» Dine and Drink

FAMILY FEASTS

Junvi — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 05:49:55 +0000

I’ve partnered with San Diego Bargain Mama to bring you the BIGGEST list of restaurants where children eat for FREE in San Diego. So grab the kids and let someone else do the cooking. Here are 33 opportunities to take advantage of ‘Children Eat Free’ nights in San Diego County – all the way from Coronado to San Marcos.

***All restaurants require a purchase of at least one adult entree, unless stated otherwise.

EVERY DAY

Al’s Cafe In the Village (Carlsbad)
Kids 10 and under eat for FREE daily (one per paid adult). Very informal cafe, but excellent American food. They have a dozen varieties of fresh fudge, too, WELL worth trying. 760. 729-5448

IHOP
Kids 10 and under eat for FREE (one per paid adult) Monday – Friday 4-10pm for kids 12 and under.

Submarina
Okay, this isn’t a FREE kid’s meal, but it’s pretty darn close. Children get a $1 kids meal with the purchase of one adult entrée at participating locations including Murphy Canyon and Point Loma. However, things change, so call ahead to verify.

MONDAY

Barra Barra (Old Town San Diego)
Children age 10 and under eat FREE on Mondays. Located in the Fiesta De Reyes shopping and dining area of the Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, Barra Barra’s menu features classic recipes like chicken mole Oaxaca and Indian flat bread tacos. 619-291-3200

Borrelli’s Pizza and Italian Food (Encinitas)
Children age 12 and under eat FREE on Monday. Menu include antipasto, mostaccioli, pizzas, salads and specialty sandwiches. 760-436-1501

The Brew House at Eastlake (Chula Vista)
Children age 10 and younger eat FREE on Mondays and Tuesdays at this Chula Vista brewery/restaurant (2 children eat free, per one paid adult entree). Menu items include bratwurst sandwiches, turkey flatbread, Ahi tuna spring rolls, and baja fish tacos. 619-656-2739

Chin’s (Miramar and Rancho Bernardo)
Children ages 10 and under eat FREE on Mondays and Tuesdays (up to 3 kids per party) with each paying adult. This special includes only the Miramar and Rancho Bernardo locations.

Hacienda Casa Blanca (El Cajon)
Children 10 years and younger eat FREE all day on Mondays. Located in downtown El Cajon, Hacienda Casa Blanca features authentic, home-cooked Mexican dishes including chicken mole, carne asada, tacos, and quesadillas.

Hooley’s Irish Pub (La Mesa and Rancho San Diego)
Children eat FREE on Wednesday after 4pm at the Rancho San Diego and La Mesa locations. Hooley’s offers up burgers, fish and chips, chicken tenders and salads. 619-670-7468 (Rancho San Diego), 619-713-6900 (La Mesa)

Pasha Mediterranean Café (Hillcrest)
Children 7 and younger eat FREE Monday – Thursday from 11am-7pm. Pasha features Mediterranean cuisine including sandwiches, salads, and fries.

TUESDAY

Acapulco Restaurant
Children under 12 eat for FREE with purchase one adult entree. Good for dine-in only.

Anita’s Restaurant (Oceanside)
Children 12 years and younger eat FREE on Tuesday after 3 pm and Saturday all day after 10:30 am. One meal per paid adult. d 12 and under get a free kids meal on Tuesdays after 3pm. Regular menu includes grilled shrimp and scallop fajitas, low- carb plates, chile relleno plates and fun creations, like Panchos Surprise. 760-757-7745

Achiote (Chula Vista and San Ysidro)
Children ages 12 years old and younger eat FREE all-day Tuesdays at both the Otay Ranch and San Ysidro locations (2 children eat free, per one paid adult entree).. This family-style restaurant serves home-style Mexican cuisine.

Bennigans
Children ages 12 years old or younger eat for FREE every Tuesday 4-10pm, when they can chomp on an American-style menu of burgers, salads, sandwiches and steaks.

