Gastropubs are booming in downtown San Diego because people are truly embracing the concept of being able to enjoy a high-end beer or cocktail with creative, upscale food in a welcoming atmosphere. If you are visiting or have bought a condo in downtown San Diego and are on a mission of trying the top local eats, you can get craft beer, designer cocktails, and artistic, gourmet cuisine at the following five must-try local gastropubs.
1. Bar One
A charming gastropub at 1532 India Street in Little Italy, this restaurant specializes in gourmet links and drinks. They offer lunch and dinner every day and breakfast on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 9am to noon. Bar One features homemade pork, seafood, and lamb links as well as vegan options. On their menu, other tasty dishes you’ll find are mushroom skillet and fried ravioli. To go with your gourmet food, you can choose a beverage from either their full bar or drink program featuring classic cocktails with a twist and 12 taps of ice-cold craft beer such as Ballast Point and Modern Times.
2. Neighborhood
When you enter this eclectic gastropub at 777 G Street in East Village, you’ll be wowed by the unique décor that includes a faux wall of kegs and skulls and a ceiling embellished with framed art. They’re open every day, and outdoor seating is available. This unique dining establishment offers specialty cocktails and an extensive collection of craft beer that includes options from the local brewery, Green Flash. A menu featuring creative, unique fare awaits you, including their must-try beer-steamed black mussels and truffle fries. Their knowledgeable staff can help you select the perfect beer or cocktail to go with your gourmet entrée.
3. The Whiskey House
This inviting gastropub at 420 Third Avenue in the Gaslamp Quarter is open each day at 4pm. They feature 20 global draft beers, upscale cocktails, more than 2,500 whiskeys, a diverse wine list, and a tasty menu of homemade cuisine that includes their popular grilled chicken fettuccine and lamb burgers. They offer a happy hour every day, which is the perfect time to try a specialty cocktail like their popular Moscow Mule and one of their unique homemade sausage dishes or famous charcuterie platters.
4. Knotty Barrel
Located at 844 Market Street in East Village, this gastropub is open each day for lunch and dinner and is pet-friendly on the patio. Knotty Barrel offers creative, locally-sourced food and an impressive selection of more than 100 imported, local, and domestic beers from around the globe that includes 24 thirst-quenching craft beers on tap. On their menu, you’ll find many gourmet food options such as their popular spinach and steak salad and jalapeno-glazed meatloaf. They host a happy hour Monday through Friday. During this time, you can try a variety of menu items of their choosing like their signature Knotty Rita cocktail and famous homemade beer cheese at special prices.
5. The Hopping Pig
This popular gastropub at 748 5th Avenue is in the thriving Gaslamp Quarter. They offer lunch and dinner every day and brunch on Saturdays and Sundays. The Hopping Pig specializes in small batches of craft beer that includes 32 revolving taps from the best breweries worldwide and locally like Stone Ale and Julian Hard Cider. Their menu focuses on pub fare and pork-inspired dishes such as their famous buffalo sliders and a crispy pork belly entrée.
Aside from these amazing gastropubs, downtown San Diego is host to many other beautiful spots for you to explore and enjoy. Whether you plan on buying condos or lofts in downtown San Diego, get in touch with the real estate experts at 92101 Urban Living. To start your search, call us at 619-649-0368 to speak with one of our friendly agents.