5 San Diego Happy Hours to Try in March

Trying out new bars and restaurants is one of our favorite things to do, and San Diego happy hours are sometimes the easiest way to check out a place. If you’ve been looking for a new spot to try in the city, or simply want some inexpensive  sips and bites, here are five San Diego happy hours to try this month:

1. THE CRACK SHACK – LITTLE ITALY

San Diego Happy Hours | Crack Shack

This entirely outdoor restaurant is the perfect spot for a sunny afternoon cocktail. The Crack Shack’s menu is based around chicken + eggs (as the name suggests), serving gourmet chicken sandwiches alongside self-service homemade sauce bar. The lively atmosphere, complete with a bocce ball court and plenty of seating, makes this spot a fun afternoon hangout. Happy hour runs Monday-Friday from 3-6pm, with $3 off cocktails and $2 off beer + wine.

2. FairweatheR – East Village

san Diego Happy Hours | Fairweather

When the sun is out, piña coladas are in order. Head to this rooftop oasis above Rare Form and grab a tiki drink for only $7 during happy hour, starting at 5pm Monday through Friday.  If the glassware and pink umbrellas aren’t enough, the rooftop view of Petco Park should help, too.

3. Isola Pizza – Little Italy

San Diego Happy Hours | Isola Pizza

Isola has long been one of our favorite happy hours in the city. Ever since studying abroad in Italy, Elliot and I have been on the hunt for authentic Italian pizzas. Not only does this spot have one of our favorite margarita pizzas to date, it’s only $5 during their everyday happy hour from 3-6pm.  Add a glass of wine or Prosecco for another $5, and dinner is complete.

4. SODA & SWINE – LIBERTY STATION

San Diego Happy Hours | Soda & Swine

The Liberty Station Soda & Swine location has a vibe  reminiscent of a vintage soda parlor with funky twists – including a glass-topped foosball bar table, Spanish tile walls, and cherry red bar stools. The restaurant is specifically known for it’s meatball menu, which can be ordered with a variety of sauces on sliders, subs, or pasta (all of which are incredible). Happy hour is Monday – Friday from 3-7, with $5 beers, wines and select cocktails. A half order of “Dirty Fries” are only $5, too, and definitely hit the spot.

5. Puesto – Downtown

San Diego Happy Hours | Puesto

While Puesto is one of my all time favorite taco spots in San Diego, it gets even better at happy hour. The art-covered walls, colorful chairs, and cacti clusters create an artsy Mexican vibe within the historic Headquarters building. Happy hour runs Monday-Friday from 3-5, when their “Puesto Perfect” margaritas are only $6, and speciality tacos are $3.50 a piece.

San Diego Neighborhood Guide: North Park

San Diego Neighborhood Guide | Modern Times

San Diego Neighborhood Guide | Tribute Pizza

San Diego Neighborhood Guide | Holsem Coffee

San Diego Neighborhood Guide | Holy Matcha

San Diego Neighborhood Guide | Ray Street

San Diego Neighborhood Guide | Tribute Pizza

San Diego Neighborhood Guide | Pigment

San Diego Neighborhood Guide | Pigment

San Diego Neighborhood Guide | Communal Coffee

San Diego Neighborhood Guide | Underbelly

San Diego Neighborhood Guide | PigmentThis week, I’m sharing the first San Diego neighborhood guide in my series, which starts with North Park! This neighborhood is by far one of my favorites in the city – the trendy shops, cool cafes, and incredible beer scene make it a super fun weekend spot (a.k.a we’re there at some point almost every weekend). Centered around 30th and University just a few minutes north of downtown, this up and coming area is definitely a must-see if you’re visiting San Diego.

 

San Diego Neighborhood Guide: North Park

Pigment

San Diego Neighborhood Guide | Pigment

Whether or not you live in San Diego, you’ve probably heard of this gem of a store. Filled with colorful stationary, gifts, treats, cocktail accessories, and a succulent potting station Pigment is a dream destination.  It pretty much brings me happy tears every time I walk in (or maybe the tears are from wanting to buy every single thing in sight). Plus, they have an ombré pink wall outside. So, basically this spot is heaven.

