The 7 Best Outdoor Dining Spots in San Diego
San Diego is a wonderful place to visit when you want to bask in the sunny weather, find some great places to shop and enjoy a delicious meal. If you’ll be in the San Diego area soon, check out the outdoor dining San Diego has to offer. These eateries offer a variety of tasty and innovative dishes that you can enjoy while you take in the beauty of San Diego.
1. Cafe Coyote
2461 San Diego Ave, San Diego, CA 92110
(619) 291-4695
Cafe Coyote is located in Old Town San Diego and offers quality Mexican food with outdoor dining options. The famous Old Town Carnitas are popular with diners, and you’ll also enjoy the carne asada fries and the chorizo burrito. You can also enjoy the popular hand-made tortillas served with salsa and butter, or you can enjoy the quesadilla suprema with fresh salsa, sour cream, and guacamole. Cafe Coyote also offers a variety of fresh salads and soups, like the flavorful tortilla soup or black bean soup. This San Diego is also one of the best places to get an authentic tortilla in the city, whether you prefer the Rojo with beef or the Verde with pork.
2. Point Loma Seafoods
2805 Emerson St, San Diego, CA 92106
(619) 223-1109
At Point Loma Seafoods, you can choose your seafood and have it filleted and smoked to your liking. Once you choose the seafood you want, you can enjoy some of the best outdoor dining San Diego has to offer. You can order sushi made from scratch, select the oysters you want to be prepared with your favorite flavors, or order a shrimp cocktail with jumbo shrimp, crab meat, or Bay shrimp. There are also certain salads to choose from, including homestyle tuna salad, smoked fish salad, or fresh Dungeness crab. Point Loma Seafoods also offers fish sandwiches, as well as calamari or shrimp sandwiches prepared with flavorful breading.
3. Puesto at The Headquarters
789 W Harbor Dr Suite 155, San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 233-8880
Puesto has a colorful and casual atmosphere and some of the tastiest Mexican-inspired meals in the city. Try the fish tacos if you’re in the mood for seafood; the fish is breaded with blue cornmeal to enhance the flavor and visual appeal of this entree. You can also try the papitas rellenas for a delicious appetizer (order two servings if you want to make it an entree). Other appealing options include the chicken or potato taquitos with salsa, sour cream, and guacamole, or you can opt for burrito bowls filled with black beans, corn tomatoes, grilled shrimp, or braised pork. Complete your meal with a tasty treat like chocolate flan or tres leches cake.
4. Edgewater Grill
861 W Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 232-7581
Edgewater is the place to go for fresh and flavorful food when you’re in San Diego. The fish tacos and kale salad are a favorite if you’re looking for a light lunch. You can also try the lamb meatloaf with fresh veggies. Try the soup of the day if you want a quick and hearty bite to eat, and pair the soup with a salad such as the Garden Greek salad with shaved parmesan and cranberry. Edgewater Grill also has an impressive brunch, so if you’re dining with friends, be sure to make a reservation so you can enjoy the upside-down apple corn cake, French toast, or Sanddollar pancakes.
5. Queenstown Public House
1557 Columbia St, San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 546-0444
This popular hangout in San Diego offers picturesque outdoor seating and a variety of tasty dishes, so you’re sure to make it your go-to every time you’re in the city. The lamb burger is a favorite entree, and you may also enjoy the corned beef if you’re in the mood for a sandwich. Diners tend to order fish and chips pretty often as well, and the Ceasar salad with grilled salmon is a great choice if you want a light and satisfying meal. If you’re visiting Queenstown Public House early in the day, you can take advantage of the weekday brunch every day until 2 pm. Brunch options include the French toast on challah bread with strawberries, the croissant sandwich with prosciutto and arugula, or the prawn and grits.
6. Kansas City Barbeque
600 W Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 231-9680
Even though you’re in San Diego, you can still enjoy authentic barbecue that makes you feel like you’re in the Midwest at Kansas City Barbecue. The pulled pork sandwich is one of the most popular menu items at this eatery, but you can also order the barbecue chicken sandwich or the smoked hot dog. If you’re ordering to feed a large crowd, try the pork spare ribs platter with baked beans and corn on the cob. The sampler platter is a great choice as well and comes with fries and onion rings. Don’t forget to try the homemade desserts at Kansas City Barbecue as well; options include walnut pie, sweet potato pie, and peach cobbler. You can order pies whole or by the slice.
7. Tin Fish
170 6th Ave. San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 238-8100
Tin Fish offers a casual dining experience and outdoor seating that makes it easier to take in the beauty of San Diego’s Gaslight area. Start your meal off with appetizers like fried shrimp, ceviche, or a quesadilla. Try an entree like the grilled mixed seafood platter with scallops, fish, and shrimp, or choose the salmon entree for a filling lunch or dinner. Tin Fish is known for its fish tacos, so be sure to try the sea bass or mahi-mahi tacos while you’re there. If you want something other than fish, you can order a classic hamburger, cheeseburger, or bacon cheeseburger to enjoy outside.
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