Treats That Will Get You Into the Fall Spirit in San Diego

The end of summer may be bittersweet, but fall brings its own abundant charms to the table. And when we say “to the table,” we mean in the literal sense. 

Give summer a sweet send-off, and welcome the cooler autumn days with these can’t-miss fall goodies sure to fill you with a cozy glow.

Better Buzz Coffee (1 mile from the hotel)

Start your tasty tour of San Diego’s best fall foodie spots at one of our favorite neighborhood coffee hangouts. Better Buzz always loads up their seasonal menu with countless classics each autumn. So be sure to stop in for apple-cider teas, spiced chai, and — of course — the best San Diego pumpkin spiced latté. While you’re there, don’t pass up their exceptional selection of fresh baked goods and light bites for breakfast and lunch.

1480 Rosecrans St, San Diego, 92106

Azucar Bakery (3 miles away)

San Diego’s favorite Cuban bakery offers a seriously scrumptious menu of both year-round and seasonal favorites, including the guava-and-cream-cheese pastries that are always popular in our office. Their Carrot Crazy carrot cake is a fall favorite soaked in cinnamon syrup and covered in cream-cheese mousse, and their fresh-baked pumpkin loaf isn’t just delicious, it’s also dairy-free. Azucar also offers a full coffee menu to warm you up on those brisk mornings.    

4820 Newport Ave, San Diego, CA 92107

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Monello (4.4 miles away)

At Monello, they’re fond of saying their cuisine is “timeless, not trendy.” And this commitment shows in the imaginative menu options. If you’re searching for fall treats in San Diego, you can’t go wrong with their muh-lauded gnocchi di zuccha (made with butternut squash), or the calzone Monello, a traditional filled pastry brimming with a delectable abundance of mushrooms, prosciutto, and fontina cheese. 

750 West Fir St. San Diego, 92101

Grant Grill (5.6 miles away)

A pumpkin spice latté is always a lovely thing. But if you like your seasonal beverages a bit more on the adult side, head to Grant Grill, located in the Gaslamp Quarter. Here you’ll find their signature fall cocktail, the Smashing Pumpkin Martini. It’s a better-than-it-has-any-right-to-be blend of the aforementioned gourd, star anise, Grand Marnier, saffron syrup, and other indulgent ingredients. How good is this drink? It earned Grant Grill a spot on Food Network’s “Best Thing I Ever Ate.”

326 Broadway, San Diego, CA 92101

Café 222 (6 miles away)

The unique signature flavors of the season are on full, brilliant display at this Gaslamp eatery. Of particular note is their famous, deliciously decadent Pumpkin Waffle. It’s a fluffy, fantastic, and cloud-light breakfast staple that is such a crowd-pleasing favorite, owner Terryl Gavre once shared the recipe with Gourmet Magazine. But you can stop in for the real deal yourself. In 2019 these morning masterpieces were half off during October, so it’s worth checking if the same offer stands in 2020.

222 Island Ave, San Diego, 92101

Pop Pie Co. (7.8 miles away)

Feel like tucking into something else flaky and fantastic? Pop is the stop for savory, sweet, and all points between. Their Green Hog and Cheese is a can’t-miss cornucopia in a crust, featuring tender pork shoulder, roasted tomatillos, poblano peppers, and a blend of cheeses. Don’t forget to finish up with the salted-caramel apple crumble, a crisp cocktail of Fuji, Red Delicious and Granny Smith apples sprinkled with toasted oats and drizzled in rich homemade caramel sauce.

4404 Park Blvd Suite A, San Diego, 92116