With more banks than bars, “The Ranch” never set out to be a destination. But, like the rest of North County, there’s never been a time like the now. Retailers are leaving the coast for inland spaces, while a forthcoming market and restaurant concept might claim the title of the Ranch’s first rooftop.
“The clientele will get this sense of intimacy and privacy,” says Matt Powers, owner of the proposed two-story project, New Francisco. “Bill Gates can come here. No problem.”
International design star Amy Meier holds court at her showroom and studio.
Tomoko H. Matsubayashi
Design Stars
With an international roster of clients, Amy Meier is both design doyenne and ambassador. Her eponymous corner space is equal parts studio and retail shop, featuring
a vetted selection of antiques, art, and capsule collections (Hartmann&Forbes, Casey Johnson Studio). Meier’s exacting formula of antique/modern has provenance right here, but she translates it for design destinations like Palm Beach, Palmetto Bluff, and La Jolla.
The garden at Thyme in the Ranch café.
Tomoko H. Matsubayashi
“There has been a gradual but tangible shift in the energy of the Ranch,” says Meier, who neighbors the venerable Thyme in the Ranch café. “What was once a sleepy retirement village has slowly transformed into a vibrant community of families, young and old.”
Zofia Day Jewelry is sunlight and Gucci wallpaper
Tomoko H. Matsubayashi
Around the corner, a jewel box awaits discovery. Lisette Polny, founder of Zofia Day Jewelry, has created her dream shop, bathed in natural light and Gucci’s New Flora wallpaper. Here, clients and brides source fine jewelry and reimagine family heirlooms under Polny’s trained eye. Earlier this year, she fled her 101 showroom in Leucadia for something less crowded.
“There’s a lot to be desired in this little downtown,” she says. “I am surrounded by beauty.”
Body of Work
Rancho Santa Fe Barber Salon is part of the next gen
Tomoko H. Matsubayashi
Hairstylist Roger Tuttle, of Model Call Salon fame, recently debuted Salon Iris in a secret garden setting. Meanwhile, top tresser Carly Saturnino is opening a second location of Vohg Hair, boasting high-glamour interiors by A. Naber Design. Even the Rancho Santa Fe Barber Salon has a new vibe thanks to Dan Lara passing his shears on to 28-year-old stylist Juleah Roll.
Saturdays, meanwhile, are all about other shiny objects. The be-seen Cars & Coffee is held every Saturday from 8 to 11 a.m. at the intersection of Paseo Delicias and Avenida de Acacias with a lineup of vintage and luxury autos.
A Place in Time
A new statue of the late architect Lilian J. Rice pays homage to her impact
Tomoko H. Matsubayashi
Architect Lilian J. Rice remains a central figure here, both historically and figuratively. A new life-size statue, sculpted by local artist Nina de Burgh, further solidifies her legacy. Rice was a trailblazer and a protégé of Irving Gill when she earned the opportunity to design Rancho Santa Fe’s civic center. In her boom years—from 1927 to 1938—she was commissioned by Bing Crosby, Douglas Fairbanks Sr., and Mary Pickford. Women weren’t invited to many tables back then, so Rice designed a few of her own.
Today, 11 of her buildings are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, including the 1923 Francisco building where Australian restaurateur Matt Powers plans to open Mrkt Space. It’ll be the fourth location of his popular cafe/market concept after Leighton Beach, Australia; Leucadia; and the forthcoming La Jolla Shores.
The forthcoming home of New Francisco in the Rice-designed building from 1923
Powers says he will honor Rice by taking her dialogue into a new era. The second-story rooftop will embrace views of the surrounding landscape and mountains that she worked so hard to maintain.
“The banks deemed this home uninhabitable while we were trying to secure a loan [in 2018],” says renowned Southern California designer Raili Clasen. “It was vacant and decrepit for years, but the house’s bones were amazing.”
Modest for the secluded and high-dollar neighborhood of Rancho Santa Fe, the 2,000-square-foot, white, mid-century ranch house has a separate guest home and a hillside perch offering breathtaking views of a private bocce court, eucalyptus groves, and towering live oaks. But before it became a comfortable retreat for Clasen and her family when they’re not in Newport Beach, the home required some sweat equity.
