San Diego's woefully small late night dining scene just gained a new option in the form of an eatery that never, ever closes. Du-par's Restaurant & Bakery, which just debuted downtown, is open 24 hours a day and 365 days a year.
First founded in Los Angeles in 1938, the restaurant chain is now owned by the Naylor family and has locations around the LA area and Las Vegas. San Diego first got a taste of Du-par's in 2009 when it opened a branch in the Midway District that shuttered to make way for the Gaslamp outpost.
Du-par's prides itself on its from-scratch cooking; the kitchen grinds its burgers fresh and makes its own jelly and jams while the bakery department, viewable from a window on 4th Avenue, bakes up the daily pastries and pies displayed in the dining room. Known for its breakfasts, including signature hot cakes and egg Benedicts with housemade hollandaise, the Du-par's menu also features diner favorites and old school dishes ranging from Welsh rarebit to chicken pot pie. For early birds, there's a beat-the-clock menu offered from 4 to 6 p.m., when the price on the clock is price you pay for each plate.
In a couple week's time, a full bar with well drinks, wine and beer will launch; Du-par's will serve alcohol from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m., with a happy hour that runs from 4 to 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. to last call every day.
