So, it's my girlfriend's birthday weekend and i'm driving down to see her (she goes to UCSD in La Jolla). I'm trying to organize a surprise dinner for her with some of her friends. None of us can quite figure out a good place to eat though. There are the usual restuarants around the area like a BJ's or El Torrito or something. Although i'd like to go some place unique, yet not so pricey (so obviously out of La Jolla would be best). My gf knows i'm strapped for cash and practically begged me not to spend so much on her this weekend. she knows how much I need the money for myself (so sweet of her). That doesn't mean i'm not going to pick up her dinner though.
to summarize: -somewhere unique (meaning not a chain restaurant, but i'm open to suggestions) -somewhere modestly priced (is $12-$15 a person do-able?) -somewhere good for a group of about 10-15 people
The Gaslamps sound nice, i've been there once (she hasn't been there at all), but not quite sure what's around there. There are a couple places in Leucadia I know about, and Pizza Port in Solana Beach is alright from what i've heard.
She's turning 20 too, so drinking out isn't a matter for our group.
I appreciate any suggestions I can get W's! Thanks!
"What good is mining nose gold if you can't share it with the Townspeople?!"
While visiting San Diego last May, I ate at the Cheesecake Factory out by Fashion Valley shopping center. I know you said no chain restaurants, but this one was pretty nice....she'd probably like the strawberry lemonade. I'm sure you'll find something you like, there are lots of options out there.
I was going to suggest their Old Spaghetti Factory, but it appears to be closed at the moment! Unfortuntaely, I've only eaten at Uno, which is not only a pretty pricey sushi restaurant, but also probably too small for your party anyway.
When Aaron wakes up and sees this, I'm sure he'll have some good ideas.
What kind of food do you want - I'll hook you up from there.
I was thinking maybe an Italian/Pizza place, a good Mexican place, or the typical place that serves a little bit of everything. So aside from that, i'm open to anything, as long as the prices aren't too much for us struggling college kids.
I know I said I didn't want chain restaurants, but at the moment i'm leading towards Rock Bottom which is across the street from the school. Never been there before, the prices are average to other restuarant/breweries, and it's not too far from the school. Just close enough that we could drive down to La Jolla Cove for a walk and seal watching afterwards too (which is a good distraction while everyone else decorates the apartment with streamers and stuff).
"What good is mining nose gold if you can't share it with the Townspeople?!"
There used to be a great place in the Gaslamp that was a BBQ/Ribs kinda place where they served buffalo burger, ostrich burger and even alligator burger.
Not sure if it's still there or not, since I've not been to town in a few years.
Well, first of all the Gaslamp district is easier to get to now that they added all of the parking for the Padres, BUT - if you go on a game night you may be in trouble.
The Old Spaghetti factory is indeed closed. This was a very sad day for our family, as I forgot it was closing and Lise and I didn't go one last time.
Rock Bottom has the benefit of being just down the hill on La Jolla Village drive. Really, only Fridays and BJ's are easier to get to from UCSD. You didn't mention where she lives, but I'm guessing it is on campus. Have you thought of the Round Table pizza on campus? (Is that still there?)
For Mexican food you probably want to just take a pass. El Torito is very close (Just across from Rock Bottom) but it's not really mexican. I can't think of a really Mexican place that you are going to get a large group of college kids into.
Fridays is just across the street, and California Pizza kitchen is close (although a little more expensive, I'd say).
There's a sports bar / brewpub across the way from the AMC theater. I used to like that place, but that was almost 10 years ago now... no idea what it is like now.
If you want to drive a ways there is an Acapulco off of Clairemont Mesa which has an outdoor patio that could probably take a large group. They have Mexican food that is pretty good - I'd put it a little above (but not much above) El Torito. Other choices in Clairemont include Di Chan (great Thai food, pretty small place though), the Indian food place next to Caskets for less (No, really, the buffet is good) and Hoa Cali for Vietnamese. Hoa Cali has great Pho and speedy service but its not really a group or date place.
There is a Hard Rock cafe in LJ I believe - I think it is still in business.
If you go to old town, there is a Rockin Baja Lobster which would be pretty good.
I dunno - good luck.
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A couple of years ago when I was in San Diego on business, I ate at El Agave. It is an amazing Aztec/Mexican restaurant. I don't know if it fits your price structure (I don't remember what things cost there), but it the food is amazing. It is one of the finest meals I've ever had and the Aztec cuisine is unique, artistic and delicious. This place is amazing and if you're into tequila, you'll be in heaven. I've always wanted to go back someday. This is one of the best restaurants in the country.
El Agave Tequileria 2304 San Diego Avenue Old Town, San Diego, CA 92110 Phone: (619) 220-0692
"Well, you can't involve friendship with business. It has to be one or the other. It's either business or friendship, or hit the bricks!" --Life Lessons from Bobby the Brain Heenan WCW Uncensored 2000 preview
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Originally posted by Guru ZimWell, first of all the Gaslamp district is easier to get to now that they added all of the parking for the Padres, BUT - if you go on a game night you may be in trouble.
The Old Spaghetti factory is indeed closed. This was a very sad day for our family, as I forgot it was closing and Lise and I didn't go one last time.
Rock Bottom has the benefit of being just down the hill on La Jolla Village drive. Really, only Fridays and BJ's are easier to get to from UCSD. You didn't mention where she lives, but I'm guessing it is on campus. Have you thought of the Round Table pizza on campus? (Is that still there?)
For Mexican food you probably want to just take a pass. El Torito is very close (Just across from Rock Bottom) but it's not really mexican. I can't think of a really Mexican place that you are going to get a large group of college kids into.
Fridays is just across the street, and California Pizza kitchen is close (although a little more expensive, I'd say).
There's a sports bar / brewpub across the way from the AMC theater. I used to like that place, but that was almost 10 years ago now... no idea what it is like now.
If you want to drive a ways there is an Acapulco off of Clairemont Mesa which has an outdoor patio that could probably take a large group. They have Mexican food that is pretty good - I'd put it a little above (but not much above) El Torito. Other choices in Clairemont include Di Chan (great Thai food, pretty small place though), the Indian food place next to Caskets for less (No, really, the buffet is good) and Hoa Cali for Vietnamese. Hoa Cali has great Pho and speedy service but its not really a group or date place.
There is a Hard Rock cafe in LJ I believe - I think it is still in business.
If you go to old town, there is a Rockin Baja Lobster which would be pretty good.
I dunno - good luck.
Rock Bottom is really close as she resides at Sixth College (formerly Pepper Canyon), so Rock Bottom is just down the hill. El Torrito was definitely out of the question. If we wanted good Mexican food, we could always just go down to TJ. I don't think that pub is around anymore across from the AMC, sadly. That sounded like a good place.
I think I may just go with Rock Bottom since it's close by to pull of a post-dinner surprise/plan I have in the works. BUT, I am going to keep a list of these other places for future dates. You don't know how many times we've wanted to go out somewhere to eat and didn't know where to go. Although Point Loma Seafoods has some awesome stuff!
I've definitely got more than what I need to work with. Thanks alot Guru, CRZ, NBF, and everyone else. Odessasteps, if you ever figure out the name of that burger place, do let me know! I've always wanted to try me some ostrich burger.
Thanks again, guys. I think things will turnout nicely.
"What good is mining nose gold if you can't share it with the Townspeople?!"
Hmmm. On the list of things I think are most likely to kill me, volcanic eruption wasn't ever close to the top of my list, until now. Amazing how life throws ya curveballs, eh? LOL... In all seriousness, though... eh, if it happens, it happens.