San Diego Neighborhood Guide: North Park
Craft beer, edgy boutiques, and thought-provoking art are just some of the reasons to visit North Park. Known as San Diego’s hipster neighborhood, this little section of the city is filled with great places to eat, see, and experience. Save this handy North Park guide for the next time you’re in the area:
North Park Restaurants and Bars
Original 40 Brewing Company
The Original 40 Brewing Company is a beautifully decorated space where you can settle into the comfy seating with one of the 14 house beers on tap and enjoy atypical brewpub eats like baby back adobo ribs, mussels, and strawberry-sage wontons for dessert. Cheers!
3117 University Avenue
Communal Coffee
Perched in the center of University Avenue, Communal Coffee shop offers a variety of caffeine- or booze-boosted drinks for whatever kind of buzz you’re looking for. Enjoy specialty latte flights, summery cocktails, and light bites—or simply snap a pic by the outdoor mural wall for a quick Insta post. You can also buy local goods, merch, or flower arrangements in the onsite shop.
2335 University Avenue
Dark Horse Coffee Roasters
Dark Horse Coffee Roasters is another local favorite for getting your caffeine fix while in North Park. The shop’s coffee beverages boast a darker, bolder flavor, and the team sources direct-trade coffees from around the world. Psst—it also serves incredibly tasty vegan donuts to pair with your cup of joe.
3794 30th Street
Part Time Lover
Influenced by Japanese listening bars, Part Time Lover‘s unassuming façade hides a moody, art deco–inspired ambiance with DJs spinning vinyl on a hi-fi sound system and bartenders shaking up craft cocktails.
3829 30th Street
The Smoking Goat
The Smoking Goat‘s rustic interior paired with its delicious French and California cuisine make it a must-stop on your North Park foodie stamp card.
3408 30th Street
One Door North
Next door to their flagship North Park restaurant, the owners of The Smoking Goat opened a visually intriguing, outdoor-themed restaurant dedicated to seasonal, handcrafted dishes. Enjoy a flatbread and a cocktail under the comfort of a canvas tent and a classy chandelier at One Door North.
3422 30th Street
Modern Times Beer
Local craft brewery Modern Times is a staple in the city, with two locations including its North Park residence. Stop in for a cold one and browse the 20-plus taps, enjoy some local merchandise, and peek at the Yoda made of floppy disks. And, don’t worry, your furry family members are welcome on the patio.
3000 Upas Street
Dunedin
Grabbing a flight to New Zealand may be going a bit too far to satisfy your meat pie and lamb burger cravings. Luckily, Dunedin is right around the corner. Offering daily brunch, lunch, dinner, and drinks, this NZ-inspired eatery has plenty of treats to try in its exciting, earthy atmosphere.
3501 30th Street
Crazee Burger
If you’re feeling up for an adventure, Crazee Burger may be the perfect place to experience something new. The restaurant offers 12 different exotic burger patties, including camel, ostrich, and gator, along with beef and vegetarian options, as well.
3993 30th Street
Underbelly
The line between dining in and dining out is blurred at Underbelly, a funky ramen spot that has windows that flip all the way open to invite in that San Diego sun. Chow down on any of the ramens—including one with lobster red curry and a version with oxtail dumplings on top—under the glow of neon lights.
3000 Upas Street
Tribute Pizza
Sporting a creative menu in both names and tastes, Tribute Pizza is a local favorite paying homage to the greatest pizzas and pizza-makers in the world. The restaurant calls its style “Neo-Neapolitan,” because it features a hybrid of New York and Neapolitan techniques.
3077 North Park Way
Belching Beaver Brewery
Belching Beaver is a stalwart in the San Diego craft beer scene, thanks to unique brews (such as Peanut Butter Milk Stout and a wine-ale hybrid) and a lively tasting room in North Park. Come for the beer, stay for the Jenga and board games.
4223 30th Street
Caffe Calabria
Stop in to Caffe Calabria for some coffee with house-roasted beans, tea, and fresh pastries by morning and Neopolitan-style pizza, craft cocktails (including several with espresso, naturally), and antipasti by night.
3933 30th Street
Flora
Start your day with brunch at Flora. This playfully decorated spot offers twists to your favorite brunch staples with dishes like peach compote waffles, breakfast carbonara, and a zucchini blossom frittata.
3021 University Avenue
Cocina De Barrio
Cocina De Barrio offers a vast menu of brunch, lunch, and dinner options, along with vegan alternatives to some of its staple dishes, such as a plant-based albondigas soup and tetelas stuffed with beans and cashew-based “cheese.”
2884 University Avenue
Origen
Origen’s influences of San Diego’s surf, sand, and sun are all represented in its innovative take on Mexican cuisine, including dishes like the ceviche de salmón con leche de tigre, a bright mix of salmon, hibiscus, and a raspberry milk sauce.
