San Diego’s comfort food is coastal-casual—fresh seafood, SoCal diner greats, and Mexican-inspired plates that soothe the soul.
From beachside institutions to old-school delis and modern brunch powerhouses, these five are local comfort staples.
Hash House A Go Go
San Diego’s original outpost of the comfort icon still draws lines for colossal portions and playful plating.
The sage-fried chicken and waffles, towering Benedicts, and farmhouse scrambles are brunch legends.
Despite the size, flavors are balanced, and the crispy potatoes are highly snackable. Ideal for birthdays, hangovers, and celebratory breakfasts.
Point Loma Seafoods
Nothing comforts like fresh-off-the-boat seafood done simply.
Point Loma Seafoods serves immaculate fried fish sandwiches, clam chowder, and combo baskets with shrimp and calamari.
Grab a seat overlooking the boats, squeeze on some lemon, and soak up that breezy harbor calm. It’s casual, quick, and consistently great.
The Friendly
A cult-favorite for its smash burgers and “dirtier than usual” pizza slices, The Friendly is pure guilty-pleasure comfort.
The classic American cheeseburger—thin patty, seared edges, melted cheese, and a soft bun—hits the spot every time.
The vibe is divey and fun, the menu is short, and everything is unapologetically craveable.
Phil’s BBQ
A San Diego institution for saucy, smoky comfort, Phil’s serves meaty ribs with a tender bite, chopped pork sandwiches, and hearty sides like macaroni salad and baked beans.
It’s family-friendly, line-out-the-door popular, and ideal for casual comfort feasts.
Grab extra napkins and don’t dress fancy.
Hodad’s
Burgers as beach-town comfort icons: Hodad’s serves towering stacks with bacon, avocado, and crunchy onions, plus thick-cut fries and milkshakes.
The surfy, sticker-covered setting screams San Diego.
It’s messy in the best way, and the OB location’s ocean breeze makes it even better.
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