As seen in our 2013 Summer Guide
Stone Brewing Co. Liberty Station
Stone Brewing Co. Liberty Station | Photo by Sam Wells
Even if the boss didn’t green-light summer Fridays, these patios are worth sneaking out early for (we won’t tell)
Hiatus at Hotel La Jolla
Modern and beachy, the poolside bar boasts a toasty fireplace, live music every Thursday through Saturday, and a killer happy hour menu where the fancy $11 cocktails are just $7, and gourmet bites like ceviche and roasted tomato, caper, and ricotta bruschetta are $5 each.
Station Tavern
Originally a trolley station for the No. 2 line back in the 1930s and ’40s, this family-friendly joint has a pint-sized trolley car on the patio for kids to play in while everyone else gathers at communal picnic benches for burgers and craft beer.
Stone Brewing Co. Liberty Station
If we ever questioned whether Stone Brewing Co. CEO Greg Koch was a visionary, the bocce ball courts at his newest brewery/restaurant in Point Loma answered for us. We can’t think of anything we’d rather do in this summer than sip a Ruination IPA outside over bocce.
Oscar’s
For the flip-flop set, this teensy PB seafood shack is the perfect after-work stop for a taco. Pull up a stool out front or load up on $1 fish tacos and head to the side patio decorated with a local artist’s under-the-sea mural.
La Villa
Sidewalk cafes are one thing in Little Italy, but La Villa put half the restaurant outside in an airy, twinkle-lit patio on India Street. Plus, its selection of Italian reds and whites is as robust as any wine list we’ve seen in the ‘hood.
Treehouse at the Zoo
Wander over to this multilevel outdoor restaurant near the gorillas. It’s not really about the food (blah Italian), but they do serve local beers like Karl Strauss Red Trolley Ale and the views of the sun setting over the downtown skyline through the trees are spectacular.
Fish 101
With simple, fresh grilled seafood and a selective wine and beer menu, Fish 101 fits perfectly into the easy, breezy Encinitas scene along the 101. During happy hour from 4 p.m.to 7 p.m., oysters are $1 and wine on tap is just $5 per glass.
Pacific Coast Grill
For on-the-water drinking and snacking, PCG is as good as it gets. The lower patio is right on the beach at the new Cardiff location, and we love the fresh oysters, ceviche, and seafood tacos. Even though drinks are always full price (what, no happy hour?), the sunsets make them worth it.
