Restaurant Preview: Eating Guide to Comic-Con International 2009 – San Diego

This week begins possibly the biggest annual event of the summer, Comic-Con International 2009. I will be joining the insane crowds of comic, sci-fi, film and tv fans from around the world, all in the little town of San Diego. Yes, I will be totally geeking it up, full-throttle style this week.

Since I’m a total newbie to Comic-Con, I’ve been doing some research in preparation for my visit by creating a list of places for good nearby eating potential in any situation – bagging it, take-out, fine dining, delivery, drive-by etc. What other kind of list did you expect from me? This is really important! This event is known for crazy massive crowds, amazing programs and showcases, but definitely not good food. I’m not sure what to expect or where I’ll be going, but at least I’m armed with my handy list that can supply me with some good eating no matter where I find myself. I listed them in categories of meal types (bld means breakfast/lunch/dinner), noted if it’s a fine dining place (instead of casual), and marked some old trusty favorites. I hope to report back at the end of this experience with some good reviews.

GROCERIES/COFFEE/TAKE-OUT
Ralph’s (closest supermarket to convention)
101 G St
(between 1st Ave & 2nd Ave)
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 595-1581

PJ’s Cafe & Coffee Company (close to cc & Omni hotel, bld)
Neighborhood: Gaslamp
250 5th Ave
(between K St & L St)
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 231-5788

Bread on Market (bld)
Neighborhood: East Village
730 Market St
(between 7th Ave & 8th Ave)
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 795-2730
www.breadonmarket.com
Hours: Monday-Friday 7 a.m. – 5 p.m, Saturday/Sun 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Beach City Market
Neighborhood: Gas Lamp
3 Horton Plz
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 232-2491
www.beachcitymarket.com
(Across from 24 Hour Fitness) Validate Parking
Mon – Fri : 6 Am till late, Sat – Sun : 7 Am till late

LUNCH/DINNER/CAFE

PJ’s Cafe & Coffee Company (close to convention & Omni hotel)
Neighborhood: Gaslamp
250 5th Ave
(between K St & L St)
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 231-5788

Cafe Chloe (bld)
Neighborhood: East Village
721 Ninth Ave #1
San Diego CA 92101
619.232.3242
monday thru friday 7:30am-10:30pm, saturday 8:30am-10:30pm, sunday 8:30-9:30pm, saturday & sunday brunch 8:30am-3:30pm, afternoon tea 3-5pm

Nappa Valley Grille (fine dining – lunch/dinner)
Neighborhood: Gaslamp
502 Horton Plz
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 238-5440
www.napavalleygrille.com
Mon-Thu. 11:00 a.m. – 9:30 p.m., Fri-Sat. 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m., Sun. 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Red Pearl Kitchen (Daemon’s Food Fav! Pan-Asian food – dinner)
Neighborhoods: Gaslamp, East Village
440 J St.
(between 4th Ave & 5th Ave)
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 231-1100
redpearlkitchen.com

Panevino Osteria (Italian fine dining – lunch/dinner)
Neighborhood: Gaslamp
722 5th Ave
(between G St & F St)
San Diego, CA 92101
(800) 954-3915
www.osteriapanevino.com

Extraordinary Desserts (Daemon’s Food Fav! bld, desserts)
(see top pic of Carrot Creme Brulee cake slice)
Neighborhoods: Little Italy, Downtown
1430 Union St
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 294-7001

Tartine European Cafe (bld)
Neighborhood: Coronado/on the water
1106 1st St
(between C Ave & Orange Ave)
Coronado, CA 92118
(619) 435-4323
www.tartinecoronado.com

St. Tropez Bakery & Bistro (bld)
Neighborhood: Gaslamp/Horton Plaza
926 Broadway Cir
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 696-8695
www.sttropezbistro.com
Sun-Mon 7:00 am – 4:00 pm
Tues-Thur 7:00 am – 8:00 pm
Fri & Sat 7:00 am – 9:00 pm

Sultan Schwarma (Middle Eastern food, lunch/dinner/late)
Neighborhoods: Gaslamp, East Village
543 4th Ave
(between Island Ave & Market St)
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 231-1824
SultanSD.com
Hours: Mon-Wed. 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 a.m., Thu-Fri. 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 a.m., Sun. 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 a.m.

BRUNCH ONLY:

Richard Walker’s Pancake House
Neighborhood: East Village
520 Front St
(between Island Ave & Market St)
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 231-7777
www.richardwalkers.com/san_diego
Close 2:30pm

The Mission (brunch)
Neighborhood: East Village
Categories: Breakfast & Brunch, Coffee & Tea
1250 J Street
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 232-7662
M-Sun close at 3pm

Let me know how you like these places or have any recommendations. Click here to see more reviews.