8 can’t-miss San Diego restaurants and bars

No trip to San Diego is complete without a visit to the myriad restaurants, shops, galleries and nightclubs of the historic Gaslamp Quarter. You really can’t go wrong strolling down Fifth Avenue and popping in anywhere that strikes your fancy (though we think you can do better than TGI Fridays). That said, here are a few places in particular that may pique your taste buds.

ALTITUDE Sky Lounge

Guests of the Marriott Hotel don’t have to go far to get one of the best views in San Diego. The ALTITUDE, as its name suggests, is a rooftop bar located on the 22nd floor, an offering 360-degree views of the city, including a bird’s eye view of baseball games at adjacent Petco Park.

Cafe Sevilla of San Diego

Enjoy authentic Spanish tapas just a stone’s throw away from the convention center in the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter. You may hear it before you see it--Cafe Sevilla San Diego features live ”Gypsy King” music every night of the week and flamenco shows on weekends. You can even test out your own moves on the cafe’s dance floor.

Greystone Prime Steakhouse & Seafood

Love surf and turf? The menu at Greystone, one of the top steakhouses in California, will not disappoint. Choose from 21-day, dry-aged prime cuts and three different varieties of Wagu beef, or a selection of exotic game and fresh seafood. Whatever you order, complement it with the perfect bottle from the restaurant’s extensive wine menu.

Vin de Syrah

Looking for a quiet drink and want to avoid the usual conference crowds? If you can find it, Vin de Syrah is a great place to lose yourself. Tucked away near Balboa Theatre, this brasserie-inspired, subterranean lounge offers an extensive wine list (of course), as well as unique beers and specialty cocktails. Pair them with a charcuterie board, pesto quinoa burrata or one of the many other options on the lounge’s small bites menu.

Ironside Fish and Oyster

Looking for something even farther off the beaten path? Head over to Little Italy to check out Ironside Fish and Oyster. Fresh seafood shouldn’t be hard to find in San Diego, but this place features a menu changing daily to reflect the current catches. After you’ve had your fill, take a stroll through Waterfront Park.

The Noble Experiment

Pop into the Neighborhood, an unassuming local joint on the corner of G St and Eighth Avenue offering burgers and bar food. But take note of the wall of kegs. Give it a push, and leave the mundane behind. The Noble Experiment’s unique decor and speakeasy atmosphere will be like nothing you’ve experienced before. (Reservations recommended.)

Bali Hai

Long after the Tiki-bar craze of the 1970s, San Diego still boasts some of the best authentic Tiki bar experiences on the mainland, and Bali Hai has been the place to be since it opened in 1954. The expansive windows offer wonderful views of the city, but on clear days, Mexico can be seen on the horizon. Bali Hai’s claim to fame is its classic Mai Tai, made with no added fruit juices–just rum, and lots of it.

Cuban Cigar Factory

Not that we want to encourage your vices, but if you enjoy the occasional cigar, this is the place to go. Try one of the house-brand, hand-rolled cigars or peruse the 40,000+ collection in the humidor. Pair your selection with a local or Belgian beer, wine or cocktail.