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Off-Campus Dining:

A-

(explain this grade)

Comparable Schools'
Off-Campus Dining Grades:

Quick Stats

Best Pizza

  • DiMille’s Italian Deli and Pizza Grotto
  • Woodstock's Pizza

Best Breakfast

  • Denny's

Best Chinese

  • P.F. Chang's

Best Healthy

  • Souplatation

Best Wings

  • Wings & Things

Best Place to Take Your Parents

  • O-Nami
  • Benihana

College Prowler Take

San Diego is a large city and encompasses an enormous variety of food choices. Since San Diego is so diverse, you will find food from all over the world. There are several popular choices that include healthier dining options than on-campus food, such as the Pita Pit and 4.0 Deli. If you are willing to drive, you can pretty much eat at any place you want, whether it is at a fast food or sit-down restaurant. Areas such as Old Town, Downtown, and La Jolla offer some of the best dining experiences—both affordable and expensive. The fanciest restaurants are mostly located in the costal areas, and these places offer some of the most exquisite menus in California. For the typical college student on a tight budget, there are plenty of moderately priced options located a few minutes away in Mission valley.

The only downside to off-campus dining is that, right next to campus, options are primarily limited to fast food and takeout. There really are no sit-down restaurants within walking distance of campus. The closest one is Denny’s, which most people choose to visit in the wee hours of the morning. If you are willing to drive around, your cuisine options are endless. Any kind of food you could possibly want is located a short distance away. The bottom line: Whether you want a fast-and-go restaurant, a nice dinner with the parents, or even a dinner to impress the new interest, San Diego has a great variety to choose from.
 

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Students Speak Out

Love your school more than free food? Hate your school more than term papers?
Somewhere in between? Show the world what YOU think of YOUR school:

Anonymous says:

Off campus, there is a wide...

Off campus, there is a wide variety of restaurants within a short driving distance.

Off-Campus Dining
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Anonymous says:

Rubio’s, the fish taco place right...

Rubio’s, the fish taco place right next to campus, is a great place to go. It has got great, cheap food. A lot of restaurants near campus are nothing more than expensive fast food.

Off-Campus Dining
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Anonymous says:

There are some okay restaurants in...

There are some okay restaurants in the near vicinity of campus, such as 4.0 Deli and La Torta.

Off-Campus Dining
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Anonymous says:

For some really good Mexican food,...

For some really good Mexican food, go to Old Town. Old Town Mexican Café has some of the best food I’ve ever tasted. It really is hard to find bad Mexican food in San Diego.

Off-Campus Dining
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Anonymous says:

The restaurants are the same as in...

The restaurants are the same as in any other big city, there are good restaurants and there are bad restaurants. When my friends and I have the money and time, we tend to dine out at P.F. Chang’s and the Olive Garden. The Cheesecake Factory is the best place to eat if you’re not worried about money.

Off-Campus Dining
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Facts

Student Favorites

  • Chipotle
  • Trujillo’s Mexican Food

Other Places to Check Out

  • BJ's Pizza, Grill & Brewery
  • Coco's Bakery
  • Karl Strauss Brewery & Restaurant
  • La Torta
  • Mona Lisa Italian Restaurant
  • Rubio's

24-Hour Dining

  • Denny's
  • Taco Fiesta

Grocery Stores

Ralph's Grocery Co.
6670 Montezuma Rd., College Area
(619) 463-8893
www.ralphs.com

Vons
8011 University Ave.
(619) 295-0688
www.vons.com
Daily 6 a.m.–12 a.m.

Restaurant Listing

The Cheesecake Factory
American
7067 Friars Rd., San Diego
(619) 683-2800
www.thecheesecakefactory.com
Price: $15-$25
Awesome cheesecake
Hours: Monday–Thursday 11 a.m.–11 p.m., Friday–Saturday 11 a.m.–12 a.m., Sunday 10 a.m.–11 p.m.

Taco Fiesta
Mexican
6201 Mission Gorge Rd., San Diego
(619) 283-5285
Price: $3-$8
No indoor seating, so carry-out only
Hours: Daily 24 hours

Hunter Steakhouse
Steakhouse
2445 Hotel Circle N, San Diego
(619) 291-8074
www.paragonsteak.com
Price: $15-$30
Award-winning food
Hours: Sunday–Thursday 11:30 a.m.–9 p.m., Friday–Saturday 4 p.m.–10 p.m.

Benihana
Japanese, sushi
477 Camino Del Rio S, San Diego
(619) 298-4666
www.benihana.com
Price: $15-$45
Hibachi grill
Hours: Monday–Thursday 11:30 a.m.–2 p.m., 5 p.m.–10 p.m., Friday 11:30 a.m.–2 p.m., 5 p.m.–11 p.m., Saturday 12 p.m.–2 p.m., 5 p.m.–11 p.m., Sunday 1 p.m.–9 p.m.

Baleen
Seafood, fine dining
1404 Vacation Rd., San Diego
(858) 490-6363
Price: $20-$60
Waterside dining
Hours: Sunday–Thursday 5 p.m.–9 p.m., Friday–Saturday 5 p.m.–10 p.m.

