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Fresh Air and Fresh Food Make for the Perfect Summertime Outing

Written By: Kaylin Waizinger Outdoor Dining San Diego

If you haven’t yet heard, San Diego County has closed bars again and implemented restrictions on restaurants in response to a recent spike in COVID-19 cases. Indoor dining may be a bit risky at the moment, but a meal enjoyed in the fresh air is a great way to stay safe and continue to support local restaurants. Here is a list of some of San Diego’s best open-air dining options and why we love them!

The Rooftop by STK Al Fresco Dining San Diego

Location: East Village; on the rooftop of Andaz San Diego
Cuisine: Upscale American
Why We Love it: Showstopping views of the Coronado Bridge and sophisticated, regionally inspired entrees

Oceana Coastal Kitchen Outdoor Dining San Diego

Photo By: Kambria Fischer

Location: Mission Bay; inside the Catamaran Resort Hotel
Cuisine: Californian
Why We Love it: Delicious seafood selections and a panoramic view of sparkling Mission Bay

A.R. Valentien Outdoor Dining San Diego

Location: La Jolla; inside The Lodge at Torrey Pines
Cuisine: Seasonal American
Why We Love it: California craftsman design and a terrace with breathtaking golf course views

Casero Taqueria Outdoor Dining San Diego

Photography Provided By: Casero Taqueria

Location: Carlsbad
Cuisine: Baja-inspired
Why We Love it: An 18-seat outdoor bar with a delicious signature house margarita

Cody’s La Jolla Al Fresco Dining San Diego

Photographed By: Danielle Jackson

Location: La Jolla
Cuisine: American Brunch and Lunch
Why We Love it: Decadent brunch offerings and a large patio perfect for people-watching

Waypoint Public Outdoor Dining San Diego

Photography By: Bhadri Kubendran

Location: North Park
Cuisine: Gastropub
Why We Love it: A kid-friendly neighborhood hangout spot with a great craft beer selection

Mustangs & Burros Out door Dining San Diego

Photography Provided By: Estancia La Jolla Resort & Spa

Location: La Jolla; inside Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa
Cuisine: Coastal
Why We Love it: A hacienda-style eatery with a spacious patio

Louisiana Purchase Al Fresco Dining San Diego

Photo Provided By: Louisiana Purchase, Desanti Photo

Location: North Park
Cuisine: Cajun and Creole
Why We Love it: A contemporary French Quarter atmosphere and Louisiana home-style flavor

Miss B’s Coconut Club Outdoor Dining San Diego

Photography Provided By: Huy Believe – Miss B’s Coconut Club

Location: Mission Beach
Cuisine: Caribbean
Why We Love it: A tropical retreat with an open-air space to sip fruity cocktails six feet apart

Park 101

Photo By: Kambria Fischer

Photography By: Kambria Fischer

Location: Carlsbad
Cuisine: American
Why We Love it: Delicious smoked meats and a bi-level space with plenty of picnic tables!

PB Shore Club

Photography Provided By: PB Shore Club

Location: Pacific Beach
Cuisine: Pub Grub
Why We Love it: A buzzing upstairs bungalow with fresh fish tacos and breezy ocean views

Herringbone La Jolla

Photography Provided By: Hakkasan Group

Location: La Jolla
Cuisine: California Coastal
Why We Love it: A raw bar and exhibition kitchen surrounded by 100-year-old olive trees in a warm, yet airy setting

Hope 46

Photography Provided By: JMW Photography

Location: North Park; inside The Lafayette Hotel, Swim Club & Bungalows
Cuisine: American
Why We Love it: Old school vibes and signature cocktails overlooking the historic Weissmuller Pool

Cafe Sevilla

Photography Provided By: Cafe Sevilla

Location: San Diego
Cuisine: Spanish
Why We Love it: Spanish tapas, small plates and an authentic Spanish ambiance make for a fun and flavorful dinner experience!

The Westgate Room

Location: Gaslamp Quarter; inside The Westgate Hotel
Cuisine: American
Why We Love it: The perfect spot to enjoy lunch and a cold beer on the open-air Westgate Room Veranda

Madison on Park

Location: University Heights
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Why We Love It: Delicious bites and innovative cocktails enjoyed on a sophisticated mid-century modern, street-side patio

Rustic Root

Photo By: Eder Escamilla

Location: Gaslamp Quarter
Cuisine: American
Why We Love it: An expansive deck outfitted with rose gold seats and market street lights

Pali Wine Co.

Location: Little Italy
Cuisine: Wine Bar
Why We Love it: You can take your vino in a growler to go!

Vintana Wine & Dine

Location: Escondido
Cuisine: New American
Why We Love it: An unexpected fine dining spot with panoramic views atop The Centre at Lexus Escondido

The Crack Shack

Photography by Noble Andrews

Location: Little Italy
Cuisine: Fried Chicken Everything!
Why We Love it: A stylish, all-outdoors joint with to-die-for soft serve with limitless toppings

Green Dragon Tavern & Museum

Photography Provided By: Green Dragon Tavern & Museum

Location: Carlsbad
Cuisine: New England-Inspired American Cuisine
Why We Love It: Family-owned Revolutionary War museum with a new spacious outdoor patio designed by international architectural and design firm PGAL.

Hey restaurant-owners! Want to get your local business added to our list? Send us the name of your restaurant, the location and one way you and your team have supported the local community in this time of crisis. Email your submission to editor@localemagazine.com!

Note: Restaurant must be located in San Diego County and offer outdoor dining.