A guide to local favorites in Barrio Logan San Diego
It’s Barrio Logan, not Old Town, where you’ll find an authentic Mexican experience without crossing the border. Freeways, shipping yards and auto body shops surround the industrial neighborhood, but it’s also bustling with fruit stands, coffee shops, prestigious art galleries and colorful murals. Barrio Logan has its roots in activism. Its most famous landmark, Chicano Park, was born of the neighborhood’s struggle to keep the land from becoming a parking lot. That community spirit lives in Barrio Logan to this day.
Meet your local
Nina is a San Diego native who was also partly raised in Baja California, Mexico. She’s an arts journalist who, as a reluctant stage mother to two daughters, spends more time in theaters than the outdoors. Although she lives a few blocks from the ocean, she’s never been surfing and is too terrified of rip currents to try.
ninagarin ninagarinWant to get in touch? Email bytheway@washpost.com
Where I live:
La Jolla — which I hate saying, because it’s considered a posh area. But my neighbors are working scientists and artists, and the sunset view on my drive home is worth the odor issues that come along with a dense seal population.
Best way to get around the city:
Definitely by car. There’s no way around it.
Don’t leave without having:
One of our hoppy West Coast IPAs. There are breweries in every neighborhood that serve their takes on these famously bitter beers.
But the local favorite is really:
California burritos: a flour tortilla filled with carne asada, guacamole, avocado, salsa and french fries. Rumor is they originated in San Diego as a quick way to feed ravenous surfers coming out of the ocean.
If I moved, I’d most miss:
Being able to cross the border into Mexico. I regularly visit Tijuana and Ensenada for wine weekends, art shows and quality family time.
Barrio Logan
Border X Brewing
Creative Mexican craft beers like Horchata Golden Stout are only part of this brewery’s appeal. Check its online events page to see about Mexican board-game nights, cupcake pairings and taco Tuesdays.
Border X Brewing, 2181 Logan Ave. San Diego, Calif. 92113
Por Vida
This Chicano/hipster cafe has such an impressive art collection and so many fun drink options that you’ll want to go more than once. The menu is inspired by Mexican flavors (think spicy mango lemonade and Mazapán latte).
Por Vida, 2146 Logan Ave. San Diego, Calif. 92113
Las Cuatro Milpas
This is where you go for a taste of real Mexican home cooking: tamales, frijoles, rolled tacos and the best handmade flour tortillas in the city. Make sure to bring cash; there are no cards accepted here.
Las Cuatro Milpas, 1875 Logan Ave. San Diego, Calif. 92113
Barrio Dogg
In Tijuana, bacon-wrapped hot dogs are a favorite street food. This casual hot dog spot elevates that comfort food with organic ingredients and creative toppings. Make sure to add an order of elotitos: sweet corn with lime crema, cotija cheese and chili powder.
Barrio Dogg, 2234 Logan Ave. San Diego, Calif. 92116
Nina Garin
Nina is a San Diego native who was also partly raised in Baja California, Mexico. She’s an arts journalist who, as a reluctant stage mother to two daughters, spends more time in theaters than the outdoors. Although she lives a few blocks from the ocean, she’s never been surfing and is too terrified of rip currents to try.
@ninagarin @ninagarinSandy Huffaker
Sandy, a contributing photographer for The Washington Post, arrived in San Diego 30 years ago and fell in love with the diversity of the border region. When he’s not shooting, he loves eating great Mexican food, trail running and snorkeling with the seals off La Jolla.
@sandy_huffaker