The Pita Pit
Greek, American
5131 College Ave., San Diego
(619) 265-7482
www.pitapit.com
Price: $5-$10
Hours: Monday–Wednesday 9 a.m.–2 a.m., Thursday–Saturday 9 a.m.–3 a.m., Sunday 10 a.m.–2 a.m.

Old Town Mexican Café
Mexican
2489 San Diego Ave., San Diego
(619) 297-4330
www.oldtownmexcafe.com
Price: $15-$20
Hours: Sunday–Wednesay 7 a.m.–11 p.m., Thursday– Saturday 7 a.m.–12 a.m.

Wings & Things
Mexican
3445 Midway Dr., San Diego
(619) 226-0185
Price: $15-$45
Hours: Sunday–Thursday 10 a.m.–9 p.m., Friday–Saturday 10 a.m.–9:30 p.m.

Sante Ristorante
Italian
7811 Herschel Ave., La Jolla
(858) 454-1315
www.santeristorante.com
Price: $15-$35
Special Features: Award-winning food
Hours: Monday–Friday, 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m., 5 p.m.–10:30 p.m., Saturday–Sunday 12 p.m.–3 p.m., 5 p.m.–11:30 p.m.

Woodstock's Pizza
Pizza
6145 El Cajon Blvd. # P, San Diego
(619) 265-8786
www.woodstockssandiego.com
Price: $15-$25
Hours: Monday–Wednesday 11 a.m.–1 a.m., Thursday–Saturday 11 a.m.–2 a.m., Sunday 11 a.m.–12 a.m.

George's at the Cove
American
1250 Prospect St., La Jolla
(858) 454-4244
www.georgesatthecove.com
Price: $9-$21
Three levels to establishment—rooftop bistro, bar, and fine dining restaurant
Hours: Sunday–Thursday 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m.–10 p.m., Friday–Saturday 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m., 5 p.m.–10:30 p.m.

Gaslamp Strip Club
American, steakhouse
340 Fifth Ave., San Diego
(619) 231-3140
www.cohnrestaurants.com/cohn/cohnrestaurants/gaslamp.php
Price: $15-$25
Patrons can cook their own steaks over an open-fire grill; serve yourself wine cellar
Hours: Daily 5 p.m.–11 p.m.

Chevys Fresh Mex
Mexican
1202 Camino Del Rio N, San Diego
(619) 297-5667
www.chevys.com
Price: $10-$25
Hours: Sunday–Thursday 11 a.m.–10 p.m., Friday–Saturday 11 a.m.–11 p.m.

Crab Catcher
Seafood, brunch
1298 Prospect St., La Jolla
(858) 454-9587
www.crabcatcher.com
Price: $20-$35
Located on the edge of a cliff; great view
Hours: Monday–Thursday 11:30 a.m.–3 p.m., 5:30 p.m.–10 p.m., Friday–Saturday 11:30 a.m.–3 p.m., 5:30 p.m.–10:30 p.m., Sunday 10:30 a.m.–3 p.m., 5:30p.m.–10 p.m.

Chili's Grill & Bar
American
4252 Camino Del Rio N, San Diego
(619) 280-7996
www.chilis.com
Price: $10-$20
Hours: Monday–Thursday 11 a.m.–11 p.m., Friday–Saturday 11 a.m.–11:30 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.–10:30 p.m.

4.0 Deli
American, deli
5844 Montezuma Rd., San Diego
(619) 281-4040
Price: $5-$8
Hours: Daily 11 a.m.–8 p.m.

Bennigan's Grill & Tavern
Irish, American
1760 Camino Del Rio N, San Diego
(619) 291-8853
www.bennigans.com
Price: $10-$20
Hours: Monday–Saturday 11 a.m.–2 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.–12 a.m.

Anthony's Fish Grotto
Seafood
1360 N. Harbor Dr., San Diego
(619) 232-5103
www.gofishanthonys.com
Price: $10-$20
Hours: Daily 11 a.m.–10 p.m.

Denny's
American, breakfast
6970 Alvarado Rd., San Diego
(619) 461-2862
www.dennys.com
Price: $5-$10
Hours: Daily 24 hours

Baja Rockin Lobster
Mexican
3890 Twiggs St., San Diego
(619) 260-0305
Price: $15-$20
Hours: Sunday–Thursday 11 a.m.–10 p.m., Friday–Saturday 11 a.m.–11 p.m.

Souplantation
Bakery, salads, soups
6171 Mission Gorge Rd., San Diego
(619) 280-7087
www.souplantation.com
Price: $2–$8
Hours: Monday–Thursday 11 a.m.–9 p.m., Friday– Saturday 11 a.m.–10 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m.–9 p.m.

Trujillos Taco Shop
Mexican
4632 College Ave., San Diego
(619) 582-0130
Excellent food, and they are open late.
Hours: Monday 11 a.m.–9 p.m., Tuesday–Friday 11 a.m.–10 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m.–9 p.m.

