clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile
More Maps

The 31 Essential Restaurants in Tijuana, Mexico

Where to Eat and Drink in Little Italy

12 San Diego Happy Hours to Try Right Now

More in San Diego See more maps
Lucky’s Lunch Counter/Facebook

Where to Eat Near Petco Park

A guide to the best eateries around the stadium

by Darlene Horn Updated
View as Map
by Darlene Horn Updated
Lucky’s Lunch Counter/Facebook

Baseball, and fans, are returning to Petco Park this week. Though the stadium’s food choices have improved tremendously over recent years, pandemic changes require that the season starts without the ballpark’s full lineup of food or drink service. And that’s where the surrounding neighborhoods come into play. From Greek food to wood-fired pizza, Mexican eats, and more, here’s where to eat in the East Village or the Gaslamp before and after or seeing the Padres.

A number of San Diego restaurants have resumed both indoor and outdoor dining. However, this should not be taken as endorsement for dining in, as there are still safety concerns: For updated information on coronavirus cases in your area, please visit San Diego’s coronavirus tracker. Studies indicate that there is a lower exposure risk when outdoors, but the level of risk involved with on-site dining is contingent on restaurants following strict social distancing and other safety guidelines.

Read More
Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process. If you buy something or book a reservation from an Eater link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics policy.

Corner Chicken East Village

Copy Link

Nashville Hot chicken is on trend right now and the closest one to the ballpark is a few blocks away. Visit or order ahead for chicken combos (customized to your spice level), loaded fries as well as craft beer, hard cider, kombucha and seltzer to wet your whistle.

721 Ninth Ave STE 1, San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 432-1171
(619) 432-1171

Also featured in:

barleymash

Copy Link

It’s a bit of a walk to and from Petco but if you make the trek, good eats and drinks await you at the end of the journey. Craft beer, bourbon and host of mixed drinks complement the selection of flatbread pizzas, loaded macs and burgers — some with lobster.

600 Fifth Ave #6916, San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 255-7373
(619) 255-7373

Also featured in:

Half Door Brewing Co.

Copy Link

Head to this 1900s-era house before and after Petco Park events for the bird’s-eye view from the second-floor patio and to see what creative offerings the brewmasters have on tap. The menu includes shepherd’s pie and bangers and mash. There’s a good selection of meat-free entrées here too such as golden fried goat cheese with sweet chili-soy glaze and scallions.

903 Island Ave, San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 232-9845
(619) 232-9845
Fried Goat Cheese at Half Door Brewing Company
Fried Goat Cheese at Half Door Brewing Company
Phaedra Cook

Monzu Fresh Pasta

Copy Link

Fill up on made-from-scratch pasta dishes like the seductively rich and filling cacio e pepe (cheese and pepper). Come early: there aren’t many seats (about 20 or so), so if heading there before a Petco Park event, get there early.

455 Tenth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 802-4355
(619) 802-4355
Cacio e Pepe Raviolo at Monzu
Cacio e Pepe Raviolo at Monzu
Phaedra Cook

Also featured in:

Basic

Copy Link

The pizza is the focus at this pre-game hot spot with the menu specializing in wood-fired pizzas. The pizzas have thin but chewy crusts with a choice between small or large. The build-your-own options gives a choice of “red pies” or “white pies” with Parmesan or mozzarella, or pick one of nine with pre-selected ingredient combinations.

410 Tenth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 531-8869
(619) 531-8869
Basic pizza
One of the crispy-crusted pizzas at Basic
Phaedra Cook

Copa Vida

Copy Link

It’s a mainly known for its coffee but hear us out, it also serves some satisfying bites like avocado toast, breakfast burritos and chilaquiles. It’s the best option for early game days as this location closes early.

905 J St, San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 501-7529
(619) 501-7529

Also featured in:

The Blind Burro

Copy Link

Tequila, margaritas and tacos are the order of the day at this Baja-inspired Mexican spot. The airy bar area is a big draw — and so are Taco Tuesdays which runs from 6-9 p.m. Specials include chicken, carnitas and al pastor tacos are 2 for $8, plus a selection specially priced of drinks.

639 J St, San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 795-7880
(619) 795-7880
Al Pastor Tacos at The Blind Burro
Al Pastor Tacos at The Blind Burro
The Blind Burro

Also featured in:

Bub's At The Ballpark

Copy Link

Bub’s is essentially a big ol’ honky tonk and proud of it. Head in for their Ballpark Tots with sliced hot dogs, chili, cheese and grilled onions and the Schm’animal Style burger (an homage to a certain popular burger chain) with “secret sauce” aka Thousand Island dressing, caramelized bacon, onions, lettuce, tomato and pickles. For drinks, there are plenty of craft brews.

