Outdoor Dining Options Expand & Abound In San Diego Area

SAN DIEGO COUNTY, CA — As restaurants deal with indoor-dining crackdowns during the coronavirus pandemic, many are heading outside to keep business going.

San Diego County restaurateurs are getting creative this summer, offering special menus and carving out socially distanced spaces in their backyards, courtyards, sidewalks, parking lots and patios to design welcoming, al fresco-dining spots.

Check out a few of the regions's latest eatery innovations, along with some new seasonal menus ...

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--Photo courtesy of Bencotto

Bencotto, 750 Fir St., San Diego, CA 92101

Monello, 750 Fir St., San Diego, CA 92101

Side by side in Little Italy, both Italian eateries feature open-air, patio dining and participate in the neighborhood's Weekend Street-Side Dining. Lunch and dinner are served at the restaurants, with brunch on Saturdays and Sundays. Aperitivo (Italian happy hour!) includes a complimentary selection of Italian bites. And for diners in a grande mood, there's the famous Cheesewheel Pasta. Priced at $26, the dish features homemade, small shell pasta, tomato sauce, mozzarella and sausage meatballs tossed in a 60-pound wheel of Parmigiano reggiano cheese. Reservations recommended at both establishments. Takeout and delivery also offered. Link to Monello is here, and follow this link for Bencotto.

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--Photo courtesy of Blade 1936

Blade 1936, 401 Seagaze Drive, Oceanside, CA

The Italian restaurant and pizzeria now features outdoor seating for 65 to 70 guests — with proper social distancing — after expanding its existing patio and adding a tent with lights in the parking lot at 101 and Seagaze. Lunchtime specials Wednesdays through Sundays from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. include $10.50, 12-inch pizzas and panuozzo/pizza paninis. Happy hour is 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. daily. with $5 small bites, plus cheese and wine pairings on Wednesdays. And see full dinner menu here. Located in the historic Blade-Tribune newspaper offices, Blade 1936 recently achieved "Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana" status for its true Neapolitan pizza pies. To view the restaurant's hours and menus, follow this link.

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--Photo courtesy of Cardellino/Credit: Haley Hill Photography

Cardellino, 4033 Goldfinch St., San Diego, CA 92103

In Mission Hills, this bakery, café and Italian-inspired eatery is open for al fresco, patio dining. And new this summer: happy hour Wednesdays through Sundays from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. with $5 drinks and a dozen, $5 to $15 appetizers, such as Blistered Italian Long Peppers filled with Lomo and Seasoned Ricotta, a Cardellino Burger with TRG Crack Sauce, Prosciutto Toast with melon and seasoned mascarpone and Baked Mussels. For dessert, diners can head next door to the adjacent Mr. Trustee ice cream window, open Mondays through Thursdays from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. and 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Fridays through Sundays. More info here on Cardellino's menu and hours.

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--Photo courtesy of Daphne's

Daphne's, 4639 Carmel Mountain Rd, San Diego, CA 92130

An outdoor patio is open at the Torrey Hills location of Daphne's, a Mediterranean-inspired chain known for its Greek-style fish, surf & turf and vegetarian plates, gyros, falafel, hummus and pita. New for the summer is a limited-time Strawberry Salad, featuring spring mixed greens tossed in honey vinaigrette dressing and topped with fresh strawberries, candied walnuts, feta, grilled chicken and served with warm pita and tzatziki sauce. See Daphne's website for more information.

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Encinitas Downtown, Highway 101, Encinitas, CA

Numerous eateries on and around downtown's main drag are set up and serving patrons with open-air, dining spaces. Among the restaurants: 101 Diner; 3rd Corner Wine; Beachside Bar and Grill; Bier Garden; Blue Ribbon Pizzeria; Carin de Ria; City Tacos; Death by Tequila; Encinitas Fish Shop; Encinitas Café; EVE Encinitas; GOODONYA Organic; Le Papagayo; Lobster West; Lotus Cafe; Q’ero; St. Tropez Bistro; The Taco Stand; Union Kitchen & Tap; and URBN Pizza. Check with the individual establishments for hours and offers. Follow the Visit Encinitas 101 Main Street website to keep up with the latest information.

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Escondido's Grand Avenue, Escondido, CA

The downtown stretch resembles an Italian piazza as "street-side" dining flourishes and eateries create al fresco settings. Get the latest restaurant news on Escondido Eats. And to highlight just a few of the open-air offerings on Grand Avenue and nearby streets:

