Hillcrest Eats: American Food, Diners, Pubs

Photo Deliciousness Credit: Common Stock
A guide to HIllcrest's best American, comfort, and tavern-style eateries—from casual burgers to new American to stick-to-your-ribs breakfast spots.

PUBS / BARS / BREWERIES

• Uptown Tavern – 1236 University Ave.
  A neighborhood bar with craft cocktails, shareable plates, and DJ-driven weekend nights. Menu highlights include Nashville chicken sliders, nacho towers, and upgraded bar classics.

• Hillcrest Brewing Company – 1458 University Ave
  The “world’s first gay brewery,” known for cheekily named house beers (like U-Hawl IPA) and a pizza-and-wings menu built for casual, lively hangs.

• Gossip Grill – 1220 University Ave
  San Diego’s only full-time lesbian bar featuring comfort-food plates, cocktails, drag shows, and one of Hillcrest’s best patios. A major community anchor.

• Urban MO’s – 308 University Ave
  Hillcrest’s iconic LGBTQ+ bar and grill known for drag brunches, dance-floor nights, and a strong lineup of burgers, wings, and cocktails. The patio is practically a neighborhood landmark.

SOUTHERN / FUSION / COMFORT / CHEF-DRIVEN

• NOLA on 5th – 3683 Fifth Ave
  A lively New Orleans–style spot serving gumbo, jambalaya, catfish po’ boys, and powdered sugar–dusted beignets. The décor leans French Quarter without being kitschy.

• Common Stock – 3805 Fifth Ave
  Chef-driven comfort food featuring standout fried chicken with honey butter, slow-roasted short ribs, Monte Cristos, and a cult-favorite chicken sandwich.

• insideOUT – 1642 University Ave
  A courtyard-driven restaurant and lounge built around a dramatic retractable-roof atrium. The menu spans brunch staples, crudos, pastas, and vegan plates, while its themed pop-ups, art installations, and DJ nights give it a social, event-forward energy.

BURGERS / SANDWICHES / QUICK BITES

• Burger Lounge – 406 University Ave #A
  Fast-casual, grass-fed beef burgers with organic ingredients, crispy onion rings, and rotating seasonal specialties.

• Ike’s Love & Sandwiches – 1010 University Ave # 10
  Cult-favorite sandwich shop built around Dutch-crunch rolls and its signature “Dirty Sauce,” with extensive vegan and fried-chicken options.

• Daddy’s Hot Dogs – 1281 University Ave,
  A tiny Hillcrest stand with unexpectedly gourmet, globally inspired hot dogs—Jamaican jerk, Korean BBQ, and even blueberry-basil creations.

• Cali O Burgers – 1290 University Ave
  A West Coast–leaning burger shop offering creative builds with avocado, jalapeño-lime sauces, and house-made spreads, plus hand-cut fries.

CASUAL AMERICAN / BREAKFAST / DINERS

• Crest Cafe – 425 Robinson Ave
  A Hillcrest classic since 1985, known for its bright retro interior and comfort-food staples—cinnamon roll French toast, turkey meatloaf, and big breakfast combos.

• Hash House A Go Go – 3628 Fifth Ave
  Home of “twisted farm food”: sage-fried chicken, massive hashes, and skyscraper-sized pancakes. A well-known brunch magnet for both travelers and locals.

• Great Maple – 1451 Washington St
  Polished mid-century–inspired restaurant known for maple-bacon doughnuts, buttermilk fried chicken, and elevated American comfort plates.