Quick Bite Restaurants

Nestled just one block south of University Avenue in Hillcrest is Crest Café, a haven of fresh and organic American cuisine with a southwestern twist. While it may seem like a surfside diner plucked from the past, the food here is far superior to most cafes or diners you’re liable to find. Along with the food, the bright and fun décor and extremely friendly servers have given the restaurant an extremely loyal and diverse group of regulars that just can’t get enough. Crest Café is open until midnight every day and serves an all-day breakfast menu, so diners can enjoy …

Terms like “chic throwback,” “upscale dive bar,” and “retro lounge” have all been used to describe Downtown San Diego’s latest dining dig, Analog Bar. Aligning itself with such local landmarks as Lamp Lighter and Nunu’s, Analog presents guests with a well-rounded dining experience of lively libations, vinyl tunes and karaoke classics, and charmingly comfort-cuisine bites. Two distinct dining spaces showcase different musical persuasions in the early evening hours, then converge each night for one powerhouse of a good time. Who said hamburgers and karaoke couldn’t be hot!

Honey’s Bistro and Bakery is surely one of San Diego’s hidden treasures. The restaurant, noted only by its burgundy red onning and forest green umbrellas sits nestled between some of Encinitas’ most eclectic boutiques on Highway 101. The café is open from 5:30am until 3:00pm daily and provides an outrageous menu of mouthwatering selections including everything from a mug of their fresh coffee and an in house baked scone, to their signature soups, salads, omelets, and other various breakfast and lunch entrees. Honey’s offers something delectable for all customers and is a delightful place to bring “out of towners”. The …

Redwing Bar and Grill offer some of the cheapest appetizers that include all the fancy additions and plenty of drinks. Every day brings something new for those who are willing to brave the craziness that the sports bar delivers. Monday’s are sports days, karaoke on Saturday, Thursdays are usually very low cost beer days, and Wednesday is sushi night with only the freshest Japanese cuisine. There’s always a special occasion going on at Redwing and everyone usually has a great time. Even if one is not that big of a drinker, it is still worth bringing a group of friends …

In the age of fast food, quality and price have become an oxymoron. So when it comes to pizza, you can pay more for quality service and ingredients or stay on budget and replace freshness with grease. Thankfully there's Surf Rider Pizza Cafe. Finally, a no-fuss pizza eatery where the recipes and toppings of a gourmet restaurant meet the laid back attitude of Ocean Beach. Combined with reasonable prices, Surf Rider Pizza has beach dwellers and visitors buzzing about their popular fresh baked pizzas, such as their house special Surf Rider Pizza with roasted garlic, fresh basil, olive oil, parmesan, …

No shirt, no shoes, no problem! Recognized by CNN as one of the US’s top 5 burger joints, Hodad’s burgers are known by fans as the best in the west. Opened in 1969 in the laid-back Ocean Beach district of San Diego, Hodad’s has now expanded into a burger empire by serving their own signature but simple baskets of burgers, fries, onion rings and milk shakes. Their uncompromising commitment to quality and service has elevated this burger joint into the top spots. Located right off the beach near the infamous Ocean Beach Pier, Hodad’s is a fast food paradise within …

Finding a great burger can be hard if you’re vegetarian or vegan. Luckily, at Evolution Fast Food, the search isn’t that difficult anymore. With an option to sit outside or drive-thru, Evolution offers only vegan options for sandwiches, burgers, pizzas, smoothies, wraps, and finger food options like soy chicken tenders. Even meat-eaters can agree that their “bacon cheeseburger” can do the trick when one has a craving for something greasy. Evolution Fast Food has a dedication to providing fast food for diets of all types while offering a healthier alternative to other drive-thru burger joints.

Heaven Sent Desserts in San Diego’s North Park district is legitimately a slice of heaven right here in California. It’s fresh in house made desserts are imaginative and absolutely delicious. Whether you’re looking for a romantic evening for two, a group celebration, or just feel like curling up on one of their plush couches with a book, a slice of chocolate decadence or a fruity tart and some coffee, you are in store for a fabulous time. The staff is friendly and welcoming, as is the ambiance. Heaven Sent also caters and loves enhancing any celebration you may be having …

For an authentic taste of New Jersey style cheese steaks without having to travel outside of San Diego, Pop’s Jersey Style Cheesesteaks offers traditional east coast steak sandwiches for those hungry west coasters. The menu offers simple selections of their house specialties, but their main attraction is the cheese steak, topped with lots of melted cheese as well as diced peppers and onions. This local attraction in the heart of Pacific Beach keeps locals and tourists alike coming back for some New Jersey flavor.

