What’s a French brunch without a croissant + chocolat chaud? | Photo via Little Frenchie
Plan your weekend and pour those mimosas. We’ve compiled a whole bunch of brunch options — whether you’re on the hunt for fluffy eggs or stacked chicken and waffles — along with menu recs, pro tips, and an interactive map to track ‘em.
Madi | Monday-Thursday, 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m.; Friday-Sunday, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. | This hip, colorful eatery on Adams Avenue makes brunch a whole lifestyle, and we’re not mad about it. Pro tip: Those Waffle Churro Sticks are game-changers.
Little Frenchie | Daily, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. | This beautiful bistro on Coronado Island will transport you to France for “le brunch” — housemade pâtisseries and all.
ARLO | Saturday-Sunday, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. | Weekend DJ Brunch at ARLO mixes a fun menu with a DJ spinning beats while you eat. Try the Croffle — it’s a croissant-meets-waffle, and it’s incredible.
Tiki Takeover: August Cocktail Class | 6 p.m. | Cutwater Tasting Room | $40 | Learn to craft a Hurricane under the guidance of a Cutwater bartender and take home a tiki-themed keepsake glass.
Friday, Aug. 15
Macy Gray: “On How Life Is” Tour | 7 p.m. | The Magnolia, El Cajon | $36+ | The Grammy Award-winning “I Try” singer known for her signature raspy voice is celebrating the 25th anniversary of the album that made her a star — one of many exciting concerts coming to SD.
Nerissa Sounds: Sunset Cruise & Yacht Party | 7-9 p.m. | 1380 Harbor Island Dr. | $185+ | Live music while cruising San Diego Bay? Say less. Hop aboard a 73-ft yacht for an evening of Latin jazz, a curated dinner menu, and sunset views.
Saturday, Aug. 16
28th Annual Lemon Festival | 11 a.m.-6 p.m. | Downtown Chula Vista | Free | When life gives you lemons, make a whole festival out of it in SD’s South Bay filled with live music, food, drinks, arts + crafts vendors, and a lemon cook-off competition.
Summerween Party | 5-9 p.m. | Serpentine Cider & Smokehouse | $24 | It’s your night to slay — wear your costume to this adults-only Halloween party featuring drinks, crafts, photo stations, and adoptable cats + kittens.
Ginuwine | 6 p.m. | SeaWorld San Diego | $85+ | Jump on it — the R&B star known for his hit “Pony” performs as part of the viral SeaWorld Spectacular series; the show is included with theme park admission.
Sunday, Aug. 17
Anjelah Johnson-Reyes | Sunday, Aug. 17 | 5 p.m. + 8:30 p.m. | Humphreys Concerts by the Bay | $74+ | The “MadTV” alum, actress, and comedian performs “The Family Reunion Tour” at the bayfront venue.
Monday, Aug. 18
San Francisco Giants vs. San Diego Padres | Monday, Aug. 18-Wednesday, Aug. 20 | 6:40 p.m. | Petco Park | $40+ | It’s a Cali showdown at this four-game series — the Aug. 20 game features a Michael King Bobblehead giveaway for the first 40,000 fans.
Wednesday, Aug. 20
High Tide Dinner Series | Wednesday, Aug. 20-Friday, Aug. 22 | 4:30 p.m. | The Marine Room, La Jolla | $165+ | Get on the waitlist to watch the waves dramatically crash against the restaurant’s windows during this beloved seasonal dinner series.
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Austin Allison’s Pacaso has already earned $110 million+ in gross profit to date. | Image provided by Pacaso
VCs back startups for outsized returns. Regular people wait. But rule changes fixed that.
Take Revolut. In 2016, 433 people averaged a $2,370 stake. Today? That’s worth $1 million+, up 89,900%. No wonder 10,000+ people and the same VCs behind Uber and Venmo are taking the chance on Pacaso.
Founded by a former Zillow exec, they’ve earned $110 million+ in gross profit to date. They even reserved the Nasdaq ticker PCSO. Invest for $2.90/share.†‡‡
City Tacos founder Gerry Torres will open Fonda del Barrio on Tuesday, Aug. 19 in Barrio Logan at the former Barrio Dogg site. The restaurant focuses on Mexican cuisine and will feature handmade masa, Oaxacan mole sauces, and a three-course, budget-friendly meal that includes salad or soup, an entrée, and dessert.
