Best of 21 mac and cheese in Downtown San Diego
Discover the ultimate comfort food in Downtown San Diego: mac and cheese! This classic dish is a staple in the area, with a variety of restaurants and bars offering their unique twists. From gourmet versions with truffle oil and lobster to traditional recipes, Downtown San Diego's mac and cheese scene is a must-try for any foodie. Come indulge in the cheesy goodness!
- 1. The Melt in Downtown San Diego
- 2. The Local Eatery & Drinking Hole
- 3. The Crack Shack - Little Italy
- 4. barleymash in Downtown San Diego
- 5. MAKE pizza+salad
- 6. American Grilled Cheese Company
- 7. Eddie V's Prime Seafood
- 8. Monello
- 9. Wicked Chicken
- 10. Al Teatro Panini Grill
- 11. Hodad's Downtown
- 12. Werewolf in Downtown San Diego
- 13. Union Kitchen and Tap Gaslamp
- 14. Shake Shack Little Italy
- 15. Queenstown Public House
- 16. Social Tap San Diego
- 17. Taste & Thirst
- 18. GARAGE Kitchen + Bar
- 19. Neighborhood in Downtown San Diego
- 20. Bayou Kitchen
- 21. Tender Greens
1. The Melt in Downtown San Diego
Uses a variety of high-quality cheeses, Comforting and satisfying meals, Casual and friendly atmosphere

The Melt is a restaurant that provides a satisfying dining experience with a menu offering delicious items such as mac n cheese casserole, tomato soup, and tasty burgers. On one occasion, an order of two Mac Daddy sandwiches was placed through Uber Eats. The pictures of the sandwich online looked appetizing, but the actual size of the sandwich was smaller than anticipated.
Upon arrival, the Mac Daddy sandwiches were found to be smaller in size than what was pictured online. The sandwich consists of slow-cooked beef, caramelized onions, melted cheese, and au jus dipping sauce. Despite the size, the sandwich was still flavorful and satisfying. However, the discrepancy between the picture and the actual size of the sandwich may lead to different expectations from customers.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Mid-Range
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2. The Local Eatery & Drinking Hole
Local eatery and drinking hole with a wide selection of craft beers

The mac and cheese served was exceptionally creamy and delicious, making it a standout dish that should not be missed. Its rich and comforting flavors made it a satisfying choice.
The mac and cheese excelled in delivering comfort food goodness, with its creamy texture and delicious taste. Its desirable qualities make it a highly recommended dish for those seeking a satisfying and enjoyable meal.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Happy Hours
- Downtown Spots
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3. The Crack Shack - Little Italy
Uses free-range, hormone-free chicken and locally-sourced ingredients.

The mac and cheese dish is a standout that should not be missed. Its rich and indulgent flavor makes it worth trying. The dish has a creamy consistency, adding to its delicious taste. It complements the fried chicken well, making it an excellent side option.
The mac and cheese is a delightful and flavorful choice. Its creamy texture and rich taste make it a must-try. When paired with fried chicken, it creates a perfect combination of flavors and textures. Whether enjoyed as a main or side dish, the mac and cheese is a clear highlight.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Lunch
- Downtown Spots
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4. barleymash in Downtown San Diego
Uses local and sustainable ingredients, Spiked milkshakes available

The Mash Mac & Cheese and the Duck Duck Goat Mac’n’Cheese are two delicious dishes that feature unique toppings and creamy sauces. The Mash Mac & Cheese is topped with ale-braised pork shoulder, bourbon-bbq sauce, fresh jalapenos, and crispy tobacco onions, providing a rich and decadent flavor profile. The Duck Duck Goat Mac’n’Cheese, on the other hand, features a delicious combination of duck, goat cheese, and herbs, resulting in a flavorful and creamy dish.
Both dishes offer a gourmet twist on a classic comfort food, with high-quality ingredients and creative flavor combinations. While the Mash Mac & Cheese leans more towards a barbecue and beer-inspired taste, the Duck Duck Goat Mac’n’Cheese offers a more sophisticated and refined flavor profile. Overall, these dishes showcase the versatility and creativity of modern mac and cheese dishes, offering customers a delicious and indulgent dining experience.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Vegetarian Options
- Happy Hours
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5. MAKE pizza+salad
Uses locally sourced and organic ingredients, Offers vegan and gluten-free options, Has a cozy and family-friendly atmosphere

The mac and cheese dish I tried was fantastic and provided a great level of comfort. Its delightful taste made it a standout.
TOPICS
- Fusion Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
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6. American Grilled Cheese Company

TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
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7. Eddie V's Prime Seafood
Live music and sophisticated atmosphere

