Five New Restaurants To Visit This Weekend

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 new regular feature we'll help you discover recently opened restaurants and uncover new-to-you bars and eateries (plus occasional new 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.

New Menus + Happy Hour: GARAGE Kitchen + Bar

This lively two-story venue in the Gaslamp recently launched a new dinner and cocktail menu, plus a new and improved happy hour. Highlights of executive chef Brent Hersant's made-from-scratch seasonal dishes include a bourbon and coke meatloaf sandwich, and 'The El Borrego' lamb burger; while the cocktail list features an apple cider mule, pumpkin spice martini and hot apple toddy. Or why not enjoy four tastes from the vast craft selection in one of their beer flights ($8). During the revamped happy hour, which runs daily from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., expect great deals including $3 - $8 food and drink specials. 655 4th Ave. (619) 231-6700 [photo: GARAGE Kitchen + Bar]

The Art Of Craft Coffee: Copa Vida

This sleek new coffee bar in East Village has been winning friends and educating locals with its artisan brewed beverages, select bites and 'slow bar' classes dedicated to the craft. Let one of their award-winning Barristas brew you the perfect 'hot pressure' macchiato or single-origin espresso; if you're all about the oolong there are plenty of fine blends -- from Assam to Apricot Escape -- to keep the most discerning tea drinker happy. Monday to Friday the kitchen serves up a breakfast dishes like sweet porridge and veggie burritos between 7 - 11 a.m., before switching to lunchtime staples from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Relax with the weekend paper and enjoy a cold pressure freddo with your chorizo egg hash during brunch (Saturday and Sunday, until 3 p.m.), when Copa Vida is refreshingly Wi-Fi free. 905 J St. (619) 501-7529 [photo: Lyudmila Zotova]

South Park Pop-Up: EMPANADAS Y BEER

Since early November South Park residents in the know have been enjoying an innovative weekly pop-up centered on scratch-made empanadas and paired beers, courtesy of 'Rose proprietresses Chelsea Coleman and Rae Gurne. Housed in The Rose Sidebar event space, the concept runs every Thursday through Saturday between 6-10 p.m. when you can pair these tasty pastry pockets ($5/one, $9/two, $12.50/three) with a selection of draft and bottled brews. Current flavors include: Mediterranean (ground beef, rosemary, sage, olives), jamon y queso, curried veggies, krause knish (traditional Jewish potato filling), plus caramelized quince and apple for dessert ,which for $2 can also come a la mode. 2219 30th St. (619) 281-0718 [photo: Lyudmila Zotova]

Beers, Pizzas & Small Plates: Bolt Brewery

Brewmaster and Bolt co-founder Clint Stromberg currently oversees operations at the most recent addition to Little Italy's budding craft brewing community. Here you will find 15 beers on tap including their award-winning Citra Pale Ale, famed Nitro Dan Stouts plus Global D Belgian Tripel, Vanilla Porter and Witbier -- their fully customizable flights ($1.50/taste) are a great way to sample the suds before committing to a full pint. Foodwise the $12 lunch special gets you a sandwich, chips, pickled veggies, plus one beer, but you can also build your own 12" pizza ($11.95 +) customizing everything from dough to sauce and cheeses to toppings. A selection of salads (cucumber ribbon, caprese) are available for those seeking lighter fare, while the Birra Mi Su (tiramisu made with Bolt Chocolate Stout) is a must for dessert. 1971 India St. (619) 303-7837 [photo: Lyudmila Zotova]

Farmers Market Fare: Tender Greens

Shoppers can now refuel on a fast-casual selection of healthy fare at this freshly minted farm-to-table concept in Mission Valley. Helmed by executive chef Peter Balistreri, current daily specials include a local grilled swordfish served on either a ciabatta, or mushroom and kale risotto. While hearty winter soups like roasted tomato and rustic chicken are perfect for this recent cold snap, big plates ($11.50), such as backyard marinated steak and chipotle barbecue chicken, can come served on your choice of sandwich, salad or hot plate. Kids under 10 can enjoy a 'little big plate' of their own ($6.50) with a choice of protein, quesadilla or grilled cheese, plus veggies, mashed potatoes and a juice box. 1640 Camino del Rio North. (619) 894-8916 [photo: Lyudmila Zotova]