As a resident UTC Westfield shopper, I know my way around the mall like the back of my hand, even through the significant renovations it has undergone over the last decade. Of course, nothing works up an appetite like a shopping spree, which is why I’m grateful for UTC’s growing number of dining options.
This isn’t your typical food court fare. UTC has embraced global cuisine, hidden speakeasy gems, and elevated establishments and transformed into a gastronomic haven, drawing in food enthusiasts as eagerly as it does folks on the hunt for a new pair of shoes.
So the next time you need a break from browsing shelves—or are seeking a dining destination in its own right—try one of these 14 food and drink spots at Westfield UTC.
Courtesy of Lucrezia
Lucrezia
When it comes to Italian cuisine, I’m a discerning critic, but Lucrezia managed to surpass all of my expectations. Among the freshest additions to UTC’s culinary scene, this coastal Italian spot captivates with an ambiance that transports you to the Mediterranean, and servers, while attentive, allow guests to savor their meal without feeling rushed. The memory of the exquisite cacio e pepe and grilled baby lamb chops lingers, and I eagerly anticipate my return to explore their pizza offerings.
Courtesy of Din Tai Fung
Din Tai Fung
I frequently daydream about the xiao long bao at Din Tai Fung, and the constant line and the scarcity of available reservations on OpenTable serve as a testament to the fact that I’m not alone in my admiration for this UTC gem. If you’re lucky enough to snag a table, try the vegetable and pork dumplings, chicken spicy wontons, and tantalizing noodles with spicy sauce. Your taste buds will thank you later.
Courtesy of Javier’s
Javier’s
Javier’s Cantina reigns supreme among dining experiences that effortlessly convey you away from the bustling mall environment. The decor inside Javier’s will make you feel like you’re entering a high-end eatery in Cabo. This is one of my go-to picks for a date night, birthday dinner, or special event, thanks to the restaurant’s perfectly shaken margaritas and steamy empanadas. Tyr their fresh seafood dishes like aguachile del rey made with callo de hacha, camaron and pulpo or signature plates like the chile negro made with braised angus short ribes in chile negro sauce.
Courtesy of Ramen Nagi USA
Ramen Nagi
If you go to Ramen Nagi, be prepared to do some waiting. While standing in the serpentine line that winds its way through an exterior courtyard, though, you’ll receive a customizable ramen order sheet to tailor your bowl precisely to your preferences—right down to the desired quantity of oil, garlic, and spice. If you’re in the mood for a more traditional soup, the Original King is an excellent choice. Seeking a spicier adventure? The Red King beckons. Beyond the realm of ramen, make room for the crispy karaage chicken.
Courtesy of Haidilao Hot Pot
Haidilao Hot Pot
At this hot-pot hot spot, you’ll choose up to four broths in which to cook an array of meats, seafood, and veggies, including harder-to-find proteins like tripe, sea cucumber, and duck tongue. Spring for access to the sauce and seasoning buffet to kick all your selects up a notch. Futuristic robots traversing Haidilao‘s add a quirky and entertaining dimension to your dining adventure.
Courtesy of Queenstown Bistro
Queenstown Bistro
This restaurant’s menu may be New Zealand–inspired, but the décor of its outdoor bar and bistro embraces the laidback SoCal spirit. Queenstown Bistro sits in the heart of UTC Mall, offering an indulgent baked brie, a delightful soup and sammie combo, and the Hogs & Heifers burger (a grass-fed beef patty with bacon, edam cheese, and tomato chutney), plus an ever-evolving selection of wines, beers, and cocktails.
Courtesy of Raised by Wolves
Raised by Wolves
When you cross the threshold of the hidden-in-plain-sight speakeasy Raised by Wolves, you’re ushered into a chair flanking a fireplace that pivots to bring you into the inner sanctum of the bar. While the initial journey can feel like the entrance into an amusement park ride, the energy inside more closely resembles a Victorian gentleman’s club. My drink of choice here is the Bidi Bidi Bom Bom, a blend of blanco tequila and Aperol with strawberry, habanero, and lime.