• 760 Burgers, 155 S. Orange St. A recently launched, burger-focused endeavor open Thursdays through Saturdays 4 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
• A Delight of France Bakery & Bistro, 126 W. Grand Ave., with breakfast specialties, sandwiches and more.
• Bellamy’s Restaurant, 417 W. Grand Ave. Specializing in upscale, California-fresh cuisine.
• Burger Bench, 237 E. Grand Ave., serving burgers, salads, sliders and a grilled cheese variety daily for patio dining and takeout.
• Cuscatlan Salvadorian Cuisine, 221 E. Grand Ave., offering authentic Salvadorian dishes, plus pizza, sandwiches, pastas and salads.
• Filippi's Pizza Grotto, 114 W. Grand Ave., with new "sidewalk cafe."
• H Brothers, 212 E. Grand Ave., a comfort-food destination.
• Jacked Up Brewery, 800 W. Grand Ave. Follow schedule for live, outdoor music.
• La Tapatia Mexican Restaurant, 340 W. Grand Ave. Check out the stunner, outdoor venue.
• Mi Guadalajara, 525 W. 2nd Ave., plenty of shaded, outdoor seating.
• O’Sullivan’s Irish Pub & Restaurant, 118 E. Grand Ave., featuring corned beef & cabbage, fish & chips and more Irish fare in open-air setting.
• Sunny Side Kitchen, 155 S. Orange St., with added sidewalk & parking-lot seating.
• Suzy Q's Diner, 258 E. 2nd Ave., serving American classics in outside space that even includes misters.
• Swami's Cafe, 503 W. Grand Ave., offering breakfast and brunch, with vegan and vegetarian selections, too.
• The Flying Toad, 113 W. Grand Ave., with its new, outside "Lily Pad" space.
• The Grand Tea Room, 145 W. Grand Ave., offering shaded patio, beautifully decorated tables and same tasty menu.

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--Photo courtesy of Eureka!/Credit: Scott Barnett

Eureka!, 4353 La Jolla Village Drive, San Diego, CA 92122

Diners at University Town Center Eureka! can opt for delivery, or stop in for takeout and enjoy it on the outdoor patio. Along with the regular menu, specials underway include: Family Bundle ($60), serves four with Crispy Glazed Brussels Sprouts, Mac N' Cheese Balls, two American Cheeseburger with fries, a Cobb Salad, a Fried Chicken Sandwich with fries, two Bourbon Barrel Cakes and a bottle of wine; Boozy Date Night Dinner for Two ($40) with Crispy Glazed Brussel Sprouts, two burgers, fries and to-go cocktails; and the 20-Wings Party Pack ($20). Eureka! in Carlsbad is open only for takeout and delivery. The SDSU College Avenue location is temporarily closed. UTC's Eureka! website is here.

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--Photo courtesy of Farmer Boys

Farmer Boys

• 1333 E. Valley Pkwy., Escondido, CA
• 925 W. Mission Ave., Escondido, CA

Both locations of the chain, known for its award-winning burgers, feature outdoor patio seating. Farmer Boys keeps its offerings farm-fresh with a variety of salads, wraps, sandwiches and all-day breakfast. A kids' menu also is available. See website for full menu.

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--Photo courtesy of Flower Child

Flower Child, Flower Hill Promenade, 2690 Via De La Valle, Del Mar, CA 92014

The restaurant with a focus on made-from-scratch and farm-fresh ingredients is open for al fresco dining, along with takeout. New dishes for the summer are: a Vegan Artichoke Salad; an Heirloom Tomato & Watermelon Salad; Charred Asparagus Slaw Side; and an Heirloom Tomato & Watermelon Side. The eatery also features a kids' menu. See Flower Child hours and menu details here.

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--Photo courtesy of Fort Oak/Credit: Haley Hill Photography

Fort Oak, 1011 Fort Stockton Drive, San Diego, CA 92103

Reserve seats on the open-air patio at the Mission Hills establishment, and dine on such chef-crafted dishes as the seafood Petite or Grande Tower (oysters, clams, prawns, Alaskan king crab, hamachi poke, scallop aguachile, marinated tuna), Sanke River Denver Wagyu with potato and summer corn, and chicken fried quail with corn bread, red beans and cabbage. See Fort Oak hours and menu info here.

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Kaiserhof German American Restaurant, 2253 Sunset Cliffs Blvd., San Diego, CA 92107

The Ocean Beach restaurant offers outdoor Biergarten dining, along with added seating at the new front patio. Those craving a Bavarian fix can enjoy hot pretzels with beer-cheese sauce, bratwurst, schnitzel, spatzle and sauerkraut. Hours: Tuesdays through Thursdays 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Fridays through Sundays 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. To-go and delivery services also available. Prost! Restaurant details here.

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--Photo courtesy of Liberty Station Community Association/Fig Tree Café

Liberty Station, Rosecrans Street, San Diego, CA

Al fresco dining options abound at the Point Loma development. Among restaurants with outdoor space: Breakfast Republic; Officine Buona Forchetta; Chi Chocolat; Dirty Birds; Fig Tree Café; Five Guys; The Loma Club; The LOT; Liberty Public Market; Luna Grill; Moniker General; Oggi’s; Panera; Slater’s 50/50; Stone Brewing; and Tender Greens. Verify hours and offers with the individual establishments. See Liberty Station info here.

