Just over 61,000 people reside in La Mesa, which stretches between San Diego’s Rolando neighborhood to the west and El Cajon to the east. Known as “the Jewel of the Hills,” La Mesa officially became a city in 1912, but the area was Kumeyaay land before natural springs and citrus farming brought the San Diego and Cuyamaca Eastern Railroad smack through the center of town. In fact, the MTS Orange trolley line follows part of the original railroad tracks through La Mesa Village, the downtown area that hosts community events: the La Mesa Classic Car Show every Thursday in the summer, trick-or-treating each Halloween, and the county’s largest Oktoberfest every fall.

It may no longer be a movie mecca or hipster haven, but La Mesa’s understated vibes tend to surprise visitors. Yes, it’s technically East County. Yes, it’s only 9.1 square miles. But with some good schools and a lingering quaintness alongside ever-expanding amenities, it may not be long before the Jewel of the Hills’ glitter catches people’s eyes.

Things to Do in La Mesa, San Diego

Billy Beltz, who co-owns Lost Cause Meadery and Oddish Wine with his wife Suzanna, has dwelt in La Mesa for the past three years. “We live in the Highlands neighborhood and absolutely love it,” Beltz says. “All the winding streets filled with old homes, mature trees, and friendly neighbors give it a wonderful small-town feel. La Mesa has soul and character, which is not always easy to find in SoCal neighborhoods, and we’re still just a short drive to Balboa Park or the beach.” He has more than a few favorite places around town, but here are a couple of his regular haunts.

Muffins and Coffee in the Village

It’s always a good idea to arrive at Sheldon’s Service Station as early as possible or risk a lack of seating or baked goods. But Beltz says they plan ahead to make sure his son’s favorite blueberry muffin is available. “The outdoor space serves as a great weekend hub to catch up with neighbors,” Beltz says. Afterward, stroll down the block to Public Square Coffee House for what Beltz thinks is the top coffee in the Village.

Date Nights at Antica Trattoria

“Don’t let the shopping center location fool you,” Beltz warns. “Italian dinners aren’t meant to be stuffy, and this place captures everything we loved about Italy—delicious Italian food in a lovely little space with friendly service and a warm vibe, without being overpriced. Whatʼs not to love?”

Burgers at The Hills Pub

Controversial opinion alert: Beltz claims The Hills Pub’s namesake Hills burger with grilled onions, lettuce, tomato, pickles, and chipotle on a brioche bun might be the best burger in San Diego. “[It] holds its own against any other neighborhood burger spot in San Diego,” he promises.

Facts About La Mesa

• In 2024, the Climate Action Campaign ranked La Mesa the number-one city in the county addressing climate change through efforts like infill housing, investment in public transportation, and using clean energy.
• Originally launched in 1973, La Mesa Oktoberfest is the largest Oktoberfest in the county, attracting 100,000 visitors over three days.
• Lots of things in La Mesa are named Helix—a mountain, a high school, streets. That’s because of a local species of snail: the helix aspersa. There’s even a statue of the famed critter, Felix the Helix, on the east end of La Mesa Boulevard.
• Notable former La Mesa residents include at least three astronauts, Metallica and Megadeth frontman Dave Mustaine, pro basketball player Bill Walton, and Academy Award nominee and actor Dennis Hopper.
• La Mesa has plenty of wild parrots, but did you know there are also wild peacocks on and around Mount Helix? Legend has it that, around 1980, a local resident purchased two peacocks from the Wild Animal Park in Escondido. One thing led to another, and now their feathery descendents roam the lands.

What’s Next for La Mesa

Unlike some other cities across the county falling behind on their affordable housing goals, La Mesa
is actively developing multiple infill projects near transit stations to meet demand and lower carbon emissions. One such project is Cantera, which features 32 homes priced from the high $600,000s to around $850,000. Considering La Mesa’s median home price hovers around $914,000 while the county’s is nearly $1 million, that’s a screamin’ deal for regular folks. Another development is at 8181 Allison Avenue, with 100 percent affordable housing across 147 units.

Once folks set down roots, they’re going to want to eat and shop, as well. Luckily, plenty of stores and restaurants have already started to take advantage of the area’s potential. Mastiff Kitchen opened its first brick-and-mortar there in 2023, followed by Shawarma Guys earlier this year. There are even rumors of a new communal Oddish Wine tasting room (à la The Garten in Bay Park) floating around. The old-timey Village is getting a facelift later this year or early next, with a new Downtown District sign scheduled for installation. Plus, Grossmont Center is poised for a complete overhaul starting as soon as 2025, with over 25 million square feet prime for mixed use.

