5 Places to Try in San Diego Over the Long 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 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.

North Park: ChuckAlek Biergarten

In-the-know beer enthusiasts will already be familiar with this small batch nano brewery out of Ramona, who, as of April, have been serving up their beer in the city. At ChuckAlek’s new North Park digs visitors can enjoy tastings, growler fills and bottle sales on a large kid- and dog-friendly outdoor patio bedecked with picnic tables and lounge furniture. Latest releases include the Sour Blonde Strawberry and Lo Cali Common. 3139 University Ave. (619) 800-6797 [Photo: Lyudmila Zotova]

Little Italy: Herb & Wood

High-profile chef Brian Malarkey does not disappoint with this spacious 8,500-square-foot beauty in Little Italy. Here, expect rustic, wood-fired dishes that rely on seasonal vegetables, proteins and local provisions, in-house pastas, old-school cocktails and servers clad in custom couture uniforms. Enjoy happy hour drinks in the lounge area or pretty atrium-style patio before heading to your table. Signature menu items include the oxtail gnocchi, smoked trout with kewpie mayo and capers, and roasted branzino. 2210 Kettner Blvd. (619) 955-8495  [Photo: Lyudmila Zotova]

Miramar: Amplified Ale Works

Established brewers Amplified Ale Works soft-opened their new 12-tap Miramar tasting room in late-April. The new "beeramar" location has helped expand operations with the popular PB brewers now expected to create an additional 1,000 barrels of beer per year. Core pours, including the Electrocution IPA and Pig Nose Pale Ale, are all on the menu here, plus bites courtesy of a rotating roster of food trucks. 9030 Kenamar Drive #309 (858) 270-5222 [Photo: Facebook]

North Park: California's Table

Marguerite Grifka’s new daytime eatery offers from scratch, to-go eats comprising pasture raised meats and organic sides. Don’t feel like cooking? Try the weekly meal service of delightful dishes packed in glass jars. This week’s offerings include a soupe au pistou, stone fruit & blue cheese salad, and bread pudding with toffee sauce. California’s Table is open for lunch, Monday through Friday 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., with expanded hours coming soon. Mention their recent Facebook post to receive a free cookie during Cookie Week this week! 3620 30th St. (619) 869-0004 [Photo: Facebook]

Bankers Hill: Royal Stone Bistro

Serving seasonal, savory, and sincere food with European flair, this newly opened Bankers Hill bistro is open for breakfast, brunch, afternoon tapas and dinner. We hear the octopus salade, Scotch eggs, and house made gnocchi with tarragon chicken come highly recommended. Stumptown fans will be pleased to know that, as of this week, Royal Stone is now stocking their coffee beans for sale. 3401 1st Ave. (619) 738-8550 [Logo: Facebook]