Photo Credit: Kimberly Motos
“We refreshed it on a major budget, replacing only plumbing, counters, and flooring and cleaning up the rest with a fresh coat of paint,” Clasen says.
Budget or not, the home is a living representation of Clasen’s distinctive design approach. Functional and quietly chic, her aesthetic choices reflect her ever-firing brain, with a bright, airy style oriented toward an active yet relaxed lifestyle (she also designed Kelly Slater’s Surf Ranch complex and penned the 2024 design book Surf Style at Home).
Photo Credit: Kimberly Motos
She loves typography art and admits she “totally forces” her clients into embracing it. “Every project, I’ve tried to stuff those down on my clients,” Clasen laughs. “Sometimes they’re like, ‘I don’t want one word! Don’t even bring it up!’ But I love how it plays out, and I try to sneak it in there and, usually, they see the vision. I love how symmetric lettering is.”
Photo Credit: Kimberly Motos
It’s everywhere in her own home and guest house, which are decorated in modern style. The focal point of the property is the open living/dining/sitting room, which occupies the space between the north and east walls of the home, featuring floor-to-ceiling glass sliding doors; high, white-painted, wood-beam ceilings; and a variety of gathering spaces. A couch near the white-painted brick fireplace gives way to a nook overlooking the backyard, directly adjacent to a large dining table in front of the kitchen counter, which is lined with barstools. Flanking the dining room are original cabinets that Clasen painted olive green.
“I know it’s considered a sin in original modern homes to paint the wood and brick,” Clasen says. “But they weren’t in great shape and had to be trashed or painted. I think it’s better this way.”
Photo Credit: Kimberly Motos
She and her husband take their coffee in the nook most mornings, watching the deer go by. Then, her husband and sons “usually go surfing down at Del Mar 26th Street,” she adds, while she relaxes and gets work done.
Her family and friends usually end their days in that space, typically with a few drinks. “We’ve fit 20 people in this spot, dancing the night away!” Clasen says. Surf style, indeed.
Jackie is a long-time freelance journalist covering cannabis, food/restaurants, travel, labor, wine, spirits, arts & culture, design, and other topics. Her work has been selected twice for Best American Travel Writing, and she has won a variety of national and local awards for her writing and reporting.
Nestled between Lemon Grove, Valencia Park, Skyline, and the 94 freeway is the hilly, residential neighborhood of Encanto. Drive around, and you might feel transported to a small town. The chaparral-covered slopes are full of single-family homes and quiet, dead-end streets where locals raise chickens and goats in their backyards. Despite Encanto’s rural charm, the hilltop views of downtown remind you that you’re only 15 minutes away from the city center.
The housing market in the area is on the rise, with the median price of an Encanto home up 13 percent from last year to around $735,000. Beside the trolley tracks, two modern housing developments tower over Imperial Avenue, where nearly all of the neighborhood’s businesses are located. In 2022, the nine-block stretch of Imperial Avenue from 61st Street to 69th Street was designated the San Diego Black Arts & Culture District, part of a plan to revitalize the area and preserve its history. Vibrant murals decorate buildings and electrical boxes.
Photo Credit: Becka Vance
However, Encanto has faced recent challenges, as well. It was severely impacted by the extreme rainfall in January, which devastated homes and swept cars away in floodwaters. And the local economy is struggling: Interspersed between the taco shops, beauty parlors, and churches are boarded-up storefronts—evidence of what some call a “business desert.” But the area appears to be on the precipice of change.
Encanto is one of San Diego’s most culturally diverse neighborhoods—it was one of the first parts of San Diego where Black and Mexican families were allowed to buy homes, due to discriminatory housing laws in other areas of the city. Local resident David Peña says his grandfather was one of those buyers. He purchased a house in Encanto in 1960 after moving here from Tijuana, and the property has been passed down through the family. “It’s nice how there’s still a lot of land out here,” Peña says. “But it’s crazy how this area is starting to get gentrified.”