715 J St, San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 546-0815
(619) 546-0815
Spinach & Artichoke Tots at Bub’s At The Ballpark
Spinach & Artichoke Tots at Bub’s At The Ballpark
Phaedra Cook

Also featured in:

Meze Greek Fusion

Copy Link

Inside Meze, there are authentic Greek dishes, beers and wines. The dinner menu is divided into cold appetizers, hot appetizers, soup and salad and entrées, including traditional Greek moussaka, a flavorful eggplant casserole with zucchini, potato and seasoned ground sirloin; and souvlaki (kabobs) with a choice of grilled and marinated filet mignon, lamb, chicken, or shrimp. In a rush? Order ahead to go.

345 Sixth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 550-1600
(619) 550-1600
Fiery Feta Mac ‘N’ Cheese at Meze
Fiery Feta Mac ‘N’ Cheese at Meze Greek Fusion
Meze Greek Fusion

Also featured in:

Lucky's Lunch Counter

Copy Link

Open seven days a week for breakfast and lunch, this place offers up a selection of satisfying handhelds. The menu includes overstuffed sandwiches stuffed with pastrami, corned beef or tuna salad, soups and salads among some of the choices. Don’t overlook the specialty sandwiches like the Midwest crispy pork tenderloin served on a buttered bun.

338 Seventh Ave, San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 255-4782
(619) 255-4782

Fairweather Rooftop Bar

Copy Link

Fairweather features food and cocktails downstairs and an open-air, tiki-influenced bar upstairs with a view of Petco Park. Sip on daiquiris, mai tais, margaritas and pina coladas, as well as draft beer and house wine with specials on select drinks everyday from 4-6 p.m.

793 J St, San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 578-2392
(619) 578-2392
Fairweather upstairs bar
The balcony bar at Fairweather overlooking Petco Park
Bradley Schweit

Lolita's Mexican Food

Copy Link

Stop by Lolita’s on the way to Petco Park for a quick food fix. Before Petco Park events it’s often packed; sometimes even with a line out the door. Lolita’s burritos are considered a San Diego classic. Call ahead to order to beat the rush.

202 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 269-6055
(619) 269-6055
Taco and enchilada plate at Lolita’s near Petco Park
Taco and enchilada plate at Lolita’s near Petco Park
Phaedra Cook

Also featured in:

NOBU San Diego

Copy Link

Feeling flush with cash? NOBU, just across from the Gaslamp trolley stop, provides plenty of opportunities for spending it. Enter through the hotel lobby to get inside and head straight for the sushi counter for uni sourced from San Diego waters or the black Cod with miso, Nobu’s most famous signature dish. Indoor and outdoor seating is available as well as delivery and takeout.

207 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 814-4124
(619) 814-4124
A selection of nigiri at NOBU San Diego
A selection of nigiri at NOBU San Diego
Phaedra Cook

Also featured in:

More in Maps

© 2024 Vox Media, Inc. All rights reserved.
Link copied to the clipboard.

Corner Chicken East Village

721 Ninth Ave STE 1, San Diego, CA 92101

Nashville Hot chicken is on trend right now and the closest one to the ballpark is a few blocks away. Visit or order ahead for chicken combos (customized to your spice level), loaded fries as well as craft beer, hard cider, kombucha and seltzer to wet your whistle.

721 Ninth Ave STE 1, San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 432-1171
(619) 432-1171

barleymash

600 Fifth Ave #6916, San Diego, CA 92101

It’s a bit of a walk to and from Petco but if you make the trek, good eats and drinks await you at the end of the journey. Craft beer, bourbon and host of mixed drinks complement the selection of flatbread pizzas, loaded macs and burgers — some with lobster.

600 Fifth Ave #6916, San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 255-7373
(619) 255-7373

Half Door Brewing Co.

903 Island Ave, San Diego, CA 92101

Head to this 1900s-era house before and after Petco Park events for the bird’s-eye view from the second-floor patio and to see what creative offerings the brewmasters have on tap. The menu includes shepherd’s pie and bangers and mash. There’s a good selection of meat-free entrées here too such as golden fried goat cheese with sweet chili-soy glaze and scallions.

903 Island Ave, San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 232-9845
(619) 232-9845
Fried Goat Cheese at Half Door Brewing Company
Fried Goat Cheese at Half Door Brewing Company
Phaedra Cook

Monzu Fresh Pasta

455 Tenth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101

Fill up on made-from-scratch pasta dishes like the seductively rich and filling cacio e pepe (cheese and pepper). Come early: there aren’t many seats (about 20 or so), so if heading there before a Petco Park event, get there early.

