Guidebook for San Diego
Food scene
Discover Pupusas, an amazing delicacy, sort of pie or stuffed tortilla. Priced $2 or $2.5o each, two of them will fill you up. The tropical fruit drink is also a treat.
El Salvador Pupuseria Y Restaurante
3824 University AveDiscover Pupusas, an amazing delicacy, sort of pie or stuffed tortilla. Priced $2 or $2.5o each, two of them will fill you up. The tropical fruit drink is also a treat.
Open 8 am to 830 pm. Authentic Mexican COOKING - real, nourishing meals with RECIPES rather than the usual fast foods like tacos, enchiladas etc. Cafeteria style, you can even try a sample of each tray on the line. FAST service, yet not Fast Food! Univ Av between Cherokee and 36th. Recent Yelp Reviews: 5 stars. Unpretentious décor and pricing.
10 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Super Cocina
3627 University AveOpen 8 am to 830 pm. Authentic Mexican COOKING - real, nourishing meals with RECIPES rather than the usual fast foods like tacos, enchiladas etc. Cafeteria style, you can even try a sample of each tray on the line. FAST service, yet not Fast Food! Univ Av between Cherokee and 36th. Recent Yelp Reviews: 5 stars. Unpretentious décor and pricing.
So refreshing. Amazingly delicious fruit shakes and smoothies just like south of the border. Open 8 to 8. Univ Av & Cherokee
Fruteria Disfrutalas
3647 University AveSo refreshing. Amazingly delicious fruit shakes and smoothies just like south of the border. Open 8 to 8. Univ Av & Cherokee
We love their thick square pizza, around $20, plus $4 delivery.
27 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Sicilian Thing Pizza
4046 30th StWe love their thick square pizza, around $20, plus $4 delivery.
Where else can you get a burger made from exotic meats like ostrich, antelope, buffalo or wild boar? Lots of craft beers too. Happy hour is until 6:19 pm. Map may show old location, it's now at the corner of 30th and Lincoln, one block north of University Ave.
34 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Crazee Burger
3993 30th StWhere else can you get a burger made from exotic meats like ostrich, antelope, buffalo or wild boar? Lots of craft beers too. Happy hour is until 6:19 pm. Map may show old location, it's now at the corner of 30th and Lincoln, one block north of University Ave.
Very good coffee. Seating indoors, on sidewalk or the quiet garden in the back.
124 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Caffè Calabria
3933 30th StVery good coffee. Seating indoors, on sidewalk or the quiet garden in the back.
Home of the Philly Cheese Steak Sandwich. Univ Av & 36th, open 10 to 10.
13 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Canada Steak Burger
3604 University AveHome of the Philly Cheese Steak Sandwich. Univ Av & 36th, open 10 to 10.
Panda Express
4371 University AveNationwide Chinese fast food chain
Home of the $6 Hot and Ready Pepperoni PIzza. Weekday hours 930 am to 10.30 pm. Behind the Starbucks on Marlborough & Univ Av (one block past 41st St). (619) 281-3300
15 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Little Caesars Pizza
300 Carr. Libre Tijuana-RosaritoHome of the $6 Hot and Ready Pepperoni PIzza. Weekday hours 930 am to 10.30 pm. Behind the Starbucks on Marlborough & Univ Av (one block past 41st St). (619) 281-3300
One at 41st and University and one near 32nd and University next to Walgreens, across street from US Bank and CVS Pharmacy
293 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Starbucks
1206 28th StOne at 41st and University and one near 32nd and University next to Walgreens, across street from US Bank and CVS Pharmacy
Long-time favorite spot for Greek - American food. Has been named best restaurant in its category in San Diego on multiple occasions over the years. Hours 7a-9p. University & Texas St. There is a donut shop on the same corner and a 7/11 across the street.
23 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Olympic Cafe
2310 University AveLong-time favorite spot for Greek - American food. Has been named best restaurant in its category in San Diego on multiple occasions over the years. Hours 7a-9p. University & Texas St. There is a donut shop on the same corner and a 7/11 across the street.
Closest Fast Food is this Filipino place serving Lumpias, the Filipino version of Spring Rolls. 4.7 stars on Facebook reviews. Next to Family Dollar at Univ & 38th, kitty corner from La Pupuseria. Hours 11 to 6.
Fredcel Lumpias & Catering
3876 38th StClosest Fast Food is this Filipino place serving Lumpias, the Filipino version of Spring Rolls. 4.7 stars on Facebook reviews. Next to Family Dollar at Univ & 38th, kitty corner from La Pupuseria. Hours 11 to 6.