Courtesy of Black Lowriders Association of San Diego
Things to Do in Encanto, San Diego
Roll with the Black Lowriders Association
Black lowriding culture has been a part of Southeast San Diego since the 1950s, and the Encanto-based Black Lowriders Association of San Diego is keeping the tradition alive. Members meet in Marie Widman Memorial Park to showcase their classic cars and impressive hydraulics. But they aren’t just here to cruise Imperial—part of their mission statement is to be a positive influence in the area. They organize bike giveaways and charity drives. “I love those guys,” Baraka says. “They are giving back 100 percent to the community.”
Jamaican Bites at Caribbean Taste
Decorated with images of palm trees and sunsets, Caribbean Taste in Trolley Stop Plaza draws a constant stream of customers through its doors. It’s been there almost 20 years, Baraka says, and he knows the owner, Frank, by name. “The jerk chicken is the best I’ve had in San Diego,” he asserts, but he also recommends the goat stew, and, of course, the oxtail. “Caribbean Taste is bomb.”
Great Brisket at Coop’s West Texas BBQ
Although not within Encanto’s borders, this nearby BBQ joint in Lemon Grove is one of Baraka’s favorites. “The brisket is off the chain,” he says. Before he had a storefront, owner Brad Cooper would deliver directly to barber shops and beauty parlors in the area. “I’ve got a lot of respect for Brad,” Baraka adds. “Everybody does.” Coop’s only accepts cash, so come prepared.
Photo Credit: Becka Vance
Facts About Encanto
The area’s land was once owned by Abraham Klauber, whose daughter chose the name Encanto (Spanish for “enchantment”) when he was subdividing his property.
In 1993, the artist Eddie Edwards was commissioned to paint 24 panels depicting life in Encanto. You can still see them hanging from lamp posts on the median of Imperial Avenue.
In 1994, the Encanto Neighborhood Park was renamed Marie Widman Memorial Park to honor Marie Widman, who advocated for the creation of parks in Southeast San Diego and served as the secretary of the local branch of the NAACP.
Dennis Newsome, a capoeira master whose studio is on Imperial, was inducted into the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame back in 2007 as a “Black Pioneer of African Martial Arts.” He also choreographed fight scenes for the movie Lethal Weapon.
The exterior of Imperial Avenue’s World Famous Imperial Barbershop is plastered with murals. The inside is steeped in history. Photos of Black leaders and organizers cover the walls. “That’s Marcus Garvey’s only living son,” says owner Tau Baraka, pointing to one of the frames. “All these people used to come to San Diego, to this area, all the time. I want to see that happen again.”
The barbershop has become a cornerstone of the neighborhood, collecting charity donations and hosting potlucks. As the demographics of the area change, Baraka says, he gets customers of all ethnicities in the shop. “And we give them love; we build friendships,” he continues. “We need to have people from all cultures come together.” Here’s where he likes to gather with the community in Encanto.
Photo Credit: Becka Vance
What’s Next for Encanto
In 2023, Encanto’s San Diego Black Arts & Culture District announced a partnership with the NewSchool of Architecture & Design in downtown to develop plans for the area’s revitalization. The district, overseen by The San Diego African American Museum of Fine Art, wants to prioritize the arts in these urban development plans by preserving historic buildings and creating spaces for youth creativity, while keeping a focus on the elements of the community that make up the Black experience.
The City of San Diego’s community plan for Encanto, which was adopted in 2015, includes improving the streets and sidewalks, restoring canyon trails, and bringing more businesses back to the area. The new apartment buildings by the trolley tracks are part of that plan—they’re intended to create higher density housing developments along the public transit corridor while maintaining the hillsides full of single-family homes that give the neighborhood its semi-rural character. Marie Widman Memorial Park is due for a facelift, as well. The city aims to enhance the park with ADA improvements and an upgraded “tot lot.” But these plans are still in the preliminary engineering phase, and funding has yet to be secured.
The changes aren’t limited to Imperial Avenue. In March, a 30,493-square-foot lot at 6353 Broadway sold for $1.35 million. The only building at the address is an abandoned church, but the property is permitted for the development of 11 accessory dwelling units (ADUs).
