Best Diners in Imperial Beach

"This family-owned cafe has been deemed one of the best retro coffee spots in the nation, and it’s easy to see why. It has a vibe of nostalgia and community. You’ll look to the walls and see memorabilia, like newspaper clippings from when the San Diego Chargers made it into the Super Bowl (which feels like decades ago now!) It’s friendly for humans, dogs, and cars alike: pups are allowed – the restaurant even provides water bowls for them – and there’s a free one-hour parking lot for your car."

"Listed in "Gourmet" magazine as one of America's greatest hometown cafes, this local favorite has been around since 1944. Serves up such hearty breakfasts as smoked pork chops and eggs, eggs Benedict, French toast, pancakes, waffles, and much more. All their baked goods are packaged to go, so you can easily take something along with you for later in the day."

"This Bankers Hill eatery has been feeding San Diegans since 1944. Their popular prime rib dinners mean homemade roast beef hass at breakfast-time."

"It’s a diner that pays homage to every era time has gone by since diners were a thing. From a brightly colored 50s retro diner with a milk bar and vintage care behind the hostess, to the train room with a black and white film showing above each booth, to a modern red room dedicated to corvette car lovers. A radio DJ booth pumps out Frank Sinatra, New York, New York and other classic tunes like Wild Thing, which matches the 70s groove room we dined in."

"Corvette Diner is a San Diego institution now located in the Point Loma area of Liberty Station. It's a 50s diner the serves up shakes, burgers, fries and other comfort food by sassy wait staff dressed in poodle skirts. Kids love it not only for the retro decor, casual vibe and food, but there's a killer arcade called Gamer's Garage in the back with 50 games and opportunities to win prizes."

"A post shared by Corvette Diner (@corvettediner) on Dec 6, 2016 at 4:47pm PST. This 50s style diner is complete with waitresses in bouffant hairstyles and poodle skirts. If the cotton candy platter, root beer floats, handmade shakes, and malts are not enough of a draw for the children, the Corvette car in the middle of the diner should be!"

"In-N-Out Burger is just a classic fast food chain out West, it originated in California in 1948. It’s famous because the chain has barely changed since then. Stepping into an In-N-Out Burger will take you back to the 40’s with its interior design, same small menu, similar prices, and high quality!"

"It’s great to sit out on the outdoor patio and watch the fishermen coming and going. It’s a local haven for omelets, pancakes, biscuits and gravy, fish tacos, and fish & chips. Plus, they also serve mimosas, bloody mary’s, and craft beer!"

"If Rudford's had chrome instead of stucco, it would be a genuine diner, because it has the bay windows and mid-century signage. In any case, it's a landmark (and just down the street from the Chicken Pie Shop). Basic comfort fare here, which gets mixed reviews."

"Equally popular with the early bird special crowd and after-bar party goers; both sets agree that the biscuits and gravy and chicken fried steak at this 24-hour diner are first rate."

"We asked our waiter at South Draft in Mission Beach, where is the best Mexican food in San Diego?. He immediately recommended Oscars Mexican Seafood as a great local, hole in the wall place to grab fish tacos in San Diego. He warned us there may be lines, and we avoided them by visiting the shack near La Jolla at lunch time."

"The family-owned Coronado Brewing Company first opened its doors to beer-loving San Diegans in 1996 and has been offering a full range of specialty brews (as well as a full food menu) ever since. Whether you drop by the flagship location on Coronado Island or the Tasting Room just a few miles from us on Mission Bay, you’re guaranteed a good time."

"Located in Balboa Park, this place deserves its own spot on my list of Instagrammable places in San Diego!. Cacti are super photo-worthy, and that San Diego sunshine will give you the perfect lighting for an epic photo. (PS. Check out this post on how to pose for Instagram photos!)"

"Just off Orange Street you’ll find the best place to get gelato in Coronado. At Nado Gelato by Bottega Italiana you’ll be served the highest quality, artisan gelato in amazing flavors like crème brûlée, black sesame or a variety of seasonal fruit. Try up to four flavors in one cup or pile it all on a waffle cone for a highly Instagrammable sweet tweet!"

"A post shared by Manilyn Baltazar (@immanilynbaltazar) on Jul 22, 2020 at 5:54pm PDT. Speaking of embracing your sweet tooth, Nado Gelato is the perfect spot to end a day in Coronado. The creation of Bottega Italiana, this authentic gelato has been named the “best dessert in town” by locals."

"K1 Speed has a chain of indoor-racing centers featuring electric go-karting for all ages and skill levels. Explore Arrive & Drive races that are 14-lap heats against the clock. The karts feature 20hp electric motors that for roughly 0.25 miles (0.4 km) indoor kart track, they can reach speeds approaching 45mph."