Crab Carillon

We've been wanting to check out Long Play Hi-Fi for a while, and after finally finding it (which is…read morepart of the experience ).. It's got this hidden, almost speakeasy vibe. You ring the doorbell, wait patiently, and once you're inside, you realize this isn't your typical coffee shop. It's a place to slow down, enjoy the music, and savor your drink. Monique and Danica were both amazing. They're warm, welcoming, and you can really see the passion behind what they do. Danica is also the DJ, and her eclectic playlist made the whole experience even better. One of my favorite parts was just sitting there watching our drinks being made. You can see the care and craft that goes into every cup...even the Kuramoto ice is beautiful. The Matcha Americano completely changed my perception of matcha. The Kyoto cold brew pour-over was fascinating to watch and incredibly smooth. We loved it so much that we came back the very next day. This time I had the Midori, and my brother-in-law loved the Highball, especially the yuzu. No laptops. Trust the DJ. Drinks are meant to be enjoyed fresh, so take your time. If you're looking for a quick coffee run, this isn't it. But if you appreciate great coffee, good music, and people who are passionate about their craft, Long Play Hi-Fi is absolutely worth the visit.

Came on a Sunday afternoon with no wait, just stood outside without ringing the doorbell and…read moresomeone let us in after less than 5 min. (Dw, from the inside, you can see outside well) Drinks were really good and carefully made, song selections were unique! We ended up chatting with one of the customers there too. Chill atmosphere 10/10 recommend. There's also free wifi here, signal isn't very good. :) Parked in free street parking about a min walk away.

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Drop Dead Dames Burlesque Revue

(12 reviews)

Honestly, I would give these ladies 10 stars if that was possible. What a bunch of creative,…read moreclassy, and gorgeous women! I loved how confident they all were, and that women of all shapes and sizes were represented in their troupe. I've been twice now, with husband and friends, the most recent trip on Valentine's Day for their sold-out show. So much fun! I would recommend this show to anyone (ok, maybe anyone other than my parents)- I've never cheered so hard or smiled so much in a two hour period. My only tip would be to get to Queen Bee's early- you'll want good seats for the show, and the dancers usually reserve a few rows for their friends, so you won't have the full range of seats you'd expect for the venue. Thanks ladies! Can't wait for the next show :)

Wow, amazing performances by all these lovely ladies. I have seen them about 4 times, Tiki Beat…read more2016, Tiki Beat 2018, San Diego Spirits Festival 2017 & Dynasty 2017. And you best believe I have bought tickets for their upcoming show, Elixir 2018. I love watching each of their performances and honestly they just keep getting better and better. They put their whole hearts and wonderful personalities into each act. You will laugh, you will cry, and you will go home and feel empowered by your body cause these women are natural beauties and their confidence and diversity is empowering. If you are a local or just visiting this beautiful city and you want to see some amazing burlesque, follow them on instagram and go to their next show. Much love ladies, keep doing your thing!

Mistress Michele Photo: RD Photography

Photo: Vixen Photography

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Madison Jane Photo: Morat

Sherman Academy

3.7

(3 reviews)

0.3 mi

My son is biracial, and at the time 4yrs old. This was the only school in our area.The first day I…read moredrop him off the teacher wouldn' care if she was going to fast. Knowing he comes from a English home. I use to think that the Spanish culture was gentle, sweet, and patience. I was wrong. That teacher seem like she had something wrong with her eyes. She didn't even help my son knowing he had an IP, and wouldn't try to slow down. I could tell my son was starting to get uncomfortable, and couldn't wait to get home....Hes now in another school. Doing a lot better and getting the proper education he needed. I went to this school when I was a child.(I am African-American) Only to understand why my parents moved me out of this school. Just because they keep changing this school with nice things doesn't mean that they nice. If it wasn't for one of the ladies in the Office who has a little girl. That star is for her/them. Thank you. She/they helped me, and my son. I put him here because of a favorite teacher with out her here anymore this school just isn't the same. RIP Mrs. Elemi Class of 90, 91, & 92" You will never be forgotten as long as I'm here

