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.
Love Has No Borders: A Border Angels Documentary
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Border Angels Documentary Sets the Stage for an Evening of Moving Art
“Love Has No Borders,” Border Angels’ first-ever documentary, is about to take us on an incredible journey of hope and humanity. This powerful 20-minute film...
Wild San Diego
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Wild Side of San Diego Hits the Big Screen at The Nat
  • San Diego Natural History Museum
The Nat’s latest documentary, Wild San Diego, is about to show us our city’s untamed heart like we’ve never seen it before. This stunning nature...
most iconic divas jazz concert at Jacobs Music Center
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A Night of Jazz Royalty Hits the Jacobs Music Center
  • Jacobs Music Center
Three of the most iconic divas in jazz history—Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, and Sarah Vaughan—are getting a spectacular tribute at the first jazz concert in...
Jingle Jets Holiday Lighting Celebration
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USS Midway’s Holiday Light Spectacular Returns
  • USS Midway Museum
The USS Midway Museum’s Jingle Jets Holiday Lighting Celebration returns for its second magical year! With 750,000 twinkling lights stretching from bow to stern, this...
Communion rooftop restaurant opening
A Heavenly New Rooftop Haven Lands in Mission Hills
The buzz around Mission Hills’ newest rooftop restaurant has been building for months, and now Communion rooftop restaurant is finally opening its doors. Perched high...
beachfront ice rink
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Get Ready to Glide at The Del’s Winter Paradise!
  • Hotel Del Coronado
Skating by the Sea at The Del is back, and it’s serving up pure winter magic with an epic SoCal twist. Picture gliding across their...
thanksgiving tips from san diego's top chefs
Two of San Diego’s Top Chefs Share Tips to Make Your Thanksgiving a Success
Move over, traditional turkey! We’re diving into some game-changing Thanksgiving tips from two of San Diego’s top chefs who are about to revolutionize your holiday...
80s neon-themed party at coin-op game room north park
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Game On at Coin-Op’s Totally Rad 11th Birthday Bash!
Who’s ready for the ultimate throwback party? Coin-Op Game Room North Park is cranking up the nostalgia with an incredible 80s neon-themed party for their...
brunch by Chef Cesarina
Chef Cesarina Brings Dreamy Brunch to Elvira
Chef Cesarina’s wildly popular brunch is expanding its magic to her second location, bringing her Italian kitchen wizardry to Elvira and transforming weekend mornings into...
The Conrad December lineup
Holiday Magic Hits The Conrad With Three December Shows You Can’t Miss
Get ready to deck the halls at The Conrad this December! As part of an exciting array of holiday events in San Diego, The Conrad...
San Diego Nightclubs
Your December Party Guide to Oxford Social Club
Among San Diego nightclubs, Oxford Social Club is about to light up the holiday season like never before—their December parties are serving pure fire! Star-Studded...
sweatshirts on sale
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Score Sweet Holiday Deals While Supporting Cardiff’s Local Gems
When Cardiff 101 Main Street invites us to shop local in Cardiff this holiday season, they’re celebrating something truly special—the vibrant independent businesses that make...
South Bay's most vibrant neighborhood
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Downtown Chula Vista Lights Up the Season
The Downtown Chula Vista Tree Lighting is ready to illuminate South Bay’s most vibrant neighborhood. The festivities begin with a dazzling ceremony at Memorial Park,...
premier destination in San Diego
Encinitas Named One of America’s Chillest Cities (And We’re Not Surprised!)
Looking for one of America’s most Zen cities? Encinitas just claimed the #10 spot, making it San Diego‘s premier destination for good vibes and peaceful...
tidepool adventures
Make a Splash With Birch Aquarium’s King Tide Adventures
King Tides with Birch Aquarium are making waves as one of San Diego‘s most fascinating outdoor adventures. These aren’t your average tides—we’re talking about the...
Fairmont Grand Del Mar Brings You A Holiday Season To Remember
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Holiday Magic Comes to Life at Fairmont Grand Del Mar
  • Fairmont Grand Del Mar
The Fairmont Grand Del Mar holiday season is joining the line up of San Diego’s holiday festivities, and they’re not playing around! This coastal paradise...
San Diego Fishermen's Working Group
Local Fishermen Cast a Wider Net of Support for San Diego Families
San Diego’s local fishing community, through the San Diego Fishermen’s Working Group, is making waves with an amazing new partnership with the Jacobs & Cushman...
Sensory Cocktail Experience San Diego
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There’s a New Sensory Cocktail Experience Coming to San Diego
Get ready to embark on a mind-bending mixology adventure! San Diego’s about to get a whole lot more intoxicating with the Sensory Cocktail Experience hitting...
JLSD Holiday Pop-up Market
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‘Tis the Season to Shop and Give Back
The JLSD Holiday Pop-up Market is about to transform downtown San Diego into a festive wonderland where unique holiday gifts meet community impact. This Saturday,...
J. Brix Wines North City
Natural Wine Magic Hits North City
San Diego’s wine scene just hit the jackpot with J Brix Wines North City, San Marcos. This isn’t just another tasting room—it’s the new home...
authentic Italian cuisine restaurant
Oceanside Just Got a Taste of La Dolce Vita
Amalfi Cucina Italiana just dropped the best kind of surprise on North County—a slice of authentic Italian cuisine that’s already turning heads in Oceanside. The...
Oceanside Transit Center mural
Wave Hello to Oceanside’s Newest Artistic Splash
The Oceanside Transit Center just got a major glow-up thanks to Art that Excites program, MainStreet Oceanside’s public art initiative. San Diego artist Jonny Pucci...
Kids & Coffee
North County’s Most Exciting Indoor Playground Has Arrived!
Kids & Coffee opened its magical doors in Carlsbad, introducing an indoor playground that’s redefining family fun! This incredible 11,500-square-foot wonderland is transforming an office...
AKA in Gaslamp Quarter
AKA Makes Dazzling Debut in the Gaslamp Quarter
AKA in Gaslamp Quarter, which just made its debut in the space that was the former home of Lavo, is setting out to revolutionize Asian-inspired...
Upcoming Events
Cupid's Skate Party petco park
Cupid’s Skate Party Transforms Petco Park’s Gallagher Square Into a Valentine’s Roller Rink
February 12, 2026
2:00 pm
  • PETCO Park
Petco Park is turning Gallagher Square into an outdoor roller skating rink for Valentine’s weekend, and it’s the kind of setup that works whether you’re...
La Jolla Playhouse The Recipe
La Jolla Playhouse Serves Up Julia Child’s Origin Story in The Recipe
February 10, 2026
7:30 pm
Before Julia Child became the culinary icon we all recognize, she was bouncing between cities, careers, and continents – from Pasadena to New York, Washington...
Grown-Up Carnival Liberty Station
Grown-Up Carnival Takes Over Liberty Station for Junior League Fundraiser
February 7, 2026
12:00 pm
  • Stone Brewery Liberty Station
The Junior League of San Diego is throwing Winter Wins: Carnival & Live Auction at Stone Brewing Liberty Station, and if you’ve ever wanted to...
For the Love of Chocolate Festival Returns for a Day of Refined Indulgence
February 7, 2026
11:00 am
The For the Love of Chocolate Festival is back, and it’s the kind of elevated tasting experience that gives you an excuse to eat chocolate...
Equitable Schools Fund pickleball event
Pickleball Tournament Raises Funds to Fight Education Inequities in San Diego
February 7, 2026
9:00 am
The Equitable Schools Fund is hosting a community pickleball event in Carlsbad to address something the San Diego Union-Tribune has been shining a light on:...