EAT & DRINK
NEAR THE CRUISE TERMINAL
The closest honest food and a real bar to the San Diego cruise port — without the tourist markup.
The San Diego Cruise Ship Terminal at the B Street Pier sits on the Embarcadero, surrounded by hotel restaurants priced for one-time visitors. Locals walk three blocks inland to Little Italy. That's where the food's good and the drinks are honest.
Waterfront Bar & Grill — closest historic bar
Waterfront is at 2044 Kettner Blvd, about a 10-minute walk or 3-minute rideshare from the cruise terminal. We've been here since 1933 — the oldest tavern in San Diego. Full breakfast at 8am, smash burgers, breakfast burritos, full bar with bloody marys from open. No reservations, no dress code, no tourist menu.
Pre-cruise breakfast or lunch
Ships board mid-morning to mid-afternoon. Walk over for breakfast at 8am (eggs, country fried steak, the breakfast burrito locals come back for) or knock out a smash burger and a beer before you board.
Post-cruise dinner & a drink
Cruises disembark in the morning. By happy hour (3–6pm) you'll be ready for a real drink in a real bar — discounted drafts and well drinks, full kitchen running through last call.
Getting from the cruise terminal to Little Italy
- Walk: 10 minutes north along the Embarcadero, then turn inland at Grape Street.
- Rideshare: 3 minutes, usually under $8.
- Trolley: MTS Blue Line from Santa Fe Depot to Little Italy / County Center — one stop.
Pre-board or post-cruise
Waterfront Bar & Grill, 2044 Kettner Blvd. Open daily 8am–2am.