Guides FEBRUARY 14, 2014

Neighborhood Guide: San Marcos

Sure, the bike paths through mountain scenery are stunning, and the breweries abundant. But when you brave the strip malls, you'll learn where San Marcos hides its treasures.

By Dayna Crozier

Map of San Marcos

1. COMING SOON
Slater’s 50/50
Decadent gourmet burgers (e.g. ground bacon soaked in bone marrow butter) and milkshakes arrive in San Marcos this spring. 110 Knoll Road
2. EXPANDING
Lakehouse Hotel & Resort
The newly renovated, charming lakeside resort and country club is open to the public, and will soon be adding a fine-dining restaurant and glamping sites. 1025 La Bonita Drive
3. NEW
Pizza Port
This top-notch brewery’s newest location features a canning line, 40 taps, a full menu, house-made ice cream, and an arcade for the kids. 2730 Gateway Road
4. NEW
Dos Desperados Brewery
This homebrewing husband and wife craft IPAs and Belgian-style beer. 1241 Linda Vista Drive
5. The Lost Abbey & Port Brewing
The tasting room, which serves some of San Diego’s most significant beers, belongs on every beer tourist’s agenda. 155 Mata Way
6. Rip Current Brewing
This year-old brewery’s saisons, rich stouts, aggressive IPAs, and experimental brews are making their marks on the San Diego scene. 1325 Grand Avenue

This Month in San Marcos
- March 12
  Healing Hearts Mural Art talk on Afghanistan and Pakistan at CSUSM
- March 15
  Free bicycle maintenance class at Trek Bicycle Superstore
- March 23
  San Marcos Alive, celebration of the arts at San Marcos Civic Center

7. Churchill’s Pub & Grille
Go for serious beer, a laid-back atmosphere, wing night, and vegan specials. 887 West San Marcos Boulevard
8. Old California Restaurant Row
This 15-resto strip houses spots like Sublime Ale House, San Marcos Brewery & Grill, Fish House Vera Cruz, and Fratelli’s Italian Kitchen. 1080 West San Marcos Boulevard
9. North County Wine Company
A friendly wine shop and bar offering a knowledgeable selection and great prices. 1099 West San Marcos Boulevard
10. Foster’s Family Donuts
Stop at this favorite for soft donuts with quality glazes and fillings. 627 South Rancho Santa Fe Road
11. Trek Bicycle Superstore
Prepare to hit San Marcos’ bike paths and mountain trails with Trek’s huge selection of bicycles, parts, and accessories. 1617 Capalina Road
12. Fortis & Yogalux Fitness Center
Heated yoga, indoor cycling, boot camp, TRX, and more! Whether the close proximity to Pizza Port is a blessing or a curse is up to you. 2712 Gateway Road

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