Overview: Taste of Hillcrest
The annual Taste of Hillcrest is scheduled for the second Saturday of this month, with numerous local businesses participating in the event.
If you are looking for good food and good fun on Saturday, April 11, head on over to Hillcrest.
The annual Taste of Hillcrest is scheduled for the second Saturday of this month, with numerous local businesses participating in the event.
One such business is Frenchy’s Hideout. Owner Michael Simpson opened the restaurant in the spring of 2025.
“We participated last year, one month after our restaurant opening,” Simpson said. “We are excited to be a part of it again.” Simpson believes the exposure in the local community and engaging with people the business would otherwise not be able to reach makes being present at Taste of Hillcrest well worth it.
“It’s a great opportunity to discover new and existing restaurants in the neighborhood,” Simpson added.
Downtown/Uptown News recently spoke with Natalie Starr, marketing coordinator at the Hillcrest Business Association, about the importance of this annual event.
DTN/UTN: What makes this event special year after year?
Starr: Taste of Hillcrest continues to stand out because it’s a true reflection of the neighborhood itself —diverse, ever-evolving, and full of flavor. Each year, we welcome an exciting mix of new businesses while celebrating the longtime local favorites that have helped define Hillcrest’s culinary identity.
It’s one of the few events where you can experience the full spectrum of a neighborhood’s food scene all in one afternoon. We see first-time attendees discovering Hillcrest for the very first time alongside longtime fans who have made this event part of their annual tradition. That blend of new energy and loyal community is what keeps it so special.
DTN/UTN: Any changes, new additions, etc. to this year’s event?
Starr: This year’s lineup is especially exciting, with several standout additions bringing even more flavor to the event. We’re thrilled to welcome Pastiamo, a new build-your-own pasta concept that’s already generating buzz. Schmackary’s, a beloved New York-based cookie shop known for its inventive flavors, has just opened in Hillcrest and is making its Taste debut. We also have The Halal Guys, another iconic New York favorite, joining the lineup, bringing their world-famous platters to San Diego.
On the local front, Crest Taco, Hillcrest’s newest taco spot, is already gaining attention for its crave-worthy crunchwraps, rolled tacos, and breakfast burritos. And Hydout Cafe, an extension of The Asian Bistro, is adding a unique twist with Vietnamese coffee and pastries. These new additions, alongside our returning favorites, really showcase how dynamic and exciting Hillcrest’s food scene is right now.
DTN/UTN: Are most visitors from the immediate area? Do we get people coming from other parts of San Diego and even out of the area?
Starr: Taste of Hillcrest draws a vibrant and diverse crowd from all over the region. Of course, we see strong support from Hillcrest locals, but the event has grown into a destination experience. We welcome attendees from neighboring communities like University Heights and North Park, as well as visitors traveling from across San Diego County, including North County and Oceanside.
We’ve even seen guests come up from Tijuana and down from Los Angeles just to be part of the experience. It really speaks to how unique this event is and how much people are drawn to the energy of Hillcrest.
DTN/UTN: For someone who has never been to the event before, what would you tell them about why they should visit this year?
Starr: There are so many reasons to attend Taste of Hillcrest, but at its core, it’s the ultimate foodie experience. You can explore 30-plus restaurants, bars, and shops in one day — sampling everything from global cuisine to sweet treats all in one walkable neighborhood. It’s also a chance to discover new favorite spots or reconnect with places you already love.
Beyond the food, it’s about the experience. Hillcrest is San Diego’s designated LGBTQ+ cultural district, known for its vibrant, inclusive, and welcoming atmosphere. During Taste of Hillcrest, that energy is on full display with people out exploring, supporting local businesses, and celebrating community together. From the flavors to the people to the neighborhood itself, it’s an experience that captures what makes Hillcrest so special and why there’s truly something here for everyone.
