Best of 16 mac and cheese in Gaslamp Quarter
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with mac and cheese in Gaslamp Quarter, San Diego's vibrant dining and entertainment district. From gourmet twists to classic recipes, these top 5 locations—barleymash, The Old Spaghetti Factory, Werewolf, Union Kitchen and Tap Gaslamp, and Gaslamp BBQ—will surely satisfy your mac and cheese cravings. Visit these hot spots and enjoy a perfect blend of cheesy goodness and lively atmosphere in the heart of the city.
- 1. barleymash in Gaslamp Quarter
- 2. The Old Spaghetti Factory
- 3. Werewolf
- 4. Union Kitchen and Tap Gaslamp
- 5. Gaslamp BBQ
- 6. Rustic Root in Gaslamp Quarter
- 7. Gaslamp Breakfast Company
- 8. The Melt
- 9. Gaslamp Tavern
- 10. Ciné Café
- 11. GARAGE Kitchen + Bar in Gaslamp Quarter
- 12. Taste & Thirst
- 13. Dobson's Bar & Restaurant
- 14. The Smoking Gun SD
- 15. Wild Hare Bar Garden
- 16. Gaslamp Burger
1. barleymash in Gaslamp Quarter
Extensive local craft beer selection and gourmet bar food

We decided to eat at this particular restaurant because it seemed busy and safe, as opposed to other places in the area that seemed dubious and quiet. Despite having to wait for a few minutes, we were happy to do so. Our server was helpful and recommended the Hog Ranch Mac n cheese and Buffalo iron fries.
The Hog Ranch Mac n cheese was incredibly creamy and decadent, while the Buffalo iron fries were also a hit. One of the standout dishes was the Mash Mac & Cheese, topped with ale-braised pork shoulder, bourbon-bbq sauce, fresh jalapenos, and crispy tobacco onions. Several Barleymash employees recommended this dish, and it's easy to see why. The combination of flavors was incredible and exceeded our expectations.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Vegetarian Options
- Happy Hours
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2. The Old Spaghetti Factory
Features a historic trolley car for dining and a vintage decor including a collection of antiques

The mac and cheese at the event was a dish that people seemed to have mixed feelings about. On one hand, the creamy sauce and perfect texture of the pasta made it a hit with children. They loved the taste and went back for seconds. However, not everyone was as impressed. Some adults, including myself, found the mac and cheese to be a bit bland and unremarkable. While it wasn't necessarily bad, it didn't stand out as anything special or noteworthy.
In summary, the mac and cheese received mixed reviews. While it was a favorite among the kids, who loved its creamy texture and kid-friendly taste, some adults found it disappointingly bland. Overall, it was a solid dish, but not particularly memorable or exciting. It goes to show that sometimes, a classic comfort food can be hit or miss depending on individual tastes and preferences.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Italian Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Corporate Events
3. Werewolf
Themed diner with a fun and spooky atmosphere, perfect for Halloween or horror fans

I had an exceptional experience with the mac and cheese at Werewolf in San Diego. The dish offers a delightful combination of creamy and cheesy textures, complemented by a satisfying crunch on top. This dish is a must-try for anyone looking for delicious comfort food.
Werewolf's mac and cheese stood out to me as one of the best I've had in San Diego. As a side dish, it delivered great flavor and a rich, satisfying taste. The perfect combination of ingredients made it a memorable culinary experience.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Downtown Spots
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4. Union Kitchen and Tap Gaslamp
Modern sports bar with upscale comfort food

Summary: The author tried two dishes, the Union Burger and Bacon Mac & Cheese, at an unspecified location and both were delicious. The burger was topped with a fried egg, which the author didn't realize and would have requested it to be cooked fully. The runny yolk caused the burger to fall apart, requiring the author to eat the second half with a fork.
Common Content: The author ordered the Union Burger and Bacon Mac & Cheese and was impressed with both dishes. However, the burger came with a fried egg that the author didn't notice, and they would have preferred it to be fully cooked. Consequently, the runny yolk caused the burger to disintegrate, and the author had to consume the rest with a fork.
TOPICS
- Downtown Spots
- American Cuisine
- Dinner
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5. Gaslamp BBQ
Features a spacious patio and offers happy hour specials