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--Photo courtesy of Little Italy Association of San Diego

Little Italy, Kettner Boulevard and India Street Neighborhood, San Diego, CA

A slew of Little Italy eateries are featuring open-air dining, some with summer specials. Among the restaurants are: Bar One, 1532 India St.; Barbusa, 1917 India St.; Bencotto, 750 W. Fir St.; Bolt Brewery, 1971 India St.; Buon Appetito, 1609 India St.; Civico 1845, 1845 India St.; Cloak and Petal, 1953 India St.; Davanti Enoteca, 1655 India St.; Farmer's Table, 550 W. Date St.; Filippi's Pizza Grotto, 1747 India St.; Ironside Fish & Oyster Bar, 1654 India St.; Isola Pizza Bar, 1526 India St.; Landini's Pizzeria, 1827 India St.; M Winehouse, 1918 India St.; Mimmo's, 1743 India St.; Monello, 750 W. Fir St.; Nonna + Café Zucchero, 1735 India St.; Parakeet Café, 1680 India St.; Petrini's, 610 W. Ash St.; Sogno Di Vino, 1607 India St.; Solunto, 1643 India St.; Sorrento, 1646 India St. Double-check hours and menu offers with the varying establishments. Visitors must wear face coverings and maintain physical distancing. Follow this link for more Little Italy dining options.

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--Photo courtesy of 7 Mile Kitchen

7 Mile Kitchen, 5420 Grand Pacific, Carlsbad, CA 92008

Enjoy al fresco, socially distanced dining — along with superb, Carlsbad coast views — at this Sheraton Carlsbad Resort & Spa restaurant. New summer specials include: Burger & Brew, with Pub Burger and select craft beer for $12; or the Family-Style Sundays $30 deal, offered 3 p.m. to 9 p.m., featuring a choice of one family-style salad (Classic Caesar, Classic Greek or Roast Beet & Stone Fruit), and two, family-style pizzas (either Margherita, Pepperoni, Wild Shroom or Sweet Sausage). See 7 Mile website here for details.

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--Photo courtesy of Slater's 50/50

Slater's 50/50

• 2750 Dewey Road, San Diego, CA
• 110 Knoll Road, San Marcos, CA

Known for its outrageous recipes, Slater's 50/50 features open-air seating at both San Diego-area locales, where diners can sit, relax and feast on such dishes as the Pork-A-Palooza bacon flight with pork wings, Chicharron and Salted Caramel Bacon Kettle Korn, or ahi tuna poke nachos, southern pimento loaded fries or a variety of burgers and shakes. See Slater's info here.

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--Photo courtesy of Solare Lounge

Solare, 2820 Roosevelt Road, Liberty Station, Point Loma, San Diego, CA 92106

Located at Liberty Station in Point Loma, the elegant, family-operated Solare, with a focus on Italian cuisine, is serving guests on its two, outdoor patios and just added more seating in a lawn setting. With an executive chef from Tuscany, the establishment is renown for such authentic fare as homemade Zuppa di Zucca soup, Rosetta di Salmone all’Arancia ed Erbette (King salmon with orange citronette, thyme, rosemary, parsley and served with seasonal roasted vegetables) and Pappardelle all’Agnello Ragù (spring lamb white ragù, house-made pappardelle pasta infused with saffron, bay leaves, juniper berries and Pecorino aged 365 days), along with a variety of pizzas and pastas. Takeout and delivery options also available. Use this link for Solare's reservation info, details and menu.

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--Photo courtesy of The Butchery

The Butchery, One Paseo Shopping Center, 3720 Caminito Court, Del Mar Heights, CA

The full-service butcher shop and grocer is open daily 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and offers outside dining areas for its bistro patrons. On the menu are hot dishes, deli sandwiches, salads and sides, including such specialties as the House Sandwich made with house-marinated steak tips, and the Italian Sausage with Goat’s Milk Cheddar Plate. Diners also can purchase craft beers and wines to pair with their meals. Follow this link for more info.

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--Photo courtesy of The Henry

The Henry Coronado, 1031 Orange Ave., Coronado, CA 92118

Open-air dining is available along with new menu adds. On tap for summer: Brunch with Strawberry French Toast, Strawberry Greek Yogurt Parfait and a Rancheros Breakfast Bowl; an Asparagus Caesar; Roasted Chicken & Avocado Salad; Heirloom Tomato & Watermelon Salad; a Baja Rotisserie Chicken; Grilled Fish Tacos; and a Baja Rotisserie Chicken Family Pack, which is $29, serves four and is offered for takeout. See menu and hours here.

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--Photo courtesy of Trust/Credit: Haley Hill Photography

Trust, 3752 Park Blvd.,San Diego, CA 92103

Spread out and relax at the extensive patio at Trust in Hillcrest while enjoying dinner or weekend brunch. The locally sourced menu offers such "urban rustic" fare as Braised Oxtail Raviolini with pine nuts, carrots, oxtail jus, horseradish and whipped ricotta, Wood-Grilled Lamb Meatballs with lentils, tzatziki, pickled shallots, Fresno chiles and mint, and Dassi Tomato + Local Peach Salad with burrata, cucumber, curry, basil and pickled red onion, plus sourdough. New on the summer menu: Scallop Aguachile with rhubarb, red onion, Persian cucumbers, taro root and avocado mousse. Reservations required, and takeout also is available. More Trust restaurant info here.

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