The Craving: San Diego Food + Drink – Week of May 18, 2026

The Craving is ThereSanDiego's weekly guide to what's worth eating and drinking in San Diego right now. Every Tuesday, we surface new restaurant openings, standout happy hours, limited-time menu specials, and upcoming food events across the city - so you know what's happening before everyone else does.
Twilight in the Park Concert Series
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Experience the Magic of Balboa Park’s Twilight in the Park Concert
  • Spreckels Organ Pavilion
As summer unfolds, Balboa Park becomes the heart of cultural vibrancy in San Diego. From June through August, the park invites you to immerse yourself...
Juneteenth Community Block Party
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North Park’s First Juneteenth Block Party Celebrates Freedom Together
  • Louisiana Purchase
Louisiana Purchase is stepping up to co-host something truly special this year. The beloved neighborhood spot is partnering with High Definition Entertainment, Black San Diego,...
Bianchi Pizza & Pasta
Mission Bay Just Got a Taste of Italy With Bianchi Pizza & Pasta
The bayfront dining scene at Mission Bay has a new star, and we couldn’t be more excited about it. Bianchi Pizza & Pasta has opened...
Seabreeze Chocolates
Seabreeze Craft Chocolates is About to Make Your Sweet Tooth Very Happy
Seabreeze Craft Chocolates has been quietly perfecting the art of small-batch chocolate making, and now they’re launching their Summer Pastry Pop-Up that has us genuinely...
Things to do in San Diego for 4th of July
11 Things to Do in San Diego for 4th of July
Looking for things to do in San Diego for 4th of July? You’re in luck—there is no better place to celebrate the 4th of July...
mavericks beach club sports courts
Mavericks Beach Club Just Leveled Up Pacific Beach With Brand New Sports Courts
Mavericks Beach Club on Garnet Avenue has been busy transforming their space, and the result is something we’ve been waiting for in Pacific Beach. They’ve...
bottlenose dolphin calves
Two New Dolphin Babies Just Made SeaWorld San Diego Even More Magical
SeaWorld San Diego just welcomed two adorable bottlenose dolphin calves! Jupiter and Phin are the newest stars of the park’s dolphin program, and watching these...
iHeart Indie Markets
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Grand Ole BBQ Hosts Father’s Day Weekend Makers Market
The Grand Ole BBQ Makers Market is exactly what we need for last-minute Father’s Day gift hunting. I Heart Indie Markets is bringing together 20+...
City Heights Street Food Fest
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City Heights Street Food Festival Goes Free
The City Heights Street Food Festival is back for year five, and they’re making their biggest change yet—free admission for everyone. University Avenue between 37th...
Movies in Memorial Chula Vista
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Movies in Memorial Brings Free Outdoor Cinema to Chula Vista
Downtown Chula Vista just launched something we’ve been hoping would happen—a proper outdoor movie series that doesn’t cost anything and actually shows films people want...
Duck Dive Drag Me to the Beach brunch
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Drag Me to the Beach: Duck Dive’s Friday Brunch Show
  • Duck Dive
Duck Dive is hosting a drag brunch show that’s bringing serious energy to our Friday morning, and we’re already planning our outfit. “Drag Me to...
Malibu Barbie Cafe
The Malibu Barbie Cafe Rolls Into San Diego For The Summer
San Diego got a serious dose of pink when the Malibu Barbie Cafe opened at Bayside Kitchen and Bar. This isn’t just another themed restaurant—we’re...
North City Summer Event Series
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North City’s Summer Movie Nights Are Here (And They’re Free!)
  • North City
North City just launched their Summer Event Series, and we’re already obsessed with the outdoor movie nights they’re using to kick things off. These free...
Civico 1845 10th anniversary
Civico 1845 Turns Ten With a Chef Collaboration Menu That’s Pure Little Italy Magic
Civico 1845 is marking its 10th anniversary in style, and honestly, we couldn’t be more excited about how they’re celebrating this major milestone. A decade...
