Michelle’s North Park guidebook

Michelle
Michelle’s North Park guidebook

Food scene

Casual North Park neighborhood hangout. Diner-inspired food menu serving breakfast, lunch and dinner everyday! 30 taps including rotating craft beer, wine, coffee and kombucha. Two patios, pet-friendly and family friendly.
18 locals recommend
Working Class
4095 30th St
18 locals recommend
Casual North Park neighborhood hangout. Diner-inspired food menu serving breakfast, lunch and dinner everyday! 30 taps including rotating craft beer, wine, coffee and kombucha. Two patios, pet-friendly and family friendly.
Traditional Japanese hot pot with savory flavors, premium thin meats, homemade sauces, and a modern vibe.
6 locals recommend
Tabu Shabu North Park
3647 30th St
6 locals recommend
Traditional Japanese hot pot with savory flavors, premium thin meats, homemade sauces, and a modern vibe.
New Zealand–themed spot serving casual fare in a funky space with two shaded patios & a fire pit. You need to try the lamb burger!
44 locals recommend
Dunedin New Zealand Eats
3501 30th St
44 locals recommend
New Zealand–themed spot serving casual fare in a funky space with two shaded patios & a fire pit. You need to try the lamb burger!
Perfect date night spot. Great food, drinks and service. Limited outdoor seating during COVID, reservations recommended. Can’t get in here, try their sister restaurant next door, One Door North.
114 locals recommend
The Smoking Goat Restaurant
3408 30th St
114 locals recommend
Perfect date night spot. Great food, drinks and service. Limited outdoor seating during COVID, reservations recommended. Can’t get in here, try their sister restaurant next door, One Door North.
If you are going to step out for breakfast/brunch then this is the spot to try. With several locations around the county and queues at all of them, you know that this has to be San Diego’s favorite new addition to the breakfast/brunch scene. Just a short walk away.
280 locals recommend
Breakfast Republic
2730 University Ave
280 locals recommend
If you are going to step out for breakfast/brunch then this is the spot to try. With several locations around the county and queues at all of them, you know that this has to be San Diego’s favorite new addition to the breakfast/brunch scene. Just a short walk away.
Great Vietnamese food close by.
21 locals recommend
Shank & Bone
2930 University Ave
21 locals recommend
Great Vietnamese food close by.
Beautiful new Ramen restaurant. Make sure you stop for some To Go beers next door at Modern Times.
164 locals recommend
Underbelly North Park
3000 Upas St
164 locals recommend
Beautiful new Ramen restaurant. Make sure you stop for some To Go beers next door at Modern Times.
Cosy spot serving East Coast–style sandwiches, including seafood & vegetarian options.
23 locals recommend
Pete’s Seafood and Sandwich
3382 30th St
23 locals recommend
Cosy spot serving East Coast–style sandwiches, including seafood & vegetarian options.
Butchery and sandwiches/burgers. Just opened in 2020. 5 minute walk. Part of the TRUST restaurant group. If you have time try out their other restaurants. All excellent.
The Wise Ox Butcher & Eatery
2855 El Cajon Blvd
Butchery and sandwiches/burgers. Just opened in 2020. 5 minute walk. Part of the TRUST restaurant group. If you have time try out their other restaurants. All excellent.
Upscale tacos!
150 locals recommend
City Tacos
3028 University Ave
150 locals recommend
Upscale tacos!
Best Thai food in North Park.
11 locals recommend
Bangkok Spices Thai Restaurant
3627 30th St
11 locals recommend
Best Thai food in North Park.
Just a quick 5-minute walk to pizza heaven. Sicilian Thing Pizza is your source for original Sicilian-style thick square pizza and New York style.
27 locals recommend
Sicilian Thing Pizza
4046 30th St
27 locals recommend
Just a quick 5-minute walk to pizza heaven. Sicilian Thing Pizza is your source for original Sicilian-style thick square pizza and New York style.
Good home cooking. This North Park gem has been wowing locals with their culinary delights for many years.
59 locals recommend
Pomegranate
2312 El Cajon Blvd
59 locals recommend
Good home cooking. This North Park gem has been wowing locals with their culinary delights for many years.
Don’t be put off by the deli’s appearance and size, this Lebanese deli opened in 1988 and has had a loyal clientele since. Delicious and cheap. Lots of outdoor seating.
27 locals recommend
Mama's Bakery & Deli
4237 Alabama St
27 locals recommend
Don’t be put off by the deli’s appearance and size, this Lebanese deli opened in 1988 and has had a loyal clientele since. Delicious and cheap. Lots of outdoor seating.