Filiberto's Mexican Food
3446 University AveOpen 24 hours, Mexican fast food drive-thru spot. Univ. Av at Swift.
Here are some fast food / breakfast places nearest me:
Hilda's Mex. Bakery, Univ & 37th (6 am-9 pm), coffee takeaway, 5 min. walk. El Paisano, Univ & 38th, breakfast etc (8a-10p).
Jack in the Box & Alberto's Taco Shop (both 24/7), Burger King (6 am - midnite), all around University and 41st St. -
Denny's, McDonalds, Starbucks & Chipotle (all 24/7) + Jamba Juice, Waba Grill, Donut Star, Panda Express & El Super, all at Fairmont and University/Wightman.-
Finest Donuts (4 am - 10 pm), Filiberto's Mexican Food (24/7), both at University and Swift (one block past 35th).-
Lucky's Breakfast, Grim & North Park Way (7 am- noon),
Swami's Cafe, University near 29th (7 am -4 pm).
29 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Jack in the Box
9380 Mira Mesa BlvdHere are some fast food / breakfast places nearest me:
Hilda's Mex. Bakery, Univ & 37th (6 am-9 pm), coffee takeaway, 5 min. walk. El Paisano, Univ & 38th, breakfast etc (8a-10p).
Jack in the Box & Alberto's Taco Shop (both 24/7), Burger King (6 am - midnite), all around University and 41st St. -
Denny's, McDonalds, Starbucks & Chipotle (all 24/7) + Jamba Juice, Waba Grill, Donut Star, Panda Express & El Super, all at Fairmont and University/Wightman.-
Finest Donuts (4 am - 10 pm), Filiberto's Mexican Food (24/7), both at University and Swift (one block past 35th).-
Lucky's Breakfast, Grim & North Park Way (7 am- noon),
Swami's Cafe, University near 29th (7 am -4 pm).
Thin crust pizza, has some tasty Californish specialties like artichoke topping, they deliver too.
21 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Mr. Moto Pizza House
3773 30th StThin crust pizza, has some tasty Californish specialties like artichoke topping, they deliver too.
Hash browns, eggs and coffee, $6. Retro diner run by Lucky the friendly old Chinese gentleman for the last 40 years. American style food and tables, while traditional Chinese artwork adorns the walls. 730 am to noon, Mon-Sat. Must try at least once! 3804 Grim Ave, corner of North Park Way.
Lucky's Breakfast
3804 Grim AveHash browns, eggs and coffee, $6. Retro diner run by Lucky the friendly old Chinese gentleman for the last 40 years. American style food and tables, while traditional Chinese artwork adorns the walls. 730 am to noon, Mon-Sat. Must try at least once! 3804 Grim Ave, corner of North Park Way.
Great place to grab an early coffee and snack. No seating since lockdowns hope it comes back. Donuts, bear claws, eclairs.
San Diego's Finest Donuts
Great place to grab an early coffee and snack. No seating since lockdowns hope it comes back. Donuts, bear claws, eclairs.
Subway is probably the healthiest fast food you'll find. There's one at 3310 University Ave this side of the 805, and one at 3807 Fairmont, in the plaza on the southeast corner of University Ave. There is also a Denny's, a McDonald's, a supermarket, a library and other amenities there. A third Subway is at 4151 El Cajon Bl, corner of Marlborough Ave
Subway
Subway is probably the healthiest fast food you'll find. There's one at 3310 University Ave this side of the 805, and one at 3807 Fairmont, in the plaza on the southeast corner of University Ave. There is also a Denny's, a McDonald's, a supermarket, a library and other amenities there. A third Subway is at 4151 El Cajon Bl, corner of Marlborough Ave
Not too far to walk. This mall on the SE corner of Fairmont and University also has a Subway, a Denny's, a McDonald's, a supermarket, a library and other amenities.
McDonald's
Not too far to walk. This mall on the SE corner of Fairmont and University also has a Subway, a Denny's, a McDonald's, a supermarket, a library and other amenities.
Essentials
Closed April 2024. You may find what you're looking for across the street at Victor's Market.
Family Dollar
3729 University AvenueClosed April 2024. You may find what you're looking for across the street at Victor's Market.
This supermarket has the lowest prices around on fruits and vegetables.
El Super is across the way from the library (free copies of SD Reader and City Beat) and from the Saturday Farmer's Market. In the same "Shopping Village" are a Chase Bank, a Wells Fargo ATM, a Starbucks, and a Panda Chinese restaurant.