Where to Eat in La Mesa

Oyster & Pearl Bar

Himalayan Cuisine

Casa Gabriela

Where to Shop in La Mesa

Re-Animated Records

Moze Guitars

Maxwell’s House of Books

More Things to Do in La Mesa

Lake Murray

Lamplighters Community Theatre

Mount Helix Park

The post The Local’s Guide to La Mesa appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

“We’ve done catering and a restaurant out of the same kitchen for 25 years,” explains Jeff Rossman, chef and cofounder of Terra. “Finally, catering just surpassed the capacity of the building, so instead of going to buy another building, we decided since we own ours currently, we would just renovate it and make it work.”

Terra’s dining room at 7091 El Cajon Blvd. closed in June, but Rossman promised patrons it would return in a new form—a takeout-only model alongside the catering business (which is still booming). During Covid, Terra launched daily takeout to keep the business afloat, a move Rossman says they were able to finesse and now implement permanently. This will allow the Terra catering team to maximize their food preparation while minimizing their food and labor costs.

“If we’re catering and doing food anyway, we might as well offer it to our customers,” he says. “Since we’re getting margins on the food for catering packages, we can offer it at a lower price.” He points to an a la carte salmon entree, currently priced at $18. “It would normally be $26 or $27,” he explains. “We don’t have to pay for dishwashing. I don’t have to have serving staff. It’s just cooked and packaged to reheat at home.”

Currently, Terra is offering two days of takeout service: a “Weekend” package (order by Wednesday, pick up on Friday) and a “Hump Day” package (order by Monday, pick up on Wednesday). Both are available for two people ($50) or four people ($100). 

“100 bucks to feed four people a three-course meal, including dessert?” Rossman laughs. “It’s ridiculously priced.” 

A la carte items, like the salmon, will also be available to add to the packages, but the menu is likely to change as the team evaluates what works and what dishes prove to be successful. To really push their efficiency, he says they may even host a ghost kitchen concept in about a month, or eventually host cooking classes at the former bar. “As far as evolving, it might evolve into ‘Oh my God, we’re selling a ton of things to go—I need to hire more people!” he jokes. 

Construction to renovate the space will officially start the first week of August, but Rossman says it should only take about a week or so. He’s lining up plenty of other plans in the meantime—hosting a multi-course seafood dinner with Tommy “The Fishmonger” Gomes on Friday, July 12; a jazz brunch on Saturday, July 27; and a winemaker dinner with Trevi Hills Winery on Friday, August 2. But he hopes people give the takeout model a chance, and promises to bring back a few old favorites, like lobster mac and cheese.

“It’s a good model,” he promises—the same great food at a much lower cost. Sounds like a recipe for success to me. 

San Diego Restaurant News & Food Events

Blanco Cocina + Cantina Opens Wednesday, July 17

Known for their chimichangas and “cheese crisps” (basically, Mexican pizzas), Blanco Cocina + Cantina is ready to open their second San Diego location at 1301 Orange Avenue on Coronado next week. The Sonoran-style Mexican eatery also has a spot in Fashion Valley, but the Coronado location will sprawl over 5,600 square feet of indoor/outdoor seating and will offer the same menu of tacos, fajitas, and—of course—plenty of margaritas. In a hurry or want to bring your tacos to the beach? It’ll also have a walk-up window for to-go service.

Beth’s Bites

• Asian snack superstore Juewei is coming to Convoy! Will I stock up on all the savory duck snacks? My Magic 8 ball says “It is decidedly so.” Guess that’s settled. 
• Marisi, the darling of La Jolla dining, earned Wine Spectator’s 2024 Award of Excellence for prioritizing wine selection, service, and knowledge as part of regular operations. San Diego may be a beer town, but our wine cred is rising by the day. 
• Speaking of beer, the San Diego Brewers Guild’s annual Craft Beer Conference is coming to MiraCosta College on August 13. You don’t have to be a Guild member to attend—just a person interested in expanding their beer education on subjects like technical brewing, business tactics, and more. (Yes, there will be samples.)

