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Discover Your ‘Aloha’ at Catamaran Resort’s Sunset Luaus on Mission Bay

Discover your “Aloha” at the Catamaran Resort, featuring the spectacular Sunset Luaus on Mission Bay, a San Diego summer tradition that takes place Tuesdays and Fridays, now through August 30.

Fun for the whole family, the luaus feature a delicious all-you-can-eat Hawaiian buffet, authentic island music, Pride of Polynesia hula dancers and fiery torch performers, and even a volcano that erupts confetti. All guests receive a lei and tropical Mai Tai. There are also luau-themed activities for kids like lei making and festive crafts.

Enhance the experience with Kahuna VIP tickets which include early check-in, an upgraded lei greeting, souvenir cup, welcome appetizers, a meet and greet with the Pride of Polynesia performers, and reserved seating close to the stage.

Hotel guests can receive a 20% discount on Sunset Luaus on Mission Bay tickets.

For additional information and to purchase luau tickets, visit this website .

Also at the Catamaran Resort: The Bahia Belle

In addition to the Sunset Luaus on Mission Bay, summer also marks the return of family Sightseeing Cruises (daily, 6-8 p.m.) between Catamaran (and Bahia) resorts on the historic Bahia Belle sternwheeler.

Guests of all ages can enjoy a  narrated, 1 hour 15 min. tour of the bay, its history, and iconic sights. 

They’re also treated to a seasonal welcome beverage, self-guided scavenger hunt for kids, and a cash bar with grab & go offerings. Tickets are $20 for general admission ($15 for hotel guests).

For additional information and to purchase sightseeing cruise tickets, visit https://www.bahiahotel.com/bahia-belle

Media credit: Images courtesy of catamaranresort.com

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Sunset Luaus at Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa

Known as San Diego’s tropical hideaway with luxurious accommodations, it’s no surprise that Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa knows how to throw a summer party up to royal standards. The Sunset Luaus on the Bay have remained a summer tradition every year, hosting events every Tuesday and Friday evening through September.

For more than two centuries, Hawaiians and Polynesian people have been celebrating a major societal change thanks to King Kamehameha II’s ruling that allowed men and women to eat together. This cultural culmination is known as the luau.

Upon arrival at Sunset Luaus on the Bay, attendees walk through the Polynesian-themed lodge of Catamaran Resort Hotel before landing at the luau venue overlooking the iconic Mission Bay . Guests are not only welcomed with leis placed around their necks, but also Mai Tai cocktails, a staple concoction.

Between the live music and signature drinks, guests get to know their fellow table mates. Whether they’re seated with longtime friends or acquaintances they just met, it’s the start of an evening where everyone becomes family.

On stage, the host walks attendees through the ceremony of the evening. The Kalua roast pig is introduced first, as the delicacy has been cooking underground for hours in preparation of the feast. Guests are then released to indulge in the impressive all-you-can-eat display of luau dishes. From spicy bay shrimp and Huli Huli chicken to shoyu jasmine fried rice and traditional macaroni salad, there’s something for everyone (and plenty of it).

The feast isn’t all that guests have to revel in throughout the night. As the sun begins to wane, the Pride of Polynesia, a San Diego-based dance revue group, immerses guests in an authentic luau experience. Through performances from Hawaii, French Polynesia (Tahiti), Samoa and New Zealand, the entertainers not only story tell each island’s culture, but also create immersive experiences for those looking to participate on stage.

To close out the evening, the Pride of Polynesia delivers one final show-stopping performance: Polynesian fire dancing.

Sunset Luaus on the Bay are every Tuesday and Friday evening until Sept. 1 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. (doors open for VIP at 5:30 p.m.). Tickets start at $110 for adults and $60 for children (up to age 12). For more information about Sunset Luaus at Catamaran Resort, visit www.catamaranresort.com/sunset-luaus .

3999 Mission Blvd . San Diego, CA 92109

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Something Different This Summer? Take In A Sunset Luau On Mission Bay!

A San Diego summer tradition on the shores of Mission Bay, the annual Sunset Luau by Catamaran Resort is a festive celebration of Polynesian food, music, and dances perfect for family and friends.