Courtesy of Silverlake Ramen
Silverlake Ramen
One Silverlake dish is that has left an indelible mark on my taste buds is the garlic truffle ramen, a flavor bomb featuring a creamy pork and veggie broth blend with thick noodles, kale, mushrooms, and the soup’s titular garlic and truffle oil (that said, it’s not a great date night choice). In addition to its delectable ramen offerings, Silverlake Ramen offers savory rice bowls and chicken, pork, and Impossible meat bao buns.
Courtesy of Pacific Catch
Pacific Catch
Inside Pacific Catch’s breezy, wood-paneled UTC space awaits a diverse spread of sustainably sourced seafood. Fish is rolled, raw, into sushi; fried and tucked into tacos or beside fries; and served grilled in bowls or next to sides like kimchi fried rice, blistered shishito peppers, and broccoli brushed with miso butter. I’m partial to the crispy Baja shrimp taco with avocado-tomatillo salsa.
Courtesy of Board & Brew
Board & Brew
Few sandwich places in San Diego compare to Board & Brew. I used to trek to their original location in Del Mar to get my hands on the coveted Turkado (turkey breast, jack cheese, and avo on sourdough) with the shop’s cult-favorite secret sauce. Over the last few years, the chain has expanded across San Diego, OC, and Tempe, adding a location in UTC. If sandwiches aren’t your jam, Board & Brew also offers a winning cobb salad and a grilled Baja chicken wrap loaded with spicy jalapeños.
Courtesy of Tocaya Modern Mexican
Tocaya Modern Mexican
After a Mexican-food feast, I typically find myself wishing for more forgiving pants, but Tocaya presents a refreshingly light twist on Mexican cuisine. They have a robust lineup of vegan offerings, and you can customize protein options (including plant-based meats) for nearly every dish. I can’t get enough of the plantain chips and guac, and the Fajita del Rey bowl—featuring sautéed peppers and onions, rice and beans, and dairy-free chipotle crema—is my go-to order.
This tea spot is a great place to meet up with a friend before hitting the shops—but don’t come hungry. Wushiland is all about the drinks. They offer refreshing sips like grapefruit green tea and the floral Four Seasons tea, as well as creamier picks such as a red bean black tea latte. I like a classic milk tea with a scoop of ice cream inside, like a richer version of a float.
Courtesy of True Food Kitchen
True Food Kitchen
Nationwide chain True Food is the kind of spot that manages to strike that ideal balance between scrumptious fare and a lighter, more health-conscious approach. Though their seasonally rotating menu makes brilliant use of less-common ingredients like sea moss and sweety drop peppers, my favorites are deceptively simple: the Tuscan kale salad shines with lots of lemon and garlic (add salmon to make it a meal), and their nostalgia-inducing flavored lemonades remind me of carefree childhood days.
Molly Delmore is a freelance writer and content creator from San Diego. When she’s not checking out San Diego’s newest restaurants, bars, and shops, she’s planning her next trip to the mountains to snowboard or a new country to explore. Her work has been featured in San Diego Magazine, Mashed, and Tasting Table.
The NFL 2024 season kick-off is here and with it brings Sunday festivities, heartbreaking upsets, and the sullen reminder that the Chargers are no longer in San Diego. With a gridiron-shaped hole in our hearts, the NFL season is an opportunity to don your other hometown’s team jersey, apply face paint, and follow your top fantasy league draft picks each week at a nearby watering hole. Send your grievances to the Spanos family and rejoice with these local sports bars catering to your favorite NFL team, even if it isn’t the Los Angeles Chargers. (Before you @ us, not all teams are listed. We had to go check on our fantasy drafts.)
Taste and Thirst is a New Yorkers home away from home when it comes to football. This Jets’ fan homebase is always packed during game days—and win or lose—the bar serves happy hour from 3 p.m. – 8 p.m., which is a win-win in our opinion.
