DECADENT DINING ON A DIME
July 7, 2010 by Junvi
Filed under Dine and Drink, Don't Miss, Recently Posted
How lucky was I to meet someone whose job is to follow all the dining deals in San Diego County? Pretty darn fortunate, I say. Local foodie Nathan Hearns runs San Diego Indy Dining, a Web site where you can research, review and rate local restaurants. He also happens to be a deal hound like us, and tweets daily about his on-the-spot bargain food finds (make sure to follow him at @sdindydining). And now, he’s agreed to share some of his favorite spots for swanky dining and drinking at a steal. See which luxe restaurants make his list:
1. Currant Brasserie (Follow them on Twitter: @currantsd)
Currant is just a very cool, modern version of a Parisian-style bistro. The style of the place and the vibe is elegant and classy but still laid back and very San Diego chill. Its one of my favorite places to go for happy hour. Or to take a date for a very nice meal. Or when showing off to family and friends visiting from out of town. Its one of my most regular Friday Happy Hour places to visit.
The Deal: Absinthe Minded Friday which is $8 Lucid Absinthe drink and 1/2 off all bar menu food items like Classic Mac & Cheese for $5.98 and Wild Salmon Tartare for $5.48
PS~The 1/2 off bar menu Happy Hour is offered daily from 4-7pm & also from 9-11pm.
2. Donovan’s San Diego (Follow them on Twitter: @donovanssd)
Donovan’s is like a San Diego institution steakhouse, but the Downtown location is relatively new. Swank and chic, its the perfect place to be seen (prime Gaslamp location) and not seen at the same time (dark, intimately lit decor). Its also a great spot for happy hour that many people don’t know about.
The Deal: Wine and Martini Hour. Mon-Fri from 4-7pm. 1/2 priced Signature cocktails and martinis and complimentary mini prime filet steak sandwiches and wraps (served from 4-6pm)! Also, some very tasty bar appetizer menu dishes (ranging from $8-20) like Ceviche($10), Bacon Wrapped Scallops($16) & Cajun Prime Filet Skewer($8).
3. Suite and Tender (Follow them on Twitter: @suiteandtender)
A New York state of mind never fit more appropriately than here at Suite and Tender, located in the Se San Diego hotel in downtown San Diego. From its second floor perch, you feel like you’re at a suave New York steakhouse, but S&T is a sophisticated and sleek place that’s more refined, elegant surf and turf cuisine. Throw in great specialty drinks and a raw bar and you get quite a unique gastro dining experience.
The Deal: Nightly specials but my favorite is Late Night Rendezvous . On Fri & Sat night, from 9pm-close, you get a 3 course menu offering for $30. That’s an appetizer, entree choice and dessert. The Happy Hour specials are great as well. From 4-8pm every day (and ALL DAY Sunday) you can get 1/2 priced Specialty cocktails, 1/2 priced beer, $20 bottomless glasses of wine and all bar menu food $10 and under.
PS~The Happy Hour specials are only available at the Bar, which is downstairs from the restaurant.
4. Starlite (Follow them on Twitter: @starlitesd)
Upscale dive bar/restaurant. Thats the best way that I can describe Starlite in Mission Hills. But dont let that description sound like a turnoff because Starlite is one of my favorite places to dine and drink and hangout in San Diego. Hipster vibe and very retro cool decor is the best way to picture this place. Their dinner menu changes daily so you can always expect to try something pretty new each time you go.
The Deal: Happy Hour! From 5-7pm Mon-Sat (starts at 4pm on Fridays) you can get $3 well drinks, $3 draft beers, $1 off all other drinks and early bird food specials that change daily and range in price (from $5-12). There is also a late night menu that is available from 10pm-close Sun-Thurs which is cheaper than the dinner menu prices.
5. The Glass Door (Follow them on Twitter: @theglassdoor)
Its the view. The Glass Door, located on the 4th floor of the Porto Vista Hotel in Little Italy, offers one of the best views of Downtown San Diego and the San Diego Harbor that you could possibly ask to see. Mix those great views in with some really tasty food and cocktails and a very stylish vibe and decor, and you definitely have a incredible place to enjoy yourself for an afternoon or an evening.
The Deal: Nightly drink specials along with the Happy Hour menu. My favorite nightly special are “Muy Buenos Mondays,” which features 3 quality levels of tequila from $5-8 along with $3 Dos Equis and “Wine Wednesday,” which allows you to pick any bottle of wine and its 1/2 price. Happy Hour (Daily from 3-7pm) offers $5 cocktail specials on Margaritas, Mojitos & Caipirinhas, special prices on beers and choice appetizers $10 and under
Thanks for sharing these Happy Hour recommendations. Donovans has long been a personal favorite. It will be fun trying out your other suggestions.
I also love the happy hour at The Prado in Balboa Park. Great prices on drinks and appetizers.
I dont think @donovans is the twitter for the steakhouse….looks like it belongs to a soccer fan?
Good catch, thanks! I updated the info, their Twitter is @donovansSD. Have you had their complimentary steak sandwiches yet?
You’re welcome Melissa! I love the happy hour at the Prado too. Even more so when they have a live jazz guitarist!