question for Splinter places to eat

[Majesty Fan]

Splinter,

Hubby and I are comming to SD prior to our cruise in Sept. We are staying at the Holiday Inn DT since they have shuttle service to the zoo. We are looking at an Irish place to eat and Mexican. We want authentic mexican not a chain. Also how is KC Barbq for drinks? Is the food really bad? I saw some very bad reviews.

Lexi

[Splinter]

KC Barbecue is OK food; people go there for the "atmosphere" and to say they have been to the bar in "Top Gun". I only go when I have out of town visitors who want to eat there. No view, and you won't find Tom Cruise there! Better barbecue is Phil's Barbecue in Mission Hills.

 

Good very basic Mexican food is El Indio on India St. and Washington. Eat outside or take out mostly. I also like the Old Town Mexican Cafe. You can take the San Diego Trolley there easily. It is about 2 blocks from the Old Town Trolley Station. I love their carnitas. Be prepared to wait though (no reservations). The Cafe Coyote in Old Town is also very good. A little more touristy (but still good) and with giant Margaritas is the Casa Guadalajara in Old Town (owned by Diane Powers who used to run the Casa de Bandini and Casa de Pico in Old Town when they had good restaurants). There is not much downtown that is good Mexican food and not a chain.

 

As far as Irish food, there are a couple of places in the Gaslamp Quarter:

There is the Dublin Square Irish Pub and The Field. I prefer The Field but they are very close together...you could check them both out.

 

Of course I have to recommend eating seafood in San Diego. The Oceanaire is great if you want to splurge, Anthony's Seafood Grotto for family type restauarant and reasonable prices (and a great view) or the Fish Market if you want a view and don't object to a chain.