Baraka says that the gentrification in the area is a double-edged sword. “People with businesses may look at it as prosperous, but a lot of people who have been here for years are scared of the change,” he explains. But his vision for the future is optimistic. “I love the people, I know what [Encanto] can become,” he says. “It was once a vibrant cultural place—we can do that again.”
El Cajon (Spanish for “the box,” so named because it is “boxed in” by foothills on all sides) served as fertile ranchland for decades before being incorporated in 1912. Once a sleepy farming town, the city is now the largest in East County, housing more than 100,000 residents and an unrecognized wealth of eateries (especially of the Mediterranean and Middle Eastern variety), shops, and visitor-friendly farms and gardens.
Here’s where to explore next time you’re in El Cajon:
Courtesy of Sahara: Taste of the Middle East
El Cajon Restaurants & Bars
Ali Baba Family Restaurant
This Mediterranean spot known for its big portions offers excellent bang for your buck. Try Ali Baba’s chicken tekka, pompano fish with rice, and tannour bread. Feeding a crowd? Order a feast for up to ten people with kabab skewers, shawarma, cream chop, salad, rice, burghul, and hummus.
421 East Main Street
Sahara: Taste of the Middle East
At this haven for Middle Eastern bites, start with hummus, tabbouleh, and cucumber salad and follow with kabobs, chicken tikka, or falafel. Drench it all with unlimited sauces from the Sahara‘s self-serve bar.
2990 Jamacha Road, Unit 116
The Breakfast House
Stepping inside this quaint breakfast spot feels like traveling back to a 1950s diner. The extensive menu at The Breakfast House offers nearly every classic American breakfast dish imaginable, as well as lunch choices like salads and sandwiches.
1464 Graves Avenue
Royal Sweets
Royal Sweets offers not only royally good Middle Eastern desserts, but also a variety of other pastries and cakes. Stop by for baklava, tiramisu, or gelato, or order a custom birthday cake that is sure to impress.
110 South Mollison Avenue
Grand Ole BBQ Flinn Springs
Inspired by the BBQ he ate in his youth, Andy Harris bought a smoker and set out to bring the flavors of Central Texas to San Diego County. Make sure to arrive early at Grand Ole BBQ to beat the long lines and get your share of some of the best pork, brisket, ribs, and sides the city has to offer.
15505 Olde Highway 80
Funky Fries and Burgers
Funky Fries and Burgers lives up to its name with creative combos like a bacon mac n’ cheese burger and a Philly cheesesteak burger, but the true stars of the show are the extravagant milkshakes. Piled precariously high, each “Funky Freak Shake” is topped with enough candy and treats to feed a first-grade birthday party.
101 West Washington Avenue
Hacienda Casa Blanca
Happy hour and Mexican food go together like peanut butter and jelly, especially at Hacienda Casa Blanca, which offers sweet deals Monday through Saturday from 3 to 6 p.m. and all day on Sunday. They also serve brunch on Sunday mornings, laying down chilaquiles and huevos rancheros.
700 North Johnson Avenue, Suite A
Antonelli’s Deli
The Antonelli family brought their classic, East Coast–style deli to California in 1984. Tucked away between motor shops in El Cajon, the old-school locale has almost 50 unique sandwich options, including capocollo subs, liverwurst sandos, and a French dip.
1354 North Magnolia Ave
Burning Beard Brewing Company
Head to Burning Beard for punk rock vibes and good brews, from hoppy IPAs and lagers to seltzers. Pair your drink of choice with bites like smashburgers, truffle and garlic fries, and chicken tenders.
785 Vernon Way
The Yogurt Mill
The Yogurt Mill vends a rotating menu of classic fro-yos such as vanilla and strawberry, plus more off-the-wall flavors: toasted marshmallow, Irish mint kiss, banana cream pie. Keep an eye on their Instagram page to get the inside scoop on the flavors of the day.
935 Broadway
Al Azayem
If you find yourself craving stuffed chicken, breakfast lentil soup, or baba ganoush, head to Al Azayem. The Middle Eastern dishes at this counter-serve joint come with a small price tag and a big flavor profile.