Bistro D’Asia (Coronado)
Children 11 and under eat FREE on Tuesdays. Located in Coronado, Bistro D’ Asia serves up a variety of Asian flavors from chow mein, pad thai, currys, and sushi. Good September thru February.

The Brew House at Eastlake (Chula Vista)
Children aged 12 years old and younger eat FREE on Mondays and Tuesdays at this Chula Vista brewery/restaurant. Menu items include bratwurst sandwiches, turkey flatbread, Ahi tuna spring rolls, and Baja fish tacos. 619-656-2739

Chevy’s
Children eat FREE all day Tuesday. One complimentary Kid’s Meal will be offered per adult entree purchase. With 2 participating locations in Del Mar and Mission Valley, Chevy’s offers up Tex-Mex favorites including tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and chicken bites.

Chicken Pie Diner (Poway)
Children ages 10 years and younger receive a FREE kid’s meal and drink on Tuesdays (adults must purchase an adult entree and a drink). This Poway restaurant dishes up their signature chicken pot pies, as well as homemade meat loaf dinners, chicken fried steak and club sandwiches. 858-748-2445

Coco’s Children age 10 years old or younger eat FREE every Tuesday and Wednesday after 4pm. Coco’s serves an American-style menu of burgers, salads, sandwiches and pizza. Most San Diego County Coco’s offer this deal on Tuesdays and Wednesday. However, things change, so call ahead to verify.

Coronado Brewing Company (Coronado)
Children 12 years and younger eat FREE on Tuesdays from 4-7pm. CBC serves up burgers, chicken tenders, pasta and salads. Two free kids meals with each adult entrée.

Denny’s
Children aged 10 years old or younger eat for FREE every Tuesday and Saturday from 4pm-10pm. Denny’s kids menu offers mac ‘n cheese, chicken nuggets, pasta and pizza. Two complimentary Kid’s meals will be offered per adult entree purchase. Most San Diego County Denny’s offer this deal on Tuesdays (and Saturdays in some locations). However, things change, so call ahead to verify.

Godfathers Pizza
Children 10 years old and younger eat FREE on Tuesdays from 11am-2pm and 5-8pm from the Godfathers pizza buffet.

Islands Restaurant
Children 12 years and younger eat FREE on Tuesdays from 4pm-close. With 3 participating locations including Vista, Balboa Avenue, and Temecula, Islands features hamburgers, salads, chicken tenders, and quesadillas.

Marie Callender’s
Children ages 12 years old or younger eat for free every Tuesday and Saturday. Marie Callender’s serves an American-style menu of burgers, salads, chicken strips and mac ‘n cheese. Most San Diego County Marie Callender’s invite your children to eat FREE on Tuesdays and Saturdays. However, things change, so call ahead to verify.

Pasha Mediterranean Café (Hillcrest)
Children aged seven or younger eat FREE Monday – Thursday from 11am-7pm. Pasha features Mediterranean cuisine including sandwiches, salads, and fries.

Pat & Oscar’s
Children 12 years and younger eat FREE on Tuesday and Saturday all day. Pat & Oscar’s features pizza, chicken, and salad. Most San Diego County Pat & Oscar’s invite your children to eat FREE on Tuesdays and Saturdays. However, things change, so call ahead to verify.

Q Restaurant Sports and Grill (Oceanside)
Children aged 12 and under get a FREE kid’s meal every Tuesday at this Oceanside restaurant. 760-757-7070

Roadhouse Grill (Santee and Temecula)
Children aged 12 and under receive a FREE kids meal on Tuesdays. With locatons in Santee and Temecula, this restaurant serves up BBQ favorites, plus unique items such as Northwest smoked salmon egg rolls, Bourbon tri-tip and mesquite grilled shrimp. 760-510-3805

Ruby’s Diner (Oceanside and Mission Valley)
Children 12 years or under eat FREE every Tuesday after 4pm. With 3 participating locations including Oceanside Pier and Mission Valley, Ruby’s is a 50’s style diner serving burgers, fries and shakes.

TGI Fridays
Children aged 12 and younger receive a FREE kids meals on Monday and Tuesdays, 11am-3pm.