Communal Coffee/Native Poppy

San Diego Neighborhood Guide | Communal Coffee/Native Poppy

What’s better than coffee + flowers? This darling combo shop unites two amazing concepts in one place. You can order a rose latte and avocado toast, and then peruse the curated gift shop and Native Poppy’s custom flower mart while you wait. The Communal Lounge in the back, now open for events, even comes complete with a pink door. Be forewarned, holding coffee while trying to take pictures of every cute corner can be difficult, so make sure to snag a table first 😉

Holsem

San Diego Neighborhood Guide | Holsem

Marble countertops. White walls. Espresso. Wine + beer. What more do you need from a coffee shop? Holsem is located just a stone’s throw away from Pigment, and is the perfect pick-me-up after a day of exploring. Whether you try out one of their creative latte concoctions or sit down for a glass of wine with a charcuterie board, this place doesn’t disappoint.

One Door North

San Diego Neighborhood Guide | One Door North

This restaurant brings camping chic to 30th Street. Reserve a canvas tent to dine in or grab a cozy table near the window and be prepared to feel like you’ve gone on your own little outdoor adventure. The menu is nature inspired as well, which means lots of fresh produce, a “picnic” charcuterie board, and s’mores for dessert. Stop by during the week for their happy hour to snag some inexpensive sips and snacks, too.

HOLY MATCHA

San Diego Neighborhood Guide | Holy Matcha

This pink + tropical café is what Instagram dreams are made of. The newest addition to University Street, Holy Matcha is already a huge hit in the neighborhood. Ceremonial matcha comes in pink ceramic bowls, while avocado toast and vegan donuts round out the menu. Definitely a must-visit!

HAMMOND’S ICE CREAMSan Diego Neighborhood Guide | Hammond's Ice Cream

San Diego may not have quite the same hip ice cream scene as LA, but Hammond’s is definitely giving our city something to be proud of. The retro-meets-modern decor along with the delectable flavors from Hawaii makes this spot a great treat. Did I mention they have mini ice cream cone flights?!

Artelexia

San Diego Neighborhood Guide | Artelexia

This gift/art shop is another one of my favorites in North Park. Artelexia is a vibrant store inspired by Mexico, and curated beautifully. It’s filled with handmade glassware, tapestries, flower crowns and countless piñatas, plus you can snag a tasty popsicle from their Viva Pops freezer!

Tribute Pizza

San Diego Neighborhood Guide | Tribute Pizza

Leave it to North Park to have one of the coolest pizzerias in the city. Located within the old U.S. Post Office, this restaurant is known for making pizzas inspired by favorites from around the world. Any spot that serves fresh pizza and rosé by the glass is great in my book, and the bright modern space puts it over the top.

The Breweries

San Diego Neighborhood Guide | North Park Beer Co.

It would be hard to write a San Diego neighborhood guide for North Park without at least mentioning the killer craft beer scene the neighborhood has going on. The area has over ten breweries/tasting rooms, which makes for a fun Saturday crawl. Some of our favorites include North Park Beer Co., Thorn Street, Mike Hess, and Modern Times. Most are pup friendly, too!

Other notable spots:

Underbelly (Hip patio spot for yummy ramen)

Young Hickory (Coffee + beer shop)

Coin-Op Game Room (Dive bar filled with retro arcade games)

Urban Solace (Southern comfort food with a cozy aesthetic)

Bottlecraft (Shop carrying bottled beers from around the world)

 