550 East Main Street
Mal Al Sham
In addition to popular Mediterranean eats like falafel, pitas, and meat kabobs, Mal Al Sham serves the hard-to-find quzi—a roasted lamb and rice platter that’s one of Iraq’s national dishes—on weekends and holidays.
388 East Main Street
Courtesy of Tripadvisor
Things to Do in El Cajon
Summers Past Farms
Stop by Summers Past Farms to see what the farmers are planting, harvesting, and crafting. There are shops, gardens, and wildlife to explore here, and the farm can serve as a background to any photo shoot, as it changes each season depending on what plants are growing.
Self-taught artist Olaf Wieghorst, born Denmark in 1988, drew upon the aesthetics of the American West in his paintings of landscapes, humble abodes, cowboys, and lonely travels. This museum honors Wieghorst and fellow Western genre painters with exhibitions, workshops, and tours.
131 Rea Avenue
Sycuan Casino
El Cajon is home to Sycuan, a resort and casino to rival those in Sin City. Get gaming, attend a concert, or relax at Sycuan’s full-service spa and lazy river pool. You’ll also find a wealth of dining choices, including pizza, Mexican food, and steak.
5469 Casino Way
A Simpler Time Alpaca Farm and Mill
Alpacas never make the list of oft-spotted wildlife in San Diego, but this family farm on the outskirts of El Cajon provides private tours that give you the chance to get up close and personal with the critters. Don’t forget to browse the store, where you can purchase yarn, clothes, accessories, toys, and dryer balls spun from alpaca wool.
1802 Alta Place
Parkway Bowl
Reserve at this family-owned El Cajon bowling alley and entertainment center for an evening of all-ages fun. Not a fan of bowling? Hit the arcade, play a round or two of billiards, or grab a meal and drink at the in-house restaurant and bar.
1280 Fletcher Parkway
Courtesy of Parkway Plaza
El Cajon Shopping & Boutiques
Off the Shelf Games
Board game store and tabletop lounge Off the Shelf offers table reservations and a retail shop with a unique library of more than 1,500 games. Join the shop’s membership program to enjoy three-day board game rentals for $20 a month and $6 a game.
173 Fletcher Parkway
El Cajon Guitars and Music
Owned and operated by musicians Maria Hart and Frank Cogliana, El Cajon Guitars and Music is a friendly, community-driven spot for both guitar newbies and seasoned shredders. In addition to vending instruments and accessories, the store provides instrument repairs and guitar classes.
A rare enclosed mall in SD County (good for rainy days!), Parkway Plaza is home to more than 130 stores, from major chains like Best Buy, Ulta, and H&M to small local businesses such as 619 Underground Clothing.
Maren Hawkins is a freelance writer in her last year at San Diego State University. When she is not writing, she spends her time playing beach volleyball, thrifting for the cutest clothes, and traveling whenever possible.
For Executive Chef Emily Brubaker, Omni La Costa Resort & Spa feels like home. She grew up just a mile-and-a-half away from the 400-acre property and fondly recalls walking the golf course perimeter as a kid. Though her ambitions led her away from San Diego for nearly two decades in which she honed her craft in some of the highest of high-profile Las Vegas restaurants—including triple Michelin-starred Joël Robuchon at MGM Grand—they ultimately brought her back to North County.
Courtesy of Omni La Costa
Today, the classically French-trained chef, who’s fresh off a victory on NBC’s Yes, Chef!, judged by Martha Stewart and José Andrés, oversees Omni La Costa Resort & Spa’s seven distinct dining concepts. Her goal is to elevate the resort’s culinary program with her creative, hyperlocal ingredient-driven approach while maintaining the Spanish- inspired flavors and fresh California coastal cuisine that are the bedrock of its culinary identity.
“The San Diego food scene is really growing, and in North County alone, it’s really exploded in the last five years,” Brubaker says. “There are Michelin stars, beautiful tasting menus, craft bakers, and all this food—when I was growing up in La Costa, it was fish tacos. Now there are really cool things popping up, and I’m so happy to be here to see where it’s going to go.”
