forum, in walking distance from Scripps Pier. Relax on their ocean-view patio and enjoy the Mediterranean egg scramble while you watch the waves. Espresso drinks and baked goods are available all day at the counter.

8610 Charles F. Kennel Way, La Jolla | 858-202-0569

Claire’s on Cedros and Claire’s Too

Located in the heart of Solana Beach, this quaint cafe and bakery specializes in homemade breads, pastries, and desserts like peach cobbler coffee cake. They grind their coffee beans and juice their Valencia oranges daily on-site. If you’re on the go, make a quick stop for coffee, salads, or baked treats at Claire’s Too, whose bakery counter is just across from the restaurant entrance.

246 North Cedros Avenue, Solana Beach | 858-259-8597

Crushed

Crushed

Offering selections from American, Mexican, and Italian fare, this family-owned and operated brunch spot is known for their drinks just as much as their food. Try one of their “bresserts” (breakfast desserts), like the popular cinnamon roll pancakes, with some craft beer, mimosa, or wine. If you’re hoping to get a trendy Instagram post out of your visit, start off your morning with their mimosa flight and choose three different flavors, such as elderflower or ginger lychee, that are sure to brighten up any picture.

967 Garnet Avenue, Pacific Beach | 858-230-6567

Farmer’s Table

This restaurant brings together locally sourced organic ingredients with wood-fired pizzas and flatbreads, omeletes, and skillets. They’re famous for The Barn Yard bloody mary, a pitcher topped with an entire roasted chicken (made for four people or more). There’s also a kids’ brunch menu.

550 West Date Street, Little Italy | 619-255-0958

8141 La Mesa Boulevard, La Mesa | 619-724-6465

3055 Clairemont Drive, Bay Park | 619-359-4485

Great Maple/Hash House a Go Go

For over two decades, Hash House has brought a little country to the coast with its fresh spin on classic Midwestern comfort food. The most popular meal, Andy’s World Famous Sage Fried Chicken, is a must-try, and they’re famous for their bloody marys. Great Maple, a second location from Hash House’s founder, is a modern eatery with fresh housemade pies, Benedicts, and French toast logs. For anyone with a sweet tooth, the Fruity Pebbles pancakes (a limited offer on the secret menu) and the maple bacon donuts are must-trys.

1451 Washington Street, Hillcrest | 619-255-2282

3628 Fifth Avenue, Hillcrest | 619-298-4646

Hob Nob Hill

Hob Nob Hill

Located in the heart of San Diego, Hob Nob Hill has been serving scratch-made food to generations of San Diegans and visitors alike since 1944. They recently built an expansive outdoor space on First Avenue. Try the crab Benedict or bone-in pork chops and eggs.

2271 First Avenue, Bankers Hill | 619-239-8176

Jrdn Restaurant

Jrdn is the place to go for sushi, cocktails, and people-watching—all with an ocean backdrop. It’s right on the Pacific Beach boardwalk and features both a breakfast and an all-day menu with their own take on surf ‘n’ turf cuisine. Catch them in the morning for a refreshing acai bowl or a hearty veggie scramble, or treat yourself to a lobster roll or poke bowl anytime after 11 a.m. If you’re in the mood to complement the view with a drink, pick from an extensive wine list or build your own mimosa.

723 Felspar Street, Pacific Beach | 858-270-2323

Luca Restaurant

Tucked away in an alfresco courtyard adjacent to The Guild Hotel’s central lobby, Luca features Mediterranean and North African flavors, such as deviled eggs with tobiko caviar truffle oil and a unique take on ​avocado toast​, served with poached eggs, arugula salad, tomato jam, and quinoa popcorn. Let your travel-deprived self enjoy the French Riviera ambience in some dreamy brunch-time.

500 West Broadway, Downtown | 619-764-5160

Madison on Park

Try the carnitas stack, a Belgian waffle made with manchego cheese, drizzled with avocado sauce and topped with carnitas and a poached egg. This University Heights hangout also serves brunch cocktails, including the Motor Bike, which is El Jimador tequila blanco with aperol and hints of watermelon, ginger, and lime.

