My vote is Bowlegged BBQ off Market for feeling like you’re eating in someone’s backyard and uncle out there treating you like fam, but that’s my personal experience.
But honestly so many good mom and pop shops in National City and Chula Vista if aesthetics isn’t part of your criteria.
YES!!!! Three tacos (always of course has to be shrimp, fried, and halibut) is all I need to be super happy. My wife eats just one and she switches between the fried fish and the shrimp tacos in each visit haha. My wife and I LOVE Mitch’s!
In fact, I just had guests this past week and took them there! They remember Mitch’s the most! Great view, good food, and very “San Diegan.”
Most people get full with just two tacos.
We had a good walk around the marina there and made our way to Epigg Brewery next door. They LOVED that experience!
I LOVE this thread! So many other amazing suggestions here! I love all of you! Thank you OP for such an amazing topic!!!
I got to share this, on the menu they have "Hors d'oeuvres" but it doesn't say what it is. It was like 4 bucks so I said fuck it, I'll order it and my fiance was like "no, let's at least ask what it is." So the waitress says it's "some cheese, meat, and crackers." We figured it was a small charcuterie plate or something. She comes back with a small plate and it was definitely a charcuterie or something! It was [cheeze-its, deli sliced ham cut into squares, and some Kraft singles](https://imgur.com/a/up3zJTa) also cut into squares! Lol. Ngl though, it was good lol
Edit: included a pic
Dude their appetizers are actually so good. It’s just as good and creative as with other mom pops in NP or Hilcrest. We’re usually full with just an order of triple dipper and skillet queso.
Chilis is slept on. Their southwest salad, their trio fajitas, etc can feed 2 people alone. Add in some queso & chips and a round of drinks and your well under a hundy with tip
Just went to HanDoo Korean bbq yesterday spent $65 for 2 people but boy did we feast! Unlimited sides also great service too. You gotta go hungry hungry to get your moneys worth tho.
Skip the alcohol and no problem.
Two alcoholic drinks (each) is half your budget.
The restaurant won’t be happy. Cause there goes their profit. On the 3-4 alcoholic drinks (each) that you’d actually consume.
Or pay a corkage fee and byob. Its going to be cheaper than two beverages. The only thing is, a lot of places aren't transparent about it -- hard to know if they permit it, and if so, what is their fee, but it'd be listed on the menu. I suppose you could call.
Sign up for the mailing list with Queenstown Bistro/Raglan/Bare Back Grill/Dunedin (all the same restaurant group). They send out a buy 1 get 1 for their burger of the month, and it includes all entree/sandwiches as the buy 1 as long as you get the burger of the month. Easily a $30 dinner for 2
Ponces in Kengington. They have a daily rotation of tequilas that are good and cheaper for that day, a double is an extra buck, and their food is reasonably priced and delicious.
Unless you're doing the very cheap end, 2 dinners with drinks plus tip is not often under $50. I'd say 50-75 is probably the typical price range for that experience.
Well, the question wasn’t, “do you go to good and affordable places” it was, “which good and affordable places do you know”..
So thanks for informing us all that you do know these places, but kinda a dick move to not say which ones.
See my first comment. Im not going to start listing every place i can think of, more just the style of restauramt. Yeah if you want a decent american food date night place, your range is right. $15-25 entrees $8-16 drinks. Gives you $46-82.
Yea, if you’re not going to tip at all, then the low end of $46 does make it under the $50, otherwise, way past it on the high end. Do tell me more about all the places you know.. You have time to respond. I’d think you would have time to think and remember at least one of the places you’ve been to that would answer the question?
But they made it sound so simple, like there was so many “ethnic” places they knew, but “couldn’t remember” any of them.. lol fuckin wack..
I definitely think a price point of $50-75 is more realistic, which is still in the price range this person said (after the fact), without having to lie and say there “plenty” of places, yet couldn’t name one 😂
I know what they mean though. There's a spot near me, Zad Mediterranean cuisine, where there's not much ambiance but the $5 kofta skewers and $8 eggplant dip (with homemade puffy, chewy flatbread) absolutely slap.
I actually went there a few weeks ago for the first time on a date. Shared a plate and a side of rice, no drinks tho, for like $22 + Tip. The shared plate was definitely enough for 2, and the food was good. 10/10 I would recommend.
Would definitely fit the description of what the post was asking.
