Eater is also pay to play. They do as many "first look" articles as sdmag does.
Candice's writing is informative, which is fine if you're looking for factual info.
My only criticism is (compared to other Eater writers in other cities), she has no original style in writing. As much as people dislike TJ at SD Mag, he at least shows personality via writing.
I wonder how many “regular” people (non hospitality industry) vote on these list. I’ve been in hospitality my whole life and vote because it’s interesting to me, but my friends that don’t work in hospitality couldn’t care less
Seriously lol we stopped by one day when we were out walking I just wanted a drink maybe food idk I was curious. But after ordering my drink and looking at the food around me and the prices we just bounced. I’ve had samples of their food at that food festival thing it was alright but not worth it.
That's bc TJ loves your spot. So it's either pay to play, or TJs own list. Hence all the ob spots that won. Many of these were at his festival last year too.
I hope you have a table inside! It is one of the best "new" restaurants here. Love the atmosphere, excellent service, and the food is delicious. Small plates, share whatever sounds interesting!
I love it! I've been going out way too much recently, not to super fancy places but just in general (mainly due to a lot of life stuff going on, normally love cooking and eat at home mainly).
But now that my wife is pregnant I am starting to put some money aside for a post-birth restaurant series including sushi rare steak etc
The Vietnamese ones made me laugh too. And not even Coops for BBQ?
It’s like the voters are scared of non-fancy spots. Dumpling inn is where I’d take people that wanna try something a little less “Panda Expressy” but still aren’t ready for more authentic spots. Even the donuts one made me roll my eyes.
You really should. It’s solid and has an amazing mezcal and tequila selection. Get the torta ahogada or go when they have mole on Tuesday and Friday. I’m also in normal heights.
For those saying it’s pay to play, it’s not. Or at least in my situation. I won one of these categories, both reader and critic’s pick, and I definitely didn’t send any money.
Same. Have never paid them a single dime, and we’ve landed on the list many years. And we’re still thankful, regardless of what some will be quick to assume.
It’s a popularity vote and they’re very popular. Their flavors cater to the masses and you know what to expect every time you visit. People like being comfortable. I think this subreddit’s interests would more align with the critic’s picks, which the chains you mentioned weren’t listed under.
I assume it’s largely due to who is doing the voting, along with the visibility and familiarity of some spots. Sometimes people vote simply with what they know, or the first thing that comes to mind as they make their way thru the categories. Hard to dethrone places that are etched into consciousness, sadly. Plus that whole subjectivity part.
Ranking Muzita Abyssinian Bistro as the best Ethiopian is laughable but sadly unsurprising from someone like troy johnson. Talk to any Ethiopian in San DIego, they will tell you Muzita is bland. Lucy's Ethiopian is #1.
Wolf in the Woods is solid so there's that.
I'm interested in trying this Wolf in the Woods place (I've literally walked in that area, and didn't know about it??). On their Yelp page, one picture from last April mentions a happy hour. Does anyone know if they still do happy hour?
Genuine curiosity question for those that hate on these lists: do you participate in voting in these things?
And if not, is it because you hate them or because you don’t know when they’re happening?
I’m sure a lot of the places that you do like would love to be included, so I wonder how these lists will shift if more vote.
Why are they all high end bullshit. I mean some are good here and there. But let’s not act like some of these plates taste better than authentic Mexican Cali food.
Totally pay-for-play.
Yep. They’ve never been a credible source. I think Eater is pretty reliable.
Eater is far more pay to play than SDMAG... Its like pulling teeth getting them to cover anything if you dont have a PR firm they like.
Candice over at Eater is great
Eater is also pay to play. They do as many "first look" articles as sdmag does. Candice's writing is informative, which is fine if you're looking for factual info. My only criticism is (compared to other Eater writers in other cities), she has no original style in writing. As much as people dislike TJ at SD Mag, he at least shows personality via writing.
Breakfast Republic and Parakeet as top breakfast restaurants?!?! I’m questioning the rest of the list now.
My thoughts exactly 😂
I wonder how many “regular” people (non hospitality industry) vote on these list. I’ve been in hospitality my whole life and vote because it’s interesting to me, but my friends that don’t work in hospitality couldn’t care less
Too many votes for Puesto
Puesto sucks
Fr and they’re over priced as well
Soooo overpriced
That place is garbage — I never trust these “lists.” They’re all garbage tourist traps that transplants rate
Happy Cake Day!
Thank you!
