The Best Barrio Logan Restaurants, Breweries & Coffee Shops

The murals at Chicano Park, low riders, and celebrations might draw you to San Diego’s Barrio Logan district but the delicious dining and drinking spots deserve bragging rights too. This neighborhood isn’t yet overrun by tourists and you are bound to find some authentic Barrio Logan restaurants, breweries, and coffee shops that will impress you with their bites and brews.

Early last century the neighborhood was home to a thriving port where tuna canning operations and bakeries served the growing city.

Many workers brought their recipes from homes across the southern border. Feeding the cannery and later, Navy, majority women-ran restaurants served delicious meals made with locally sourced and fresh ingredients.

Luckily for visitors today, several of those original restaurants are still open and remain family operations. In the past few years breweries, distilleries, and coffee roasters have also opened their doors to the public, with tasting rooms and drive-in options too.

The list of Barrio Logan restaurants, breweries, and coffee shops below is by no means exhaustive. There’s so much going on in Barrio Logan with popups and food trucks, special celebrations. Much depends on the day of the week or time of day you visit.

The listed spots are all easy to reach on foot from the San Diego Barrio Logan Trolley stop and there’s plenty of on-street parking unless big events, like car shows and gallery nights, are scheduled.

Lets take a look at some of the best Barrio Logan restaurants, breweries, and coffee shops.

Barrio Logan Restaurants

Las Cuatro Milpas

Address: 1875 Logan Ave, San Diego, CA
Phone: (619) 234-4460
Website

Looking for the freshest tortillas and tamales? Join the line in front of Las Cuatro Milpas. Petra and Natividad Estudillo opened the eatery in 1933 and it’s been family-owned for over fifty years since.

The facade is modest and the interior hasn’t changed much from the original picnic table seating. Order from the menu posted above the front counter and take a seat.

The tamales are small but packed with flavor. Tortillas are made from corn ground in the workroom and mixed on a stone table. Walk through the warren of rooms to see the process which is ongoing through the week.

Fans of menudo can enjoy a steaming bowl from family recipes on Sunday.

The trolley used to pass in front but now stops a few blocks away. It’s an easy walk.

Ciccia Osteria

Address: 2233 Logan Ave, San Diego, CA 92113
Phone: (619) 674-4069
Website

Ciccia Osteria in Barrio Logan is a real gem. The owners, Mario and Francesca, have a true passion for food and hospitality, and every time we visit we feel like we are visiting friends or family.

The food at Ciccia Osteria is delectable. The main focus is on fresh and seasonal ingredients and authentic flavors. They also have a wide selection of vegetarian and vegan options available, which makes it perfect for families and groups with mixed preferences.

El Carrito

Address: 2154 Logan Ave, San Diego, CA
Phone: (619) 501-0095
Website

Just a block from Chicano Park you’ll find the perfect spot for breakfast. El Carrito was created in 1947 when the former owner bought an old 1930’s cable car. Al Johnston found the car in a construction lot and, inspired by Hollywood, turned it into a unique restaurant.

The restaurant became a community gathering place where locals and politicians ate together. It sits in front of his original Victorian home. El Carrito is renowned for its chilaquiles and all their breakfast plates are ‘grande.’

This is definitely one of the best Barrio Logan restaurants.

Barrio Dogg

Address: 2234 Logan Ave, San Diego, CA 92113
Phone: (619) 546-7889
Website

Fancy a fancy hot dog? Barrio Dogg has got you covered. This colorful, edgy place serves them up with all the traditional and some very unique toppings. Each month, they come up with new topping combinations, each more mouth-watering than the other. The sides are also delicious. My favorite was the Nopalitos salad with red onion and a zingy dressing.

Salud! Tacos

Address: 2196 Logan Ave San Diego, CA
Phone: (619) 255-3856
Website

Looking for the perfect spot for Taco Tuesday? Salud! Tacos is a hip, corner joint dedicated to authentic street-style Mexican dishes. Aspiring to serve ‘pure Southern California,’ the walls are embellished in tattoo-inspired murals and even pinstripe car hoods.

