Imperial Beach may offer the same great ocean views and sandy coastline that can be found at other San Diego County beaches, but ongoing sewage pollution from the Tijuana River Valley has led to beach closures and other local impacts to the community.
Often worsened by rain storms, contaminated water from the Tijuana River flows into the river valley and the Pacific Ocean reaching the coastline at Imperial Beach. In recent years, county officials have frequently advised the public to avoid Imperial Beach’s shorelines because of high bacteria levels, according to the county’s DNA-based water quality testing.
But even when the beach and shorelines are closed, Imperial Beach has much to offer, especially when it comes to the variety of foods, drinks and desserts to try.
On a recent Monday in August, I traveled to Imperial Beach and found breweries, Italian food options, ice cream shops and more. Plus there are a few retail shops where visitors can buy surfing gear and souvenirs.
Here are 10 options for businesses worth checking out in Imperial Beach.
Balsamico Italian Kitchen: For wine and Italian food lovers, Balsamico Italian Kitchen is a delicious choice for casual dining with an upscale feel. The inside reminds me of a rustic-looking winery with wooden tables, chairs and wine barrels. There is also a walk-up bar made of wood. The outdoor seating area has a modern flair to it with steel tables and chairs, umbrellas, heaters and plants that hang on the waist-high gate dividing the patio from the parking lot. During happy hour, I tried the caprese flatbread and it was packed with flavor and depth. The bread was crispy on the edges and warm and soft in the middle. The mozzarella was melted just enough for a slightly gooey texture. Also, the aged balsamic drizzled on top provided the perfect amount of sweetness to balance the savoryness of the dish. 791 Palm Ave. #101, Imperial Beach. (858) 294-3183, balsamicokitchen.com
Bibbey’s: Do not let the faded look of Bibbey’s outdoor building fool you. There are tons of ocean artifacts and sea artwork gems for sale at this gift shop. This place sells shells, rocks, starfish handmade shark teeth necklaces, mini surfboards with original artwork and handcrafted wooden statues of sea animals. The place is jam-packed with items for sale on the wall, in cases, on shelves and the floor, so be patient to find that perfect souvenir or gift, where most things I saw were under $25. There are no windows at Bibbey’s so it can also get rather stuffy inside. 903 Seacoast Drive, Imperial Beach. (619) 423-5133.
1 of 3
Cafecito On Palm: A colleague recommended this coffee shop, and I may have found a new place to do some remote work. Cafecito on Palm is a hidden gem along the busy street of Palm Avenue. Located toward the back of a parking lot, it is shaped like a coffee mug and has a side patio that resembles a home garden. It is filled with various plants, a water fountain, metal chairs and tables, shade sails to block the sun and small rocks and cement pavers that guide customers through the side patio. This walk-up coffee shop serves a mix of hot and iced coffee drinks such as lattes, espressos and cappuccinos, along with traditional and specialty teas, hot chocolate and mineral water. On my first visit, I ordered the mazapán iced latte. It was sweet with crumbles of the Mexican candy mazapán, which is made with powdered sugar and peanuts. 1550 Palm Ave., San Diego. (619) 754-0158, instagram.com/cafecito_sd
1 of 2
Cow-A-Bunga: Ice cream, shaved ice, smoothies, milkshakes, root beer floats, sundaes, banana splits, cookies and coffee are all on the menu at Cow-A-Bunga. This 25-year-old tiny, yet charming dessert shop near the Imperial Beach Pier has something for almost everyone with a sweet tooth. One of the featured items on the menu is the Cow-A-Bunga house special made with a scoop of ice cream, chocolate beans, an espresso shot and whipped cream. One of my favorite items to get is shaved ice. Choose two of 18 flavors and it comes in a 16-ounce cup for $5.50, which is perfect for sharing. There is no seating inside Cow-A-Bunga, but outside there are communal tables and a grass area. 10 Evergreen Ave. Suite E, Imperial Beach. (619) 628-0508, cowabungaicecreamcoffee.com
