Cowboy steak and onion rings. (Photo courtesy of Lionfish Modern Coastal Cuisine )
New year, new bites, and new ways to savor San Diego! From tacos with centuries-old roots to coastal Mexican flavors, from seasonal bagels to oceanfront teas, January is brimming with flavors, experiences, and events to kick off 2026 in style. Whether you’re seeking culinary adventure, sweet indulgence, or a chance to support local makers, my first January Eat Beat has something for every palate and every schedule.
San Diego Rodeo Weekend Bites
During the San Diego Rodeo Jan. 16–18, Borrego Rooftop Kitchen & Cocktails offers Ribeye Tacos with chimichurri and Coors Light for $20, while Lionfish Modern Coastal Cuisine features a Cowboy Steak with red-eye gravy, crispy onion rings, and your choice of Crown Royal or Casamigos Reposado cocktail for $80.
City Tacos: Tetela Taco of the Month
City Tacos is introducing a rare culinary gem from central Mexico — the Mixteca-inspired Tetela. This golden triangular corn masa pocket is filled with red chile stewed beef, melted asadero cheese, and potato, finished with pico de gallo, sour cream drizzle, and cotija. Roughly the size of two tacos, it’s available at all six San Diego County locations through January for $8.50.
Tour de Tapas: Boeuf Bourguignon Tapa
In La Mesa Village, Tour de Tapas is showcasing its January Tapa of the Month: Tender, slow-braised Boeuf Bourguignon in a rich red wine sauce, accompanied by potatoes, carrots, and earthy mushrooms. Dinner service begins at 4 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday.
Ox Coffee: Brown Sugar Baby Nitro Coffee
Mission Valley coffee lovers can savor the Brown Sugar Baby, a chocolatey and nutty nitro coffee topped with vegan brown sugar cinnamon foam, crafted by resident roasting expert Chris Dennis at Ox Coffee. Available through Jan. 17, a 12-oz cup goes for $5.
George’s at the Cove: New Pastry Chef Zach Schneider
George’s at the Cove in La Jolla welcomes Zach Schneider, formerly of 31ThirtyOne by Deckman, as its new pastry chef. Schneider joins Chef Trey Foshee and Executive Chef Masa Kojima as the restaurant completes a major remodel of its rooftop Ocean Terrace, scheduled to reopen mid- to late-January.
Navore Market: La Jolla Aggregation Hub Launch
Navore Market is expanding access to local, sustainable food with a new aggregation hub at La Jolla United Methodist Church, launching on Tuesday, Jan. 13, at 2 p.m. The hub serves as a centralized pickup location, allowing community members to collect fresh orders directly from local farmers and producers.
McDonald’s: 1 in 8 Days
On Jan. 8, McDonald’s celebrates the 1 in 8 Americans who have worked under the Golden Arches. Participating San Diego restaurants will offer an exclusive $1.08 cheeseburger via the McDonald’s app for one day only. It’s a perfect chance to thank local crew members while enjoying a tasty deal.
NÓMADA: Regional Mexican Opening in Carlsbad
Grand Restaurant Group’s newest concept, NÓMADA, debuts in Carlsbad under Chef Partner Alex Carballo. The menu highlights regional Mexican cooking with a focus on coastal seafood, wood-fired techniques, tacos, and composed entrées, complemented by a Latin-inspired bar program. The 5,600-square-foot space accommodates up to 240 guests across indoor and outdoor areas.
Duck Dive: National Oysters Rockefeller Day
On Saturday, Jan. 10, Duck Dive in Pacific Beach celebrates National Oysters Rockefeller Day. Guests can enjoy broiled oysters topped with shrimp, spinach, chipotle, pepper jack cheese, and breadcrumbs by the half dozen or dozen, paired with craft cocktails, shareable punchbowls, or wine at Duck Dive. The restaurant is open from 9 a.m. to midnight.
St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center: Tea by the Sea
SMSC hosts its 13th annual Tea by the Sea on Saturday, Jan. 17, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at La Jolla’s Marine Room. Guests enjoy traditional afternoon tea, signature cocktails, live music, opportunity drawings, and shopping at Sophie’s Gallery, which supports artists with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Tickets start at $170, and valet parking is included.
Spill the Beans: Apple Cinnamon Bagel with Vanilla Bean Cream Cheese
Spill the Beans rounds out January with a sweet seasonal treat — the Apple Cinnamon Bagel paired with Vanilla Bean Cream Cheese. Diced apples, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice are topped with a buttery streusel meets rich, vanilla-infused cream cheese for a flavor reminiscent of ice cream. Available at all five locations through Jan. 31.
January in San Diego is a month for tasting, sipping, and discovering something new. From rare tacos to seasonal bagels, oceanfront teas to high-flavor Mexican cuisine, there’s a bite, a sip, and an experience waiting around every corner. Start the year deliciously — explore, indulge, and make it a month to remember.
Louisiana Purchase and King Cakes
Tuesday, Jan. 6 marked the start of Mardi Gras season, also known as “Twelfth Night,” and North Park’s Louisiana Purchase is celebrating the New Orleans tradition with pre-orders for King Cakes, crafted by Executive Chef Quinnton Austin.
According to Britannica, King Cakes are ring-shaped pastries often baked with a symbolic trinket inside, representing the baby Jesus. Traditionally, the person who finds the trinket in their slice is crowned “king” or “queen” of the festivities and is expected to host the next party of the season.
Pre-orders are open through Tuesday, Feb. 10, with pickup on Monday, Feb. 16 — the day before Fat Tuesday. Louisiana Purchase’s King Cakes are $45 each and can be reserved here via Google Doc.
Got restaurant news? Hired a new chef? Doing a remodel? New menu? Specialty dish that needs recognition. Drop me a line at DebbieS@timesofsandiego.com, you might be featured in an upcoming Eat Beat column.
