The Craving: What’s New in San Diego’s Food & Cocktail Scene

Crack Shack x Marigold Bagels = Weekend Breakfast Goals

The Crack Shack is teaming up with Marigold Bagels for a weekend breakfast collab that’s got “San Diego favorite” written all over it. They’re dropping a limited-edition bagel sandwich exclusively at their Little Italy and Encinitas locations—but it’s only available on Saturdays and Sundays until it sells out (which happened fast last weekend, so get there early!).

For $13.50, you’ll get a Sesame Marigold bagel stacked with a green garlic chili oil-fried egg, avocado, cilantro, and limey kewpie mayo. It’s the kind of flavor mashup that could only come from two local spots that really know their way around a kitchen—and it’s only sticking around through the end of May, so don’t sleep on it.

📆 Saturdays & Sundays through May | 10 AM until sold out
ℹ️ More info here

Check Out the Fresh Sips at Cloak & Petal

If you haven’t swung by Cloak & Petal in a while, now’s the time. The Little Italy hotspot—known for its Tokyo-meets-Harajuku street style and those iconic cherry blossom trees—is shaking things up with twelve new cocktails that bring some serious creativity to the menu.

The new lineup plays with bold Japanese flavors, playful presentation, and unexpected twists—like A5 fat-washed whiskey in the A5 Royale Reserve, or kiwi and elderflower in the Kiwi Fu. Longtime favorites like Tea Ceremony, Shiso Peachy, and Wake Me Up, F Me Up* are also back with refreshed ingredient combos.

Whether you’re posted up at the bar or tucked into a booth under the blooms, this is the kind of place that makes grabbing a drink feel like a full-on experience.

📍 1953 India St, Little Italy
🎟️ Reserve here

After Dark at Camino: Mezcal, Music & Jungle Vibes

When the sun dips, Camino turns up. Their After Dark series is back with DJs, mezcal cocktails, and late-night eats—all set in their lush, Yucatán-inspired space. Every weekend, the vibe is high and the sound is global.

Here’s the lineup:

• Thursday – YONAHORIZON
  Laid-back beats and dreamy soundscapes to ease into the weekend
• Friday – Memo Rex
  A crowd favorite bringing warm, electronic grooves
• Saturday – MCFLY
  All the way from CDMX—Latin rhythms meet deep house

📅 May 15 – 17 | 9 PM – 1:30 AM
📍2400 India St, San Diego
🎟️ RSVP: May 15, May 16, May 17

Perks for Wonderfront Fans at Lionfish

Heading to Wonderfront this weekend? Make a pit stop at Lionfish Modern Coastal Cuisine inside the Pendry before or after the festival and treat yourself to a little bonus. Just flash your Wonderfront ticket and you’ll score a complimentary cocktail—no strings attached.

It’s the perfect way to kick off your day or wind things down in style, right in the heart of the Gaslamp.

📆 Friday, May 16–Sunday, May 18
📍 435 Fifth Ave, San Diego

Mavericks Launches a New Brunch

Brunch in PB just leveled up—Mavericks Beach Club has rolled out a brand new weekend brunch menu, and it’s bringing serious flavor.

The lineup includes sweet showstoppers like the giant Monster Cinnamon Bun and Pebbles French Toast, plus savory hits like Chicken & Biscuits and Lox Avo Toast. There’s even brunch tacos and a veggie wrap for the plant-based crowd.

Wash it all down with $25 bottomless mimosas and a DIY mimosa cart, or get adventurous with a Morning Marg or spicy Michelada.

📆 Saturdays & Sundays, 10 AM–1 PM
📍 860 Garnet Ave, San Diego

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The Dance Floor is Calling at Vin de Syrah

Step underground and escape into the music at Vin de Syrah. This weekend’s DJ lineup brings global sounds, deep grooves, and an extra dose of mystery.

🪩 Thursday – Global Therapy
Start your weekend early with high-vibe energy and unique sounds

🪩 Friday – Bodega
Bodega Fridays bring talent from all over that keep the dance floor full

🪩 Saturday – Music is 4 Lovers: Special Guest DJ
We’re keeping this one under wraps, but trust us—Saturday’s guest is big

Click here to get on the RSVP list.

Whiskey Cocktails & Good Times at The Smoking Gun

The Smoking Gun is serving up two limited-time cocktails worth raising a glass to on World Whiskey Day. Try the You Butter Believe It ($14.08)—a rich mix of brown butter washed rye, black walnut bitters, and orange zest—or go for something bright with the Mint To Be ($13.68), made with bourbon, peach, mint, bitters, and lemon.

While you’re sipping, stick around for a game of pool, snap a few shots in the photobooth, or hit the arcade.

