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.
Papalo La Mesa
Papalo Spices Up La Mesa With Global BBQ Fusion
Papalo, the brainchild of Executive Chef Drew Bent and the City Tacos crew, is back and better than ever, with international flair meets smoky goodness....
Peter Seidler Dia de los Muertos Altar
Honoring a San Diego Legend: Peter Seidler’s Day of the Dead Tribute
Old Town’s getting a touch of Padres magic this Día de los Muertos. Casa Guadalajara, that beloved Mexican spot we can’t get enough of, is...
Corazon De Vida Hosts Annual Noche De Gala Fundraiser
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Day of the Dead Magic at Corazon de Vida’s Noche de Gala
  • Coronado Island Marriott Resort & Spa
Corazon de Vida Foundation is gearing up to host its most enchanting fundraiser yet—Noche de Gala 2024. We’ve got the inside scoop on this can’t-miss...
Westfield Plaza Bonita Dia de los Muertos
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Día de Los Muertos Fiesta at Plaza Bonita
Get ready for a burst of color, music, and tradition as Westfield Plaza Bonita transforms into a vibrant celebration of Dia de los Muertos! Rhythm...
Pumpkin Spice and Everything Nice event
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Pumpkin Spice Brings Everything Nice to Lionfish and Oxford Social Club
  • Lionfish Modern Coastal Cuisine
Lionfish Modern Coastal Cuisine and Oxford Social Club are teaming up with Yes Dating App for a “Pumpkin Spice and Everything Nice” event—a night that...
Casa Guadalajara guacamole champion
It’s Official: Casa Guadalajara has the Best Guac in Old Town!
Old Town just wrapped up its annual “Guac Off” competition, and we’ve got a new king of the dips. Casa Guadalajara emerged victorious, claiming the...
Oceanside annual Haunted Market
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Oceanside’s Sunset Market Transforms Into a Halloween Haven
Oceanside Sunset Market’s Annual Haunted Market is back, creating a bewitching atmosphere that’s perfect for ghouls and goblins of all ages. A Frightfully Fun Free-for-All...
Art after Dark
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Dive Into a Sea of Creativity at OMA’s Art After Dark
  • Oceanside Museum of Art
Oceanside Museum of Art (OMA) is gearing up to make waves with the return of its spectacular Art After Dark event. This year, the museum...
Mt. Carmel Tournament of Bands
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Marching Bands Battle it Out at Mt. Carmel’s Epic Tournament
The Mt. Carmel Tournament of Bands is set to return for its 47th year, promising a showstopping spectacle of music and pageantry. This event stands...
San Diego Zombie Crawl
Spooky Thrills and Cultural Delights in the Gaslamp Quarter
San Diego’s historic Gaslamp Quarter is transforming into a fall wonderland, serving up a cornucopia of events that’ll have you falling head over heels for...
Architecture of Light and Space Exhibition at San Diego Museum of Arts
Architectural Brilliance Comes to SDMA This Fall
The San Diego Museum of Art (SDMA) is about to become a playground for design enthusiasts with its latest exhibition, Foster + Partners: Architecture of...
Mavericks Beach Club
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Mustache Madness is Back at Mavericks
  • Mavericks Beach Club
Mavericks Beach Club in Pacific Beach is firing up its grills and filling its kegs for the 9th Annual San Diego Fire Department Mustache Madness....
Toys for Tots at Geppetto's in The Forum Carlsbad
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Santa’s Got Some Serious Competition in Carlsbad
  • Geppetto’s Toys
There’s a secret toy-giving superhero in Carlsbad, and they’re about to make a whole lot of kids’ holidays brighter. For the sixth year running, an...
Chef Moira Hill of Ironside Fish & Oyster
San Diego’s Own Culinary Star Shines at Ironside Fish & Oyster
There’s a new chef in town, and she’s bringing a fresh wave of flavor to Little Italy‘s beloved seafood spot. Chef Moira Hill, a San...
