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The weather in San Diego is unbeatable. To compliment the sunny days and glistening water, you should have something delicious in front of you. With no shortage of spots to dine, this list includes tried and true places to check out. These 9 bars and restaurants in San Diego sure to brighten your trip.
All photos in this post are mine except otherwise indicated. This post was written based on my personal experience. I was not paid, reimbursed or otherwise solicited to write this post. Just a girl looking to share her favorite places. Cheers!
If You Want The Waterfront:
1. Bali Hai
Ah, one of my favorite restaurants in San Diego. The menu has a proud Polynesian flair along with salads and sandwiches. The drink menu is several pages of different tropical drinks to choose from.
My waiter recommended his favorite drink, the Pele’s Relief. It was every bit of fruity and refreshing.
Despite wanting everything on the menu, I opted for a caesar salad. With the sun overhead, it seemed like a refreshing choice. My waiter was right again when he suggested adding grilled shrimp skewers. I could have had ten more of these salads.
Make your reservations on Open Table now!
Read over 3,000 reviews for Bali Hai Restaurant on YELP or view their website now!
Want more? Read 5 reasons Bali Hai in San Diego is unforgettable.
2. Sally’s
Sally’s was my favorite restaurant on the embarcadero. The patio was warm but the umbrellas helped shade off. The bar inside was comfortable seating and did not have a wait.
Read over 1,000 reviews of Sally’s Fish House and Bar on YELP!
Make your reservation on their website now!
3. Edgewater Grill
Edgewater Grill is located in Seaport Village along the water. The windows look outside to the blue waters. The patio sits directly along the waterfront as people pass by.
We were in town for a conference. With this in mind, we were very understanding of the lunch rush and the wait times. When we sat in the bar, the bartender was running around like crazy and still took care of us.
Make a reservation on Open Table or view their website now!
If You Are In Gaslamp Quarter:
Gaslamp Quarter is an area in downtown San Diego that is full of lively restaurants and bars.
Click here for a complete list of bars and restaurants in Gaslamp Quarter.
4. Cerveza Jack’s Gaslamp
Gaslamp Quarter has no shortage of bars and restaurants to choose from. Cerveza Jack‘s serves traditional American food with a variety of cocktails to choose from. There is a patio that allows for people watching.
Check out Cerveza Jack‘s on YELP or view their website now!
5. Nobu
This restaurant is known for its high-end cuisine. After all, don’t we always hear about the Kardashians eating at Nobu? Located inside the Hard Rock Hotel, Nobu welcomes tourists and locals alike. The restaurant sits at the entrance of Gaslamp Quarter, right next to the famous archway.
Make your reservation on Open Table now!
See over 1,000 reviews of Nobu on YELP or check out their website now!
If You Want the Nightlife:
6. Altitude Sky Lounge
After leaving Petco Park, we were debating where to go next. Randomly, a friend looked up and we saw a busy rooftop bar. We walked the block or so to the San Diego Marriott Gaslamp Quarter. After a quick elevator ride, we walked outside to the San Diego night.
The rooftop has a full bar along with staff walking around to take drink orders. There are fire pits with seating all around. We opted for a view of the baseball stadium.
7. Moonshine Flatts
If you are in town for a weekend or just looking to get out on the town, Moonshine Flats is always an option for a good time. There might be a county performer when you go. There was a county singer on stage when we first arrived. He played a few songs then would take a break. The place would erupt in pop songs (think Party in the USA) and the crowd went wild.
Even if you are not a country fan, you will still find a way to have fun. We went to Moonshine Flats on a Saturday night that turned into Sunday morning. We hung out by the bar and had an easy time getting service.
Check out Moonshine Flats on YELP or view their website now!
8. The Whiskey House
Located just shy of Gaslamp Quarter, The Whiskey House boasts walls lined with different bottles and choices.
Even though their main selling point is whiskey, I opted for a vodka cranberry. There is a small patio out front.
See over 500 reviews of The Whisky House on YELP or view their website now!
Honorable Mention:
9. Tequila Bar and Grille
Located poolside at Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina is the Tequila Bar and Grille. Tables and umbrellas provide a place to lounge in between meetings or just for a drink. There are built-in fireplaces to lounge with your drinks. Twinkle lights hang overhead. I opted for a piña colada because it was a warm day. The refreshing icy drink paired well with the setting.
Check out Tequila Bar and Grille on YELP!
