This is one place where waiting for a table proves worthwhile - The Mission is the local favorite for hearty, unusual breakfasts and lunches. Fill up on Chino-Latino and American dishes like the Zen Breakfast (scrambled egg whites, braised tofu, brown rice, and lightly grilled veggies), the Desayuno Burrito (tortilla filled with potatoes, eggs, cheese, beans, and chipotle cream), strawberry-granola pancakes, and roast beef hash and eggs. Great coffee; wonderful quesadillas, wraps and tacos for lunch. They also have a gluten-free menu. Note that they are not open after 3pm so make this a stop before a day game to avoid disappointment.
Recommended for Restaurants near Petco Park because: The Mission has multiple locations and is a San Diego favorite for hearty breakfast and lunch.
Katie's expert tip: If going for breakfast, order the blueberry pancakes or strawberry granola pancakes.
This tap room is adjacent to PETCO Park and the perfect place to grab one of San Diego's most famous beers before the game (or any time, really). This Stone Brewing boasts the same industrial-modern decor as other locations but in a smaller size. Sixteen taps include collaboration beers, special releases and more. While some people come for suds, Stone Brewing's farm-to-table menu is also outstanding. They have salads (even kale), a variety of flatbreads and even the glorious Stone-Style Hemp Seed Pretzels with cheddar-jalapeno sauce and a mustard with Stone IPA, a style of beer this local brewery is famous for.
Recommended for Restaurants near Petco Park because: It's a scaled-down Stone Brewing experience that's perfect for before a game (or any time).
Katie's expert tip: Pair the hemp seed pretzels with an IPA.
Lolita's opened their first location over 20 years ago in Chula Vista. Since then, this family-owned and operated business has expanded to 5 locations including this one in East Village near PETCO park and the Convention Center. Locals love the hearty favorites such as carne asada fries, carne asada burrio, Tsunami burrito (shrimp and carne asada mix) as well as the tacos. Hot sauces are firey and flavorful. Note that portions are big so prepare to go home full or share. It's casual and quick so either order and take it to go or sit down in the restaurant to eat.
Recommended for Restaurants near Petco Park because: Go here for inexpensive, authentic Mexican food near PETCO Park. Dine in or take it to-go.
Katie's expert tip: If you're not on a diet, get the carne asada fries. Keep in mind that this location can be hard to get to if there's a Padres game happening.
In addition to watching sports on the vast array of plasma TVs, it's possible to shoot hoops in the in-house court at Bub's at the Ballpark, one of the city's best sports bars. It's also eco-friendly as it was constructed using various architectural salvage from throughout the West coast, including reclaimed wood, scrap metal, and reused brick. Formerly located in Pacific Beach, it's now near the ballpark as the name implies. Happy hour is 3-6pm, Monday through Friday with half-priced red baskets (fries, rings, fried pickles and more). Order up a craft beer or even a PBR in a can.
Recommended for Restaurants near Petco Park because: Though there's a Bub's in the ballpark, this is a great place to grab a pre or post game drink
Katie's expert tip: Yes, it's affiliated with Bub's in Pacific Beach. Order the tater tots.
Traditional and contemporary French fare is Cafe Chloe's forte, and the ambience is pure Parisian bistro. In no time at all, it became a local favorite, and now enjoys widespread popularity. The inviting atmosphere and menu of updated classics makes it ideal at any time of day. Beet and Buratta salad, Moules Frites, Steak Frites, and Macaroni and Pancetta gratin (upscale mac and cheese) are just a few of the options; the gourmet coffee and tea in addition to a well-curated wine list are all also excellent. They also have sidewalk tables for a bit more of a Parisian experience.
Recommended for Restaurants near Petco Park because: Cafe Chloe is a cheery French bistro that offers all-day dining.
Katie's expert tip: Their sidewalk patio is a fantastic place to soak up the sun.
Jsix is a neighborhood restaurant and bar located in San Diego's East Village near PETCO Park. Here, one can celebrate the simple things in life: a hard day's work and a good meal served alongside warm hospitality. Food that pays respect to culinary ingenuity but is stripped of unnecessary complexities is served alongside cocktails that exemplify the tradition and history of the craft. Those looking for a rooftop bar in Downtown San Diego can head to Upper East Bar for some savory seasonal bites and craft cocktails poolside.
Recommended for Restaurants near Petco Park because: Most ingredients, if not all in some cases, are locally-sourced and organic. The service is particularly warm, like you're dining in a neighborhood local.
Katie's expert tip: Most dishes can be modified to meet dietary restrictions.
Rare Form is modern-day European deli that is part of a cool dual-concept venue which includes a rooftop bar called Fairweather. Perhaps start at Rare Form to enjoy classic butcher shop items including pates, terrines, sandwiches with house-cured meats, in addition to the likes of matzo ball soup. You could also opt for their lineup of savory waffle sandwiches including crispy chicken and maple syrup and smoked ham and swiss... their own spin on deli traditions. Then, head upstairs to Fairweather, a place dedicated to "drinks from sunny places" from a menu of classic cocktails, throwback cocktails, 12 beers on tap, wine and more festive fun.
Recommended for Restaurants near Petco Park because: Rare Form is a unique take on a classic neighborhood deli and its upstairs rooftop patio bar, Fairweather, overlooks PETCO Park.
Katie's expert tip: Rare Form has a dedicated schnapps bar, one of the only in the nation, featuring nine schnapps cocktails.
Basic (sometimes referred to as Bar Basic) serves up authentic Italian in East Village near PETCO Park. Basic's approach is a simple one void of frills and fancy ingredients. What guests will find is a no-nonsense drink list and amazing thin-crust pizza cooked in a brick oven. The restaurant is a huge 5000 square-foot space in a converted warehouse with a simple, contemporary design. There are two bars and a lounge area so it can turn into a nightlife scene after Padres games and on weekends. Get there early if going before a Padres game as there can be a line.
Recommended for Restaurants near Petco Park because: Basic has some of the best thin crust pizza in town and better drinks for less than PETCO Park's concessions.
Katie's expert tip: Guests rave about the Mashed Potato Bacon Pizza. Different, yes, but so amazing it's hard to explain it.
Neighborhood is one of the most popular restaurants near PETCO Park. It's a gastropub with quality beer, locally sourced food, and intelligent design that's clean and modern. Hearty, gourmet twists on American classics grace the menu. We're talking fried chicken deviled eggs, jalapeno mac and cheese, and chorizo corn dogs to start. Steak tacos, burgers, and butter-poached black mussels serve as main options. Vegetarians opt for a number of salads and even the beet burger, while those with a sweet tooth should not skip the apple pie. Note: because condiments are made in house, this is a ketchup-free zone. You won't miss it though.
Recommended for Restaurants near Petco Park because: Simply put: This spot is a crowd-pleaser regardless of your palate. Plus, the beer is awesome.
Katie's expert tip: Try the Neighborhood burger topped with blue and gruyere cheese, arugula and carmelized onions.