Tony Romas
Children 12 years and under eat FREE Tuesdays all day. Located in the Pacific Beach area, Tony Roma’s is best known for their ribs, steaks and burgers. Two kids eat free for each paid adult entrée.

WEDNESDAY

Beach’N Diner (Coronado)
Children 12 and under eat FREE on Wednesdays after 4pm. This fifties-style diner located in Coronado serves up burgers, fries, shakes, and desserts.

Carrows
Children age 10 years old or younger eat for free every Wednesday and Thursday after 4pm. Carrows serves an American-style menu of burgers, salads, sandwiches and pizza. Most San Diego County Carrows invite your children to eat FREE on Wednesdays and Thursdays. However, things change, so call ahead to verify.

Coco’s
Children age 10 years old or younger eat FREE every Tuesday and Wednesday after 4pm. Coco’s serves an American-style menu of burgers, salads, sandwiches and pizza. Most San Diego County CoCos offer this deal on Tuesdays and Wednesday. However, things change, so call ahead to verify.

El Torito
Children 12 years old or younger eat FREE every Wednesday all day. Your little amigos will have their pick from the Kids Menu, which includes items like Mariachi-roni and Cheese, double-stacked grilled chicken quesadillas, and carne asada pizza.

Hooley’s Irish Pub (Rancho San Diego and La Mesa)
Children eat FREE on Wednesday nights at the Rancho San Diego and La Mesa locations. Hooley’s offers up burgers, fish and chips, chicken tenders and salads. 619-670-7468 (Rancho San Diego), 619-713-6900 (La Mesa)

Lil’ Piggy’s BBQ (Coronado)
Children eat FREE on Wednesdays at this BBQ house in Coronado Ferry Landing. The savory menu include signature items like Memphis Nachos, smoked chicken wings and Texas Potatoes.

Luc’s Bistro (Poway)
Children ages 12 and under eat FREE on Wednesdays nights from 5 – 9pm at this neighborhood bistro in Poway. The menu features gourmet comfort food, such as baked mac & cheese, Atlantic salmon panino, and a Meyer Ranch angus top sirloin wrap. 858-748-9330

Pasha Mediterranean Café (Hillcrest)
Children 7 and younger eat FREE Monday – Thursday from 11am-7pm. Pasha features Mediterranean cuisine including sandwiches, salads, and fries.

Village Pizzeria (Coronado)
Children 12 and under eat FREE with purchase of one adult entree on Wednesdays from 4pm to close. Located just a block away from the famed Hotel del Coronado, this pizzeria also serves up hoagies, calzones, salads, and pasta. 619.522.0449

THURSDAY

Carrows
Children ages 10 or younger eat FREE every Wednesday and Thursday after 4pm. Carrows serves an American-style menu of burgers, salads, sandwiches and pizza. Most San Diego County Carrows invite your children to eat FREE on Wednesdays and Thursdays. However, things change, so call ahead to verify.

Hennessey’s Tavern (Gaslamp Quarter, Pacific Beach and Carlsbad)
Children 12 and under eat FREE. 760- 729-6951

Pasha Mediterranean Café (Hillcrest)
Children 7 and younger eat FREE Monday – Thursday from 11am-7pm. Pasha features Mediterranean cuisine including sandwiches, salads, and fries.

FRIDAY

Blendz
Children eat FREE (plus drink!) on Fridays with the purchase of a full-size combo meal at the Oceanside location. Their heart-healthy menu features soups, salads, smoothies, toasted paninis, breakfast items and burritos loaded with veggies.760-724-7007

Zio’s (North Park)
At this North Park restaurant, up to 2 kids get a FREE kid’s meal with the purchase of one adult dinner entree and a beverage every Friday 5-9pm. 619-280-9467

SATURDAY

Acapulco
Children 12 and under eat FREE on Saturdays 11:30am-3pm. With 3 participating locations including Escondido, San Marcos and Old Town. Acapulco’s features Mexican classics like enchiladas, fajitas, quesadillas, and tacos.