The memorable luau experience includes a silk lei, Mai Tai, all-you-can-eat buffet, and entertainment. Local luau group Pride of Polynesia provides the authentic island music and dance, featuring hula and fiery torch dancers.

Catamaran Resort throws festive sunset luaus on the shores of Mission Bay throughout the summer – no need to travel to the islands to take in one of these epic parties! Visit the website here for more info and updates.

Click here to purchase Sunset Luau tickets. Bring your friends and your appetite.

See you there, San Diego!

• Start Date June 30, 2023 6:00 pm
• End Date September 1, 2023 9:00 pm
• Status All done
• Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa
• Address 3999 Mission Blvd, San Diego, CA 92109

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Wednesday July 31st Tiki Oasis Luau at Catamaran Resort Hotel!

Travel over to the historic Catamaran Resort Hotel (est. 1958) for the Tiki Oasis Luau. With its original Polynesian motif, tropical landscaping with Tikis, and authentic Polynesian artifacts in the lobby galleries is the site of our Tiki Oasis 2024 kick-off event!

The Catamaran Luau is a San Diego summer tradition on the shores of Mission Bay; their annual Sunset Luaus are a festive celebration of Polynesian food, music, and dance — perfect for family and friends. The memorable luau experience includes a lei greeting, welcome Mai Tai, all-you-can-eat buffet, and entertainment. Local luau group, Pride of Polynesia, provide authentic island music and dance, featuring hula and fiery torch dancers. Arrive early and take a self guided tour of the lobby waterfall and Polynesian artifacts gallery. Grab a tropical drink at the Oceana Coastal Kitchen then walk the grounds and find hidden Tikis dotted along the waterways. Before and after the Luau, steal a romantic moment to walk down the pier or relax on the beach.

Program Schedule

5:30pm: Doors Open for Kahuna VIP Seating (includes Mai Tai and Lei Greeting) 6:00 pm: Doors Open for all Seating (includes Mai Tai and Lei Greeting) 6:30 pm: Live Music 6:45 pm: Open Buffet 7:30 pm: Live Performance by Pride of Polynesia

General Ticket: $135, 12 and Under $68

Sample Luau Menu

DINNER BUFFET

Fresh Sliced Seasonal Fruit Display (GF)

Tossed Kula Greens Poppy Seed Dressing (GF, Vegetarian) Balsamic Vinaigrette (GF, Vegan)

Ginger Curry Chicken Salad Macadamia Nuts (GF)

Spicy Bay Shrimp and Grilled Pineapple Salad (GF)

Island Pineapple Coleslaw (GF, Vegetarian )

Traditional Macaroni Salad ( Vegetarian )

Hawaiian Sweet and Assorted Rolls

Huli Huli Chicken with Grilled Pineapple (GF)

Kalua Roast Pig (GF)

Roast Salmon with Ginger Lime Cream Sauce (GF)

Ginger Scented Vegetable Stir-Fry (GF, Vegan )

Shoyu Jasmine Fried Rice with Toasted Ginger

KIDS BUFFET

Fresh Cubed Fruit

Hawaiian Pizza

Coconut-Crusted Chicken Fingers Sweet and Sour Sauce

Tater Tots Ketchup and BBQ Sauce

DESSERT DISPLAY

Pina Colada Cheesecake

Assorted Cookies

Pandan Golden Milk Coconut Cake

Ube (Purple) Sweet Potato Pie with Macadamia Nuts

Tropical Rice Pudding (GF & Vegan)

Peanut Butter Banana Crunch Bar

Chocolate Orange Cupcake (Vegan)

Assorted Tropical Mochi (GF)

Tropical Iced Tea

Coffee, Decaf & Tea

THREE UPGRADE OPTIONS!

Kahuna VIP Seating: $165 This exclusive Kahuna VIP Seating ticket includes early arrival and check-in to the Sunset Luau and Mai Tai/ Lei Greeting and reserved seating close to the live entertainment on stage.

Aloha Premium Seating: $150 Includes reserved seating close to the live entertainment on stage and and Mai Tai/ Lei Greeting.