📆 Saturday, May 17
📍 555 Market St, San Diego

Jitters Coffee Pub Gets a Fresh New Groove

After nearly 30 years as Oceanside’s go-to coffee hang, Jitters Coffee Pub is getting a refresh—thanks to Grammy-winner Jason Mraz and chef Felix Alcaide of One Kitchen Collaborative.

The updated space features a plant-forward menu with falafel burgers, seasonal toasts, and locally roasted coffee, plus a new energy that blends creativity, community, and culture.

Expect Taco Tuesdays, DJ sets, comedy nights, and workshops, all leading up to a Summer Bash grand opening celebration. It’s still the Jitters locals love—just with more ways to hang, connect, and vibe.

📆 Grand Opening: July 12
📍 510 N. Coast Hwy, Oceanside
ℹ️ More info here

Waite & Sea: A Sushi Experience That Hits Different

Chef Davin Waite and Jessica Waite are bringing something special to Monday and Tuesday nights in Oceanside with Waite & Sea—an intimate, 12+ course sushi tasting tucked inside the original Wrench & Rodent.

With just 16 seats per night, it’s personal, experimental, and full-send on flavor. Expect a wild ride through bold textures, unexpected pairings, and Davin’s signature sustainability-driven approach.

It’s not your typical omakase—it’s a creative deep dive, and every course tells a story. Add the optional wine pairing if you’re feeling extra.

📆 Mondays & Tuesdays, May 12–June 24
📍 1815 S Coast Hwy, Oceanside
🎟️ $175 per guest | Wine pairing: $50 | Reserve here
ℹ️ More info here

Late Night Bites Are On at Hasta Mañana Cantina

Gaslamp nights just got tastier—Hasta Mañana Cantina is now serving up a Late Night Menu for those post-game/post-bar cravings. Sitting right at the corner of Fifth and K (yep, steps from Petco Park and the Convention Center), this lively spot is keeping the kitchen open from 9PM ‘til close every night.

The lineup? $12 half nachos, $14 half carne asada fries, $7 ceviche tostadas, and $8 chips + salsa trios—aka perfect pairings for whatever tequila, mezcal, margarita, or draft beer you’re winding down with.

📆 Daily, 9 PM–close
📍 310 Fifth Ave, San Diego
🎟️ Book a table here

Sip for a Cause at Coco Maya

Happy hour just got a little more pawsitive. Coco Maya in Little Italy is teaming up with Junipero Gin to support The Animal Pad—and you can help just by ordering a cocktail.

The For a Good Paws is a refreshing $14 sipper made with smoked rosemary Junipero gin, fresh lemon, and handmade basil simple syrup. Even better? $2 from every drink sold goes straight to The Animal Pad, a local nonprofit rescuing dogs from high-risk situations and helping them find forever homes.

Grab a drink, help a pup—easy win.

📆 Monday, May 19–Sunday, May 25
📍1660 India St, San Diego

Thursday Night Supper & Jazz at Lou Lou’s Jungle Room

Start the weekend off a little early on select Thursday nights as Lou Lou’s Jungle Room transforms into a Supper Club, bringing back the nostalgic pastime of dinner and a show.

Since opening over a year ago, Lou Lou’s Jungle Room at The Lafayette Hotel & Club has welcomed tremendous talent, including entertainers like John Waters, Jon Foreman, Ty Segall, Paco Versailles, and more.

Chef José Cepeda, known for his creations at the Oaxacan-inspired Quixote, has taken over the Supper Club menu to ensure your dinner matches the talent on stage.

The menu changes often, and includes Cepeda’s take on classics with a modern twist by drawing inspiration from different cuisines and techniques. Supper Club offers a four-course prix fixe menu, and you can choose a meat, fish, or vegetarian experience. And don’t forget to save room for the legendary cocktails!

Upcoming Supper Club dates feature the incredible local talent Gilbert Castellanos:

• Gilbert Castellanos & The New Latin Jazz Sextet on May 22 at 7 PM
• Gilbert Castellanos & The New Latin Jazz Sextet on June 5th at 7 PM
• Gilbert Castellanos & The New Latin Jazz Sextet on June 19th at 7 PM
• Gilbert Castellanos & The New Latin Jazz Sextet on July 10th at 7 PM
• Gilbert Castellanos & The New Latin Jazz Sextet on July 25 at 7 PM

Take a trip for the night to a 1920s Jazz Club with its original cast clamshell stage, intricate pattern tapestries, and mood lighting. Supper Club Thursdays are a one-of-a-kind experience in San Diego! 

Mister A’s Turns 60—And It’s Going Big

Mister A’s is celebrating 60 years of iconic skyline dining, and they’ve got a stacked lineup to mark the milestone. From a rooftop sign-lighting and golf invitational to a June tribute to beloved maître d’ Jerry Capozzelli, the main event is a three-night Vintage Dinner Series with throwback dishes at 1965 prices.