Marie Callender’s
Children ages 12 years old or younger eat for FREE every Tuesday and Saturday. Marie Callender’s serves an American-style menu of burgers, salads, chicken strips and mac ‘n cheese. Most San Diego County Marie Callender’s invite your children to eat FREE on Tuesdays and Saturdays. However, things change, so call ahead to verify.

Pat & Oscar’s
Children 12 years and younger eat FREE on Tuesday and Saturday all day. Pat & Oscar’s features pizza, chicken, and salad. Most San Diego County Pat & Oscar’s invite children to eat FREE on Tuesdays and Saturdays. However, things change, so call ahead to verify.

SUNDAY

Humphrey’s by the Bay
Kids 12 years-old or younger eat FREE (with the purchase of just one adult buffet per party) during Sunday brunch 10am-2pm at Humphrey’s by the Bay. During this Sunday tradition you’ll feast on made-to-order omelets and pasta, fresh seafood, warm waffles, fruit, cheese, salad and an array of hot breakfast and lunch items. The Shelter Island views and live jazz tunes paired with your delicious feast will remind you why Humphrey’s is a San Diego tradition. 619.224.3577

Hooters
Children 12 and under eat FREE all day on Sunday. Two children’s entrees per adult purchase. Children’s beverages are required.

FIVE EATS UNDER $10

Janice Dils — Sun, 02 Oct 2011 02:22:57 +0000

One of our favorite local food and flavor enthusiasts, Janice Dils from FoodIsMyFavorite.com, is known for tasting and eating her way through San Diego County restaurants, then reviewing her culinary adventures. Here she rounds up her favorite five eats under $10.

Phil's BBQ Chicken Tickler

Phil’s BBQ [Point Loma and San Marcos]
The Deal: Ticklers … $6.45
Phil’s BBQ offers three combo meals called ‘ticklers’ that consist of three types of BBQ’d meats to include: one large beefy rib, three baby back ribs, or boneless chicken breast chunks called ‘chickless’ slathered with their delicious tangy sauce. The ticklers’ sides are fresh cut fries, crunchy coleslaw, and two beer battered onion rings. The only catch… no substitutions. If you enjoy all of the flavors, this meal can fill you up for less. Plus, additional side items are only $1.50 [small] / $2.25 [large]… did someone say sweet baked beans, macaroni salad, or potato salad?

Sushiya Bulgogi

Sushiya [Eastlake]
The Deal: $10 bulgogi entrée [and 50% off select sushi rolls]
I know what you are thinking… bulgogi [Korean BBQ beef] at a Japanese restaurant? Weeelll, regardless, I love this entrée at Sushiya. The plate is $10 and comes with a large portion of Korean beef on a bed of onions, miso soup, a bowl steamed rice, bowl of mixed green salad with a delicious ginger citrus dressing, and a slice of orange. Two people can share this entrée while enjoying 50% off select sushi rolls and still pay less than $10 a person. The ‘half off’ rolls are served anytime, everyday and range from the popular California, Caterpillar, Philadelphia, Spicy Tuna and special rolls like Rainbow, Snowball and Spicy Albacore.

TJ Oyster Bar Fish Taco - always only $.99

TJ Oyster Bar [Bonita]
The Deal: $0.99 Fish Tacos
TJ Oyster Bar is a teeny tiny restaurant located in a strip mall off of Bonita Road. These delicious fish tacos are the ‘street taco’ size; however the crispy battered fried fish takes up a good portion of the corn tortillas. Each taco is served with fresh shredded cabbage, diced tomatoes, and ‘crema’. Heaven. They are made to order – hot and fresh, right in front of you. If you are lucky, you will get a seat inside the small establishment. The staff is extremely friendly and will even make more food for you even though you have ordered and paid at the counter already. TJ Oyster Bar offers a variety of tacos other than crispy fish, like oyster, shrimp, and even grilled fish tacos and serves other specialties like whole fried fish, ‘aguachile in molcajete’ [raw shrimp in lemon juice and hot chile] and oysters in a half shell for a $1.40 each.

