Annual Taste of Mission Hills Returns With 28 Spots and Free Trolley Service

The 13th Annual Taste of Mission Hills is happening this week, and the event has refined its format over the years into something that actually works.

Twenty-eight restaurants, bakeries, coffee shops, and specialty food purveyors across the neighborhood are participating, with free trolley transportation connecting all the stops along a five-mile route.

It’s the kind of progressive dining experience that could easily turn into a logistical headache, but the included trolley service solves that problem before it starts.

How the Route Works

The tasting locations span West Lewis Street, Fort Stockton Drive, Goldfinch Street, West Washington Street, Reynard Way, and India Street. Trolleys run every fifteen minutes with designated stops marked by signage throughout the neighborhood.

This setup means you can hop on and off strategically, hitting spots in whatever order makes sense without worrying about parking multiple times or calculating rideshare costs between locations.

The participating venues include long-established Mission Hills staples along with two brand-new arrivals, so there’s a mix of familiar favorites and places you might not have tried yet.

The diversity runs from international cuisine to local specialties, covering everything from restaurant fare to artisan cheese, baked goods, and gelato.

What’s Included

Each ticket covers tastings at all 28 participating locations plus the trolley transportation.

The pricing stays accessible thanks to sponsorships from US Bank’s Mission Hills branch (title sponsor) and several local restaurant owners who specifically funded the trolley service: John Ealy of Harley Gray Kitchen & Bar, Hailey and Merritte Powell of La Puerta Mission Hills, Jacquee Renna of Communion, and Keiko and Don Holmes of Sushi Deli 1 Mission Hills.

Supporting the Neighborhood

Taste of Mission Hills serves as the annual fundraiser for the Mission Hills Business Improvement District, a nonprofit that works year-round to enhance the neighborhood. The event also receives public funding support from the State of California and the City of San Diego.

So buying a ticket does more than just get you access to good food—it directly supports the infrastructure that keeps this dining destination thriving.

See you there!

Whether you’re already familiar with Mission Hills’ food scene or just looking for an excuse to explore it properly, this is one of the better organized tasting events in the city.

📆 Wednesday, October 8, 5 PM–9 PM
📍 422 West Washington Street, San Diego
🎟️ Tickets available here
ℹ️ More info here

See you there, San Diego!