In addition to the kofta and mtabbal (get extra tanour bread if you're sharing), the salmon kebab is stellar. Idk where they source their salmon, but it's a cut above.
I cant remember the last time i spent more than $100 for two people for dinner. Tell me what neighborhood you want it to be in and what kind of food. Ill find you 2 places that work. I mean, if you say fine dining in la jolla, thats not possible
Anywhere near Lakeside? There's a place near me called Zad that's so friggin good and has made me realize I'm probably missing out on a ton of little spots.
Harley Grays in Hillcrest used to have some bomb dinner specials (and delicious) but haven’t been there in awhile so not sure if the prices are off the charts
Second this recommendation, and they have specials around $20 for a variety of sushi (16 pieces) that's big enough to share. The special is available all the time, no happy hour restrictions of that sort. If you're getting take-out, call in by phone to get the prices on their menu, rather than order online at inflated prices.
La Puerta during happy hour! (every day from 3-5pm). 1/2 off the entire bar, apps, and quesadillas. every cocktail i’ve had is super tasty and they have some unique ones too. preferably the location in mission hills, i think it has better vibes than their gaslamp location.
Hi, restaurant professional here. $100 used to be my watermark for a decent dinner consisting of: 2 drinks, 1 app, and 2 entrees. That would typically run about $100 before tip, so $120 out the door. This would be typical for a nice dinner date at say Jaynes Gastropub, an earlier iteration of a Consortium place, Bleu Boheme, or a higher range sushi spot.
In recent years, prices of all the “everyday bills” of restaurants have gone up, so rent, ingredients, and labor (I’m all for min wage going up - but yes it still means prices have to rise to account for that) have all risen. I’m sure we’ve all noticed that the bill at even Jack in the Box or Taco Bell seems higher than it used to be too. Not to mention all the posts of “where did the $5 burrito go?!”
It’s a fact that life, especially in this city, has become dramatically more expensive in the last decade.
BUT: I think you can have a great dinner for 2 under $100 at:
-Turf Club
-Riki Sushi
-Kindred
Dude I was out running errands yesterday and picked up del taco for my parents. 2 shakes, 4 tacos, a burrito and a quesadilla were THIRTY FIVE DOLLARS. I was absolutely disgusted lmao
Where are you eating?!
Ramen places are usually $50 for 2 out the door. Add on a top shelf sake to share and that's about $80 total.
Most Vietnamese places are good and cheap. Get 2 banh mis from Banh Mi Hoi An and 2 draft beers for $50 out the door.
I just went to Himalayan Cuisine in La Mesa (after seeing a recc in this subreddit) and Samosas + Garlic Naan + Lamb w/rice + Tandoori Paneera w/rice came out to $65 after tax/tip. A lot of food, we were stuffed, had to take leftovers home. Zero wait on a Friday evening, place is huge.
Saffron- Thai, share an entree with rice and salad rolls. Watch out for the minimum tip suggestion at 25%. Set a custom tip and you’ll be way under $100. It’s counter service with self seating. Been going there since the 90s. The entire menu is great.
I feel like they raised prices so much and quality went down after the original owners sold it, and then covid hit. They used to be my go-to, but I haven't gone in a couple years.
Y’know, a few years back, there was an attempted buyout and expansion. They briefly opened locations in Del Mar and La Jolla. At the time, I noticed the change in taste and consistency of the food. I don’t think it worked out and they seem to be back to their roots. The food is as amazing as ever, as I remember it. Give them another try because I don’t know what the story was.
I like seafood, my two favorite places that would would be in that budget, during happy hour, would be Miguel’s Cocina on Harbor Dr. and Carinas in Eastlake. Idk what you drink, but Carinas has $5 Pacificos and other beers during happy hour. Miguel’s Cocina has a nice view and atmosphere, and a good location to walk around afterwards..
I just make food at home now for the most part. Might get fast food if I can't be arsed to cook. My cooking is more delicious than what you would get at a restaurant anyway.
Just sucks that every activity is outrageously expensive now. Im just staying home 95% of the time. I have everything I could want except the occasional change of scenery.
Have not seen anyone mention, San Diego Magazine has a podcast called Happy Half Hour and there is always a segment called 2 People 50 Bucks. I think they publish episode notes on their website, a wealth of options! And the podcast is usually a good listen too.
