San Diego’s food lovers are gearing up for one of the city’s most anticipated culinary events. On Sunday, September 28, from 11 am to 3 pm, the 2nd Annual Taste of College Area will return with an expanded lineup of local restaurants and a unique twist that sets it apart from other tasting tours. Guests will not only enjoy global flavors but also ride in style between stops aboard complimentary Old Town Trolley shuttles, turning an afternoon of dining into a festive neighborhood adventure.
A Neighborhood Coming Into Its Own
The College Area, best known as the lively home of San Diego State University, has steadily transformed into one of the city’s most dynamic food corridors. Independent coffee houses, family-run eateries, and international kitchens line the streets between El Cajon Boulevard and Montezuma Road, creating a neighborhood that is as eclectic as it is flavorful.
The Taste of College Area was created to shine a spotlight on this transformation. By bringing locals and visitors together to sample dishes across multiple stops, the event tells the story of a community growing beyond its student roots and becoming a destination for anyone seeking memorable meals.
Where Global Flavors Meet Local Spirit
This year’s roster of participating restaurants showcases the richness of San Diego’s culinary diversity. Guests can sip artisan coffee from Scrimshaw Coffee, enjoy Thai specialties at Charoen Krung, or explore the bold Himalayan spices at Yak and Yeti. Joyee’s Dumpling House will be making its event debut with hand-crafted dumplings, while Kinchana and ESSNTL Coffee promise to delight with their own unique offerings.
From savory street food to comforting classics, the range of cuisines ensures there is something to surprise every palate. The beauty of this self-guided tour is that guests can set their own pace, linger over a dish they love, and then hop on a trolley to discover the next culinary stop.
The Magic of Trolley Rides and Tastings
What makes the Taste of College Area especially charming is the integration of Old Town Trolley rides into the experience. Instead of walking long stretches between restaurants, attendees can climb aboard bright green and orange trolleys, share stories with fellow food lovers, and arrive refreshed at each new destination.
The trolleys add a touch of playfulness, making the journey between stops part of the fun. For families, it becomes a stress-free way to explore with kids in tow. For groups of friends, it is an excuse to laugh, ride, and eat their way through a Sunday afternoon together.
VIP Upgrades and Early Bird Perks
General admission tickets are $40 in advance or $45 on the day of the event, but those looking for an elevated experience may want to consider the VIP option. For $50, guests ages 21 and over will enjoy exclusive drink discounts at select College Area bars, plus a commemorative shot glass while supplies last.
Organizers have also sweetened the deal with early bird discounts. Guests can save 20 percent with the code EARLY20 through July and 10 percent with EARLY10 through August. Groups of ten or more receive an additional five percent discount that can be combined with promo codes, making the event a perfect outing for friends, coworkers, or extended families.
More Than Just a Food Tour
The Taste of College Area is more than an afternoon of bites and sips. It is a celebration of local entrepreneurs, a showcase of the neighborhood’s evolving identity, and an invitation for the greater San Diego community to discover a side of the city they may not know well.
As Jim Schneider, Executive Director of the College Area Business District, has shared, the goal is to highlight the businesses that make the area so special while creating an event that welcomes everyone to explore. The energy of the crowd, the rhythm of the trolleys, and the variety of flavors all combine to create an atmosphere that feels equal parts food festival and community block party.
How to Be Part of the Flavorful Journey
Tickets are on sale now at www.tasteofcollegearea.com. With limited availability and growing buzz, securing a spot early is recommended.
For those seeking a different way to experience San Diego’s food culture, the 2nd Annual Taste of College Area offers the perfect blend of exploration, indulgence, and community. Mark your calendar for Sunday, September 28, and prepare to ride, taste, and discover why this neighborhood has become one of the city’s rising culinary stars.