Platinum: $699 This level includes the exclusive Kahuna VIP Seating and  early arrival and check-in to the Sunset Luau, and reserved seating close to the live entertainment on stage, Mai Tai/ Lei Greeting AND includes Tiki Oasis concert tickets (Thursday-Sunday), VIP experiences as well as the Tiki Oasis 2024 event Tiki Mug designed by Eekum Bookum.

General Terms ALL Patrons Regardless of Age Must Have a Ticket to Enter. All guests must be over 21 with valid photo ID to consume alcohol. Additional gratuities are not expected. Hotel reserves the right to refuse service in accordance with applicable laws. Refund Policy All sales are final. Tickets are transferrable. There are no refunds. 

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Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa

Explore the exotic side of san diego.

The Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa is a paradisiacal destination located on the shores of Mission Bay and mere steps from San Diego’s famous Pacific Beach. With features including lush tropical gardens and private beach, this Polynesian-themed hotel offers an ideal blend of fun and tranquility all year-round.

Established in 1958, the Catamaran is a paradise featuring more than 1,000 varieties of exotic plants and animals from around the world. Palm trees, bamboo, waterfalls and koi ponds appeal to the senses, while playful parrots delight and intrigue guests.

The Catamaran’s architecture, reminiscent of the traditional Colonial Hawaiian style, boasts accents including totem poles handcrafted in Bali, art pieces such as tapa cloth from Vanuatu and a beautiful front desk constructed of Black Koa wood imported directly from Tahiti.

At the Catamaran, guests are checked into one of 310 guest rooms, studios or suites, each with a private balcony or patio that opens to stunning views of Mission Bay, the Pacific Beach neighborhood and coastline, or the hotel’s lush tropical gardens. All guests are provided a full range of amenities including complimentary Wi-Fi and 24-hour room service.

On-site dining options include Oceana Coastal Kitchen, rated by Zagat as one of San Diego’s most anticipated restaurants and featuring chef-driven surf and turf dishes. Next door to this signature restaurant is Moray’s, where guests can sip on a signature Moray’s Mai Tai, savor a local craft beer and enjoy happy hour specials Monday-Friday. Both venues feature a blend of indoor and patio spaces, the latter lined with tiki torches, fire pit tables and lush palms.

Guests may also choose to grab a bite at Lava Java, the on-site grab and go café, or poolside at the Catamaran’s full bar and grill which serves up barbecue favorites during the spring and summer months. Another standout summer special is the Catamaran’s signature luaus, featuring live performers that guide guests through the cultures of the South Pacific as they enjoy a Hawaiian buffet.

Those who prefer to spend their time on the water can opt for a cruise on the Bahia Belle, a replica of an 1860s-era sternwheeler that tours around Mission Bay. Operating seasonally, the Bahia Belle is a turn-of-the-century, Mississippi-style boat that provides a 45-minute sightseeing cruise of Mission Bay. The 74-foot, 3-story sternwheeler boat offers an observation deck to view the beautiful sites of the 4,200-acre aquatic park.

The Catamaran Spa—the only beachfront spa in San Diego—offers a South Pacific-inspired menu of treatments including massages, facials, body wraps, hydrotherapy treatments and more—carried out with all-natural marine and botanical elements. Additional wellness amenities include an outdoor pool and hot tub, beach cabanas, an open air fitness center, seasonal outdoor yoga classes and more.

Further vacation activities include rental paddleboards, sailboats, kayaks, surfboards, bicycles and Segways. The Catamaran is also located within the beach towns Mission Beach and Pacific Beach, where guests can stroll the boardwalk or the iconic Crystal Pier, play at the beach or experience a variety of cafes and boutiques. The resort is within 10 miles of major San Diego attractions such as SeaWorld, the San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park, Downtown’s Gaslamp District and the San Diego International Airport.

Neighborhood: Mission Bay and Beaches

3999 Mission Boulevard San Diego, CA 92109

Contact Info

(858) 488-1081 [email protected]

Deals just for you

Kids stay, eat & play at the catamaran resort.

This October, there’s an even better reason to bring the whole family to Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa! First, start your trip off with an exciting beachfront stay on Mission Bay - with...

