Eater San Diego: New York City Sensation, The Halal Guys, Heading to San Diego
A round-up of the top food and drink stories of the week via Eater San Diego
By Candice Woo and Edited by Monica Garske ••
From American halal to Japanese and Chinese cuisine, it’s a delicious time for global fare in San Diego. Eater San Diego shares the top stories of the week from our local dining scene, including the expansion of New York City’s beloved The Halal Guys into San Diego.
NYC's Famed Street Food Specialists Looking in San Diego The Halal Guys, which started as a humble street cart in New York City and went on to be a worldwide sensation, will include San Diego as part of its global expansion plans. This week, Eater confirmed that the company is looking at sites in several local neighborhoods. Experts on American halal cuisine, the chain is known for its mouthwatering chicken and rice platters, garlic white sauce and gyro sandwiches.
Hachi Ramen Brings Japanese Fare to Bankers Hill The owner of 5th Avenue's Azuki Sushi has launched a nearby eatery specializing in traditional and innovative styles of ramen, from tonkotsu pork and roast duck to a vegan variation. The sleek space is also serving salad, sushi rolls and other creative Japanese-inspired plates.
More Chinese Hot Pot & Dumpling Move Into Kearny Mesa The bustling Convoy Street food scene added Red Cate Hot Pot to the mix this week, where diners can cook everything from meat and seafood to vegetables in a pot of simmering broth set into each table. Eater also has a preview of Steamy Piggy, an incoming eatery featuring housemade dumplings.
Carnitas' Snack Shack/Facebook
Carnitas' Snack Shack options at Petco Park: Carnitas Flautas (l); Smoked Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dog (m); Triple Threat (r).
Laura McVicker
A favorite among locals, Carnitas’ Snack Shack sinks its teeth into the ballpark this season, opening its “Pork House” at Petco Park, in sections 128 and 228. The menu includes staples like the Triple Threat (pork on pork on pork) and some new items like the Smoked Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dog, plus beer and craft cocktails. Carnitas’ Snack Shack has two other locations: North Park and Embarcadero.
Carnitas' Snack Shack/Facebook
Carnitas' Snack Shack options at Petco Park: Carnitas Flautas (l); Smoked Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dog (m); Triple Threat (r).
Petco Park/Twitter
Flautas, available at Carnitas' Snack Shack inside Petco Park this season.
Petco Park/Twitter
A bacon cheeseburger and onion rings from Hodad's at Petco Park. The ballpark has added The Draft Taproom to its eatery lineup, which serves two San Diego staples: Hodad's burgers and Ballast Point brews. The Draft can be found in section 205.
Cutwater Spirits/Instagram
Ballast Point Brewing and Spirits brings its Cutwater Spirits brand to the ballpark, including vodka, gin, rum and ready-to-drink canned cocktails. Eater San Diego reports that Cutwater Spirits partnered with the Padres this season to re-brand the former Deep Eddy Vodka Hideaway space in left field on the Toyota Terrace Level; it’s now The Still, an indoor-outdoor lounge with views of the diamond, pouring craft cocktails.
Petco Park/Twitter
An Estrella Jalisco Michelada Especial made with Cutwater Spirits Bloody Mary Mix, available this season at the ballpark.
Laura McVicker
The popular Ocean Beach eatery has landed a spot at Petco Park’s upper deck, in section 309. The menu includes a full bar, craft beer and coastal favorites.
Petco Park/Twitter
A game day dish and cold beer from Resident Brewing Co., served at Petco Parks' Wonderland Ocean Pub.
Wonderland Ocean Pub/Instagram
The Shrimp Aguachile at Wonderland Ocean Pub.
Laura McVicker
Brew enthusiasts will find themselves right at home at Petco Park’s Craft Beer Row in sections 101 to 105. There, small carts are pouring cold craft beer from local brewers like Mike Hess Brewing, Iron Fist, AleSmith and Karl Strauss, to name a few. Cheers!
Laura McVicker
A few years ago, AleSmith Brewing Co. created its San Diego Pale Ale .394 in honor of late San Diego Padres legend Tony Gwynn, named after his 1994 career-high batting average. The craft brew has become a favorite among Padres fans and now, AleSmith is pouring .394 along with other beers across several locations at Petco Park: sections 107; 211; 229; 305; 328. As Eater San Diego reports, the Padres and AleSmith have also rebranded the ballpark’s former Club 19 space on the Toyota Terrace Level (section 2017) into .394, a restaurant and bar pouring the company’s brews and some dishes inspired by “Mr. Padre” himself, including mac & cheese and pulled BBQ pork fries.
Laura McVicker
Hailing from Vista comes family-owned Iron Fist Brewing Co., setting up shop at several spots in Petco Park: a cart on Craft Beer Row in sections 101 to 105; section 107; section 211; section 229; section 305; section 328. Iron Fist will pour several of its brews at its ballpark locations.
Laura McVicker
Resident Brewing Co. is also present at Petco Park this season.
Laura McVicker
So many craft beers from which to choose at Petco Park.
Laura McVicker
The San Diego Padres Home Opener is on April 7, at 3:40 p.m. at Petco Park. They play the Giants.
12 Great Spots for Outdoor Dining in San Diego One of the joys of living in America's Finest City is being able to dine comfortably outdoors nearly year-round. Eater has a handy map of a dozen San Diego restaurants with patios, courtyards and rooftops just made for outdoor dining and drinking.
North Park's Ritual Kitchen Becoming New Diner & Bar After a decade on 30th Street, Ritual Kitchen & Beer Garden has been sold to new ownership, with plans to remodel the space into a new diner and bar called Working Class. Expected to open by football season, the restaurant will also feature 30 beer taps, plethora of TVs for sports viewing and outdoor patios.
Candice Woo is the founding editor of Eater San Diego, a leading source for news about San Diego’s restaurant and bar scene. Keep up with the latest Eater San Diego content via Facebook or Twitter, and sign up for Eater San Diego’s newsletter here.
