Gaslamp Quarter- San Diego?

Question

We are heading down to San Diego tomorrow and planning on going to the Gaslamp Quarter to explore and have dinner. Any suggestions on where to eat? It's the hubby, myself and our 2 boys. Thanks!

ok, I'll try to elaborate... we are open minded about where to go. The kids aren't picky eaters and love just about anything as do we. Don't want to go too pricey, but don't wanna be cheap either. The kids are 6 and 11.
We are heading down there for a mini family vacation and to celebrate hubby and I's anniversary. Thanks for the help!

Answer 1

you are taking your kids with you to celebrate your anni? that sucks

Answer 2

I wouldn't go there with the boys. Not the Gaslamp. However, if you insist:

Bucca da Beppos -- I would not return here, but I'm trying to be fair to you. If you like Italian food, this is "safe". I don't like eating with pictures of mobsters staring at me, though.

If the Spaghetti Factory is still in the Gaslamp, that's worth checking out.

Horton Plaza -- I know, it's just outside the Gaslamp -- HOWEVER, if you're celebrating with your family, you can grab some cheap eats, and see a movie.

Quiznos -- Alright -- don't scream. Again, I'm trying to imagine if this is a family thing. There's a nice one on Broadway near the Spreckels Theatre. It's more diner friendly than the Subways on 5th, just south of Broadway ( -- south is going towards "E" and away from Broadway).

I see you're really serious about "planning on going .. and exploring" so I'll return to the Gaslamp. I see the commercial for "Mickey's" during the ballgame. It seems like a nice place. If you're "exploring", it might be one of those places you "feel out" by atmosphere, how crowded, and what's on the menu.

The good thing about the Gaslamp, there are menus posted outside most of the restaurants. Croce's has music, as well as food ... live music. You can find out what time it begins.

But honestly, since you wrote "2 boys", I'm assuming they're young, and most of the Gaslamp is NOT catered towards families. Trophys is an exception. If you like watching banks of TV tuned to sporting events, and a loud atmosphere, then it's got a safe menu.

If you're looking for the Gaslamp experience -- most of it is for couples. OK -- I just looked it up, my choice for your precious husband and your sons -- (envelope please):

The Old Spaghetti Factory on 275 - 5th Avenue.

Hope it's blessed!

Answer 3

Some of the less expensive family friendly places are Hard Rock Cafe, Trophy's, Rock Bottom brewery, TGIF, or Sammy's.

You haven't mentioned if you're looking for something more unique, or if the price matters to you, or if your boys are older and don't require a family friendly restaurant, so I was making some assumptions here.

You can find more informaiton at http://www.gaslamp.org. It's also worth mentioning that the Gaslamp gets crowded on Saturday nights and you might have a hard time getting into a restaurant for dinner. It's a good idea to make reservations in advance, once you know where you want to go.

Answer 4

Kid Friendly and Gaslamp don't really go together. The usual suspects (chains) have already been mentioned but why would you go to TGIFridays, Rock Bottom, Trophy's, or the Hard Rock when you can get that garbage anywhere. There IS one place in the Gaslamp that fits your description of Gaslamp, Kids, Local Flavor, and Unique to SoCal and that's Rockin' Baja Lobster. They bring you chips, salsa, beans, rice, and tortillas, then you order a "bucket" of steak, chicken, or shrimp. Then you go at it family-style and make tacos and burritos. It's in the southern part of the gaslamp toward the convention center on Fifth, I believe.
Or, take a cab to Fillipi's in Little Italy (maybe a mile and a half away) and get there BEFORE 4:30 (in big capital letters) so you don't have to wait- line moves quicky but why do it if you don't have to? Very local, kid friendly (pizza, pasta w/ red sauce)
inexpensive, can't-get-it-back-home, and the food is awesome.

We live downtown SD and we get drop-ins all the time seemingly fitting your description.

p.s.Stay away from Kansas City BBQ.

p.p.s. I see where someone mentioned Spaghetti Factory--it's gone. And Lou and Mickey's is nice-but it's big $$$ and kids can't really appreciate good oysters, great gin, and prime steaks.

Answer 5

All of the restaurants are pricey in gaslamp, and everything seems to be extra. 1/2 block from the main strip on 1059 4th Ave. there is a hole in the wall mexican restaurant. Marias Mexican Cocina. Nothing fancy but very cute decor, and clean. Kids love mexican food. This is the hang out of all of the city goverment people during the week. You know the food is good and a meal is under $9.00. 1/2 block from Broadway and the Horton Plaza Mall. They are closed on Sunday. Open Saturday from 8-5pm and open m-f 8am-8pm.

Answer 6

Hey Trebels,

I got to go with Gagetgal! She is right on! She has listed the best places, at the best prices, within the Gaslamp.

KEEP IN MIND. THE PADRES PLAY AT 1:05PM. THE AREA WILL BE PACKED UNTIL 4 OR 5PM !!

A quick note. You can park for free for 3 hours over at Horton Plaza, Parking entrance is on Fourth Ave, Between Broadway and "G" St. Just make sure you get validation at one of the shops in the plaza (with two kids, I am sure that you will need to buy something).

Enjoy your stay!

James in San Diego

P.S., I have sent an e-mail warning you about the padre's game.

Answer 7

Karl Strauss Brewery isn't exactly in the Gaslamp. it's off the beaten path a bit, but it's a cool little place with great beer. It's on the Corner of Columbia & B, right next door to the trendy W Hotel. It's our favorite spot cause the kids menu is great & it's not $$$, it's not in the middle of all the ruckus & you can always get a table, yet close to the action, trolley, train station, Horton Plaza, Convention Center, Ball Park, etc.

Answer 8

I think you should try Sammy's. It's a chain restaurant, but it is more well-known in San Diego, so it would be a cool San Diegian thing to do as a tourist. It's similar to other restaurant chains and is a very family-oriented restaurant. Recommendation: I really like their pastas, especially the angel hair pasta!!!

Then for dessert, you should take your family to Extraordinary Desserts in Hillcrest. They serve some very cool, but pricey desserts. Very nice hangout place.

Answer 9

Sammy's Wood fired Pizza, Best pizza in San Diego!

Answer 10

In San Diego, it's got to be fresh seafood. Blue Point Coastal Cuisine is it.

Check the prices before you go in! If you buy something reasonable, it will still be great, and you'll have a great experience.

Answer 11

I cannot remember names of any restaurants in particular, but most of the places have the menu posted out front. Go a little early and walk around looking at menus till you find what you like. We ate at a nice Italian place. But remember, everything is a bit pricey down there.