Sunset Luaus on the Bay

Experience a beloved San Diego summer tradition on the shores of Mission Bay with our annual Sunset Luaus, a vibrant celebration of Polynesian cuisine, music, and dance perfect for family and friends....

Resort Amenities:

• 310 relaxing guestrooms all with Bay, Ocean, Garden or Koi Pond views
• Wi-Fi in all guestrooms, lobby foyer, as well as beach service
• All guestrooms have single serve coffee makers, two robes and flat screen TV's
• All guestrooms have DIRECT TV with access to 50+ premier channels
• Spa has 10 treatment rooms, salon, relaxation room, gym, a steam and sauna room

Why Vacation Here:

• Beach Front Resort on Mission Bay
• Located within walking distance to 90 restaurants, nightlife and local shops
• Flexible vacation packages to accommodate your needs
• Action Sport Rentals on site: kayaks, paddleboards, sailboats, bikes and more
• Escape through lush grounds and enjoy Koi ponds, birds, trees and waterfalls

More Information

• Total Number of Guest Rooms: 310
• On-site Audio Visual Company
• Health Club On-site
• Day Spa On-site
• Total Number of Restaurants: 1
• Indoor and outdoor Bay Front restaurant and lounge
• Room Service
• 24-Hour Room Service
• Concierge Service
• Destination Weddings
• Miles from Airport: 9
• In-room High-speed Internet Access
• Meeting Room Internet Access
• AAA Diamond Rating: 3 Diamond
• Meets ADA Standard
• Total Number of Swimming Pools: 1
• Indoor Corridor
• Outside Balconies
• Kid Friendly
• Total Number of Kitchen Units: 126

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Polynesian paradise at catamaran resort and spa in san diego.

By CV Weekly on August 22, 2024 No Comment

Travels with Greg

By Greg ARAGON  

My 6-year-old son has never left California. So when he said the Catamaran Resort and Spa ( www.catamaranresort.com ) in San Diego is more fun than Hawaii, I took it with a grain of salt. 

But then I started thinking. He has a good point. The tropical island-inspired Catamaran has everything a kid and his family love. It offers a big, beautiful swimming pool, a sandy beach, spacious rooms and suites, bike rentals, a video arcade, an onsite restaurant and lots of opportunities to make new friends. 

Our getaway to the Catamaran Resort began recently when we checked into a gorgeous bay front suite overlooking San Diego’s stunning Mission Bay. Spanning 438 square feet, the room was highlighted by a large patio that is literally steps from the sandy beach. 

The suite also boasted a big private bedroom with two queen beds and a large TV, a separate living area with another big TV, a pullout sofa, a wet bar with a refrigerator and a dining area. A large and spacious bathroom with a walk-in shower completed the room’s layout. 

Beyond the suite, the rest of the property is just as impressive. Featuring 310 rooms, the sprawling Polynesian-themed resort is surrounded by palm trees, waterfalls, koi ponds, exotic birds and lush vegetation.

The hotel is located in San Diego’s Pacific Beach community and sits on the shores of Mission Bay, a large, artificial saltwater bay created for recreational activities such as wakeboarding, jet skiing, sailing, camping, cycling, jogging, roller skating, skateboarding and sunbathing.

One of my family’s favorite spots at the resort was Mission Bay’s sandy beach located steps from our patio. Here the kids made sand castles and played in the water while we relaxed in lawn chairs, soaking rays and admiring the coastline.

The beach was also where we rented a 21-ft Hurricane powerboat and cruised around the bay for a fun-filled hour. We rented the boat from Action Sports Rentals ( www.actionsportrentals.com/catamaran-resort-hotel-spa/ ), which has a booth on the dock in front of the Catamaran Resort. 

It was an epic voyage. After learning how to control the vessel and finding the proper speed for the bay, we cruised into the morning sun. Along the way we waved to boaters and paddle boarders, sailed beneath an old bridge and past expensive condos and luxury hotels. The boat was easy to maneuver, had lots of seating and shade and was a perfect family outing for the afternoon. 