Darling Dinner at Moniker Warehouse

Darling Dinner at Moniker Warehouse | The ELL Blog

Darling Dinner at Moniker Warehouse | The ELL Blog

Darling Dinner at Moniker Warehouse | The ELL Blog

Darling Dinner at Moniker Warehouse | The ELL Blog

Darling Dinner at Moniker Warehouse | The ELL Blog

Darling Dinner at Moniker Warehouse | The ELL Blog

Darling Dinner at Moniker Warehouse | The ELL Blog

Darling Dinner at Moniker Warehouse | The ELL Blog

Darling Dinner at Moniker Warehouse | The ELL Blog

Darling Dinner at Moniker Warehouse | The ELL Blog

Darling Dinner at Moniker Warehouse | The ELL Blog

Darling Dinner at Moniker Warehouse | The ELL Blog

Darling Dinner at Moniker Warehouse | The ELL Blog

Darling Dinner at Moniker Warehouse | The ELL Blog

Darling Dinner at Moniker Warehouse | The ELL Blog

I had the lovely opportunity again to help Jill of Layered Vintage construct a beautiful space for the Darling Dinner in San Diego. Her creative inspiration came from the eight different personas that Darling Magazine has for women (visit their website and find out which one you fit!). Jill created a magical “secret garden” scheme, complete with a wall of climbing vines and intertwined flowers. With the help of numerous vendors, the decor was gorgeous (and dinner + drinks were amazing, too!). I especially loved each intimate lounge area with furniture from Adore Folklore. The color palette and textures made my heart happy!

Design + Florals: Layered Vintage | Curation: Kara Dykert  | Catering: MIHO Catering Co. | Bartending: Barçon Cocktail Co. | Drinks: Malahat Spirits| Tabletop Decor: Hostess Haven | Venue: Moniker Warehouse | Rentals: Adore Folklore | Candles: Often Wander | Calligraphy + Paper Goods: Studio VonBerg | Favors: Nic Roc Designs 

 

Darling Cocktail Party

Darling Event | ELL.

Darling Event | ELL.

Darling Event | ELL.

Darling Event | ELL.

Darling Event | ELL.

Darling Event | ELL.

Darling Event | ELL.

Darling Event | ELL.

Darling Event | ELL.

Darling Event | ELL.

Darling Event | ELL.

Darling Event | ELL.

Darling Event | ELL.

A few weekends ago, I had the privilege of assisting the amazing Jill from Layered Vintage  and Kara Dykert from Darling Events with the Darling San Diego cocktail party. Along with many other vendors and creatives, we worked to set up an fun and intimate party at Pow Wow Studios. The space was perfect for the event, since the studio is filled with aisles of vintage furniture that can be rented! I was so happy and thankful to be a part of the experience, since I was able to meet so many wonderful people in the creative SD industry. Among the wonderful vendors and helpers were Type & Title (calligraphy), Tend (plants and greenery), Kim from Dainty Lion, MIHO Catering,  and The Photo Bus. There were so many others that helped and attended as well, and it was so amazing to meet each and every one!

One of my favorite parts of the event was definitely the Floral Swag Bar that Jill and her team put together. Guests could come to the booth and pick out flowers to put in their hair! The three different cocktail bars were a hit as well, with each having a different signature themed cocktail. I can’t wait until the next Darling event!

xx

The Quartyard

The Quartyard | ELL.

The Quartyard | ELL.

The Quartyard | ELL.

The Quartyard | ELL.

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IMG_3757

The Quartyard | ELL.

The Quartyard | ELL. The Quartyard | ELL.

The Quartyard | ELL.

The East Village in San Diego is a place not to be missed. It sits adjacent to the Gaslamp District downtown, and includes amazing bars, restaurants, and shops. The Quartyard is our most recent discovery there, and we have been back every weekend since. The area was originally a large vacant lot that sat empty for years during the recession. A group of students from a local design school decided to make use of the space, and created a gathering place for East Villagers. Using old shipping containers, they opened a coffee shop, gallery, eatery, concert stage, and bar. The spot is so fun because it is all outdoors, and includes a few food trucks on the weekends, too.

During the week, the Quartyard Bar has a happy hour too, so you can grab a cheap drink and play some cornhole in the sunshine.  The Quartyard is very dog friendly as well, and even has a little Dog Park in the back. The place definitely draws a lot of San Diego’s cool crowd, so don’t be surprised if everyone seems to have a french bulldog or pitbull (we still can’t figure out how those became the popular San Diego dogs).

Being in the middle of a city, it’s so nice to have an open space among the buildings to relax and enjoy the fresh air. If you ever find yourself downtown, make sure to walk the few extra blocks east to find this cool spot. You won’t be disappointed.

xx