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.
San Diego French Film Festival
San Diego French Film Festival Returns With Julie Delpy as Patron
Film lovers and Francophiles have plenty to look forward to as the San Diego French Film Festival returns, celebrating storytelling from across the French-speaking world....
La Jolla Symphony & Chorus Play-and-Sing-a-Thon
All done
La Jolla Symphony & Chorus is Hosting an All-Day Music Marathon – And it’s Free
  • Conrad Prebys Music Center
San Diego has no shortage of ways to spend a Sunday, but this one is a little different. The La Jolla Symphony & Chorus (LJS&C)...
Upcoming
Reset and Reconnect at the Ikigai Wellness Retreat at the Japanese Friendship Garden
  • Japanese Friendship Garden
If you’ve been craving a full reset that feels intentional, this one’s worth clearing your calendar for. The Ikigai Wellness Retreat is coming to the...
La Jolla Historical Society Growing Together Series
All done
Art, Murals, and Good Vibes – La Jolla’s Growing Together Series is Back
  • La Jolla Historical Society
The La Jolla Historical Society (LJHS) is keeping the momentum going with the second installment of its Growing Together series. This is a free, six-event...
Best bars san diego
The Best Bars in San Diego Right Now (2026 Guide)
San Diego has always had a reputation as a party town. That reputation undersells it. Yes, the Gaslamp does its thing on a Saturday night....
Downtown El Cajon -Cajon Cruise
Cajon Cruise is Back: Main Street El Cajon Every Wednesday This Summer
If your Wednesday nights could use a little more chrome and a lot more community, Downtown El Cajon has you covered. Cajon Cruise – formerly...
A Day at the Park San Diego Bay waterfront
All done
A Free Multicultural Celebration is Coming to Barrio Logan Bayfront
  • Barrio Logan
Spring in San Diego means one thing: it’s time to get outside and connect with the community. A Day at the Park is a free...
San Diego Mountain Biking Association Riders at Los Penasquitos Gardens
All done
Saddle Up for the SDMBA Archipelago Ride – San Diego’s Biggest MTB Event is Back
Spring in San Diego means one thing for the mountain biking community: the Archipelago Ride is on. SDMBA’s signature fundraising event returns, bringing riders of...
12 Must Try San Diego Hole-in-the-Wall Bars 
Getting dressed up and hitting the hot spots can be fun, but sometimes you crave one of those perfect hole-in-the-wall bars that will happily accept...
Climate Dance Party Event Poster
Birch Aquarium Throws a Climate Dance Party for Earth Month
  • Birch Aquarium at Scripps
If you’ve ever felt climate overwhelm creeping in, Birch Aquarium has a different idea. Instead of doom scrolling, they’re inviting us to hit the dance...
new restaurants San Diego 2026
New Restaurants Opening in San Diego in 2026
San Diego is having a year. 2026 is tracking toward 80+ restaurant and bar openings across the county – from nationally recognized names planting flags...
The Stage at Viva La Música
Viva La Música Returns to SeaWorld San Diego With Concerts, Tacos, and Latin Flavor
SeaWorld San Diego is turning up the volume this spring as Viva La Música returns with live concerts, cultural performances, and seriously good food. The...
Spring at Bear Big Bear Lake
5 Reasons to Escape to Big Bear for the Ultimate Spring Reset
If you’re craving a mountain escape without the winter crowds, spring in Big Bear delivers. With milder temperatures, fresh alpine air, and a full lineup...
Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast
All done
San Diego County Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast Returns to Mission Valley
  • Town and Country San Diego
Each year, one of San Diego’s most meaningful community gatherings brings together leaders, advocates, and allies to honor the legacy of Harvey Milk. The San...
Chef Eric Sakai New Executive Chef of Lodge at Torrey Pines
The Lodge at Torrey Pines Gets a Fresh Culinary Chapter With Executive Chef Eric Sakai
Few spots in San Diego carry the kind of culinary prestige that The Lodge at Torrey Pines has built over the years. So when a...
