(1964-1970) The Polynesian Room was an island-themed bar and cafe established on January 1, 1964, by John Edward Mason (1924-1996) in a former storefront on Grand Avenue. Mason, a U.S. […]
Restaurants
The Hawaiian Village and Hula-Hula in San Diego
With the opening of The Hawaiian Village at the 1915 Panama-California Exposition in San Diego, Pacific Islander culture, cuisine, traditional hula, and hapa haole music were introduced to mainland audiences. This early cultural exchange set the stage for America’s obsession with all things exotic, Polynesian… and Tiki.
The 94th Aero Squadron Celebrates 50 Years in San Diego
The 94th Aero Squadron aeronautical-themed restaurant celebrates 50 years in San Diego on February 15, 2026.
Recipe: Keoki Coffee from Bully’s
The original Keoki Coffee recipe for George Bullington’s after-dinner cocktail, originated in 1967 at Bully’s in San Diego, California
Recipe: Dobson’s Mussel Bisque en Croûte
It’s been on Dobson’s menu since day one — decadent, creamy seafood soup crowned with baked puff pastry, served piping hot in a lion’s head tureen.
In Remembrance: Classic San Diego Restaurant Closures, 2025
With sadness, we remember some of the classic San Diego establishments that have shuttered in 2025.
Happy New Year from Classic San Diego
Happy New Year from Classic San Diego, and from some of San Diego’s classic restaurants throughout history!
Polynesian Princess, Vacation Village
Don the Beachcomber in its later incarnation as “The Polynesian Princess,” Vacation Village, Mission Bay, San Diego.
From the Archives: San Diego’s Neon Alley and Sailors’ Row
Along the downtown streets of San Diego during and after WWII, there were dozens of restaurants, clubs, bars, tattoo parlors — all vying for the enlisted man’s paycheck. A high […]