Coffee Shops

We were very excited when Moe decided to open their second location just around the corner from us. They know their coffee!
MOE COFFEE
2542 State St
We were very excited when Moe decided to open their second location just around the corner from us. They know their coffee!
Stop in for a cup of coffee or buy a bag of beans for enjoyment at home. Either way you will not be disappointed.
Parabola Coffee
3015 30th St
Stop in for a cup of coffee or buy a bag of beans for enjoyment at home. Either way you will not be disappointed.
If you like to get a little adventurous in your coffee concoctions this is the place for you. Baristas at the North Park coffee parlour are creating 18 unique, craft coffee cocktails like Lavender and Banana Bread among others.
57 locals recommend
Holsem Coffee
2911 University Ave
57 locals recommend
If you like to get a little adventurous in your coffee concoctions this is the place for you. Baristas at the North Park coffee parlour are creating 18 unique, craft coffee cocktails like Lavender and Banana Bread among others.

Breweries

Best new addition to the North Park Breweries. Delicious beer.
57 locals recommend
North Park Beer Company
3038 University Ave
57 locals recommend
Best new addition to the North Park Breweries. Delicious beer.
Great little neighborhood brewery tucked away on Thorn Street. 15+ rotating beers on tap at any given time and they offer a wide range of beer styles. Dog Friendly/Kid Friendly Food Trucks every day!
129 locals recommend
Thorn St. Brewery
3176 Thorn St
129 locals recommend
Great little neighborhood brewery tucked away on Thorn Street. 15+ rotating beers on tap at any given time and they offer a wide range of beer styles. Dog Friendly/Kid Friendly Food Trucks every day!
So close it would be rude not to try. Laid-back joint with eclectic, farm-inspired decor offering house made beers & updated pub grub.
16 locals recommend
Barn Brewery
2850 El Cajon Blvd
16 locals recommend
So close it would be rude not to try. Laid-back joint with eclectic, farm-inspired decor offering house made beers & updated pub grub.
There are a lot of good reasons to visit Normal Heights and stopping here on your way is one of them!
100 locals recommend
Fall Brewing Company
4542 30th St
100 locals recommend
There are a lot of good reasons to visit Normal Heights and stopping here on your way is one of them!
This one is a 15 minute drive away but as one of the best breweries (in my opinion) in San Diego it had to be put on the list.
31 locals recommend
Societe Brewing Company
8262 Clairemont Mesa Blvd
31 locals recommend
This one is a 15 minute drive away but as one of the best breweries (in my opinion) in San Diego it had to be put on the list.
If you are going to hike Torrey Pines then be sure to make a booking for a post hike beer and food here. Beautiful venue offering house-brewed beer & gastropub fare in an industrial-chic waterfront setting.
33 locals recommend
Viewpoint Brewing Company
2201 San Dieguito Dr
33 locals recommend
If you are going to hike Torrey Pines then be sure to make a booking for a post hike beer and food here. Beautiful venue offering house-brewed beer & gastropub fare in an industrial-chic waterfront setting.

Grocery Stores

Just a quick 5 minute walk away
323 locals recommend
Vons
3610 Adams Ave
323 locals recommend
Just a quick 5 minute walk away
Worth the 15 minute walk for their produce.
209 locals recommend
Sprouts Farmers Market
3015 Clairemont Dr
209 locals recommend
Worth the 15 minute walk for their produce.
15 minute walk this Mexican market has crazy cheap fresh produce, and freshly made in house tortillas. Also have good ready made food to go.
34 locals recommend
Pancho Villa's Farmers Market
3245 El Cajon Blvd
34 locals recommend
15 minute walk this Mexican market has crazy cheap fresh produce, and freshly made in house tortillas. Also have good ready made food to go.
This one is a 25 minute walk or quick drive. International/middle eastern grocery store with a robust meat counter, dry goods, cheap produce and ready made meals.
26 locals recommend
North Park Produce
3551 El Cajon Blvd
26 locals recommend
This one is a 25 minute walk or quick drive. International/middle eastern grocery store with a robust meat counter, dry goods, cheap produce and ready made meals.

Shopping

Great boutique shopping, great way to explore our surrounding neighborhoods.
7 locals recommend
Kiko + Sven
3723 Adams Ave
7 locals recommend
Great boutique shopping, great way to explore our surrounding neighborhoods.
Great boutique shopping, great way to explore our surrounding neighborhoods.
25 locals recommend
Thread + Seed - South Park
2220 Fern St
25 locals recommend
Great boutique shopping, great way to explore our surrounding neighborhoods.
This one is a little further away in the East Village area of downtown San Diego. But the owner is so nice and the clothes so lovely it is worth a mention.
Wild Dove Boutique
740 Market St
This one is a little further away in the East Village area of downtown San Diego. But the owner is so nice and the clothes so lovely it is worth a mention.
Great boutique shopping, great way to explore our surrounding neighborhoods.
University Heights Sign
Park Boulevard
Great boutique shopping, great way to explore our surrounding neighborhoods.
Great boutique shopping, great way to explore our surrounding neighborhoods.
11 locals recommend
Hunt & Gather
3817 Ray St
11 locals recommend
Great boutique shopping, great way to explore our surrounding neighborhoods.
North Park favorite shopping. Find the perfect souvenir or gift.
158 locals recommend
Pigment
3801 30th St
158 locals recommend
North Park favorite shopping. Find the perfect souvenir or gift.

