Beer writers in San Diego are a small, but relatively tight-knit fraternity. (This is true in both the communal sense as well as the beer-swigging inebriative sense.) When I need a drinking buddy to check out a new spot, I can usually count on one of them to both accompany and humor me while I take notes and demand sips of everything.
Today, the particular venue is Bottle Rocket Bar & Grill, a newly opened beer bar in the East Village at 805 16th Street. My comrade in craft: Ian Anderson, beer writer for the San Diego Reader. (Thanks for not writing about our visit before I did, bud!)
Despite finding out the hard way that Bottle Rocket is not dog-friendly, before long we were situated at the end of the long bar in front of the extensive beer list. It’s a familiar feeling for both of us; the space previously housed Monkey Paw Pub and Brewery, one of San Diego’s best brewpub dives that put down roots before the mass of luxury apartment buildings really took hold of the neighborhood. Monkey Paw’s demise didn’t lack drama: local brewery Coronado Brewing Company purchased a majority share of the brewpub in 2017 before shuttering it less than a year later after the original owner sued Coronado, citing breach of contract.
But the ghosts of brewpubs past don’t seem to haunt Bottle Rocket’s new ownership, who are also affiliated with local watering holes The Regal Beagle, The Regal Seagull, and Sidecar. The soft opening is still a bit rough around the edges—there isn’t a website and they didn’t post the official hours of operation until after my visit. The beertender was also unsure about the happy hour specials, recommending that I follow their Instagram for more information as they fine-tune operations.
Bottle Rocket Launches in the East Village
All that is forgivable in the early stages of any business, and the draught list goes a long way in easing said growing pains. Twenty-five taps flow with serious craft cachet and plenty of local favorites, including offerings from Eppig Brewing, Burning Beard Brewing Company, Half Door Brewing Company, Resident Brewing Company, and even hard kombucha from JuneShine. Tap diversity is slightly less than stellar; hazy IPAs dominated the board by a long shot. Still, it’s hard to criticize that decision too harshly. Give the people what they want, and there’s no denying hazies are it.
Ian opted for the Impossible cheesesteak and Latitude 33/Second Chance/Artifex hoppy lager collaboration, while I went for the spicy chicken sandwich and Pizza Port/Regal Seagull collaboration IPA. Beer writers make the perfect drinking buddies because they love to share—going halfsies on everything was more reflex than request. My biggest gripe was a slight overabundance of mayonnaise on the sandwich and underwhelming spice level, but beer-wise, there’s nothing to gripe about. Bottle Rocket’s taps are plentiful, the draught lines are clean, and the service is knowledgeable and speedy.
Parking is a little hairy in this part of town, but it’s hardly a dealbreaker. This isn’t really a place for dogs or kids, and that’s totally cool too. Just make sure to bring a pal who’s down to go halfsies with you, and you’ll be all set for takeoff.
This is the question I posed to Erik Fowler, executive director of the San Diego Brewers Guild. He and his wife Shannon just announced they’re opening Good Pressure Brewing Company in Allied Gardens at the end of the year.
Don’t get me wrong—this is fantastic news coming from great people. But I’m sure I’m not the only incredulous inquirer. The latest Brewers Association report says more breweries are closing than opening across the country, and craft’s overall volume has dropped 5 percent since 2024. Even San Diego, the self-proclaimed “Capital of Craft,” isn’t immune.
Goal Brewing pulled out of the Brewery Igniter space in North Park in March. Little Miss Brewing shuttered all nine locations earlier this year. Half Door Brewing sold to Villains Brewing Company. Division 23 Brewing closed in May. The owners of Jacked Up Brewery retired. Border X Brewing tried launching a GoFundMe before closing up shop in Barrio Logan. It feels a little bleak out there.
But Fowler is far from a naive beer newbie. On the sensory side, he’s a certified Cicerone and BJCP beer judge with sommelier training. He’s studied beer at UC Davis, and gone through the San Diego State University Professional Certificate in the Business of Craft Beer program. He worked in wine retail before managing the taproom and distribution for ChuckAlek in Ramona. He was a taproom lead at Stone Brewing, head of education and hospitality at White Labs for nine years, and the executive director for the Guild for two years. He just had one more thing to cross off his beer bucket list—open his own brewery.
