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Best Southwest American Restaurants in Kensington

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178 restaurants available nearby

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A photo of Ponce's Mexican Restaurant- Kensington restaurant
1. Ponce's Mexican Restaurant- Kensington
5.0
Exceptional(0)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Kensington
Booked 1 time today
At Ponce's Mexican Restaurant, we believe enriching the lives of those who walk through our door is the primary purpose of being in business. This includes: Our Guests; who are able to shed their stresses when they sit down to a comfortable & affordable meal at the end of a long day of work, establishing traditions by gathering for a weekly meal with loved ones, share a post-game lunch after little league, host a holiday party, meet their mate and propose marriage, learn about tequilas, meet neighbors, network at a business lunch, and so on. Amazing food, excellent service, and a welcoming atmosphere help us accomplish our goals. We've strived for this in the tradition of Ponce Meza Sr. since 1969, and look forward to sharing that experience for many years to come.
A photo of Starlite restaurant
2. Starlite
4.7
Exceptional(161)
Price: Expensive
• Mexican • Mission Hills
Booked 69 times today
Starlite: A timeless San Diego icon with a fresh future, helmed by Chef Ted Smith.Please note: Our establishment is 21+
A photo of Herb & Wood restaurant
3. Herb & Wood
4.7
Exceptional(6700)
Price: Expensive
• Mexican • Little Italy
Booked 42 times today
Herb & Wood in San Diego's vibrant Little Italy is a shining example of exquisite American cuisine. Celebrated Chef Brian Malarkey crafts a menu that elevates rustic, wood-fired dishes, blending Mediterranean flair with California's commitment to seasonality and sustainability. Diners rave about the "incredible dinner" experience, showcasing "amazing, flavorful food" and "outstanding service." The ambiance is described as "beautiful" and "welcoming," making every visit memorable. Signature dishes like the pork belly and filet mignon are praised for their exceptional taste. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or enjoying a night out, Herb & Wood promises a "truly memorable culinary experience."
A photo of Great Maple San Diego restaurant
4. Great Maple San Diego
4.8
Exceptional(4524)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Hillcrest
Booked 86 times today
Great Maple San Diego, nestled in the vibrant neighborhood of Hillcrest, is a beacon of excellence in Contemporary American cuisine. This modern eatery is celebrated for its "outstanding" food and "exceptional" service, making it a favorite destination for brunch, lunch, and dinner. Diners rave about the delightful maple bacon donuts and "delectable" brisket hash, highlighting the creative use of fresh, local ingredients. Reviewers consistently praise the "huge portions" and "fantastic flavors," ensuring no one leaves hungry. With its inviting atmosphere and "friendly" staff, Great Maple offers a truly authentic and memorable dining experience that captures the essence of Contemporary American cuisine.
A photo of Ironside Fish & Oyster restaurant
5. Ironside Fish & Oyster
4.6
Exceptional(4680)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Little Italy
Booked 100 times today
Ironside Fish & Oyster in San Diego's Little Italy is a quintessential hotspot for authentic American cuisine, seamlessly blending traditional and contemporary flavors. This gem pays homage to its roots in the fishing industry with a mouthwatering menu that features renowned dishes such as the lobster roll and clam chowder, praised for being “chock full of clams.” The vibrant atmosphere and top-notch service are frequently highlighted in reviews, with one diner noting the “excellent experience, food, and ambience.” With a stellar raw bar and an enticing happy hour, Ironside promises a “delightful experience” that diners find irresistible.
A photo of Cowboy Star restaurant
6. Cowboy Star
4.8
Exceptional(4939)
Price: Very Expensive
• Mexican • Downtown
Booked 50 times today
