As the home of San Diego State University football, San Diego Wave soccer, San Diego Legion rugby and much more, the beautiful Snapdragon Stadium in Mission Valley is San Diego's newest hotspot for great sports and entertainment. And along with the venue's championship lineup of teams and events comes a winning variety of dining and drinking options — all with deep ties to San Diego. From stadium standards to local gourmet favorites, Snapdragon has the bites and beverages to make you stand up and cheer. Here's a roundup of top options.
The Dish: Local devotees of chicken deliciousness find poultry perfection at this mini-chain.
Stadium location: North.
Signature item: Coop DeVille with Schmaltz Fries: a fried Jidori chicken breast, pickled Fresno chilis, pickles, lime mayo, napa cabbage, brioche.
Area locations: Little Italy and Encinitas.
The Dish: Taco competition is fierce in San Diego, but The Taco Stand packs 'em in with its creative variations on this local standard.
Stadium locations: North, East
Signature item: Two carne asada tacos with chips and salsa.
Area locations: Downtown, Encinitas, La Jolla, North Park, Kearny Mesa.
Stadium locations: East, Southwest, West (upper level).
The Dish: Hodad's is practically synonymous with burgers in San Diego, thanks to its suitably surf-y vibe and heaping helpings. The place has been cheekily described as a "50-year overnight success story."
Signature item: Cheeseburger with fries.
Area locations: Downtown, Ocean Beach.
The Dish: This growing local chain stays true to its name with creative and tasty pizzas and more.
Stadium locations: East, Southwest, West (upper).
Signature item: Best White Slice, includes rosemary garlic oil, spinach, ricotta, caramelized onions, roasted garlic with mozzarella and provolone.
Area locations: Cardiff, Carmel Mountain Ranch, Mira Mesa, Oceanside, Vista.
The Dish: Celebrating 15 years of serving savory barbecue specialties in San Diego, Cali BBQ, which has made its name here on slow-cooked barbecue, lives by the motto "Slow Food — Fast."
Stadium locations: North, East.
Signature item: Pulled pork sandwich, with choice of wedding beans or potato salad.
Area locations: Spring Valley, Barrio Logan Food Hub, Aztec Food Hub
The Dish: Philly-style cheesesteaks and subs are the bread and butter of Gaglione Bros., whose popular restaurant is just down the road from Snapdragon.
Stadium location: East.
Signature item: Cheesesteak with grilled onions and American cheese.
Area location: Mission Valley.
The Dish: Handmade cookies from this beloved bakery make for a sweet addition to your Snapdragon experience.
Stadium locations: Southeast cookie cart, Northwest and West (upper level) in The Markets, as well as three premium clubs.
Signature item: The Classic chocolate chip cookie.
Area location: Del Mar, Westfield UTC.
The Dish: Superfood smoothies, bowls and more are the whole ballgame at this healthy-fare favorite.
Stadium location: Southeast.
Signature item: Acai bowl, with Acai, banana, strawberries, blueberries and granola.
Area locations: Nearly two dozen county locations, including Bonita, Poway, Mission Valley, Rancho Peñasquitos, Santee and SDSU area.
The Dish: An institution in San Diego’s Mission Beach, the Sandbar brings its local-food flair from the boardwalk to the big stadium.
Stadium location: Southeast. Sycuan Piers (Upper Suite).
Signature item: Fish Taco TKO Style ($13.00) - fried local white fish on a cotija-crusted flour tortilla, chipotle aioli, beer-brined escabeche slaw, lime crema, spicy guacamole, crispy onion strings, fried cilantro.
Area locations: Mission Beach.
The Dish: Gourmet sausages are the name of the game for this San Diego-born company.
Stadium locations: Various (mobile carts)Signature item: Bratwurst or Kielbasa.
Area locations: Otay Mesa.
The Dish: Pop in for quick snacks and refreshments at these handy stops around the stadium.
Stadium locations: North, South, West (upper level).
Area locations: Otay Mesa.
The Dish: A rotating lineup of mobile food purveyors offer even more San Diego flavor,
Stadium location: Northeast corner. Different menus from game to game.
Besides the stadium's abundance of awesome food, Snapdragon also pours some of San Diego's finest microbrews and more, at bars and beverage carts. A rundown:
Enjoy a 15% discount on exquisite seasonal cuisine and expertfly crafted cocktails at The Desmond--the hottest new destination restaurant in San Diego's famous Gaslamp District. Featuring the freshest...
Whispers of the past echo through the dimly lit streets of San Diego, beckoning you to venture into the spectral realm with Haunted San Diego Ghost Tours. Your convention badge, dear delegate, is not...
A San Diego beachfront vacation is calling your name! Relax and stay for a while in our endless summer sunshine and fresh air with our Linger Longer offer at the Pacific Terrace Hotel. Packages...
The Port of San Diego Big Bay Boom July 4th Fireworks Show is back, promising another spectacular display over San Diego Bay. Fireworks will be discharged simultaneously from barges placed...
The La Jolla Half Marathon is one of America's most picturesque and beautiful point-to-point races. Starting at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, the course follows a scenic coastal route before reaching the...
The Old Mission Beach Athletic Club (OMBAC) is calling all players, beach-goers, and sports enthusiasts to the biggest summer event in San Diego!
Sign up to receive the latest news, events, and updates about San Diego. Our monthly and weekly newsletters will keep you informed about the latest and greatest happenings in the destination.