10 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
El Super
4421 University AveThis supermarket has the lowest prices around on fruits and vegetables.
El Super is across the way from the library (free copies of SD Reader and City Beat) and from the Saturday Farmer's Market. In the same "Shopping Village" are a Chase Bank, a Wells Fargo ATM, a Starbucks, and a Panda Chinese restaurant.
General store with fruits and vegetables, in a small strip mall that also houses several Oriental food places. A 15 min. walk. On Marlborough between Wightman and University.
Saver's 98 Cents Store
4129 University AveGeneral store with fruits and vegetables, in a small strip mall that also houses several Oriental food places. A 15 min. walk. On Marlborough between Wightman and University.
Electronics and Computer hardware. Also at this address, Hutchinson Computer Repair, 619-284-5000
Avenue Electronics
3829 University AvenueElectronics and Computer hardware. Also at this address, Hutchinson Computer Repair, 619-284-5000
Small supermarket is your closest location for fresh meat, veggies and other groceries. Open 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Prices a bit higher than El Super but they have some good deals too.
El Paisano also serves Mexican hot food specialties like Carne Asada Fries ($8) from 8 am until 10 pm.
There is also a very helpful cell phone shop here.
They have a 2nd location at 3561 University which is groceries only, no meals, but you have Super Cocina (8am 830pm) and Canada Steak Burger (10a-10p) near there.
El Paisano Victors Market La Familia
Small supermarket is your closest location for fresh meat, veggies and other groceries. Open 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Prices a bit higher than El Super but they have some good deals too.
El Paisano also serves Mexican hot food specialties like Carne Asada Fries ($8) from 8 am until 10 pm.
There is also a very helpful cell phone shop here.
They have a 2nd location at 3561 University which is groceries only, no meals, but you have Super Cocina (8am 830pm) and Canada Steak Burger (10a-10p) near there.
Closest Supermarket, just opened recently, gets good reviews. Open 8 am to 9 pm.
A bit further is Vons at 30th and Howard.
65 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Barons Market North Park
3231 University AveClosest Supermarket, just opened recently, gets good reviews. Open 8 am to 9 pm.
A bit further is Vons at 30th and Howard.
There are two small malls on the corner of University and Marlborough. On the south side there is a laundromat, check cashing place, discount, grocery & convenience stores, Chinese and Vietnamese restaurants, a dentist, seafood, and a tamale kiosk. North side has Starbucks Little Caesars, more Asian restaurants and stores, and Boost Mobile.
4137 University Ave
4137 University AvenueThere are two small malls on the corner of University and Marlborough. On the south side there is a laundromat, check cashing place, discount, grocery & convenience stores, Chinese and Vietnamese restaurants, a dentist, seafood, and a tamale kiosk. North side has Starbucks Little Caesars, more Asian restaurants and stores, and Boost Mobile.
Fun place to browse an amazing selection of imported preserves, great assortment of feta cheeses and olives, and super prices on produce specials. Includes a Middle Eastern grill and small eatery.
26 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
North Park Produce
3551 El Cajon BlvdFun place to browse an amazing selection of imported preserves, great assortment of feta cheeses and olives, and super prices on produce specials. Includes a Middle Eastern grill and small eatery.
Shopping
Auctioning coins, collectibles, jewelry & antiques, this venerable spot offers appraisal services.
Treasure Trove
3538 University AveAuctioning coins, collectibles, jewelry & antiques, this venerable spot offers appraisal services.
Mexican supermarket with bakery and ready to eat takeaways. Right between Wells Fargo and I-805
34 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Pancho Villa's Farmers Market
3245 El Cajon BlvdMexican supermarket with bakery and ready to eat takeaways. Right between Wells Fargo and I-805
Big "wholesale" market with all the Chinese food specialities you can imagine. There are smaller Oriental markets closer by too. This area is known as Little Saigon.
Sin Lee Food Corporation
4665 El Cajon BlvdBig "wholesale" market with all the Chinese food specialities you can imagine. There are smaller Oriental markets closer by too. This area is known as Little Saigon.
Fashion Valley
7007 Friars RdSan Diego's favorite mall.
Drugstore open 24 hours with large grocery section.
Across the street from Walgreens, also 24 hrs.
Take Landis street to avoid traffic lights.
114 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
CVS
3151 University AveDrugstore open 24 hours with large grocery section.
Across the street from Walgreens, also 24 hrs.
Take Landis street to avoid traffic lights.