Want more of this view? Check out 5 reasons to stay at the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina.
Book Your Trip Now
These six spots were my favorite restaurants and bars in San Diego. Please comment below and let me know your favorite spots to eat and drink downtown and along the water.
Cheers!
The post 9 Amazing Must-Try Restaurants and Bars in San Diego appeared first on The Lemon Drop Chronicles.
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]]>Hawaii is one of my favorite places in the world. Why am I talking about Hawaii? Well, I found a hidden gem in San Diego that transported me to a similar island paradise. One night after work, I was reviewing possible wedding venues with my mom. We stumbled upon Bali Hai Restaurant in San Diego and loved it. I knew I needed to see it for myself.
A few months later, I am in San Diego. Open Table had plenty of reservations on the morning of. I pull into the parking lot five minutes before the restaurant opens and am greeted by a smiling staff. They gave me a choice in where I wanted to sit. Though the dining room has expansive views of the bay, I am a patio girl by nature.
The menu has a proud Polynesian flair along with salads and sandwiches. The drink menu is several pages of different tropical drinks to choose from.
All photos in this post are mine except otherwise indicated. This post was written based on my personal experience. I was not paid, reimbursed or otherwise solicited to write this post. Just a girl looking to share her favorite places. Cheers!
1. The Polynesian / Asian Cuisine
I wanted every item on the menu. Thankfully, my waiter gave attentive recommendations. Be sure you arrive hungry because you will want a pupus. Pupus is the Hawaiian term for appetizer.
His favorite pupus is the Island Beef Skewers, so that is what I tried. The dish came out with a fall-off-the-bone beef. The teriyaki sauce complimented and had a tropical hint to it.
Despite wanting everything on the menu, I opted for a caesar salad. With the sun overhead, it seemed like a refreshing choice. My waiter was right again when he suggested adding grilled shrimp skewers. I could have had ten more of these salads.
The selection of seafood and Asian cuisine on the menu will leave you wanting more.
Read over 3,000 reviews for Bali Hai Restaurant on YELP!
2. The Tropical Cocktails
If you visit Bali Hai‘s website, you will see the “Mai Tai’s Sold” counter. Over two million Mai Tai’s sold! I fully intended to contribute to this count. Upon arriving at the restaurant, I learned the mai tai’s have 2-3 shots of rum! The menu says “Quite possibly the strongest drink you’ll ever consume”.
I still had to drive back downtown, so I opted for a different cocktail. Mai Tai, I will be back for you!
My waiter recommended his favorite drink, the Pele’s Relief. It was every bit of fruity and refreshing.
After the Pele’s Relief, I knew I would be kicking myself if I did not try the Piña Colada – Bali Hai Style. It came out with whipped cream and a cherry on top! These cocktails were the perfect pairing to my meal and view.
Make your reservations on Open Table now!
3. The Views
I showed up to the restaurant just as it was opening for the day. It turns out, this had its perks, such as, getting to pick where I sat. My table faced the North San Diego Bay. To my left, I had a view of the airport. Every couple of minutes, airplanes were taking off and landing. It was unexpected entertainment watching and wondering about each of the flights. Using Flight Aware, I was able to see where these travelers were coming and going.
Thankfully, it was a clear day when I visited. My table had one-hundred-eight degree views of the city skyline. Looking at the buildings and architecture never got old. Also, there was activity in the water with boats and ships passing by.
I was star struck when the USNS Mercy entered the bay. The USNS Mercy is a hospital ship and is recognizable with its all white body and red medical cross.
4. Exploring The Waterfront Event Space
The Bali Hai Restaurant in San Diego caught my eye when looking for possible wedding venues. I was interested in the event spots on the property. The ceremony sight, pictured above, is nestled between palm trees and looks over the bay.
The Hawaiian Village is the outdoor reception venue. The space looks over the boats in America’s Cup Harbor. There is a built-in firepit, tables and chairs, and lanterns.
The South Pacific Room is the indoor event space. The windows glisten with the water and city’s sights.
5. The Overall Experience
From the minute I arrived, the staff had smiles on their faces. They looked genuinely happy to be working at this oasis restaurant. My waiter freely gave recommendations, most of which I ordered. At the conclusion of my meal, he brought me a complimentary cheesecake. Each bite was heaven.