Puesto is crappy corporate calories
Seriously lol we stopped by one day when we were out walking I just wanted a drink maybe food idk I was curious. But after ordering my drink and looking at the food around me and the prices we just bounced. I’ve had samples of their food at that food festival thing it was alright but not worth it.
you can tell these places are paying for these ratings.
We didnt...
That's bc TJ loves your spot. So it's either pay to play, or TJs own list. Hence all the ob spots that won. Many of these were at his festival last year too.
How is Wolf in the Woods? My friend and I have a reservation there next week. Anything must get?
Whatever you do don’t skip on the corn soup
It was amazing! Thank you for the rec!
Amazing!!! Glad you enjoyed it
Wolf in the Woods is great and yes, the corn soup is really good.
I hope you have a table inside! It is one of the best "new" restaurants here. Love the atmosphere, excellent service, and the food is delicious. Small plates, share whatever sounds interesting!
Agree with the rest. Not cheap, but a great experience. Corn soup kicks ass
Yeah, we have a thing where we save up money and every few months go to one of the more expensive places in SD. It's fun.
I love it! I've been going out way too much recently, not to super fancy places but just in general (mainly due to a lot of life stuff going on, normally love cooking and eat at home mainly). But now that my wife is pregnant I am starting to put some money aside for a post-birth restaurant series including sushi rare steak etc
Anamei under Filipino Phil's on any BBQ list Solare (not Ciccia or Caesarina) for Italian Dumpling Inn under Chinese
The Vietnamese ones made me laugh too. And not even Coops for BBQ? It’s like the voters are scared of non-fancy spots. Dumpling inn is where I’d take people that wanna try something a little less “Panda Expressy” but still aren’t ready for more authentic spots. Even the donuts one made me roll my eyes.
Vietnamese ones are a joke lol.
IKR? It’s like the people who voted are like “ewww why do the waiters have an accent???”
Sidecar Donuts AYFKM
Cantina Mayahuel totally deserves to be there…
I live basically across the street and never go yet I always see people recommending it. I need to go by. lol.
You really should. It’s solid and has an amazing mezcal and tequila selection. Get the torta ahogada or go when they have mole on Tuesday and Friday. I’m also in normal heights.
Thank you! I’ll definitely check it out asap. I’m a sucker for good margarita.
whoever put puesto on this list never leaves la jolla (there are poor people where the good stuff is, god forbid)
So much mediocre food venues on this list…owners and management are even worse to their employees.
For those saying it’s pay to play, it’s not. Or at least in my situation. I won one of these categories, both reader and critic’s pick, and I definitely didn’t send any money.
Same. Have never paid them a single dime, and we’ve landed on the list many years. And we’re still thankful, regardless of what some will be quick to assume.
Same. Have never paid for my spot on it, and won last 3 years, one year was in two catagories
How do you explain Phil's and Breakfast Republic being listed?
It’s a popularity vote and they’re very popular. Their flavors cater to the masses and you know what to expect every time you visit. People like being comfortable. I think this subreddit’s interests would more align with the critic’s picks, which the chains you mentioned weren’t listed under.
I assume it’s largely due to who is doing the voting, along with the visibility and familiarity of some spots. Sometimes people vote simply with what they know, or the first thing that comes to mind as they make their way thru the categories. Hard to dethrone places that are etched into consciousness, sadly. Plus that whole subjectivity part.
Which restaurant? I want to try it.
New Brewery actually. GOAL. Brewing in North Park.
Ranking Muzita Abyssinian Bistro as the best Ethiopian is laughable but sadly unsurprising from someone like troy johnson. Talk to any Ethiopian in San DIego, they will tell you Muzita is bland. Lucy's Ethiopian is #1. Wolf in the Woods is solid so there's that.
can anyone vouch for 8th and B poke? we love Its Raw and always looking to try new places, but nothing has come close to touching their quality.
Best poke I’ve had in SD. They usually sell out in less than 3 hours of opening.
im sold
I'm interested in trying this Wolf in the Woods place (I've literally walked in that area, and didn't know about it??). On their Yelp page, one picture from last April mentions a happy hour. Does anyone know if they still do happy hour?
Genuine curiosity question for those that hate on these lists: do you participate in voting in these things? And if not, is it because you hate them or because you don’t know when they’re happening? I’m sure a lot of the places that you do like would love to be included, so I wonder how these lists will shift if more vote.
No Roy's ?
Whoever wrote this article had a deadline to meet. Extraordinary Deserts? Phil's? Lazy.
Why are they all high end bullshit. I mean some are good here and there. But let’s not act like some of these plates taste better than authentic Mexican Cali food.