Bring those red, whites, and blues out. The Local PB shows up for Bills games in a big way. Arrive early on game days, though, the line to get upstairs fills up quickly. But with TVs indoors, outdoors and a spacious pet-friendly patio, there are plenty of ways to cheer on your favorite team.
Originally a 1920’s era bike shop that was transformed into a bar 60 years ago, Saddle Bar is the quintessential San Francisco bar in town. Wear your Rice or Montana jersey and stick around for live music from local rock bands and DJs weekly.
A block away from the beach on Bacon street, Arizona Café is the local spot for Cardinal fans to catch the game. With a kitchen that’s open till 1 a.m daily., it’s the ideal spot for your post game discussion, late-night fantasy football trades, and an opportunity to win back your failed parlay bet during pool.
Catch the reigning 2022 Super Bowl champs at Kansas City BBQ take on the Detroit lions at this legendary outpost Downtown. Gather with local Chiefs fans to relish in historic San Diego memorabilia, recount your favorite Top Gun lines and watch Patrick Mahomes score six while enjoying their daily happy hour from 3:30-6:30 p.m.
Immerse yourself in Philadelphia sports at this tucked-away gem in North Park ideal for America’s most passionate sports city. Like the name implies, Pretzels and Pints has an excellent selection of hot pretzels baked daily paired with local craft beer and even an irresistible beer cheese to fumble over as Jalen Hurts scrambles for another touchdown.
Watch Sunday night football with the remnants and hold-outs from the Chargers fan base at Park 101 in Carlsbad. With large outdoor LED screens, a spacious outdoor patio, a rooftop deck complete with a bar, this BBQ joint is the perfect space for parents, dogs, and kids to enjoy a bolts game.
Come see if the New England Patriots can earn themselves another Super Bowl ring this year at The Sandbox in Ocean Beach. Wear your Patriots jersey, paint your face red and blue, or don your signature Bill Belichick hoodie to this island-themed bar. Order one of their specialty pizzas like their meat lover’s Hungry Surfer and enjoy a game of skeeball or pool while you count down to kick off in Foxborough.
Despite a disappointing 2022 season following their 2021 Super Bowl win, Ram’s fans can rejoice at this three-story hotspot on the beach. On game day, members of the “ramily” can gather at Ocean Beach Brewery featuring a rooftop bar with oceanfront views, plenty of activities to after a quarter, and even their own microbrewery offering up craft beer brewed daily.
Cole Novak is an award-winning writer with a passion for highlighting local figures, small businesses, and nonprofits. Born and raised in San Diego, Cole is passionate about photography, surfing, art, the local food scene, and the great outdoors.
Nobody knows the booze scene like the bartenders who are in the trenches, mixing and pouring and chopping it up with their regulars night after night. These sophists of spirits can tell you the secrets of life—or at least where to go for an absolutely life-affirming drink. So we decided to play a game of boozy bartender telephone, asking these experts to tip their hats toward their favorite cocktails around town.
Photo Credit: Lucianna McIntosh
Smoke and Mirrors at Mister A’s
Mateo Hoke’s Pick
We begin with the Smoke and Mirrors at Mister A’s. “[We balance] mezcal and rye whiskey … with vermouth and dry curaçao,” says bar lead Alvin Pugeda. “We add a few dashes of Havana and Hide bitters, which lends a tobacco finish. The cocktail is finished with smoked hoja santa, imparting an anisette and pepper aroma.”
Courtesy of Lion’s Share
Cheeto Fingers at The Lion’s Share
Alvin Pugeda’s Pick
Pugeda says the Cheeto Fingers—a violently orange blend of tamarind mezcal, Fresno chile, cucumber, lime, and agave—at The Lion’s Share in downtown offers “a great balance between spicy, funky, juicy, and savory flavors.”The sip gets its cheddar hue from the fermented Fresno juice. “My coworker said it looked like Cheeto water,” adds bartender Cassandra Feather. “That sounded so gross I changed it to Cheeto Fingers—the signature acid-orange finger pads you get from mowing through a bag.”