“I’ve always wanted to own a business in the beverage space,” he says. “That’s been a goal since I turned 21. I’ve always had the entrepreneurial mindset, and I’m at an age and an experience level where the leap and the risk makes sense.”
The Fowlers had been looking for a space to realize their dream for 18 months, hoping to stay close to their home in East County. Of all of San Diego’s 150-plus breweries, less than 10 percent of them are in East County. El Cajon, La Mesa, Valley Center, and Ramona have one apiece; Julian and Alpine each have two; there are three in Santee; and a couple production facilities that aren’t even open to the public.
“There’s still a lot of opportunity there, especially for underserved neighborhoods,” he explains.
But after a year without any luck, they decided to expand their search slightly. When they saw the former Poochie’s Hooch Urban Cidery space in Allied Gardens that came with two patios, a cellar, existing tasting room, infrastructure for a kitchen, and a wine license, it just fit. “It’s in a great neighborhood that doesn’t have a whole lot to offer,” says Fowler. “We wanted a spot that could be family-friendly, and it just ended up working out.”
Despite an address in the city of San Diego, Fowler says they plan to focus heavily on serving the eastern side of the county, both in distribution and in their marketing approach. As residents of East County, the San Diego stereotype of beaches and surfing doesn’t always resonate with them.
“San Diego to a lot of people is the beach, but from growing up and being in East County, the San Diego that we know and see isn’t that at all,” he explains. Shannon works for the Escondido-based nonprofit Center for Plant Conservation, which inspired them to incorporate a more nature-based, plant-inspired motif for the brand that better reflects the San Diego East County locals might feel more attuned to.
They’ll initially launch with food trucks and mostly beer, but hope to expand to other beverages like wine and cider and eventually build out an in-house food program. Fowler says they want to first and foremost be a place for families, and an approachable destination for people who aren’t beer experts.
“I want somebody like my mom to be able to come in and feel comfortable, and be comfortable ordering, and just be focused on themselves and having a good time,” he says. He already took the tests at beer school—guests won’t need to feel like they’re taking a quiz to place an order.
“We never want anybody to have to pull out a phone to look something up,” he says. “We want people to come in and have a good time… we want to be the brewery that people are wrapping up their kids’ soccer games.”
Good Pressure Brewing Company will open in late 2025 at 7559 Mission Gorge Road in Allied Gardens.
Courtesy of Taste of College Area
San Diego Restaurant News & Food Events
The Second Annual Taste of College Area Arrives This September
For decades, College Area has been more defined by fast-casual concepts and taco shops than as a serious dining destination. (I totally get why—who else remembers being a broke college kid without a car?) That’s completely changed over the last couple of years, and the College Area Business District is showing off the restaurants, bars, coffee shops, and other eateries along El Cajon Boulevard—like Scrimshaw Coffee, The Luau, The Mesa Bar & Grill, and more. The second annual Taste of College Area starts at 11 a.m. on Sunday, September 28, with stops between 54th Street and 73rd Street. Don’t want to walk? Hop on the free trolley that runs until the event ends at 3 p.m.
If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a thousand times—San Diego needs more pupuserias. It seems the Salvadoran food gods have heard my prayers, and opened FiveO3 Pupusas at Fashion Valley Mall. It’s the second location for the Cathedral City-based restaurant, and if the business license is to be believed, another is on the way to Las Americas Premium Outlets. May all our pupusa dreams continue to come true!
You don’t have to work in the beer industry to attend the 2025 Craft Beer Con at Mira Costa College’s San Elijo campus, but you should probably be a pretty big beer nerd. The annual half-day conference kicks off at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, August 5 and offers multiple education tracks for attendees to learn about how beer competitions operate, what makes a wet hop beer, how alcohol distribution works, and more. And don’t worry—after a day of learning, there is a happy hour at 4 p.m.
