The Craving: San Diego Food + Drink News – Week of August 31, 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.
Lunar New Year Celebration
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Celebrate Lunar New Year With a Lion Dance at Serra Mesa-Kearny Mesa Library
Ring in the Year of the Snake with an exciting Lunar New Year celebration at the Serra Mesa-Kearny Mesa Library! Gather with the community to...
Hello Kitty Cafe Truck
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The Hello Kitty Cafe Truck is Rolling Back Into San Diego!
  • Fashion Valley
The Hello Kitty Cafe Truck is making its way to Fashion Valley, bringing Hello Kitty exclusive merchandise and sweet treats to fans of all ages....
Los Angeles Wildfire Victims
San Diego Restaurants Unite for Disaster Relief
San Diego is stepping up to help Los Angeles wildfire victims through a special campaign, Dining for Disaster Relief. Eight local bars and restaurants have...
Gaslamp Quarter
Pendry San Diego Brings the Excitement This Season
Pendry San Diego has you covered this season with a lineup of can’t-miss events and happenings, from romantic Valentine’s Day dinners to game-day celebrations and...
Feeding San Diego fundraiser at Callie
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Support a Great Cause With a Stunning Dinner at Callie
Mark your calendars for an unforgettable evening of food, wine, and giving back as Feeding San Diego and Chef Travis Swikard team up for the...
Cellar Hand executive chef
Meet the Chef Behind Cellar Hand’s Mediterranean-Inspired Magic
Cellar Hand’s Executive Chef, Ashley McBrady, is putting her stamp on San Diego’s dining scene with a hyper-local, Mediterranean-inspired menu that celebrates the region’s farmers...
Oceanside’s newest destination
The Lobby Tiki Bar & Grill Opens at The Brick Hotel
Soak up the vibes at The Lobby Tiki Bar & Grill, Oceanside’s newest destination for rum-forward cocktails, playful island-inspired cuisine, and moody retro tiki vibes....
San Diego Midnight Lion Dance Show
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Celebrate Lunar New Year With the San Diego Midnight Lion Dance Show
San Diego, get ready to welcome the Year of the Snake with an unforgettable evening of culture, tradition, and celebration! Hosted by the San Diego...
Pop-up for LA wildfire relief
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Pop-Up for LA: A Culinary Fundraiser for Wildfire Relief
  • Herb and Wood
Pop-Up for LA is a foodie fundraiser bringing together the most beloved chefs in San Diego to support wildfire relief. This incredible event is happening...
SDFC single-match tickets
Single-Match Tickets for San Diego FC’s 2025 Season are Now Available!
Soccer fans, the wait is over! SDFC single-match tickets for the 2025 MLS Regular Season are officially available, giving you the chance to catch all...
Fox Point Farms Stories from the Soil
Experience “Stories From the Soil”: A Monthly Farm-to-Table Culinary Journey
Fox Point Farms, San Diego’s first agrihood, recently launched “Stories from the Soil”—a monthly farm-to-table dinner series that brings together celebrated chefs and the principles...
An Evening with Fran Lebowitz
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An Evening With Fran Lebowitz: A Night of Wit and Insight
  • Balboa Theatre
Prepare for an unforgettable night of wit and wisdom as one of the most insightful social commentators of our time comes to the Balboa Theatre....
The Whiskey House anniversary
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Celebrate 10 Years of Whiskey Bliss at The Whiskey House!
  • The Whiskey House
Raise a glass and toast to a decade of excellence at The Whiskey House anniversary, a celebration of top-notch whiskey, live music, and unforgettable memories....
Granger Hotel
The Granger Hotel is Now Open in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter
The Granger Hotel has opened its doors in the historic Gaslamp Quarter, redefining what it means to stay in San Diego’s downtown district. As one...
US Coffee Championships
San Diego Coffee Pro Heads to US Coffee Championship Nationals
San Diego coffee pro, Chris Dennis, General Manager at Ox Coffee, is making waves in the coffee world, securing a spot in the US Coffee...
award-winning brewer Kyle Fjalstad
Award-Winning Brewer Kyle Fjalstad Now With Original 40 Brewing
North Park’s beloved The Original 40 Brewing Company has named award-winning brewer Kyle Fjalstad as its new Head Brewer, marking an exciting new chapter for...
