Dearest Gaslampians... I come seeking advice

by jeffro on Apr 23, 2011 10:32 AM PDT

Greetings Gaslampians,

My name is Jeff and I am coming to San Diego very soon. I'd like your help in organizing my Saturday, May 7th (AKA Bud Black Bobblehead Day). It shall be my maiden voyage to Petco Park and I'd like some advice from you all on where to park, which restaurant to hit up before the game and any other useful tidbits of information that can make for a splendid afternoon/evening for my family and I as we frolic in the Plymouth of the West.

First, a bit of personal history, just so you all know that despite my undying devotion to the Oakland Athletics, I do indeed have a soft spot for the Friars... In October 1984, my grandfather and I placed a wager on the World Series. At the time, I was a nine year old aspiring first baseman. Since my A's were saddled with Bruce Bocthe manning the first sack, I had to find a new player to model my game after.

I am not sure if it was the sweet Taco Bell inspired uniforms, or the ultra hairy forearms of Steve Garvey (or the fact that my Donruss baseball card showed that we had the same middle name)... But something about that Padres team resonated with me. I adopted Mr. Garvey as my Sith Lord by donning number 6 on the back of my Lemoore Little League Hawks jersey.

As the season progressed, and my A's continued their suckitude, I became more and more enamored with Mr. Garvey and his cohorts. When Leon Durham foreshadowed Bill Buckner, I was hoooked! I became convinced that the 1984 Padres were a run away freight train that could not be stopped in any way, save for pulling into World Serious Trophy Station.

I informed my grandfather (Popo) of this fact and he asked if I would like to place a wager on the series against the evil, Shere Kahn inspired, Detroit Tigers. I gladly bet $20 that the Padres would crush the Motor City Kitties. It is important to note that besides being my grandfather, Popo was my sole source of income. I mowed his yard for $10 a month.

Despite Kurt Bevacqua's best efforts, we all know that I lost this bet. I still remember the call from my Popo, right after Willie Hernandez got Tony Gwynn to fly out.

"Jeff," he said. "Times are tough and we are going to have to cut back on your salary. I am thinking five bucks a month is about all I can spare..."

So, on that day I learned a few things. Chief among them was never bet on baseball. If only Pete Rose had a Popo and an infatuation with the 1984 Padres.

I can't wait to visit your awesome park... I appreciate any and all suggestions for making that particular Saturday fun and easy.

Go Padres,

Jeff

This FanPost was written by a member of the Gaslamp Ball community and does not necessarily reflect the views of the Gaslamp Ball managers or SB Nation.

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Comments

Have you ever been to San Diego before? If this is your first time, you might want to grab something to eat and drink outside of the park to save on price.

If you’re really into an eclectic experience, you MUST hit Lucha Libre Taco Shop. PIck up an order of Champion’s Nachos and bring ’em to Petco. :-)

Ehhhh, I don't deserve a signature...

by sdchicken on Apr 23, 2011 12:55 PM PDT reply actions

I still have to try this place out

Once I saw it on Man vs. Food, I knew I had to go there one day.

Why ask a failed romance to come watch your successful one? You know, that's like inviting the Seattle Mariners to a World Series game. It's just weird for everyone.

by Friar Fever on Apr 23, 2011 1:10 PM PDT up reply actions

I thought the service has gone down since the TV appearance.

That being said the Surf and Turf burrito and fried cheese tacos are bomb.

This is a terrible thing for the Padres. - Jerry Coleman

by Padres_Hobo on Apr 23, 2011 4:05 PM PDT up reply actions

Yeah, the level of service has gone down now that they've established themselves as a staple of San Diego food

However, the food is all still very delicious.

Ehhhh, I don't deserve a signature...

by sdchicken on Apr 23, 2011 4:16 PM PDT up reply actions

Is Lucha Libre a "staple"?

I really like the surf and turf, but other than that and the luchador masks, I think I’d generically say go to a X-Berto’s and get a California Burrito.

by Dex on Apr 24, 2011 7:52 AM PDT up reply actions

I know Lucha Libre is fairly new compared to the X-Berto's chains, but I'd rank it's food above them

Plus, it’s a staple in the sense that I have to hit it after getting druuuuuuuuuuuunk on a weekend (especially if it’s at Starlite or Shakespeare).

Ehhhh, I don't deserve a signature...

by sdchicken on Apr 24, 2011 11:27 AM PDT up reply actions

I have been to San Diego a few times

but never to Petco or the gaslamp

by jeffro on Apr 23, 2011 8:57 PM PDT up reply actions

If your driving and parking downtown we usually park at the convention center

It is only $10 bucks and a short walk. I can’t remember what the cost is at Petco itself. I would suggest coming early and getting some food and/or drinks in the Gaslamp before the game. You can also bring food into the park.

I think my favorites in the stadium are a Cheeseburger from Ruby’s or the Fish and Chips from Anthony’s. I would also suggest going to check out the Western Metal Supply building. If you get there early enough you can sit out on the balcony for a few innings. Plus lots of cool Padres memorabilia to check out in the building.

This is a terrible thing for the Padres. - Jerry Coleman

by Padres_Hobo on Apr 23, 2011 4:10 PM PDT reply actions

The Padres Parkade

is $15 to park

by scout1222 on Apr 23, 2011 7:49 PM PDT up reply actions

Is Ruby's still at the park?

