Most underrated San Diego restaurants (Santee, Alpine: live, versus, delivery)

[CNYC]

Originally Posted by malcorub16

^^ This, SD and CA in general is not conducive to small business which includes restaurants. No doubt in my mind that there are good chefs/cooks in SD, it is just hard on run an eatery in SD with profit margins being so thin which leads to many chain restaurants.

TJ is much less restrictive PLUS they have good local culinary schools. I know of SD chefs passionate about their food that prefer having a restaurant in TJ because the regs and bottom line are better.



Maybe in July, their COVID measures didn't start until mid April so they are a few weeks behind US. I do miss TJ. :-( I'm even worried to go to Texas right now, my home state, as the cases are on the rise there.

Agree on both fronts.

I may even stay away from TJ until the Fall. There will be many people going before me to wage the risk value.


2nd wave/flu season perhaps ?

[Losfrisco]

Originally Posted by newgensandiego

Huh?

I don't think the places you are referring to are "hold in the wall" if they are trying to mimic anything. They are usually nondescript and unassuming. Maybe that's just my understanding.

Without naming names, I'm talking about "by the slice" pizza joints in San Diego that try to emulate northeastern establishments. Its just not happening. Its not that they don't have decent pizza, but in SD you're probably better off going with a national chain.

[NJ Brazen_3133]

Originally Posted by CNYC

Chelsea in the 20's.

Also pizza in Manhattan at least 5 years ago when I left was garbage. Due to high rents everyone was using canned veggies for the pizza. NOT at Tony's. Everything is fresh and affordable at 25 pesos a slice.

As a native NY'er I can tell you TONY's IS THE REAL DEAL. The only thing missing is the garlic salt on the tables.

Is now the Rail Line Diner. Still good though. I remember when it was the Moonlight. Across the street is the Chelsea Square, and Ray's Pizzeria.

[newgensandiego]

Originally Posted by Losfrisco

Without naming names, I'm talking about "by the slice" pizza joints in San Diego that try to emulate northeastern establishments. Its just not happening. Its not that they don't have decent pizza, but in SD you're probably better off going with a national chain.

I'm not sure I'd write off the San Diego restaurant scene over pizza.

[eastcoastbias]

Why are we talking about NYC and TJ?

[TacoSoup]

Originally Posted by eastcoastbias

Why are we talking about NYC and TJ?

Because it’s apparently the only place to get good pizza, and in TJ’s case, the only place to get good food in the entire region.

[CNYC]

Originally Posted by TacoSoup

Because it’s apparently the only place to get good pizza, and in TJ’s case, the only place to get good food in the entire region.

TRUE

[eastcoastbias]

I'm a foodie...I workout so I can be a foodie. I'm interested in finding underrated SD restaurants. Please share

[Native Transplant]

Originally Posted by Losfrisco

Buca Di Beppo is the only SD Italian place that stands out to me. Huge portions and good dining experience, but you would almost certainly find better places in random small towns in Illinois or Ohio.

Is Buca HQed in SD ("SD Italian place")? Never been, but I saw one in Pittsburgh, PA, and it's menu looked quite good, but I've not gone.

[Mike930]

Originally Posted by Native Transplant

Is Buca HQed in SD ("SD Italian place")? Never been, but I saw one in Pittsburgh, PA, and it's menu looked quite good, but I've not gone.

Buca is one of the worst places I’ve ever been. Horrible food. It’s a much Italian as Taco Bell is Mexican food.