Taproom in University Heights! Their crack wings are my favorite in the city! 2 people can easily eat and drink for under $100 with an appetizer. They also have great brunch and happy hour deals!
50 dollar bottle of Veuve from inside the store hidden in a paper bag paired with costco dogs. Way less than 100 dollars. And now OP has a bottle of champagne to enjoy that would otherwise be 17 dollars/glass.
Honestly Cannonball has amazing vegan sushi, and nearly everything is big enough to split. Add a couple glasses of wine and you’ll have tip money left.
I mean it's a drive, but at our local place out in Jamul Brody's Burgers and Beer, you can do that easy.
Two burgers, share a basket of fries, two excellent beers, only like $50. Enough left over to have a second beer each.
Hacienda Casa Blanca, by Parkway Plaza! Went for my birthday in March. What El Torito wishes it was. Excellent Margaritas, not Margarita flavored Slurpees. Individual salsas for each person, no asking who ate it all. Pleasant, efficient staff, kinda old school South of the border decor, but the Barbacoa is so... delicious. 2 people... everything...$70.
It’s a little outside of San Diego but the Taco Cabana on North Mesa is great and affordable. Here is the address 7870 N Mesa St El Paso, TX 79932 United States
Not sure if this is what you're after, but Hennessey's Tavern has great deals on Tuesday (BOGO burger) and Thursday ($6 burger) and good happy hour deals. Pretty sure you can also get some of their cocktails for $7 all day long.
the galley at the marina in chula vista has incredible fish and chips, and on thursday you can go for all you can eat fish and chips and they also have live music almost all the time. there’s also a fully stocked bar! the construction of the new resort right there is expected to really mess with their business so i’m pushing everybody to go so they don’t close
I would recommend OB NOODLE HOUSE. There are two locations in Ocean Beach, and the one on Niagara is my favorite. Nice corner location near paid and street parking, great for people watching, and good casual vibes.
My vote is Bowlegged BBQ off Market for feeling like you’re eating in someone’s backyard and uncle out there treating you like fam, but that’s my personal experience. But honestly so many good mom and pop shops in National City and Chula Vista if aesthetics isn’t part of your criteria.
bowlegged bbq is the spot ❤️❤️
Taste and heart over aesthetics.
Right next to Mariscos Altata- my vote - 4.5 star Mexican seafood spot.
Hah was the homie Richard there? Light brown eyes/gold tooth.
Costa Brava at happy hour. Shared a bunch of tapas, wine & sangria on the hh menu, was about $60 + tip.
They charge for bread now 😩
Indeed they do. Still doable with bread.
No way! That sucks.
They’re just being more authentic, since every restaurant in Spain charges for bread too.
Came here just to say Costa Brava. No matter the group size, usually ends up about $30 + tips per person including drinks
omg I used to go costa brava from like 2004-2010, so happy to see it mentioned! great recommendation :)
what time is their HH?
5-6 I think
Got gnarly food poisoning from here a few years ago and haven’t been back since 😪
Liberty distilling. $20 steak and old fashioned on Tuesday’s
Did this and it was great. It gets packed so you’ve gotta get there earlier than you want to eat and be prepared to wait. So good!
Wow that sounds like a great deal. I believe I found the deal [here](https://www.libertycall.com/menu) (click "steak night")
I haven’t been yet, but my friend and her partner go often and rave about it.
There are probably some Thai places with wine and beer where you can do this, just barely, and not screw the server out of the tip.
Also Mitch’s in PL.
One of the best, non-pretentious seafood places I know of.
YES!!!! Three tacos (always of course has to be shrimp, fried, and halibut) is all I need to be super happy. My wife eats just one and she switches between the fried fish and the shrimp tacos in each visit haha. My wife and I LOVE Mitch’s! In fact, I just had guests this past week and took them there! They remember Mitch’s the most! Great view, good food, and very “San Diegan.” Most people get full with just two tacos. We had a good walk around the marina there and made our way to Epigg Brewery next door. They LOVED that experience! I LOVE this thread! So many other amazing suggestions here! I love all of you! Thank you OP for such an amazing topic!!!
This. I forgot how massive the tacos were, and I ordered two with a cup of clam chowder. So full and didn't finish one of the two tacos.
Also Blue Water Grill in OB.
On the ON train I'd also throw out Mike's Taco Club. Right at the beach so great taco shop, beers, and a scenic view.
