Nothing in North Park stays vacant for long (except the gutted suite at the corner of 30th Street and University, which will finally be revived as chef Brad Wise’s new French brasserie next year). That glaring outlier aside, real estate in 92104 tends to go quickly, and the prime location at 2884 University Avenue is no exception. Come mid-October, the former Saiko Sushi space will be home to the newest location of Cocina de Barrio.
The Mexican-restaurant-slash-mezcal-and-tequila-bar has three other locations in Hillcrest, Point Loma, and Encinitas, each owned by partners Jaime Osuna and Jose J. Flores, the latter of whom serves as each outpost’s executive chef. That partnership will continue at the local chain’s three OG brick-and-mortars, but the Flores will be sole owner of the new spot in NP.
Flores says he’d been keeping an eye out in North Park for potential locations. Since the opportunity to take over the former Saiko suite came with a full liquor license, he jumped at the chance. He adds that food options will mirror those in Encinitas, and the team is updating the menus at Point Loma and Hillcrest.
Known for its brunch, Cocina de Barrio offers Mexican-inspired classics like chilaquiles (I prefer verde over rojo, but it’s a win either way), huevos rancheros, churros, French toast, arroz con leche pancakes, and of course, mimosas, margaritas, and more. Happy hour runs Monday through Friday from 3 to 5 p.m., with specials on wines from Baja California, tacos, and other small bites and cocktails.
Cocina de Barrio North Park opens at 2884 University Avenue this October. It will operate Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Follow @eatcocinadebarrio on Instagram for more updates on the new location.
San Diego Restaurant News & Food Events
Local Art Show Coming to Fall Brewing in North Park
San Diego textile artist and lobsterwoman Marlene Hurtado (AKA @westghost) is putting the ART back in locAl cRafT brewery on Friday, September 13 with Tuft Shit! A Textile Art Show at Fall Brewing in North Park (4542 30th Street). Grab an Italian pilsner, enjoy local arts and crafts, and pick up some new fuzzy swag starting at 6 p.m.
Black Radish
Beth’s Bites
- Hispanic Heritage Month kicks off September 15 through October 15, bringing with it many opportunities to check out the numerous restaurants and bars powered by Hispanic chefs and owners. Learn more about the annual event here and check out some of San Diego’s spotlighted businesses, including City Tacos, Spill the Beans, Black Radish, and more.
- San Diego sports arenas have already taken stadium food to eleven, and Frontwave Arena in Oceanside is no exception. Seaside Market? Gelati & Peccati? Tanner’s Prime Burgers? The athletes can keep their protein shakes. I’m getting New York strip steak tacos and a Cutwater margarita.
- The restaurant swap game never ends, and the latest is San Diego Dining Group’s acquisition of 611 Fifth Avenue, the former Lavo and Searsucker space. (Remember Searsucker?) “Expected to open by the end of the year” is usually code for “who knows, we’re just guessing, it could be a few months, it could be springtime, stay tuned,” so I’ll wait to see what the group says firsthand before making vague predictions.
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