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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Mission Valley

Salad and American food spots

A meal that balances a fresh salad with a hearty American classic, rather than forcing you to choose between health and comfort.

Based on 776 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Tommy Bahama Marlin Bar image 1
Tommy Bahama Marlin Bar image 2
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Bar with outdoor seating under awnings and live daily music creates a laid-back yet vibrant atmosphere. Fans circulate air at the bar, while heat lamps warm the outdoor tables. Frequented by shoppers and solo visitors, it offers self-seating and a lively crowd.

Salads here feature fresh ingredients like shrimp, avocado, and mango. Options include blackened shrimp and taco salads with dressings served on the side.

Chicken wings stand out with a strong flavor and high praise. Nashville Hot Chicken sliders, shrimp BLT flatbread, and hurricane tots offer solid variety. Kids can enjoy simple dishes like Mac and cheese or butter noodles. Key lime pie melts smoothly for dessert.

People are saying

"The food here is phenomenal, especially the espresso martini."

"The American Food here is great, and the service is top notch."

"I found the salads here to be so fresh and delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs daily from 3pm to 6pm with great drink deals.

2

Mai Tai Mondays offer special pricing on cocktails every week.

3

Live music is featured on weekends, enhancing the dining experience.

02
Theresa's Italian Steakhouse image 1

Upscale, intimate dining room offers a quiet, cozy atmosphere with views of Mission Valley and nearby golf course. The space balances comfortable elegance without feeling stuffy or overly casual. Guests enjoy a relaxing meal experience suitable for conversation and unwinding.

Freshness stands out with the arugula salad offering a crisp bite. The Caprese salad delivers a classic, rich flavor. The Caesar salad with grilled shrimp adds a savory, protein twist.

Prime Rib cooked medium rare stands out alongside classic dishes like eggs Benedict and a cheeseburger. Italian options like Spaghetti & Meatballs and Piccata Chicken add variety, with desserts including cheesecake and Tiramisu.

People are saying

"The seafood dish and prime rib here are excellent Date Spots."

"I loved the cheeseburger and prime rib; it's classic American food."

"The Caprese salad was amazing and the arugula salad was so fresh."

Good to know

1

Happy Hour runs from 4-6pm on weekdays with discounted drinks.

2

Parking is easy and available on-site for restaurant guests.

3

The restaurant offers a 3-course meal deal for $34.99.

03
Chicago Bros Pizzeria image 1
Pizza restaurant

Deep dish pizza restaurant combines board games, multiple TVs with sports, and a small bar with beers on tap to create a family-friendly, relaxed atmosphere. Seating is ample, with options both inside and outside, encouraging a casual, fun dining experience.

Salads come fresh and crisp with options like a Greek salad and a small antipasto salad. Portions tend to be on the small side but maintain good flavor.

Chicago Deep Dish pizza stands out with its thick, hearty crust. Barbeque chicken wings come extra crispy and pair well with fresh salad and pizza.

People are saying

"I loved the cheesy, overloaded deep dish pizza."

"The pizza here is the best in San Diego."

"This Chicago-style deep dish pizza is an American Food extravaganza."

Good to know

1

Expect a 20-35 minute wait for pizza during peak hours.

2

The restaurant offers a limited menu after 10:30 pm, focusing on appetizers and salads.

3

Prices for menu items are generally on the higher side.

04
Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar image 1
American restaurant

Large space with warm lodge-like decor and a dog-friendly outdoor patio featuring heaters and a fire pit. Atmosphere feels homey and lively, suitable for both casual meals and social gatherings. Busy environment often requires reservations, with a mix of bar seating and dining booths.

Salads include an Asian Chicken Salad and a Caesar salad. They come alongside a large menu with burgers and lunch specials.

BBQ bison meatloaf stands out as a highlighted dish. Pot roast comes across as excellent. Grilled hamburger patty with brown rice serves as a solid meal option.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh, delicious, and beautifully presented."

"The American Food here, especially the steak, is amazing."

"The salads here were fantastic and amazing."

Good to know

1

Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar allows customers to bring their dogs during Sunday brunch.

