Stretching three miles from east to west, Adams Avenue spans at least four neighborhoods and crosses two major freeways in a central part of San Diego. Lined with historic Craftsman houses and populated by young families and the artsy millennial crowd, it offers an impressive lineup of hip eateries, boutiques, and bars. Start in the middle or work your way from one end to the other – you can’t really go wrong in this hipster-friendly ‘hood.
Food & Drink
Soda & Swine / Polite Provisions
Customize your own meatball meal via sub, slider, or spaghetti, and rinse it down with a creative craft cocktail from the next door speakeasy.
Where: 2943 Adams Avenue, San Diego, CA 92116
> Find out more about Soda & Swine / Polite Provisions
Tajima
San Diego is experiencing a ramen boom, and Tajima is leading the charge. The Normal Heights location offers bowls for all different tastes and diets, like a delicious vegan ramen with spinach noodles.
Where: 3015 Adams Avenue, San Diego, CA 92116
> Find out more about Tajima
Dark Horse Coffee Roasters
Dark Horse has taken the local craft coffee scene to the next level with its Hawaiian-inspired small-batch roasts and cold brew growlers.
Where: 3260 Adams Avenue, San Diego, CA 92116
> Find out more about Dark Horse Coddee Roasters
Sycamore Den
This is where you’ll find San Diego’s top bartenders drinking on their day off. The 70s-inspired bar has a menu of artisanal cocktails and liquors, plus occasional live bands.
Where: 3391 Adams Avenue, San Diego, CA 92116
> Find out more about Sycamore Den
Blind Lady Alehouse
Get your craft beer with a side of pizza at this casual, vegan-friendly brewpub. Also worth a visit? BLAH’s sister restaurants Tiger!Tiger! in North Park and Panama 66 in Balboa Park.
Where: 3416 Adams Avenue, San Diego, CA 92116
> Find out more about Blind Lady Alehouse
Little Miss Brewing Company
Still a relative newcomer on the San Diego beer scene, this female-owned brewery is outfitted with a World War II theme and offers a varied lineup of house-made beers.
Where: 3514 Adams Avenue, San Diego, CA 92116
> Find out more about Little Miss Brewing Company
Cucina Sorella
Take your pasta-eating experiences to new heights at the latest addition to Urban Kitchen Group’s already-impressive roster of Italian eateries.
Where: 4055 Adams Avenue, San Diego, CA 92116
> Find out more about Cucina Sorella
Kensington Brewing Company
This small neighborhood brewery didn’t actually have a tasting room in Kensington until fairly recently when it moved into a former video store. For a real flavor bomb, try the Apricot Wheat.
Where: 4067 Adams Avenue, San Diego, CA 92116
> Find out more about Kensington Brewing Company
Clem’s Tap House
Kensington’s original family-owned brewpub keeps plenty of beers on tap and boasts actor Will Ferrell’s seal of approval. For a beer to go, Clem’s Bottle House next door offers a wide selection of bottles.
Where: 4108 Adams Avenue, San Diego, CA 92116
> Find out more about Clem’s Tap House
Shopping
Maven
Stocked with chic indie brands such as Laura Lombardi jewelry and Charlotte Stone shoes, Maven features carefully curated lifestyle products perfect for souveniers and gift giving.
Where: 2946 Adams Ave, San Diego, CA 92116
> Find out more about Maven
Kiko & Sven
Formerly known as Niche, this Kensington shop combines Japanese and Swedish-inspired design, unique gifts, and even a monthly subscription box program.
Where: 3723 Adams Ave, San Diego, CA 92116
> Find out more about Kiko & Sven
Live Music
Lestat’s West
Located next door to always-open coffee shop Lestat’s in the heart of Normal Heights, this music venue hosts regular shows, open mic events, and comedy nights.
Where: 3343 Adams Ave, San Diego, CA 92116
> Find out more about Lestat’s West
Kensington Club
This neighborhood dive bar and venue has two parts: a bar area with seating and a pool table, and a separate room for concerts. Check it out for eclectic local San Diego bands, karaoke, and cheap drinks.
Where: 4079 Adams Ave, San Diego, CA 92116
> Find out more about the Kensington Club
Art
Art FORM San Diego
This Normal Heights nonprofit promotes creative re-use by hosting art education workshops where discarded items are transformed into art.
Where: 3316 Adams Avenue, San Diego, CA 92116
> Find out more about Art FORM San Diego
Back from Tomboctou Gallery & Imports
Browse a colorful collection of folk art and handmade gifts from around the globe, or attend one of the shop’s many DIY workshops.
Where: 3564 Adams Avenue, San Diego, CA 92116
> Find out more about Back from Tomboctou Gallery & Imports
Events
Adams Avenue Street Fair
Southern California’s largest free two-day music festival has been taking over Adams Avenue for a weekend in September for the past 36 years.
When: September
> Find out more about the Adams Avenue Street Fair
Adams Avenue Unplugged
This free musical walkabout features live music staged at different locations throughout a two-mile stretch of Adams Avenue during the last weekend of April each year.
When: April
> Find out more about Adams Avenue Unplugged
Taste of Adams Avenue
Wear loose-fitting pants to this annual tasting event featuring bites from over 40 of the area’s hottest eateries, cafés, breweries, and bars.
When: June
> Find out more about Taste of Adams Avenue