Getting Around
City Heights Transit Plaza, I-15 + Univ Ave. "Freeway flyer" Express bus #235, 10-15 minutes to downtown, also north to Escondido. Fare $2.50. Buy "Compass" bus pass at the Chevon station, for sale at almost all hours.
Chevron San Diego
4055 University AveCity Heights Transit Plaza, I-15 + Univ Ave. "Freeway flyer" Express bus #235, 10-15 minutes to downtown, also north to Escondido. Fare $2.50. Buy "Compass" bus pass at the Chevon station, for sale at almost all hours.
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
3355 Admiral Boland WayCar Rental in walking distance
Corner of 38th and University, good work, reasonable rates, Vietnamese guys. Tel (619) 281-1881
Haig's Complete Auto Repair
3750 University AvenueCorner of 38th and University, good work, reasonable rates, Vietnamese guys. Tel (619) 281-1881
Everything Else
Nearest blue collection box to drop a letter is at corner of 36th and Wightman (2 or 3 blocks, 5 min. walk). Mail pickup is usually between 1030 am and 1 pm
7 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
US Post Office
1320 Ynez PlNearest blue collection box to drop a letter is at corner of 36th and Wightman (2 or 3 blocks, 5 min. walk). Mail pickup is usually between 1030 am and 1 pm
The Check Cashing Place
4121 University AveSend or Receive $$$ day or night 24/7
iFast Repair.
3689 University AvenueGreat service for cell phone repair only 2 blocks away
Sightseeing
A stunning and colorful architectural gem tucked away in the City Heights East neighborhood, this beautiful Buddhist temple is the last photo on our listing, so click left to see it.
Wat Sovannkiri
3864 52nd StreetA stunning and colorful architectural gem tucked away in the City Heights East neighborhood, this beautiful Buddhist temple is the last photo on our listing, so click left to see it.
Old buildings of the late 19th century. Lots of bars and restaurants.
1208 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Gaslamp Quarter
Old buildings of the late 19th century. Lots of bars and restaurants.
This nursery is a local landmark, with many goldfish ponds, a Zen bonsai garden, barnyard animals (pony, donkey, goat, chickens, turtles), kids play area, and of course all sorts of plants and flowers. They serve coffee 8 am to 2 pm Thurs-Fri-Sat-Sun. Closed Mon. Nursery hours 8 to 5.
11 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
City Farmers Nursery
3110 Euclid AveThis nursery is a local landmark, with many goldfish ponds, a Zen bonsai garden, barnyard animals (pony, donkey, goat, chickens, turtles), kids play area, and of course all sorts of plants and flowers. They serve coffee 8 am to 2 pm Thurs-Fri-Sat-Sun. Closed Mon. Nursery hours 8 to 5.
Parks & Nature
The pride of San Diego. Great collection of museums in an arboretum setting, home to world-famous San Diego Zoo. Usually one museum is free every Tuesday, check balboapark.org. Botanical Garden, Timken Museum, Rose Garden, are always free admission.
3290 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Parque Balboa
The pride of San Diego. Great collection of museums in an arboretum setting, home to world-famous San Diego Zoo. Usually one museum is free every Tuesday, check balboapark.org. Botanical Garden, Timken Museum, Rose Garden, are always free admission.
Great beach, 10 minutes drive by I-15S and 5N fwy. Wonderful view from bridge on the approach. Fabulous Victorian towers of the 19th century Hotel Del Coronado. Usually can find parking in walking distance to beach. Fire pits for barbecues at northerly end. On the landward side there is a ferry service to downtown and some chic shops and restaurants, with fantastic views of the San Diego skyline.
297 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Playa Coronado
Great beach, 10 minutes drive by I-15S and 5N fwy. Wonderful view from bridge on the approach. Fabulous Victorian towers of the 19th century Hotel Del Coronado. Usually can find parking in walking distance to beach. Fire pits for barbecues at northerly end. On the landward side there is a ferry service to downtown and some chic shops and restaurants, with fantastic views of the San Diego skyline.
Watch the seals, pelicans, and surfers. Check out the upscale shops and the imposing beachfront homes.
1327 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
La Jolla Cove
1100 Coast BlvdWatch the seals, pelicans, and surfers. Check out the upscale shops and the imposing beachfront homes.
About 10 minutes drive east on the I-8 is this lovely lake. Very quiet, great spot for a picnic, to feed the ducks, rent a kayak, or go fishing.
92 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Lake Murray Rest Area
5650 Kiowa DrAbout 10 minutes drive east on the I-8 is this lovely lake. Very quiet, great spot for a picnic, to feed the ducks, rent a kayak, or go fishing.