San Diego American restaurants you'll love
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Top American restaurants in San Diego, California
If you’re searching for “American food near me” in San Diego, you’re about to embark on a tasty journey. San Diego has a wide variety of locations for American cuisine such as casual burger joints, diners, and steakhouses. From home cooking to delicious upscale dining, there is no shortage of options when it comes to this beachside city.
The beautiful weather is great for takeout in San Diego paired with a stroll on the shores or a morning bike ride before grabbing a fresh-pressed juice. No matter the occasion, there is American fare to enjoy. Take the family out for a nice meal together or offer your employees pastries from the local bakery. Downtown San Diego has cheesesteaks, breakfast, hot dogs, and seafood to choose from.
When you’re through enjoying a delicious meal, head over to one of the many local breweries and taste the unique flavors of San Diego craft beer. Perfect for a beer crawl with friends or a relaxing weekend. If beer isn’t your type of beverage there are plenty of other options like whiskey bars, cideries, wineries, and cocktail bars. There is a lot to enjoy about San Diego, so search for your favorites and discover what’s in store.
Must-try American restaurants in San Diego
SANDWICHES • HAMBURGERS • FRENCH FRIES • CHEESE
Grater Grilled Cheese
5618 Mission Center Rd #1002, San Diego
| Popular items | |
|---|---|
| Carnivore Grilled Cheese | $12.99 |
Basic 5 Grilled Cheese and the Grater Hamburger Patty made with 100% Angus Beef & Caramelized Onions. Comes with your choice of spread. | |
| Nashville Hot Grilled Cheese | $12.99 |
Our Basic 5 Grilled Cheese with Buffalo Chicken Tenders, Coleslaw, and diced Pickles. | |
| Country Fries | $9.99 |
Our Pommes Frites topped with Applewood Bacon, Cheese and Garnished with fresh Chives with a side of Ranch Dressing. |
Flamingo Deck
4110 Mission Blvd, SAN DIEGO
| Popular items | |
|---|---|
| Truffle Pasta | $22.00 |
Rigatoni pasta topped porcini mushrooms, truffle Butter, soft herbs, creme fraiche | |
| Prosciutto & Arugula Pizza | $19.00 |
Italian Ham, Arugula, Smoked Mozzarella, Red Onion | |
| Kumiai Oysters (6) | $6.00 |
Lucky's Lunch Counter - 338 7th Ave
338 7th Avenue, San Diego
| Popular items | |
|---|---|
| B.Y.O Breakfast Sandwich | $10.75 |
One egg any style, topped with choice of cheese and one breakfast meat on a toasted bagel and served with hash browns. | |
| B.Y.O. Omelette | $12.75 |
Made with three farm fresh eggs, served with hash browns and toast. Choice of three ingredients. (Extra additions $0.75) | |
| B.Y.O. Breakfast Burrito | $12.75 |
Giant flour tortilla filled with three farm fresh eggs, hash browns and choice of three ingredients. (Extra additions $0.75) |
PIZZA • SALADS
The Shop: Pizza + Cocktails
11967 Bernardo Plaza Dr., San Diego
| Popular items | |
|---|---|
| Spicy Baked Wings | $16.00 |
1lb / served with house-made ranch and baby carrots | |
