San Diego

Surf Rider Pizza Co. to Open in La Mesa

The eatery – with locations in Ocean Beach, Mission Beach and Crown Point, will make its way inland to downtown La Mesa with a Nov. 7 opening

A popular beachside pizza place will open a new location in downtown La Mesa this month, joining a wave of restaurants that have revived the area in recent years.

Surf Rider Pizza Co. will open up shop on Nov. 7 at 8381 La Mesa Boulevard. This marks the fourth location of its kind, but the only Surf Rider that is inland. The other locations – true to the eatery’s name – are in Mission Beach, Ocean Beach and Crown Point.

The restaurant – part of The Patio Group company (Fireside, The Patio on Goldfinch, Saskas) – specializes in East Coast-style pies by the slice or whole, baked in fire-heated brick ovens.

On the menu, pizza enthusiasts will find 18-inch, cheesy beauties like the Bacon Rider and Spicy Vegetarian, plus salads, Stromboli and cheesesteaks.

There’s also an in-house bakery that offers sweet treats like full-sized cakes, pastries and desserts. When Surf Rider Pizza Co. opened its first location the site was also home to an old bakery, which inspired the addition of fresh-baked goods to the menu.

The La Mesa spot will boast a full bar serving classic cocktails, beer and wine, dubbed the “Himmelberg’s Bar,” named after a late friend of The Patio Group’s CEO. The bar will also pour the smooth citrus “Himmel Brew,” made by Mission Brewery.

La Mesa Boulevard in the heart of downtown La Mesa is currently home to modern eateries like Bo-beau Kitchen + Garden, Farmer’s Table, City Tacos and FourPenny House, as well as longtime local spots like Johnny B’s Burgers and Centifonti’s Bar & Restaurant. The addition of new restaurants in recent years has revitalized the area as a hub for foodies in San Diego's East County.

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