Mom and Pop restaurants in the San Diego area?

Question

We're traveling to San Diego shortly and looking for some good kid friendly Mom and Pop restaurants in the area that won't break the bank. We love trying ethnic foods and my kids will eat about everything, including octopus so ethnic restaurants would be fine.

We will be visiting San Diego Zoo, the Wild Animal Park, Balboa Park , and the beach so we would prefer something not to far from those.

Answer 1

The zoo and Balboa Park are near Hillcrest which has a lot of great places.  

The Corvette Diner is a 50's diner type place. (3946 5th Ave)

Med grill has Mediterranean food, it is 1263 University.

Downtown isn't too far from zoo/Balboa Park.  I have been to the Mary Jane diner at the Hard Rock Hotel and that is kind of fun.

If you google Hillcrest restaurants you will find a lot more, but these are 3 that I have been to and liked.

Wild Animal Park is further north, near Escondido.  The WAP is actually not near anything specific, but if you wanted to venture off a little ways from there, there is a really good Mexican place, Hernandez Hideaway.  19320 Lake Drive in Escondido, near Lake Hodges.

Have fun!

Answer 2

I really like The Prado at Balboa Park, but that can be a little pricey.

Which beach will you be visiting? There are good places at each beach:

Ocean Beach - Hodad's or South Beach Bar and Grille (minors allowed before 5pm Mon-Thurs)

Mission Beach/Pacific Beach - World Famous or Canes Bar and Grill (I am honestly not sure if you can bring kids here, but I love the food so I wanted to include it)

Carlsbad - Pizza Port (there is also one in Solana Beach)

Del Mar - Milton's

La Jolla - Wahoo's Fish Tacos

Let me think of some more and I'll get back to you.

Answer 3

Well those arent really close to eachother, but their are applebees, chilis fuddruckers, TGI frdays REAL close to the zoo, and many others! San Diego is great! YOu will c many resterants while travelng in SD