The Double-Edged Sword of Unexpected Virality for Small Businesses
When viral videos bring an influx of customers, the free marketing can bolster local shops—or drown them under the pressure
Former Leila Chef to Debut Pop-Up Restaurant
Justin Ayoub reimagines the smash patty pita at his new project launching within restaurants across the city
After 10 Years, Half Door Brewing Company Says Goodbye
Owner Stacy Drayne looks back at a decade in East Village and shares why the brewery is to shutting its doors
Is Ozempic Killing Restaurants?
GLP-1 weight-loss drugs slash customers’ appetites for food and alcohol, potentially spelling trouble for your favorite bistro as the meds’ market booms
SE Asian-Inspired Supper Club Launching This Spring
Chao Club hopes to one day move from pop-ups to a permanent location—but chef and founder Dennis Vu is ready to take whatever opportunities come his way
A Weekend at Napa’s Annual Truffle Festival
Northern California’s wine country is the epicenter of the growing American truffle industry—here’s what to expect for next year’s event
Legendary Lancers Bar Getting New Owners
Open since 1963, longtime bartenders (and the founder of The Balboa) are taking the reins in May
15 Aphrodisiac Dishes to Spice Up Your Next Date
Where to get delicious local dishes packed with food to get you in the mood, from sensual shellfish to chiles that turn up the heat
New German-Focused Pub to Replace Hamilton’s
After years of delays, South Park’s newest beer bar hopes to welcome in guests in late February
Pezzi Del Mio Cuore Opens in Point Loma
Brothers and longtime restaurant operators Teodulo and Gaspar Mauricio open an Italian trattoria this week
Vegan Darling Ready to Reopen in North Park
Donna Jean joins Evolution Fast Food this month in the former Village space
First Look: Wildflour Delicatessen in Liberty Station
San Diego Mag’s “Chef of the Year” Phillip Esteban finally brings his all-day concept to Point Loma
Restaurant Review: Ponyboy at the Pearl Hotel
Some of San Diego’s top food and drink minds riff on Cold War classics at Point Loma’s newest hotspot
Frenchy’s Hideout Coming to Hillcrest
The California-meets-France concept opens in early March from “restaurant lifer” Michael Simpson
Dry January: What I Learned During My Sober(ish) Month
SDM staff writer Danielle Allaire documents her journey without drinking for 30 days to better understand her relationship with alcohol in this four-part series
New Restaurant, The Victorian, is Reviving a 100-Year-Old Oceanside Landmark
The iconic yellow house will reopen with fresh owners later this spring
Where to Get Valentine’s Day Dinner in San Diego, 2025
These 30 restaurants are serving up prix fixe menus, sommelier-selected wine pairings and cozy, romantic atmospheres this February 14
Pro Surfer Benji Weatherley Opening Breakers in Encinitas
His parents’ house at Pipeline served as the famous “Volcom House”—now he’s opening the Hawaii-style restaurant inspired by his mom
Dry January: Going Cali Sober
SDM staff writer Danielle Allaire documents her journey without drinking for 30 days to better understand her relationship with alcohol in this four-part series
Former Addison Chefs Opening Chinese Restaurant in Oceanside
24 Suns helmed by chefs Nic Webber and Jacob Jordan opens January 31 inside a former North County dive bar
San Diego Snags Three 2025 James Beard Award Noms
Roma Norte is up for Best New Bar while chefs Tara Monsod (Animae) and Roberto Alcocer (Valle) are both up for Best Chef: California
Michelin-Recognized Lola 55 Expanding & Evolving
The gourmet taco shop brings a new outpost in Liberty Station and new direction for East Village
Popular Ensenada Taproom Opening in San Diego
Lucky Irish Beer Garden landing in Bonita, partnering with Bonita Food Market and Monterrey Ribeye Burgers
Dry January: Relapsing and Rebounding
SDM staff writer Danielle Allaire documents her journey with sobriety for 30 days to better understand her relationship with alcohol in this four-part series
Celebrity Chef Claudette Zepeda Opening New Lounge in Leucadia
After Top Chef, Iron Chef, and a 160-mile walk to unclog her spirit, the San Diego talent gets cozy with it at her new concept, Leu Leu
Hi-Fi Listening Bar Coming to Little Italy This Summer
Kiku Room opens this summer in the space featuring “music with a pulse”—dark disco, international dance music, Balearic house music, and more
