The Locals’ Guide to La Mesa

La Mesa only lies 10 miles east of downtown San Diego, but it can feel like a world away from high-rises and hectic nightlife. Here, bird noise is more common than bar commotion, but the somewhat sleepy area once known for silent movie production is on the cusp of finally waking up. Mexican eatery Casa Gabriela is a scene, and new restaurants like Papalo, indie boutiques like Small Batch and All the Cositas by Artelexia, and tons of housing developments keep popping up by the day to meet increasing demand in an area that’s conveniently located and still mostly moderately priced. (Not Mount Helix, of course, where mid-century mansions with ocean views go for millions.)

Just over 61,000 people reside in La Mesa, which stretches between San Diego’s Rolando neighborhood to the west and El Cajon to the east. Known as “the Jewel of the Hills,” La Mesa officially became a city in 1912, but the area was Kumeyaay land before natural springs and citrus farming brought the San Diego and Cuyamaca Eastern Railroad smack through the center of town. In fact, the MTS Orange trolley line follows part of the original railroad tracks through La Mesa Village, the downtown area that hosts community events: the La Mesa Classic Car Show every Thursday in the summer, trick-or-treating each Halloween, and the county’s largest Oktoberfest every fall.

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It may no longer be a movie mecca or hipster haven, but La Mesa’s understated vibes tend to surprise visitors. Yes, it’s technically East County. Yes, it’s only 9.1 square miles. But with some good schools and a lingering quaintness alongside ever-expanding amenities, it may not be long before the Jewel of the Hills’ glitter catches people’s eyes.

Things to Do in La Mesa, San Diego

Billy Beltz, who co-owns Lost Cause Meadery and Oddish Wine with his wife Suzanna, has dwelt in La Mesa for the past three years. “We live in the Highlands neighborhood and absolutely love it,” Beltz says. “All the winding streets filled with old homes, mature trees, and friendly neighbors give it a wonderful small-town feel. La Mesa has soul and character, which is not always easy to find in SoCal neighborhoods, and we’re still just a short drive to Balboa Park or the beach.” He has more than a few favorite places around town, but here are a couple of his regular haunts.

Muffins and Coffee in the Village

It’s always a good idea to arrive at Sheldon’s Service Station as early as possible or risk a lack of seating or baked goods. But Beltz says they plan ahead to make sure his son’s favorite blueberry muffin is available. “The outdoor space serves as a great weekend hub to catch up with neighbors,” Beltz says. Afterward, stroll down the block to Public Square Coffee House for what Beltz thinks is the top coffee in the Village.

Date Nights at Antica Trattoria

“Don’t let the shopping center location fool you,” Beltz warns. “Italian dinners aren’t meant to be stuffy, and this place captures everything we loved about Italy—delicious Italian food in a lovely little space with friendly service and a warm vibe, without being overpriced. Whatʼs not to love?”

Burgers at The Hills Pub

Controversial opinion alert: Beltz claims The Hills Pub’s namesake Hills burger with grilled onions, lettuce, tomato, pickles, and chipotle on a brioche bun might be the best burger in San Diego. “[It] holds its own against any other neighborhood burger spot in San Diego,” he promises.

Facts About La Mesa

• In 2024, the Climate Action Campaign ranked La Mesa the number-one city in the county addressing climate change through efforts like infill housing, investment in public transportation, and using clean energy.
• Originally launched in 1973, La Mesa Oktoberfest is the largest Oktoberfest in the county, attracting 100,000 visitors over three days.
• Lots of things in La Mesa are named Helix—a mountain, a high school, streets. That’s because of a local species of snail: the helix aspersa. There’s even a statue of the famed critter, Felix the Helix, on the east end of La Mesa Boulevard.
• Notable former La Mesa residents include at least three astronauts, Metallica and Megadeth frontman Dave Mustaine, pro basketball player Bill Walton, and Academy Award nominee and actor Dennis Hopper.
• La Mesa has plenty of wild parrots, but did you know there are also wild peacocks on and around Mount Helix? Legend has it that, around 1980, a local resident purchased two peacocks from the Wild Animal Park in Escondido. One thing led to another, and now their feathery descendents roam the lands.

What’s Next for La Mesa

Unlike some other cities across the county falling behind on their affordable housing goals, La Mesa is actively developing multiple infill projects near transit stations to meet demand and lower carbon emissions. One such project is Cantera, which features 32 homes priced from the high $600,000s to around $850,000. Considering La Mesa’s median home price hovers around $914,000 while the county’s is nearly $1 million, that’s a screamin’ deal for regular folks. Another development is at 8181 Allison Avenue, with 100 percent affordable housing across 147 units.

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Once folks set down roots, they’re going to want to eat and shop, as well. Luckily, plenty of stores and restaurants have already started to take advantage of the area’s potential. Mastiff Kitchen opened its first brick-and-mortar there in 2023, followed by Shawarma Guys earlier this year. There are even rumors of a new communal Oddish Wine tasting room (à la The Garten in Bay Park) floating around. The old-timey Village is getting a facelift later this year or early next, with a new Downtown District sign scheduled for installation. Plus, Grossmont Center is poised for a complete overhaul starting as soon as 2025, with over 25 million square feet prime for mixed use.

Where to Eat in La Mesa

Oyster & Pearl Bar

Himalayan Cuisine

Casa Gabriela

Where to Shop in La Mesa

Re-Animated Records

Moze Guitars

Maxwell’s House of Books

More Things to Do in La Mesa

Lake Murray

Lamplighters Community Theatre

Mount Helix Park