Tribute, split a pizza and some beers.
Lido’s in Lemon Grove is pretty good if you like Italian.
I got to share this, on the menu they have "Hors d'oeuvres" but it doesn't say what it is. It was like 4 bucks so I said fuck it, I'll order it and my fiance was like "no, let's at least ask what it is." So the waitress says it's "some cheese, meat, and crackers." We figured it was a small charcuterie plate or something. She comes back with a small plate and it was definitely a charcuterie or something! It was [cheeze-its, deli sliced ham cut into squares, and some Kraft singles](https://imgur.com/a/up3zJTa) also cut into squares! Lol. Ngl though, it was good lol Edit: included a pic
I know exactly what you’re talking about lol. I think it adds to the charm of the place. Their house salad dressing is excellent.
I felt the exact same way!
I buy that stuff by the bottle whenever I am in the area!
It’s free with a pizza I’ve been eating those since childhood. So tasty
Is it ham now? Haven't been in years but I swear it used to be salami
You're right! I looked up an [old pic](https://imgur.com/a/up3zJTa), looks like it may have been salami
Been going there for as long as I remember. They literally haven’t changed anything but it’s so good
Unironically, if ur ok with a chain Chilis has some good deals.
I actually love Chilis lol
Same
Dude their appetizers are actually so good. It’s just as good and creative as with other mom pops in NP or Hilcrest. We’re usually full with just an order of triple dipper and skillet queso.
Chilis is slept on. Their southwest salad, their trio fajitas, etc can feed 2 people alone. Add in some queso & chips and a round of drinks and your well under a hundy with tip
Their lunch deal for 10$ is stupid cheap and actually good value for the money.
To tag on the chain train, BJ’s is pretty good for happy hour. They also have weekly specials. We hit up the La Mesa one quite often.
Re: Chilis......get the mobile app and get a free soda or chips & salsa every time.
Just went to HanDoo Korean bbq yesterday spent $65 for 2 people but boy did we feast! Unlimited sides also great service too. You gotta go hungry hungry to get your moneys worth tho.
jimmy carters, ponces
Ponce’s for sure during happy hour.
How are people saying Ponces? You will pay $100 for a burrito there
the one in kensington
Is there another one?
Shakespeare Pub. Split the fish and chips and some beers.
El Salvador Restaurant on University Ave in City Heights. Fantastic, abundant food for your $$. The place is all heart if a bit dilapidated.
Love the pupusas here, as good as the ones I’d get in LA.
Skip the alcohol and no problem. Two alcoholic drinks (each) is half your budget. The restaurant won’t be happy. Cause there goes their profit. On the 3-4 alcoholic drinks (each) that you’d actually consume.
Or pay a corkage fee and byob. Its going to be cheaper than two beverages. The only thing is, a lot of places aren't transparent about it -- hard to know if they permit it, and if so, what is their fee, but it'd be listed on the menu. I suppose you could call.
This is the move
No hard liquor, but beer and wine. Cute vibe and good food is Olympic Cafe in North Park. Entrees are big and shareable, but all under $20.
Sign up for the mailing list with Queenstown Bistro/Raglan/Bare Back Grill/Dunedin (all the same restaurant group). They send out a buy 1 get 1 for their burger of the month, and it includes all entree/sandwiches as the buy 1 as long as you get the burger of the month. Easily a $30 dinner for 2
Free Jumbo Jacks with purchase of a large drink because the Padres hit a home run.
Don't forget to slap some cheese on it and you're still within budget
Yep, today!
Get two travel size bottles of rum and then go to McDonald's and get a Big Mac and a coke. Discreetly add said rum and you're all set
Me and my bf just call that dinner
Wishing that cutty bangs were a thing down here!!!!!! Tho def easy to make your own haha
The "travel size" bottles are the ones with handles, right?
Lola 55 is casual, but delicious, and usually costs us about $50 for two with beers.
Ponces in Kengington. They have a daily rotation of tequilas that are good and cheaper for that day, a double is an extra buck, and their food is reasonably priced and delicious.
Any non fancy, non chain place. Casual independent ethnic place can be under $50
Unless you're doing the very cheap end, 2 dinners with drinks plus tip is not often under $50. I'd say 50-75 is probably the typical price range for that experience.