Cowboy Star in downtown San Diego is a gem of Contemporary American cuisine, capturing the essence of regional American heirloom recipes with a modern twist. Their commitment to using locally sourced, natural, and organic ingredients shines through every dish, offering "exceptional quality" that diners rave about. Known for their impeccable service and warm atmosphere, Cowboy Star is celebrated for its perfectly cooked steaks, with one reviewer exclaiming, "the best steakhouse in San Diego, PERIOD." The diverse menu, which includes top-notch wine and cocktails, ensures that every visit is a "memorable and enjoyable experience," making Cowboy Star a must-visit for any steak lover.
A photo of Rustic Root - Gaslamp restaurant
7. Rustic Root - Gaslamp
4.4
Awesome(1417)
Price: Expensive
• Mexican • Downtown
Booked 41 times today
Rustic Root showcases our take on New American Comfort food with a California twist. Classic dishes are rooted in tradition, including regional dishes from around the country. All reimagined with fresh and local ingredients and our Chef’s modern flair. Our Signature drink menus offer our take on timeless classic cocktails as well as Rustic Root originals using creative spirits and the freshest ingredients. Join us in our street-level dining room for dinner nightly or our award-winning weekend brunch. Our rooftop lounge is an excellent place to grab drinks & a bite with friends, enjoying the San Diego weather and our unique location in the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter. Close to the San Diego Convention Center, we're a favorite for locals and out of town tourists alike.
A photo of Kettner Exchange restaurant
8. Kettner Exchange
4.7
Exceptional(1470)
Price: Expensive
• Mexican • Little Italy
Booked 40 times today
Kettner Exchange in Little Italy, San Diego, offers an exceptional Asian fusion experience that is both inventive and authentic. Executive Chef Brian Redzikowski’s creations have earned the restaurant a coveted spot on the Michelin Guide's Bib Gourmand list since 2019, showcasing high-quality meals at accessible prices. Diners rave about the "spicy garlic noodles" and "juicy cheeseburger special," underscoring the delightful fusion of flavors. The rooftop patio with stunning harbor views enhances the dining ambiance, making it perfect for any occasion. Guests frequently praise the "stellar service" and "amazing cocktails," solidifying Kettner Exchange as a must-visit destination for Asian cuisine enthusiasts.
A photo of Flora - North Park restaurant
9. Flora - North Park
4.4
Awesome(108)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • North Park
Booked 30 times today
FLORA NORTH PARK BRUNCH: the latest refuge for brunch lovers and those daring enough to explore themselves—Flora, a cosmopolitan, farm-to-table gem that elevates each dish into an invitation for self-discovery. Flora North Park is an experience woven from thoughtfully curated ingredients, each food group inspiring you to explore different facets of yourself. Choose from dishes with classic, golden yolks to the unexpected.………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..…………………………………………………………………..…… FLORA NORTH PARK DINNER: Everyone who’s anyone is positively buzzing about our After Hours. Flora will transform into an intimate soirée—a world of small bites and artfully crafted cocktails. Imagine slipping into a scene where laughter mingles with the clink of glasses. Flora will be open from Thursday to Saturday, for those who want to linger a little longer.
A photo of LIPS - San Diego restaurant
10. LIPS - San Diego
4.9
Exceptional(145)
Price: Expensive
• Mexican • North Park
Booked 6 times today
Lips has been San Diego's ULTIMATE in Drag Dining for 25 years! Dinner, Drinks & fabulous Drag Shows, as well as Brunch on Saturdays & Sundays. Enjoy a great meal & cocktails served up by over-the-top Drag Queens. DIFFERENT SHOWS WEDNESDAY THRU SUNDAY. Wed: Bithcy Bingo; Thur: Dining with the Divas; Fri: Glitz & Glam Dinner; Sat: 2 Dragalicious Brunches & 2 Glitz & Glam Dinners; Sun: 2 Gospel Brunches & Sunday Nite Showstoppers. ***Prices- Wed/Thur/Sun Dinner: $35.95(shoe & 3-course dinner, drinks additional); Sat/Sun Brunch: $42.95(Show, meal & bottomless Mimosas/Champagne/Bloody Mary; Fri/Sat Nite: $49.95(show & 3-course dinner,drinks additional) All shows subject to 7.75%sales tax & 20% suggested gratuity; $12 celebration package for Birthdays/Bachelorette/Anniversary/Promotion/Graduation. 16+ to enter; 21+ to Drink. GOVERNMENT ID REQUIRED-ALL IDS CHECKED AT THE DOOR
‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

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