San Diego in the Fall

1. Sparks Gallery

Sparks Gallery is the vision of curator and owner Sonya Sparks, who has helmed the vibrant Gaslamp Quarter gallery since 2013. The gallery is housed within the neighborhood's restored Sterling Hardware Building, which was originally constructed in 1924 and designated as an historic landmark in the 1980s along with the rest of its surrounding neighborhood.

Exhibitions hosted at the gallery throughout the year highlight the works of contemporary artists throughout the San Diego and Southern California regions. Past group and solo exhibitions have showcased artists like Alexander Arshansky, Carla Naden, Lee Selman, and James Hubbell. Special events presented by the gallery throughout the year include artist talks, receptions, and guided photography and art excursions.

Sparks Gallery, 530 Sixth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101, Phone: 619-696-1416

2. Duck Foot Brewing Company

Duck Foot Brewing Company is a delicious gluten-free brewery in San Diego, opened in 2015 by Brett Golfstock and Matt DelVecchio. The brewery specializes in gluten-free and gluten-reduced craft brews, which are safe for diners with Celiac's disease and gluten intolerances to enjoy. An excellent lineup of original craft beers are served up on tap throughout the year by the brewery, including flagship favorites like its The Looker Blonde Ale, Hop 'Em Sock 'Em West Coast-style IPA, Drink This Or The Bees Die Honey Ale, and Duckzilla Double White IPA. Gluten-free snacks and bar fare options are served up throughout the week at the brewery's dog-friendly tap room and patio, including selections like buffalo chicken sliders, Brazilian-style cheese bread, and traditional Mexican elote corn salad.

Duck Foot Brewing Company , 8920 Kenamar Dr #210, San Diego, CA 92121, Phone: 858-433-7916

3. Fort Oak

Fort Oak is a delightful Mission Hills restaurant that opened in 2019 within the mixed-use Fort building, overseen by restaurateur Steven Schwob and executive chef Brad Wise. The restaurant, which is named for the beautiful majestic oak trees of nearby Presidio Park, serves up delicious rustic wood-fired menu offerings, ranging from seasonal small plates to family-style tasting experiences. Diners can enjoy high-quality fare like Pacific halibut with French curry rice, Duroc pork chops with coal-roasted shishitos and black garlic sauce, and heart-grilled branzino with peperonata and salsa verde. Bar bites are available each day starting at 3:00pm, ranging from turnip kimchi pork spare ribs and shrimp and pork dumplings to salt cod fritters and oysters on the half shell. A high-quality craft cocktail list features favorites like the Chevelle, crafted with housemade olive brine.

Fort Oak , 1011 Fort Stockton Dr, San Diego, CA 92103, Phone: 619-722-3398

4. The Nolen

The Nolen has been voted as one of San Diego's best restaurants with a view by San Diego Magazine, renowned for its delicious cocktail list and elevated bar bites. The bar, which opened in 2015, is located atop the scenic 14th-floor rooftop of the Courtyard Gaslamp in San Diego's East Village neighborhood, offering unparalleled views of nearby landmarks like Coronado Island, San Diego Bay, and Petco Park. High-quality barrel-aged and signature cocktails highlight delicious ingredients like housemade chai syrup, coffee liqueur, and orange bitters. An extensive list of bar bites highlights everything from charcuterie boards to international tapas like coconut curry chicken skewers, carnitas tacos, and three-cheese arancini. Brunch classics like bloody marys and mimosas pair with creative Benedicts and Mexican-style favorites like chilaquiles.

The Nolen , 453 Sixth Ave #7007, San Diego, CA 92101, Phone: 619-796-6536

If you have a sweet tooth, be sure to add Bourbon Donuts to your itinerary.

5. Ortega's A Mexican Bistro

Ortega's A Mexican Bistro is the second outpost of favorite Puerto Nuevo dining destination, opened in 2005 in the city's Hillcrest district. The traditional Mexican-style restaurant is known for its excellent guacamole prepared tableside and high-quality regional specialties, including delicious Baja-style lobster entrees. Beautiful rustic decor evokes a south-of-the-border spirit, showcasing handwoven baskets, Mexican pottery, and intricately-designed wood-carved doors and stained-glass windows. Diners can enjoy unique Puerto Nuevo specialties like plantain-crusted huachinango, chicken pumpkin seed pippian, and grilled Dorado Veracruz with white wine sauce and poblano chiles. At lunch, lighter fare includes epazote-cilantro chicken tacos, crab enchiladas, and hearty carnitas burritos. Happy hour drink specials include signature pomegranate or mango mint margaritas.

Ortega's A Mexican Bistro, 141 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92103, Phone: 619-692-4200

6. Union Kitchen and Tap

Union Kitchen and Tap was opened in 2012 in San Diego's lively Encinitas neighborhood, helmed by executive chef Michael Welch. Today, the restaurant offers several outposts throughout the San Diego region, known for its neighborhood vibe and excellent craft brew selection. Inventive American gastropub fare is served up throughout the week at its three dining spaces, which are furnished with reclaimed wood accents and comfortable seating. Fresh, local ingredients take center stage in signature fare like the restaurant's Union Gumbo, prepared with Andouille sausage, butter-poached crawfish, and roasted chicken, or its Union Burger, topped with cherrywood-smoked bacon and aged white cheddar. Extensive vegan selections are also offered, ranging from jackfruit and mushroom enchiladas to chipotle sweet potato bowls with cashew cotija-style cheese. Drink menus emphasize local San Diego beers, artisanal wines, and distinguished housemade cocktails.

Union Kitchen and Tap, 1108 S Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas, CA 92024, Phone: 760-230-2337