Taste of East Village

Taste of East Village returns to the East Village on Wednesday, October 14, and Thursday, October 15, from 4 PM to 8 PM each evening. You can go one night or both. It's the signature food festival of San Diego's largest downtown neighborhood, which covers 130 blocks between Seventh Avenue and 17th Street and is home to more than 700 businesses. The East Village Association, a non-profit management corporation, runs the event to promote the area as the city's livable urban village, and it's grown from a single-night affair into two full days.

Each night follows its own route. On Wednesday, the South Route runs between 10th and 15th avenues, with check-in at LUCE Loft. Stops include Asa Bakery & Cafe, Bub's @ the Ballpark, Café Alessie, Cafe de l'Opera, Doggos Gus, LandShark Bar & Grill at Margaritaville, Le Charcuterie Bar, The Church by Lost Abbey, Nékter, Nick the Greek and Milk & Cookies. Thursday shifts to the North Route between 8th and 13th avenues, checking in at Lola 55. That lineup features Bay City Brewing Co., Beshock Ramen & Sake Bar, Bird Rock Coffee Roasters, East Village Tavern + Bowl, El Comal at Quartyard, The Knotty Barrel, Lola 55, The Invigatorium and The Kebab Shop. There's live music at every stop along the way.

At check-in, you get a Taste Passport and work your way along the route, sampling appetizers, entrees, desserts and drinks. The organizers note that portions are often larger than a typical sample bite, so you can actually eat your way through the neighborhood. Alcohol is served, and you have to be 21 or older with a valid ID to participate. Tickets are $45 per person plus a service fee.