455 Tenth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 802-4355
(619) 802-4355
Cacio e Pepe Raviolo at Monzu
Cacio e Pepe Raviolo at Monzu
Phaedra Cook

Basic

410 Tenth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101

The pizza is the focus at this pre-game hot spot with the menu specializing in wood-fired pizzas. The pizzas have thin but chewy crusts with a choice between small or large. The build-your-own options gives a choice of “red pies” or “white pies” with Parmesan or mozzarella, or pick one of nine with pre-selected ingredient combinations.

410 Tenth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 531-8869
(619) 531-8869
Basic pizza
One of the crispy-crusted pizzas at Basic
Phaedra Cook

Copa Vida

905 J St, San Diego, CA 92101

It’s a mainly known for its coffee but hear us out, it also serves some satisfying bites like avocado toast, breakfast burritos and chilaquiles. It’s the best option for early game days as this location closes early.

905 J St, San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 501-7529
(619) 501-7529

The Blind Burro

639 J St, San Diego, CA 92101

Tequila, margaritas and tacos are the order of the day at this Baja-inspired Mexican spot. The airy bar area is a big draw — and so are Taco Tuesdays which runs from 6-9 p.m. Specials include chicken, carnitas and al pastor tacos are 2 for $8, plus a selection specially priced of drinks.

639 J St, San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 795-7880
(619) 795-7880
Al Pastor Tacos at The Blind Burro
Al Pastor Tacos at The Blind Burro
The Blind Burro

Bub's At The Ballpark

715 J St, San Diego, CA 92101

Bub’s is essentially a big ol’ honky tonk and proud of it. Head in for their Ballpark Tots with sliced hot dogs, chili, cheese and grilled onions and the Schm’animal Style burger (an homage to a certain popular burger chain) with “secret sauce” aka Thousand Island dressing, caramelized bacon, onions, lettuce, tomato and pickles. For drinks, there are plenty of craft brews.

715 J St, San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 546-0815
(619) 546-0815
Spinach & Artichoke Tots at Bub’s At The Ballpark
Spinach & Artichoke Tots at Bub’s At The Ballpark
Phaedra Cook

Meze Greek Fusion

345 Sixth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101

Inside Meze, there are authentic Greek dishes, beers and wines. The dinner menu is divided into cold appetizers, hot appetizers, soup and salad and entrées, including traditional Greek moussaka, a flavorful eggplant casserole with zucchini, potato and seasoned ground sirloin; and souvlaki (kabobs) with a choice of grilled and marinated filet mignon, lamb, chicken, or shrimp. In a rush? Order ahead to go.

345 Sixth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 550-1600
(619) 550-1600
Fiery Feta Mac ‘N’ Cheese at Meze
Fiery Feta Mac ‘N’ Cheese at Meze Greek Fusion
Meze Greek Fusion

Lucky's Lunch Counter

338 Seventh Ave, San Diego, CA 92101

Open seven days a week for breakfast and lunch, this place offers up a selection of satisfying handhelds. The menu includes overstuffed sandwiches stuffed with pastrami, corned beef or tuna salad, soups and salads among some of the choices. Don’t overlook the specialty sandwiches like the Midwest crispy pork tenderloin served on a buttered bun.

338 Seventh Ave, San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 255-4782
(619) 255-4782

Fairweather Rooftop Bar

793 J St, San Diego, CA 92101

Fairweather features food and cocktails downstairs and an open-air, tiki-influenced bar upstairs with a view of Petco Park. Sip on daiquiris, mai tais, margaritas and pina coladas, as well as draft beer and house wine with specials on select drinks everyday from 4-6 p.m.

793 J St, San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 578-2392
(619) 578-2392
Fairweather upstairs bar
The balcony bar at Fairweather overlooking Petco Park
Bradley Schweit

Lolita's Mexican Food

202 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101

Stop by Lolita’s on the way to Petco Park for a quick food fix. Before Petco Park events it’s often packed; sometimes even with a line out the door. Lolita’s burritos are considered a San Diego classic. Call ahead to order to beat the rush.

202 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 269-6055
(619) 269-6055
Taco and enchilada plate at Lolita’s near Petco Park
Taco and enchilada plate at Lolita’s near Petco Park
Phaedra Cook

NOBU San Diego

207 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101

Feeling flush with cash? NOBU, just across from the Gaslamp trolley stop, provides plenty of opportunities for spending it. Enter through the hotel lobby to get inside and head straight for the sushi counter for uni sourced from San Diego waters or the black Cod with miso, Nobu’s most famous signature dish. Indoor and outdoor seating is available as well as delivery and takeout.

207 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 814-4124
(619) 814-4124
A selection of nigiri at NOBU San Diego
A selection of nigiri at NOBU San Diego
Phaedra Cook

Related Maps