Still perched high above Bankers Hill, Mister A’s continues to blend timeless views, elegant dining, and serious culinary cred—proof that classics never go out of style.

📍 2550 Fifth Ave, 12th Floor, San Diego
📆 May 8–26
🎟️ Make your reservations here
ℹ️ More info here

Taste of East Village Returns for Its 3rd (and Tastiest) Year

This year, the Taste of East Village is stretching to two evenings of foodie fun—giving you even more time to eat, sip, and explore the neighborhood.

The self-guided tasting tour lets you roam East Village, sampling bites and drinks from 30+ local restaurants, bars, and breweries.

You’ll pick up a Taste Passport at check-in, then stroll your way through everything from street tacos and house-made pasta to creative cocktails and sweet treats. Stops include favorites like Tom’s Watch Bar, Monzu Fresh Pasta, Storyhouse Spirits, Knotty Barrel, and more.

📆 May 21–22, 4 PM–8 PM
📍 East Village, San Diego
🎟️ $45 + small service fee | Get your tickets here
ℹ️ More info here

Rooftop Vibes & Golden Hour Grooves at Borrego

Borrego Rooftop Kitchen + Cocktails is turning up the volume on your summer Fridays with the launch of Sunset Sessions—a weekly rooftop music series starting Memorial Day weekend.

The series features two DJ sets, plus a complimentary sunset toast for the 21+ crowd. Expect signature sips like the Brushfire (mezcal, palo santo agave, grapefruit) and rooftop bites like ceviche and loaded asada fries, all with skyline and sunset views from the 9th floor of Hotel Indigo.

📆 Fridays starting May 24, 5 PM–9 PM
📍 509 9th Ave, San Diego

barleymash & ginger’s Turn 13 With a Teenage Dream Bash

Downtown icons barleymash and ginger’s are turning 13, and they’re throwing a Teenage Dream-themed birthday party to celebrate—with all the emo energy your middle school heart could want. We’re talking live music, emo karaoke, and a “Middle School Formal” dress code (yes, eyeliner encouraged).

Since 2012, Executive Chef Kevin Templeton has helped shape Gaslamp dining with standout dishes like Poke Nachos, Iron Fries, and the Bourbon BBQ Burger—so you know the bites will be on point, too.

📆 Tuesday, May 27, 9 PM
📍 600 Fifth Ave, San Diego

Jan’s Health Bar Makes Its San Diego Debut at One Paseo

San Diego’s getting a taste of an OC staple—Jan’s Health Bar is officially opening its first local location this June at One Paseo in Del Mar. After more than 50 years of serving up fresh, no-fuss, flavor-packed food in Orange County, this marks the brand’s first expansion outside its home base.

Set on the west corner of the One Paseo center, Jan’s new 1,500-square-foot space is just steps from the apartments and offices, making it a go-to for locals looking for health-forward eats on the fly.

Expect all the signature classics—like the Peanut Butter Banana Date Smoothie and Tuna Salad Sandwich—along with newer favorites like the Chunky Monkey Smoothie and Spring Rolls.

From nourishing wraps to superfood smoothies, Jan’s keeps it real with whole ingredients and zero fad diet energy. This is health food, SoCal-style.

📆 Opening June 2025
📍 3725 Paseo Place, Suite 1440, Del Mar

Baja Vibes, All Night Long

Spice up your Friday plans with Baja Night—a laid-back, coastal-inspired evening filled with vibrant flavors, cool drinks, and music that’ll get you moving. Think fresh Baja-style bites, ice-cold margaritas, and a soundtrack blending Latin rhythm with beachy beats.

Whether you’re dancing under the stars or just vibing with friends, it’s the kind of night that feels like a mini getaway—no passport needed.

📆 Fridays: May 30, July 18, August 15 | 5 PM–10 PM
📍 5300 Grand Del Mar Court, San Diego
🎟️ Book here

Throw It Back: 90s Mix Tape Night Is On

Break out the flannel and channel your inner 90s icon—Mix Tape Night is bringing all the nostalgic feels. From grunge and R&B to bubblegum pop, it’s a full-on rewind to the days of boy bands, mixtapes, and dance breaks in your bedroom.

Expect a live performance packed with the decade’s biggest hits, and don’t be shy about going full retro with your outfit—yes, that means overalls, chokers, and bucket hats are totally encouraged.

📆 Saturdays: May 31, June 28, July 19, August 16 | 5 PM–10 PM
📍 5300 Grand Del Mar Court, San Diego
🎟️ Book here

Baja Meets the Med: A One-Night-Only Collab at Beeside Balcony

Beeside Balcony in La Jolla is hosting a special one-night collaboration that brings together two chefs from very different worlds—Chef Christophe Cevasco (Beeside Balcony) and Chef Antonio Quindere (Valle Omakase and Japas)—for a seven-course tasting menu that bridges Baja and the Mediterranean.