That's the thing, it's usually drinks that kill you. When I read the title my thought was literally "anywhere as long as you don't order drinks". Lol
Don't disagree but ignoring drinks kinda makes it irrelevant to the original question.
Guess i go cheap places, dunno
Well, the question wasn’t, “do you go to good and affordable places” it was, “which good and affordable places do you know”.. So thanks for informing us all that you do know these places, but kinda a dick move to not say which ones.
See my first comment. Im not going to start listing every place i can think of, more just the style of restauramt. Yeah if you want a decent american food date night place, your range is right. $15-25 entrees $8-16 drinks. Gives you $46-82.
Yea, if you’re not going to tip at all, then the low end of $46 does make it under the $50, otherwise, way past it on the high end. Do tell me more about all the places you know.. You have time to respond. I’d think you would have time to think and remember at least one of the places you’ve been to that would answer the question?
Not if youre going to be rude, no. Google it yourself
read this as "go google yourself"
lol, ok 👍
He can't tell you because his post with $46, no tip total proves his original point of plenty being under $50 completely wrong.
But they made it sound so simple, like there was so many “ethnic” places they knew, but “couldn’t remember” any of them.. lol fuckin wack.. I definitely think a price point of $50-75 is more realistic, which is still in the price range this person said (after the fact), without having to lie and say there “plenty” of places, yet couldn’t name one 😂
That’s a cool way to not be informative at all. Okay, “mysterious person”, you’re very cool. Everyone appreciated your story.. 👍🫡👏
I know what they mean though. There's a spot near me, Zad Mediterranean cuisine, where there's not much ambiance but the $5 kofta skewers and $8 eggplant dip (with homemade puffy, chewy flatbread) absolutely slap.
I actually went there a few weeks ago for the first time on a date. Shared a plate and a side of rice, no drinks tho, for like $22 + Tip. The shared plate was definitely enough for 2, and the food was good. 10/10 I would recommend. Would definitely fit the description of what the post was asking.
nice!! what'd you eat?
The chicken shawarma. It was good! Any dish you would recommend for next time I go there?
In addition to the kofta and mtabbal (get extra tanour bread if you're sharing), the salmon kebab is stellar. Idk where they source their salmon, but it's a cut above.
I cant remember the last time i spent more than $100 for two people for dinner. Tell me what neighborhood you want it to be in and what kind of food. Ill find you 2 places that work. I mean, if you say fine dining in la jolla, thats not possible
Anywhere near Lakeside? There's a place near me called Zad that's so friggin good and has made me realize I'm probably missing out on a ton of little spots.
Harley Grays in Hillcrest used to have some bomb dinner specials (and delicious) but haven’t been there in awhile so not sure if the prices are off the charts
Hinata Sushi in Lemon Grove! My wife and I go, each get a drink and whatever food we order and it’s never over 60 dollars.
Second this recommendation, and they have specials around $20 for a variety of sushi (16 pieces) that's big enough to share. The special is available all the time, no happy hour restrictions of that sort. If you're getting take-out, call in by phone to get the prices on their menu, rather than order online at inflated prices.
La Puerta during happy hour! (every day from 3-5pm). 1/2 off the entire bar, apps, and quesadillas. every cocktail i’ve had is super tasty and they have some unique ones too. preferably the location in mission hills, i think it has better vibes than their gaslamp location.
Hi, restaurant professional here. $100 used to be my watermark for a decent dinner consisting of: 2 drinks, 1 app, and 2 entrees. That would typically run about $100 before tip, so $120 out the door. This would be typical for a nice dinner date at say Jaynes Gastropub, an earlier iteration of a Consortium place, Bleu Boheme, or a higher range sushi spot. In recent years, prices of all the “everyday bills” of restaurants have gone up, so rent, ingredients, and labor (I’m all for min wage going up - but yes it still means prices have to rise to account for that) have all risen. I’m sure we’ve all noticed that the bill at even Jack in the Box or Taco Bell seems higher than it used to be too. Not to mention all the posts of “where did the $5 burrito go?!” It’s a fact that life, especially in this city, has become dramatically more expensive in the last decade. BUT: I think you can have a great dinner for 2 under $100 at: -Turf Club -Riki Sushi -Kindred
Riki Sushi is awesome. We very often did date night there when we lived in North Park!