Photo Credit: Mateo Hoke
Lazy Suzan at Happy Medium
Cassandra Feather’s Pick
Feather recently popped by North Park newcomer Happy Medium, where she fell in love with the Lazy Suzan. “It’s a bright, imaginative, and interesting rum cocktail,” she says. “It has [melon] and celery bitters. I found myself craving another after I’d gone.” The sip gets its name from Suze, a unique, bittersweet French aperitif.
Photo Credit: Kimberly Motos
Gimlet at Mabel’s Gone Fishing
Christian Siglin’s Pick
Happy Medium owner Christian Siglin doesn’t have to travel far for his favorite drink. He traverses a few North Park streets to get to Mabel’s Gone Fishing, where he orders a gin-and-sherry gimlet, finished with makrut, cardamom, and lime. “[It’s] an interesting take on an old classic: slightly salty with plenty of acid to keep me coming back,” Siglin says. “It pairs great with their oysters, as well.”
Photo Credit: Mateo Hoke
Esquire Martini at Turf Supper Club
Anna Canrinus’ Pick
Embracing all things retro is an unwritten requirement at this red-lit, 1950s-era Golden Hill haunt for DIY steaks. It’s no surprise Mabel’s Gone Fishing bar lead Anna Canrinus sticks to a beloved standby here. “They shake the martini, so tiny ice chips form on the surface and it’s very pleasant,” she says. “I like to grill up a ribeye when I’m at Turf Club, and the bleu cheese olives pair beautifully.”
Photo Credit: Megan Burgess
Pomona at Botanica
Jesse Ross’ Pick
For a night out in North Park, Turf Club bartender Jesse Ross recs Botanica’s Pomona, “a memorable cachaca, sherry, guava, Cinnamon Toast Crunch situation that’s punchy and somehow delicate at the same time—a total party in your mouth,” he says. “Marina Ferreira’s drinks are all bangers, and all the menu cocktails are accompanied by pretty pictures, which I love. Pro tip: Get the tempura olives.”
Photo Credit: James Tran
Dirty Ishigami at Realm Of The 52 Remedies
Marina Ferreira’s Pick
Ferreira, Botanica’s general manager and a self-professed “huge dirty martini fan,” appreciates Convoy speakeasy Realm of the 52 Remedies’ twist on an old standby: negi-infused gin, cocchi Americano, sansho oil, and housemade Japanese brine, with a teensy serving of pickled green onion. “It just hits it on the head of being interesting, yet familiar, eye-opening, and still comforting,” she says. “The balance between salinity and softness is incredible. Not to mention there’s a snack on the side.”
Photo Credit: Mandie Geller
Hugo Spritz at Marisi
Jonny Nguyen’s Pick
Diners often sing the praises of the housemade limoncello at La Jolla Italian joint Marisi, but Realm bartender Jonny Nguyen opts for the sparkling wine–based Hugo Spritz. “It’s a simple yet elegant cocktail that gets a touch of bright herbal flavors from basil and stone fruit from elderflower,” he says. “That liquid gets fully carbonated to order, making every sip as crispy as the last.”
Photo Credit: Elodie Boss
Old Fashioned at Jeune Et Jolie
Derek Cram’s Pick
“Andrew Cordero—the beverage director at Jeune et Jolie and Campfire—is one of the best recipe guys in San Diego,” says Marisi’s director of bar logistics, Derek Cram. “His old fashioned adds plenty of intrigue with a bourbon and cognac split-liquor base, cacao, and hazelnut, all while exercising restraint and keeping it within the comforting confines of an old fashioned template.”
Photo Credit: Shannon Patrick
Polynesian Forty Niner at False Idol
Andrew “Coco” Cordero’s Pick
From their cave-like perch in the back of Little Italy’s Craft & Commerce, False Idol’s bartenders mix orange-and chai-infused bourbon with pear brandy, lemon, orange, and gardenia to produce the orchid-adorned Polynesian Forty Niner. “It’s tropical and juicy with a hint of chai spice,” Cordero says. “It’s almost like a buttery Good Humor Creamsicle Bar.”
