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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Hillcrest's best

Cool spots

Made for those who only dine at establishments that possess a distinct, undeniable sense of style.

Based on 481 Opinions
+478
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01
Massachusetts Mike's Pizzeria image 1
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Small pizza restaurant with a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles mural and a charming urban kitchen feel. Atmosphere is welcoming and upbeat, energized by lively staff and nostalgic 70s dance music. Seating includes small tables and benches, supporting both dine-in and pick-up.

Food features great taste and incredible quality. Service includes personal delivery ensuring timely arrival.

Sitting in front of the oven creates a really cool experience. The whole place has a cool vibe and a cool feel throughout.

People are saying

"Their gluten-free food options felt safe and tasted delicious."

"I thought the pizza here was seriously great and amazing."

Good to know

1

Karaoke happens every Thursday night starting at 10pm with a two-drink minimum.

2

Dinner and comedy shows are available on select nights; check the schedule.

3

Parking costs $8 for two hours in the rear lot.

02
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Coffee shop with modern, stylish decor and bright, welcoming atmosphere offers indoor seating with Wi-Fi and outlets. The vibe feels cute and homemade, creating a relaxing space for small groups. Unique features include an interactive post-it note wall and dog-friendly policy.

Food features top quality ingredients and real food options. Dishes consistently taste great and delicious.

Bubble waffles stand out as a cool treat. The vibe feels very laid-back and the staff come across as genuinely friendly.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was outstanding."

"I found the space to be super cute and bright."

Good to know

1

You can park in the back of the cafe with 15 minutes of free parking.

2

The Latte costs $10.50, totaling over $12 with tip.

3

Alternative milk options incur an extra $1 charge.

03
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Garden patio tucked away behind the building creates a calming atmosphere with lush tropical plants and shaded outdoor seating. The space feels warm and quiet, inviting relaxed breakfasts and brunches in a family-friendly setting.

Food here stands out for its excellent quality and great selection. Enjoy meals like a delicious Benny in a quiet, shady patio that welcomes dogs.

A tucked away tropical patio offers a quiet, cool spot surrounded by lots of plants. The community gathering lounge adds a relaxed, inviting vibe.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, especially the chilaquiles."

"The patio area is really cool and quiet."

Good to know

1

The cafe is only open on weekends.

2

Puppers are welcome in the patio.

3

Breakfast prices are very affordable.

04
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Small Japanese restaurant with cozy indoor seating and a welcoming patio offers a laid-back Hawaiian vibe and fresh, high-quality sushi. Music adds a sophisticated touch while the atmosphere stays casual and inviting. The space feels simple but neat, focusing on authentic flavors and relaxed energy.

Freshness stands out with every dish, paired with exceptional quality that feels authentic. Dining in offers a full experience with amazing service complementing the fantastic food.

Owners with great energy create a welcoming vibe. People here are genuinely cool, making the atmosphere relaxed and enjoyable.

People are saying

"The owner Matthew was so kind and took great care of us."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for larger groups to ensure seating.

2

The menu features a variety of poke bowls and sushi options.

3

Parking is available nearby, but it can be limited during peak hours.

05
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Classic New York-style pizzeria with old boxing photos and subway-themed decor creates an authentic, old-school family business atmosphere. Space includes takeout window and modest dine-in seating, with a lively, no-frills energy. Cash-only policy and a small step at the entrance are notable features.

Food offers an authentic New York City atmosphere with great quality at reasonable prices. Staff serve straightforward, satisfying dishes that make the experience feel like being back in NYC.

Atmosphere blends New York attitude with California laid-back cool. Decor feels authentic and adds to the cool vibe.

People are saying

"The pesto food here is vibrant, garlicky, and unforgettable."

"The pizza slices here are awesome and reasonably priced."

Good to know

1

Bronx Pizza only accepts cash payments; an ATM is available inside.

2

The entrance has a half-step, which may be challenging for those with mobility issues.

3

Parking is limited, so plan accordingly when visiting.

06
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Older building with New Orleans vibe and tiny interior creates a cozy, lively atmosphere. Loud music and bar energy fill the space, especially near the bar area. Outdoor dog-friendly patio offers a relaxed spot for lunch or watching games on multiple TVs.

Food offers authentic New Orleans flavor with a focus on classic dishes. Service complements the down home food with attentive care.

Staff members like Angie and Greg bring a cool vibe to the place. The bartender stands out as great and adds to the overall cool atmosphere.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be amazing and tasty."

"The jambalaya was spicy, but the gumbo could have had a better roux."

Good to know

1

Happy Hour at NOLA on 5th is from 3 to 6 pm.

2

The food price range is from $8 to $26.

3

NOLA on 5th offers limited vegetarian options, mainly two salads at $14 each.

07
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Open concept space with wall-to-wall windows and outdoor seating offers plenty of natural light and street views. Atmosphere blends chill vibe with friendly energy, suitable for relaxing, chatting, or working. Presence of a cigar lounge sometimes brings smoke indoors, which may affect comfort for some.

Spectacular food, coffee, and wine stand out here, with tasty drinks complementing the menu. Some visits find the food and drinks less remarkable, but overall the offerings include great flavors.

Great coffee pairs with cocktails, making the drink menu unique. A wall-to-wall window slides open, filling the space with light and cool air from the side street.

People are saying

"I loved the ube cookie and the Lisa B. drink."

"The food and drinks here were spectacular."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from Monday to Friday with discounted drinks.

2

The venue allows cigar smoking, which may affect non-smokers.

3

The coffee shop is cash-free and does not provide receipts.

08
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Small Mexican restaurant with a clean interior and limited decoration. Atmosphere feels cool and welcoming, often accompanied by good music. Lunch hours bring a friendly vibe, though parking is limited.

Food here is extremely spicy and flavorful, with well-prepared Mexican dishes. Tacos stand out as very good, and meals come quickly at a reasonable price.

Staff are super friendly and remember orders even when simple. The vibe feels cool and welcoming throughout.

People are saying

"I found the Mexican food here to be delicious and authentic."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited, so arrive early to secure a spot.

2

The restaurant is open mostly 24 hours for late-night cravings.

3

The fish tacos cost $4.70 each, making them an affordable option.

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Hillcrest, San Diego

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