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Feed7 Things to Do in South Bay
7 hidden gems and funky finds
Waterfront Grill at Pier 32
Coolest Place to Strike Out
EastLake Tavern and Bowl
Gone are the 50-lane, fluorescent-lit, stale-pizza alleys of yesteryear. The East Village haunt’s second location is most notable for its menu, with upscale sports-bar faves. Try the chicken nachos with house-made guac and fresh pico de gallo, or the heart-healthy baby spinach leaf salad with candied walnuts. Oh, and there’s bowling—the stylish and cool kind. Check the website for weekly specials and deals. 881 Showroom Place, Chula Vista, bowlelt.com
Southernmost Food Truck Gathering
Eastlake Truck-Up
Who doesn’t love a meal on wheels? Sample a smattering of San Diego’s truck-iest fare on Wednesdays, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Take dinner to go, or picnic outside, and then hit the bowling alley. Regular truckers include: Asian Persuasion, Devilicious, Sweet Treats, Super Q, and Tabe BBQ. Our must-try: the Super Q pork melt, with BBQ pulled pork, melted cheddar, sautéed onions, and three-cheese mac ‘n’ cheese smashed between grilled sourdough. Amen! 871 Showroom Place, Chula Vista
Best Spot to Get the Scoop
Niederfrank’s Ice Cream
Avocado + ice cream = yum, and a little weird. But we can’t fathom a better way to get those doctor-recommended, essential fatty acids. Their ice-cream making technique and A Avenue storefront are virtually unchanged from when Elmer Niederfrank opened the doors in 1948. Today, you can sample their flavors at restaurants like Currant downtown, but for a nostalgic experience, visit the shop. Try customer favorites like the Macadamia Nut Toffee or the Thai Tea. Me? I’m a chocolate-peanut butter girl. 726 A Avenue, National City, niederfranks.com
Best Bang “Fore!” Your Buck (and Big Bertha, too)
Bonita Golf Course
A quality course at some of the cheapest rates in San Diego. (Under $1/hole during twilight!) At Par 71, it’s not the longest, but greens provide an ample challenge. For added firmness, the grounds are rolled twice a week. Snag a free cart and cruise over to the driving range’s “natural” grass side, or practice chipping and pitching at the nearly 100-yard long short-game facility. And be sure to stop by the 19th hole, which is always packed with locals and longtime fans who love this unassuming golfer’s haven. 5540 Sweetwater Road, Bonita, bonitagolf.net
Most Heavenly Horizontal Pedi
Coldwater Creek, the Spa
Random, we know. But the Creek’s Ultimate Pedicure is unlike any other, an 80-minute trip
to total bliss, where you’re enveloped in a cocoon of soft blankets and sheets, given a neck wrap and eye pillow, and reclined completely back in a zero-gravity chair. The treatment includes an anti-oxidant clay mask and Nirvan-ah!-worthy massage. Beautiful toes are just an added bonus. 2015 Birch Road, Chula Vista, coldwatercreekthespa.com
Swoon-Worthiest Strudel
Hans & Harry’s
This beloved South Bay bakery is famous for its fresh fruit strudels, which are almost too beautiful to eat. If you’re not a strudel person, we love the fresh fruit and whipped cream cake, with layers of white cake, cream, and a raspberry spread. (Cue resonant mmm and eyes rolling back in head.) Friends and bakers Hans and Harry hail from the Netherlands, and their Bavarian cream is the stuff dreams are made of. Lekker (“Yum!”). 5080 Bonita Road, Bonita, hans-harry.com
Most Under-the-Radar Waterfront Dining
Waterfront Grill at Pier 32
Fans of Jimmy’s Famous American Tavern in Point Loma will love this sister location in South Bay. The little-known eatery boasts views that rival Harbor Island or La Jolla, minus the fuss. It’s tucked away, but conveniently located right off the freeway. Heated patio seating overlooks the marina and beyond. Kids love to play in the nearby sandbox or on the putting green, while parents sip $4 mimosas (on weekends) and fawn over the passing boats. Try the house-smoked grilled albacore, which comes on a salad or sandy. 3201 Marina Way, National City, mywaterfrontgrill.com