The post Terra American Bistro Switches To Takeout appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

La Mesa

La Mesa | Photo by Found Creative Studio

NEW

BO-beau Kitchen + Garden

The industrial-chic Mediterranean eatery serves up modern cool with a slick bar, rustic patio, and weeknight happy hour. 8384 La Mesa Boulevard

NEW

CorePower Yoga

Just last August the favorite chain opened a La Mesa location with two big studios for all class levels and styles. 5262 Baltimore Drive

• This Month in La Mesa

  • May 18
    Antique Street Faire

  • Fridays
    Farmers market 2 p.m.-6 p.m.

  • Fridays
    Food Fest Friday 5:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.

Swami’s Cafe

Acai bowls and more—the North County staple is a brunch dream come true for East County folks. 8284 La Mesa Boulevard

Favorite Things

This antique and home décor store, housed in La Mesa’s 1930s-era post office, leans shabby-chic. 8395 La Mesa Boulevard

Swami’s Cafe

Swami’s Cafe

L&S Event Design Co.

Find Pinterest-worthy floral arrangements and succulent plants at this mother-daughter-run operation. 8201 La Mesa Boulevard

Cosmos Coffee Café

There’s local Café Moto to caffeinate, plentiful space to work, and open mic Tuesdays to jam. 8278 La Mesa Boulevard

What a Dish!

Sift through colorful dishware, Stonewall Kitchen products, and other charming knickknacks at this new kitchen shop. 8209 La Mesa Boulevard

Gypsy Treasure

From elaborate costumes to wigs and false eyelashes, this year-round costume store is a savior for theme parties and summer soirées. 8119 La Mesa Boulevard

Cosmos Coffee Café

Cosmos Coffee Café

L&S Event Design Co.

L&S Event Design Co.

La Mesa Antique Mall

In a town famous for antiques, this sprawling curiosity shop has some of the coolest finds. 4710 Palm Avenue

Next Door Wine Bar

The intimate and inviting spot serves vino, local craft beer, and small plates. 7235 El Cajon Boulevard

Hoffer’s Cigar Bar

Come for the cigars, stay for the impressive craft beer lineup and live jazz every Saturday night. 8282 La Mesa Boulevard

The Brigantine

The San Diego seafood institution is much loved for its oysters, fish tacos, and airy outdoor patio. 9350 Fuerte Drive

Lake Murray

The 6-mile, out-and-back paved trail is popular with families, pooches, and workout fiends alike. 5540 Kiowa Drive

The post Neighborhood Guide: La Mesa appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

La Mesa

La Mesa | Photo by Found Creative Studio

NEW

BO-beau Kitchen + Garden

The industrial-chic Mediterranean eatery serves up modern cool with a slick bar, rustic patio, and weeknight happy hour. 8384 La Mesa Boulevard

NEW

CorePower Yoga

Just last August the favorite chain opened a La Mesa location with two big studios for all class levels and styles. 5262 Baltimore Drive

• This Month in La Mesa

  • May 18
    Antique Street Faire

  • Fridays
    Farmers market 2 p.m.-6 p.m.

  • Fridays
    Food Fest Friday 5:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.

Swami’s Cafe

Acai bowls and more—the North County staple is a brunch dream come true for East County folks. 8284 La Mesa Boulevard

Favorite Things

This antique and home décor store, housed in La Mesa’s 1930s-era post office, leans shabby-chic. 8395 La Mesa Boulevard

Swami’s Cafe

Swami’s Cafe

L&S Event Design Co.

Find Pinterest-worthy floral arrangements and succulent plants at this mother-daughter-run operation. 8201 La Mesa Boulevard

Cosmos Coffee Café

There’s local Café Moto to caffeinate, plentiful space to work, and open mic Tuesdays to jam. 8278 La Mesa Boulevard

What a Dish!

Sift through colorful dishware, Stonewall Kitchen products, and other charming knickknacks at this new kitchen shop. 8209 La Mesa Boulevard

Gypsy Treasure

From elaborate costumes to wigs and false eyelashes, this year-round costume store is a savior for theme parties and summer soirées. 8119 La Mesa Boulevard

Cosmos Coffee Café

Cosmos Coffee Café

L&S Event Design Co.

L&S Event Design Co.

