Pacific Beach Restaurant Tips by lmkluque

Gringos Cantina!: Not So Casual And More Expensive!

Gringo is a Mexican word used to describe Americans, especially those who know nothing of the Mexican culture.

They saw you coming!!! This is the most expensive Mexican Restaurant I've seen yet!

It seems that an architect and a chef partnered-up to create Gringos Cantina and they have big bills to pay. Now I'm not saying that the food is not worth the price, expecially if you are into "fusion" cuisine. This is not Mexican food, rather Gringo food. Oh, "Gringo Cantina!" Well, guess these guys are pretty clever after all!

Update:

Gringos seemed not to work out. It has closed it's doors. I will check back to see what has taken it's place and let you know.

Favorite Dish: I didn't eat here, but am sure that you'll enjoy anything you order. They offer Lunch and dinner.

Visit during Happy Hour then try out one of the dance bars near by, later in the evening.

Address: 4474 Mission Boulevard

Comparison: more expensive than average

Phone: (858) 490-2577

Price: US$11-20

Rating: 2

Theme: Mexican

Website: http://www.gringoscantina.com/

Kono's Surf Club Cafe: Surf's Up!! Kono's Surf Club Cafe Review

This is the place to go if you are looking for a sense of California Surf Community beach. Kono's opens at seven in the morning because surfer's around here are out on the waves early, before going to work or school. If you're not a surfer or staying at the Crystal Pier Cottages and don't feel like cooking this is the best spot to stop for a casual breakfast/lunch.

If the surfing photos on the wall doesn't give you a clue, the surfers will convince you that this is a real beach community hang-out and can be quite entertaining. Almost always there is a line out the door of people waiting to be seated so get there early if you need that first jolt of coffee to make you fit for human company.

They only accept cash and have outdoor & indoor dining but be aware that they close very early. Two or three in the afternoon.

Favorite Dish: If you want more than coffee, order what you'd like. The portions are large and filling and you can order breakfast or lunch anytime they are open. Then go out on the pier and watch the surfers doing their thing.

Address: 704 Garnet Avenue

Comparison: about average

Phone: (619) 483-1669

Price: less than US$10

Rating: 5

Theme: Local

Website: http://www.pbsurfclub.org/

Kafe Yen: Authentic Asian Cuisine in PB!

Opened for lunch and dinner this restaurant is pretty stylish and also "fast-food" PB style. With a name like Kafe Yen, I expected Japanese, however, they serve dishes from China, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and Japan!

Of course, there are plenty of Vegetarian choices and you can have your order made as mild or spicy as you'd like, just tell the foodserver.

Pay attention especially to their lunch special and don't forget to go to their website, sometimes they offer a coupon!

Favorite Dish: I suggest the Lunch Special during the week. For seven-fifty you get soup, salad, rice and your choice of vegetarian, chicken, pork or beef dishes. The price is a bit higher for duck or a seafood combination. Terryaki Chicken is my choice.

Address: 4516 Mission Boulevard

Comparison: more expensive than average

Directions: At Mission & Garnet

Phone: (858) 373-3936

Price: US$11-20

Rating: 4

Theme: Pan-Asian and Pacific Rim

Website: http://www.kafe-yen.com/

Tony Roma's!: Lots Of Chains In PB

Pacific Beach is full of "chain restaurants." Many people snub their nose at these types as being "generic" without charm and not worth a visit. However, most chain restaurants usually start as an individually owned business that becomes so popular that the owners try new locations to share their product. The real value in this type of eatery is that all the future stores generally maintain the same recipes, decor and business philosophy as the original.

Tony Roma's, famous for ribs, first opened in North Miami with their famous baby back ribs. Now, they are in PB and offer ribs, steak and seafood.

Favorite Dish: What else, Ribs!! Tony's Original Baby Back Ribs. Of course, there is way too much to eat at one meal so be prepared to ask for a "doggy bag."

Address: 4110 Mission Boulevard

Comparison: about average

Phone: (858) 272-7427

Price: US$21-30

Rating: 3

Theme: Barbecue

Website: http://www.tonyromas.com/

The Green Flash: A Local Favorite

Parking can be a pain, but the popularity of this section of Pacific Beach offers interesting sights to enjoy while having a meal.

One of my favorites happened on a Saturday morning. A guy in bathing suit picked out a space of beach adjacent to the restaurant's patio, set up a sign that read, "Free Yoga Lessons."

In the time it took to order a meal, receive the meal, eat it and have a nice conversation with my friend over coffee, I saw the Yoga group grow and recede, several times. It was quite interesting to watch the progression and some of the characters who joined were very entertaining.

Of course that is not a guaranteed sight, just an example of the possible surprises you might find.

Favorite Dish: I've only been here for Breakfast and know they have a lunch and dinner menu, but haven't tried either.

Usually I order the Machaca omlette with beans & tortillas and a Bloody Mary.

Address: 701 Thomas Avenue

Comparison: about average

Phone: (619) 270-7715

Price: US$11-20

Rating: 5

Theme: Seafood

Website: http://www.greenflashrestaurant.com/

The French Gourmet: Caterer/ Bakery/Restaurant

The French Gourmet is a popular catering company and this is it's "open-to-the-public" restaurant, bakery and grocery store. Located about three blocks from the beach it is a convenient place to stop in the morning for luscious pastries and a strong coffee before heading to the beach. While there, pick-up a picnic lunch too. I'd sugguest choosing bread, cheese and wine, but the wine would have to be transfered into something other than a glass container, no glass allowed on the beach.

Whether you are at the beach for the day or are staying at one of the hotels, this is a great place to get your gourmet supplies.

The restaurant is small-sih, pretty popular and though a romantic spot, still casual.

Favorite Dish: Haven't been here for dinner, but the lunch was good.

Soupe a l'oignon gratinee is a good starter, or the Salade Nicoise, with the anchovies. Try the Quiche Lorrain or the Shrimp Scampi as the main course if you plan a sit down meal.

Address: 960 Turquoise Street

Comparison: about average

Other Contact: Toll Free: 1-800-929-1984

Phone: (858) 488-1725

Price: US$21-30

Rating: 4

Theme: French

Website: http://www.thefrenchgourmet.com

Fatburger: Casual

There are things on the menu other than hamburgers, but why go there? Surf, Sun, hamburgers, fries and a soda are a team.

The look has changed. Gone from this location is that wild and wacky fifties style building, but after fifty-four years of selling hamburgers, the look is not the important thing.

They make your hamburger when you order it and expect some sort of wait, but the juicy burger will convince you why some people will settle for nothing less than a Fatburger.

Favorite Dish: They offer chicken sandwiches, but my favorite is a Fatburger fries and a regular coke! Try it you'll like it.

Address: 4516 Mission Boulevard Suite D

Comparison: least expensive

Phone: (858) 581-1955

Price: less than US$10

Rating: 4

Theme: American

Website: http://www.fatburger.com