Breakers in Encinitas is officially open! Pro surfer Benji Weatherley revived his family’s former restaurant in Hawai’i, bringing Hawaiian-inspired drinks and food to the coastal neighborhood as an all-day respite for locals (and I’m sure plenty of visiting surfers, as well). I’m on my way for a midafternoon Mai Tai…
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Have breaking news, exciting scoops, or great stories about new San Diego restaurants or the city’s food scene? Send your pitches to [email protected].
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.
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.
The beer industry is far from out of business—there are still about 140 breweries operating today, with thousands of employees—but around a dozen have closed in the last year alone. This may be the first time local brewery closures and acquisitions outpaced openings in the current craft beer era, and many have cited increasing costs of real estate, ingredients, and labor as reasons for shutting their doors forever.
That’s not the case for Half Door Brewing Company. Siblings Stacy and Daniel Drayne opened Half Door Brewing in 2015, leveraging their experience running nearby Irish pub The Field with their parents. Daniel brewed the beers, Stacy ran operations (splitting her time between The Field and Half Door), and business has boomed for a decade, especially during baseball season.
So why are they closing Half Door and selling their iconic, 1906-era, two-story building in East Village to Anaheim-based Villains Brewing Company?
Courtesy of Half Door Brewing
It’s precisely because the business has been so successful that the siblings decided to get out while they’re ahead. “I feel a little overwhelmed doing two places,” Stacy explains. “The industry is changing, [and] it just kind of felt like the right time.”
While she understands why other breweries have had to close due to economic factors, she says, that wasn’t one of the problems Half Door faced. Plus, she’s quick to add, the transition to Villains is in progress, but won’t occur for at least a few weeks, if not months (permits and license transfers permitting). “Everything is business as normal,” she adds. “I’m preparing for St. Patrick’s Day; I’m preparing for Opening Day. I’m assuming we’ll be here for the start of baseball.”
She also notes that only the property is for sale, not the Half Door name or trademark. “You never know what the future holds,” she laughs.
It’s a bittersweet moment for the pair, and one they didn’t initiate. Stacy recalls that, in the summer of 2024, another business reached out to them to see if they’d be interested in selling their space. That particular deal fell through, but it sparked a conversation between her, Daniel, and their father. “It was kind of like ‘What do we think?’” she says. “The seed was planted.” They decided to put the property on the market, and, after a couple of bids, Villains won out.
This is the second San Diego entity Villains has acquired. During the excruciatingly slow fall from grace for Modern Times Beer (which is still in progress and, frankly, painful to watch), Villains took over the brand’s former 33,000-square-foot Leisuretown location in Anaheim to launch a brewery and food hall concept. Until they hand over the keys, however, Stacy says they look forward to continuing to brew and serve their house beers to loyal customers as long as they can.
“It’s just a super special place,” she says. “I hope Villains does it justice.”
What’s the difference between Roman food and Italian food? Glad you asked. Italian food encompasses a wide variety of regional cuisines (think Sicilian, Milanese, Tuscan, and so forth) while Roman food hails from Rome (obviously). Roman cuisine’s signature dishes include fresh pastas like cacio e pepe and carbonara; meats like oxtail and seafood; vegetables like artichokes and fresh herbs; and thin, foldable pizza slices. Now San Diegans can get a new taste of the Old World at Romanissimo, which opened at 565 Fifth Avenue this week.
It’s the latest endeavor for restauranteurs Vincenzo Loverso, Alessandro Minutella, and Giovanni Gargano, who also each have stakes in Roman Wolves, Allegro, and Vincenzo Cucina & Lounge. Minutella tells me their goal is to give guests another opportunity to try the unique culinary traditions of Rome, using traditional ingredients and preparation methods. “We like to say ‘Eat as the Romans do,’” he adds. I say, if Romans are serving a one-pound meatball, then I’m on my way.
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.
Stake Chophouse & Bar isn’t your average steakhouse. Blue Bridge Hospitality’s Coronado outpost is a modern interpretation of a big-city steakhouse nestled in the heart of the small coastal community. The team at Stake has reimagined the whole steakhouse experience. By prioritizing a seasonal farm-to-table sourcing philosophy, a personalized guest experience, and unique service touches, like a formal steak presentation and a bespoke knife selection process, Stake distinguishes itself in a sea of steakhouses.
