The Craving

The Craving: San Diego Food + Drink News – Week of October 12, 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.
Karl Strauss Brewing Company Downtown San Diego location
Karl Strauss Brewing Co. Reopens its Original Downtown San Diego Location
After a major remodel, Karl Strauss Brewing Company reopens its Downtown San Diego location, bringing a fresh new look to the space that started it...
The 8 Top Chinese Takeout Restaurants in San Diego
Sometimes, nothing hits the spot like some solid Chinese takeout – whether you’re craving crispy orange chicken, slurp-worthy noodles, or dumplings that disappear way too...
Union Hall Gallery’s Fine Art and Craft Sale
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Union Hall Gallery Hosts Fine Art & Craft Sale to Support LA Artists Affected by Wildfires
The San Diego Arts Community is coming together for a meaningful cause at Union Hall Gallery’s Fine Art and Craft Sale. This special fundraiser will...
three of today’s most exciting chefs
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Marisi x KOLI x Ixi’im: A One-Night-Only Culinary Collaboration
Marisi in La Jolla will host an unforgettable world-class culinary tasting, bringing together three of today’s most exciting chefs for a rare collaboration that blends...
Cardiff Farmer's Market anniversary
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Cardiff Farmer’s Market Turns Two!
Cardiff Farmer’s Market’s 2nd anniversary is here, and we’re all invited to celebrate! This weekly Certified Farmer’s Market will mark two years of supporting San...
Hawthorne Country Store Celebrates Chicktopia
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Chicktopia Returns: Hawthorne Country Store’s Annual Chick Day
  • Hawthorne Country Store
Spring is here, and that means it’s time for Chicktopia at Hawthorne Country Store! All three locations in Escondido, Fallbrook, and Santee will host a...
America’s Sweetest Run
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America’s Sweetest Run Returns
  • PETCO Park
Hot Chocolate Run San Diego, America’s Sweetest Run, is back, bringing an unforgettable mix of fitness and chocolate to Petco Park. Whether you’re up for...
state-of-the-art performance space
Cygnet Theatre Unveils its 21st Season at The Joan, a Stunning New Home in Liberty Station
A bold new chapter begins as Cygnet Theatre’s 21st Season launches in a state-of-the-art performance space at The Joan and Irwin Jacobs Performing Arts Center...
True Irish celebration
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Shake Your Clovers at the San Diego ShamROCK Music + Beer Festival
  • Gaslamp Quarter
The Annual ShamROCK St. Paddy’s Day Music + Beer Festival is back and ready to transform the Gaslamp Quarter into a sea of green! Enjoy...
contemporary painting
MCASD Unveils a Vibrant Spring 2025 Exhibition Lineup
The Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego (MCASD) 2025 Spring Programming is set to highlight the vibrancy and evolution of contemporary painting, featuring two standout...
False Idol new cocktail menu
False Idol Unveils a Bold New Cocktail Menu
False Idol’s new cocktail menu has arrived, bringing a fresh wave of inventive tiki creations to San Diego’s tiki temple. After more than a year...
Wilsey Asset Management event
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Rev Your Engines for the Shifting Gears Rally
The Shifting Gears Rally, presented by Wilsey Asset Management, brings together car enthusiasts for a scenic rally, poker run, and car show to benefit the...
Goitse at The Conrad
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Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day With Goitse at The Conrad
  • The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center
We’re in for an unforgettable St. Patrick’s Day celebration as Goitse, one of today’s most exciting Irish traditional bands, takes the stage at The Conrad...
Lion’s Share bar takeover
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The Lion’s Share Bar Takeover Brings a One-Night-Only Collaboration to Herb & Wood
  • Herb and Wood
Two of San Diego’s favorite culinary spots are coming together for a Lion’s Share bar takeover at Herb & Wood. This one-night-only event kicks off...
history, culture, and artistic expression
The San Diego Museum of Art Unveils an Exciting Winter-Spring Season
The San Diego Museum of Art’s (SDMA) new exhibitions are set to bring an inspiring mix of history, culture, and artistic expression to Balboa Park...
Wynston's Blue Ribbons
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Wynston’s Ice Cream Scores Big at the National Ice Cream Awards—Celebrate With Free Scoops!
