Food For Thought: Breaking Down San Diego U-T’s ‘Best Of’ List

Chewing On The Union-Tribune’s Best Burgers, Fish Tacos, Steakhouse & MicroBrewery

By Kevin Wilkerson, PubClub.com San Diego Blogger

I always love it when newspapers and other publications put out a “Best Of” list.

They provide moments of “hmmm,” a few thoughts of “I need to check out that place,” but mainly the question of “what were they thinking!?” And it is that last part that I like the best.

Like most newspapers, the U-T’s involved reader surveys. Tho as a subscriber, I don’t recall having received a ballot. I did notice – again like most newspapers – that many winners also had ads in the special section. Hmmm.

So here’s PubClub’s food for thought on the Union-Tribune’s 2021 Best OF San Diego rankings. It must be noted that there are some categories that I know nothing about, such as lawyers and such, so I’m leaving those out and concentrating instead on the restaurants and bars.

I also did not go through every Best Of restaurant award. There are way too many of them and hey, I live a life! Haha.

• Best Burgers: In ‘n Out

If this were Barstow, then definitely. But this is most definitely not Barstow, it’s San Diego. What a pathetic situation we would have here if a roadtrip chain is the best burger in our city. (That being said, I do very much like In ‘n Out). Surely this city can produce better burgers and it does, Tivoli and Barleymash in the Gaslamp just to name two – with Rocky’s Crowne Point my pick for Best Of San Diego.

• Best Fish Tacos: Rubio’s Coastal Grill

Here we go with the chains again. Apparently the voters have never been to Brigantine, Metl (and just $3 during its everyday Happy Hour) or what many locals have long considered to be the city’s best fish tacos, South Beach in Ocean Beach. Fairweather bar, the lively rooftop overlooking the back of Petco Park, is my pick for the Best Of San Diego.

• Best Greek Cuisine: Greek Chicken

Okay, I’ve not been to Greek Chicken but as someone who has been to the Greek Islands five times, the food at Nick’s a couple of blocks from Petco is authentic and outstanding. So until proven to me otherwise, that is my pick for Best Of San Diego.

• Best Pizza: Filippi’s Pizza Grotto

Okay, they nailed this one. Filippi’s in Little Italy is also my pick for Best Of San Diego.

• Best Steakhouse: Barona Oaks Steakhouse

How could Greystone Steakhouse & Seafood not even be on the list, which has nine favorites below the winner? Greystone is my pick for Best Of San Diego.

• Best Micro Brew Pub: Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens

Have you been to Bolt in Little Italy? The beer is good (plus it’s only $5 a pint on Mondays) and has very lively social scene. Because of the latter, it is my pick for Best Of San Diego.