| Golden Beets and Arugula Salad | $17.00 |
roasted golden beets, crispy bacon, arugula, goat cheese, house-made balsamic reduction | |
| Little Gem Caesar Salad | $15.00 |
baby gem lettuce, chives, parmesan, house-made croutons, house-made caesar dressing |
SALADS • SANDWICHES • HAMBURGERS
Common Stock - Hillcrest
3805 Fifth Ave, San Diego
| Popular items | |
|---|---|
| CRISPY CHICKEN SANDWICH | $15.00 |
CLASSIC | crispy chicken breast, bacon, melted muenster cheese, and house made ranch coleslaw NASHVILLE STYLE | Classic + Nashville Style Hot Sauce COMEBACK STYLE | Nashville hot chicken breast, sharp white cheddar, pickles, ranch coleslaw, + comeback sauce | |
| CHEESEBURGER | $15.00 |
| KALE SALAD | $14.00 |
TAPAS
Barrel & Board - 1027 University Ave
1027 University Ave, San Diego
| Popular items | |
|---|---|
| PARTY BOARD (4-6) | $65.00 |
Three chef-selected cheeses (Meat & Fruit) arranged with a variety of accouterments and freshly baked breads. Feeds up to 6 people. | |
| HOUSE GREENS | $15.00 |
Baby mixed greens, cabbage, cranberries, toasted almonds, pear vinaigrette. | |
| PARTY BOARD (4-6) HOLIDAY PREORDER | $65.00 |
Three chef-selected cheeses (Meat & Fruit) arranged with a variety of accouterments and freshly baked breads. Feeds up to 6 people. |
SANDWICHES • HAMBURGERS • FRENCH FRIES
Woody's Breakfast And Burgers
4111 Ocean Blvd, San Diego
| Popular items | |
|---|---|
| KISS | $11.00 |
2 eggs any style with your choice of sausage or bacon and 2 sides | |
| Carne Asada Breakfast Burrito | $12.95 |
Scrambled eggs, pico de gallo, cheddar cheese, rosemary potatoes, black beans, and juicy carne asada wrapped in a giant flour tortilla. Served with a side of salsa verde. Add avocado for only $1.50 more! | |
| Benji Breakfast Burrito | $12.95 |
Scrambled eggs, pico de gallo, cheddar cheese, rosemary potatoes, black beans, and your choice of sausage or bacon wrapped in a giant flour tortilla. Served with a side of salsa verde. Add avocado or do both bacon AND sausage for only $1.50 more! |
Smoking Gun & Spill the Beans - 555 Market Street
555 Market Street, San Diego
| Popular items | |
|---|---|
| Cinna-Bee | $5.50 |
Honey, homemade cinnamon simple syrup, espresso, milk | |
| Blondie Mocha | $5.50 |
White chocolate, brown sugar-macadamia syrup, espresso, milk | |
| Vanilla Latte | $5.50 |
Vanilla, espresso & milk |
SEAFOOD • SANDWICHES • FRENCH FRIES • STEAKS
Harley Gray Kitchen and Bar
902 W Washington St, San Diego
| Popular items | |
|---|---|
| Buddha Bowl | $17.00 |
quinoa, seasonal berries, roasted pine nuts, rainbow carrots, beet hummus & lemon tahini dressing | |
| Mud Pie | $9.95 |
rocky road, praline & cream ice cream, peanut butter, oreo cookie crust, whipped cream, chocolate & caramel sauce | |
| Harley Gray Burger | $16.00 |
Gold Canyon Angus, toasted brioche bun, frisee lettuce, tomato, onion, bleu cheese, garlic aioli, pomme frites |
Chicken Charlie's Table
12457 Rancho Bernardo Rd, San Diego
| Popular items | |
|---|---|
| Maui Chicken | $18.75 |
