Here's a look at new restaurants, bars, and a theme park attraction suitable for off-site meetings, client entertaining, or even intimate events in San Diego.
Rabbit Hole, a beer bar in Normal Heights, opened in October. The 3,800-square-foot space holds 300 people for receptions; there is also a 450-square-foot patio. In addition to an extensive list of draft beers, the menu offers bar snacks like sliders and nachos, as well as tacos and salads that can be served family-style. The bar is available for buyouts.
Renovated in July, Table No. 10 in the East Village puts an approachable spin on fine dining. The menu features small plates designed for sharing, and an open kitchen allows guests to watch food preparation. The 1,200-square-foot downstairs area seats about 16 guests, and the 3,700-square-foot upstairs level seats 90.
Tidal, a mid-century modern beach house that opened in April, has 180-degree views of Mission Bay. The venue measures 4,500 square feet and is available for receptions as well as brunches, lunches, or dinners. The private dining room, dubbed the Gallery, features a rotating selection of art installations. A full range of audiovisual services is available via an on-site vendor.
SeaWorld San Diego opened its interactive Explorer's Reef in 2014 in conjunction with the park's 50th anniversary. Located just past the SeaWorld entrance, the space invites visitors to walk under a giant wave-shaped sculpture into an underwater-theme realm. In the "hands-in" exhibit, guests can connect with sharks, rays, crabs, and fish. The venue can be reserved for private parties of as many as 350 people, and a variety of food and beverage packages are available. A full-park buyout is also available for parties of at least 3,000 people.
Ironside Fish & Oyster has custom-cut bar stools, copper tabletops, mixed metal accents, and a five-foot-long lobster tank. The seafood-focused restaurant opened in April. The 4,500-square-foot venue is available for group dinners as well as full buyouts for as many as 450 people. Five massive doors at the front of the space can open for an alfresco experience.
Open since June, the Curious Fork is an intimate café available for private dinners, cooking classes, chef demos, product launches, and book signings. The café uses fresh, organic ingredients to create its menu of pastries, smoothies, salads, pizzas, sandwiches, and soups. A kitchen includes three overhead cameras as well as audio capabilities. The 1,800-square-foot space holds as many as 50 people.
As its name implies, Zymology 21 is a science-based eatery and bar dedicated to the study of fermentation. All of the food is influenced by something aged, cured, brined, braised, pressed, or otherwise fermented. The 1,500-square-foot space holds 100 people. The layout allows for sit-down meals, communal dining, and cocktail parties.
At the corner of J and 6th Streets, Jsix Restaurant recently underwent a $1.5 million renovation that completely transformed the 2,500-square-foot space. The updated decor is light and polished, incorporating subway tiles, stone, and brick. A number of windows allow for natural light and views of the East Village. The modern restaurant features an extensive beverage program, local beers, and a creative American menu. The venue seats 105: 45 in the main restaurant and 60 in the bar area.
Bottega Americano opened in the East Village in August. Serving classic Italian dishes with a modern flair, the private eighth-floor venue features panoramic views of downtown San Diego and its harbor. The 4,000-square-foot space, which is available for cocktail parties, sit-down dinners, and buffets, holds 245 guests.
The North Park sweet shop Hammond's Gourmet Ice Cream began dishing out frosty treats in June. The venue takes a farm-to-cone approach to the traditional ice cream parlor: most of the ingredients are grown or produced on the same Hawaiian farm where the ice cream is made. For groups, the back of the space is sectioned off and ice cream flights or individual orders are served. The 1,995-square-foot venue seats 20 or hold 50 people for receptions.
Offer guests a collaborative meeting environment at Común Kitchen & Tavern, which is dedicated to the concept of community. The gathering spot features long tables, an open design, and colorful decor commissioned from local artist Gloria Muriel. While the venue is located just steps from Petco Park, the vibe is urban-baja-chic. The restaurant holds as many as 200 people inside and on the patio, which together total 3,000 square feet. At the beer wall, brews are available in one-ounce sample servings.
