Summer is finally in full swing, and those scorching hot days are just ahead. There’s no better place to beat the summer heat than in Downtown Chula Vista where there is no shortage of restaurants, breweries and bars that offer refreshing drinks that will quench your thirst!
There’s nothing quite like enjoying a revitalizing smoothie or iced cup of coffee to start off the summer day! Agave Coffee & Café specializes in organic, locally roasted espresso coffee, loose leaf tea and of course, refreshing smoothies made with fresh ingredients. Here, you can enjoy blended smoothies such as the healthy Green Machine, made with celery, pineapple, spinach, cucumber and apple juice, or sweet Mango Tango, made with mango, strawberry, banana and apple juice. New to the block is Galu Café, a café and delicatessen with high-quality craft brews, teas, and a delicious selection of toast, pastries, and sandwiches to get you ready for the day ahead. Feel good while fueling up with their healthy bites this summer!
Drawing hundreds of customers a day with its tantalizing bites and array of brews, Vogue Tavern is the ultimate destination for a fun time on Third Avenue. Not only will you find a German-inspired food menu featuring various shareable appetizers and hearty meals, the retro-themed European tavern also carries several beers on tap, ranging from traditional German lagers to local craft brews. Bring your family and friends and savor your refreshing drinks either inside or on their shaded front patio.
If you’re a punk rocker or a beer enthusiast, you’ll need to make a stop at Thr3e Punk Ales! Nestled in the heart of Downtown Chula Vista, the edgy brewery invites guests to immerse themselves in the vibrant world of punk rock with iconic décor and electrifying tunes, all while indulging in the award-winning craft beers that pack a punch.
There’s a new Mexican cantina in town, and their name is La Nacional! As soon as you step in, you are instantly welcomed with the aromas of savory Sonora cuisine, the sounds of glasses clinking, and the feeling of a fun time ahead. With a bar stacked with a selection of mezcals and tequilas, guests can enjoy various refreshing cocktails as well as delicious beers. Whether you decide to come day or night, you are guaranteed to have an exciting experience at La Nacional.
Established in 1934, the Silver Dollar is the oldest bar in Chula Vista, delighting patrons for 90 years! Renowned as the city’s best dive bar, the Silver Dollar offers a wide selection of classic mixed drinks and craft beers. Make sure to keep an eye out because the bar hosts a variety of entertaining events like bingo, game night and Trivia Thursdays!
If you’re looking for a farm-to-table experience, Farmer’s Table Chula Vista is a culinary gem that can’t be missed. This delightful eatery highlights the best of local and seasonal ingredients, offering a selection of breakfast, lunch and dinner options that are perfect for the whole family. For a refreshing sip, you have an array of delicious mimosas, Bloody Mary’s and zero-proof cocktails to pick from!
Though San Diego is a stunning place to be, sometimes you can use a little escape to the tropics and that’s exactly what Lime in the Coconut does! This vibrant restaurant brings the flavors and vibes of the islands to Downtown Chula Vista, fusing Filipino, Japanese, Hawaiian, Vietnamese cuisines together. Each cocktail is made with fresh pressed juices and the finest rums, tequilas, gins, and liqueurs. Mocktails are also equally tasty and tropical for those choosing to forgo alcohol.
A summer day isn’t complete without a big ole’ scoop of ice cream! Serving a wide selection of all natural ice cream flavors, Sweet Life Ice Cream & Treats is the perfect place to enjoy life’s sweetest dessert.
Get ready to immerse yourself in citrus delight because the 27th Annual Lemon Festival is finally underway! On Saturday, August 17th from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm, Third Avenue will transform into a lemon paradise, paying homage to the city’s citrus history as the former “Lemon Capital of the World.” The fun, family-friendly event promises a day featuring an abundance of lemon-themed treats, live music, photo opportunities with Tarty the Lemon, a cook-off competition, arts and crafts vendors, and a dedicated kids’ area. The festival, organized by the Downtown Chula Vista Association, is a cherished tradition that brings together tens of thousands of locals and visitors alike to celebrate the city’s agricultural history and vibrant community spirit. So, make sure you have your lemon themed outfits ready because you won’t want to miss this!
From a vast selection of breweries, bars and restaurants to find a refreshing drink to taking part in the event of the summer, Downtown Chula Vista doesn’t fall short from being the destination for summer fun this year!
For the latest updates on Downtown Chula Vista, please visit us at DowntownChulaVista.com or follow us on Instagram @DowntownChulaVista, TikTok @DowntownChulaVista, Facebook @DowntownChulaVista, and Twitter @DowntownChula.
Dominic Li Mandri is District Manager of the Downtown Chula Vista.