3831 Park Boulevard
Leila
We hesitate to call Mediterranean restaurant Leila unmissable—only because it might be nigh-impossible to get a reservation. A critic’s pick for 2025’s best restaurants of the year, Leila serves breads, dips, fire-kissed meats, and cocktails in a dimly lit space styled like a maximalist night market.
3956 30th Street
Moniker General Outpost
Moniker Group is a multi-hyphenate force in San Diego, known best for its massive café slash bar slash event space slash store in Liberty Station. The hospitality company launched its a more low-key rendition of its signature coffee and retail shop in North Park in February of 2025.
3140 University Avenue
31ThirtyOne
Baja icon Drew Deckman brings his sustainable, Michelin-starred cooking to North Park with 31ThirtyOne. Driven by a commitment to local sourcing, the menu leans seafood- and produce-heavy (with some really good steaks, too).
3131 University Avenue
Happy Medium
San Diego bar industry veterans Eric Johnson and Chris Siglin launched Happy Medium in 2024, slinging creative cocktails and bites both indulgent (fried cheese curds) and angelic (spicy broccolini) in a friendly, laidback space.
4002 30th Street
Lou’s Deli
Get your New York bodega fix at Lou’s Deli, where sandwiches—chopped cheese, hot pastrami, turkey club, and more—are king. Each comes with a complimentary side of the shop’s housemade pickle popcorn, like a new-school salt-and-vinegar chip.
2940 Lincoln Avenue
Birria Enriquez
Birria tacos, birria fries, birria tortas, birria everything (including ramen!). Birria Enriquez specializes in its namesake meat, of course, but the Mexican restaurant also offers a variety of other menu options and taco meats like shrimp, chicken, and steak.
2041 University Avenue
Things to Do in North Park
North Park Observatory
The North Park Observatory is a beautiful, restored 1939 theater that hosts live music (plus the occasional theater show or live podcast recording). The venue is a mosh pit mecca, so don close-toed shoes when stopping by to see bands.
2891 University Avenue
Juniper Canyon Trail
Juniper Canyon Trail is a hub of hiking, biking, birdwatching, and rock-climbing. If you’re on foot, plan for about two-and-a-half hours of trekking to complete the loop. Bring water, but leave four-legged friends at home—no dogs are allowed on the trail.
3331 Nutmeg Street
North Park Mini Park
Located behind the Observatory Theater, the mini park plays host to a variety of events through the year for locals to enjoy. From live music to vegan and vintage markets, the space is the epicenter of community gatherings in the neighborhood.
3812 29th Street
Vegan Food Pop-Up
Every second Saturday of the month, vendors from San Diego, Los Angeles, and Orange County join together at the North County Mini Park to put on the North Park Vegan Food Pop-Up. The market features a variety of plant-based bites from over 60 different vendors and a live DJ.
3812 29th Street
Queen Bee’s Art & Cultural Center
Queen Bee’s is home to an eclectic lineup of events, from pro wrestling and concerts with local musicians to poetry slams and dance classes. Recurring happenings include bimonthly open mics and weekly Sunday salsa nights.
3925 Ohio Street
North Park Thursday Market
Look out for tons of tables packed with fresh produce, homemade baked goods, and local products at the Thursday farmers market. Also slinging gift-worthy picks from small businesses and some tasty prepared food, the market is located right outside the Observatory on North Park Way.
3000 North Park Way
North Park Recreation Center
Looking to learn a new skill or meet some friends (or just get your little ones out of the house for the day)? Head over to North Park’s Recreation Center. It offers ceramic classes, sports leagues, kids’ camps and cooking lessons, and movies in the park.
4044 Idaho Street
Mural Walk
North Park is one of San Diego’s most colorful neighborhoods, thanks to vibrant murals decorating walls and buildings throughout the area. Use North Park’s Mural Guide to scout out a route to spot all your favorites, shopping local stores along the way.
Lips San Diego
The only West Coast location of the iconic New York drag club, Lips San Diego hosts fabulous dinner shows Tuesday through Sunday, plus raucous “gospel” drag brunches on Sundays.
3036 El Cajon Boulevard
Switzer Canyon
Head to Switzer Canyon if you’re looking for a hike with a little less mileage. Acting as the border between North and South Park, this 25-minute jaunt typically includes great views of San Diego’s native birds.
2800 Maple Street
North Park Shops & Boutiques
Verbatim Books
Hit Verbatim Books, a local rare and used bookstore, to peruse thousands of hardcovers and paperbacks. We love the zine corner with eclectic, independently published booklets and comics. The shop also regularly hosts readings and workshops.
3793 30th Street
Pigment
Glamorous bath products, stylish sunglasses, cool bar-cart accessories—Pigment has beautiful and trendy home and gift items. You can personalize a plant for your space at the succulent-potting station.
3801 30th Street
Artelexia
Artelexia founder Elexia de la Parra sources home- and kitchenware, packaged foods, colorful gifts, and more from Mexico for her vibrant North Park boutique. Check the website for curated shopping guides with themes like “Bachelorette Party” and “Pedro Pascal” (yes, this is purely products that feature the hunky Chilean-American actor).
