Where to Eat, Drink, and Shop in San Diego's South Park Neighborhood
When I moved to South Park over 25 years ago, it was still part of Golden Hill. It was a little gritty, and our friendly and hard-working neighbors were mostly families attracted to the inexpensive and central location. South Park has since transformed from a primarily residential neighborhood to a hip, place-to-be village.
The community’s historic hub is the block spanning Ivy and Juniper between 30th and Fern. Tipuana tipu trees shade the corridor along Fern Street, and limited street parking allows pedestrians and cyclists to reign.
In a landscape dotted with locally procured and artfully framed cuisine exists 2009 Grand Orchid Award-winner The Station, where craft beer marries boss burgers.
The Station's vegan options include a savory black bean burger, farmers’ market salad, and the signature tater tots tossed in their house spice blend.
Weekly specials include The Station steak sandwich, with slivers of flavorful flank steak stuffed in a roll and smothered with caramelized onions, bell peppers, and pepper jack cheese, and a grilled beer bratwurst snuggled in a soft pretzel bun slathered with spicy mustard and tangy housemade sauerkraut.
All walks of life—from in-laws, out-laws, spouses, children, and congenial canines—are welcome at The Station on their convivial outdoor patio. If you don’t run into an old friend while you’re there, you are certain to leave with a new one.
Farther north on Fern, find the second-oldest business on the block: the Whistle Stop Bar. Reopened at its current location in 2001, the neighborhood bar has done a little bit of everything to attract crowds. Beyond serving terrific drinks, they host craft shows, knitting circles, game nights, movies, sketch and stand-up comedy, and dance parties.
Fire Station 9, the last surviving and oldest Craftsman-style fire station in San Diego, was built in 1912 and is now home to South Park Fitness. Photos of the original firehouse hang alongside paintings of Slash and Bob Marley. The wide-open front doors reveal high ceilings and all the equipment you need for strength training and cardio. You can pay a drop-in rate for a day or sign up for a monthly membership.
Built in 1924, the Rose Grocery Building is home to the Rose Wine Bar + Bottle Shop. The 21-and-over spot is where I go when I want to feel like a fancy adult. Their menu is divided into helpful sections like Salad + Things, Flatbreads, Share Stuff, and Hangover Stuff. The homemade empanadas with seasonal fillings are substantial and are served with a robust chimichurri. Their mix-and-match cheese and salumi plates are definite crowd-pleasers, and the sommeliers can give all the information you could ever need about their global selection of quality wine. Rose Wine Bar also does a fantastic brunch on the weekend.
The Mission-style Burlingame Garage, built in 1914, houses a couple favorite makeover shops in one of San Diego’s earliest automobile garages. For a new look, try Salon on 30th for premium products and chic haircare services. Gingerly Wax handles all the other hair with a complete menu of full body waxing in a comfortable space. Afterward, stop by Graffiti Beach to shop the latest fashion trends.
Looking for something more permanent? The Vishudda Creatives believe that the tattoo experience can heal, and all art is original and hand-drawn for you. The zakka boutique Gold Leaf is also not to be missed. Zakka is a Japanese and Scandinavian movement that reveres simple things and natural objects. I spend hours browsing Gold Leaf’s home decor offerings, jewelry, and curios.
If, after all this, you’ve decided to never leave South Park, visit Community Realty Co. to settle down in this haven.
What first attracted my family to South Park prevails: neighbors building a community with a small-town feel.
