The Neighborhood

Lemon Grove sits between the 94 and 125 freeways, tucked between La Mesa and Spring Valley about 15-minutes east of downtown San Diego.

It’s a small, residential community that many families have called home for decades. It’s the kind of place where local residents take pride in their community and look out for one another. It’s also home to the San Diego landmark “World’s Largest Lemon” and lots of great old school haunts and new classics.

The Local

Karina Kravalis is the owner of one of the new neighborhood classics, Giardino Neighborhood Cucina, a family-owned and run Italian restaurant.

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Karina loves calling Lemon Grove home, and decided to open Giardino there because of the tight-knit and supportive community.

Karina knows most of her customers by name, and enjoys keeping the traditional small town community-feeling alive, while introducing new offerings to the area, like wine dinners, cooking classes, and cheese wheel pasta.

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Karina’s Old School Icons & New Classics Lemon Grove Tour

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El Pollo Grill

A Lemon Grove staple that’s been around for decades, residents flock to Pollo Grill for their signature flame-broiled chicken served with homemade charro beans, salsa, rice, and fresh tortillas.

Their history is as much a draw as their food, since the the family-run business has helped cultivate an inclusive sense of community in Lemon Grove since 1987.

7836 Broadway | elpollogrill.com

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13 Point Brewing Company

We finally got a brewery In Lemon Grove, and they are good!

13 Point has filled a void in our craft beer scene. Their tasting room is spacious, the beers solid, and they often feature live music or trivia night.

They don’t serve food, which is okay, because you can bring take-out from other local restaurants, like mine, which is just a few blocks away.

8035 Broadway | 13pointbrewing.com

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Fox & Flora

This is such a special shop. The interior is minimal and modern and the staff are always welcoming. It has become my go-to place for unique gifts and cards, as well as the occasional floral pick-me-up for myself. I love their natural, modern arrangements, especially the ones featuring succulents.

8057 Broadway | shopfoxandflora.com

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Coop’s West Texas BBQ

Lemon Grove has been lucky to have Coop’s for years now, and they are arguably one of top places for barbeque in all of San Diego County. They are certainly one of the places that make our neighborhood so special. The food is always spot-on and we locals love them.

Pro-tip: These southern-natives also own the adjacent Da Chicken Coop restaurant, which serves another hard-to-find southern speciality: Perfectly fried chicken.

2625 Lemon Grove Avenue  | coopsbbq.com | dachickencoop.com

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