For a dining experience that will satisfy any craving, head to Liberty Public Market in San Diego’s Liberty Station, just three miles from the airport. The 25,000-square-foot building (a converted naval complex) boasts more than 30 vendors offering diverse options—from French pastries to ramen to empanadas—focused on showcasing all that the city has to offer.
“Liberty Public Market embodies the unique spirit of San Diego—it’s a combination of everything that makes us such a vibrant place,” says David Spatafore of Blue Bridge Hospitality, which owns and operates Liberty Public Market. “San Diego has a rich history, buzzing dining scene, and a deep passion for locally sourced ingredients, all of which enhances our reputation as a food destination. It’s one of those places you visit to get a flavor of our amazing city.”
Many of the market’s restaurants started as popular food trucks around San Diego, such as The Pig’s Gig BBQ and Wicked Maine Lobster, which offers lobster rolls as well as lobster nachos, tacos, and mac ‘n’ cheese. Other vendors focus on one specialty—like steamed Chinese bao at Bao Bar, donuts at The Mini Donut Company, or seasonal noodles at Pasta Design.
Need a strategy for how to tackle your first visit? Start with a local beverage. If it’s afternoon, try an award-winning Talitha Sunrise brew from Talitha Coffee. If it’s later in the day, take advantage of the market’s unique liquor license and imbibe while you browse—grab a beer from specialty craft shop Bottlecraft (24 rotating beers on draft and 500 bottles for sale).
Next, scout out appetizer-sized items, such as Paraná’s empanadas with homemade chimichurri sauce or Mia Sorella Chimney Cakes’ delicious Hungarian bakery treats. Then, move on to heartier options, such as the Korean BBQ-meets-Mexican fare at Bopjo or deluxe fried chicken sliders, tenders, and salads at Southern-focused Fluster Cluck Chicken. Be sure to save room for dessert—it’s hard to pass up Olala Crepes, or the candies and snacks sourced from around the globe at The Candy Passport.
If you prefer to simply sit down for a drink, head to Mess Hall Bar, Liberty Market’s go-to location for wine, craft beer, and cocktails.
Insider’s tip: Consider visiting during Happy Hour, when nearly every vendor has a food or drink special.