Amelia Rodriguez is a writer and journalist and winner of the San Diego Press Club's 2023 Rising Star Award and 2024 Best of Show Award, she’s also covered music, food, arts and culture, fashion, and design for Rolling Stone, Palm Springs Life, and other national and regional publications. After work, you can find her hunting down San Diego’s best pastries and maintaining her five-year Duolingo streak.
Pick your poison. Everybody has their favorite liquor, and San Diego is home to a vibrant and diverse bar scene, with many outposts specializing in a single type of booze. From record-setting collections of fine whiskeys to in-house distilled liquors and the wine cellars of your wildest dreams, join us on a tour through San Diego’s top establishments tailored to the most popular spirits.
Courtesy of The Whiskey House
Whiskey Bar in San Diego
The Whiskey House
For scotch enthusiasts and whiskey connoisseurs, The Whiskey House stands out as San Diego’s number-one destination. The bar, located in the Gaslamp Quarter, boasts the record for the world’s largest collection of purchasable whiskey, sourcing over 2,467 unique varieties from around the globe. You can sample a range with a whiskey tasting flight, which includes brands from San Diego, Kentucky, Ireland, and Japan. Join their Whiskey Club for monthly tastings and discussions with visiting distillers. | 420 Third Avenue, Gaslamp Quarter
Notable Mentions: Seven Grand, Aero Club
Courtesy of Mabel’s Gone Fishing
Gin Bar in San Diego
Mabel’s Gone Fishing
Cozy, Spanish-inspired seafood restaurant Mabel’s Gone Fishing lures locals for more than freshly shucked oysters and jamon iberico—they also have one of the best G&Ts in San Diego. Mabel’s and accompanying bottle shop, Bodega Rosette, offer an extensive collection of gin and a rotating gin and tonic of the month. For $75 per quarter, you can also join their gin club, which gets you curated deliveries of gins, tonics, and mixers, plus access to their exclusive release parties. | 3770 30th Street, North Park
Notable Mentions: You & Yours Distilling Co., Botanica Art & Cocktail Bar
Courtesy of 619 Spirits
Vodka Bar in San Diego
619 Spirits
The rare San Diego bar producing its own vodka, 619 Spirits was one of the city’s first craft distillery and tasting rooms to hit the scene in 2012 before expanding into a full-fledged bar and restaurant. Located in North Park, this under-the-radar watering hole offers unexpected farm-fresh vodka infusions, including pickle, coffee, rose petal, and scorpion pepper. You can order shots, pick up a whole bottle, or opt for a mixed drink (though, if you’re seeking complex craft cocktails, be aware that it’s all about the vodka here—libations are simple and spirit-forward). | 3015 Lincoln Avenue, North Park
Established in 1996, El Agave is home to the largest selection of tequilas in the US, with over 2,000 unique brands of tequila and mezcal (they call it their “tequila museum”), including their own award-winning spirit, Agave Artesanal. Attend one of their various tequila-tasting events on their lively outdoor patio overlooking Old Town. Or, if you really feel like treating yourself, opt for a shot of rare 1800 Colección for just over $185. | 2304 San Diego Avenue B, Old Town
Notable Mentions: Cantina Mayahuel, Tahona Bar, La Puerta, Quixote
Courtesy of Tanuki Sake Bar
Sake Bar in San Diego
Tanuki Sake Bar
One of San Diego’s only sake bars, Tanuki (the Japanese name for cute canids called raccoon dogs), is a must-visit for patrons seeking tough-to-find brands of Japanese rice wine. Located in Kensington, Tanuki offers over 100 junmai daiginjo, nigori, ginjo, and sparkling sake flavors from Dassai, Shinsei, and other major exporters. Keep an eye out for their omakase events, ticketed multi-course dinners thoughtfully paired with sakes. | 4191 Adams Ave, Kensington
Notable Mentions: Beshock Ramen, Cloak and Petal
Courtesy of The Rose Wine Bar
Wine Bar in San Diego
The Rose Wine Bar