Charlie’s signature pineapple bowl featuring pineapple chunks, white rice, and grilled teriyaki chicken. | |
| Fried Chicken Dinner | $18.75 |
4 pieces of our famous fried chicken | |
| Fried Chicken & Shrimp | $19.75 |
Your choice of 2 pc dark or white meat, with 8 large crispy shrimp. |
Hidden Craft
600 WEST BROADWAY SUITE 130, SAN DIEGO
| Popular items | |
|---|---|
| One America Cheese Burger | $16.00 |
Ground beef brisket short rib patty, crisp lettuce, tomato, pickled onions, american cheese, house spread on a sesame amish bun | |
| Chicken Banh Mi | $15.00 |
Ginger, garlic, marinated chicken, pickled veggies (carrot, daikon, cucumber, white onion), miso aioli, cilantro on fresh baguette. | |
| Turkey Avocado BLT | $15.00 |
Swiss cheese, bacon, avocado, lettuce, tomato, chipotle aioli on ciabatta bun |
The Pigs Gig
2820 Historic Decatur Road, San Diego
| Popular items | |
|---|---|
| Pulled Pork Plate | $19.95 |
1/2 pound of meat. choice of two sides, bread & bbq sauce | |
| Pulled Chicken Plate | $19.95 |
1/2 pound of meat. choice of two sides | |
| Brisket Plate | $22.95 |
1/2 pound of meat. choice of two sides, bread & bbq sauce |
SALADS • CHICKEN • FRENCH FRIES
The Local Eatery & Drinking Hole - The Local Eatery & Drinking Hole
1065 4th Avenue, San Diego
| Popular items | |
|---|---|
| BREW PUB BURGER | $19.00 |
Old school style cheeseburger 1/2 lb all beef patty, pickle, onion, mustard and ketchup Served with fries or upgrade to ROAR fries! +$2.5 | |
| AHI WRAP | $18.00 |
Seared and sesame-crusted ahi tuna, miso dressing, sriracha aioli, brown rice, carrots, napa cabbage, cilantro, scallion, and crunchy wonton strips, wrapped in a spinach tortilla Served with a garnish of pickled cucumbers | |
| FIESTA SALAD | $16.00 |
Chopped romaine and iceberg lettuce tossed with boneless fried chicken, roasted corn, black beans, tortilla strips, jack & cheddar cheese, avocado, jalapeño, cilantro, and our house-made cilantro lime dressing |
GRILL • FRENCH FRIES
Urban MO's Bar & Grill
308 University Ave, San Diego
| Popular items | |
|---|---|
| MELTDOWN BURGER | $16.00 |
Pepper Jack, Ortega Chili, Jalapeños, Chipolte Mayo, Lettuce, Tomato. Served on your choice of bun. | |
| MO BURGER | $16.00 |
Cheddar, Jack, Bacon, Caramelized Onion, Lettuce, Tomato, Thousand Island. Served on your choice of bun. | |
| FLAMING WRAP | $16.25 |
Crispy or Grilled Chicken, Hot Wings Sauce, Bacon, Cheddar, Jack, Romaine, Blue Cheese or Ranch. Tortilla |
Swagyu Chop Shop - Pacific Beach
966 Felspar Street, San Diego
| Popular items | |
|---|---|
| Side Fries | $8.00 |
Sidewinder fries served with ketchup and secret sauce | |
| 4X4 Signature Swagyu Smashburger | $35.00 |
Four 4oz Wagyu Smash Patties, American Cheese, House B&B Pickles & Secret Sauce on a Brioche Bun | |
| Western Swagburger | $22.00 |
Two 4oz Wagyu Smash Patties, American Cheese, House-Made Smokey Mama BBQ Sauce, House B&B Pickles & Onion Rings on a Brioche Bun |
SANDWICHES • HOT DOGS • FRENCH FRIES
Mastiff Kitchen - North Park Beer Co.