Red Zone Sports Bar and Grill
American
1100 5th Ave., San Diego
(619) 231-8888
www.redzonesandiego.com
Price: $9–$25
They have televisions set up in all directions, making it easy to catch all the current sports games.
Hours: Sunday–Thursday 7 a.m.–10 p.m., Friday–Saturday 7 a.m.–12 a.m.

DiMille’s Italian Deli and Pizza Grotto
Italian, pasta, pizza
3492 Adams Ave., San Diego
(619) 283-3153
www.dimilles.com
Price: $7–$16
Hours: Monday–Thursday 11:30 a.m.–9:30 p.m., Friday– Saturday 11:30 a.m.–10 p.m., Sunday 12 p.m.–9 p.m.

Honey’s Café
American, breakfast
7947 Balboa Ave., San Diego
(858) 565-4244
Price: $5–$13
Hours: Daily 6 a.m.–2 p.m.

Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse
Fine dining
1355 N Harbor Dr., San Diego
(619) 233–1422
www.ruthchris.com
Price: $55–$75
They bring your food out on a 400 degree plate that sizzles almost the whole time you devour it.
Hours: Monday–Thursday 5 p.m.–10 p.m., Friday 5 p.m.–10:30 p.m., Saturday 4:30 p.m.–10:30 p.m., Sunday 4:30 p.m.–10 p.m.

Seau’s of San Diego
American
1640 Camino Del Rio N, San Diego
(619) 291-7328
www.seau.com
Price: $9–$15
They have televisions set up in all directions, making it easy to catch all the current sports games.
Hours: Sunday–Thursday 11 a.m.–10 p.m., Friday–Saturday 11 a.m.–11 p.m.

Rock Bottom
American
401 G St., San Diego
(619) 231-7000
Price: $11–$30
Known for their brewery
Hours: Sunday–Thursday 11:30 a.m. –1 a.m., Friday–Saturday 11:30 a.m.–2 p.m.

Wahoo’s Fish Taco
Mexican, seafood
2195 Station Village Way, San Diego
(619) 299-4550
www.wahoos.com
Price: $6–$10
It feels like you are eating near the beach at a beach house.

Shogun Kobe Restaurant
Japanese
5451 Kearny Villa Rd., San Diego
(858) 560-7399
www.restaurantshogun.com
Price: $11–$30
The cooks put on a show for you as they cook in front of you and all your friends.
Hours: Monday–Thursday 11:30 a.m.–9:30 p.m., Friday 11:30 a.m.–10 p.m., Saturday 12 p.m.–10 p.m., Sunday 12 p.m.– 9:30 p.m.

P.F. Chang's China Bistro
Chinese
7077 Friars Rd., San Diego
(619) 260-8484
www.pfchangs.com
Price: $10-$20
Hours: Sunday–Thursday 11 a.m.–11 p.m., Friday–Saturday 11 a.m.–12 p.m.

On the Border Mexican Grill & Cantina
Mexican
1770 Camino De La Reina, San Diego
(619) 209-3700
www.ontheborder.com
Price: $8-$15
Hours: Sunday–Thursday 11 a.m.–10 p.m., Friday 11 a.m.–12 a.m.

Prado
Latin, Italian
1549 El Prado, San Diego
(619) 557-9441
Price: $15-$30
Hours: Monday–Thursday 11 a.m.–3 p.m., 5 p.m.–9 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m.–10 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.–8 p.m.

Mimi's Café
French/New Orleans, American, breakfast
5180 Mission Center Rd., Mission Valley
(619) 491-0284
www.mimisCafé.com
Price: $8-$15
If you ask an employee who Mimi happens to be, you'll get a long-winded tale about an old war hero and the love of his life.
Hours: Daily 7 a.m.–11 p.m.

Max New York
Steakhouse, seafood
827 Fifth Ave., San Diego
(619) 235-8500
www.sandiegorestaurants.com/max
Price: $25-$45
Fine dining
Hours: Monday–Thursday 11 a.m.–11 p.m., Friday–Saturday 11 a.m.–12 a.m.

La Casita Mexican Grill & Seafood
Authentic Mexican
5157 College Ave., San Diego
(619) 583-9011
Price: $3–$8

Chipotle
Burritos, tacos
5842 Hardy Ave.
(619) 265-2778
www.chipotle.com
Price: $6–$9
Hours: Daily 11 a.m.–10 p.m.

Pei Wei Asian Diner
Asian
1025 Camino De La Reina, San Diego
(619) 321-6670
Price: $6–$10
It’s like the express version of P.F. Chang’s

Lake Murray Café
Breakfast, burgers, diner food
5465 Lake Murray Blvd., La Mesa
(619) 433-0180
Price: $5–$10
Hours: Daily 6:30 a.m.–9 p.m.

O-nami
Japanese
1640 Camino Del Rio N., San Diego
(619) 295-9774
www.o-nami.com
Price: $15–$26
Hours: Monday–Thursday 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m.– 9 p.m.; Friday 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m.–9:30 p.m.; Saturday 11:30 a.m.–3 p.m., 5:30 p.m.–9:30 p.m.; Sunday 11:30 a.m.–3 p.m., 5 p.m.–9 p.m.

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Life without music could never be imagined.

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