Dining SOLACE & THE MOONLIGHT LOUNGE The second of three eateries (and counting) in Chef Matt Gordon’s upscale-comfort-food empire, this North County favorite focuses on seafood. The communal table is great for groups. L, D (daily); Br (Sa-Su). 25 East E St., Encinitas, 760.753.2433. $$$ Map W22 STACKED This innovative, build-your-own-burger bar at Fashion Valley Mall, where guests order directly from an iPad, lets you customize every component of your meal and dining experience. Create your dream burger. L, D (daily). 7007 Friars Road, #356, Fashion Valley, 619.225.7900. $ Map E2 STATION TAVERN Expect a cool, architectural indoor/ outdoor, family-friendly space with picnic tables, serving up craft beers and burgers. Also try the locally sourced farmers market salad with a side of sweet potato fries. L, D (Tu-Su). 2204 Fern St., South Park, 619.255.0657. $ Map K12 TRACTOR ROOM This dimly lit spot is decked out in hunting-lodge chic, with a game-heavy menu that includes crispy elk ravioli and venison meatloaf, plus craft cocktails. (Oh, and the corn bread that arrives on the side is enough to satisfy six people.) D (nightly), Br (Sa-Su). 3687 Fifth Ave., Hillcrest, 619.543.1007. $$$ Map N16 UNION KITCHEN & TAP Beer, craft cocktails, boutique wines and tavern-style grub are all on the menu. Choose from 20 rotating taps of mostly local brews to wash down a bison burger or sweet potato poutine. L (M-F), D (nightly), Br (Sa-Su). 1108 S. Coast Hwy. 101, Encinitas, 760.230.2337. $$ Map V22 URBAN SOLACE Neighborhood joint features updated New American comfort cuisine and an intriguing wine, craft beer and cocktail list. Locals love the warm cheese biscuits and Sunday bluegrass brunch. L, D (daily); Br (Su). 3823 30th St., North Park, 619.295.6464. $$$ Map N17
Breakfast BEACH GRASS CAFÉ A breezy and casually chic eatery by the beach serves up a health-conscious menu of granola, flapjacks, salads and more. B, L, D (daily). 159 S. Highway 101, Solana Beach, 858.509.0632. $$ Map X22 BRIAN’S 24 Old-school clubby spot features a mahogany bar, crystal chandelier and 24-hour dining (midnight brunch, anyone?). Burgers, steaks and chicken ‘n’ waffles, too. B, L, D (daily). 828 Sixth Ave., Gaslamp, 619.702.8410. $ Map Q16 CAFÉ 222 Locals line up in droves for Café 222’s quirky American cuisine and whimsical décor. Popular menu items include the peanut butter waffle with bananas at breakfast; tuna melts, salads and more at lunch. B, L (daily). 222 Island Ave., downtown, 619.236.9902. $ Map R15 THE COTTAGE Housed in a charming turn-of-thecentury home complete with garden patio, the Cottage is hugely popular for breakfast (don’t miss the coffee cake). Sandwiches, salads and burgers at lunch. B, L (daily); D (Tu-Sa). 7702 Fay Ave., La Jolla, 858.454.8409. $ Map W19 HASH HOUSE A GO GO Huge portions of “twisted farm food” that will make your eyes bulge: egg scrambles and more arrive on massive platters, speared with a giant rosemary branch. Expect a long wait at weekend brunch. B, L (daily); D (Tu-Su). 3628 Fifth Ave., Hillcrest, 619.298.4646. $$ Map N16 ISABEL’S CANTINA This cool, casual spot near the beach serves health-conscious, bold-flavored Latin and Asian-influenced fare, from tamales to udon noodles. For breakfast, try the soy-chorizo scramble, blackberry-banana pancakes or the Power Burrito with egg whites and grilled chicken. B, L, D (daily). 966 Felspar St., Pacific Beach, 858.272.8400. $$ Map H7
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