It all started with a trip south of the border, where Cevasco discovered Quindere’s innovative take on Japanese cuisine at Valle Omakase.

The two chefs hit it off, and what came next is a cross-border culinary mashup that celebrates their shared roots in San Diego, blending Cevasco’s coastal Mediterranean style with Quindere’s globe-trotting flavors.

The night’s menu will unfold one course at a time—no spoilers—so come ready to trust the vision. Expect globally-inspired drink pairings, live music, and a dining room full of fellow food lovers who want more than just dinner—they want an experience.

📆 Thursday, June 5, 7 PM–10 PM
📍 1025 Prospect St STE 250, La Jolla
🎟️ Make your reservations here

📆 June 17 & 18 | 4 PM–8 PM
📍 Little Italy, San Diego
🎟️ Get your tickets here

Don’t miss your chance to taste the best of Little Italy!

White Sea Bass Dinner + Ocean Film Night at Vistal

Vistal at the InterContinental San Diego is hosting a special four-course White Sea Bass Dinner—perfectly timed with peak sea bass season in SoCal. The evening includes a 10-minute exclusive cut of Ghosts of the Pacific, an award-winning documentary by ocean filmmaker Mike Raabe, plus a live demo and Q&A.

While you sip and learn, enjoy tray-passed apps followed by a standout menu from Chef Fabian Aceves: White Sea Bass Crudo, Bincho-Grilled Sea Bass with squid risotto and uni, and Sourdough-Crusted Sea Bass with Ridgeback shrimp and rock crab. Dessert is a Tamai Farms Strawberry Pavlova.

At $95 per person, it’s a thoughtfully curated dinner-meets-documentary experience that celebrates sustainable seafood—something Vistal takes seriously.

📆 Friday, June 27, 6:15 PM
📍 901 Bayfront Ct Suite 1, San Diego
🎟️ Get your tickets here

The Blank Table – San Diego’s Exclusive Secret Dinner Series

The Blank Table isn’t just a dinner—it’s a curated underground dining adventure featuring a five-course prix fixe menu, expertly paired cocktails, and a secret location revealed just before the event.

Co-founded by Alexandria Ott and produced by Chrome City Creative Studio, each dinner brings together top chefs, stunning event production, and a commitment to sustainability.

Upcoming Dinners:
📆 July 24 – Bold flavors by Two Ducks
📆 Sept 25 – Seasonal creations from Doug Settle (Hearth & Harvest)
📆 Nov 6 – A mystery guest chef

Each ticket includes four cocktail pairings. Plus, a portion of the proceeds benefits Feeding San Diego.

🎟️ Reserve your seat or secure a 2025 Season Pass here for the full experience!

Liberty Public Market Launches Summer Cocktail Series

Liberty Public Market’s Summer Cocktail Series is back at the newly renovated Mess Hall Bar. Each handcrafted drink is inspired by flavors from your favorite Market vendors, with new cocktails rolling out monthly.

May 23–June 30:

• Mama Made Thai: Mama’s Magic Medicine | Rum, Basil, Lime, Coconut Simple, Soda
• Wicked Maine Lobster: Maine Squeeze | Scotch, Lemon, Maple Simple, Ginger Beer
• Ono Grinds: On Island Time | Coconut Rum, Macadamia Nut Liquor, Pineapple Cut Water, Coconut Simple, Lime

July 1–31:

• Liberty Wing Co: The Wingman | Gold Rum, Pimento Dram, Orgeat, Mango, Lime, Dark Rum Float
• Pure: Berries & Cream | Gin, Strawberry Simple, Whipped Cream, Lime, Absinthe
• Latin Chef: Cusco Cooler | Pisco, Lime, Simple Syrup

August 1–September 1:

• The Candy Passport: A Sweet Treat | Coconut Rum, Banana Liquor, Raspberry Simple, Lime, Absinthe
• Slurp: Made to Slurp | Vodka, Yuzu, Simple Syrup, Rhubarb
• Parana Empanadas: Buenos Aires Buzz | Fernet, Coke

It’s a fun way to taste your way through Liberty Public Market all summer long!

📍 2820 Historic Decatur Rd, San Diego

Dora Set to Open in La Jolla This Fall

​Dora, the much-anticipated coastal Italian restaurant from Chef Accursio Lota and Corinne Goria, is set to open in La Jolla’s UC San Diego Theatre District.

This 120-seat spot will blend Sicilian flavors with Southern California ingredients, featuring house-made pasta, bread, and gelato, and fresh seafood. Designed by Bells + Whistles, the space offers 2,600 square feet of indoor dining and 1,400 square feet of outdoor patio seating.

In collaboration with the La Jolla Playhouse, Dora will provide pre-show prix-fixe menus and post-show cocktails, making it the perfect destination if you’re hitting the theater.

ℹ️ More info here