The Wagyu Beef Shawarma Pita is a must-try at Shawarma Guys. | Photo via Monica Garske + SDtoday
We know San Diego’s food scene sizzles, but now it’s official. Nine San Diego-area restaurants landed coveted spots on Yelp’s 2025 Top 100 Places to Eat in the US.Let’s dig in — there’s a lot of delicious ground to cover.
This cult favorite first soared to fame as a South Park food truck that earned top honors from Yelp in 2020, and was later featured on Guy Fieri’s “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives.” The family-owned biz has since opened a permanent location in La Mesa, which landed the No. 26 spot on this year’s list. Editor Monica’s recommendation: The Wagyu Beef Shawarma Pita.
San Diego Museum Month | Through Friday, Feb. 28 | Times vary | Locations vary | Price varies by museum | Enjoy half-price admission at 70+ local museums and attractions while you can.
The Genesis Invitational | Thursday, Feb. 13-Sunday, Feb. 16 | Times vary | Torrey Pines Golf Course, La Jolla | $90+ | The PGA Tour’s tournament hosted by Tiger Woods was relocated from LA to Torrey amid LA’s wildfire recovery — watch the pros tee off.
Friday, Feb. 14
ARTIFACT at Night | 5-8:30 p.m. | Mingei International | $80 | Tonight’s curated dinner is inspired by the cuisine of Brazil, led by culinary director Tim Kolanko, Chef Wesley Johnson, and Chef Tony Coito.
Warren G | 7 p.m. | The Observatory North Park | $42+ | Regulators, mount up — the West Coast rap icon takes the mic.
Valentine’s Super Love Jam | 7:30 p.m. | Pechanga Arena San Diego | $52+ | Get ready to groove — this nostalgic lineup includes Midnight Star, Klymaxx, Malo, GQ, All-4-One, Brenda K. Starr, Color Me Badd, and Eddie Holman.
Saturday, Feb. 15
Black Com!x Day 2025 | Saturday, Feb. 15-Sunday, Feb. 16 | 10 a.m. | Worldbeat Cultural Center | Free | Explore the works of Black artists in the comic book industry, including the talents of those who created iconic characters like Black Panther and Blade.
Balboa Park Chinese New Year Fair | Saturday, Feb. 15-Sunday, Feb. 16 | 11 a.m.-5 p.m. | Balboa Park | Free | The House of China will lead this celebration filled with entertainment, fun activities, and vendors in the heart of the historic, multicultural hub.
Sunday, Feb. 16
Daygo Eatz | 12-5 p.m. | Black Arts & Culture District | Free | This celebration of SD’s Black Arts & Culture District will include an art walk, yoga demos, street food vendors, live music, and games.
San Jose Barracuda vs. San Diego Gulls | 5 p.m. | Pechanga Arena San Diego | $15 | It’s “Star Wars” night at the arena in support of Rady Children’s Hospital.
“Hell’s Kitchen” is a coming-of-age musical from icon Alicia Keys. | Photo via Marc J. Franklin
Broadway San Diego announced the lineup for its 48th season kicking off Sept. 30 and wrapping up in August 2026. The season’s theme is “The Stories That Connect Us,” and the bill is packed with heartfelt musicals. Here’s what’s coming to the stage.
“SUFFS” | Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025-Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025 | This Tony Award-winning musical is about the brilliant, passionate women who fought for the right to vote in America.
“Disney’s Beauty and the Beast” | Tuesday, July 7, 2026-Sunday, July 12, 2026 | New sets, dazzling costumes, and the tale as old as time that you know and love.
“Hell’s Kitchen” | Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026-Sunday, Aug. 16, 2026 | This coming-of-age musical comes from Grammy Award-winning icon Alicia Keys and follows the story of a 17-year-old girl searching for her place in the world.