To Catch A Fish at Mingei International Museum Exhibition
Showing
Mingei International Museum Explores Our Connection to the Ocean in To Catch a Fish
  • Mingei International Museum
Living in San Diego, the ocean is part of our everyday rhythm. From early morning surf checks to sunset walks along the coast, water shapes...
Growing Green Spaces 2026 Grant Program
San Diego Foundation Launches Grants for Urban Trees and Gardens
San Diego Foundation is stepping up for Earth Month with a new grant program. It’s aimed at bringing more greenery to the neighborhoods across our...
Out at The Park Event by Padres and San Diego Pride
All done
Out at the Park is Back: Celebrate Pride Night at Petco Park
  • PETCO Park
The Padres and San Diego Pride are teaming up again for one of the most fun nights of the baseball season. Out at the Park...
7 Whiskey Bars in San Diego Every Whiskey Lover Must Try
“Too much of anything is bad, but too much good whiskey is barely enough.” – Mark Twain “Ninety percent I’ll spend on good times, women,...
San Diego wineries
13 Must-Try San Diego Wineries (Who Needs Napa?!)
With all the excitement surrounding craft breweries in San Diego, and our more famous vine-growing neighbors to the North and South, San Diego wineries rarely...
Pavilion Hotel in Catalina Island
Pavilion Hotel Reopens in Avalon After Thoughtful Renovation
If you’ve been looking for an excuse to plan a Catalina Island escape, this might be it. The Pavilion Hotel in Avalon has officially reopened...
Oceanside Frontwave Arena
Sun’s Out, Fun’s Out – Frontwave Arena is Loaded With Things to Do This Spring and Summer
Oceanside’s Frontwave Arena is shaping up to be one of the county’s most exciting destinations this spring and summer. From live boxing and indoor football...
Kurinuki Cup at Art After Hours Ceramic Workshop
All done
Get Your Hands in Clay at Art After Hours at Granger Hotel
If your ideal night out includes something creative, a little meditative, and maybe a matcha in hand, this one’s for you. A new series called...
La Jolla Music Society's SummerFest Annual Chamber Festival
La Jolla Music Society’s SummerFest Turns 40 – And it’s Going to Be a Summer to Remember
La Jolla Music Society (LJMS) is celebrating the 40th anniversary of SummerFest, its annual chamber music festival. Running at The Conrad in La Jolla, this...
Upcoming Events
Verbatim Books in the Park Til Dark
Verbatim Books is Taking Reading Outside – and it’s Free
May 21, 2026
5:30 pm
One of North Park’s favorite community traditions is back for its third year, and it’s exactly the kind of evening San Diego was made for....
volcan de mi tierra tequilla
What Does “Craft Tequila” Actually Mean? San Diego is About to Find Out
May 17, 2026
1:00 pm
San Diego gets a front-row seat to one of the more interesting conversations happening in the spirits world right now – and yes, there’s tequila...
Escondido Street Festival
Downtown Escondido Comes Alive for its Annual Spring Street Festival
May 17, 2026
10:00 am
  • Grand Avenue
The Escondido Street Festival has been a north San Diego County tradition for nearly 30 years, and this spring it’s back on Historic Grand Avenue...
Encinitas Public Art Walking Tours
Explore Encinitas’ Public Art Scene on Foot: Free Walking Tours Debut at Cyclovia
May 17, 2026
10:00 am
  • Downtown Encinitas
Encinitas has always had art woven into its streets and sidewalks – murals, mosaics, sculptures, and surf-inspired installations that most people walk past without knowing...
Runners and walkers at the 39th Navy Bay Bridge Run/Walk in San Diego
The Most Scenic Race in Southern California Runs Over the Coronado Bridge
May 17, 2026
8:00 am
  • 1 Park Blvd
There aren’t many races in Southern California where the course itself is the main attraction. The 39th Navy Bay Bridge Run/Walk is one of them....