Which came first when the economy went south: the tavern, the cucina or the multi-hyphenate venue aiming to create camaraderie between hipsters and scenesters? Because all three are big trends in San Diego, and I intend to eat and drink my way to an answer.
Taverns. You have your Station Tavern in South Park, your West Coast Tavern in North Park, Small Bar in University Heights, Hodad's Too opening on 10th and Broadway downtown, and about a half dozen others. All are along the lines of brews, burgers and/or small plates that are, dare I give in to the cliché, recession-friendly. (Sorry, I had to).
Cucinas. There's Cucina Urbana, of course, first out of the gate and fronting the wave of affordable Italian eateries popping up all over again (and proving pasta is the ultimate comfort food when times are tough and our bellies are empty). Then there's the sleek yet moderate BICE, which just opened in the Gaslamp, Buonissimo2 in Hillcrest, and a new Arrivederci opening soon in North Park. Pass the meatballs.
And then there's the newer wave in nightlife: venues eschewing velvet ropes for a “come on down” approach open to both sequin mini dress types and North Park die-hards. El Dorado sure broke the mold and bridged the gap, as did Voyeur, Prohibition and Vin de Syrah.
And the newest little nugget about to hit the scene? Here's the scoop, straight from momma: Quality Social, a brand-new joint taking over the former Exy space on Sixth Avenue in the Gaslamp. It promises to be all most of us are looking for in local nightlife right now: affordable eats, cozy bar scene, unique eye candy (think live art installations versus a T&A show) and zero pretension.
As for which came first, I guess it doesn't really matter. It's not a race after all; it's a celebration. At least that's what good food and drink should be about.
Sarah Daoust
944 Magazine
San Diego Managing Editor
Written by: Sarah Daoust