Will be in San Diego on a Monday night in mid May. We are staying at the Manchester Grand Hyatt and will NOT have a car. Looking for mid priced (OK, California Mid priced) dinner, hopefully not a chain, maybe Mexican? Like quiet as opposed to loud, like good bar before dinner.

I know you Fodorites will come thru for us!

Roy's has a new location downtown SD..they have a $35..
3 course meal prix fixe..it is a chain but a very good one.
There really isn't anything I would consider good Mex in the Gaslamp.
I like the bar and restaurant at the US Grant Hotel..Grant Grill..also, JSix at the Hotel Solamar is lovely.
Top of the Hyatt is a great place for drinks before or after dinner at your hotel.

You will be near the trolley system. The restaurant, Trellises, at the Town & Country (Fashion Valley stop) is excellent. The food is great, it is quiet and has a bar. Just ate there in March.

Take the bus to catch the ferry to Coronado and have your dinner at the Coronado Resort.

OR

Go to Balboa Park and have a lovely meal outdoors at Prado

OR

Grab a cab and head for Georges on the Cove in La Jolla.

Have fun!

Old Towne has some great Mexican places - can you take the trolley there? I have always had a car - you could do a cab - a fun experience.

I second the top of the hyatt- great place to have a drink! What a view.

Honestly - walking around 5th street and you cannot go wrong - check out the menus and see what looks good- Monday night should be pretty quiet. If you like Italian I like a place that actually has a sister rest. in Florence - I need to look up the name.

Address
Acqua Al 2
322 5th Ave
San Diego, CA 92101
619-230-0382
there you go!

Excellent suggestions. Thanks so much. You guys are great!

Many great suggestions there.... I would just chime in with what I think are the "special" good food with view experiences in san diego: 1)agree with the Prado at Balboa Park, a unique setting, 2) also think the ferry ride to Coronado is lovely, you could try Il Fornaio, even though it is a chain, the setting is gorgeous. 3) Island Prime is a short cab ride away and also has drop dead gorgeous views and a very san diego experience. All of these are moderate to pricey. You might check out the menus online for pricing. I also like JSix and Blue Point Coastal for their food and nice setting but no view.