Before Summer Technically Ends, Get Outside for Dinner at These San Diego Spots

August 23, 2014

Like all good things, summer is quickly coming to an end. But before it does, it’s time for one last celebration this month. This August 31 is National Eat Outside Day. We’ve got the best local spots with the perfect patios for you to revel in. So grab your shades and get ready to take in some air while you enjoy your food outside.

ViVa Bar and Kitchen is bringing Latin flare to the Gaslamp Quarter. Their innovative menu has selections that explode with bold flavors, traditional spices and local ingredients. Take the festive, friendly party outside to their patio and order some signature Street Tacos. They’re great to munch on while soaking up the late summer sun. ViVa’s Shrimp and Scallop Street Tacos have sautéed shrimp, grilled scallops, chipotle aioli, guacamole, pico de gallo, cage and cotija cheese.

Take a trip to Fifth Avenue and get a seat at Union Kitchen and Tap’s comfortable patio. This bar and eatery is serving up quality American fare, handcrafted cocktails and providing a rustic, cool environment. The patio is ideal for people watching, with raised, plush couches bringing you to eye-level with the passer-bys. Why not order a Prosciutto Flatbread to snack on while you relax? It has Farm egg, Prosciutto, Burrata and Rocket.

“Buon Appetito!” from downtown’s authentic Toscana Café and Wine Bar. This quintessential Italian Bistro gives you street-side dining at its finest; putting you right in the fun of where 5th meets K street. Toscana takes their wine seriously, with one of the most extensive offerings of wine in the area. There’s nothing like taking it slow and sipping some crisp Lagaria Italian Pinot Grigio as you check out all that’s happening around you.

Eating outside wouldn’t be the same without a trip to Pacific Beach’s Woody’s, the boardwalk’s go-to spot for grub featuring acai bowls, breakfast burritos, burgers and more. Try the street-level seating or the top-level deck for ocean views and prime people watching. For the best burger on the beach, order the Big Woody, a ½ pound burger that you can add cheese, mushrooms, bacon, avocado and/or grilled onions to for a customized culinary treat.

A sleek rooftop patio with sprawling views of the San Diego shore awaits you at The Wood. A mere 50 steps from the sand, it has coastal casual dining and a “Cheers”-like bar on the main floor, decked out with beach games. Since Eat Outside Day is a Sunday, you can treat yourself to their Champagne Weekend, with $15 Champagne Bottles and $3 Domestics until 1pm. Life’s better at The Wood.

Venture to Hillcrest for the best barbeque around. Brazen BBQ has delicious cuisine with and incredible southern style twist to it. Settle in at the outdoor bar or find a table in the sunshine. Straight from the Pit Boss himself, Brazen’s Smokehouse Pit specialties combine award-winning meat with delicious sides. Try the Rack of Baby Back Ribs with Brazen fries, tangy coleslaw and fresh cornbread. Relax and relish every last bite.

Del Mar’s newest coffee shop and eatery, Café Cantata, is the perfect place for you to taste satisfying sips and flavorsome fare. The inspiring poetic quotations on the walls mixed with the open air ambiance invites you to escape from the busy world and take some time for yourself. Order the Gluten-Free Portobello Panini; it has hummus spread, balsamic aioli, cucumber, Monterey jack and feta cheese, served on gluten-free multigrain bread. Try some hot tomato soup on the side and a cup of organic brewed coffee and you’ll be set to enjoy your time at Café Cantata, taking in the fresh air and savoring the experience.