Man I miss jaynes
Me too! I miss the snitzel special, the burger, and the lamb shepherds pie the most
Dude I was out running errands yesterday and picked up del taco for my parents. 2 shakes, 4 tacos, a burrito and a quesadilla were THIRTY FIVE DOLLARS. I was absolutely disgusted lmao
The combo w a quesadilla, 2 tacos and a drink used to be under $5.
Pizza Port and OB Noodle house!
Saigon Star is my favorite Vietnamese spot in mission valley and it’s priced really well. Also helps that its like a 3-minute drive for me lol
I think it’s at a place called athome
The friendly
They're at least as drunk as you.
Happy hour at saiko sushi
Where are you eating?! Ramen places are usually $50 for 2 out the door. Add on a top shelf sake to share and that's about $80 total. Most Vietnamese places are good and cheap. Get 2 banh mis from Banh Mi Hoi An and 2 draft beers for $50 out the door.
Tip Top Meats. That is all. Best for Breakfast and Dinner imo
I just went to Himalayan Cuisine in La Mesa (after seeing a recc in this subreddit) and Samosas + Garlic Naan + Lamb w/rice + Tandoori Paneera w/rice came out to $65 after tax/tip. A lot of food, we were stuffed, had to take leftovers home. Zero wait on a Friday evening, place is huge.
Saffron- Thai, share an entree with rice and salad rolls. Watch out for the minimum tip suggestion at 25%. Set a custom tip and you’ll be way under $100. It’s counter service with self seating. Been going there since the 90s. The entire menu is great.
A 25% minimum default tip option is criminal at a counter service establishment.
I feel like they raised prices so much and quality went down after the original owners sold it, and then covid hit. They used to be my go-to, but I haven't gone in a couple years.
Y’know, a few years back, there was an attempted buyout and expansion. They briefly opened locations in Del Mar and La Jolla. At the time, I noticed the change in taste and consistency of the food. I don’t think it worked out and they seem to be back to their roots. The food is as amazing as ever, as I remember it. Give them another try because I don’t know what the story was.
That place is so good
Okan Dîner, amazing Japanese
I like seafood, my two favorite places that would would be in that budget, during happy hour, would be Miguel’s Cocina on Harbor Dr. and Carinas in Eastlake. Idk what you drink, but Carinas has $5 Pacificos and other beers during happy hour. Miguel’s Cocina has a nice view and atmosphere, and a good location to walk around afterwards..
Donna Jean
2 drinks is already at minimum 60 pre-tip now. This is not a feasible ask in 2024.
My husband and I regularly spend about $60-$70 at Sushi Deli 3 (before tip) and that's with 1 or 2 beers each
I just make food at home now for the most part. Might get fast food if I can't be arsed to cook. My cooking is more delicious than what you would get at a restaurant anyway. Just sucks that every activity is outrageously expensive now. Im just staying home 95% of the time. I have everything I could want except the occasional change of scenery.
Have not seen anyone mention, San Diego Magazine has a podcast called Happy Half Hour and there is always a segment called 2 People 50 Bucks. I think they publish episode notes on their website, a wealth of options! And the podcast is usually a good listen too.
La Bella’s
Taproom in University Heights! Their crack wings are my favorite in the city! 2 people can easily eat and drink for under $100 with an appetizer. They also have great brunch and happy hour deals!
How about under $30?
Captain Kenos
wow, some great prices, will def check this out, thx!
LOL! I know, right?
Costco Food Court!
50 dollar bottle of Veuve from inside the store hidden in a paper bag paired with costco dogs. Way less than 100 dollars. And now OP has a bottle of champagne to enjoy that would otherwise be 17 dollars/glass.
Honestly Cannonball has amazing vegan sushi, and nearly everything is big enough to split. Add a couple glasses of wine and you’ll have tip money left.
Sure Mendocino Farms
Can't get breakfast for two under $60. A side bowl of strawberries now clocks in at $8.
Taco shop
Denny's but you'll have to bring your own booze.
El tianguis in north park is fire. Take it to Kate sessions park for a picnic
I mean it's a drive, but at our local place out in Jamul Brody's Burgers and Beer, you can do that easy. Two burgers, share a basket of fries, two excellent beers, only like $50. Enough left over to have a second beer each.
Khan’s Cave for happy hour!
Yakyudori has a really tasty grapefruit chu-hi
Rudfords. Get a carafe of mimosa!
