My friends and I enjoy hours of happy hour here at
Craft & Commerce
675 W. Beech Street, San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 269-2202 http://www.craft-commerce.com/
This place has become one of my favorite weekly happy hour spot. I remember I went here 2 Fridays in a row ;p The place wasn't big until they recently expanded it into the space next door. It's definitely a fun place filled with high energy positive people (by that I mean it's always crowded). It's always crowded so seating can be a bit difficult at times but they have both indoor and outdoor seating ;p Don't expect to see the common drink menus here; they only serve up the classics. I do really mean classics because they serve up the whiskey, cognac, bourbon, gin, and local beers here. There is absolutely no vodka on the menu. But don't be surprise if you see egg white as an option. Their cocktail menu is awesome! They have champagne cocktails, beer cocktails (my favorite being the Lay Lady Lay), and punch bowls. As for their dinner menu, it's deliciously different. The food is definitely comforting and filling. My friends and I think their bone marrow plate is out of this world! We don't settle for just one order here; we always put in additional orders. It's just hard to share one order of the buttery fatty goodness! Their broiled oysters are also sinful because it has a rich light mayo sauce over them. And nothing screams comfort food than fried chicken; you'll find their fried chicken is not over battered and seasoned well with a little bit of salt. Also try their bacon cracker jacks, ribs,bacon wrapped dates, and sweet potato fries served with blue cheese. They weren't bad either. So do come, drink, eat, and have a good time hanging out with your friends here. Just remember not to leave without visiting their restroom, you might hear an audio book playing. And did I mention the bartenders look cute in hats and suspenders?
BEST GARLIC FRIES I'VE EVER EATEN
Station Tavern
2204 Fern Street, San Diego, CA 92104-5431
(619) 255-0657 stationtavern.com
Located in the South Park area of San Diego (where I rarely go) is Station Tavern. Hands down their garlic fries are the best I've ever eaten in my life! The crispy fries are loaded with soft boiled garlic, chives, and FRESH shaved parmesan cheese pieces. Where can you go wrong with this? I went through a month craving for this after I first had it. I knew I had to get it again after my first bite. It's absolutely delicious. The second time I came here, I also ordered myself a turkey hot dog loaded with everything you can possibly think of; I had nacho cheese, jalepenos, and bacon wrapped around the weiner. THAT WAS A GREAT HOT DOG! My friend (who use to work here) says they'll add any toppings upon availability; that means you can come in and order pretty much anything you wish to have and your order might just come out with it all. The same applies to their burgers which my friend says are pretty darn good. Who knew a bar can make such great food? I didn't until now ;p
Chicago does pork right
thePUBLICAN
837 West Fulton Market Chicago, IL 60607
(312) 733-9555
http://thepublicanrestaurant.com
thePUBLICAN can be classified as a modern American gastropub serving up eclectic fare menu with an extensive list of 100 beers and cocktail offerings. However, the food is what we came here for. They are known for their harvested fish and seafood, as well as their raised heirloom pork. Although they are located in the meatpacking district where there's hardly anything around, I recommend making reservations even for lunch on OpenTable. My friend and I were early for our reservation and had to wait a while at the cocktail tables. Kind of funny because the tables are long tables again resembling Harry Potter's dormitory cafeteria style. As we were waiting for our table, the couple next to us recommended the bacon plate. The girl said it was like having an 'orgasm' in your mouth. Pardon her words but she was right ;p I had ordered it as an appetizer as we were waiting for our table but I had to order another one when we were actually seated at our table. I don't think any restaurant can beat the impeccable amazing bacon appetizer. Their bacon is thick sliced and braised in Burton's maple syrup. That sounds really bad for you but what good food isn't? Indulge yourself in this dish. And then there were the pork rinds; they were fried fresh, light, and crispy whips of pork skin. My main dish was the pork belly bimbap with brown rice, garlic, ginger, kimchi, and topped with a fried egg. The dish was good and the pork belly was tender. I honestly think my friend's order of the maple glazed pork shoulder with kale, grits, and sunny side up egg was good too; maybe even better than my dish. As for the cocktails, call me a lightweight but I wasn't able to finish my Prophecy. It's a cocktail drink that has Italian vermouth, bitters, and egg. They say it resembles eggnog which I've never had; and after this drink, I don't think I ever will. And I'm not much a drinker during lunch hours. But I like said, I came here for the food and it was a delicious experience (minus the wait) ;) My friend even filled out their postcards to rave about this place to her friends.
The Neighborhood Restaurant, San Diego
777 G Street, San Diego, CA 92101-6418
(619) 446-0002 www. neighborhoodsd.com
Like the name of the place, this restaurant offers a laid back, comfortable social atmosphere for people in the neighborhood. You can stand, you can sit, you can eat, and you can drink here. They put a twist on their American menu. Take the chorizo corndogs or their jalapeno mac n cheese made with nacho cheese for example; simple yet tasty ;p And I have to say I love their smoked porter braised beef ribs and artichoke mouse devil eggs. They offer a wide selection of beer and wine; no cocktails here. Don't expect to get a cocktail drink here unless you go to the hidden bar inside. Oops I just gave away the secret ;p There is an old glamour bar hidden away in the back of this restaurant but sorry that's all the details you're getting on it from me.
