North City, an urban, mixed use development in San Marcos that is aiming to become the official downtown of North County, has already welcomed some amazing dining and entertainment options during phase one of development. All are easily accessible and walkable from the community and North County residents can easily travel to North City with it’s convenient and central location.

If you’re a foodie like me, access to great dining options is probably high on your priority list when choosing where to live. Imagine being able to live and work with zero commute and head to happy hour or dinner without having to worry about driving or parking! Wake up on the weekend, grab a cup of coffee, take your pup or kids out to the park and then head to a delicious brunch without ever having to get in your car. 

I recently got to tour the current dining and entertainment options in North City with CABE (California Bloggers + Entrepreneurs) and as a verified and trusted foodie source in San Diego, I can say North City and North County residents will not be disappointed! Below is a brief summary of each of the current dining options in North City!

 Grit Coffee + Community

Far from the traditionally small and dark coffee house, Grit Coffee + Community has incredibly high ceilings and floor to ceiling windows! Light, sun and warmth inspire me when I am trying work outside of my home office for a change of scenery, so Grit is the perfect coffee shop to work or study, IMO. I also have to note that Grits adorable yet stylish pottery they serve their drinks in had me saying #housegoals. Beyond the open and inviting atmosphere; craft lattes, fresh pours and tap offerings will fill your cup, literally and figuratively.

 Fresh Healthy Cafe

Fuel your mind body and soul at Fresh Healthy Cafe. Healthy, fast-casual eats, FRESH Healthy Cafe is a leading alternative to unhealthy fast food for anytime of the day (wraps, salads, smoothies, acai bowls and more). The newest menu items at the North City, San Marcos location include, blue spirulina which is also vegan and a green colada smoothie; both are ridiculously tasty!

Prep Kitchen

Growing to four locations since opening in 2009, Prep Kitchen’s latest installment is in the sleek North City space. The casual atmosphere yet aerial and sophisticated space hosts Prep Kitchen’s modern and seasonal cuisine. The Buttermilk Fried Chicken Sandwich and the Roasted Salmon are to die for, but really everything on Prep Kitchen’s menu is delectable! I can’t wait to head back for brunch and try their fun an interactive bloody mary and mimosa carts!

Umami Japanese

I don’t know what I would do if I didn’t live close to amazing sushi! Are you with me? The latest dining establishment to hit North City, Umami Japanese is owned and run by sushi heavyweights Eric Lee, formally of Blue Ocean and Ototo Sushi and David Sasuga, CEO of Fresh Origins Microgreens. Each dish is delicate, beautiful, and thoughtfully tasty. Umami brings quality sushi to North County with a sparkling clean space that is flooded with bright, live orchids.

Newtopia Cyder Tap Room

The popular cider house, Newtopia Cyder, in Scripps Ranch found its second home in North City, San Marcos. A variety of hand-crafted ciders are on tap in the cozy but industrial, modern space. The Belgian Pineapple was my favorite but any of the bright and bold flavors tap with make your heart sing. The outdoor patio with views of the center of North City is a great place to soak in some sunshine and relax with you community.

Mason Ale Works/Urge Common House

Work hard, play hard! Mason Ale Works and Urge Common House help you escape the daily grind of work and life and bring fun to your backyard. Request a brewery tour of Mason’s largest production facility and sip on their spectacular and impressive lineup of beers, enjoy the newly revamped happy hour menu at Urge Common House (fried pickles, coconut shrimp and buffalo cheese curds are delish), or hit the bowling lanes, all under one roof! There are fun times to be had for North City and North County residents at Urge Common House and Mason Ale Works.

If you’re a foodie at heart, North City has more than a few impressive options. The accessible and inviting food and entertainment options alone are enough reason to move to or visit this new development! I can’t wait to see what arrives next to the North City community!