The Hillcrest Grub Sprawl: Eden, Local Habit, Empire House

San Diego dining sure has flourished in the past few years. One day you have your go-to spot and favorite order, the next day there’s a new hot-spot on the scene and a renovated menu. With this kind of vast-changing eatery atmosphere, it’s not easy to stay in-the-know with food trends and gems hidden all over town.

Grub Sprawls was created with the intention to bring awareness to the growing restaurant scenes within the diverse communities that compose San Diego. Once a month, Grub Sprawls takes on a community of San Diego, gives guests free wristbands, and sends them off to dine at participating restaurants for $5 a dish. You might find a hidden restaurant you’ve yet to discover, or re-visit an old favorite and taste what’s cooking on their menu this season.

The Hillcrest Grub Sprawl kicks off on September 12th from 6-10pm, taking on the streets of the vibrant and welcoming Hillcrest community that already find us frequenting its many unique corners. Participating restaurants will create signature dishes that showcase the best of their culinary skills and newest additions to their seasonal menus. Each is affordable and portioned accordingly for guests to indulge in multiple styles of food in one night. Hillcrest dining has long been one of the most culturally diverse, eclectic and fun experiences for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Participating restaurants include Eden, Babycakes, Local Habit, Empire House, Mama Testa, Bai Yook Thai Cuisine, and Brazen BBQ. The 15 restaurants give visitors plenty of options to taste all of Hillcrest.

The Grub Sprawls series started off in North Park and then took the fanfare to Coronado, both showcasing the best of the best food in the area. The newest Hillcrest sprawl will envelop on and around University Avenue. Joining the chow-down is easy, with a free wristband distribution in front of one of two designated starting locations: either Eden (1202 University Ave.) or Busalacchi’s A Modo Mio (3683 5th Ave). Then, a simple flash of that wristband at any participating restaurant will serve you a dish for an inexpensive $5 bill. Wristband pick-up will start at 5:45pm, and foodies will be able to eat away until 8pm. For more details, visit grubsprawl.com/hillcrest.

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