Housed in the renovated 1927 Rose Grocer building, the Rose Wine Bar bar is a laid-back locale ideal for enjoying some of the city’s best natural wines. Relax with a glass of white and a charcuterie board on their dog-friendly patio or pop by the accompanying bottle shop for the finishing touch on a home-cooked Italian dinner. Membership in the bar’s wine club includes up to four bottles of wine of your preferred type per month and discounts on bottle shop purchases and tastings. | 2219 30th Street, South Park
Perched in the Gaslamp Quarter, Havana 1920 is inspired by Ernest Hemingway’s time in Cuba (it’s where he wrote The Old Man and the Sea). You can party like the famous author and daiquiri downer with one of our city’s most robust rum collections, from traditional agricole rhum to imported bottles from Barbados, Jamaica, Bermuda, Guyana, Nicaragua, and Puerto Rico. | 548 Fifth Ave, Gaslamp Quarter
Notable Mentions: False Idol, Raised by Wolves
Courtesy of Womwood
Absinthe Bar in San Diego
Wormwood
From the shores of the French Riviera to the mountains of Switzerland, bar-goers can sip their way through a world tour of absinthe and pastis at Wormwood in Normal Heights. The dreamy French bistro serves the “green fairy” over a sugar cube, as many famous writers and artists enjoyed it, but they also mix the anise-flavored spirit into balanced cocktails like the A La 30th, a blend of absinthe, rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and orange bitters. | 4677 30th St, University Heights
Notable Mentions: Noble Experiment, The Lion’s Share
Courtesy of Realm of the 52 Remedies
Japanese Whisky Bar in San Diego
Realm of the 52 Remedies
For a taste of single-malt goodness, visit Realm of the 52 Remedies, an apothecary-themed Convoy speakeasy packed with traditional Japanese artwork and more than 20 whiskys from the Land of the Rising Sun. Order your favorite straight, or try a cocktail inspired by Japanese treats and even pop culture like anime and manga. Plan your visit in advance, as reservations for this underground spot are extremely limited and only available two or more weeks in advance. | 4805 Convoy St, Kearny Mesa
Cole Novak is an award-winning writer with a passion for highlighting local figures, small businesses, and nonprofits. Born and raised in San Diego, Cole is passionate about photography, surfing, art, the local food scene, and the great outdoors.
Stake Chophouse & Bar isn’t your average steakhouse. Blue Bridge Hospitality’s Coronado outpost is a modern interpretation of a big-city steakhouse nestled in the heart of the small coastal community. The team at Stake has reimagined the whole steakhouse experience. By prioritizing a seasonal farm-to-table sourcing philosophy, a personalized guest experience, and unique service touches, like a formal steak presentation and a bespoke knife selection process, Stake distinguishes itself in a sea of steakhouses.
Exceptional steaks, including Wagyu from Japan, Australia, and the U.S., and fresh seafood flown in daily form the core of Stake’s culinary identity. The menu features a five-course omakase-style steak experience highlighting house favorites, plus an array of cuts, and classic steakhouse staples—think a wedge salad, baked potato, or pasta carbonara—refined for a contemporary palate without losing their traditional appeal. Stake focuses on seasonal sourcing from the region’s best family farms and specialty purveyors, and incorporates intentionally unexpected touches to create something truly unique.
“I challenge our chefs and myself to take it a step further in sourcing,” says Chef Ronnie Schwandt. “It’s important to us to highlight different farms, unique one-off farms—whether it’s cattle, strawberries, a local fisherman or from anywhere in the United States, we’re always trying to find that niche.”
Beyond the menu, Stake emphasizes outstanding service, says Vinny Spatafore, Director of Hospitality Operations. Staff maintains detailed notes, allowing them to remember guests by name, recall previous orders such as a favorite martini (also memorable for the customer since it’s served in an extra tall, distinctly-shaped glass), and celebrate special occasions like birthdays and anniversaries.
