This year was a milestone for us. We celebrated our 75th birthday, introduced the inaugural Del Mar Wine + Food Festival, partied with readers at our SDM events, debuted a fully revamped website, and covered some of the best stories coming out of our very fine—and very newly minted “most-expensive city in the nation“—home. What an honor.
To celebrate all that 2023 has brought us, we’re taking a look back at some of your favorite stories by our editors and contributors. Here are SDM‘s top 10 most-read articles from this year:
1: San Diego’s Best Restaurants, 2023
We asked, you answered. And the votes poured in like good, crisp hard kombucha on a sunny San Diego day. Here’s the best of the best in the food world, according to you (and us).
2: 10 Wild, Weird, Damn Good Eats at the SD County Fair
By Troy Johnson
Y’all are weird. And we like it. When we put out a list of the wildest foods to try at this year’s county fair, you grabbed your stretchy pants, coastered up the 5, and chowed down on Hot Cheeto sandwiches and mermaid floats like the youthful folks you are.
3: The Best Liquor Store Sandwiches in San Diego
By Emily Blackwood
Forget national chains and sub shops—you devoured our list of local markets with delis inside. From heroes to hoagies, San Diegans proved that they’re just as obsessed with sandwiches as everyone’s favorite pal, Joey Tribbiani.
4: The LaFayette Hotel San Diego Reopens Following $31M Renovation
By Jared Cross
Since it was one of the most anticipated openings of the year, we weren’t surprised that this SD icon’s rebirth caught our reader’s attention. Zebra prints, ostentatious furnishings, and velvet everything—The LaFayette returned under Consortium Holdings as an amusement park for the eyes.
5: The Newly Renovated Jacumba Hot Springs Hotel Opens Its Doors
By Mara Altman
This year, Jacumba Hot Springs Hotel made its debut with a huge facelift and a fascinating story that started with a group of friends who wanted to purchase the property and ended up with an entire town instead. It’s a must-read.
6: Three-Star Michelin Chef Opens New Burger Joint in San Diego
By Troy Johnson
We love a good burger. So when we heard that Brandon Rodgers of The French Laundry was joining up with Brandt Beef to open Tanner’s Prime Burgers, we were eager to break the news. And you ate it up, too!
7: 15 of San Diego’s Best Breweries
By Beth Demmon
Honestly, no notes. This one was an obvious choice for a city that loves its craft brews. Beer guru Beth Demmon picked her favorite breweries in San Diego, and you took note. Sharpen your pitchforks—it’s a “best of” list.
8: San Diego Mag’s Ultimate Spa Guide, 2023
SDM Staff
One of our most-read pieces each year is always our spa guide. It’s hard assignment for us staffers—we head into the city to check out the newest, best, and most interesting treatments in the spa world, just for you, our readers. Your very own ahhh guide, if you will.
9: Incoming: Gilly’s House of Cocktails
By Troy Johnson
When a beloved SD institution goes through a change in ownership, you watch, listen, and pray that it doesn’t lose its heart and soul. The brains behind some of San Diego’s top cocktail bars ushered in a new era for Gilly’s Cocktails recently, promising to keep it nearly the same—save for a few modern touches.
10: 20 Top Family-Friendly Restaurants in San Diego
By Beth Demmon
Topping out our top 10 list is a guide for families dining out. From thoughtful kid’s menus to toys and games, these eateries around town are parent- and kid-approved.