For any food enthusiast, the sides of truffled mac and cheese and au gratin cheddar potatoes are not to be missed when it comes to a satisfying meal. The truffled mac and cheese stands out with its rich and creamy texture, which is enhanced by the distinct and luxurious flavor of truffles. This dish is elevated to a whole new level, making it a must-try for any pasta lover.
In addition to the truffled mac and cheese, the au gratin cheddar potatoes are another standout side dish. These potatoes are cooked to perfection with a golden, crispy topping that provides a delightful contrast to the creamy and cheesy interior. The cheddar cheese is sharp and flavorful, adding depth and richness to the dish. Together, these two sides are a match made in heaven, offering a perfect blend of flavors and textures that are sure to leave a lasting impression.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Budget
- High-End
- Downtown Spots
8. Monello
Serves Italian cuisine in a modern and sleek setting with a full bar and weekend brunch

Monello's mac and cheese is a standout dish, renowned for its creamy and cheesy texture. It is expertly cooked, providing a indulgent and satisfying experience. This mac and cheese is a must-try for any pasta or cheese lover.
The mac and cheese at this location is exceptional, offering rich and robust flavors. Its comforting and indulgent qualities make it a highly recommended dish. The perfect cooking technique and delightful taste ensure that this mac and cheese is not to be missed.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Corporate Events
- Vegetarian Options
9. Wicked Chicken

TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Dinner
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10. Al Teatro Panini Grill
Family-owned Italian restaurant with a cozy atmosphere and a patio for outdoor dining

San Diego offers a wide variety of mac and cheese dishes, but one stands out for its exceptional taste and quality. The mac and cheese in question boasts a perfectly cooked texture, with each noodle coated in a rich, flavorful sauce. This dish is not only creamy but also packs a punch in the taste department, making it a must-try for any mac and cheese lover.
The combination of its delicious taste and impeccable cooking technique sets this mac and cheese apart from the rest. It provides a satisfying and indulgent experience, leaving a lasting impression on one's palate. The dish's quality and flavor profile make it one of the best mac and cheese options in San Diego, a city known for its diverse and vibrant food scene.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Italian Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Lunch
11. Hodad's Downtown
A popular surf-themed burger joint located in the heart of downtown San Diego with a fun and lively atmosphere.

Hodad's Downtown is well-known for its delicious mac and cheese. The dish is rich and full of flavor, making it a perfect complement to the restaurant's famous burgers. The mac and cheese is cheesy and has a great texture, ensuring that every bite is satisfying and enjoyable.
If you're looking for a must-try dish at Hodad's Downtown, the mac and cheese is an excellent choice. Its creamy and indulgent nature is sure to please, and the dish's great texture makes it a standout. Food lovers should not miss the opportunity to try this exceptional mac and cheese. It is highly recommended for anyone visiting Hodad's Downtown.
TOPICS
- Downtown Spots
- American Cuisine
- Mid-Range
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12. Werewolf in Downtown San Diego
Featuring a classic American diner decor with a modern twist

The mac and cheese served at Werewolf has gained positive attention, with someone praising its rich and delicious flavor. It is considered to be among the best versions of this dish that they have ever tasted. On the other hand, there is a slight criticism about the saltiness of the mac and cheese, as it was a bit too salty for the person's liking. Despite this, the texture of the dish was found to be satisfying.
Werewolf's mac and cheese has been described as having a rich and delicious flavor, making it one of the best versions of this dish around. However, there is some room for improvement regarding the salt level, as it was a bit excessive for the person's taste. Despite the minor setback, the texture of the mac and cheese was done well.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Downtown Spots
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13. Union Kitchen and Tap Gaslamp
Features a lively atmosphere with a modern industrial design

TheUnion Burger and Bacon Mac & Cheese were both enjoyed and found to be delicious. However, the burger contained a fried egg, which had not been cooked fully, as the yolk was still runny. This caused the yolk to run everywhere, and the individual had to use a fork to eat the last half of the burger.
Despite the mishap with the undercooked egg on the Union Burger, the dishes were still tasty. The Bacon Mac & Cheese was a standout, and the runny yolk from the fried egg added an unexpected but not unwelcome twist to the Union Burger. Fortunately, eating the last half of the burger with a fork was not a major inconvenience.
TOPICS
- Downtown Spots
- American Cuisine
- Dinner
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14. Shake Shack Little Italy
Features a retro-style dining area with a large, community table