After mooring the boat, we went to the resort’s large pool area where my kids played in the water and made new friends. Secluded behind tall palm trees, the pool is a tropical oasis with lots of seating, a Jacuzzi and a bar. Each day, the pool area offered a free kids’ program for hotel guests. 

Next to the pool is also a video arcade, full of free games for kids and their parents. My son and I had a great time there, shooting basketballs, racing cars and playing foosball. 

From the pool, we walked along a lush, tropical path to Oceana Coastal Kitchen, the resort’s on-site signature restaurant. Boasting beachfront dining with spectacular views of Mission Bay, Oceana serves creative, coastal California dishes with an eclectic flare. The restaurant, led by executive chef Paul Arias, won Tripadvisor’s 2023 Travelers’ Choice “Best of the Best” Restaurants for Everyday Eats, ranking 10 th best in the U.S. 

Our dinner at Oceana began with a delicious bowl of New England style clam chowder with bacon, red bliss potato, thyme, cream and steamed little neck clams on top and mixed in. I am a major chowder fan and this bowl had the perfect amount of creaminess along with a perfect clam to potato ratio, making it one of the best I’ve had. 

The restaurant also specializes in sushi and when we sampled the Oceana House Roll we fell in love. The rolls are exquisitely filled with eel, tempura shrimp, crab, Nori, avocado and unagi sauce. This dish is a work of culinary art. 

We completed our dinner at Oceana with a succulent grilled prime hanger steak with smoked potato puree, watercress, cippolini and macadamia chimichurri; and  a tasty Hawaiian style pad Thai with stir fried vegetables, tofu, pineapple, chili, macadamia nuts, cilantro and soy. 

After dinner we strolled along the beach and watched the sun fall into Mission Bay. 

The next morning we had potatoes and eggs, and a plate of chilaquiles for breakfast at Oceana, and then rented a surrey bike from Action Sports Rentals. We then pedaled around the bay. Along the way we saw sailboarders fling over waves and then stopped at a park for the kids to play. 

Back at the resort we watched a demonstration featuring the hotel’s exotic parrots including vibrant macaws, beautiful cockatoos and a lilac-crowned amazon. Some of the birds talk and can say things like “hi,” “hello” and “goodbye.” The parrots are available to view outside daily between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Pacific time, depending on the weather.

We concluded the day at the resort’s Sunset Luau. Held on the shores of Mission Bay, the luaus are a festive celebration of Polynesian food, music and dances perfect for family and friends. The party begins with a lei with real flowers and a delicious Mai Tai. This was followed by an all-you-can-eat buffet with Hawaiian-inspired rice and salads and various succulent meats including pork, chicken and fish. 

Local luau group Pride of Polynesia provided authentic island music and dance featuring hula and fiery torch dancers. Kids also got a chance to hula dance and participate in activities at the Kids Corner where they made flowered leis, festive crafts, colored and played with stick-on tattoos.

Catamaran Resort and Spa is located at 3999 Mission Blvd. in San Diego CA 92109. For more information and reservations call (858) 488-1081 or visit www.catamaranresort.com .

Polynesian Paradise at Catamaran Resort and Spa in San Diego added by CV Weekly on August 22, 2024 View all posts by CV Weekly →

History of the  Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa

The Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa is owned and operated by the Evans family of San Diego. Entrepreneurs William and Anne Evans founded the company more than 60 years ago and it has been a mainstay in America’s Finest City ever since. After first opening the Bahia Resort Hotel in 1953, the Evans family acquired the right to develop land on the other side of Mission Bay for the Catamaran in 1958. Currently, Anne Evans serves the company as Chairman Emeritus, Grace Evans Cherashore serves as Executive Chairwoman, and David Cherashore and Bill Evans serve as Executive Board Members. While the Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa caters to corporations big and small for conventions, meetings, and parties, the Evans family is proud to provide a fun, yet tranquil environment for families all year round.  

1958 The Catamaran opens as a modest 82-room inn with Polynesian motif after the famed Scripps family abandoned their summer estate in late 1955. This marks the Evans family’s 2nd resort on Mission Bay after building the Bahia Resort Hotel in 1953.  