Exceptional steaks, including Wagyu from Japan, Australia, and the U.S., and fresh seafood flown in daily form the core of Stake’s culinary identity. The menu features a five-course omakase-style steak experience highlighting house favorites, plus an array of cuts, and classic steakhouse staples—think a wedge salad, baked potato, or pasta carbonara—refined for a contemporary palate without losing their traditional appeal. Stake focuses on seasonal sourcing from the region’s best family farms and specialty purveyors, and incorporates intentionally unexpected touches to create something truly unique.
“I challenge our chefs and myself to take it a step further in sourcing,” says Chef Ronnie Schwandt. “It’s important to us to highlight different farms, unique one-off farms—whether it’s cattle, strawberries, a local fisherman or from anywhere in the United States, we’re always trying to find that niche.”
Beyond the menu, Stake emphasizes outstanding service, says Vinny Spatafore, Director of Hospitality Operations. Staff maintains detailed notes, allowing them to remember guests by name, recall previous orders such as a favorite martini (also memorable for the customer since it’s served in an extra tall, distinctly-shaped glass), and celebrate special occasions like birthdays and anniversaries.
“When you have those points of topic that you remember about a guest, they appreciate that,” he says. “Our servers are really good with that—we have a couple servers who have been here since the beginning and they’ll remember somebody from years ago, their name, their kids’ names, where they live. I’m really thankful to have a great front of house staff.”
Award-winning wines, rare whiskeys, special events, and a complementary black car service that provides transportation for guests throughout Coronado add to Stake’s appeal.
Schwandt stresses that Stake offers more than a meal; they aim to give patrons something unforgettable.
“It starts when you walk up the stairs and are greeted by the hostess—that sets the tone for the night. Then you’re greeted by a server, who may know you by name, and can guide you through the menu and curate as they get to know you,” says Schwandt. “Most people leave kind of blown away; they leave feeling like they just had an experience. That’s the goal, right? Whether you’re serving smash burgers or high-end steak, you want somebody to leave thinking, Wow, that was awesome.”
Move over summer beers, it’s time to embrace the flavors of fall.
There are no strict seasonal guidelines when it comes to beer styles, but certain recipes just taste better during different times of the year. Light, crisp, refreshing lagers hit all the hot spots during summer—both literally and figuratively—while rich, full-bodied, malt-forward brews tend to warm us up during the chilly winter months. But autumn remains an especially unique season for beers, thanks in large part to Oktoberfest celebrations that usually start in late September and run through October.
Lots of places that celebrate Oktoberfest tend to offer the classic trio of fall beers—Oktoberfests, Marzens, and Festbiers. Don’t get me wrong—all of these are deservedly iconic styles that are some of my favorites to drink. But there are many, many more fall-centric beers out there to discover. Here are a few options from around San Diego that may expand your mind and please your palate this fall season.
Courtesy of Kilowatt Brewing
Smoked Maibock
Kilowatt Brewing
This 7.0 percent ABV beer has already earned both gold and silver medals at the Great American Beer Festival, and for good reason. It’s complex and crisp, highlighting both a malty backbone and balanced smokiness from beechwood smoked malts and a hint of Vermont maple syrup. Ironically, the word maibock actually translates to “May beer” and is typically brewed at the start of spring, but this smoky take on the seasonal style makes it an ideal option for the increasingly shorter San Diego days.
Courtesy of Societe Brewing Company
The Debutante Amber Ale
Societe Brewing Company
Yes, their Festbier is an excellent pick for the season. But once you’ve had your Festbier fill, take a chance on Societe’s amber ale, The Debutante. While the style has largely fallen out of fashion over the past decade, amber ales are some of the most balanced brews out there (if you can even find one in cans or on draft nowadays) and Societe is wise to include one in their portfolio. It’s delicious, too—and at 6.5 percent ABV, it hits all the high notes without going too far.
