When it comes to moving into a new neighborhood, convenience is key. Cooking at home may be convenient for some, and it’s definitely easier on the pocket, but if your time is limited or you’d rather dine out, chances are you’re going to head to a bar or restaurant. If you want easy access to bars and eateries, then check out these four walkable neighborhoods in San Diego.

Little Italy

The Crack Shack photo courtesy of Stephen Whalen

It’s been said that you can easily gain 10 pounds just by walking through Little Italy, and given the richness of the cuisine available, this doesn’t come as a total surprise. In addition to restaurants, often offering authentic Italian cuisine, there are also quick bites, breweries, bars, cafes, juiceries, and dessert shops, such as Extraordinary Desserts on Union Street. But there’s more than Italian cuisine in this neighborhood, such as The Crack Shack that caters to your poultry needs, from chicken sandwiches to drumsticks. Or if you want something different with a touch of elegance, check out the French and Asian fusion restaurant the Kettner Exchange.

North Park

The popular North Park neighborhood is home to numerous restaurants and bars, and it’s also big on cafes, such as Cardamon Cafe and Bakery, which offers handcrafted pastries, breads, and sauces, or Caffe Calabria, featuring an extensive coffee collection and traditional Neapolitan pizzas. Then, there are the hearty eats, such as Carnitas Snack Shack for a variety of sandwiches and burgers for under ten bucks, or the exotic burgers like gator, camel, ostrich, and more at Crazee Burger. North Park is also good for its craft cocktail scene with a wide variety of bars like Polite Provisions, which offers not just drinks but also “local tonics, elixirs and cures.”

Gaslamp District

Photo courtesy of barleymash

When the Gaslamp District comes to mind, you probably think about all the nightclubs. But in reality, this neighborhood also has great bars and a variety of food options. There’s so much diversity in the Gaslamp District, from Asian cuisine to Mexican eateries to burger joints. Head to barleymash on Fifth and Market for an extensive menu consisting of brunch bites, lunch and dinner platters, and an assortment of wines, beers, and cocktails. This bar and restaurant is also great for football season, karaoke nights, and live performances. If you want to slow things down, have a seat at the outdoor patio at PARQ. This restaurant offers an eclectic dinner menu featuring items like smoked octopus, gnocchi, yellowtail sashimi, short ribs, and beef tartare. It’s also a great spot to hang out with friends during its happy hour.

Kearny Mesa

If you love Asian cuisine, then Kearny Mesa is definitely the neighborhood for you. Every aspect of Asian food and fusion is found in this neighborhood, including Chinese, Korean, Thai barbecue, ramen, and sushi. However, if sake isn’t your jam, check out the craft beers (and bar food) at Common Theory Public House on Convoy Street. The owners of this bar are also bringing to Kearny Mesa a speakeasy by the name of Realm of the 52 Remedies, which will feature a dozen cocktails named after zodiac signs.