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 bar and eateries specializing in everything from Friday happy hour cocktails all the way through to Sunday brunch, so you can make the most of that well-earned downtime.

Cocktails & Bay Views: Coasterra

Cohn Restaurant Group

Modern Mexican fare, creative cocktails and panoramic bay views make the recently launched Coasterra prime after work happy hour territory (Monday – Friday, 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.), you just might need to knock off a little early. With the city skyline as your backdrop enjoy bites on the indoor-outdoor patio or tequila lounge, where menu go-tos include the tableside guacamole and calamari crujiente. There are $7 signature cocktails but with 70 plus labels of agave spirits - including high-end tequila and artisanal mezcal - why not try an agave flight (three 1 oz. pours) prices vary. 880 Harbor Island Drive. (619) 814-1300

[photo: Cohn Restaurant Group]

Sushi & Slushies: Blush Ice Bar + East-West Grill

This lively modern eatery features an oyster lounge, 18-seat raw bar and daring menu courtesy of Chef Daniel Barron. Jidori chicken wings, California lamb rib-chops, and seared yellow fin tuna sliders can all be ordered either à la carte or family-style for a communal dining experience. The perfect spot to kick-start a Saturday night downtown, enjoy one of the namesake "blush" creations – assorted craft cocktails topped with frosted, fruity ice – and some serious people-watching on the sidewalk patio. 555 Market St. (619) 501-9158

[photo: Facebook]

Suds & Pies: URBN Encinitas

John Mangini’s popular pizza-concept made it to the coast earlier this year – bringing New Haven-style pies and beers from their URBN St. Brewing Co. arm to North County. Here you can munch on gourmet topped, thin-crust coal fired pizzas (fresh pesto chicken, eggplant Parmesan and the signature mashed potato), while sipping on an URBN St. Saison, brown or autumn ale. Featuring a vegan-friendly pizza and gluten free bases, assorted salads and desserts also round out the menu at this Highway 101 hangout. 764 S Coast Hwy 101. (760) 943-8620

[photo: URBN Restaurants]

Rooftop Brunch: Rustic Root

Downtown denizens can enjoy brunch (Saturday and Sunday) from lofty heights on 5^th Avenue’s freshly minted and, as yet only, rooftop bar and terrace. The stylish surrounds offer an affable spot to enjoy scrambled skillets, pancakes plus assorted sides from the breakfast menu (8 a.m. – 3 p.m.), or lunchtime bites (11 a.m. – 3 p.m.) including a lobster roll stuffed with Maine lobster and herb mayonnaise. To keep things lively bloody mary’s and mimosas are in plentiful supply, alongside a full drinks list featuring craft cocktail shots and essential local brews. 535 5th Ave. (619) 232-1747

[photo: Rustic Root]

Modern Vietnamese: Seaside Pho + Grill

For upscale Vietnamese with a modern twist - and plenty of craft beer pairings - head to Thuy Nguyen’s stylish Asian bistro in Point Loma. Open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, and 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, savor bites including Banh Mi (satay chicken, sesame pork), a Vietnamese crepe and lemongrass clams from the starters and small bites menu. Pho enthusiasts can take their pick from seven varieties, including seafood and rare filet mignon. Ballast Point, Alpine, Modern Times and Port Brewing Company are just a few of the local brews on tap. 1005 Rosecrans St. (619) 487-9844

[photo: Facebook]