Brubaker gives chefs de cuisine at each individual restaurant autonomy, however, her influence is evident across the resort.
For example, lobby restaurant Bar Traza serves as Omni La Costa’s culinary centerpiece and features bold Spanish flavors in a lively, social atmosphere. Brubaker overhauled the menu to be more consistent and centered on casual bites with that signature vibe. Think smoky paprika, vibrant citrus, and Spanish meats and cheeses.
At VUE, the focus is on seasonal offerings, California coastal cuisine, and Baja-inspired dishes. She and Chef de Cuisine Cameron Dixon change the menu biannually, which heading into summer, will highlight farm-fresh produce and hyperlocal ingredients—the resort even has its own herb garden and honeybee hives.
Courtesy of Omni La Costa
Poolside dining options are leaning into the country’s 250th this summer with a selection of classic American dishes with an Omni La Costa twist. And Bob’s Steak & Chop House (Brubaker is a trained butcher) offers a classic steakhouse experience with elevated service.
The chef and company also plan menus for special events at the resort where her creativity can really shine. For an upcoming National Ski Association dinner, the banquet hall will be transformed into an Alpine-themed winter wonderland complete with a snow machine, savory sausages, and melty, decadent raclette. A recent dinner was built around the Carlsbad Flower Fields and each course was matched to a color of ranunculus (Did you know pink dragonfruit are grown in North County? You do now.).
“It’s my zen to be in the kitchen playing with food,” Brubaker says.
Omni La Costa’s culinary program is a key part of the resort experience. And with Brubaker’s leadership, it’s becoming a draw for visitors and locals alike.
“These aren’t just hotel restaurants, these are restaurants that you should go to. They’re destinations, and I’m really hoping for the future that’s where we’re going,” Brubaker says.
Courtesy of Omni La Costa
Brubaker is also channeling her experience on Yes, Chef! into the culture at Omni La Costa—more emphasis on teamwork and collaboration, empowering her staff to share constructive critiques, and embracing different perspectives. Alongside her leadership role, Brubaker has become an advocate for mental health in the hospitality industry, serving as chief ambassador for the Burnt Chef Project and serves on the Board of Advisors for the Apex Culinary Program, where she mentors and develops future talent.
It may have historic cred, but thanks to an influx of local creativity and foodie-favorite restaurants, Mission Hills is quietly turning into the city's newest hot spot.
By Archana Ram | Photography by DHANRAJ EMANUEL
Brooklyn Girl Eatery
Brooklyn Girl Eatery
Brooklyn Girl Eatery
NEW
Harley Gray Kitchen and Bar
Taking over The Gathering’s space, Harley Gray offers casual fare with happy hour and weekend brunch. 902 West Washington Street
The Patio on Goldfinch
The sister restaurant to Pacific Beach’s Patio on Lamont joins the ’hood with farm-to-table eats and craft beer. 4020 Goldfinch Street
Maison en Provence
Francophiles will delight in très chic home décor and gourmet gifts curated by the shop’s French owners. 820 Fort Stockton Drive
The Patio on Goldfinch
The Patio on Goldfinch
The Patio on Goldfinch
The Regal Beagle
Beers, grilled sausages, mac ’n’ cheese bites, and more are on tap at this laid-back pub. 3659 India Street
Brooklyn Girl Eatery
Indulge in free popcorn and the nouveau American menu, but save time to obsess over the birdcage decor, graffiti prints, and book-themed artwork. 4033 Goldfinch Street
Maison en Provence
Maison en Provence
Maison en Provence
Mission Hills Nursery
Founded in 1910 by San Diego icon Kate Sessions, this garden center sells flowers, trees, soils, and everything else to keep your green thumb flexed. 1525 Fort Stockton Drive
Izakaya Masa
Busy for good reason, the Japanese hole-in-the-wall—open until 1 a.m. every night except Mondays—dishes out some of the best ramen in town. 928 Fort Stockton Drive
Mission Hills Nursery
Mission Hills Nursery
Mission Hills Nursery
Venissimo Cheese
Venissimo Cheese
Lucha Libre Gourmet Taco Shop
Feast on tacos, burritos, and more in the kitschy, pulsating, Mexican wrestling-themed eatery. (The Champion’s Fries are a must!) 1810 West Washington Street
With Love
Find everything from stationery products and unique matchbooks to soy candles made in California at this quaint gift shop. 1620 West Lewis Street
Blue Water Seafood Market & Grill
Long waits are standard, but you’ll be rewarded with super-fresh seafood tacos, chowders, and sandwiches. 3667 India Street
Venissimo Cheese
The fromage favorite is stocked with cheeses from around the world, snacks, and samples. 754 West Washington Street
This Month in Mission Hills
June 14 & 15 Cinema Under the Stars screens summer fave Jaws
It may have historic cred, but thanks to an influx of local creativity and foodie-favorite restaurants, Mission Hills is quietly turning into the city's newest hot spot.