I know Rubio’s is gone.

by Dex on Apr 24, 2011 7:53 AM PDT up reply actions

I was at Petco last night

And saw for myself that the Ruby’s in the upper deck was gone, which only leaves cheeseburgers that are half the size but the same price that those awesome Ruby’s burgers were. I haven’t had the fish and chips, but I had the shrimp and chips and it was very filling.

The fish tacos at the generic mexican food place inside the park are good as well.

Why ask a failed romance to come watch your successful one? You know, that's like inviting the Seattle Mariners to a World Series game. It's just weird for everyone.

by Friar Fever on Apr 24, 2011 8:46 AM PDT up reply actions

Ruby's is gone, but besides the inferior new garlic fries, the menu is the same, I think.

by Darklighter on Apr 24, 2011 9:53 AM PDT up reply actions

The burger was literally half the size

It was not a “1/3 lb. ground burger” AT. ALL. It was a burger you’d expect at someone’s birthday party. I was very dissappointed by it.

Why ask a failed romance to come watch your successful one? You know, that's like inviting the Seattle Mariners to a World Series game. It's just weird for everyone.

by Friar Fever on Apr 24, 2011 10:11 AM PDT up reply actions

Good burger right next to the park

The Corner.

by Dex on Apr 24, 2011 10:36 AM PDT up reply actions

This.

Mmmm.

I need new pants.

I believe that we will win.

by jodes0405 on Apr 24, 2011 5:32 PM PDT up reply actions

www.FriarsOnCardboard.blogspot.com
"jbox does not drink coffee, as it makes him clean house big time." ~Kev

by TheThinGwynn on Apr 25, 2011 12:05 AM PDT up reply actions

That is a shame. I have not been down to that level of Petco this year.

The regular burgers always reminded me of middle school cafeteria hamburgers. Guess I will go outside of the stadium moving forward.

I saw last night they had some new stuff in the western metal supply with $2 street tacos, a pastrami and swiss, and a shorty dog with short rib chili.

This is a terrible thing for the Padres. - Jerry Coleman

by Padres_Hobo on Apr 24, 2011 10:53 AM PDT up reply actions

Does "you and the family" mean kids?

Any particular type of dining you usually prefer?

The Gaslamp and areas around Petco have tons of food choices for before/after the game, so if you want to throw out preferences of food or atmosphere, that might help us narrow down some choices for you.

by scout1222 on Apr 23, 2011 8:48 PM PDT reply actions

Lucha Libre Taco sounds awesome

I have three daughters, ages 11, 8 and 4 and they eat chicken nuggets at just about everywhere.

by jeffro on Apr 23, 2011 8:56 PM PDT up reply actions

Keep in mind

Lucha Libre is not within walking distance of Petco Park. The Mexican restaurants within walking distance are Lolita’s at the Park, Valentino’s on Market Street and Pokez (vegetarian and several blocks away). If you’re daring (meaning, willing to travel in a direction away from the “nice” part of town), you could try Las Quatro Milpas in Barrio Logan.

by Dex on Apr 24, 2011 7:56 AM PDT up reply actions

I think we may hit Lucha Libre...

When we go to see the life size Megalodon model at the Natural History museum. It seems to be as close to either the museum or Petco Park.

Besides Mexican food, what else can you recommend in the Gaslamp?

I really appreciate the advice of locals. You only get so much out of Yelp and AAA.com

by jeffro on Apr 24, 2011 9:17 AM PDT up reply actions

I like the Tin Fish, which is right next to the Gaslamp trolley station.

Basic has good pizza, but it’s definitely a pre-game only place. Broken Yolk is good, though I’m not sure what the hours are at the downtown one.

by Darklighter on Apr 24, 2011 9:57 AM PDT up reply actions

Thanks guys!

I appreciate the direction. Excellent advice.

by jeffro on Apr 23, 2011 8:56 PM PDT reply actions

If you are getting food outside of the Gaslamp, then get Phil's BBQ

You can call ahead and get it for takeout and take it with you to the park. Get the babyback ribs, you won’t regret it. If you want to dine in the Gaslamp the I recommend the Tin Fish as previously suggested or Rockin’ Baja Lobster is fun or Lou & Mickey’s if you want a steak. Don’t sweat the parking too much. You can park at the convention center or any of the lots by the Imperial & 12th Trolly station. Since this is a one-time visit I wouldn’t try to get too crafty on the transportation. Yes, you could take the trolly or park on the street for free and walk in but for your one visit I would just pay to park. The park opens two hours before first pitch on Saturdays so I recommend getting there early and eating your food and wandering around before the game.

Ordo fratum magnus

by gkmandigo on Apr 24, 2011 8:23 PM PDT reply actions

my favorite food within the ballpark

clam chowder in a sourdough bowl at Anthony’s Fish Grotto. It’s a lot of food for only $7.50.

by kevintheoman on Apr 25, 2011 1:07 PM PDT reply actions

That's what I wanted to try last Saturday!

I was wandering around trying to think what it was I always saw people eating. Clam chowder. Gotta remember for next time.

Why ask a failed romance to come watch your successful one? You know, that's like inviting the Seattle Mariners to a World Series game. It's just weird for everyone.

by Friar Fever on Apr 25, 2011 6:48 PM PDT up reply actions