The mac and cheese was a standout dish, boasting a rich and creamy cheese sauce and a satisfyingly crispy top layer. Even when ordered for delivery, the pasta arrived still warm and retained its delicious flavor and texture.
This popular dish, known for its gooey cheese and crunchy topping, did not disappoint. Whether enjoyed in-person or delivered to your door, the mac and cheese maintained its warmth and taste, making for a truly enjoyable dining experience. The top layer had a pleasant crunch that added a nice contrast to the soft, cheesy noodles beneath.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
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15. Queenstown Public House
New Zealand-themed gastropub with a cozy and lively atmosphere

Queenstown Public House serves a remarkable mac and cheese that is worth trying. The portion is generously sized, providing a satisfying amount of food. The flavor of the dish is exceptional, with a rich and cheesy taste that is on point.
Mac and cheese lovers should not miss out on the offering at Queenstown Public House. This dish is the epitome of comfort food, with its rich and satisfying cheese flavor. The portion is substantial, ensuring that you will be fully satisfied after indulging in this delicious meal.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
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17. Taste & Thirst
Features a cozy, industrial atmosphere with a large selection of local craft beers.

The mac and cheese was a popular dish, with two distinct opinions on its taste. One person found it to be a bit too heavy on the cheese, making it less enjoyable for their palate. On the other hand, another individual had a very positive response to the dish, praising it as the perfect comfort food.
Despite the differing opinions, both parties agreed on the quality of the mac and cheese. Its rich and creamy texture, along with its well-cooked pasta, were commendable. While the level of cheese might have been a point of contention, the overall consensus was that it was a delicious and satisfying dish.
TOPICS
- Fusion Cuisine
- Affordable Nightlife
- Downtown Spots
18. GARAGE Kitchen + Bar
Features a vintage car theme and late-night menu

The mac and cheese served was indulgent and flavorful, although it may have been too heavy for some. The dish boasted a creamy texture and a delightful taste that made it a standout. Its richness, in particular, was noteworthy and could be overwhelming for those who prefer milder flavors.
Despite its richness, the mac and cheese was a must-try dish. Its creamy consistency and delicious taste were hard to resist, making it a popular choice among diners. Its rich flavor profile, while intense, was balanced and satisfying, making it a recommended dish for anyone looking for a indulgent and flavorful meal. Overall, the mac and cheese left a lasting impression and was a testament to the quality of the cuisine served.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Mid-Range
- Dinner
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19. Neighborhood in Downtown San Diego
Cozy atmosphere, extensive wine list, communal tables

Tina Lam and Brett Siegel both recommend a downtown bar with a great selection of beers on tap. They rave about the jalapeño mac and cheese, describing it as delicious and a unique combination of flavors. Lam mentiones that the mac and cheese comes with braised beef ribs, making it a satisfying and hearty dish.
Siegel suggests trying the jalapeño mac and cheese at a medium level of spiciness for those who enjoy a bit of heat, but warns that those who prefer very spicy foods might find the hot option to be too much. Lam and Siegel's shared enthusiasm for the dish suggests that it is a must-try for anyone visiting the bar.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Late Night
- Affordable Nightlife
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20. Bayou Kitchen
Cajun and Creole-style cooking, cozy atmosphere, extensive menu

The mac and cheese served at this establishment is truly delicious. It stands out for its creamy consistency and rich, cheesy flavor. A careful balance of seasoning makes it a must-try dish. The restaurant's take on this classic comfort food is a delight, as the pasta and cheese mixture is hearty and bursting with flavor.
This mac and cheese is a beautiful and appetizing version of the traditional recipe. Its splendid combination of cheese and pasta meets, and even exceeds, expectations. The dish's quality highlights the establishment's attention to detail and dedication to providing enjoyable dining experiences. The creamy yet flavorful mac and cheese is sure to impress fans of the classic dish and newcomers alike.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
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21. Tender Greens
Sustainable, locally-sourced ingredients, farm-to-table dining experience, and committed to reducing waste

The mac and cheese served in this location stands out for its creamy consistency and delightful taste, making it an ideal comfort food. Its rich and cheesy flavor is a standout feature that is sure to satisfy fans of this classic dish.
This mac and cheese can be described as having a creamy texture and a delicious taste, making it a great choice for those seeking comfort food. The dish's rich and cheesy flavor is a highlight, as it caters specifically to those who enjoy this particular style of mac and cheese.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
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16. Social Tap San Diego
Has a lively atmosphere with a social, shareable dining experience
The mac and cheese served to our group was a resounding success. Its delicious taste was enjoyed by all, and it complemented our overall meal nicely. The creamy and cheesy texture of the mac and cheese was especially noteworthy, with each bite perfectly cooked.
Our strong recommendation goes to trying the mac and cheese at this location. Its creamy, cheesy flavor and well-cooked texture make it a standout dish. The positive experience of our group is a testament to the quality of the mac and cheese and its ability to enhance any meal.
TOPICS
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