Courtesy of Eppig Brewing
Meister Northern German Wheat Ale
Eppig Brewing
Wheat beers are another criminally underrepresented (and often very misunderstood) style that deserve much more of a spotlight. Eppig knows exactly how to handle their lagers, and with a beautifully round mouthfeel, clean finish, and pleasantly restrained 5.3 percent ABV, Meister goes down smoothly and tastes great the whole time. Try it with a salted Bavarian soft pretzel to contrast against the light sweetness, and please—don’t ask for an orange slice on the rim.
The name Extra Special Bitter can seem off-putting to those unfamiliar with the traditionally English style. Hop bitterness is held in check against a malt personality that’s full of biscuit and toast—a quintessential British brew. Deft’s founder Mo Nuspl is an expert in brewing traditional styles and often includes a rotating portfolio of uncommon brews like kellerbiers, altbiers, and dark milds. Even the most rabid hazebois will find something to salivate over. (Pro tip: if it’s available during your visit, try the ESB on cask for an ultra smooth and creamy pour.)
Courtesy of South O Brewing Company
Roll It Rauch Helles-Style
South O Brewing Company
Bamberg, Germany is the world capital of rauchbier (“smoked beer”) and this Bamberg-style helles lager is a true European-style crossover with all the smoky delight of a rauchbier and all the crispness of a helles lager. With smoked malts giving intense aromatics and Noble hops providing the Old World hop flavor, rauchbiers can be a bit of an acquired taste. However, if you’re at all interested in walking on the smoky side, this is a great place to start.
Baesic Batch Pumpkin Ale
Helix Brewing
If you don’t like pumpkin beers, don’t drink them. But if you do, head to Helix Brewing’s La Mesa taproom and beer garden for their seasonal fall release, a 6.0 percent ABV easy-drinking ale packed with pumpkin spice flavor. It’s a fun, if not somewhat obvious, elixir that celebrates the changing of seasons, and I’m all for it. If you’re still on the fence, just know their beer garden is very dog- and kid-friendly, and you can count on food trucks, live music, trivia, or some combination of those three virtually every day it’s open.
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.
Nationally, beer’s share of the alcohol market is down 5.1 percent as more drinkers diversify their imbibing between beverages like wine, hard kombucha, and spirits. Locally, there have been plenty of storm warnings over the past year: brand closures like Second Chance Beer Company, shutterings like Thorn Brewing’s Mission Hills taproom, and reshufflings like Ballast Point and Eppig Brewing. However, there have also been a few bright spots—Sunny Grove Brewing Company opened in Santee, North Park Beer Company expanded to Crown Point, and Protector Brewery entered The InterContinental San Diego.
However, none of these brewhouses have been around as long as Mission Brewing, officially launched in 1913. (Sure, it took a long break between Prohibition and the brand’s relaunch in 2007, but it’s still pretty OG.) Aside from taking over the former Kensington Brewing Company’s tasting room in August 2023, Mission has pretty much minded its own business in East Village, making IPAs, lagers, kettle sours, and even some hard seltzers.
But now, the business is turning to expansion. Mission Brewing has officially acquired Rough Draft Brewing’s Miramar brewing facility and two satellite tasting rooms in Del Mar Highlands Town Center and on the UCSD campus. The announcement auspiciously coincides with the 17th anniversary of Mission’s relaunch this weekend.
Aaron Long, vice president of sales and marketing for Mission Brewing, says this expansion was possible thanks mainly to Rough Draft founder Jeff Silver’s work over the past 12 years. “Jeff put together a special set of taprooms, and we’re beyond excited for the opportunity to take the torch and further expand Mission’s brick-and-mortar presence around San Diego,” Long says. “Every site has a unique community that will be super fun to integrate our brands and get involved in, [and we] can’t wait to show everyone what we’ve been working on.”
The acquisition officially finalizes at the end of June. Still, Mission has already begun taking over the Del Mar and UCSD locations and announced plans for special events at all locations in the coming months. Long also says that when Mission’s current lease inside the Wonder Bread building ends in October, the company will transfer brewing operations to the Miramar facility, adding that the Mission team plans to continue renting the East Village taproom space to keep that portion of the business open.