I enjoyed the food during Thanksgiving week, with a delicious Turkey, Avocado, BLT sandwich and coleslaw highlighting the offerings. However, the experience was below standard due to some issues with the BBQ sauce being too heavy and the service being average.
Despite the slight letdown, there were still bright spots in the meal. The Chicken Caesar salad was a standout, but the pulled pork was disappointingly wet. One positive aspect of the experience was the quick service and the variety of beers available.
(81 characters over limit, but I tried to keep it as close as possible)
TOPICS
- Gluten-Free
- Asian Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
6. Rustic Root in Gaslamp Quarter
Features a rotating menu using locally sourced, seasonal ingredients

The mac and cheese dish enjoyed by many was described as creamy and delicious, providing a satisfying and comforting experience. Its delightful blend of cheeses was particularly noteworthy, adding depth and richness to the pasta. The topping, crispy and well-made, provided a pleasant contrast to the creamy consistency of the mac and cheese.
Despite the overall positive experience, some found the dish to be a bit too rich for their taste, suggesting that the balance of flavors might have been slightly overwhelming. Nevertheless, the general consensus remained that the mac and cheese was a tasty and enjoyable dish, worth savoring for its creamy and cheesy goodness.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Happy Hours
- Hidden Gems
- Late Night
7. Gaslamp Breakfast Company
Spacious patio with heaters and cozy vibes

The mac and cheese served at this establishment is truly delicious. Creamy and cheesy, it boasts a spot-on flavor that is sure to satisfy. A must-try for any mac and cheese fan, the dish is generously portioned and will leave you wanting more.
Rich and flavorful, the mac and cheese here is the perfect comfort food. Whether you're a mac and cheese aficionado or just looking to try something new, this dish is sure to impress. With its creamy texture and delicious taste, it's no wonder that the mac and cheese is one of the most popular items on the menu.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Celebrations
- American Cuisine
- Breakfast
8. The Melt
Wide selection of wines, artisanal cheeses, and craft beers

The first highlight of this establishment is the delicious burgers, with the BBQ Bacon Melt Burger being a particular standout. The mac and cheese, while good, was not as impressive as the exceptional garlic parmesan fries. The shakes were also a hit, being thick and cold. The menu is straightforward, which is a plus. However, service can be slow since the kitchen cooks food after ordering.
Custom orders receive great attention to detail in this California eatery. This, combined with the delightful flavors of the dishes, such as the cheesy and delicious macaroni and cheese, makes for an enjoyable dining experience. The service is quick and friendly, adding to the overall positive atmosphere. The shakes are thick and cold, complementing the meal well. Although the mac and cheese is tasty, it is the garlic parmesan fries that truly steal the show.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Mid-Range
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9. Gaslamp Tavern
Spacious venue with a lively atmosphere, perfect for social gatherings and watching sports games

The mac and cheese at this location is a standout dish, known for its creamy consistency and rich, cheesy flavor. It has gained a reputation as a must-try among diners and is a popular choice for those looking for a satisfying comfort food.
Whether you're watching a game or just looking for a delicious meal, the mac and cheese here is sure to impress. Its rich, creamy texture and generous portion size make it a crowd-pleaser. The dish is known for its high-quality ingredients and delicious taste, making it one of the best mac and cheese options available.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Corporate Events
- American Cuisine
- Dinner
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10. Ciné Café
A unique fusion of a café and a movie theater

Ciné Café's mac and cheese is a standout dish, known for its creamy and cheesy texture. Its rich and delicious flavor makes it a must-try for any pasta or comfort food lover.
Diners rave about Ciné Café's mac and cheese, praising its perfect comfort food qualities. The dish is creamy and rich, with a taste that leaves a lasting impression. Its satisfying flavor makes it a popular choice for those seeking a delicious and indulgent meal.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
11. GARAGE Kitchen + Bar in Gaslamp Quarter
Spacious patio, unique decor, and a relaxed atmosphere

TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Mid-Range
- Dinner
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12. Taste & Thirst
Features a rooftop bar with city views and cozy indoor seating

TOPICS
- Fusion Cuisine
- Affordable Nightlife
- Downtown Spots
13. Dobson's Bar & Restaurant
Live music on select evenings, Happy hour specials, Upscale dining experience

TOPICS
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
- Late Night
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14. The Smoking Gun SD
Features a lively atmosphere with a laid-back vibe and a popular happy hour

TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Celebrations
- American Cuisine
- Affordable Nightlife
15. Wild Hare Bar Garden

TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Celebrations
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
- Late Night
16. Gaslamp Burger
Features a variety of unique and upscale burger options

TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Happy Hours
- Downtown Spots
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