San Diego's Best Budget Date Spot 2008

Ocean Beach wine shop also houses a comfortable, casual-chic restaurant and wine bar backed by bigtime San Diego foodies.

Reviews:

• “relaxed yet hip”
• " Rude Service left bad taste in our mouth"
• “Great wines, Great food and open late”
• “Very Poor Service”
• “Best restaurant in Ocean Beach – one of the best in San Diego.”

Tips: Join the in-house wine club for special discounts and dinner invitations.

The 3rd Corner

Italian-born husband and wife duo in PB serve family-style Italian favorites with a touch of old-world charm.

Reviews:

• “Best Italian Food outside of Little Italy”
• “Crazy, busy, wonderful, authentic”

Tips: It’s the small, orange house right where Balboa Ave runs into Grand Ave.

Mamma MIA

Minimalist East Village watering hole combines chic, urban loft design with a comfortable, neighborhood vibe and thin-crust pizzas.

Reviews:

• “Bad bad bad bad bad service, good pizza”
• “Awesome neighborhood spot”
• “Graffiti tuesday, Art Show on Tuesday’s at Basic”
• “Love it!”
• “Best Pizza and atmosphere”

Tips: It’s one block from Petco, so arrive well before the first pitch on game days.

Basic Urban Kitchen and Bar

South Park eatery embodies the flavors and hospitality of the owners’ travels with an eclectic menu and friendly, warm ambiance.

Reviews:

• “too cramped for couples”
• “great neighborhood restaurant”
• “619.224.7500”
• “LOVE THIS PLACE”
• “Interesting place…..”

Tips: In keeping with European-style dining, the service here is not about speed or efficieny, but rather about slowly enjoying your food and your friends. You have to ask for the check when your ready.

Vagabond Kitchen of the World or email Vagabond Kitchen of the World

Grill your own steaks with fellow in-the-know locals at this venerable, retro dive that separates South Park and Golden Hill.

Reviews:

• “I approve”
• “Best local joint”

Tips: Old-school piano crooners Kevin Cavanaugh and Richard Johnson tickle the ivories to a packed house on alternate Sunday evenings.

Turf Supper Club

One of the few watering holes in Downtown’s Core District keeps it casual with a pub-style bar and game day specials.

Reviews:

• “Good and friendly restaurant”
• “Stout great neighborhood pub downtown San Diego”

Tips: This space used to be occupied by the fancy French restaurant Cafe Cerise.

Stout Public House

Classic pizza parlor is a San Diego tradition in Little Italy

Reviews:

• “really good cheese sticks”
• “Parents with kids: Beware!”

Filippi’s Pizza Grotto

Golden Hill coffee house is ideal for grabbing a sandwich, smoothie or getting work done in its cozy living room.

Tips: Free wireless is the way to attract a crowd.

Krakatoa

The queen of San Diego’s pub scene continues its reign thanks to die-hard local fans.

Reviews:

• “fun bar, great service”
• “The worst bar I’ve ever been to. Nothing orginal about it. Drinks bad/weak. Over priced. Dirty. Foods gross.”
• “Stay away! Service & security is the RUDEST in the city”
• “The Best Piano Bar in San Diego!”

Tips: A traditional English Breakfast is served daily until 2 pm on weekdays and 1 pm on weekends

Princess Pub & Grille

Of the most well-loved farmer’s markets in San Diego, OB’s is the most kid-friendly.

Tips: In the summer, all the antique and surf shops stay open late until the farmer’s market closes at 7pm.

Ocean Beach Farmer’s Market

Old Town wine bar known for it’s outdoor patio also has a retail shop and small menu of snacks, paninis and desserts.

Tips: Yes, there are cabanas in the back.

Wine Cabana

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