  • Wynston’s Ice Cream Co.
Wynston’s Blue Ribbons just made San Diego proud! At this year’s National Ice Cream Association Awards, Wynston’s took home 1st place (Blue Ribbon honors!) for...
Wicked-themed afternoon tea experience
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A Wicked-Themed Afternoon Tea Experience Returns to The Westgate Hotel
  • Westgate Hotel
Step into the enchanting world of Oz as The Westgate Hotel transforms its Grand Lobby into an immersive Wicked-themed afternoon tea experience in honor of...
Inaugural Match Watch Party
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San Diego FC’s Inaugural Match Watch Party
  • Mavericks Beach Club
San Diego, the wait is over! San Diego FC’s first-ever match is here, and we’re celebrating with an epic Inaugural Match Watch Party at Mavericks...
Strauss Salome
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Strauss’s Salome Brings Scandal and Seduction to San Diego
  • San Diego Civic Theatre
Prepare for an evening of passion, power, and provocation as Strauss’s Salome takes center stage. Inspired by Oscar Wilde’s scandalous play, this gripping opera tells...
Mainly Mozart Culinary Concerto
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Mainly Mozart’s 2nd Annual Culinary Concerto: A Night of Food, Wine & Music
Mainly Mozart is bringing back its Culinary Concerto, a one-of-a-kind evening where 25 award-winning chefs and 25 world-class winemakers come together for an unforgettable four-course...
Matt Devine: Walk with Me
Matt Devine Brings an Immersive Sculpture Exhibition to OMA
Matt Devine: Walk with Me, an immersive sculpture exhibition, is set to debut at Oceanside Museum of Art from March 1 to July 6, 2025....
OCEANS AT NIGHT: OCEANS OF LOVE
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Oceans of Love at Birch Aquarium
  • Birch Aquarium at Scripps
Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego is adding a splash of romance to its popular after-dark series with Oceans at...
Coffee & Beer at AleSmith Brewing Company
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Coffee & Beer at AleSmith Brewing Company
  • AleSmith Brewing Company
Coffee lovers and craft beer enthusiasts, get ready! Coffee & Beer at AleSmith Brewing Company is back for its second year, bringing together the best...
Broadway San Diego WICKED
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Wicked Casts its Spell on San Diego
  • Civic Theater
Broadway San Diego presents Wicked, the spellbinding musical that reimagines the story of Oz from a whole new perspective. Before Dorothy ever arrived, there was...
Upcoming Events
Lisa Amador of Amador matchmaking With Clients
The Art of Attraction: An Evening With Matchmaker Lisa Amador Comes to La Jolla
April 30, 2026
6:30 pm
If modern dating has left you feeling frustrated, burned out, or just plain confused, this one’s worth showing up for. Amador Matchmaking is partnering with...
James Beard Award-winning chefs Rancho Bernardo Inn
54 Hours of James Beard Magic – Rancho Bernardo Inn’s Epic Culinary Weekend is Back
April 30, 2026
6:00 pm
North County San Diego is about to have a seriously delicious few days. Rancho Bernardo Inn is bringing back its celebrated culinary festival, now reimagined...
Vanguard Culture Art Garden
ART GARDEN Brings Art, Storytelling, and Community Care to UCSD Park & Market
April 30, 2026
6:00 pm
Vanguard Culture and the UC San Diego Craft Center are coming together for ART GARDEN: A Communal Offering of Art, Storytelling, Dance & Community Care...
Culinary Dropout Del Mar Birthday Bash
Culinary Dropout Del Mar is Throwing a Birthday Bash and the Whole Community is Invited
April 30, 2026
3:00 pm
One year in, and Culinary Dropout Del Mar has well and truly made its mark on the neighborhood. To celebrate, the restaurant is throwing a...
Starlight Swing Fundraiser
Swing Into Nostalgia at “A Starlight Swing” Fundraiser in Balboa Park
April 26, 2026
3:00 pm
  • Balboa Park Club
Step back in time and spend a joyful afternoon filled with music, dancing, and community at A Starlight Swing, a special fundraiser supporting the restoration...