2 Best Restaurants in Old Town and Uptown, San Diego

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With some notable exceptions, historic Old Town celebrates Mexican dining. Nearby, Uptown’s diverse communities offers many bars, bistros, and gastropubs, along with ethnic restaurants ranging from Afghan and Indian to Russian and Vietnamese.

Blind Lady Ale House

$ | Normal Heights Fodor's Choice

There's almost no combination on Earth as satisfying as pizza and beer—which just happen to be Blind Lady's specialties. The old world-style pizzas are topped with organic ingredients, like homemade chorizo and avocado, which offer an excellent complement to their extensive beer selection, which is updated on their chalkboard daily. Just be patient waiting for a seat at the popular neighborhood spot, which is decorated with upcycled materials such as reclaimed wood floors and glass cases of vintage beer cans.

3416 Adams Ave., San Diego, CA, 92116, USA
619-255–2491
Known For
  • Spicy chorizo pizza with avocado
  • Crispy Belgian frites
  • Home-brewed craft beer
Restaurant Details
Closed Tues., no lunch Mon., Wed., or Thurs.

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Tribute Pizza

$ | North Park

The concept behind Tribute Pizza initially seems like a gimmick—each wood-fired, oven-baked pizza is a "tribute" to one at another famous pizzeria, whether in Brooklyn, Texas, or even Costco. But however campy in their presentation, the pizzas at the spacious, modern restaurant—which is housed in a converted former post office—are among the best in town, whether made from all-vegan ingredients or smothered in spicy salami. Choose from the signature 13-inch Neo-Neoplitan style, thick Grandma style, or a whopping 28-inch floppy New York-style pie. Sides and other plates round out the menu, from the strange addition of (amazing) Szechuan spicy noodles to wood-fired focaccia bread with a variety of spreads.

3077 North Park Way, San Diego, CA, 92104, USA
619-450–4505
Known For
  • The Bees Mode—topped with soppresatta and hot honey
  • Fried Brussels sprouts with garlic and pecorino romano cheese
  • Curated selection of local craft beers and wines
Restaurant Details
Closed Mon. No lunch

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