Global Wellness Day at Sunny's Spa
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Start Your Weekend Right With Global Wellness Day in Oceanside
Global Wellness Day is taking on a distinctly coastal flavor this weekend, thanks to Sunny’s Spa & Beauty Lounge at Mission Pacific Beach Resort. There’s...
Shop The B.L.A.C SD
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Shop The B.L.A.C SD Returns for a Day of Culture, Community, and Local Love
Shop The B.L.A.C SD is back, bringing together makers, artists, and community for a day of connection in San Diego’s vibrant Black Arts & Culture...
Visions Museum
Arts District Liberty Station Unveils Creative Collaborations for 2025
Interdisciplinary magic is brewing at Liberty Station. Arts District Liberty Station announces its 2025 Collaborative program recipients, entering its seventh year of bringing together tenant...
San Clemente
14 Must-Do Day Trips Near San Diego
We know what you’re thinking, “Why would I ever leave San Diego?!” and we completely agree. However, one of the best things about living in San...
Del Mar Summer Solstice
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Del Mar’s Summer Solstice Returns With Ocean Views and Epic Eats
  • Powerhouse Park
When the longest day of the year rolls around, there’s no better place to celebrate than right on the coast. Del Mar’s annual Summer Solstice...
Pacific Beach Annual Fundraiser
Pacific Beach Gets Serious About Ocean Safety With New Fundraising Campaign
We love Pacific Beach for its endless summer vibes and perfect waves, but let’s be real—the ocean demands respect. That’s why we’re excited to see...
Padres vs Dodgers game
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Borrego Rooftop Brings the Heat for Padres vs Dodgers Showdown
The baseball gods have smiled upon us—the Padres vs Dodgers game is happening, and we know exactly where we’ll be watching. Borrego Rooftop Kitchen +...
Tour of Tecate
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Take a Walking Tour Through Tecate’s Hidden Artistic Gems
We love discovering experiences that go beyond the typical weekend plans, and this tour of Tecate with the Ilan Lael Foundation offers exactly that kind...
GXRLS ROCK
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GXRLS ROCK! Celebrates a Decade of Empowering Young Musicians
Something incredible happens when you give young people instruments, a supportive space, and the freedom to create. For the past ten years, GXRLS ROCK! San...
Father's Day Specials in San Diego
The Big List of Father’s Day Specials Around San Diego
Whether he wants to enjoy his favorite feast, a day chillin’ by the beach, or just kicking back with a cold beer, these specials are all...
Upcoming Events
operation snowfall lou lou's
The Secret Agents Take On Operation Snowfall at Lou Lou’s Club
December 21, 2025
8:00 pm
Lou Lou’s Jungle Room is transforming into Secret Agent H.Q. for a night of jazzy, rockin’, 60s-inspired holiday arrangements and a lightly theatrical caper that...
An Irish Christmas Brings High-Energy Holiday Tradition to Balboa Theatre
December 21, 2025
2:30 pm
  • Balboa Theatre
If you’re looking for something different from the usual holiday concert lineup, An Irish Christmas at Balboa Theatre delivers exactly that. This isn’t just another...
cars and coffee
San Diego Automotive Museum’s Holiday Cars and Coffee Brings Festive Cheer to Balboa Park
December 21, 2025
7:30 am
  • San Diego Automotive Museum
The San Diego Automotive Museum is adding some holiday spirit to its monthly Cars and Coffee event, inviting car enthusiasts and spectators to gather for...
Dinner en Blanc
Diner en Blanc Returns to San Diego for a Secret White-Out Picnic
December 20, 2025
4:00 pm
  • Secret Location
The world’s most stylish pop-up picnic is coming back to San Diego, and the location remains a mystery until the very last moment. Diner en...
Burnout Paradise La Jolla Playhouse
Burnout Paradise Brings Treadmill Chaos and Audience Thrills to La Jolla Playhouse
December 20, 2025
1:30 pm
Four performers. Four treadmills. A wager that spirals into something equal parts absurd and impressive. Burnout Paradise, the international hit from Australian artists Pony Cam,...