Restaurants to avoid? (San Diego, Julian: house, beach, sushi)

[Where'sTheBeach?]

Hi We'll be visiting the San Diego area to check out various areas this summer, and we'll be staying both in the city (near the gaslamp quarter) and in del mar. There are plenty of posts about great places to eat, but what are some that we should avoid? Of course, we also welcome any additional suggestions! We'll be on a tight budget, and don't usually like to eat anywhere fancy. We are also big seafood people, but not big steak house type people. Thanks to all who respond!

[bloom]

Very useful question (more so than 'favorite threads') and potential thread. Nothing worse than laying out some bucks for a bad-ish meal.

On the Border in Mission Valley and elsewhere
Margaritas in Julian (pies are great in Julian though)
mexican place on corner in Ocean Beach (can't figure out name)

[NYSD1995]

On the Border, El Torito, Mimi's Cafe, Applebees, Chilis, TGI Fridays

Pokez, Hash House a Go-Go, Ono Sushi

[aseyesee]

Honestly i would stay away from mainstream chain restraraunts like TGI, Applebees. etc...

[leighland]

Originally Posted by Where'sTheBeach?

We'll be on a tight budget, and don't usually like to eat anywhere fancy. We are also big seafood people, but not big steak house type people. Thanks to all who respond!

You gotta go to a Rubios. Its a San Diego based chain that does Fish Tacos and Lobster burritos. Totally cheap. Its kinda like a McDonalds for fish. Good for quick lunch.

[sav858]

Originally Posted by Sassberto

Hash House a Go-Go

I'm gonna have to disagree with this one. I think it's probably one of the best breakfast places in San Diego. And it has been voted best breakfast in SD several times by the Reader or UT from what I remember.


One breakfast place I definitely would avoid is The Broken Yolk Cafe in Pacific Beach and The Mission in Mission Beach.

Of course avoid most chains since you can find them anywhere, except In-n-out of course!

[neutrino]

I actually like Pokez. Their service may not be stellar, but their food is pretty good.

[tande1n5]

Originally Posted by leighland

You gotta go to a Rubios.

...Only if you don't have Rubio's in your hometown, I would say... otherwise you're not in for much of a surprise. Or, if you're a Rubio's connoisseur on the other hand, the original place is at the corner of Mission Bay and Bunker Hill.

Hash House a go-go's got some pretty good food in my opinion, but nothing better than anywhere else, and usually not worth the monstrous wait, but it's not that it's a bad place. Then again, maybe I'm biased in thinking it's not worth the wait, because it's really hearty stuff, and I prefer to pack an artery [i]after[i] 12, so my type of breakfast place is where I can get coffee and something light, and those around me that like something more substantial can do their thing.

I'd also say to avoid Anthony's, unless you're just going to the walk-up (which I like). It's always recommended by concierges for some reason, and it seems inciting, right there on the water, and is famous for some reason (Just because it's old and family owned?). The inside is like Denny's and you'll overpay. If you go to the walk up and sit outside... it's better, cheaper, and same view (menu limited to the fish and chips fried type though).

[sdurbanite]

Originally Posted by Sassberto

On the Border, El Torito, Mimi's Cafe, Applebees, Chilis, TGI Fridays

Pokez, Hash House a Go-Go, Ono Sushi

I'm a big fan of Hash House, and am afraid to ask why it should be avoided

[NYSD1995]

Originally Posted by sdurbanite

I'm a big fan of Hash House, and am afraid to ask why it should be avoided

The food is nothing special, the portions are too large, long lines, noisy techno blaring. It's more overrated than bad I suppose. Read my yelps about it.