Five New Restaurants To Visit This Weekend

It's finally Friday which means it's almost time to 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 new-to-you bars and eateries (plus occasional menu and chef debuts) specializing in everything from Friday happy hour cocktails through to Sunday brunch, so you can make the most of that well-earned downtime.

Upscale Mexican Seafood: Mariscos el Pulpo

Opened earlier this month, you can expect a broad selection of fresh dishes including tacos and tostadas, plus upscale seafood entrees at this stylish new space in Barrio Logan's mixed-use Mercado complex. According to early Yelp reviews the octopus tacos, house ceviche and shrimp cocktails are fantastic. On Fridays (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.) there are three killer taco-based lunch combos to choose from, and a well stocked bar with cocktails, tequila, bottled and draft beers for the weekend crowd. 415 Market St. (619) 795-8570 [Photo: Mariscos el Pulpo]

Cocktails & Gastro Grub: George's Bar

George Hauer's "high-end hotspot" recently debuted a fresh design revamp and brand new beverage program at its coveted rooftop terrace in La Jolla. On Fridays enjoy happy hour specials (3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.) like three tacos and a beer ($7), and craft cocktails for $7 a piece. Pacific Ocean views as your lunch or dinner date backdrop are tough to beat: relax with a glass of Henri Bourgeois 'Les Baronnes' Sauvignon Blanc and blackened seasonal swordfish sandwich on the terrace this Saturday afternoon; or savor an 8 oz. Asian marinated skirt steak and share a bottle of Burn Cottage 'Cashburn' Pinot Noir with friends over dinner on Sunday evening. 1250 Prospect St. (858) 454-4244 [Photo: Lyudmila Zotova]

New Neighborhood Hot Spot: Spice & Soul Kitchen + Tap

You'll find this recently opened rustic charmer tucked a little off the path in Bay Ho. While there are plans to offer a weekend brunch, for now they're open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Monday to Friday 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. With roasted meats and housemade sauces a speciality, early favorites from Chef Ryan Madson's menu include the house smoked brisket sandwich and Cal Bano, a twist on the Cuban classic with pulled pork and smoked turkey. Classic mac n' cheese and a pan seared sockeye salmon also feature during dinner. Drink options abound with some decent wines, plus plenty of local brews from Sculpin, AleSmith et al. 4033 Avati Drive (858) 291-8480 [Photo: Spice & Soul]

Menu Revamp: South Park Brewing Company

A haven for lovers of seafood and suds, this popular South Park brew pub just unveiled its updated menu for 2016. From their award-winning seafood chili to snackables like ceviche and made-to-order poke, 12 'comfort' bites are also showcased including Shellfish Frites, a sweet & spicy Char Siu Bahn Mi and Mom's Midwestern Meatloaf Sandwich. With 13 beers on tap and 8 rotating house beers, the weekend chef specials, which run Friday through Sunday, are not to be missed. And, while some fans are disappointed in the disappearance of SPBC's fresh seafood case, an open Fish Market with Catalina Offshore is promised to be "coming soon". 1517 30th Street (619) 610-9038 [Photo: Lyudmila Zotova]

Authentic Hunan-Style Chinese: Village Kitchen

This newly re-modeled and recently re-opened restaurant in Clairemont has already racked up some pretty impressive online reviews for its authentic Chinese eats. Specializing in Xiang cuisine from Southern China's Hunan Province, diners can expect to chow down on several Chef's Special dishes such as grilled skillet of spicy octopus, and rock n' roll pigs feet. The more adventurous out there might want to try some stinky tofu in lightly spicy sour broth, or give the eggplant and green chili entree with preserved Century egg 'pidan' a whirl. 4720 Clairemont Mesa Blvd. (858) 581-1585  [Photo: Yelp]