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 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.

Fit For Russian Royalty: Pushkin Restaurant

The Gaslamp's elegant Russian-Armenian eatery is serving up three great lunch specials Monday through Friday, 12p.m. - 4p.m. Combinations include a choice of salad and soup (borsch or ukha which is an Armenian sturgeon broth simmered for 14 hours), plus pelmeni stuffed dumplings ($15); or soup and chicken Kiev, mashed potatoes and mushroom sauce ($18). Cocktails and an extensive vodka menu are still in the works but Russian sodas like tarragon jalapeño homemade lemonade, tea and coffee are available or you can BYOB. The half-rack of lamb ribs cooked on an open fired and served with grilled Armenian salad, Armenian sauce nasharab and lavash bread is a must-order off the dinner menu. 750 6th Ave. (619) 496-1908 [Photo: Lyudmila Zotova]

Mexican Eats, Specialty Cocktails and a Speakeasy: Entrada

Enjoy daily specials including empandadas, tamales and tacos from executive chef Jorge Garcia's menu at this newly opened gourmet taqueria in Little Italy. Most of the action is focused around a large central bar (which has two ancient-looking olive trees growing behind it!), where you can post up and enjoy craft beers, a pitcher of Red Guitar Sangria ($45), cocktails ($11-$14) or take your pick from the extensive tequila menu. Head into the hidden speakeasy located behind the dining room for specialty cocktails, where a DJ booth and late night dancing awaits. Here you can sip on libations including an apricot negroni and Black Barrel julep while getting your groove on until two in the morning. 1953 India St. (619) 677-5995 [Photo: Bradley Schweit]

Farm Fresh: Green Acre Franklin Yard

Serving up a simple menu of 'farm-to-table' fare, Brian Malarkey's minimalist eatery in Sorrento Valley is open Monday through Friday (7 a.m. - 2 p.m.). Lunchtime bites include a selection of soups, salads (prosciutto, corn cobb), sandwiches (grilled cheese, roasted chicken and brie), and burgers. Rotisserie items are available include a spit-roasted lamb "gyro" and a whole or half Mary's chicken. Stop by for happy hour (Thursday and Friday, 4 p.m. - 7 p.m.) for small bites like seared albacore tacos and grass-fed beef sliders, plus drink specials on wines and local craft beer. 10300 Campus Pointe Drive. (858) 450-9907 [Photo: Green Acre]

Sunday Brunch: The Brew Project

Executive chef Tom Miller is serving up a serious weekend brunch at Hillcrest's new beer-centric bar and restaurant. Feast on carne asada fries or chicken and waffle bites (both $12) and sip on $10 bottles of bubbles every Saturday or Sunday while soaking up some winter sun on the spacious front patio. With 24 taps of San Diego-brewed beer, plus wine, cocktails and cold brew coffee on draft the restaurant is also open for lunch and dinner, and features an array of bites including shared plates, tortas and a yummy avocado toast. You can also stop by for beer and wine to go thanks to the thoughtful addition of a 'mini bottle shop by owners Beau Schmit and Mike Sill. 3683 5th Ave. (619) 795-789 [Photo: Lyudmila Zotova]

East Coast Eats: Pete's Seafood & Sandwich

Boston native Pete DeCoste New England-style seafood shop in North Park has been well received since opening this past October. Showcasing quality seafood his real-deal East Coast eats include fresh, made-to-order sandwiches like creamy crab rolls, Boston lobster rolls and shrimp po' boys. Other eats include Ipswich whole belly clams and chips with coleslaw ($17), lobster bisque (cup $4, bowl $7), and classic fish and chips. 3382 30th St. Stop by for lunch or dinner between 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday -- happy hour prices include $6 wine and draft beers, which are offered daily. (619) 255-8940 [Photo: Lyudmila Zotova]