A gem in the rough, this school is in start-up phase after closing down for 2-3 years for a…read morecomplete reconstruction. The heart of the academic program is a dual immersion concept where students spend half the day learning in Spanish and half the day learning in English. Dare I say that this is a superior model and fairer to English language learners than the total Spanish immersion at certain magnet schools with huge waiting lists? Sherman is a neighborhood school and the student body has a very high proportion of English language learners from poor families. Nonetheless, the sense one gets from visiting the new campus is one of wholesomeness. Indeed, the students' exuberance for learning is matched by the evident commitment of their family members to their kids' education. The teachers, all hand-picked by the forward-looking principal who championed the dual immersion concept with the district, seem deeply committed to the educational mission. One hang-up: The administration seems a bit disorganized due to being in start-up phase. I hope these issues take care of themselves in the next year as they find their groove.

Beyond Babel

(129 reviews)

My teammates and I decided to watch Keone and Mari's last show for Beyond Babel. Coming all the way…read morefrom the Orange County, we were pressed for time and drove 95 mph to get down to San Diego. Worth it? Most definitely. Although it's difficult to find parking, there is a nearby neighborhood that is less than a 2 minute walk from the theatre. This show is absolutely amazing. The storytelling is incredible and to weave it in with the movement and music is worth every penny and every mile that we drove.

Okay so this one is for my little dancers. Beyond Babel is as if your entire world was one giant…read moredance-off. The dance moves as you would hope were phenomenal. Seriously I didn't realize the human body could bend, twist, shake, etc., like that. Maybe the cast isn't human? Maybe they are aliens from Dancetron come to teach us to lay down our guns and pick up the beat? The choreography is creative and the moves are very clean and tight. I won't lie to you, this wasn't exactly my jam. My daughters love this show and this was the second time seeing it. I was told it was a spin on Romeo & Juliet which is cool and I saw some common threads but sometimes was left just going "huh?" Still a lot of "wow" factor in the dance. The theater is pretty neat. Located off Imperial Avenue, it looks like this took over two houses? There is the front lobby which you have to exit to go around back to the theater itself. The first floor holds the majority of the seats which look comfy. The second floor where my wife and I sat was bar stool seats overlooking a balcony. I wasn't very comfortable after a while and kept fidgeting. Get seats on first floor. The dancers also move through the audience. It didn't happen this time but my girls and wife said the stage also moves. They also said this show was different at times which would allow it to be fresh even for a repeat visit. You could tell there were a lot of die hard fans shouting out at dancers by name. The creators, Keone and Mari, have a lot to be proud of and it would not surprise me to see this hit Broadway. If love dance and want to support local artists hit Beyond Babel. Okay, I'm done. Time to moonwalk my way off the stage.

The best show you will ever see!! The entire cast is extremely talented!

A must see!

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San Diego Japanese School

(2 reviews)

0.2 mi

I started my Japanese language study at San Diego Japanese school years ago. Studied with both…read moreHasegawa-sensei and Fukuda-sensei. They taught wonderful beginning adult language classes. I knew nothing and they were very patient. They spent a lot of time making sure that I knew how to speak politely. I was able to travel to Japan and speak successfully, as well as transition to other Japanese language schools when I moved away from San Diego.