Ponce's Chicken Enchilada

Ponce’s Mexican Restaurant [Kensington]
The Deal: Almost EVERYTHING
Ponce’s Mexican Restaurant serves up a delicious albondigas [meatball] soup and the enchilada sauce is one the best I have ever tasted. Once you browse their online menu, you will see that the majority of the items are reasonably priced and under $10. The tips to save money here is to share an appetizer and to take the ‘a la carte’ route for your dinner entrée. They also serve complimentary warm tortilla chips and salsa to start. A number of their house specialty plates and their three item combination plates are a little more than $10 [highest priced item is $12.95!], but given the quality and quantity of the food here, still not a bad price. There are talks that they have wonderful margaritas too, that I have not yet tried.

Sage Cafe's Indian Fry Bread

Sage Café at Barona Valley Ranch Casino [Lakeside]
The Deal: Almost EVERYTHING
Every casino has ‘that’ 24-hour restaurant. Barona Valley Ranch Casino’s 24-hour restaurant is the Sage Café, which is not like any other all day restaurant in a casino. Sage Café is located near the entrance to the hotel rooms in the ‘non-smoking’ area of the casino and offers a cozy experience while dining on high quality and delicious food. Did I mention large portions too?

Every table gets a ‘fresh off the fryer’ basket full of Indian fry bread [cinnamon sugar and powdered sugar on the table] and warm bread rolls to start.

The following menu categories and all the items under them on the Sage Café menu are all less than $10: appetizers [$3.50-$9.95], entrée salads [$6.00-$8.95], 24-hour breakfast [$3.95-$9.95], sandwiches [$6.50-$7.95], Build-Your-Own 1/2 Lb. USDA Choice Chuck or Grilled Chicken Breast burger [$6.95] and Comfort Foods [$4.95-$9.95].

The sandwiches and burgers come with a choice of fresh fruit skewers, onion rings [not frozen], French fries, or cole slaw AND a cup of chef’s soup of the day. The comfort food entrées include a choice of an iceberg wedge salad or a cup of the soup of the day.

The best part… no tax.

The Sage Café is way off the beaten path but if you are already looking to have a little casino fun, skip the buffet and $1.00 hot dogs and give the Sage a try.

Janice is a local food enthusiast who shares her food adventures on her blog, foodismyfavorite.com.

***All images and content in this post are the sole property of the owner/administrator of foodismyfavorite.com. Please do not take images or steal content without owner’s permission.

MEATLESS IN SAN DIEGO – 15 UNDER $10

Junvi — Sun, 25 Sep 2011 22:45:51 +0000

Cutting back on meat in your diet? Don’t run to microwave those frozen fish sticks or settle for fat-laden, fast-food fish sandwiches. Thinking beyond these unhealthy alternatives is a lot easier on your wallet than you think. Lucky for you, I’m a new vegetarian (well, technically a pescetarian who hasn’t yet given up on seafood), who also runs a Web site on maximizing money in San Diego. I’ve spent my inaugural meatless year eating my way through savory vegetarian and seafood options, all with sweet prices. Here are my top 15 picks to dine at when meat is off limits. What’s yours?

FRUTERIAS

Senor Mangoes
Okay, so you won’t be impressed with its unassuming façade in North Park, but walk inside and you’ll find regulars contently sipping on freshly blended aguas frescas or devouring scrumptious ensaladas de fruta of chopped strawberries, papaya, pineapples, mangos, and bananas , all topped with cottage cheese, honey and granola. Sweet goodness! No premade menu items here, everything is chopped and made on the spot. Large fruit salads (big enough for two to share) costs $6.95. Also located in Escondido.

Diego On a Dime reader Brian Bischof at Tropical Oasis

Tropical Oasis
Located off the Telegraph Canyon 805 exit in Chula Vista, this healthy haven is often shadowed by the ever popular Lolita’s, which is located in the same small strip mall next to the gas station. But you’re not eating meat, remember? So, drop the carne asada cravings and instead reach for succulent dishes of fruits and veggies. My favorite treat at Tropical Oasis is ensalada pico de gallo, a combo of jicama, cucumber and watermelon doused in lime juice, salt and chile powder – tart and savory packaged together for only $5.