Keep that umbrella handy. The rain will continue through this Friday, Feb. 14, with the heaviest showers expected tonight throughout San Diego County. The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch through late tonight in local coastal areas, inland valleys, and mountains, and the city is monitoring storm drains.(CBS 8)
State
Gov. Gavin Newsom signed an executive order calling for California homeowners to create a 5-ft “ember-resisant” zone around their homes to lower fire risk. Cal Fire said details are still murky, but it would be up to local jurisdictions to enforce the rule in their fire-hazard areas. (The Mercury News)
Civic
With plans scrapped for Mayor Todd Gloria’s 1,000-bed shelter for unhoused locals in Middletown, city council is considering new potential sites for the facility. The alternatives include the former downtown central library on E Street, the County Operations Building on First Avenue, and a commercial property on Second Avenue. (CBS 8)
Edu
San Diego Unified School District’s early retirement offer has been accepted by 969 teachers + staff who plan to retire by the end of the year. The district is dealing with a budget deficit and said these retirements will help avoid a large number of layoffs. (KPBS)
Development
Hotel del Coronado’s $550 million, multi-phased restoration project will soon unveil major upgrades to its 137-year-old Victorian building, where 367 rooms have been closed for over a year. The Del will open 82 renovated guest rooms this Saturday, Feb. 15, with more room releases scheduled through Sunday, June 15. (The San Diego Union-Tribune)
Coming Soon
Local Chef Phillip Esteban will open his newest concept later this month, Wildflour Delicatessen, at Liberty Station’s Barracks 19 building. The all-day, counter-service restaurant will offer picnic baskets with meals for two, grab-and-go sandwiches, charcuterie, pastries, and housemade provisions like nut butters + jams for real “California bodega vibes.” (The San Diego Union-Tribune)
Travel
Royal Caribbean is launching a new home port in San Diego. Serenade of the Seas will set sail from San Diego Bay beginning in October 2026. The cruise will offer 3-7 night trips across the Mexican Riviera to places like Cabo, Ensenada, and La Paz. Bookings open today.
Number
25.24 million. That’s how many passengers traveled through San Diego International Airport in 2024, making it SAN’s busiest year ever. The stat breaks the airport’s pre-pandemic record of 25.18 million passengers set in 2019, and the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority said it signifies “recovery and growth.”
Real Estate
MG Properties has purchased Park 12, downtown San Diego’s largest apartment complex, for $309 million — the second-largest apartment complex sale in our county’s history.The luxury complex towers over part of Petco Park and has some of the highest monthly rents in the area, ranging from $2,342 to $8,766. (The San Diego Union-Tribune)
Closing
Skate, surf, and snowboard brands Billabong, Quiksilver, and Volcom are closing 100+ retail stores, including six locations in San Diego County like the Quiksilver store in the Gaslamp Quarter and the Volcom outlet at Las Americas. The operator of the brands filed for bankruptcy, but another operator is taking over. (NBC 7)
Sports
It’s time to break down the Fangraphs projections for the San Diego Padres lineup. Are the projections for Fernando Tatis Jr. too low? Can Manny Machado still be a four-win player past his prime? Go beyond the scoreboard and behind the scenes with Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Finance
Out for 2025: High-interest debt. In for 2025: This balance transfer card, featuring cash back on purchases, zero annual fee, and 0% intro APR into 2026.*
Community
Thousands of engaged subscribers are reading this right now — just like you. So why not make it about your business? With our easy-to-use self-service ad portal, promoting your business, event, or brand has never been simpler. Get premium visibility in our trusted local newsletter.
Home
How much did you spend on home repairs last year? The average homeowner shells out nearly $6,000 annually on upkeep — but some of these costs can be offset by a home warranty. American Home Shield is now offering $150 off their plans. See important disclaimers on web.*
City Guide
City Guide
🌹 Will you accept these date ideas?
The only thing that makes Sunset Cliffs better: going with the right person. | Photo via @the_breezy_blonde
Looking for love in San Diego? SDtoday makes the perfect sidekick, and we’ve found date ideas that will help you write your love story — whether this is the first page or a later chapter.
If the way to their heart is through their stomach
If you want sky-high views of San Diego Bay, make a reservation at Seneca Trattoria, a romantic restaurant that sits on the 19th floor of the Intercontinental San Diego.
For the ones who want a night out on the town
Spend the night laughing together at a local comedy club. Many comedians have gotten their starts by performing at The Comedy Store in La Jolla — the writing is literally on the wall.
If you love the great outdoors
San Diego’s sunsets are priceless, but watching the sun go down at Sunset Cliffs Natural Park makes for a romantic date, and it’s completely free.
For the ones who like to play games (just not with your heart)
Prove that you’ve got game by winning a prize at one of Belmont Park’s carnival-style games. Or, score points and get a little competitive with a trip to the arcade.
Le Creuset’s Signature Round Dutch Oven in the color Berry. In case you haven’t heard the news, this popular hue is back after being discontinued in 2019 — and the internet is freaking out. It’s also available in the Signature Oval Dutch Oven. Grab it before it’s gone again.
Fun fact: San Diego ranks the No. 3 best city to go to on Valentine’s Day in 2025. The WalletHub research factored 25 metrics, including florists per capita and the cost of a three-course meal for two.
SD was No. 11 on the “gift accessibility rank” but because we love you, we’re going to make it super easy for you: Here are 11 local chocolate shops where you can buy a treats for your sweets, and cool gifts made in San Diego.
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