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Baseball AND HANGS favorite places to eat, chill and play By Alex McNair
Dragon's Den before and
after padres game hangout
Not far from the gates of Petco Park is Dragon’s Den, a fabulous destination for pre-game appetizers or post-game drinks. The Asian-fusion menu has a variety of dishes that can be ordered and shared at the table. Although a full sushi menu is offered, there are plenty of options to please every taste. Dragon’s Den has an outdoor patio with full dining available which enables others to imbibe in the warmth of San Diego’s warm evening weather. The interior of Dragon’s Den is welcoming and decorated to feel like the restaurant is entertaining Asian royalty. The bartenders, who are young, attractive and friendly, bustle around the wrap-around bar for hours during the pregame rush. The sushi bar is in the back room and allows diners to view the sushi chefs, who diligently slice and roll beneath the high defini-
tion televisions displaying current scores and the opening pitch. Happy Hour is extended longer than many other downtown locales and runs weekdays from 2-7. The longer Happy Hour allows time for a late lunch with girlfriends or early evening munchies with a date. On game days, Chicken Gyoza, California rolls and draft beers are offered at four bucks a pop making downtown dining pleasantly affordable. In addition to a delicious variety of Asian inspired appetizers and entrées, Dragon’s Den has an exciting list of cocktails as well including the refreshing, cucumber infused Spatini. On weekends the Den offers guests a “Build-Your-Own Bloody Mary & Champagne Bar” starting at 11am, making it a reasonable and fun location for everyone.
315 10th Avenue in East Village | 619.358.9332 | thedragonsdensd.com
Petco Park And it's outta here!
Petco Park flipped the switch on the San Diego baseball scene when it opened in the East Village of downtown in 2004. A highlight for tourists and destination for locals, Petco Park offers a variety of activities for family and friends including picnic spots, a Little League infield and the Western Metal Supply Building. Situated against the backdrop of our San Diego skyline, Park at the Park hosts groups of friends socializing and families picnicking and playing and has also been utilized for events like Beer Fest. Tickets at the park run pretty cheap while still offering the ballpark experience. Spectators can get an up-close look at their favorite players from “The Beach” behind the right field fence during batting practice before the games. Downtown can be busy enough on any given day. On game day, remember to coordinate with public transportation if possible. For about five bucks you can hop on the trolley and save yourself the trouble of scouring the streets for parking!
100 Park Boulevard in East Village 619.795.5005 petco.com
fun fact: SeaWorld originated with four UCLA fraternity brothers who wanted to open a restaurant with a marine show. 10
SEPTEMBER 2011 // fashionfivEo.com