VEGETARIAN

Loving Hut
Sitting pretty at the top of my must-eat list is this chain vegan restaurant located on the west end of El Cajon Boulevard in North Park. While located in a not-so-pretty strip mall alongside Dominoes Pizza, Loving Hut has won over palates and wallets alike. Large entrees, big enough for two to share, will set you back a mere $7. On the first Friday of Lent season, I brought some friends over for lunch where we marveled over the Loving Hut’s big flavors and small prices, in between bites of our Lemon Grass Soy Chicken, Yum Yum Won Ton Soup, and BBQ Soy Beef.

Veg’n’Out
My first run-in with vegetarian food was at this quaint restaurant in North Park. They specialize in healthy tweaks on American classics, such as the seven-dollar Garden Philly Cheese Sandwich and sweet potato medallions that cost $3.50. Their crunchy vegetarian corndog will make you forever swear off those other corndog companies that wear funny hats.

Evolution Fast Food
Perfect when time is short, Evolution Fast Food has a drive-thru and buffet/take-go options, in addition to regular table seating. You might know this little hamlet as the next door neighbor to Extraordinary Desserts in Bankers Hill. So, make a Friday night date out of it and start the night off with the Thai Peanut Wrap ($4.95) or the South of the Border Burger ($5.50), before indulging your sweet tooth.

Pokez
This funky East Village joint mixes crave-worthy Mexican eats (both with meat and without), dirt-cheap prices, and spunky service. Think Soup Nazi – light on the nice, heavy in deliciousness. The hipster servers prefer you’re ready with your order by the time they notice you, so listen to me carefully. You must, MUST try the mahi-mahi quesadillas or vegan chorizo burrito, if only to appease me. Both will rock your world at rock-bottom prices; they are each only $5. Plus, the big portions will guarantee some leftovers for breakfast. You can thank me later.

Jyoti-Bihanga
I still don’t know how to pronounce the name of this Normal Heights restaurant, but I recognize an unforgettable dining landmark when I see one. While their powder blue walls don’t make for an appetizing experience, their original menu sure does. Some signature items under $10 include the Neatloaf Sandwich, made up of baked soy, grain and seasoning, topped with a tangy red sauce and the Infinite Blue, a zesty combo of onions, zucchini, broccoli, red peppers, mushrooms, carrots and brown rice sautéed in tamari.

Ranchos Cocina
With locations in North Park and Ocean Beach, Ranchos’ attracts big crowds of both vegetarians and meat-lovers with its robust veggie versions of Mexican dishes. The enchiladas, burritos and tacos are filled with all kinds of goodies – take your pick of avocado and corn, tofu, lard-less beans, mushrooms, salmon, and shrimp just to name a few. The colorful macramé, foliage-filled walls, kitschy wall décor will be a feast for your eyes as well.

SEAFOOD

Sushi Deli (downtown, Mission Hills, and Kearny Mesa)
This sushi mecca’s downtown and Mission Hills locations have reached cult status for its drool-worthy prices and portions – the long lines you’ll see outside will attest to this. The fresh and funky rolls hover between $4-7, while adding on a side of miso soup will only add on an extra $.99 to your already skimpy bill .

El Pescador
You’ve got to see it to believe it – a bargain bite amongst the Benzes and BMWs in La Jolla. El Pescador has been a signature spot in this seaside neighborhood for more than 30 years, but the prices don’t reflect its posh surroundings. Try out their char-grilled yellowtail sandwich or the Scottish salmon salad with lemon butter, both swim under your $10 budget.

South Beach Bar & Grill
Devotees to this Ocean Beach seafood spot will talk at length over why its fish tacos are considered San Diego’s best. Keep one ear open to them while getting a taste of these crispy goodies yourself. Sit at the long wooden bar and watch the sun set behind the surf. You’ll also find other savory seafood items at prices that won’t make you feel like you’re drowning. My picks are the tiger shrimp salad and mahi tostada.