1961 The Victorian-style sternwheeler Bahia Belle starts cruising Mission Bay between the Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa, and Bahia Resort Hotel. The Belle, providing public cruises into the night and event venues, is now the entertainment hub of Mission Bay.

1969 The resort is remodeled with the addition of a 14-story tower with 150 rooms, suites, and studios. This expansion brought the room count to 232 and provided a group of guests with unequivocal views of Mission Bay and San Diego.

1986 The Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa expands with the addition of the 300, 400, 600, 700, and 800 buildings, bringing the room count to the current 310. The private parking structure also is built to accommodate the increased number of guests.

2001 The beginning of a great summer tradition in San Diego occurs with the first Catamaran Sunset Luau. Local luau entertainment specialists, Pride of Polynesia, provide hula dancers and fiery torch dancers for the enjoyment of guests.

2005 The South Pacific-inspired Catamaran Spa opens with 10 treatment rooms, relaxation lounge, steam room, sauna, men’s and women’s locker rooms, and a whirlpool and fitness center that overlook Mission Bay.

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Seriously, don’t get me started on sandwiches. I have thoughts, and I’m not afraid to share them. (First up: hot dogs aren’t sandwiches.) My passion stems from a deep commitment to a sandwich-centric lifestyle, and I love them in virtually all forms—bánh mìs, Reubens, cold cuts, you name it, I’m into it. 

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Owners Lynne and Richard Taylor say they’re remodeling the space “with a New Orleans–theme focused on the French Quarter, with art and decor highlighting the music and Creole food of the Crescent City.” Once open, it’ll be fast-casual with limited seating for dine-in and a pickup space for takeout and delivery drivers.

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The couple has been operating The Po’Boy Shop out of Hancock Kitchens near Pechanga Arena for about a year, but Lynne says that as pandemic-related consumer habits have begun to mellow out, they wanted to find a new location with space for both pick-up and dine-in. They were able to lease the Lincoln Park space this July after the former tenants were charged with money laundering and pandemic-related funding fraud . 

Once open, Lynne says their menu will showcase Richard’s years of culinary research on the African diaspora. “His belief that ‘we brought our food’ when his ancestors survived the middle passage is something he tries to honor with his cooking,” says Lynne. A sandwich that’s more than a sandwich—sounds like a welcome addition to San Diego’s sandwich roster.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Miss Mabel (@mabelsgonefishing)

San Diego Restaurant News & Food Events

Get ready for kids free san diego this october.

Every October, San Diego museums, hotels, restaurants, and more throw parents a bone by offering discounts and promotions for Kids Free San Diego all month. At the Bahia and Catamaran resorts, kids can stay, eat, and play for free all month long, with deals including a free kid’s meal with the purchase of an adult meal, complimentary stand-up paddleboard or kayak rentals (again, with an accompanying adult), and discounts on room rates. Keep an eye on your favorite business to see what other deals start on October 1.

Happy Birthday, Mabel’s Gone Fishing!

Monday, September 30, marks two years of Mabel’s Gone Fishing , the Michelin Bib Gourmand gin and seafood oasis in the heart of North Park. They teased a prix-fixe dinner to mark the occasion but haven’t yet released details (I’m watching their Instagram ). I’m still dreaming of the Basque cheesecake from my last visit, so can I humbly request that instead of a birthday cake? 

View this post on Instagram A post shared by FISH BOON (@fishboonsushi)

Beth’s Bites

• The folks behind Liberty Call Distilling recently opened Shore Duty on Coronado. The restaurant serves California cuisine, comfort food, and plenty of cocktails featuring their spirits portfolio. This weekend is their Grand Opening, so if you’re on the island, check it out and let us know your thoughts.
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• Fish Boon by Gami Sushi is now soft-open in Carlsbad, in the former Ebullition Brew Works location. The grand opening is slated for September 12, and so far, the little peeks of the space they’ve shown on Instagram look super cute. The menu seems extensive, so hopefully, it’s a quality and quantity type place, not just the latter.

Beth Demmon is an award-winning writer and podcaster whose work regularly appears in national outlets and San Diego Magazine . Her first book, The Beer Lover's Guide to Cider , is now available. Find out more on bethdemmon.com.

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