3038 University Ave, San Diego
| Popular items | |
|---|---|
| Double Smash Burger | $13.95 |
two smashed patties, American cheese, butter-braised onions, lettuce, tomato, garlic aioli. Served w/ fries or side salad. | |
| Chicken Wings | $7.00 |
brined and then cooked twice. sauce served on the side. | |
| Garlic Maple Brussels Sprouts | $8.95 |
caramelized Brussels, garlic maple sauce, Parmesan cheese (gf / v) |
Verbena Kitchen North Park - 3043 University Ave
3043 University Ave, San DIego
| Popular items | |
|---|---|
| Kids Pasta Marinara | $12.00 |
| Seasonal Toast | $14.00 |
| Ribeye | $42.00 |
The Smoking Goat
3408 30th Street, San Diego
| Popular items | |
|---|---|
| Roasted 1/2 Chicken | $30.00 |
potato puree, vegetable melange, herbed jus | |
| Wild Mushroom Linguine | $25.00 |
Shiitake, beach & oyster mushrooms, fresh linguine, roasted garlic, shaved truffle cheese | |
| Macaroni & Cheese | $12.00 |
yellow & white cheddar |
Harbor Town Pub - 1125 Rosecrans St
1125 Rosecrans St, San Diego
| Popular items | |
|---|---|
| Ahi Club | $14.95 |
Seared Ahi, bacon, shredded lettuce, tomato, horseradish cream suace, smashed avo, served on a brioche bun with a side of fries | |
| Rodeo | $14.95 |
1/3lb beef patty, bacon, crispy onion, double American cheese, BBQ sauce, served on a brioche bun with a side of fries | |
| Grilled Ginger Soy Wings | $12.95 |
8 ginger soy mariniated chicken wings, cilantro garnish, served with a side of Dojo sauce |
HAMBURGERS
MishMash
1805 Newton Ave, San Diego
| Popular items | |
|---|---|
| EVERYDAY BURGER SPECIAL | $13.00 |
EVERYDAY BURGER SPECIAL 1/3lb MishMash burger served with house fries & lemonade for $10.99 *No Substitutions | |
| **NEW ITEM** MishMash Wings | $12.00 |
Bone in wings with side of house made wing sauce & ranch. Served with choice of carrots & celery or house fries. | |
| Pollo a la Plancha | $12.00 |
Chicken marinated with harissa paste, lemon & garlic. Covered with mozzarella, topped with spring mix & tomato. Served on brioche bun with cilantro pesto. *Contains nuts |
Counterpoint
830 25th Street Suite 100, San Diego
| Popular items | |
|---|---|
| macaroni and cheese | $15.00 |
bread crumbs, house made three cheese sauce | |
| brussels sprouts | $13.00 |
fried, tossed with kimchi sauce | |
| grilled cheese sandwich | $17.00 |
fontina, tomato jam, pullman bread, fries |
SANDWICHES • HAMBURGERS • FRENCH FRIES
Working Class
4095 30th St,, San Diego
| Popular items | |
|---|---|
| Standard Breakfast | $11.00 |
2 eggs any style, bacon or sausage, hash browns and choice of toast. | |
| General Tso Cauliflower | $12.00 |
Deep fried cauliflower florets tossed in sweet and spicy General Tso sauce topped with sesame seeds | |
| Wings | $11.00 |
Choice of: Buffalo, Sweet Chili, Cajun Dry Rub or Lemon Pepper. Served with carrots, celery and ranch. Sorry no flat-only, drum-only requests! |
SANDWICHES • HAMBURGERS • FRENCH FRIES
Hodad's Downtown
945 Broadway, San Diego
| Popular items | |
|---|---|
| BLUE JAY | $16.00 |
Local Favorite - Bacon Cheeseburger w/ thick Blue Cheese Sauce & Grilled Onions | |
| GUIDO | $13.50 |
Inspired by Triple D’s Guy Fieri - Our Burger served with Pastrami, Ketchup, Pickles, Swiss Cheese, Grilled Onions and Spicy Brown Mustard | |
| Mini Cheeseburger | $7.75 |
SALADS • SANDWICHES • FRENCH FRIES
Second Nature
5026 Cass St., San Diego
| Popular items | |
|---|---|
| ANCIENT GRAIN | $15.50 |
Roasted sweet potatoes, fried chick peas, mushrooms, farro, quinoa, roasted cauliflower, cilantro aioli, arugula. | |
