Neighborhood
I love the food at the Neighborhood, but what keeps me coming back is their amazing esoteric selection of beers. From local, national and international breweries, these guys know a good beer when they see one.
Tilt
Tilt is alright, I'm sort of an arcade junkie, and since moving to San Diego it's the only one I've found. They have a few good ones, but only classic's no real new machines. And a couple of the old ones could use a tune up as well.
Kearny Mesa Subaru
My Subaru had it's clutch go out, I called around and I couldn't find anywhere less expensive than Kearny Mesa Subaru. Not only did they do a great job, and now my car runs smooth as ever, but they also knocked a couple of hundred dollars of the price. Very friendly, and very competent.
The Kebab Shop
Great food, representing the turkish side of what's often viewed as greek food. The other thing that stands out about this place is it's eclectic collection of european beers. Not just the one's we've all had like Beck's and Heineken, but some real gems that you can't find anywhere else.
Cafe Noir
Nice combination of both a cafe and a bar. Not many places could so succesfully bring alcohol into an establishment while still keeping true to its Cafe roots, but Cafe Noir does it nicely.
Chee-Chee Club
Totally friendly environment, every time I go there by the end of the night it feels like I'm friends with everyone at the place. The Jukebox in the back has amazing music in it, it's got pool, and great drink prices.
Banana Bungalow Hostel
The ultimate party hostel. Right on the beach, parties every night with a fun and friendly staff. Could stand to be a little cleaner, but that's the last thing you'll be thinking about in the midst of all the crazy good times you'll have there.
Lucky D's Bar & Grill
this bar shut down, in its place is Bar 90 which is a great lounge/club with live DJ's and music and gourmet food. The best place to go in the East Village for drinking.
Fiesta Cantina
My favorite bar in Hillcrest. The one place in San Diego you can go and trust that you're going to get a good stiff drink, at a fair price. Food's awesome, and a crazy atmosphere that embodies Hillcrest.
Hub Market and Deli
It's a great little market, family run, and the entire family is really friendly. I do all my shopping there, that I can. Also attached to the market is a great deli with awesome sandwiches. Also the prices across the board are better than Albertson's or Ralph's.
