As the name Dumpling Inn suggests, dumplings are the specialty at this small Chinese eatery nestled in the lair of Asian restaurants that is Convoy Street. Choose from a variety of pork, seafood or vegetarian dumplings, all homemade. The menu also offers noodles, rice, and a small selection of stir-fry dishes. If you need to cater for a party, the restaurant also sells uncooked dumplings by the dozen though advanced order is required.
Aero Club is a popular spot because of its laid-back, mellow atmosphere and clientele. It is a friendly local bar with many businesspeople frequenting after work. The establishment serves 20 draught beers, 30 wines and any number of cocktails. The bar boasts a huge selection so there is something for everyone, from Chianti to Chardonnay wines and Mexican to American beers. This is an ideal spot for evening relaxation. Cheers!
Above the L-shaped bar, televisions allow guests to watch the latest game. Centered in the dining area, groups can eat or drink at tables. This bar offers a wide selection of beers including Red Trolley, Stone IPA, White Rascal, and more. For those interested in lunch or dinner, they offer salads, hand-tossed pizzas, subs, and more. And SD Tap Room offers a happy hour every night of the week. - Erick Pettersen
Loft is a popular gay bar that feels like a family gathering every night of the week, as many neighborhood bars often do. There is a sense of camaraderie here that is truly palpable. The friendly atmosphere is conducive to meeting people and is therefore a pretty serious meeting spot for local gays and lesbians. But the main attraction is the great drinks and the welcoming aura that surrounds the entire place.
The vintage-looking signage on the front reads, 'Cold Beer, Warm Friends', and that almost sums up Live Wire. However, it fails to mention some other important tidbits. For instance, all pours here are doubles, from a Johnnie Walker neat to a big 16-ounce mojito. Secondly, the beer selection is killer, heavy on good local brews. The bar is long and inviting, and big, red, comfy leather booths line one long wall, so there's rarely a shortage. The lighting is dim, the pool table is level and the music is loud. Happy Hour begins when the doors open and lasts until 8p, and when hunger strikes, Harar is just a block down El Cajon.
This club is a true chameleon. By day, it is an unassuming little bar, a perennial hangout for locals. But by night, the atmosphere is as heavily charged as any of the trendy nightclubs of the downtown swanky scene. Guests dance the night away with live bands on weekends (from country to techno to swing) and weekday night DJs presenting the best in hip-hop. No food is served, but a full bar offers wine, beer and mixed drinks.
Located at Island Avenue, this brewpub specializes in craft beer, craft cocktails and great food. Their specials include: Hoban House, Colemans Stout, Roark Red Ale, Raspberry Cream Ale, Gimmick Ale and a lot more. The food menu at Half Door Brewing Company is small but perfectly blends with the spirits offered. The Fried Goat Cheese and the Scotch Egg are the most ordered things on the menu. This Irish pub has also been associated with many magazines, newspapers and online blogs.
Vegan fare and drinks is an unusual combination and hard to find, but at Kindred it does come together. It offers various concoctions of cocktails which are prepared from scratch in its dark ambiance and include specials like Fog Of War and something tropical like Depth Dweller. Also, you can find limited options of non-alcoholic beverages here. As you enjoy your drinks with vegan plates like Black kale salad or a meaty option of Seared steak, dark metal plays in the background. This eccentric location usually attracts goth hipsters, however if you like different kind of bars then this is definitely worth the visit.
Once you find the small blue structure on the Shelter Island Fishing Pier, you will realize that all the hype around this waterside diner is true. Fathom Bistro Bait & Tackle is the brainchild of Dennis Borlek. This nautical-themed tiny hideaway is where you can enjoy craft brews from local breweries and the Russian River Brewing Company. Relish their homemade sausages, hot dogs, sandwiches and burgers.
Stone Company Store On Kettner is an extension of two parent breweries called Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens at Escondido and Liberty Station, San Diego respectively. This pub serves both seasonal and year-round brews produced at the main breweries and allows patrons to bring in their own food like pizzas to complement the beers. The best part is the sprawling beer garden where you can light a fire and relax with a beer in hand, just like at a campsite. This bar also provides card and board games that you can play with your friends. Also sample different beer varieties before making a purchase at the in-house beer store. The shop even sells paraphernalia like growlers, pints, dog biscuits and t-shirts.
If authenticity is what attracts you, BESHOCK Ramen should tick that box for you. This restaurant in San Diego's East Village is known for their extensive Japanese fare that is as pleasant on the eye as it is on the palate. The menu is detailed and well compiled, with the Ahi Poke, Gorgonzola Cheese Ramen, and the Black Tiger Rainbow Roll being some of their must-haves. Their Tobikiri-Kan Sake is also something that one must definitely try here.