El Tapatio: A good sit-down Mexican restaurant near the beach is El Tapatio. I have eaten here with my family on multiple occasions, and it’s good for large groups because of the variety of seating options. I also like El Tapatio because it reminds me of eateries I have visited in Jalisco, Mexico. Inside, there are murals and colorful walls, wood tables and chairs, a large patio and plants all around the establishment. The breakfast menu lists basic Mexican offerings such as huevos rancheros, chilaquiles, omelets, steak and eggs, pancakes and burritos. For lunch and dinner there are classic options such as tacos, tortas, mariscos, enchiladas, fajitas, chile relleno and morcajete. Plus, there is a children’s menu. 260 Palm Ave., Imperial Beach. (619) 423-3443, eltapatio-restaurant.com
IB Forum Sports Bar & Grill: Sports fans who are looking for a new place to watch the San Diego Padres, NFL games or other major sporting events will want to give IB Forum Sports Bar & Grill a try. The low-lighting, high-energy sports bar has several TVs, cardboard cutouts of sports players such as Manny Machado and surfboards hanging on the walls for an endearing and lively vibe. There is also patio seating with firepits. The menu offers a typical sports bar selection with chicken wings, burgers and tacos, but also features a prime rib plate and fish and chips. IB Forum has happy hour specials Monday through Friday from 3 to 6 p.m., including a $7 clam chowder bowl and $5.50 bottled beers on Mondays. 1079 Seacoast Drive, Imperial Beach. (619) 429-7507, ib-forum.com
IB Rents: One of the few bicycle rental shops in Imperial Beach, IB Rents has a variety of bikes available, including beach cruisers and electric bicycles. This business also has parts for sale, such as seats, lights, phone mounts, locks, baskets and air pumps. For years, IB Rents was located on Palm Avenue, but as of Aug. 9, the store will be stationed on Evergreen Avenue, just north of the Imperial Beach Pier. 10 Evergreen Ave. Unit D, Imperial Beach. (619) 227-7734, ibrents.com
1 of 3
Mango Mania Frutas & More: In a shopping center on the eastern part of Imperial Beach is a small shop dishing out an inviting selection of smoothies, shakes, sandwiches, soups, salads and snacks. Mango Mania Frutas & More is a Mexican-style juice bar serving items such as tortas, fruit salads with tajin and chamoy, aguas frescas and a horchata frappe. I ordered the lomo torta for lunch. It was made with shredded pork, panela cheese, avocado and chipotle sauce. The warm telera bread was super soft, like cotton candy, and melted in my mouth. The shredded pork was moist and tender, and the chipotle sauce had a nice, spicy kick. The torta was a hefty portion, so it’s likely best for hungrier guests or sharing half with a friend. There are only three tables and six chairs inside, so a good option might be to go to the beach or a local park to enjoy. 1146 13th St. #102, Imperial Beach. (619) 500-5725, instagram.com/mangomaniafrutasandmore
Mike Hess Brewing: The dining experience at Mike Hess Brewing is mostly outside, offering a laid back, backyard feel. The front area features artificial turf, numerous wooden benches and communal tables, a deck with large cornhole games and firepits. There is also a second-level deck, built on top of what looks like shipping containers, giving customers a view of the Pacific Ocean. The brewery is great for large groups and is dog- and family-friendly. I have visited several times with friends, young children and my English bulldog. This Mike Hess location also hosts trivia nights on Mondays and provides racks for bikes and surfboards. The menu has a mix of craft beers on tap, along with a food lineup that includes a variety of tacos. 805 Ocean Lane, Imperial Beach. (619) 240-3394, mikehessbrewing.com/imperial-beach
Pizzeria Luigi: In my opinion, Pizzeria Luigi is one of the best places in the county for a New York-style slice of pizza. I’ve eaten here several times and brought family and friends from out of town, and they always seem to enjoy the thin and crispy pies here. They have a variety of custom pizzas such as the Mona Lisa with pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, green peppers, black olives and red onions. It was been featured on the Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.” One of my favorites is the OG Crime Scene, which is made with ricotta cheese and meatballs with tomato sauce on top. It’s savory, greasy and salty. Luigi’s also serves sub sandwiches, calzones, salads and pasta dishes. The Imperial Beach location has indoor seating, but it can get hot inside because the ovens are in the front. I recommend sitting on the side of the building where there is a large outdoor patio with communal tables. 717 Seacoast Drive, Imperial Beach. (619) 27103477, pizzerialuigi.com
Originally Published: