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MexicanMission Hills
Lucha Libre Gourmet Taco Shop in San Diego is the Mission Hills Mexican-wrestling-themed taqueria on Washington Street, the Diners Drive-Ins and Dives stop.
OrderThe Surfin' California burrito with shrimp; the Champion's gold booth if you book ahead.
TipBook the gold booth on the website 48 hours ahead; the line at the counter moves fast after 1pm.
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AmericanChula Vista
Galley at the Marina in Chula Vista is the South Bay marina-front seafood and American restaurant on Marina Parkway since 1995, patio over the slips.
OrderThe World Famous fish and chips; the blackened ahi sashimi to start.
TipWeekend brunch starts at 9am; the bar runs a $4 beer happy hour 3-6pm weekdays.
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Polynesian-pacificShelter Island
Bali Hai Restaurant in San Diego is the 1955 Shelter Island Tiki institution, a sprawling Polynesian dining room with a boat dock, mai tai pour.
OrderThe original Mai Tai; the Polynesian Platter for sharing.
TipSunday brunch is the value play; book a window for sunset over the marina and Point Loma.
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American BbqPoint Loma
Phil's BBQ in San Diego is the Sports Arena Boulevard BBQ counter, a mesquite-smoked Texas-leaning shop with beef ribs, pulled pork and the onion-ring tower.
OrderThe Mr. Pig sandwich and a half-rack of beef ribs; the onion-ring tower for sharing.
TipTake-out from the side window has a shorter line; full table service runs the indoor dining room.
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Asian-fusion GastropubConvoy
Common Theory in San Diego is the Convoy Street gastropub where Asian flavours run through a craft-beer menu, with a long bar, 40 taps. Priced at $$.
OrderThe Mongolian BBQ ribs; the kimchi-slaw burger with a Pure Project IPA.
TipTuesday Hapa Half-Off runs half-price wines until close; the patio is heater-equipped year-round.
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Northern ChineseConvoy
Tasty Noodle House in San Diego is the Convoy Street northern Chinese noodle counter, with hand-pulled noodles made through the open window and reliable.
OrderLanzhou hand-pulled beef noodle soup; the xiaolongbao steamer for sharing.
TipCash is fine and faster than card. The dan dan noodles are the room's secret order.