Photo Courtesy / Jarnard Sutton
Play ball! On Thursday, March 29th baseball season returns to San Diego when the Padres face the Brewers in their home opener at Petco Park. If you have plans to go to the game (or any games during the season), check out this list of spots ideal for getting a bite to eat or drink before or after catching a game.
barleymash
Courtesy Photo / barleymash
Kickoff what looks to be a winning season at barleymash, located on the corner of Market Street and 6th Avenue. On March 29th, this iconic restaurant and bar will be giving away BarleyBat t-shirts to the first 100 fans, so plan to show up early! Barleymash hosts a great happy hour which features half off all beer, wine, spirits and select appetizers from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Swing on in to grab some food and beer, like the refreshing barleymash Blonde Kölsch-style.
6916, 600 Fifth Ave., downtown San Diego. (619) 255-7373 or barleymash.com
Gaslamp Union Kitchen & Tap
Courtesy photo / Union Kitchen & Tap
We recommend dinner and drinks at Gaslamp Union Kitchen & Tap before making your way to Petco Park for an evening game. With bustling indoor seating and an outdoor patio, Union is both warm and inviting as well as comfortable and lively. For dinner, chose between salads, burgers, entrees and flatbreads like the BBQ Chicken. Smoked chicken, bourbon peach barbeque sauce, bacon, red onions, mozzarella and cilantro atop signature flatbread will keep you sustained throughout the entire game. If you make it in to Union between 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.during the week, you can enjoy special pricing on the flatbread, along with other tasty menu items. Union also has $5 draft beers, $2 off glasses on wine, craft cocktails and well drinks, so you have no reason not to stop by!
333 Fifth Ave., downtown San Diego. (619) 795-9463 or gaslampunion.com
Spill the Beans
Courtesy photo / Spill the Beans
For late night bites after the thrill of a win, check out Spill the Beans. Although known for having the best bagels and coffee in San Diego, this café just four blocks from the stadium also serves a late-night sandwich that will knock your socks off. For after-hours cravings, order The San Dieggo consisting of a fried egg, thick cut peppered-bacon, pepper jack and American cheese, and cayenne aioli on a homemade sweet bun. You also get a side of chips to snack on with your sandwich!
555 Market St., downtown San Diego. (619) 233-3836 or spillthebeanssd.com
The Taco Stand
Courtesy Photo / The Taco Stand
If you live or work downtown, and you’re searching for a fast place to grab grub before the first inning, look no further than The Taco Stand. Located near the intersection of B Street and Seventh Avenue, the food served here is inspired by the authentic taco stands in Tijuana. Handmade tortillas, top grade meats and fresh ingredients are used to create menu items like the Al Pastor taco. Rotisserie marinated pork, cilantro, onions, cilantro sauce and pineapple make up this unique, but oh-so-tasty taco.
645 B St., downtown San Diego. (619) 546-0570 or letstaco.com
The Smoking Gun
Photo Courtesy / The Smoking Gun
A short walk from the downtown stadium, The Smoking Gun serves retro cocktails, Southern-inspired dishes and an overall great time. Come in before any game for a drink and bar bites, like the appetizing Cheeseburger Sliders served with lettuce, tomato, house pickles, red onion, smoked gouda and garlic aioli. You can sip on any of the mouthwatering adult beverages, like the Jalisco Buck made with Olmeca Altos Tequila, Yzagurrie Vermouth, lime, house ginger syrup, blackberries and soda. If a beer or glass of wine is more your style, The Smoking Gun has that too. After the game, celebrate a Padres’ win by making your way back to this happening hangout to enjoy the rest of your night!
555 Market St., downtown San Diego. (619) 233-3836 or thesmokinggunsd.com