Change is good. Here’s a list of newly minted local joints, from gastropubs and tasting rooms to cafés and comfort food, rounded up from our friends at Yelp. Add them to your short list of places to try ASAP.
Partake Gastropub (Vista)
A seasonal menu rotates paired with regional wines and beers at this newly-opened Vista venture. You’ll find house-made condiments and pastas without any pretention, served up to locals with a passion for tasty urban sips and bites. This gastropub is open until 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday for late-night dining, too.
The Heart And Trotter (North Park)
This whole animal butchery is dedicated to humanely raising and slaughtering the highest quality local and sustainable animals. Carnivores will find a range of products in the shop and cuts of meats that are never exposed to hormones or chemicals. The concept of the local butcher shop returns to San Diego in the form of this unique neighborhood business.
Lofty Coffee Co. (Solana Beach)
Settled into a sweet spot on South Cedros you’ll find the third installment of this locally-owned café. It’s already teaming with patrons and puppies enjoying the generous outdoor seating and a view of the famous design district. This new baby sister to the Encinitas location features perfectly-pulled espresso shots and latte art to boot.
Mess Royale (Hillcrest)
This new business in Hillcrest calls itself a poutinery (and bagel shop) and carb-lovers really anticipated its opening. The menu is built on the French-Canadian comfort food poutine, a dish made with French fries topped with light gravy and cheese curds. Variations include the So South Poutine featuring pulled pork and the Super Mario, chicken poutine with mushroom and caramelized onions. This spot also offers sandwiches and bagels, including a killer grilled cheese and a sesame bagel with walnut cream cheese, sliced pear, mixed greens and a balsamic glaze. A light selection of wine and beer is available, too.
The Confessional: A Lost Abbey Tasting Room (Cardiff-by-the-Sea)
The popular North County brewery has popped open its first satellite tasting room in Cardiff-by-the-Sea and the neighborhood is raving. Drafts of local brews toast the coast and residents are thrilled to have a new water hole in the mix. East Coast Pizza is a handy next-door pal and it’s A-OK to have a slice with your pint.
CREAM (Pacific Beach)
CREAM – a brand-new gourmet ice cream shop – made its way into PB last weekend with a grand opening filled with freebies. Those with a sweet tooth can stop in for cool, custom ice cream sandwiches, sundaes and cones to please any palate, plus you can’t forget about the Cream Taco with Red Velvet or regular cone waffle shells.
Trish Sanderson is the community manager and marketing director for Yelp North County San Diego. She leads the local community of Yelp reviewers both online and off.
