The Craving: San Diego Food + Drink News – Week of September 28, 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.
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...
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...
Embodied Pacific exhibition at Birch Aquarium
Birch Makes Waves With Ocean Unseen
Birch Aquarium is gearing up to unveil “Embodied Pacific: Ocean Unseen,” a mind-bending exhibition that’ll have us seeing the ocean in a whole new light....
Silver Screen Soirée
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Hollywood Glamour Meets Halloween Chills at Estancia
  • Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa
Estancia La Jolla is throwing a Halloween bash that’s equal parts glitz and goosebumps. The Silver Screen Soirée promises to transform the venue into a...
Little Italy Tours & Experiences
Little Italy Serves Up a Slice of Local Love
Little Italy’s dishing out a fresh way to explore its charming streets. Starting October 1, So Diego‘s bringing their 15 years of San Diego know-how...
Jimmy’s Famous brunch menu
Jimmy’s Famous American Tavern Launches Mouthwatering Brunch Menu
Jimmy’s Famous American Tavern is rolling out a new brunch menu that’s bound to become your weekend favorite. Picture yourself savoring delicious bites while taking...
Upcoming Events
Night of Ideas 2026
An Evening of Film, Conversation, and Real-World Impact at Alliance Française San Diego
February 26, 2026
6:00 pm
Alliance Française San Diego is hosting a free evening of film and dialogue as part of the international Night of Ideas 2026, and it’s worth...
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...