4622 Park Boulevard, North Park | 619-269-6566

Morning Glory

If you’re looking for ambience that will stun you just as much as the food, Morning Glory’s got you covered way beyond your expectations. Come up to the second floor in the heart of Little Italy to enjoy the trendy Japanese soufflé pancakes or the pork belly fried rice. Or just sit and gape at the pink Champagne vending machine and the giant electric-pink flower looming overhead. Either way, you’ll be living any Millennial’s *aesthetic* brunch dreams.

550 West Date Street, Little Italy | 619-629-0302

Parc Bistro-Brasserie

Getting a table on the charming patio at this modern bistro is like taking a quick escape to a Parisian cafe for a couple of hours. Start off the weekend with crepes, quiche, a croque monsieur with Bayonne ham, or go all out with a seafood tower. There’s several French wines served by the glass, mocktails, and mimosas to wash it all down. Brunch is served Saturdays and Sundays until 3 p.m.

2760 Fifth Ave., Bankers Hill | 619-795-1501

Sheldon’s Service Station

Pair an iced tea, iced coffee, or ice-cold beer with something from the cafe’s pastry bar or with their popular Service Station Benedict, and enjoy the San Diego weather on the covered patio, complete with refreshing misters. And make sure to keep up to date on the avocado toast special of the week.

8401 La Mesa Boulevard, La Mesa | 619-741-8276

Snooze, an A.M. Eatery

This breakfast eatery aims to foster a more sustainable food system, serving seasonal foods with local and organic ingredients. Whether you follow a strict diet, have food allergies, or you’re just plain picky, their breakfast and brunch menu features something for anyone with an appetite, from paleo to vegetarian and vegan, to dairy-free and gluten-free options. The restaurants also feature a full bar serving mimosas, bloody marys, margaritas, and local craft beers.

3940 Fifth Avenue, Hillcrest | 619-500-3344

8861 Villa La Jolla Drive, #509, La Jolla | 858-483-5556

3435 Del Mar Heights Road, Suite D3, Del Mar | 858-703-5300

Toast Gastrobrunch

Toast does wonders with its namesake, but hungry brunchers can expect a range of dishes, from prime beef and eggs to the signature Eggs in Purgatory, a sourdough bread bowl with poached eggs in a spicy shakshuka sauce, mushrooms, pork belly, feta, egg, scallions, and mint. Their house specialty is coconut pistachio kanafee, which is shredded phyllo with a ricotta and jack cheese filling, served with an orange blossom syrup and toasted brioche, topped with pistachios. They also offer a selection of bloody marys, bellinis, mimosas, draft beers, and cocktails like espresso martinis.

5970 Avenida Encinas, Carlsbad | 760-438-1212

Urban Mo’s Bar and Grill

The famous buffet at this bar in the heart of San Diego’s LGBTQ+ community may be no more, but you can still get a flavorful breakfast every day until 1 p.m. with dishes like country fried steak, chocolate chip pancakes, or a filling breakfast burrito. Don’t forget to complement your meal with a mimosa.

308 University Avenue, Hillcrest | 619-491-0400

The Westgate Hotel

Show up for Sunday brunch in your Sunday best. Visit their new alfresco dining at Veranda at Westgate Room and try their French-inspired cuisine featuring fresh California flavors. Indulge in the lemon ricotta pancakes with blueberry marmalade and maple syrup or the house brioche French toast with cinnamon butter and crème fraiche.

1055 Second Avenue, Downtown | 800-522-1564

Morning Glory

Missing group workouts? We don’t blame you. While there have been plenty of ways to get your workout in solo, there’s something to be said about the motivation and energy that come with working out with friends. Whether it’s aerial yoga or a spin class you’re after, these eight San Diego businesses offer distanced outdoor group classes so you can safely break a sweat.