2

Reservations are recommended, especially for larger parties.

3

Parking can be challenging, so arrive early.

05
The Remy image 1
Steak house

Modern twist on an old school steakhouse blends upscale yet inviting atmosphere with warm, rustic charm. Large, comfortable bar features glistening gold flakes and craft cocktails stand out. Space feels cozy but cramped, with lively energy and occasional distractions from a shaking floor upstairs.

Wedge salad stands out with its rich flavor and fresh ingredients. It pairs well with steak and potatoes for a solid meal.

Steaks like the A5 Wagyu Ribeye, porterhouse, and New York strip come out cooked to perfection. The menu also features surf and turf tacos and hearty sides like Mac and cheese.

People are saying

"I had the most tender and flavorful steak ever."

"Sean's attentive service made our salad experience tailored and professional."

"The New York strip steak here is cooked to perfection."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with drink prices between $10 and $12.

2

Parking can be challenging; street parking is often necessary.

3

Reservations are recommended for dinner, especially on weekends.

06
Craft House Fashion Valley image 1
Hamburger restaurant

Small space offers indoor and outdoor seating with a dog-friendly patio featuring woven lights and heaters. Live saxophone and singer performances create a lively atmosphere that can make conversation challenging. Crowd gathers for craft cocktails and burgers, enjoying a chic vibe in a mall setting.

Salads here feature a fresh aroma and taste, like the Cobb salad. The Little Gem Caesar salad stands out with anchovy flavor, large crunchy croutons, and a heavy dose of Parmesan cheese.

Freshness stands out in the Cobb salad with a strong aroma and matching taste. The Hipster sandwich offers a notable twist on grilled cheese with rich flavors.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious."

"I found the salad and fries to be awesome."

"The American food, like the short rib taco, is delicious."

Good to know

1

The kitchen closes at 10 pm, but the bar stays open until 11:30 pm.

2

Expect long wait times during busy evenings, especially on weekends.

3

They offer happy hour for starters and draft cocktails.

07
Tender Greens image 1
Restaurant

Restaurant offers a loud atmosphere with a cozy outdoor patio that is dog-friendly and shaded. It attracts those seeking healthy food options for all meals, emphasizing nourishing and clean dishes. The vibe balances casual energy with a welcoming environment.

Salads feature fresh ingredients like chicken, avocado, blue cheese, and egg. Options include steak Mediterranean and Asian steak bowls with sweet and spicy dressings.

Buttermilk fried chicken and country fried chicken plate stand out with rich flavors. Sides like mashed potatoes accompany sandwiches and plates, while bowls mix sushi rice, coleslaw, and salmon for a fresh twist.

People are saying

"I loved the Mediterranean steak salad; it was delicious."

"I found the mashed potatoes with gravy to be extraordinary."

"I thought the fried chicken was the best I ever had."

Good to know

1

Expect wait times of over 30 minutes for mobile orders during peak hours.

2

The outdoor dining area is dog-friendly, making it a great spot for pet owners.

3

Tender Greens offers a variety of nutritious options catering to different dietary preferences.

08
100's seafood grill buffet image 1

Buffet restaurant offers spacious layout with high ceilings and an indoor koi pond creating an airy atmosphere. Noise levels rise from both lively diners and active staff, contributing to a chaotic vibe during peak times. Self-serve stations and fresh cooking areas add interactive elements to the dining experience.

A huge salad bar offers a wide variety of fresh options alongside seafood and sushi. The selection includes both hot and cold salads, making it a standout part of the buffet.

Clam chowder stands out with its rich flavor. The menu features a wide variety of seafood, including crab legs, lobster, and sushi, alongside prime rib and Mongolian dishes.

People are saying

"The seafood here is amazing, especially the shrimp."

"The American food, especially the prime rib and fried chicken, was delicious."

"You'll find an amazing variety of fresh salads here."

Good to know

1

On Thursdays starting after 4 pm, the restaurant offers all-you-can-eat for $54.99 per person.

2

Lobster night on Thursdays costs $55 per person.

3

Expect a long line for lobsters on Thursday nights due to limited supply.

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Mission Valley, San Diego

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