(Not sure there's and In and Out within 5 miles of Sea World.
Cult following, cheap, better burger than In and Out, within 5 miles of Sea World: Hodad's in Ocean Beach. Voted one of the best burgers in San Diego year after year. If Jimmy Buffet where hanging in the neighborhood this is where you'd find him.
Mexican, cheap, better than Roberto's IMHO: Nati's on Bacon St. in Ocean Beach. Free parking, nice patio. If you go on Wednesday you can leave your car in their lot for the Farmer's Market. A little more expensive, La Pinata on Juan Street in Old Town. (Pay no attention to the crummy interior, ask for patio seating which is beautiful and heated. Margaritas are good. Wine is cheap, but jug. Carnitas superior. AND they have their own parking, a real plus in Old Town) Avoid Casa de Bandini. No reservations, but they'll give you a pager for your 1-2 hour wait, no parking, the food is barely average and the tables are all the cheap round metal umbrella tables your parents had on their patio. Roberto's any location is MUCH better, and all Roberto's have their own parking
. I would like to try
El Agave for a more upscale experience. Another Mexican, this time La Jolla,
Alphonso's a classic right on Prospect.
Also in La Jolla, overlooking the Cove is
Brockton Villa. Get a table on the deck, the inside is unimpressive. Cant beat this on a sunny afternoon. Call for reservations. They serve Bread et Cie breads. Yumm.
I heartily second the original Filippi's on India Street, especially on a Friday night when it's really lively. (They also have free parking.) No reservations, it's very popular but worth the wait. Ample portions, low price. Somehow, the other locations aren't nearly as good.
Hillcrest isn't far from Sea World and has lots of more upscale dining. I like
Kemo Sabe . My advice is to avoid the
City Delicatessen no matter how cute it llooks outside. Hard to believe they could ruin a cheese omelet or meatloaf, but they did it to me and my friends twice. No mas! Bread et Cie for lunch is good. Very good.
For diner style breakfast with huge portions of good food and and a diverse crowd
Brian's American Eatery also in Hillcrest.
These restaurants are not the latest thing in town. They all have a loyal crowd, have been around for a number of years, have consistently good food of their type. And they're cheap. Pretty much the quintessential San Diego experience. For romance, great wine, special dinners, there are many places that are quite easy to find. George's at the Cove, Top of the Cove, Donavan's, Mille Fleurs, the Marine Room. No advice from me here, I spend my big bucks dining in San Francisco.