Courtesy of Mixed Grounds Coffee
San Diego Restaurant News & Food Events
Mixed Grounds Coffee Opening a New Location in North Park
AAPI-owned Mixed Grounds Coffee will be a part of North Park’s AMP 30 building at 4555 30th Street when it opens later this year. The 202-unit infill development stretches between Madison and Monroe Avenues (right across from Fall Brewing Company and The Friendly). Still, coffeeheads don’t need to wait that long for one of Mixed Grounds’ specialty drinks, including Vietnamese iced coffee and lychee matcha lemonade—its Logan Heights location at 2920 Imperial Avenue is open daily.
Courtesy of An’s Dry Cleaning
Beth’s Bites
USA Today’s 10Best list named Normal Heights scoop shopAn’s Dry Cleaning the country’s number-one indie ice cream shop. It’s offering $1 gelatos on July 1 (until supplies run out) to celebrate. Scared of what promises to be a crazy line? Try your luck at the shop’s other location, An’s Hatmakers in Del Mar. Either way, you get ice cream! (Or gelato, whatever you want.)
The 23rd annual Taste of Adams Avenue kicks off at 11 a.m. on Sunday, June 30. It runs until 3 p.m., which means there are only four hours to try and taste everything from more than 40 restaurants, breweries, bakeries, and wine bars, including An’s Dry Cleaning, Hayes Burger, Trattoria Da Sofia, White Rice Bodega, and many more. Good luck!
Have breaking news, exciting scoops, or great stories about new San Diego restaurants or the city’s food scene? Send your pitches to [email protected].
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.
SeaWorld dazzles with a drone show, big-name entertainers, new animal adventures and more
By Partner Content
Nights are heating up at SeaWorld San Diego. The quintessential summertime staple on Mission Bay is transforming into a destination for unforgettable day-to-night adventures, bringing back some of its most popular Summer Nights programming and introducing exciting new experiences sure to delight both kids and adults alike.
The 2026 Summer Day to Night at SeaWorld San Diego is the park’s most ambitious season yet. SeaWorld has planned a highly anticipated entertainment lineup that features nine weeks of throwback concerts featuring R&B and hip‑hop favorites from the ‘90s and early 2000s, including Jordin Sparks, Too $hort and Warren G, Ashanti, and an array of boy band heartthrobs performing together as part of the Pop 2000 Tour.
New this season is perhaps the park’s most visible update: a nightly drone show, Ocean of Dreams, which illuminates the sky with hundreds of synchronized sparklers. Drones form sea otters, sharks, dolphins, and a majestic orca that tell a breathtaking 12-minute story of marine life and underwater ecosystems. The show culminates with a spectacular electric neon finale celebrating hope, wonder, and ocean stewardship.
Nighttime visitors are also in store for animal adventures that fuse education with high-energy fun and the dreamy ambiance of nighttime. The park has launched two all-new animal presentations: Shamu’s Celebration:Light Up the Night and Dolphins: Touch the Sky. Shamu’s Celebration:Light Up the Night features vibrant lighting, music, and dynamic choreography that celebrates the power and beauty of killer whales. Dolphins: Touch the Sky showcases playful bottlenose dolphins and the special connection between humans and the natural world. And back by popular demand is fan-favorite Sea Lions Tonite. See the charming pinnipeds splash, play, and parody pop culture in this refreshed crowd-pleaser.
More must-sees: a newly reimagined Shark Encounter, one of the country’s more immersive exhibits highlighting 11 different species up close, SeaWorld’s beloved BMX Blast! stunt show, and high-seas escapade, Pirates Ahoy! The Battle for Mermaid Cove. And don’t miss the park’s all-new Deep Sea Disco, which encourages guests to dance the night away under the glow of the SkyTower, and vibrant closing time laser light display Laser Reef Summer Spectacular.
Amp up the nighttime vibe with local craft beers, curated cocktails, and nostalgic theme park treats with $1 beer all summer long. SeaWorld is the place for day to night summer fun. When the sun goes down, SeaWorld lights up, and inspires guests of all ages to embrace their inner whimsy and see why generations of San Diegans head to SeaWorld to make memories they’ll never forget.
