In our fifth edition of San Diego’s Nightlife Guide we take a look at Little Italy.
If a thriving restaurant scene, craft breweries, pubs, wineries, patio cafés and a pedestrian friendly area is what you are looking for then Little Italy has it all. Check out our favorite places below:
Queenstown Public House:
Queenstown is a New Zealand-inspired restaurant in a 1905 craftsman style home.
With indoor and outdoor seating at this dog friendly joint, Queenstown serves amazing upscale pub food paired with local beers, wines and craft cocktails.
Our Favorite Drink: The blood orange organic juice mimosa
Our Favorite Foods: The patty melt, quiche, grilled cheese, kiwilango burger, mac & cheese and anything with lamb (we could go on)
Ballast Point:
Ballast Point was founded in 1996 in San Diego in the back of a home brew mart. Now a residence in Little Italy, Ballast Point offers award winning beers, casual dining, an outdoor patio and private cabanas. If you’re looking for a laid back atmosphere cruise in for a beer, flight, growler, keg or even a tour.
Our Favorite Drinks: Their flagship beers such as Sculpin, Manta Ray or Victory at Sea
Nolita Hall:
Inspired by Europe’s legendary beer cities, Nolita Hall is a stylish contemporary joint that is a hot spot with the locals. Known for it’s specialty food, beer taps and extensive cocktail menu Nolita also has two indoor shuffleboards and large TVs to view sporting events.
Our Favorite Drink: Lara’s Jam
Our Favorite Food: The pizzas
Waterfront Bar and Grill:
Are you looking for cold beers, shots, good food, old friends, new friends, an amazing staff, a swordfish, a jukebox and free popcorn? Did you say “heck yeah”? If so, then cruise into San Diego’s oldest tavern. The Waterfront for lack of a better word is rad. This is a must stop on anyone’s list of San Diego hot spots. Fun Fact: Usually the last place to close in Little Italy for one, two or three last call beverages.
Our Favorite Drink: The Bloody Mary
Our Favorite Foods: The machaca burrito and huevos rancheros
The Food Hall:
Voted best “New Food Halls” in the nation by USA Today. Little Italy’s Food Hall also boasts a 10,000 square foot piazza. Belly up to the bar for some craft beers, Italian ales, wines and Italian-inspired craft cocktails that compliment their six local food stations. The piazza is also home to Little Italy’s Farmers Market on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Our Favorite Drink: Wine Wednesdays with ½ off all bottles of wine
Our Favorite Food: Bobboi’s natural gelatos
We hope you’ve enjoyed our roundup of Little Italy’s best nightlife!