San Diego Japanese school is a small, little gem I really wish more people knew about. That being…read moresaid, as somebody who was a student here from middle school up until early high school, my opinion is definitely more from the high-school student perspective. Hasegawa-sensei and Fukuda-sensei are both sweet, personable and attentive teachers who get to know their students personally and oversee their studies with care, interest and patience. There are various age and skill groups that students are split off into, all of which are taught by various competent teachers and some of which I've kept in contact with over the years (here's looking to you, Chris-sensei!). In the middle of the session there is a small break in which the teachers make and sell homemade onigiri (still warm!), followed by group raijo taiso. You really get a sense of family here- it's honestly hard NOT to fit in and make friends easily here. In addition to language classes, they have some culture classes and occasionally have interesting and informative guests you wouldn't be able to find anywhere else. If I remember correctly, we once had some people from the Toyko Philharmonic come and play for us, and every year students get a tour of the Japanese Self Defense Force boat in the harbor. Cool! That being said, you really have to have some self discipline to really get the most out of this school. Meeting only once a week means there is a lot of things to go over in one day, and it is imperative that you upkeep your studies, go through your textbooks and do your lessons in the days between classes! Like with most schools, it can sometimes be easy to be distracted by the social aspect of going every week, so one definitely needs to remember that it is a school, not a place to hang out. I loved it here. Honestly, if anyone was looking to seriously learn Japanese, I would without hesitation refer them to the San Diego Japanese School. Anyone who comes here is in some seriously capable and caring hands.

Imperial Avenue Street Festival

(1 review)

Free festival featuring two stages of local music and art from around the city. Music styles range…read morefrom Latin, Jazz, Blues, Gospel, Folk and local DJs. Bring your own chair and umbrella. There are plenty of food and community vendors with the usual swag and giveaways and a beer garden. Local restaurants and street vendors are also available.

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Cucina Migrante

4.9

(122 reviews)

0.2 mi

My husband organized a private dinner for my birthday with friends. It was truly such an amazing…read moreexperience. So fun, warm, and heart filling, AND belly filling!!! Chef Simone was amazing! He had some of us help out in the kitchen, and that was really fun/cool to get some tips on prepping some of the items. The food was seriously fantastic. He put together a tomato sauce and guanciale pasta for us, with some side dishes (chicken and prosciutto, mushrooms, and mashed cauliflower) and finished it off with a Tiramisu from scratch! Place a special cake for me on top of that, which was probably one of the best chocolate cake/mousse desserts (sorry I don't know what it's called) I've ever had. I would 100% do this again and highly recommend to anyone looking for something different to do with a big group.

Beyond exceptional! I hosted my team of about 20 employees for our annual team building event and…read moretruly had an experience that was enjoyed by all... literally everyone loved it. What sets this event apart from all others is the attentiveness of the staff, the coziness of the atmosphere and the family vibe of the entire experience. If you need to host an event for 20-30 people, this is THE place to go. I wholeheartedly recommend this venue and the awesome staff at Cucina Migrante for your next corporate event!

Seasonal produce are so vibrant

Lovely hosts & owners of Cucina Migrante -Francesco & Adisa

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Francesco showing us what garlic is supposed to look like

Balboa Park

4.8

(2.9k reviews)

1.4 mi

Balboa Park is easily one of my favorite outdoor spots in San Diego and, in my opinion, one of the…read morebest urban parks in the country. There is SO much to do here, and the park is absolutely stunning and very well maintained. When living downtown, I was here pretty much every weekend. I love walking through the park, running the trails, and bringing my dog. The dog park is huge and gives them plenty of room to run around, which is a major plus. You could easily spend hours just walking and exploring everything Balboa Park has to offer. Between the trails, architecture, museums, gardens, recreational areas, and incredible history, there is always something to see or do. Even after coming here so often, I still enjoy simply walking around and taking it all in. The history and architecture are really what make Balboa Park special. It's beautiful, full of character, and such an incredible part of San Diego. Whether you want to exercise, walk your dog, explore, have a picnic, visit a museum, or just enjoy being outside, this park has something for everyone. An easy 5/5 for me. One of the places that makes me love San Diego!

Balboa Park is always such a great place to get away and enjoy a relaxing walk. There's just…read moresomething so calming about being here. The park is beautifully maintained, and everything feels clean and well cared for. The newly renovated botanical garden is especially peaceful and definitely worth visiting. It's also a great place to bring kids they'll love seeing the turtles, fish, and ducks around the park. There are plenty of vendor stands to check out as well, making it easy to spend a few hours exploring. Whether you're looking to unwind, enjoy nature, or spend quality time with family, Balboa Park is always a wonderful destination.