Coming Soon
Erik Fowler, Executive Director of the San Diego Brewers Guild, will open Good Pressure Brewing Company in Allied Gardens in late 2025. The longtime craft beer expert says he’s always wanted to run his own brewery close to East County, a part of SD where he believes there’s untapped potential. (San Diego Magazine)
Outdoors
If you love ocean views, you’ll want to check out the newly opened Malk Sunset Overlook on the UC San Diego campus in La Jolla. The spot — named after locals Brian + Nancy Malk — features a viewing platform, benches, walking paths, and parking along La Jolla Shores Drive. (Times of San Diego)
Announced
The San Diego Rodeo will return to Petco Park from Jan. 16 to Jan. 18, 2026, with top rodeo stars competing for $500,000+ in prizes. The event will also feature after-party country concerts in Gallagher Square with Charley Crockett, Jamey Johnson, and Cody Jinks. Pre-sale tickets are now available. Saddle up, SD.
Sports
Let’s go, San Diego. The Padres are pushing for that coveted playoff spot, tying the Dodgers for the NL West lead. Is a division title within reach? Go beyond the scoreboard and behind the scenes of the San Diego Padreswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Real Estate
Luxury high-rise alert.Ancora, Greystar’s new, 22-story complex boasting 220 apartments in Little Italy, is now pre-leasing. Meanwhile, Bosa Development’s Andia is selling its condos 40 stories above downtown San Diego with amenities like a pool terrace, spin and yoga studios, and the breathtaking Sky Lounge at the tippy top.
Zoo
There’s an elephant in the room. San Diego Zoo Safari Park announced that Elephant Valley — a new African savanna-inspired habitat for its elephant herd — will open in early 2026. The space will feature expansive watering holes, 350+ plants, and conservation education so guests can feel connected to elephants.
Civic
The city released its latest draft for the Clairemont Community Plan Update and locals can give their feedback through Sunday, Sept. 14. The plan aims to guide growth in the neighborhood for the next 30 years and includes opportunities for new housing, businesses, parks, and transit-oriented areas.
Active
Picklers, come serve.Gaslamp Urban Pickleball is coming to downtown’s Gaslamp Quarter every Thursday from Aug. 21 to Sept. 25. The event will turn Fifth and Island avenues into a pickleball court from 4 p.m. to sunset and feature a DJ spinning tunes, prizes, and an outdoor market. Pre-register to join.
Ranked
We’re smack dab in the middle of National Sandwich Month, and according to Yelp, two San Diego County spots are among the top 100 sandwich shops in the US. South San Diego’s Beyer Deli landed the No. 12 spot and Oceanside’s Come on Over Cafe ranked No. 15.
Job
Are you the one we’re looking for? We’re on the hunt for a sales-driven leader to help us land significant brand partnerships at a national scale as a Sales Executive. From a competitive benefits package to 401k matching, we’re a pretty amazing company to work for. Join our team and apply today.
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The Halal Guys will open its first-ever San Diego location this Saturday, Aug. 16, at 3825 Fifth Ave. in Hillcrest. The celebration starts at 10 a.m. with all kinds of fun and some freebies.
The popular NYC-based eatery is known for its rice platters and pita sandwiches piled with gyro, chicken, or falafel. The brand started as a hot dog cart in 1990 and has grown to become one of the steadiest franchises, now with 100+ locations across the world.
For jam-packed days, these five on-the-go essentials keep us sane:
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The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
If you’re anything like me, you are living for the Katie Holmes + Joshua Jackson “Happy Hours” reunion and loving the photos of the former “Dawson’s Creek” co-stars filming all over NYC.
Hence, my literal screams of joy when I heard that Holmes will return to the theater in a new production of “Hedda Gabler” that’ll kick off The Old Globe’s 2026 season in San Diego. The performances will run from Feb. 7 to March 8, 2026, and the only way to secure tickets right now is through an Old Globe three-show package. Now, if only Jackson joins Holmes on the stage… or in the audience, or for a coffee before work — anything will do.
‡‡Finance “investment method” disclaimer: This is a paid advertisement for Pacaso’s Regulation A offering. Please read the offering circular at invest.pacaso.com. Reserving a ticker symbol is not a guarantee that the company will go public. Listing on the Nasdaq is subject to approvals. Comparisons to other companies are for informational purposes only and should not imply similar success. Under Regulation A+, a company has the ability to change its share price by up to 20%, without requalifying the offering with the SEC.
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