The Local Scene: Evolving Eats & Drinks in Clairemont Village Center, Bay Park, San Diego

Clairemont West/Bay Park

Most streets spinning off the Clairemont Drive and Burgoyne intersection are filled with single family homes, while some of the busier roads are dotted with condos and apartment complexes. A multi-story senior living center abuts the Clairemont Village shopping center on the east side.

Streets with homes facing the bay or with views to the east are often under construction as the area lifts out of the recent recession slump.

With easy access to the I-5, recreation in Mission Bay, and a new trolley stop slated to open within two years, fewer are leaving and more are moving into the neighborhood.

Changing Times & Storefronts

A major transformation took place when the family-owned Keil's grocery store moved out and a vast new Sprouts opened on the south side of the business hub. We were sorry to see a local business go.

Gentrification is making the area fresher, but in some cases, no more local. McDonald's, formerly a morning hang out spot for senior citizens, and another senior favorite, Hometown Buffet, have been replaced by a spacious Starbucks and a new salon center. 

Further up the road a new Yoga studio, Modo, is another sign of changing demographics.

The New Guys

Restaurants have cycled in and out of the space directly adjacent to the Sprouts, but the newest addition, Farmer’s Table,  has been an instant success as evidenced by the long lines during dinner hours. 

Across the parking lot Fast Times, a popular spot for music and sports fans, took over the Coastal Crave space a few months ago and added a fire pit on the patio.

The sliver-view of the bay at sunset makes those patio seats prime real estate. However, when the bands get going, and that's nearly every night of the week, the focus turns indoors. A small stage has been added and dancers often fill spaces between tables. The service is quick and the menu a step in the right direction from the usual pub food.

Here to Stay

With Sprout's customers filling the parking lot, all the businesses on that side of the street are doing well. Mountain Mike’s Pizza continues to satisfy both gluten-tolerant and gluten-free pizza lovers, and many locals still get counter ice cream cones from Rite Aid, despite the opening of a new Baskin Robbins next door.

No working neighborhood in San Diego is complete without at least one Mexican food spot, and here, parallel to one another, local franchises of Roberto's Taco Shop and Cotijas, turn a steady business.

On the corner at Iroquois Street, Clairemont Coffee has been doing well, despite the opening of Starbucks a block away, which did take a 20% bite out of their business.

Owner Robert Drury founded the shop to serve organic coffee, Acai bowls and smoothies, and he feels that “there's always going to be a customer interested in corporate chains.” He remains dedicated to serving organic for the benefits it brings to growers and the communities across the world who are spared contact with pesticides. “It's not just for  us (the drinkers), but for those who live downhill from the plantations."

The organic beans take a bit longer to harvest and cost him an extra dollar a pound, but he’s good with that, and so are his loyal customers, who range in age from 14 to 75. 

As for local watering holes, the dive bar, Champ's, is as old school as they come, from its wood paneling to its cash-only service, but if you're looking to hang with the community, the locally-owned Blackthorn Irish Pub and Grub is your go-to spot. There's the occasional rock and roll band, great burgers and an ocean view out the back door.

You'll have to wait to enjoy it though, because Blackthorn just closed for renovations. Word has it they're expanding the menu, installing big roll-up windows to catch the evening breeze offer more great bay views. Look for the re-opening in summer 2019.