The menu includes a handful of vegetarian choices and ‘not tacos.’ These Barrio Logan tacos (or ‘not tacos’) are a must!

A hall leads to the event space next door, Corazon del Barrio, which hosts music and art shows.

Mish Mash

Address: 1805 Newton Ave, San Diego, CA
Phone: (619) 955-8544
Website

If BBQ indulgence is on your mind, Mish Mash serves it with a side of style. The colorful interior leans towards the 1940’s with touches throughout the comfortable space.

Talk about huge portions and BBQ in all forms, from burgers to banh mi sandwiches, a collection of loaded fries as well.

Sunday brunch offers bottomless mimosas but for the more adventurous (and very hungry) talk your server into making a brisket Bloody Mary. It’s a showy blend of savory and spicy.

Barrio Logan Breweries

Border X Brewing

Address: 2181 Logan Ave, San Diego, CA 
Phone: (858) 405-0528
Website

There’s no doubt the Border X brewers are bringing their tagline, “Community, Culture and Mexican Craft Beer” to life.

They draw from Tijuana/Baja traditions to adapt rich flavors of Chicano cuisine into their drafts. Other international elements seep into the offerings as well – a plum-infused berliner, and caf, an English-style malt with French roasted coffee, for example.

Try the hibiscus-infused blood saison or the horchata and abuelita stouts for more regional flavors. Open mic nights, loteria, and music nights fill the calendar.

Thorn Brewing

Address: 1745 National Ave, San Diego, CA
Phone: (619) 255-9679
Website

After the success of their North Park location, the Thorn team opened a massive Barrio Logan brewery in 2017 and have continued the reach of their innovative brews worldwide.

The space opens to the street with their drafts on tap and winds around to an event space with food trucks and often, live music on the weekends. With family-friendly seating and a wandering rooster, each visit’s a joy.

Mujeres Brew House

Address: 1983 Julian Ave , San Diego, CA
Phone: (619) 213-4340
Website

Women-owned and run, this brewery is making a splash in the local, craft brew scene. The Brew House offers seasonal beers on tap and to take home (ladies, they have slim cans!)

A taco bar opens on the weekends with a large beer garden as well. Of course, it’s all family and pet friendly.

Barrio Logan Coffee Shops

Cafe Moto

Address: 2619 National Avenue, San Diego, CA
Phone: (619) 239-6686
Website

Solar-powered roastery serving sustainable and fair trade organic coffee and tea since 1990. They roast coffee in small batches, four to five days per week, promoting freshness and quality.

Tours of the roastery will resume soon but stop by for a truly smooth and invigorating coffee roasted on the spot. Drive through or walk up to enjoy the outdoor seating.

Ryan Brothers

Address: 1894 Main Street, San Diego
Phone: (619) 546-6315
Website

Three brothers started their coffee business from a cart in La Jolla and another in Old Town before moving downtown.

In 2003 they moved the business into Barro Logan and have been an important part of the revitalization of the neighborhood. The cozy cafe is easy to find on the corner of Main Street where roasting starts early and then opens to the public from 7 am to 4 pm.

Chikita Cafe

Address: 1875 Newton Ave, San Diego, CA
Phone: (619) 518-2998
Website

This colorful and tiny spot belongs on any dessert and specialty coffee drink lover’s itinerary. The menu changes with the season and leans towards sweeter variations. Budget time to browse the shop and look for unique gift items.

As you can see, Barrio Logan restaurants, breweries, and coffee shops have so much to offer. Which will you stop by first?

Looking for more restaurant ideas? Check out these posts:

Best Restaurants in San Diego by Neighborhood
The Best Restaurants in Old Town
Best Restaurants in Coronado
The Best San Diego Tacos.

The post The Best Barrio Logan Restaurants, Breweries & Coffee Shops appeared first on San Diego Explorer.