Five New Restaurants To Try 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 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.

A French Affair: Parc Bistro - Brasserie

Chef Donald Lockhart (formerly of Cusp Restaurant in La Jolla) helms the kitchen at this new bistro and brasserie in the former Croce’s Park West space. Here, his menus cover classic French cuisine (think rack of lamb Provençal, beef Bourguignon, steak frites, escargot Burgundy), plus coastal favorites such as seafood towers and tuna carpaccio. Open for dinner, lunch and happy hour, there is also a daily plat du jour – this weekend it's butter poached lobster (Saturday), with an orange glazed half duck on Sunday. 2760 Fifth Ave. (619) 795-1501 [Courtesy Photo]

Pretzels & (almost) Beer: California Tap Room

For delicious, warm pretzels served with beer cheese, head to this new-ishly opened North Park gem. While California Tap Room has long been partnered with many a local brewery (providing their salty, doughy yumminess to San Diego beer drinkers) this is their first brick and mortar location. Here, the knowledgeable staff (Boomer and Jeff, A.K.A. the "pretzelogists") can help you pick out the perfect hand-rolled artisan pretzel – from New York, Philly and Munich styles to the jumbo Bavarian. For now libations are zero-proof (ice tea, lemonade), but we hear their 16-tap craft beer component is coming soon. 3812 Ray St. (619) 542-9990 [Logo: Facebook]

Hawaiian Style: San Diego Poke Company

The concept at Yohei Umezu’s casual eatery is simple: delicious specialty or customize-able ("BYOB") poke bowls. Of its eight specialty bowls, The OG SD Bowl (tuna, avocado, white and green onions, sesame seeds, plus "OG" sauce) is the shop’s top seller. To customize, you can stay regular with three items for $9.95, or go large with five for $11.95. Bases and proteins include white or brown rice and chips, plus bay scallops and octopus. While toppings range from edamame to crushed hot Cheetos. Fans should also keep an eye out for authentic mochi ice cream flown in via overnight shipping from Hawaii. 10387 Friars Rd. (619) 584-4786 [Photo: Yelp]

Cold-Pressed: Woholle Juice Bar

Nestled in La Jolla Shores, this offshoot from local lifestyle company Everyday Californiais now serving up fresh juices, elixirs, acai bowls and smoothies on the daily – and makes the perfect spot to stop by for a pre or post Torrey Pines smoothie. The menu features fresh cold pressed juices too, like Spunky Watermelon (watermelon, coconut water, lime, chia seeds) and Enliven (apple, cucumber, celery, alkaline water). For elixirs get Exhilarated with lemon, ginger & cayenne. 2261 Avenida de la Playa (858) 454-6195 [Photo: Facebook]

Surf & Turf Tacos: Oscars Mexican Seafood

The fourth edition of Juan Bernardo Montes de Oca’s popular seafood eatery serves up a familiar menu of quality ceviche, grilled fish, tacos and tortas at its shiny new (and spacious!) East Village digs. Perfectly poised by Petco Park for baseball season and recently named on Yelp's list of the Top 100 Places to Eat in the U.S. in 2016, Oscar’s breakfast menu - complete with chorizo served with eggs, cheese, potatoes and avocado - is not to be missed. 927 J St. (858) 603-8123 [Photo: Facebook]