Dining Al Fresco: Feel at Ease With an Ocean Breeze

By Bryan Kittman | May 7, 2019

Warm weather and sunny days call for enjoying your afternoons out in the open air. Thankfully, dining al fresco in San Diego does not disappoint. Check out our favorite locations for a wonderful day enjoying great food, cold drinks, and some iconic beach views.

Coasterra – Harbor Island

At Coasterra, you can enjoy some of the finest unobstructed bayfront views thanks to their outdoor dining deck. Open for lunch and dinner along with Sunday brunch, you won’t find better views anywhere else.

C Level Lounge – Harbor Island

Come out to experience the breathtaking sights of the bay, downtown, and Coronado at the over-the-water dining area of the C Level Lounge. Here you’ll find some killer happy hour deals, like $7 bites, craft beers, and tasty cocktails.

Sea 180 – Imperial Beach

This location is one of the few restaurants that sits directly on the beach. It doesn’t get much closer to the shore when dining at Seal 180. With an expansive menu, delicious bites, and $6 beer and wine during Happy Hour, you won’t be disappointed.

Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse – Downtown

Boasting two levels of dining with floor-to-ceiling windows, Del Frisco’s offers incredible views overlooking Lane Field and the San Diego Bay. For an award-winning steakhouse, Del Frisco’s offers its best deals on Sundays with the Prime Pair prix fixe menu.

333 Pacific – Oceanside

Situated just across the street from the Oceanside Pier, 333 Pacific is perfect for enjoying the warm evening air while sipping on some wine. Come out Monday for $4 microbrews, or 3-Way Thursdays, where you can grab 3 oysters and 3 brews for just $16.

Village Pizzeria and Lil’ Piggy’s Bar-B-Q – Coronado Ferry Landing

Offering some of the best vantage points of the San Diego skyline, these two fantastic dining options are perfect for small and large groups. With family-friendly seating, this is a great spot to enjoy a late afternoon out with the family.

Viewpoint Brewing Company – Del Mar

Viewpoint Brewing knows a thing or two of the importance of providing an open-air experience for its customers. With an expansive interior patio with fire pit seating, you can enjoy lawn games or take a walk along the Coast to Crest Trail.

Kettner Exchange – Downtown

At Kettner Exchange outdoor rooftop patio, you’ll find a wide space filled with dining tables, cabanas, and other non-traditional seating perfect for lounging and enjoying the open air. With a constantly changing menu and rotating list of craft beers, you’re in for a treat every time.

Park 101 – Carlsbad

This unique outdoor bar is one of the coolest to recently open in the coastal town of Carlsbad. With a central seating area with lawn games, flat screen TV’s, and a fire pit, Park 101 is the perfect mix of beach vibes and good times.

Hello Betty Fish House – Oceanside

It’s fitting that a restaurant with killer ocean views would also have some pretty excellent seafood. At Hello Betty Fish House outdoor lounge, you’ll find both along with your next favorite spot to enjoy a meal next to the ocean.

The Crack Shack – Little Italy

This local favorite is home to some of the best fried chicken sandwiches in all of San Diego. The entire location is based on open air seating, making it the perfect place to grab a late evening dinner during the warm summer months.

Half Door Brewing Co. – Gaslamp

Housed near Petco Park, Half Door Brewing Co has a wonderful roof desk along with a solid menu and plenty of brews from in-house and other San Diego breweries.

Wonderland Ocean Pub – Ocean Beach

Head over to Ocean Beach for a killer view of the Pacific Ocean’s longest pier in Southern California. The 1,971 ft popular fishing pier is currently closed due to damages caused by high surf earlier this year. While it is unclear when it will re-open, you can still enjoy breathtaking views and an unbeatable sunset from the second-story eatery.