So, we’re having one last family reunion in San Diego before my mom moves up here to NorCal and we’d like to go out to a restaurant or food joint that has a nice, kid-friendly vibe without being just another chain. We’ll be in the Coronado area as well as near Balboa Park and in the North County, so there’s a bit of a leeway as far as locations go. Style of food isn’t too important as long as it’s somewhere a 10, 7, and 3-year old can enjoy themselves without stressing the adults out too much.
Hernandez Hideaway is a kind of a cool place. It’s next to Lake Hodges, off Del Dios Highway near Del Mar. I haven’t been there for years, but I imagine it’s still there.
Anthony’s Fish Grotto is a nice place. Good seafood with a homey atmosphere right by the bay (that’s the one downtown I think). When my boyfriend and I went two years ago, it was lively without being overly loud and obnoxious and our waitress was the sweetest lady ever. I think we both got crayons and some paper to draw on (we’re in our twenties).
I would second Old Town Mexican Cafe. It’s great. The handmade tortillas are great and I heartily recommend the Carnitas… tell 'em you want them “crispy.” Very family friendly and then you can walk around Old Town if you are interested.
I would NOT recommend Hernandez Hideaway simply because last time I went there it was terrible. Crappy food, crappy service.
Dick’s is a neat place, as long as you know the schtick: the waiters are mean to you.
How bout Pizza Port in Solana Beach? (They’ve also opened one in Carlsbad and… I think OB. I wouldn’t recommend OB as a great family reunion destination unless your mom is an aging hippie). Anyways, Pizza Port has great beer and great pizza.
Thanks, everyone. I’ll look into a few of these that aren’t too far off our particular paths.
It’s funny to hear Anthony’s mentioned because I always associate that (as a kid) with fancy dining. Our phone # was one digit off of the Anthony’s in RB (I don’t think it’s there anymore) and we would get wrong numbers for the restaurant all the time.
The best burgers in town are at the Station Tavern in South Park. It is kind of a bar, but the entire patio (which is at least as big as the restaurant) is a kid’s play area so the kiddies can run around. Meant to cater to young families in the neighborhood.
For Mexican, don’t bother with anything in Old Town which is a tourist trap (I used to like Casa Guadalajara there, but my last visit indicated it had gone downhill). Check out Mama Testa’s in Hillcrest, fantastic tacos. The decor is bright and colorful, and they have little lucha libre action figures on the table which the kids can play with.
