Where to Dine: Mid-City and Mission Valley

Old Town Mexican Cafe

Sometimes you gotta just go touristy. Besides, San Diego is a tourist destination, so we should appreciate what we have here. And one thing that everyone should appreciate is an Old Town institution and tourist favorite, the Old Town Mexican Cafe. Sure, it's always busy and full of tourists slurping margaritas, the decor is your standard pinata/fiesta Tijuana cliche. But the food...handmade tortillas and the house specialty, carnitas. Oh, man, simmered pork, then crisped up - slap it on the delicious tortillas, no wonder someone from Kansas would love this. Sure its standard Mexican fare for Americans, but its all good stuff.

2489 San Diego Ave
(between Conde St & Harney St)
San Diego, CA 92110
(619) 297-4330

Phil's BBQ

Like tacos, barbecue is a very personal thing. So, no matter what you say, someone is going to say their favorite joint is better. Now, I'm not going to go out on a limb by saying Phil's BBQ is some good barbecue, because the place is damn popular and fast becoming a San Diego institution. And I'm sure there's a local BBQ place that holds its own with Phil's. I just haven't come across it yet, because when I want my baby backs, I always go back to Phil's. And I'm never disappointed. It can be crowded most of the time, but it's worth it. The original location is in Mission Hills and is temporarily closed. The newer and larger location is near the Sports Arena.

3750 Sports Arena Blvd
(at Hancock St)
San Diego, CA 92110
(619) 226-6333

Parkhouse Eatery

Parkhouse Eatery is one of those places that you like to think you are the only one who knows or frequents it. Located in the quaint University Heights neighborhood, Parkhouse is all about coziness - it's a converted old home, on Park Blvd. (Parkhouse, get it?). It has a signature pedestal clock on the front outdoor patio to add to its funkiness. The food? It's your standard upscale twist on comfort food: pumpkin and spice pancakes, griddled turkey meatloaf, gorgonzola mac and cheese. That type of thing, all in giant servings, in a cool neighborhood. It's often crowded, but shhhh, don't tell anyone else, OK?

4574 Park Blvd
(between Madison Ave & Monroe Ave)
San Diego, CA 92116
(619) 295-7275

Bread and Cie

First off, Bread & Cie is a true bakery that serves up old-world artisan breads. Located in Hillcrest, it's also a cafe that serves up breads, pastries, sandwiches, and salads. Bread lovers flock to this place, and rightly so. If you've been to a local restaurant and marveled at the basket of bread, it probably came from Bread & Cie. For me, I am personally a fan of the cherry turnovers, but I am absolutely adamant in saying their cinnamon rolls are absolute perfection. No, not your yeasty, gooey, state fair slab; but flaky, light, with the perfect balance of crunch-to-chewy ratio. It is heavenly stuff.

350 University Avenue
(between 3rd Ave & 4th Ave)
San Diego, CA 92103
(619) 683-9322

Oki Ton

The sprawling Mission Valley area is all about chains: restaurants, stores, services. But situated a bit obscurely in the gigantic IKEA/Costco/Lowes shopping center (next to McDonald's, no less) is a handsome Japanese bistro, Oki Ton. It's locally owned, and it serves up Japanese specialties with a contemporary twist nicely. Oki Ton has a full sushi bar, as well as patio dining. Their specialty is the pork katsu cutlets and their sushi rolls. Oki Ton is easy to miss as you're rushing to Costco for your party pack of frozen mini quiches, but it's a nice surprise in an area more accustomed to big and over the top chain restaurants.

2408 Northside Dr
(at Friars Rd, IKEA shopping center)
San Diego, CA 92108
(619) 284-8036

Starlite

To be honest, I've listed Starlite because it's one of those new, hip places that is garnering some buzz. And it's owned by local music supporter and club owner Tim Mays, along with musician Steve Poltz. You could say Starlite is for the hipsters who want to start to grow up a little and feel a bit more sophisticated, but in a cool way. It's located a little out of the way on India Street north of the gentrified Little Italy section. And the food? It's all organic and natural, with a menu that leans towards contemporary American fare, but that's all secondary, I suppose. Because if you're dining at Starlite, then you're ahead of the hip curve anyway.

3175 India St
(between Redwood St & Sassafras St)
San Diego, CA 92103
(619) 358-9766

Ponce's Mexican Restaurant

I used to go to Ponce's in Kensington when I was in college and lived in nearby Normal Heights. It was your crummy little diner with a counter and vinyl booths and OK standard Mexican food at good prices. I mean, what self-respecting Mexican restaurant serves pre-formed taco shells? But it was a cool, funky place to eat. Ponce's has been on the same corner of Adams Ave. since 1969, and in 2002, it had a complete makeover. Gone is the counter service and vinyl - it looks much more upscale. But the food is still reasonably priced, and they still serve those Taco Bell taco shells. So, not everything changed in the makeover.

4050 Adams Ave
(between Kensington Dr & Terrace Dr)
San Diego, CA 92116
(619) 282-4413

Bronx Pizza

Bronx Pizza is the real deal. A whole in the wall place in Mission Hills that serves just New York style pizza and calzones. That's it. No delivery, no funny named pizzas, no cheesy dippers, no credit cards. But plenty of NY attitude. And some damn fine, thin crusted pizza. Good, good stuff. Think of the opening sequence of "Saturday Night Fever" - Tony Manero strutting down the street and grabbing two slices of pizza. OK, so that was Brooklyn. Whaddaya gonna do about it?

111 Washington St
(between 1st Ave & 3rd Ave)
San Diego, CA 92103
(619) 291-3341

Hash House A Go Go

If you can forgive the dumb name, Hash House A Go Go is worth a try because it serves up food made from farm fresh ingredients big time. And I mean big time as in serving. Known for their breakfasts and their many pancake flavors (Brown Sugar Banana, Blackberry Granola, Snickers, Butterscotch Almond, Apple Cinnamon, Mango Coconut, Strawberry Frosted Flake) that are huge, Has House also serves up lunch and dinner. It's a popular place and rightly so - the food is comforting, tasty and fresh, and the servings are generous. Big time generous. Maybe too generous.

3628 5th Ave
(between Anderson Pl & Brookes Ave)
San Diego, CA 92103
(619) 298-4646

San Diego Brewing Company

A brew pub shouldn't be pretentious - especially one that really brews its own beer. I mean, it is beer, after all. So, it should have good house brews, a great selection of beers, good, hearty food, and a comfortable atmosphere. That's what the San Diego Brewing Company offers. Good, solid, pub food and brews. No airs or pseudo hipness (do you hear me, Gordon Biersch?). It's in boring Grantville, off of Friars Road in a strip mall. And it's worth seeking out.

10450 Friars Rd Ste L
San Diego, CA 92120
(619) 284-2739

Prado Restaurant

It's a picturesque restaurant in a picturesque building in picturesque Balboa Park. Need I say more? Well, it's another in the Cohn Restaurant Group empire and it is in a million dollar setting smack dab in the middle of the El Prado area of the park. The patio area is a must on a sunny day or warm evening. The interior is done fancifully in the restored Spanish Moor House of Hospitality. The food is an Asian/Latin/whatever fusion menu, and much of it is quite tasty. But it's the setting that makes this a must for dining in Balboa Park. Hands down.

1549 El Prado
(between Plaza De Panama & Village Pl)
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 557-9441