ETHNIC EATS

Phuong Trang
If you crave authenticity, spice and a firework of flavors on your plate, than make a beeline over to this Vietnamese restaurant off of Convoy. You’ll find huge portions at tiny prices and a seemingly endless menu that seems to run on and on. Out of the 250 items, they have a dedicated page of about 15 vegetarian entrees including tofu with lemongrass and peppers or veggie stir-fry noodles, all at an average of $8 each. Once Lent season is over and meat makes its Friday comeback, keep this in your black book of cheap eats for healthy, but meaty, dishes.

Harar Ethiopian
Sometimes the tastiest food is found amongst unappetizing surroundings. Sandwiched among car repair shops and a gas station along El Cajon Boulevard is Harar Ethiopian, where forks are brought by request only and you scoop up lentils, eggplant, stewed veggies, and spicy greens with injera bread. Veggie combo plates go for a rock-bottom $7.50 with enough to share. Or savor your own entrée, and drink it all down with some honey wine.

Delhi Kitchen
“Gimme some more”. That’s what you’ll be saying after paying only $6.75 for a combination plate with a tasty entrée, naan bread, daal and rita (yogurt) and salad. This Carmel Mountain find serves up yummy Indian classics such as aloo gobi (cauliflower and potato cooked with tomato spices) and bhindi masala (fresh okra cooked in onion and ginger). If you decide to go vegetarian on Saturday and Sunday too, when Delhi Kitchen offers a $7 all-you-eat-buffet, so be it. Welcome to the veggie lovers club.

El Zarape
This University Heights hamlet has been serving 99-cent fish tacos for years to a steady stream of adoring regulars and pleasantly surprised newcomers. Why the crowds of dedicated diners you ask? Because these crispy fish fillets are only the beginning. The extensive menu sports a seafood feast of $6 burritos and $3 tacos with succulent servings of scallops, mahi mahi, shrimp and salmon. Go with a friend who can wait in line, while you slyly scope out a seat in this seemingly always packed restaurant.

SAN DIEGO FARMERS MARKETS

Deanna Chew — Sat, 17 Sep 2011 07:33:30 +0000

Guest blogger and a fan of all good eats, Deanna Chew, spent some time sampling the quintessential experience of San Diego’s delicious lifestyle – the farmers market. Read on to find out more about the sustainable and locally harvested goodies you’ll find in your neighborhood! What is your favorite farmers market food?

By Deanna Chew

Skip the crowded grocery stores and buy fresh, locally grown produce direct from the source!

When you shop at local farmers markets, you’re not only buying the freshest fruits and veggies in town, you’re also helping the economy by supporting local farming families. There are 47 certified farmers markets in San Diego – many of them in your very own backyard! If you aren’t really into fruits and veggies, most Farmers Markets also offer fresh cut flowers, artisan breads, handcrafted jewelry and live music. There are also plenty of food vendors on site, who sell fresh crepes, funnel cakes, gourmet hot dogs, kettle corn and hot pressed paninis.

Before we jump into our list of local Farmers Markets, here are some quick tips for your trip:

- Bring cash. Most vendors don’t accept credit cards or checks, so make sure bring plenty of cash. (Card-friendly markets are marked with an * in the list below)
- Go green! Bring re-useable shopping bags. Lugging around 10 lbs of oranges can get pretty heavy and most vendors don’t offer bags with handles, so make sure you bring your re-useable shopping bag!
-Arrive early. Most Farmers Markets start around 8 or 9am and get crowded pretty quickly. Avoid traffic congestion by walking to your local Farmers Market. There’s nothing more therapeutic that a nice stroll through San Diego on a gorgeous Sunday morning!

Here is a list of certified farmers markets in East County, the Metro Area and the Coastal Region. (Stay tuned next week for a list of markets in North County and South Bay!)