“When you have those points of topic that you remember about a guest, they appreciate that,” he says. “Our servers are really good with that—we have a couple servers who have been here since the beginning and they’ll remember somebody from years ago, their name, their kids’ names, where they live. I’m really thankful to have a great front of house staff.”
Award-winning wines, rare whiskeys, special events, and a complementary black car service that provides transportation for guests throughout Coronado add to Stake’s appeal.
Schwandt stresses that Stake offers more than a meal; they aim to give patrons something unforgettable.
“It starts when you walk up the stairs and are greeted by the hostess—that sets the tone for the night. Then you’re greeted by a server, who may know you by name, and can guide you through the menu and curate as they get to know you,” says Schwandt. “Most people leave kind of blown away; they leave feeling like they just had an experience. That’s the goal, right? Whether you’re serving smash burgers or high-end steak, you want somebody to leave thinking, Wow, that was awesome.”
Two of the top bar people in the country are taking over a North Park institution. And they have a pretty innovative idea for it: Do nothing.
No neon birdcages. No wallpaper that looks like an O’Keeffe mating with a Dalí. Instead, they’re keeping a local institution largely as it’s been, preserving the emotions of a room with favorite seats and preferred corner stools—only with world-class drinks at Tuesday prices.
A five-star dive bar.
The institution is Gilly’s Cocktails. The barmen: San Diego native Erick Castro, who co-founded cocktail temple Polite Provisions (he’s since sold his share in it) and who remains co-owner of Raised By Wolves (SDM’s “Best Cocktails” 2022). His partner is Jacob Mentel, who studied with national bar-brain Sam Ross at Youngblood and ran Polite for a bit.
“I’ve been wanting to do this concept for years, but I had to find the right space,” Castro says. Paul Ahern of Next Wave Commercial helped Castro find the place and broker the deal.
“I’ve seen places like this in Europe and around the US,” Castro continues. “An honest neighborhood place where you can walk in and play some pool and darts and watch the game, and then you’re like, ‘Holy shit, that’s a great old fashioned… with clear ice… What the—!’”
So aside from a minor name change—to Gilly’s House of Cocktails—that’s the one major update under Castro and Mentel. A hell of a cocktail program. An obsessive’s collection of spirits. Ice that’s clear as rain. Chefy garnishes that aren’t dumb. In skipping the billion-dollar redesign and just cleaning up a comfortable place, they can pass those cost savings onto the patrons.
“It’s going to be a local neighborhood bar that does incredible cocktails that aren’t $20,” he says. “Where you can get a great old fashioned for $10 … so you can afford to go there two or three days a week.”
Gilly’s, located right across the street from the new Lafayette Hotel and down the street from Live Wire, has been a bar since 1968. Originally called Gil’s, it changed names a couple times, but, since 2006, it has been named Gilly’s Cocktails after owner Martin Gill. Gill is retiring, and was picky about who he sold the place to—it had to be someone who would keep it a neighborhood place.
“I don’t see Jacob and I as owners,” Castro says. “We’re stewards of an institution. We wanna honor North Park and the neighborhood. No reason to try to do something fancier. I already own one of those [with Raised by Wolves]—I don’t want to own two. The neighborhood also needs an everyday place.”
Castro and Mentel take the reins on Nov. 15. They’ll shut down for just a couple days to do some maintenance, housekeeping, and cleaning. They’ll keep it open through the holidays, then probably close in January for a small stretch to paint, put in a pinball machine, make some un-drastic improvements.
Troy Johnson is the magazine’s award-winning food writer and humorist, and a long-standing expert on Food Network. His work has been featured on NatGeo, Travel Channel, NPR, and in Food Matters, a textbook of the best American food writing.
What does “HTTP” stand for? What is Hermione Granger’s Patronus in Harry Potter? What is the least common zodiac sign? If you love a good trivia night, San Diego has plenty of ways to test out all the random facts and knowledge you’ve stored up over the years—while also enjoying a great craft brew.
We put together a list of the best bars and breweries offering trivia in San Diego where you can win fun prizes like t-shirts, free shots, tasty food, and most importantly, team pride.
Courtesy of Duck Foot Brewing Co.