BoxFit

The North Park boxing gym has brought their jabs, hooks, and uppercuts to the Lafayette Hotel every Thursday night. Classes are an hour long and include a variety of mit work to strengthen your technique and let off a little steam, too. Bring your own gloves and wraps, and be sure to reserve your spot ahead of time!

2223 El Cajon Boulevard, North Park

Double Barrel Fitness

If strength training is your focus, you’ll find plenty of opportunities at Double Barrel Fitness. The San Marcos gym moved their programs outside, with widely spaced markers and individual caddies, sanitizing spray, and a towel for each visitor. Join them for a Functional Fitness class, which includes skill progression and a workout routine that changes each day.

456 East Mission Road, San Marcos

Elevate Training

Elevate Training

Elevate Training’s Solana Beach and downtown locations have both transitioned outdoors. With a special focus on the Lagree Method, a full-body conditioning technique, this 40-minute class takes place entirely on the resistance megaformer. It’s a low-impact workout that focuses on high-intensity moves in a format that’s safe for your body.

437 South Highway 101, Suite 201, Solana Beach

900 Bayfront Court, Downtown

PB Fitness

PB Fitness was already an outdoor gym before the pandemic guidelines went into place. With three rooftop decks to choose from, you’ll find plenty of space to get your workout in. They offer boot-camp training, which includes a mix of strength and cardio circuits and weekly challenges to stay motivated.

4965 Cass Street, Pacific Beach

Salt Hot Pilates

Salt’s popular Spicy Flows still pack a punch, even outside. Their 50-minute workouts are held each day at 12 and 5:30 p.m. in the park outside the Intercontinental hotel. You’ll catch a cool breeze from the bay while you’re breaking a sweat with mat Pilates toning. Salt also recently launched a streaming platform with nearly 100 workouts to choose from, ranging in level, duration, and training focus.

901 Bayfront Court, Downtown

Studio Barre Mission Hills

The Mission Hills branch of this local franchise partnered with Andaz San Diego to host their barre classes on the rooftop of the hotel every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. With a sweeping view of the city, sweat your way through a 60-minute calorie-torching workout that focuses on small, isolated movements to lift, tone, and energize your body. No equipment necessary!

600 F Street, Downtown

Trilogy Sanctuary

Trilogy Sanctuary

This vegan rooftop café doubles as a rooftop yoga space to stretch, relax, and reconnect with your mind. Soak up the ocean views and take your pick from a variety of classes, from vinyasa to aerial yoga. The latter combines traditional yoga poses with Pilates and dance in a suspended hammock.

7650 Girard Avenue, Suite 400, La Jolla

Verve Studios

Verve on the Lot offers the same high-intensity class of rhythm-based cycling and upper body strength training as their indoor classes, just with an extra breeze to help you out. Reserve your seat online, and be sure to grab a hat and sunscreen for the workouts later on in the day.

2630 Del Mar Heights Road, Del Mar

Salt Hot Pilates

Calling all local photographers! We’re on the lookout for summer outdoor shots of San Diego to feature in the magazine’s “Picture Perfect” section. Have an epic shot of the Del Mar Fair? A landscape scene from Crystal Pier? A dramatic view from your Iron Mountain hike? We want to see them all! Email your stunners to [email protected].

And take a look at Picture Perfect favorites for inspiration:

The Hills Are Alive

January 2014. Shot by Phillip Colla.

Torrey Pines State Reserve

Phillip Colla

A Pleasing Path

February 2014. Shot by Diana Alsindy.

Suspension bridge

Southwest of Coronado Island

March 2014. Shot by John Trice

Sailing off the coast of Coronado

John Trice

Under the Coronado Bridge

December 2013. Shot by Michael Jaffe

Under the Coronado Bridge

Mt. Palomar Observatory

November 2013. Shot by Brett Shoaf.

Mt. Palomar Observatory

Gaslamp at Dusk

October 2013. Shot by Justin Lee.

Gaslamp at dusk