OUR FAVORITES:

Little Italy Mercato
Every Saturday from 9am to 1:30pm
Date Street from Kettner to Union

Take a stroll along Date Street in the quaint Little Italy district and pick up organic produce, fresh baked breads, fish, oysters and coffee. Plus it’s the best place in town to get homemade pasta and sauces! Don’t forget to visit Pet Place to pick up pet food and accessories for your favorite four-legged friends.

La Jolla Open Aire Market
Every Sunday from 9am to 1pm
Upper playground of La Jolla Elementary School
Girard Avenue and Genter Street

On Sundays, the upper playground of La Jolla Elementary School is transformed into a colorful friendly Farmers Market. Enjoy live music, creative artisans, local farm-fresh fruits, veggies and flowers. This wholesome family-friendly market also offers a playground for kids and a food court (complete with decadent sweets, fresh crepes and hearty BBQ). All proceeds benefit La Jolla Elementary School.

Tip: If you’re hungry, be sure to try out the lemongrass chicken in the food court. The peanut sauce is to die for. If you’re looking for something light to snack on, pick up some organic garlic hummus.

Hillcrest Farmers Market
Every Sunday from 9am to 2pm
3960 Normal Street (across from the DMV)
We can’t get enough of the Hillcrest Farmers Market! Over 125 vendors offer a variety of locally grown in-season fruit, produce, gifts, arts and crafts and flowers. This lively market also features hot food vendors with an emphasis on international cuisine. (Don’t forget to pick up some hot, gooey cinnamon buns!)

METRO
Point Loma Farmers Market
Every Sunday from 9:30am to 2:30pm
2900 block of Cannon Street
*accepts Debit/Credit Cards

Third Avenue Farmers Market and Asian Bazaar (Downtown)
Every Sunday from 9am to 1pm
400 Block of 3rd Avenue

Horton Square Farmers Market (Downtown)
March – October
Every Thursday 11am to 3pm
225 Broadway (on the south side of the building)

Mission Valley Farmers Market
Every Friday from 3pm to 7pm
1288 Camino Del Rio North
*accepts Debit/Credit Cards

Adams Avenue Farmers Market
Every Wednesday from 3pm to7pm
4672 35th Street

City Heights Farmers Market
Every Saturday 9am-1pm
Wightman Street, between Fairmount and 43rd

North Park Farmers Market and Open Air Bazaar
Every Thursday 3pm to sunset (2pm Spring/Summer)
CVS Parking Lot at University and 32nd Street

Mission Hills Farmers Market
Every Friday from 3pm to 7pm
West Washington and Falcon

EAST COUNTY

Alpine Farmers Market
Every Tuesday from 2pm to 6pm
Alpine Community Center
1830 Alpine Boulevard

Fallbrook Farmers Market
Every Friday from 10am to 2pm
Main Street and Alvarado

Borrego Springs Farmers Market
November – May
Every Friday from 7am to 12pm
Christmas Circle Community Park
Christmas Circle and Palm Canyon Drive

La Mesa Village Farmers Market
Every Friday from 3pm to 6pm
8300 Block of Allison

Ramona Farmers Market
Every Saturday from 8:30am to 12:30pm
1855 Main Street

Santee Farmers Market
Every Wednesday from 3pm to 7pm
10445 Mission Gorge Road

COASTAL

UTC Farmers Market
Every Thursday from 3pm to 7pm
UTC Shopping Center, near Macy’s
*accepts Debit/Credit Cards

Coronado Farmers Market
Every Tuesday from 2:30pm to 6pm
Ferry Landing
1st and B

Imperial Beach Farmers Market
Every Friday from 1pm to 6pm (ends at 7:30 from April to September)
10 Evergreen Avenue

Ocean Beach Farmers Market
Every Wednesday from 4pm to 7pm (ends at 8pm from April to December)
4900 Block of Newport Avenue

Pacific Beach Farmers Market
Every Saturday from 8am-12pm
4150 Mission Boulevard

Deanna is a social media nerd, cupcake designer, theater enthusiast, food truck groupie and proud owner of a crazy Boxer and Boston Terrier.