Brooklyn Girl Eatery
By Archana Ram | Photography by DHANRAJ EMANUEL
Brooklyn Girl Eatery
Brooklyn Girl Eatery
Brooklyn Girl Eatery
NEW
Harley Gray Kitchen and Bar
Taking over The Gathering’s space, Harley Gray offers casual fare with happy hour and weekend brunch. 902 West Washington Street
The Patio on Goldfinch
The sister restaurant to Pacific Beach’s Patio on Lamont joins the ’hood with farm-to-table eats and craft beer. 4020 Goldfinch Street
Maison en Provence
Francophiles will delight in très chic home décor and gourmet gifts curated by the shop’s French owners. 820 Fort Stockton Drive
The Patio on Goldfinch
The Patio on Goldfinch
The Patio on Goldfinch
The Regal Beagle
Beers, grilled sausages, mac ’n’ cheese bites, and more are on tap at this laid-back pub. 3659 India Street
Brooklyn Girl Eatery
Indulge in free popcorn and the nouveau American menu, but save time to obsess over the birdcage decor, graffiti prints, and book-themed artwork. 4033 Goldfinch Street
Maison en Provence
Maison en Provence
Maison en Provence
Mission Hills Nursery
Founded in 1910 by San Diego icon Kate Sessions, this garden center sells flowers, trees, soils, and everything else to keep your green thumb flexed. 1525 Fort Stockton Drive
Izakaya Masa
Busy for good reason, the Japanese hole-in-the-wall—open until 1 a.m. every night except Mondays—dishes out some of the best ramen in town. 928 Fort Stockton Drive
Mission Hills Nursery
Mission Hills Nursery
Mission Hills Nursery
Venissimo Cheese
Venissimo Cheese
Lucha Libre Gourmet Taco Shop
Feast on tacos, burritos, and more in the kitschy, pulsating, Mexican wrestling-themed eatery. (The Champion’s Fries are a must!) 1810 West Washington Street
With Love
Find everything from stationery products and unique matchbooks to soy candles made in California at this quaint gift shop. 1620 West Lewis Street
Blue Water Seafood Market & Grill
Long waits are standard, but you’ll be rewarded with super-fresh seafood tacos, chowders, and sandwiches. 3667 India Street
Venissimo Cheese
The fromage favorite is stocked with cheeses from around the world, snacks, and samples. 754 West Washington Street
This Month in Mission Hills
June 14 & 15 Cinema Under the Stars screens summer fave Jaws
While glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agents have been used to treat Type 2 diabetes for more than 20 years, their recent emergence as weight-loss wonder drugs marked a new frontier in medicine. But their effectiveness has left some patients wondering what to do once they’ve reached their goal. Stopping the medication could mean regaining some, if not all, of the weight. A Scripps Clinic internal medicine physician recently conducted a small study of whether GLP-1 patients who had reached their goal weight could maintain that weight by taking their regularly prescribed injection every other week instead of weekly. Spoiler alert: 30 of 34 patients did. Read more about the study here and what that may mean as pharmaceutical companies roll out oral GLP-1s.
For more nutrition, wellness, and healthy living tips, sign up for the San Diego Health newsletter here.