The North Park neighborhood of San Diego is quickly becoming the welcomed alternative to downtown, with high-quality and hip joints popping up all the time. Toronado is one of those places that have gained quite the local fan base for its staggering selection of craft beers on tap, and its satisfying menu of fresh and tasty pub fare. Toronado boasts a refreshingly casual, roll-up-your-sleeves atmosphere where the enjoyment of fine drink and food takes precedence. In fact, freshness and quality is so important to the Toronado crew that the drink and food menus are updated daily to ensure guests savor …

After the hustle and bustle of a busy week, The Fish Bucket offers reprieve from a stressful day. Tucked away in a Tierrasanta shopping area, The Fish Bucket is a quiet little eatery where locals come into relax and have some great food. With a nautical and vintage décor, customers are taken back to an older era of ocean blue and sailor-white elements reminiscent of sandy days out on the beach. Also a part of the oldies-but-goodies theme, 50’s music can be heard in the background as guests converse with friends and colleagues over some great American seafood. Outdoor seating …

Feel right at home at Tierrasanta Mexican Food, a local hot-spot for Mexican comfort food. This casual eatery transports you in to a world of comfort and color. With two dining large dining areas that can accommodate both small and larger parties, their interior is rich with bold colors, wood accents, and Mexican décor. Serving up fresh options for lunch and dinner, Tierrasanta Mexican Food features generous portions of traditional and hearty Mexican favorites, such as Chile Relleno, Enchiladas, Sopas, Burritos, Pollo Asado, and many more. They also offer weekday specials, combination plates, house margaritas, beer, wine, and a children’s …

Tucked away in the back corner of one of Convoy’s many Korean restaurant filled plazas, is Nozomi, a quaint Japanese sushi, noodles, and teriyaki eatery. Nozomi’s menu showcases an almost overwhelming variety of fresh sushi, specialty rolls, bento boxes, combo plates, and hot pots. Their specials change daily and they even offer an “all you can eat” deal. Nozomi rolls arrive in style on huge plates in a flower like or animal shaped presentations that come decorated with various sauces and an orchid. Dishes are colorful and fresh and portion sizes are generous and can easily be shared. The décor …

Discreetly situated in the business sector of Kearny Mesa is Bud’s Louisiana Café, a tried and tested destination for authentic Southern cuisine. This neighborhood eatery is bustling throughout the day with businesspeople and other local loyalists who make a point to savor Bud’s many Creole offerings. The Bud’s façade is almost indistinguishable from adjacent businesses; once inside, diners are welcomed by genuine Louisiana congeniality. The dining room is intimate, but not crowded, and well lit with natural sunlight streaming in from a wall’s length of large windows. Classic Creole specialties include dishes like the Cajun Jambalaya, the Pulled Pork Po …

The Studio Diner is a true local’s paradise; conveniently located in the Kearney Mesa Business District, this deliciously nostalgic eatery serves up heaping helpings of classic American fare with a gourmet twist 24-hours-a-day. Clad in chrome and gleaming with 1940s charm, film-making equipment graces the dining area and celebrates the restaurant’s ongoing relationship with television. The only thing that can steal the spotlight from the Diner’s cool décor is its impressively lengthy and satisfying menu. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner can be savored any time – from omelets to East Coast classics, the Diner aims to please. Menu favorites include the …

For a fresh take on authentic Mexican Food, Rancho’s features healthier alternatives with options for meat eaters, vegetarians, vegans, and those with food allergies. Located just a few blocks up from Ocean Beach, Rancho’s is a Mexican Natural Foods restaurant where any diet restriction can be met with ease. With meals priced between $4-$12, Rancho’s has something for everybody—including flavorful, large portioned dishes like Enchiladas Verdes and Seafood Chile Relleno. Any dish can be substituted for a vegan-friendly option, meaning everyone has a chance to indulge. They even serve breakfast all day, and patrons love their Shrimp and Mushroom Omelet …

Gluten-free, egg-free, or dairy-free? No problem! At Stephanie’s Bakery, Ocean Beach’s healthy baking epicenter, hungry guests can find a large assortment of cakes, pastries, cookies, and much more. Whether you have a food allergy, a dietary restriction, or are craving something new, Stephanie’s offers treats made fresh from scratch using only local and organic ingredients. Started as a cake company, Stephanie’s has expanded their menu, and now features new and unique items such as Spinach Herb and Cherry Cream Cheese Strudels, plus vegan sandwiches, salads and pizzas. They even make special wedding cakes! Enjoy a hot sandwich on their outside …

With a seemingly endless abundance of ethnic foods fairly represented throughout the county, Greek cuisine does not seem to draw a huge number of restaurateurs to San Diego. It just takes a little looking, though. Unassuming inside and out, the food at Olympic Café speaks for itself, as shown by the “Best Greek Restaurant in San Diego” award City Beat gave the café in 2004, and the number of repeat customers that regularly dine here. With the laid-back atmosphere reminiscent of an old diner and friendly staff, customers are made to feel right at home. The family-owned café was established …

Where can you find fresh and delicious food, a full bar, outdoor seating, and a beautiful ocean view? Ki’s Restaurant located at the border between Cardiff by the Sea and Encinitas. Situated on highway 101 right across the beach, this bar and restaurant strives to provide its patrons with superb service, an extensive menu, and healthy choices for all ages. They serve everything from breakfast, lunch, and dinner to a kids menu and have specialty evenings like taco Tuesdays.Come out to this beachfront establishment and let all your senses be amazed by the sights, sounds, and tastes that are the …

Located on University Avenue, in North Park, this quaint coffee shop remains a favorite among locals for coffee, pastries, and just a place to curl up with a good book. Claire De Lune opens early and closes late daily. They also serve up some of the most creative and tasty coffee drinks in San Diego. Established in 1997, Claire De Lune caters to the college age crowd and hosts live musical acts quite often. So whether you’re looking for a relaxing night in a comfy chair, a casual coffee date, or your morning cup of joe, Claire De Lune is …