The Gaslamp Quarter has been, for a while now, a hub bub of activity, entertaining the world’s visitors and San Diegan’s with fine dining, great nightlife, culture and retail. There is always something new popping up, or coming soon and we’re dedicating this story to what’s new and exciting in our vibrant district!
Lionfish Modern Coastal Cuisine– 435 Fifth Ave #2– Lionfish is as social as the bustling neighborhood that surrounds it. Located in the Pendry San Diego in the city’s trendy Gaslamp District sits Lionfish, the dynamic, design-driven hotspot on 5th Avenue that honors the essence of the city’s lifestyle. The restaurant offers modern coastal cuisine that features fresh-catch cooking and seasonal ingredients, all prepared with innovative twists. The menu, featuring both sustainable seafood and prime meats, toys with guest’s tastebuds with its casual, yet complex offerings. The light, fresh appetizers are perfect for sharing. A private dining area is available for a more intimate experience. A lively, yet elegant environment within the two-level space, Lionfish is not only a culinary destination, but it’s also a home for hand-crafted cocktails, all of which are carefully prepared by high-end mixologists in the restaurant’s rambunctious bar.
Nason’s Beer Hall– 570 J St,- A new addition to San Diego’s iconic craft beer scene, Nason’s features an expansive selection of local and international beers, globally inspired comfort food, and vintage bar games. Its name pays homage to Nason & Co. Farmer’s Market, which occupied this unique space in the early 1900s.
Join Nason’s every Friday and listen to the sounds of local SD artists from 5:30-7:30pm
Friday, Jan 5th @ 5:30pm | Ryan Hiller
Friday, Jan 12th @ 5:30pm | Tolan Shaw
Friday, Jan 12th @ 9:00pm | BoomTown Stingers
Friday, Jan 19th @ 5:30pm | David Shyde
Friday, Feb 2nd @ 6:00pm | Marcela Mendez
Provisional Kitchen– 425 Fifth Ave- Designed in partnership with Raan and Lindsay Parton from LA’s innovative retail concept, Alchemy Works, Provisional is a restaurant-marketplace hybrid featuring seasonal fare and gourmet takeaway options. A communal dining space features a Vittoria Coffee espresso bar, bistro tables, and a retail space set within a greenhouse, where guests can shop a curated collection of homeware, ceramics, apothecary items, pantry staples, and jewelry.
Moët Mondays : Buy a token and get a token for free for our Moët & Chandon Vending Machine. Pair with half-priced charcuterie boards from 5-10pm
Wine & Pizza Wednesdays: Enjoy half-priced wines by the glass and pizzas from 3-7pm.
Sundays: Enjoy one complimentary specialty mimosa with your brunch
Monday – Friday: Fast Casual Business Lunch Menu, enjoy a 2-course prix fixe menu for $19.
The Pool House at the Pendry– 550 J St, San Diego- An outdoor oasis with dramatic city view boasting some of the best views in the Gaslamp Quarter, The Pool House at Pendry San Diego is a premier rooftop lounge, embodying the essence of the Southern California lifestyle. Light, contemporary, and open-air, the indoor/outdoor space is perched above the Gaslamp’s famed 5th Avenue and plays host to relaxed daytime and evening events featuring a signature bar and cocktail experience for poolside guests.
Salt & Whiskey– 311 Island Ave- The freshly opened Salt & Whiskey brings a welcome food and beverage reboot to the Gaslamp’s historic Horton Grand Hotel. Its Victorian inspired whiskey temple (the beautiful mahogany Palace Bar, has a new menu that features whiskey forward drings and holds more than 500 varieties in its whiskey cabinets. Make sure to order their “Dusty Rabbit” cocktail! The old “Ida Baileys” is now a new and inspired restaurant with welsh born executive chef Aaron Thomas at the helm whose upscale but straightforward menu, aims to be a dynamic and seasonal spot designed to attract neighborhood residents and create a new downtown dining destination.
El Chingon– 560 Fifth Ave – Eclectic, Fun, but Authentic, El Chingon is a “Bad Ass” Mexican Restaurant & Bar Revolution in San Diego’s Historic Gaslamp Quarter. Lots of great tortas, tacos and tequilas!
Havana 1920– 548 Fifth Ave – Newly opened in the Gaslamp Quarter is Havana 1920, the latest concept from GBOD Hospitality Group. channels Hemingway-era Havana, the restaurant serves classic Cuban dishes cooked by executive chef Anthony Porras. Some of the menu items include croquetas of jamón and cheese; classic Cuban croquettes made with ham and creamy béchamel; a Cubano sandwich, of sliced slow roasted pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles and mustard on Cuban bread; and ropa vieja, which is shredded beef cooked in tomato sauce with peppers and onion.
Spill the Beans– 555 Market Street – Where do you want to get a great cup of coffee and a homemade bagel? Spill the beans of course!! local coffee roaster Dark Horse fuels the patrons of this new “hip” establishment. The coffee house features a breakfast menu centered around housemade bagels and spreads from local celebrity Gaslamp Quarter executive chef Kevin Templeton.
Smoking Gun– 555 Market Street- Smoking Gun, Spill the Beans’ nighttime companion. The relaxed restaurant and bar has a menu of house smoked meats, including brisket and pork shoulder, alongside vegetarian-friendly sides and bagel-based creations. The funky venue also has a large selection of micro brews, an affordable boilermaker list, and specialty cocktails.
The Poke Co– 416 F St- If you’re a poke lover come try out this place!! This extremely reasonably priced poke bowl place specializes in having the freshest ingredients (with the assistance of their friendly staff) will help you make your own delicious poke bowl. They also have delicious slushis, like the honeydew boba slush and lovely desserts!
Queensborough– 777 Fifth Ave- This Roomy New York City-inspired cocktail lounge in the William Penn Hotel turns out shareable plates & sophisticated sips. The beautiful interior and great menu choices make it a perfect beginning or end to a great evening in the Gaslamp!
Trailer Park After Dark– 835 5th Ave.- Yes it really is decorated like a vintage, retro trailer park! Check out this great venue for retro bites, and novel craft cocktails! Open Tuesday- Saturday from 5pm-2am this is a place where you are sure to impress your buddies!
Shop Till You Drop!!
San Diego Trading Co- 376 Fifth Ave – San Diego Trading Company Just expanded into the old real estate offices and now will have a boutique for women and children along with their usual souvenirs and t shirts perfect for a gift or a remembrance of America’s finest city!
The Magic Shop- 827 Fourth Ave. -Do you want to see the trick right in front of you before you buy it? Well come check out our storefront. The Magic Shop has grown to be one of the best brick and mortar stores across the world. Due to the amazing magic community they were able to open a second location in the historic Gaslamp Quarter! They have had many well known magicians stop by their store and give great reviews and purchase all kinds of magical wares!
Be on the look out for other great restaurants/ nightclubs coming soon!