La Mesa Antique Mall

In a town famous for antiques, this sprawling curiosity shop has some of the coolest finds. 4710 Palm Avenue

Next Door Wine Bar

The intimate and inviting spot serves vino, local craft beer, and small plates. 7235 El Cajon Boulevard

Hoffer’s Cigar Bar

Come for the cigars, stay for the impressive craft beer lineup and live jazz every Saturday night. 8282 La Mesa Boulevard

The Brigantine

The San Diego seafood institution is much loved for its oysters, fish tacos, and airy outdoor patio. 9350 Fuerte Drive

Lake Murray

The 6-mile, out-and-back paved trail is popular with families, pooches, and workout fiends alike. 5540 Kiowa Drive

The post Neighborhood Guide: La Mesa appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

Now she’s back. The Cohn Restaurant Group just hired Gubbins under the title “Special Ops: Food & Flavor.” We talked to her about what the hell that means, where she’s been, and why she went from indie favorite to corporate bigwig…

Why’d you leave Parallel 33?

I was bored. It was an eight year run. I didn’t feel challenged. There was always promise of a second spot but it never happened. I’m constantly about growth. I need to grow all day long. And I was stopping their growth. Me leaving made room for chef Ben Moore.

Everyone wants to hear about Lenny Kravitz, so I have to ask. Let’s get that question out of the way. Tell me about his underwear drawer.

We’ve been friends for 20 years. I was living in New York at his house. The whole time he was fighting to get me on his payroll. I said, “Nope. As long as I’m with you, I’m feeding you.’” I was in the studio and got to watch the tracks get laid down for his album, It’s Time for a Love Revolution. When I told him I was leaving to go back to San Diego, he took me to the Bahamas. Driving down to Miami on the bus, he played me all the raw tracks from Love Revolution. We’d listen and he’d ask me what I think. I’d say, “I don’t hear the oboe,” and he’d have [his audio engineer] bring the oboe up in the song. So I listen to it now and think, ‘Wow, he let me be a part of that.’

Seems like a decent gig. Why’d you leave?

I missed San Diego. I missed my dogs.

So you joined Specialty Produce to do what?

I helped them get their farmers market program off the ground. I did that for 18 months. I’d go to the Santa Monica Farmers Market and find the best of what they had. I’d text pictures of this amazing produce to chefs like Christian Graves (Jsix) or Antonio Friscia (Gaijin). They’d text back and say, “Cool, get me 10 pounds.”

I’ve heard the market is pretty cutthroat among buyers…

It’s super-political. I’d have to call farmers up the night before and ask them what they were bringing. They’d tell me and then I’d say, ‘OK, now what are you bringing that you’re not telling me?’

How did the Sysco thing happen?

I was in Hawaii surfing with a friend—in between jobs again—and my phone starts ringing. It’s the VP of Sysco. He said he’d like to hire me. And I’m thinking ‘Sales person? I’d be the worst sales person in the world.’ And he said, ‘No, we have this corporate chef job that helps our customers develop their menus.’

I think most people’s response to you joining Sysco was, “What? How corporate and not sexy.”

You can throw stones at the big company on the outside and flip them off. Or you can infiltrate them and figure out their culture. I tried my best. I went in there and got blue in the face talking about organics and natural meats.

So what did you do, exactly?

These mom-and-pop restaurant owners would sign up to come into my test kitchen. I’d do three a day. I’d have Indian restaurants. One day I had an Indian, Vietnamese, Italian and BBQ joint. Thank god that I loved all the different ethnic foods. I’d teach ‘em, y’know, how to make a vinaigrette. It really shaped me up to do what I’m going to do with the Cohns.

And how’d this new Cohn thing come about?

This has been a six-year courtship. We’d had conversations before and were friends. But my attitude was, ‘I’m not going to close my restaurant and come work in yours.’ I told him three years ago, ‘I know in my heart of hearts we’ll do a project together. I just don’t know what or when.’

So what exactly is “Special Ops: Food & Flavor”?

It’s going to be like what I was at Sysco, but much more intimate. I’ll work with the chefs at the new restaurants to help develop the menus. We’ll start with the new ones: Bo-Beau (in La Mesa), Zig-Zag (Oceanside), the O.B. Warehouse and Sea 180 (Imperial Beach).

Why not just call yourself corporate chef or something?

I just came from the corporate world. Official titles are not my thing. David [Cohn] told me to think about what I wanted my title to be. I was in yoga one day trying to hold this really tough inversion and not topple over and I thought, ‘I’m special opps. I roll in there, elevate the menu, roll out.’

The Cohns bring Amiko Gubbins back to S.D. restaurants.

The post THE RETURN: Amiko Gubbins appeared first on San Diego Magazine.