Mainly Mozart’s Sommelier Series
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Mainly Mozart Uncorks Sommelier Series
Prepare for an unforgettable evening as Mainly Mozart’s “Sommelier Series: The Concertmasters” returns to showcase the exquisite magic of music and wine. This one-of-a-kind event...
Comedy Magician of the Year, The Magic of Eric Eaton
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Eric Eaton Brings Comedy and Magic to San Diego
  • Mic Drop Comedy
Enjoy an evening of jaw-dropping illusions and side-splitting comedy as The Magic of Eric Eaton comes to San Diego! Known for his unforgettable performances on...
Cow by Bear x InterContinental San Diego Weekend Package
A Culinary Adventure Awaits: Cow by Bear x InterContinental San Diego Weekend Package
Indulge in the ultimate getaway with the Cow by Bear + InterContinental San Diego Weekend Package, a collaboration that pairs unforgettable dining with the comforts...
Putting & Pilates with Club Pilates
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Start 2025 With Putting & Pilates at Lakehouse Resort
  • Lakehouse Hotel & Resort
Kick off the new year with Putting & Pilates with Club Pilates, part of the Wellness at the Lake series hosted by Lakehouse Resort in...
America’s Best Vegan-Friendly Restaurant
Civico 1845 is Officially America’s Best Vegan-Friendly Restaurant
San Diego’s Civico 1845 has been honored as America’s Best Vegan-Friendly Restaurant in the 2024 VegNews Restaurant Awards, a prestigious recognition celebrating its exceptional hospitality...
Tour de Tapas
Tour de Tapas Brings a Taste of Southern Europe to Downtown La Mesa
Downtown La Mesa has a delicious new addition—Tour de Tapas, a restaurant offering Euro small plates and sips inspired by the culinary traditions of Spain,...
Outstanding in the Field dinner
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Outstanding In The Field Dinner: A Farm-to-Table Feast in Valley Center
Prepare to savor an Outstanding In The Field Dinner, where the charm of Peads & Barnetts Farm sets the stage for a spectacular Farm-to-Table Feast....
Tea by the Sea
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Enjoy Tea by the Sea and Support St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center
  • The Marine Room
St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center (SMSC) invites you to the 12th annual Tea by the Sea, a heartwarming event that combines elegance, creativity, and community impact....
Upcoming Events
Uptown Rhythm Makers at Panama 66
Uptown Rhythm Makers Bring New Orleans Jazz to Panama 66
February 26, 2026
6:00 pm
  • Panama 66
If you’re looking for a reason to head to Balboa Park on a Thursday evening, the Uptown Rhythm Makers are playing Panama 66 and it’s...
City Heights Multi-Cultural Festival of Love
City Heights Multi-Cultural Festival of Love Brings the Community Together
February 22, 2026
11:00 am
There is something special about City Heights when the whole neighborhood shows up for each other. The 6th Annual City Heights Multi-Cultural Festival of Love...
James Hubbell's work
A Rare Look at James Hubbell’s Work Comes to Escondido for One Day Only
February 22, 2026
11:00 am
North County art lovers, this one is worth clearing the calendar for. The Ilan Lael Foundation is presenting a never-before-seen piece by the late James...
Friendly Feast Chocolate Bake Sale
Local Pastry Chefs Host Charity Chocolate Bake Sale at Herb & Wood
February 22, 2026
9:30 am
  • Herb and Wood
Some of San Diego’s most talented pastry chefs are coming together for a charity bake sale that’s all about chocolate and giving back. The Friendly...
Zzymzzy Quartet at Panama 66
Swing Into Saturday Night With the Zzymzzy Quartet at Panama 66
February 21, 2026
6:00 pm
  • Panama 66
Balboa Park has a way of making any evening feel a little more special, and a free night of live manouche swing on the patio...