RESTAURANTS NEAR
OLD TOWN
Old Town closes early. Little Italy doesn't. It's an eight-minute drive between the two.
How far it actually is
Old Town San Diego State Historic Park sits about 3 miles north of Little Italy. That's roughly 8 minutes down I-5 or Pacific Highway outside of rush hour, closer to 15 at 5pm. The Trolley runs it too — Old Town to County Center/Little Italy is a short ride, then a two-block walk to Waterfront Bar & Grill at 2044 Kettner Blvd.
Why it works before or after Old Town
- Most of Old Town winds down in the early evening. We're open until 2am.
- Breakfast from 8am if you're heading up to the park in the morning.
- Full kitchen open to close — burgers, sliders, tots, tacos, salads.
- No reservations to plan around, and street parking or a nearby lot.
Eating in Old Town itself
Old Town is Mexican food and margaritas, and it does that well — the courtyards along San Diego Avenue are the draw, especially at lunch. It's also busy with visitors most of the year, and the kitchens keep shorter hours than downtown. If you're eating late, or you want something other than Mexican, the drive south is worth it.
How to plan the day
Park in Old Town in the morning, walk the historic park, then head to Little Italy for a late lunch and a drink. Or reverse it: breakfast here at 8am, then drive up before the crowds. Either order works. We're open every day of the year we're allowed to be.
Eight minutes down the road
Waterfront Bar & Grill · 2044 Kettner Blvd, Little Italy · Open daily 8am–2am.