Dock, Dine and Drink in San Diego

Jimmy’s Famous Tavern

Jimmy’s Famous, a beloved restaurant in San Diego, was founded by the Grimstead family in 2010. More than just a dining establishment, Jimmy’s Famous embodies the essence of the “American Dream.” It’s a place where hard work, dedication and a commitment to quality create a memorable culinary experience.

At Jimmy’s, the menu pays homage to American classics, crafted with the finest ingredients on the market. The philosophy of sourcing ingredients within the U.S. sets the Jimmy’s team apart. They believe in supporting local and sustainable businesses, as reflected in the menu choices.

“Did you know that 93 percent of seafood sold in the U.S. is imported?” said AJ Manente, director of restaurant operations. “At Jimmy’s, we’re passionate about using American-caught seafood, some of the most sustainable fisheries in the world. We take pride in not employing slave labor on our fishing boats. Our seafood suppliers include Town Dock in Rhode Island, Cod from Alaska, and fresh tuna from Chula Seafood, just two buildings away from us. This commitment to ethical sourcing extends to all our ingredients.”

While the franchise strives to source domestically, it’s understandable that some ingredients, like avocados, may come from Mexico. However, when possible, Jimmy’s purchases U.S. produce. Take garlic, for example; instead of imported Chinese garlic, they choose the aromatic Gilroy garlic, grown in California.

Jimmy’s Famous is more than just a restaurant; it’s a community of like-minded individuals. They support local artisans and small businesses. Their bread is sourced from Sadie Rose, a local bakery. A small Texas company crafts its unique jalapeno jam, and its exclusive chipotle ketchup is made for them in Brea. Even the carrot cake is baked by the mother of Culinary Director Nathan Coulon, at her bakery, Michele Coulon Dessertier, in La Jolla.

Jimmy’s Famous has become an integral part of its communities – since 2010 in Point Loma and 2013 in Dana Point. They take pride in supporting the neighborhoods that have embraced them, actively engaging with like-minded and community-driven organizations. This October, their Point Loma location will participate in Taste of Point Loma, a testament to their commitment to community involvement.

“Jimmy’s Famous isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a celebration of American flavors, a commitment to ethical sourcing and a pillar of community support,” said Manente. “Join us on this culinary journey as we continue to serve you with the best of American cuisine and values.”

For more information on Jimmy’s Famous Tavern, visit https://www.j-fat.com/locations/san-diego/.

Vessel Restaurant + Bar

Kona Kai and Vessel Restaurant + Bar sits at the tip of Shelter Island and is surrounded by water on three sides. Noble House Hotels & Resorts purchased the 513-slip Kona Kai Marina in 2008, followed by the purchase of the resort and club in 2012. Immediately upon its purchase, Noble House chose to rebrand the restaurant to provide a sense of escape from everyday life. The staff worked hard to ensure that Vessel was in harmony with the local culture and environment and was a unique destination. With the help of local artists and artisans, the restaurant was carefully designed to reflect the style and ambiance of its surroundings – the sea and yachts with the picturesque background of the Point Loma hillside in the distance.

“The name was chosen to celebrate Vessel’s surroundings and the history of Kona Kai, said Amanda Sobkowiak, area director of marketing. “The Kona Kai Club was introduced a short time after the luxury marina’s construction in the early 1950s and boasted a guest list with names such as JFK, Liberace, John Wayne, Charlton Heston, Richard Nixon, Dick Van Dyke, Jerry Lewis and many more. The club was designed to be ultra-exclusive, with members-only beaches, amenities and preferential treatment over public guests.”

She added that the name Vessels, “of course, (is) an homage to the vessels that occupied its luxury marina of the day.”

The restaurant sources its food from the Pacific Ocean, San Diego regional farms and artisan producers. The menus are hand-crafted and follow seasonal themes. Guests also may enjoy panoramic waterfront views reflecting fresh and inventive culinary experiences.

Vessel Restaurant + Bar participates in local events like San Diego Restaurant Week, San Diego Food & Wine Festival and the San Diego Press Club’s “Taste of San Diego” event.

For more information on Kona Kai resort and Vessel Restaurant + Bar, visit https://www.resortkonakai.com/shelter-island-restaurant/.

Eppig Brewing Waterfront Biergarten

 

This one is for the beer lovers. Just steps away from H&M Landing, one of the most well-known sportfishing landings on the West Coast, is Eppig Brewing Waterfront Biergarten. This harbor front tasting room is an extension of the award-winning craft brewery in San Diego, Eppig Brewing. The team resurrected the Eppig Brewing legacy 150 years after establishing the family’s first brewery in Brooklyn, New York.  Brothers Joseph and Leonhard Eppig established a brewing empire that prospered through the early 1900s, and even discreetly endured despite the trials and tribulations of the prohibition.

 

Guests can enjoy the views of Point Loma and Shelter Island while enjoying about 13 different beers, ranging from lagers to sours. You can drink them on site or take some to go. The tasting room is dog friendly and allows you to bring in food from neighboring restaurants.

 

Eppig Brewing participates in annual and local events such as Oktoberfest on the Harbor, Oktoberfest at the Cove and La Jolla Run Club. And if you can’t attend their events, you can host your own. Their locations patio reservations for up to 65 guests, or full buyouts with room for 200 guests.

 

For more information about Eppig Brewing Waterfront Biergarten, visit http://www.eppigbrewing.com/waterfront-biergarten.

 

Brigantine Seafood & Oyster Bar – and more.

 

The Brigantine, Inc. is a collection of six different brands sprinkled across San Diego County, Brigantine, Ketch Grill & Taps, Ketch Brewing, Miguel’s Cocina, Portside Coffee & Gelato and Topsail Portside Pier. Since some of the locations are in close proximity on the bay, the Brigantine collection gives boaters a wide variety of menus.

 

Ketch Grill & Taps features a draft list from Ketch Brewing that pairs with the modern taverns’ hip vibes paying homage to the history of the San Diego community by fusing past traditions with the novelty of the future. San Diego’s culture is deeply infused in a menu that features seafood options such as freshly shucked oysters, lobster and shrimp cocktail and crowd favorites like calamari. Portside Coffee & Gelato sits directly next to Ketch Grill so that guests can enjoy fresh coffee and espresso from local roaster Café Moto, along with a wide assortment of icy treats after their dinners.

 

Topsail Portside Pier is a rooftop terrace with fire pits and waterfront views. Topsail offers handcrafted cocktails, fine wine and fresh, seafood-focused small plates. Brigantine Seafood & Oyster Bar embodies the San Diego vision of surf and turf with their signature oyster bar.

 

The Brigantine is a place where locals and visitors alike come to share a lively atmosphere and an authentic sense of community. When the Morton family opened the first Brigantine on Shelter Island in 1969, they embraced the beach-town lifestyle, a dedication to flavorful food and a passion for friendly service.

For more information, please visit https://www.brigantine.com/.

Other San Diego staples that boaters can visit include Humphrey’s, Fiddler’s Green, Bali Hai, Blue Wave Bar and Grill and Pizza Nova. The diverse collection of eateries freckled across the face of the Big Bay can meet any craving.