Installations at the Station by Kaori Fukuyama
ARTS DISTRICT Liberty Station Welcomes New Butterfly-Inspired Sculpture
Get ready for a fresh splash of color at ARTS DISTRICT Liberty Station! They’re rolling out the welcome mat for a brand-new addition to their...
San Diego Civic Theatre event
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San Diego Opera Kicks Off 60th Season With a Classic Crowd-Pleaser
Our beloved San Diego Opera is celebrating its diamond anniversary in style, bringing back the timeless masterpiece that started it all 60 years ago. That’s...
Gaslamp Quarter Transportation Guide
Gaslamp Quarter Rolls Out the Red Carpet for Travelers
San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter is upping its game with their new Gaslamp Quarter Transportation Guide, making it easier than ever for us to explore this...
CH Projects Orchid Awards
CH Projects’ Lafayette Hotel Scores Two Orchid Awards
We’re raising a toast to The Lafayette Hotel, which just snagged not one but two Orchid Awards (recognizing and celebrating the best architecture and design...
Poe and his Progeny
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Spooky Literary Soirée at Villa Montezuma
It’s time to dust off your Victorian attire and prepare for a night of Gothic glamour. Write Out Loud is bringing “Poe and His Progeny”...
Nicholas Phan at Bach Collegium San Diego
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Bach Collegium San Diego Brings Baroque Brilliance With Nicholas Phan
Get ready for a musical journey that’ll transport you back in time while asking some seriously modern questions. Bach Collegium San Diego (BCSD) is teaming...
The Myth of Superheroes exhibit
Comic-Con Museum Unveils Legendary Superhero Exhibit
If you haven’t checked out “The Myth of Superheroes” exhibit at Comic-Con Museum yet, you’re seriously missing out on some superhero-sized fun. This world-premiere exhibition...
Union Kitchen & Tap presents Union After Dark
Union After Dark Ignites Pacific Beach’s Nightlife Scene
PB’s about to get a whole lot hotter as Union Kitchen & Tap unveils its latest nocturnal brainchild: Union After Dark, taking our beloved beachside...
La Valencia Pink Tea
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La Valencia’s Pink Tea Party Brews Up Hope and Flavor
  • La Valencia Hotel
Sip, savor, and support at La Valencia’s annual Pink Tea—a celebration of strength, a toast to survivors, and a delicious way to make a difference....
Temaki Bar "Locs Only" Sushi Soirée
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Temaki Bar and JuneShine Team Up for “Locs Only” Sushi Soirée
North County’s about to get a whole lot cooler as two local favorites join forces for an unforgettable night. Temaki Bar and JuneShine are bringing...
Upcoming Events
Baja’s Street Food Scene Takes Over Rancho Valencia
August 21, 2025
6:00 pm
  • Rancho Valencia Resort and Spa
Sometimes the best culinary experiences happen when worlds collide, and that’s exactly what’s going down at Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa. Baja Wine + Food...
Sip Italian Wine and History Among the Gardens
August 21, 2025
6:00 pm
  • San Diego Botanic Garden
There’s something magical about combining great wine with beautiful surroundings, and the Wine Tasting and History evening at San Diego Botanic Garden delivers on both...
Score Big at Home Start’s National Thrift Store Day Celebration
August 16, 2025
10:00 am
We love a good thrift find, and this weekend gives us the perfect excuse to dive into some serious secondhand shopping. Home Start’s Thrift Boutique in...
San Diego Wave FC Fire-Rescue Foundation game
Wave FC Teams Up With Fire-Rescue Foundation for Community Night
August 9, 2025
7:00 pm
  • Snapdragon Stadium
San Diego Wave FC and the Fire-Rescue Foundation have joined forces for what promises to be an incredible game with serious community impact. When the...
The Mental Bar Art Show
Local Artists Take Center Stage at The Mental Bar
August 9, 2025
12:00 pm
The Mental Bar is hosting an art show that’s got us genuinely excited about discovering new local talent. This cozy coffee and wellness spot on...