It’s finally Friday, which means it’s almost time to clock-off and get those weekend vibes started. No plans yet? No problem! Eater's here with a handy set of recommendations to assist in your dining destination decision-making. In this regular feature, we'll help you discover recently opened restaurants and uncover new-to-you bars and eateries (plus occasional menu debuts) specializing in everything from Friday happy hour cocktails through to Sunday brunch, so you can make the most of that well-earned downtime.
Friday: Lunchtime Banh Mi at Baguette Bros
The Phan brothers soft opened their Vietnamese restaurant and deli two weeks ago and sold out the same day, which might tell you everything you need to know about their tasty, toasty fusion Banh Mi sandwiches. Fresh, made to order and priced $6 - $8, the preliminary menu includes Grasshogger (lemongrass BBQ pork loin), Gangnam Style (bulgogi ribeye, kimchi aioli), and Rise & Shine (breakfast Vietnamese sausage, egg omelet). Enjoy with a side of fish sauce wings or pork belly fries for the full Baguette Bros experience. Open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., boba tea, coffee and select craft beers are also available. 4698 Convoy St. (858) 256-6251 [Photo: Facebook]
Après Work: "HH" at Vinavanti Urban Winery
Unwind after a long week with canapés and a glass of homegrown San Diego wine at Eric Van Drunen's new showpiece tasting room in Hillcrest. The debut wine list runs the gamut from light whites, like the sparkling La Dona Muscat and 2014 Warner Springs Viognier, through to medium and full-bodied reds including a 2013 Syrah and GSM blend (Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre). Topped mini toasts, which come in plates of three or six bites, include roasted beets, chai chicken and 16-hour short rib. Or try one of five tasting flights: Light Flight, Flight to Rhone, Dark Rhone & Build Your Own. Open daily from 11a.m. to 11 p.m. HAPPY HOUR SPECIAL: Running Monday to Friday (4 p.m. - 7 p.m.) enjoy $2 off all food, or buy a bottle and get a complimentary 6-piece food item of your choice. 1477 University Ave. (877) 484-6282 [Photo: Lyudmila Zotova]
Saturday: Texas Eats at Grand Ole BBQ Y Asado
With a "straight out of Austin feel" Andy Harris' new joint in North Park not only boasts the best chimichurri north of Buenos Aires, but some of the best barbecue too. Open daily until sold out, getting here sooner rather than later is advisable for obvious reasons. During lunch (noon onwards, Wednesday to Saturday) enjoy finger licking tri-tip sandwiches, beef short ribs and daily specials like smoked Jidori chicken. For dinner (5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.) expect pulled pork sandwiches and fresh sliced Central Texas-style brisket, plus yummy sides like Peruvian white beans, spicy slaw and Texas bean salad. 3302 32nd St. (760) 525-0773 [Photo: Lyudmila Zotova]
Stay Classy: Evening Cocktails at The Nolen
Enjoy inventive cocktails by Robert Yumul and front-row seats to San Diego's growing city skyline at this freshly minted rooftop bar. With it's lofty 14th floor perch, the new go-to downtown destination is a modern take of sorts on the classic speakeasy (it has its own separate entrance on 6th Ave), and offers three distinct cocktail options: Vintage, Our Takes and The Rest. Think 1880 Louisville Old Fashioned and 1920s Bee's Knees for vintage, while contemporary tipples include Can't Even (bourbon, spiced chai), and Shirley Temple of Doom (mezcal, tequila, absinthe). For everything else there's barrel aged and draft cocktails, plus two 'hoptails'. Bites include a selection of bar friendly tots, mac & cheese, flatbreads, salads and desserts. Hours are 5 p.m. until midnight Sunday through Thursday, and until 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday. 453 6th Ave. (619) 237-0678 [Photo: Lyudmila Zotova]
Sunday: Recovery Fix at The Crack Shack
What could be better than gourmet fried chicken (and a full bar) on a Sunday afternoon? If you haven't made it to San Diego's newest addiction then it's time to get cracking! Must try sandwiches include the Old Coch (maple butter, bacon fried egg, chicken), Señor Croque - crispy chicken and bacon, cheese and fried egg on a brioche bun - and their signature Coop Deville. All cost around $11 a piece and come with a six-pack of housemade sauces including kimchi barbecue and crackup, which also come in handy to-go cups if you're eating on the fly. Mexican poutine, chicken oysters and baskets are also available. TIP: You can buy five pieces of chicken for $15, but you can also buy one piece for $5! 2266 Kettner Blvd. (619) 795-3299 [Photo: Lyudmila Zotova]