Here they are, Coronado! The shops and services, the food and drink, the arts and entertainment that our readers voted the very Best in Coronado. We’ve also sprinkled in a handful of our own favorites — “Editors’ Picks.” Check them all out this summer… and beyond!
Let’s Eat! Here are the BEST places to go for:
Breakfast: Clayton’s
Brunch: Hotel del Coronado
Lunch: Tartine
Dinner: Primavera Ristorante
Best chef: Tim Kolanko, Blue Bridge Hospitality Group
Favorite maître d’ : Jaime Toledo, Primavera Ristorante
Hotel Restaurant: Crown Bistro
American: Leroy’s Kitchen + Bar
Bagels: Bruegger’s Bagels
Barbecue: Lil Piggys
Burger: Burger Lounge
Comfort food: Clayton’s
Cupcakes: Coronado Cupcakery
Dessert:Tartine
French: Chez Loma
Frozen yogurt: Yogurt Escape
Gelato: Nado Gelato
Greek: Spiro’s Greek Cafe
Italian: Primavera Ristorante
Ice Cream: MooTime
Mexican: Miguel’s Cocina
Pastry: Tartine
Pizza: High Tide Bottle Shop & Kitchen
Seafood: The Brigantine
Steak: STAKE Chophouse
Sushi: Saiko Sushi
Asian: Bistro d’Asia
Thai: Swaddee Thai
Smoothie: Juice Crafters
Bistro: Tartine
For great times head to the BEST…
Bar scene: McP’s Irish Pub
Hide-away: The Little Club
Live music: McP’s Irish Pub
Theater (live):Lamb’s Players Theatre
Wine bar: Wine a Bit
Pet-friendly: McP’s Irish Pub
Stay over night at the BEST:
Hotel 100 rooms+: Hotel del Coronado
Boutique hotel (under 100 rooms): Hotel Marisol
Bed & Breakfast: 1906 Lodge at Coronado Beach
BEST shopping on the island:
Art: Art & Frames
Bargains: Smart & Final Extra
Women’s boutique: Pretty Please
Flowers: Root 75
Gifts: The Attic
Hardware: Coronado Hardware
Home furnishings: Cotier
Jewelry: Muhl’s
Pet Supplies: Wag’n Tails
Pharmacy: Rite Aid
Thrift shop: Christ Church Thrift Cottage
Office supplies: Business Products Express
BEST Pros in the Know:
Accountant: Hayes & Associates
Architect: Kevin Rugee, Kevin Rugee Architect
Attorney: Margaret Herring, Herring & Herring
Auto repair: El Cordova Garage
Financial institution: Chase Bank
Financial planner: Dan Gensler, The Gensler Group
General contractor: Nicolls Design Build
Insurance broker: Bo Blumenthal
Interior Designer: Bungalow 56
Mortgage pro: Kory Kavenewsky
Pet sitter: Doreen Tafelski, Carefree PetCare
Photography: Kristen Vincent Photography
Plumber: Jimmy B Quick
Property manager: Crestmont Property
Real estate agent: Ruth Ann Fisher, Del Realty
Travel agent: Pat Flynn, Kahala Travel
Veterinarian: Christie Walker, DVM, Crown Veterinarian
Wealth manager: Dan Gensler, The Gensler Group
Wedding planner: Amanda McPhail, Creative Affairs + Helen Walker, Coronado Wedding Chapel by the Sea
To get in shape, head to the BEST:
Gym: Coronado Fitness Club
Personal trainer: Luke Jensen, Coronado Fitness Club
Pilates studio: Bamboo
Yoga studio: Coronado Yoga & Wellness Center
Yoga instructor: Linda Marques
Dance studio: Coronado Academy of Dance
Here’s who to see to look your BEST:
Barber: Bow Ties & Haircuts
Beauty salon: Coronado Beauty Salon
Cosmetic surgeon: Dr. William Shuffett
Dry cleaner: Crown Cleaners
Esthetician: Penny King
Hairdresser: Reese Mancillas, Coronado Beauty Salon
Hair colorist: Brittany Withouski, Salon de Ville
Manicurist: Denise Grimsley, Coronado Beauty Salon
Tailor: Amier
Feel your BEST:
Acupuncturist: Dr. Gila Peled, Island Acupuncture
Chiropractor: Dr. Joe Snyder, Discover Wellness Coronado
Massage therapist: Monique Robert
Hotel Spa: Spa at the Del
Day spa outside a hotel: Bellasima Sea Spa
EDITORS’ PICK Best place to buy Doughnuts
Even though the window at Clayton’s on Tenth Street is pretty much the only place to buy doughnuts these days, their selection is delicious, and the quaint walk-up setting adds to the treat.
EDITORS’ PICK Best Game in Town: Coronado-opoly
Hot off the presses via the Coronado Chamber of Commerce is Coronado’s own version of the popular board game. Get set to “Go,” departing from Hotel del Coronado. Journey around the board, with the chance to purchase the “deeds” to a number of local businesses, venues and island favorites.
$40; buy at the Coronado Chamber (1125 Tenth St.)
EDITORS’ PICK Best place to catch up with the Mayor
If you’re ever in the mood to chat with Coronado Mayor Casey Tanaka (and his “Chief of Staff,” Leo), Café 1134 is a safe bet for a run-in.
EDITORS’ PICK Best New Eatery
LobsterWest, located a block off Orange at 1033 B Avenue. The main event here is the lobster roll, where East Coast crustaceans are shipped overnight and served in buttery toasted buns.
EDITORS’ PICK Best thing to share at a summer BBQ
Mike’s Island Dip, handcrafted in Coronado by Mike Woodall, is a crowd pleaser. Serve it as a dip with your favorite veggies or chips, slather it on entrées, or use it to dress up your favorite salad. Pick some up at Boney’s Bayside Market or order online at islanddip.com
EDITORS’ PICK Best book nook
This “Little Free Library” is nestled on Fourth Street between G and H avenues. Swing by and borrow or lend a good read!
EDITORS’ PICK Best onion rings
The Maui-stye onion rings at Peohe’s are coated in coconut and fried to crispy, golden perfection. Dip them in the chipotle ketchup for a satisfying crunch.
EDITORS’ PICK Creative Outlet: Coronado Coloring Book
Karrie Jackson has compiled a fantastic 44-page coloring book with designs based off her original paintings from around the island. Staying inside the lines is optional. $15. (619) 840-4923 or kare4art@gmail.com
EDITORS’ PICK Best new art installation
Coronado High School advanced art and after-school enrichment class students have completed “Jazz Hands,” the campus’ seventh mosaic, on the stairs outside the 300 Building. Pieces of tile, glass and stone come together to create a vibrant, eye- and sunlight-catching work of art for the public to enjoy.
EDITORS’ PICK Best spot to snap a selfie
A perfect selfie spot is on Ocean Boulevard, just below where the sidewalk meets the walkway to the Hotel del Coronado. Walk out on the sand about 50 yards, face north and say “Cheese!” You’ll capture the iconic red turrets of the hotel behind you and the sands of Coronado’s celebrated beach.