PostSecrets (artist invited people to write secrets on post cards, you could submit yours at the end too!)

Wedding at Balboa Park

Nativity Display

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Cinema Under the Stars

4.7

(229 reviews)

3.2 mi

I went to Cinema Under the Stars a few weeks ago when they were showing Pulp Fiction, and overall…read moreit was a really fun experience. It's a pretty cool concept and a nice change from a traditional movie theater. One thing that surprised me was that it was actually a little more covered than I expected. Based on the name, I thought it would be more open air and exposed to the elements, but the setup was cozier and more sheltered than I anticipated. They have a selection of snacks and beverages available, which was nice, although I do wish they were able to sell alcohol. A beer or glass of wine would have been a great addition to the experience. Overall, it was a unique and enjoyable night out. The atmosphere was great, the movie selection was fun, and I'd definitely go back for another showing.

Wholesome, and independently run. San Diego needs more places like this wonderful theatre. Support…read morelocal theaters!!

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Some Like It Hot

THE LOT La Jolla

A luxury movie experience one needs every now and then, this THE LOT location in LJ with upscale,…read moreclean, and comfortable environs perfect for serving that desire. The Lot is very unique in that they not only serve as a movie theater, but have a full-service dinner and bar area as well. Adjoining ASA Bakery is also on-site, serving creative, too-pretty-to-eat pastries and matcha drinks. Honestly, the $24 price tag for a movie experience might seem steep, but other movies theaters are in and around that price anyways. At The Lot, at least you're getting comfortable, plush seats, a seemingly private viewing experience with your partner in your recline-ready love seat, food and drink wait service at your seat (if you desire it), and superb picture with okay enough sound. On that note, some cons: -We recently watched The Odyssey and some of the scenes were blaringly LOUD to the point where my ears felt like they could bleed. They do not divulge their sound system either, only that it's "high-end". The sound could definitely use better balance. -Mentioned love seats are very apparent upon booking now, making selection easy with no confusion. The theaters do cater to them so if you're in a group, you'll feel far from them. -Try as we might to pay in person, we could not avoid the service fee applied to all sales. Service fees are my biggest gripe, enough to teeter this rating. The atmosphere though is rather spectacular, so some things are to be ignored. -No true matinee prices unless you're a member. $20-22, otherwise, on Wednesday's for non-members.

I really enjoy the experience of The Lot, but between this location and the one on Liberty Station,…read morethe service always leaves something to be desired. Each visit (three separate occasions), something I've ordered was either forgotten or brought out very late. On this particular visit (Fri, July 3rd), I went to see a movie for my birthday. Unfortunately, due to public transportation, I was unable to make it to the theater as early as I wanted. My movie started @ 1:30, but I didn't make it inside until about 1:40 or so. The trailers were still playing, but the lights were off inside and the other guests seemed to already have their food/drinks. So, I attribute some of the mishap to that. However, there were less than ten people in the theater. So, keep that in mind as well. I ordered poke nachos, a popcorn, and a soda. Pretty simple order, right? My "host" brought out the popcorn + drink pretty swiftly. The popcorn tasted stale, just like another time I'd visited. Even though I'm pretty sure their 1:30 movies are their first showing. About halfway through the movie, I pressed the call button because I still hadn't received my nachos. The host said, "They might be ready now. Let me check." Translation: "I forgot them." That was pretty annoying. Especially as this is the third time something like this has occurred at The Lot. And I've only been three times in total. Luckily, the popcorn was free because it was my birthday, which I had to remind the host twice before he tried charging me. Do not order it unless you enjoy stale popcorn. The nachos and ginger ale were tasty, though. Overall, the vibe/setup is nice for viewing films. I only which the service and attention to detail was better.