The two hours I sipped cocktails at Bali Hai were hands down the best part of my trip to San Diego. It took everything in me to leave that day, and ever since I have wanted to share with the world why this hidden gem will transport you to a Polynesian oasis while only twenty minutes away from downtown San Diego.
Book Your Trip Now
Whether you are planning a trip to San Diego or are just looking for inspiration for your next vacation, I hope you enjoyed reading about my favorite places. The only thing better than visiting these spots and enjoying them is getting to share them with friends and family. Please comment if you have tried Bali Hai Restaurant and tell me how you liked it.
Craving more? Check out 9 amazing must-try restaurants and bars in San Diego.
I am always open to recommendations. If you have any favorite spots in San Diego, please share them below!
Cheers!
The post 5 Reasons Bali Hai In San Diego Is Unforgettable appeared first on The Lemon Drop Chronicles.
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]]>San Diego is a tropical destination. There is an abundance of sunshine and palm trees. Even in the winter time, the weather can reach the eighties. The water glistens against the buildings and paints a picturesque cityscape. Similarly, the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina will transport you into an oasis made for relaxation. The hotel boasts two towers of rooms with unbeatable views. The poolside bar serves fruity cocktails to pair with sitting beside a fireplace and watching floaters in the pool.
All photos in this post are mine except otherwise indicated. This post was written based on my personal experience. I was not paid, reimbursed or otherwise solicited to write this post. Just a girl looking to share her favorite places. Cheers!
1. The Pool
The pool area is a tapestry of green palm trees and waterfalls. There are day beds and tables with umbrellas for proper lounging. With two pools to float in, there is enough room for every guest and more!
2. The Tequila Bar and Grille
Surrounding the pool is the Tequila Bar and Grille. Tables and umbrellas provide a place to lounge in between meetings or just for a drink.
There are built-in fireplaces to relax with your drinks. Twinkle lights hang overhead. I opted for a piña colada because it was a warm day. The refreshing icy drink paired well with the setting.
Check out Tequila Bar and Grille on YELP!
3. The Views
The tower we stayed in faced the San Diego Bay and the Seaport Village. The sun set along the water and provided a spectacular view.
4. The Food
The Marina Kitchen Bar is the centrally located restaurant in the hotel. The breakfast options include a buffet. While it is pricey, there are many offerings. The make-your-own omelet bar included all of the options you can think of. The buffet also included French toast, omelets, cereal, etc.
For dinner, the Marina Kitchen Bar has an extensive menu. I had the Fettuccini Pasta as well as the Brand Beef Grilled Ribeye. Along with a lemon drop, the meal was exquisite.
Check out Marina Kitchen on YELP.
See the menu and make a reservation at Marina Kitchen HERE.
Craving more? Check out 9 amazing must-try restaurants and bars in San Diego.
5. The Location
The Marquis Marriott San Diego Marina is in the perfect location. First things first, it is a waterfront hotel. The views span over the marina. The hotel is approximately 0.5 miles from the Gaslamp Quarter. The hotel is next door to The Embarcadero and Seaport Village, both bustling with activity.
The Embarcadero
The embarcadero hosts several waterfront hotels, restaurants and stores. Many people walk or run along the water with their fur babies. The embarcadero is just steps outside the hotel.
Sally’s Fish House and Bar
Sally’s was my favorite restaurant on the embarcadero. Just a few minute walk from the hotel, I ate here twice on our trip. The patio was warm but the umbrellas helped shade off. The bar inside was comfortable sitting and did not have a wait.
Make your reservation on their website now!
Read over 1,000 reviews of Sally’s Fish House and Bar on YELP!
Seaport Village
Within walking distance of the hotel is Seaport Village. This waterfront shopping center has everything from souvenirs to surf gear. Dropping into the different boutiques and escape the heat is a great way to spend the afternoon.
Edgewater Grill
In Seaport Village you will find Edgewater Grill. With a view of the water, you can sit on the patio and people watch.
Make a reservation on Open Table or view their website now!
We were in town for a conference. With this in mind, we were very understanding of the lunch rush and the wait times. When we sat in the bar, the bartender was running around like crazy and still took care of us.
Book Your Trip Now
At the conclusion of our trip, I found myself longing to plan another visit. This hotel hosted us for a great vacation and catered to everything I was looking for.
Click here to book your stay at Marquis Marriott San Diego Marina now!
Looking for a slice of paradise in San Diego? Look no further than these 5 reasons Bali Hai in San Diego is unforgettable.
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