Whereas many see Chula Vista as only a midway level between downtown and Tijuana or as a primary suburban sprawl, space residents and people within the know are absolutely conscious that South Bay’s largest metropolis holds a treasure-trove of nice eateries to find.
1. Romesco
The Mexican-Mediterranean eatery, initially conceived by Tijuana celebrity chef Javier Plascencia, continues to excel in delivering delicacies impressed by outdated world methods and Baja elements. The comparatively new brunch menu is stuffed with trendy takes on Mexican breakfast staples, however the tableside dinner platters just like the fideo seco and unique Tijuana Caesar salad name again to the cordial service of a long time previous.
2. Novo Brazil Brewing
Eastlake’s first ever craft brewery may need a comparatively quick historical past, however has upped the ante each step of the best way. At their taproom, you possibly can nonetheless discover the crisp, Brazil-inspired lagers which put Novo Brazil on the map, together with their tackle newer developments like sours and hazy IPAs. They’ve additionally launched a brand new line of exhausting kombucha and landed Tacos La Central as a full time meals vendor on their entrance patio.
3. Bar Sin Nombre
With a sizeable beer record centered on craft brews, this “anonymous” Downtown Chula Vista watering gap is a should for any beer geeks searching for a hard-to-find pour. Bar Sin Nombre’s program recurrently options smaller standout brewers from throughout the U.S. on its 40-tap setup. Sours by Colorado brewers Crooked Stave and imperial stouts by Sacramento-based Moksa are among the many newest company to this institution. Native meals truck Corazon de Torta provides eats on choose nights.
4. GrindHouse
As one of many pioneers of Third Avenue’s revival, GrindHouse has prepared the ground with its all-day idea that includes espresso, meals, and beer. The sandwich lineup is robust with its killer cubanos and gooey tuna melts, which completely pair with any tall can in inventory. The espresso program options Coava and Fashionable Occasions beans for his or her caffeine bomb of a chilly brew and completely candy Mexican mocha.
5. Anthem Chula Vista
Whereas artistic mixology and self-described “bizarre” espresso have made co-tenants Brew Bar a well-liked Third Avenue cease, the all-day vegan eats by Anthem additionally get fixed the love they deserve throughout enterprise hours. The plant-based menu features a mixture of greens and surprisingly savory dishes made with seitan, jackfruit, tofu, and different meat options.
6. Talavera Azul
Arriving to Third Avenue over 10 years in the past, Talavera Azul has been a continuing favourite since opening. Recognized for his or her contemporary cafe de olla and an impressive lineup of Tijuana-style breakfast dishes, deciding on a single merchandise could be a powerful selection. Chilaquiles, omelettes, and machaca — all accompanied by tortillas, beans and Tijuana diced potatoes — are among the many hottest gadgets.
7. Tacos El Gordo
Arguably essentially the most well-known taqueria on either side of the border, Tacos El Gordo has been a Chula Vista landmark for the reason that Tijuana-based taco establishment opened its first San Diego location on H Road within the late 1990s. Now working out of a a lot bigger location, you possibly can count on the identical nice tacos, stuffed along with your selection of carne asada, adobada, cabeza, suadero, or tripa, in addition to lengthy strains at night time.
8. Frutas 100% Pure
Chopped produce and inexperienced smoothies aren’t the one menu gadgets at this fruteria. Frutas options all kinds of Mexican snacks, frozen treats, and fast meals ranging from breakfast sandwiches to lunch salads. The favored tortas are generously stuffed along with your selection of meat and the basic fixings.
9. Hogetsu Bakery
A very long time tenant on the nook of Oxford and Third, this hidden Japanese dessert store makes a speciality of mochi and conventional tea truffles. Whereas the inside is small, each cease could be a distinctive expertise, with totally different mochi flavors and pastries being obtainable because the husband-and-wife resolve to make them. You’ll want to go to early to safe your favourite deal with earlier than it sells out.
10. Izakaya Naruto
Whereas this intimate strip mall hangout captures the actual really feel of izakaya-style pubs, its hottest menu gadgets lean extra towards a border-Japanese mashup. The Chula Vista ”phomen” is a crossover between hen broth and pho, however with sufficient lime and chili pepper to remind you of native Mexican affect. The maximalist Abre La Boca Mucho roll (“open your mouth broad”, in Spanish) is a tempura shrimp roll topped with spicy crab and additional shrimp, excellent for munching out or sharing over Sapporos.