Neighborhoods

Another fun day can be spent exploring Ocean Beach to Sunset Cliffs and on to Cabrillo National Monument for arguably the best views in San Diego. Go at low tide to enjoy the tidal pools found here. https://www.nps.gov/cabr/index.htm
776 locals recommend
Ocean Beach
1850 Ocean Front St
776 locals recommend
Another fun day can be spent exploring Ocean Beach to Sunset Cliffs and on to Cabrillo National Monument for arguably the best views in San Diego. Go at low tide to enjoy the tidal pools found here. https://www.nps.gov/cabr/index.htm
No visit to San Diego is complete without a visit to La Jolla and Torrey Pines. La Jolla is a smart seaside area, known for its rugged coastline. Trails wind past pine trees and sandstone canyons in Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, while the 2 courses at world-renowned Torrey Pines Golf Course sit atop sea cliffs. La Jolla Cove has sweeping ocean views, and the Shell Beach tide pools are home to anemones and crabs. Posh boutiques and waterfront restaurants dot walkable La Jolla Village. If you have time stop at Mount Soledad on your way for sweeping 360 views of all of San Diego.
492 locals recommend
La Jolla
492 locals recommend
No visit to San Diego is complete without a visit to La Jolla and Torrey Pines. La Jolla is a smart seaside area, known for its rugged coastline. Trails wind past pine trees and sandstone canyons in Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, while the 2 courses at world-renowned Torrey Pines Golf Course sit atop sea cliffs. La Jolla Cove has sweeping ocean views, and the Shell Beach tide pools are home to anemones and crabs. Posh boutiques and waterfront restaurants dot walkable La Jolla Village. If you have time stop at Mount Soledad on your way for sweeping 360 views of all of San Diego.

Sightseeing

Seaport Village area is a lovely place to spend the day enjoying the harbor views and fresh air. seaportvillage.com
762 locals recommend
Seaport Village
849 W Harbor Dr
762 locals recommend
Seaport Village area is a lovely place to spend the day enjoying the harbor views and fresh air. seaportvillage.com
This is where you will find the majority of San Diego’s museums and the zoo. Though things are different now with COVID, Balboa Park is still a beautiful area to walk through. You can still enjoy the gardens and the beautiful architecture. The zoo is also open and a lovely day can be spent exploring there.
3290 locals recommend
Balboa Park
3290 locals recommend
This is where you will find the majority of San Diego’s museums and the zoo. Though things are different now with COVID, Balboa Park is still a beautiful area to walk through. You can still enjoy the gardens and the beautiful architecture. The zoo is also open and a lovely day can be spent exploring there.
North Park has a wonderful central location for exploring all of San Diego by foot, bike or car. A quick walk from the house will take you to Morley Field where you can enjoy the trails leading you through to Balboa Park. https://www.balboapark.org/trails/morley-field Or venture further south past the park to see downtown San Diego.
Morley Field Drive
Morley Field Drive
North Park has a wonderful central location for exploring all of San Diego by foot, bike or car. A quick walk from the house will take you to Morley Field where you can enjoy the trails leading you through to Balboa Park. https://www.balboapark.org/trails/morley-field Or venture further south past the park to see downtown San Diego.
Perhaps the prettiest beach in San Diego. Just a quick 15 minute drive from the house.
388 locals recommend
Coronado
388 locals recommend
Perhaps the prettiest beach in San Diego. Just a quick 15 minute drive from the house.
Annie's Canyon, formerly known as the “Mushroom Caves,” in San Elijo Lagoon has quickly become one of San Diego's “must-do” hikes. Great lagoon views and a fun climb through the slot canyon
53 locals recommend
Annie's Canyon Trail
2550 Solana Hills Trail
53 locals recommend
Annie's Canyon, formerly known as the “Mushroom Caves,” in San Elijo Lagoon has quickly become one of San Diego's “must-do” hikes. Great lagoon views and a fun climb through the slot canyon
A fun way to see San Diego is to hike the 7 bridges. This easy 5-mile urban hike spans some of the city's finest canyons, parks, museums, and more Park Blvd Bridge. ... Cabrillo Bridge. ... 1st Avenue Bridge. ... Quince Street Bridge. ... Spruce Street Suspension Bridge. ... Vermont Street Bridge. ... Georgia Street Bridge.
Cabrillo Bridge
El Prado
A fun way to see San Diego is to hike the 7 bridges. This easy 5-mile urban hike spans some of the city's finest canyons, parks, museums, and more Park Blvd Bridge. ... Cabrillo Bridge. ... 1st Avenue Bridge. ... Quince Street Bridge. ... Spruce Street Suspension Bridge. ... Vermont Street Bridge. ... Georgia Street Bridge.