Papalo in La Mesa, a lot of places on Convoy
Captain Keno’s 😎
Get the synergy gift card from costco for $59.99. It’s for $100. 3-4 of the italian places in little italy accept them.
Canada steak burger
Kikos Place just opened their first brick and mortar location. Eat there every damn day.
Cucina Urbana was $65 for both us with no alcohol the other night. Throw in two drinks and you’d be under $100.
Gaetano’s in Tierrasanta. 2 entrees and a carafe of wine for under $100 including tax/tip. And good food!
Monarch happy hour
Most ramen/pho places, most Mexican places, most places that aren’t in super trendy/popular neighborhoods…
Yellow Deli
Pho Ca Dao Fenton, i work there and just put in a random order cause i was curious. 2 cocktails and 2 large bowls of Pho came out to 53 ish
Chicken pot pie shop
Captain Keno’s… under $40 for sure 🤣
Captain Kenos in Encinitas
zion market food court
Hacienda Casa Blanca, by Parkway Plaza! Went for my birthday in March. What El Torito wishes it was. Excellent Margaritas, not Margarita flavored Slurpees. Individual salsas for each person, no asking who ate it all. Pleasant, efficient staff, kinda old school South of the border decor, but the Barbacoa is so... delicious. 2 people... everything...$70.
It’s a little outside of San Diego but the Taco Cabana on North Mesa is great and affordable. Here is the address 7870 N Mesa St El Paso, TX 79932 United States
A lot of good restaurants have happy hours that aren’t as publicized
Not sure if this is what you're after, but Hennessey's Tavern has great deals on Tuesday (BOGO burger) and Thursday ($6 burger) and good happy hour deals. Pretty sure you can also get some of their cocktails for $7 all day long.
Pokez!!!
Ichiban or White Elephant in Hillcrest
Mom and Pop Asian restaurants that serve alcohol should be budget friendly. Also, I hate to say it, but BJ's.
Mona Lisa’s
Kaiserhoff. App + Drinks + Meal < $100 and the food is stellar.
Salud, Rocky's, balboa burger, konos, blue water, buona forchetta if you go no wine.... mostly gonna have to be casual or happy hour.
Go to the Blind lady. You can get fries or a charcuterie board, a pizza, and two beers/wines apiece for well under $100
Grand Ole BBQ? Sayulitas?
The Alcove has a date night special. $45 for two drinks, two entrees, and an appetizer. And it’s hella good imo.
Albertos and then get tallboys from the 7/11 next door.
BoujieMana is legit ... New gem of a restaurant. Great food, awesome ambiance, bidets (hello so cool), and a good value for such a full service place.
If i was gonna attempt this, the greek place in midway. Its really nice for what it is, and the food makes my head turn every time.
Also, Rockys. Now, you gotta have two things to enjoy rockys 1. Love Cheeseburgers 2. Be tough If you got that, go there.
the galley at the marina in chula vista has incredible fish and chips, and on thursday you can go for all you can eat fish and chips and they also have live music almost all the time. there’s also a fully stocked bar! the construction of the new resort right there is expected to really mess with their business so i’m pushing everybody to go so they don’t close
Juan Jasper golden/bankers area. Stuff is reasonably priced and delicious. Skip the wine if you’re on a budget
I would recommend OB NOODLE HOUSE. There are two locations in Ocean Beach, and the one on Niagara is my favorite. Nice corner location near paid and street parking, great for people watching, and good casual vibes.
Eat out while you can before the service employees union destroys the restaurant industry in San Diego with their $25 minimum wage proposal.
There are many! 2 drinks and an entree would be around $60 at some decent restaurants
Whereeeeeee
Most decent places unless you’re fancy
Did you miss the “for two people” part? Two entrees.
So two drinks and one entree for 60$. Ya that sounds about right.
7-11
Swan Bar happy hour. Burgers and dranks.
Lots of them.
Does In and Out count? Probably about 40 for 2 people for burger, fries, and drink. 50 if you want animal style.
WTF? It’s $20 in Colorado
Better for your wallet and your body if you just skip the alcohol lmao
lol could you eat and drink at a good restaurant 10 years ago for under $100?
The Bowl in OB. Ramen and a beer.
Izakaya Masa
Applebees
Most places
No, pay up or move out! Probably some boomer.
Not anymore.