Duck Foot Brewing Co.
Multiple locations
Duck Foot’s portfolio of gluten-reduced beers means you can have your trivia and beer too, without the gluten levels found in a typical craft beer. Both of their locations offer weekly trivia nights, as well as long tap lists and food trucks for the full experience.
When: Wednesdays in Miramar from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. | Thursdays in Leucadia from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
What to drink: Their limited releases give patrons a chance to try something new, but I’m partial to their Duckzilla Double White IPA, a mashup between a White Ale and Double IPA.
8920 Kenamar Drive, Suite #210 | 978 N. Coast Highway 101
Black Plague Brewing
Multiple locations
Arrive early to snag a seat at the heavy metal-themed brewery’s trivia nights in all three of their taprooms—it gets pretty packed in all of them. Black Plague’s Purgatory Lounge in Escondido and Oceanside tasting room both have Full Metal Burgers to supply plenty of brain food, and the Dearly Departed taproom in North Park’s full kitchen offers omnivore and vegetarian-friendly fare as well.
When: Tuesdays in North Park from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. | Thursdays in Oceanside from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. | Thursdays in Escondido from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
What to drink: Stay hoppy with one of Black Plague’s IPAs, like their Dearly Departed Cold IPA, brewed with three hops for a tropical and citrus-forward refresher.
2899 University Avenue | 2550 Jason Court | 239 E. Valley Parkway
Kilowatt Brewing
Oceanside
See if you can beat Trivia Tim every Tuesday during Trivia Night and Music Bingo at Kilowatt’s Oceanside taproom. Can’t make it on Tuesday, or trivia not your thing? Check out the hidden speakeasy The Space Pad, a psychedelic journey through space and time (open Thursday, Friday, and Saturday). Reservations recommended.
When: Tuesdays from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
What to drink: With 25 taps to choose from, Kilowatt offers everything from hazy IPAs to hard seltzers. But I prefer to keep my wits sharp for trivia night, so a low-ABV option like a tangy Berliner Weisse is best.
406 Mission Avenue
Pali Wine Company
Little Italy
Bring a friend to Pali’s free trivia nights every Thursday in Little Italy. Their breezy, modern tasting room is the perfect spot to sip wine, shout answers, and share some small plates like charcuterie, oysters, and yellowtail tuna crudo.
When: Thursdays starting at 7 p.m.
What to drink: Not sure what to start with? Try a curated flight of five different wines, ranging from seasonal favorites to more esoteric natural wines from across California wine country.
Helix Brewing Co. is nestled next to car repair shops and dispensaries, but don’t be fooled by the gritty surroundings. Their indoor/outdoor patio is one of the best-kept secrets in East County and their weekly trivia nights are the perfect chance to come check it out.
When: Thursdays from 6 pm to 8 pm
What to drink: The Commercial Street location is actually home to two concepts: Helix and Sourworx, their wild and sour beer counterpart. Try a little something from both, but their Dark Sour beers like Animals in the Night and Betting On Stars are as complex as they are funky.
8101 Commercial Street
Resident Brewing
Downtown
Pop inside The Local every Wednesday to try your hand at Resident Brewing’s trivia night, paired with brews made by local brew icon and head brewer Bill Lindsay. The space gets pretty lively as the night goes on, so arrive early to stake out a good spot.
When: Wednesdays from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
What to drink: It’s a tie between No-No Joe, their West Coast IPA collaboration with Joe Musgrove, and their Gaslamp Porter, a malty, smooth, and wildly drinkable robust porter. Or, of course, you could just try both.
Enjoy $2 off cider flights during Bivouac’s own Sunset Trivia nights on Wednesdays at their North Park location. Don’t skip their food menu, either—from a Mediterranean meze platter to a chimichurri-smothered steak, this is beyond basic bar food.
Beth Demmon is an award-winning writer and podcaster whose work regularly appears in national outlets and San Diego Magazine. Her first book, The Beer Lover's Guide to Cider, is now available. Find out more on bethdemmon.com.
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