3803 Ray Street
Casa Palma Dulce
If Artelexia is a nonstop party, Casa Palma Dulce—one of the shop’s two sister stores, along with kitchen-centric vendor Casa y Cocina—is its introverted, self-care-focused sibling. You’ll find everything you need for a perfect night in here: loungewear, tea leaves, bath soaks, skincare, and sage bundles to cleanse your space.
3830 Ray Street, Suite B
Day to Day Vintage
Constantly on the hunt for the perfect graphic tee? Day to Day Vintage is a local favorite for streetwear fans searching for sustainable options. Pick up pre-owned clothes from brands like Levi’s and Nike and check out the thrift market that the store hosts every third Saturday of the month.
3063 University Avenue
Skin Habit
Skin Habit focuses on personalized facial treatments that target your skin goals—while taking the sticker shock out of your spa day. A 50-minute facial will run you one Benjamin, and 30-minute refreshes cost just under 60 bucks.
3570 30th Street
The Girl Can’t Help It
Originally established 25 years ago in London and re-opened in North Park, The Girl Can’t Help It features pre-loved fashion for all genders. The shop is packed with picks from the 1930s to the ’60s—picture sharp suits, swingy dresses, and even filmy vintage sleepwear.
3806 Grim Avenue
Overload
If you are on the move and looking for a place that can keep up with you, skate shop Overload has you covered on all of your skating needs—from colorful decks and durable helmets to funky footwear and fanny packs.
3827 30th Street
The Original Paw Pleasers
The Original Paw Pleasers specialize in housemade cakes, ice cream, and cookies just for your pet. Your furry friend’s sweet treat can be decorated for any kind of occasion—celebrate summer with a sun-shaped cookie or manifest a home team win with a Padres cake.
2818 University Avenue
Red Brontosaurus Records
Buy, sell, and trade vinyl at Red Brontosaurus Records. The music shop maintains an especially comprehensive collection of punk rock albums and also vends retro video games and consoles. Look out for in-house events in a wide array of genres, like a local and niche version of NPR‘s Tiny Desk Concerts.
3044 North Park Way
David’s Daughter
Named in homage to founder Chandler Rossi’s late father David, David’s Daughter sells flowers and bouquets and gift shop items such as shirts, candles, and mugs. Additionally, the shop hosts workshops where participants can learn the art of floral arrangement.
3758 30th Street
Tablespoon
The food-focused sister to cocktail supply store Collins & Coupe, Tablespoon sells local food and snacks to the North Park community. Expect tinned fish, ramen, a slew of different nut butters, and other unique provisions, plus other kitchen items such as cookbooks and gadgets.
2878 El Cajon Boulevard, Suite 101
The Gold Dust Collective
Founded by two San Diego artists, The Gold Dust Collective sells a collection of curated vintage pieces, handmade jewelry and hats, quirky taxidermy, tongue-in-cheek home décor, and other beauties and oddities.
3824 Ray Street
Replay Toys
Replay Toys Boutique vends pre-owned, collectible, and vintage toys. Stuffed wall-to-wall with G.I. Joes, My Little Pony figures, Barbies, Star Wars action figures, plushies, classic games, bouncy balls, and a whole lot else, the store recently moved into a new spot with more room for fun.
2948 University Avenue
Shop Good
Chronic health issues prompted Shop Good founder Leah Kirpalani to swap all her personal care products for naturally derived formulas—then launch a beauty and wellness store that helps others easily do the same. In addition to shopping makeup, skincare, and more from brands like Ilia and OSEA, visitors can book holistic aesthetic treatments.
3027 University Avenue
Revival Vintage Eyewear
Experience visions of the past at Revival Vintage Eyewear, which vends pre-loved sunglasses and eyeglasses from the 1960s through the ’90s. Pick out your retro frames, then customize ’em with a prescription from the in-house optometrist or a protective tint in your preferred color.
3821 Ray Street
Whips n Furs
Whips n Furs is an all-year costume shop with a broad variety of masks, costumes, vintage clothing, and more. Whether you’re renting or buying, Whips n Furs can keep you fitted for any occasion requiring you to arrive incognito.
3784 30th Street
Joon
A stylish gift boutique with a focus on woman- and BIPOC-owned brands, Joon is where you can shop for your most fashionable friend (an edgy bag charm and some cuticle oil), both your parents (perhaps a steel toolbox for Dad and gorgeous glassware for Mom), and your toddler niece (a few board books about the countries you’ll visit together someday) all in one go.
3992 30th Street
Purrgatory
While Purrgatory does sell some items for pets, such as collars and food bowls, this shop’s target audience is proud cat people. From cat-printed potholders to kitty-centric socks, Purrgatory has an item to replace any of your regular, boring, non-cat-themed household items.
2879 University Avenue
The post San Diego Neighborhood Guide: North Park appeared first on San Diego Magazine.
Recent Posts