| Hot Wangs | $13.75 |
Maitake mushrooms, hot sauce, "parmesan", green onion, vegan ranch. | |
| South La Jolla Burrito* | $14.75 |
Eggs, fajita veggies, roasted onion, breakfast potatoes, cheddar cheese, guacamole, cilantro aioli, roasted salsa. |
SANDWICHES • HAMBURGERS • FRENCH FRIES
Maggie's Cafe - Barrio Logan
1985 National Ave, San Diego
| Popular items | |
|---|---|
| French Dip | $15.75 |
Sliced prime rib, sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, and swiss cheese on a ciabatta bread, with a side of horseradish spread and au jus | |
| Machaca Con Huevos | $17.25 |
Scrambled eggs with onions, bell peppers, tomatoes and shredded carnitas, served with potatoes, refried beans and your choice of corn or flour tortillas | |
| Tex-Mex Potato Skins | $12.50 |
Six potatoes skins topped with bacon, cheddar cheese pico de gallo, cotija cheese and salsa fresca of sour cream |
SALADS • SANDWICHES • HAMBURGERS • FRENCH FRIES
Dunedin New Zealand Eats
3501 30th St, San Diego
| Popular items | |
|---|---|
| NZ Meat Pie | $24.00 |
two seasoned beef, lamb, cheddar cheese, puff pastry, steak fries | |
| -Hogs n Heffers | $23.00 |
organic grass fed beef, bacon, avocado, edam cheese, LTO | |
| -Kiwilango | $23.00 |
organic grass fed beef, jalapenos, blue cheese, tortilla chips, hot sauce, LTO |
Urge American Gastropub
16761 Bernardo Center Dr M1, San Diego
| Popular items | |
|---|---|
| URGE Brussels Sprouts | $14.00 |
blue cheese | bacon | dates | candied cashews | caramelized onions | balsamic-maple glaze | |
| Burger of the Gods | |
1/2 Pound Beef Patty | applewood smoked bacon | arugula pesto | lettuce | tomato | red onion | green goddess aioli | brioche bun | |
| Chicken Wings | $16.00 |
choice of: buffalo, Jambi BBQ, or korean chili glaze; served with ranch |
SEAFOOD • SANDWICHES • HAMBURGERS
Fort Oak Restaurant
1011 Fort Stockton Dr, San Diego
| Popular items | |
|---|---|
| Sourdough Bread | $12.00 |
house cultured butter, pacific sea salt | |
| Fairlane | $15.00 |
gin, grapefruit, lemon, elderflower, prosecco | |
| Hearth Roasted Carrots | $20.00 |
quinoa, humboldt fog, pickled fennel, smoky yogurt, tarragon |
Burgeon at The Arbor
1326 KETTNER BLVD, San Diego
| Popular items | |
|---|---|
| Citrasmella - 4 pack | $18.20 |
We crammed ALL THE CITRA we could into this one with Citra Hops, Citra Cryo, AND Citra Incognito! Watch out (Or Smell out?) for this Juicy brew 6.8% ABV You must be 21 or Older to Order Beer | CRV Included | |
| '22 Barrel Aged Dutchman's Pipe - 500ml Bottle (Available for Pickup Friday 11/18) | $25.00 |
Aged for 2 years in Heaven Hill Distillery bourbon barrels, we then conditioned ’22 BBADP on two varieties of whole coffee beans from our buds Steady State Roasting and two exquisite types of vanilla: Uganda Gold and Black Diamond Madagascar Bourbon. 12% ABV You must be 21 or Older to Order Beer | |
| Arbor Wings | $13.00 |
oven-roasted wings | butter Buffalo sauce | red chili flakes | house ranch |
SANDWICHES • GRILL • CHICKEN • HAMBURGERS • FRENCH FRIES
The Crack Shack Little Italy
2266 Kettner Blvd, San Diego
| Popular items | |
|---|---|
| Firebird | $13.00 |
spicy fried Jidori thigh, crispy onions, pickles, cool ranch, artisan potato roll | |
| 5-Piece Bone-In Fried Chicken | $18.00 |
half Jidori Farm bird | |
| Baja Chop | $11.00 |
guac, radishes, pickled onions, cukes, cotija cheese, tortilla strips, charred poblano dressing |
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