Yesterday I got a chance to tour The Headquarters, a new shopping and food destination located next to Seaport Village in downtown San Diego. The space was once home to the Old Police Headquarters, a complex of several historic buildings surrounding an open-air courtyard. Much of the landscaping and tiling has been preserved, and they’ve even kept some of the jail cells in tact! They’re creepy and depressing, but they’re also tucked far away from the rest of the festive space.
I’ll be honest: When I first heard about the complex and briefly passed by only to catch a glimpse of The Cheesecake Factory, I wrote this place off. But it’s a good thing I got a tour because there’s a lot to love here, from famed L.A. pizzeria Mozza to a shop dedicated solely to local artisans. Check out the 7 things to love about shopping and eating at The Headquarters:
1. The raspberry lemonade at Seasons 52, a restaurant focused on local ingredients.
2. Simply Local, a local craft market housed in a beautiful indoor shop. All products are made by San Diego locals and range from honey and jams to tees and accessories. That swan print is maybe the most beautiful wrapping for a soap I’ve ever seen. To top it off, I have an insatiable love for druzy stone and am now completely obsessed with these necklaces by Love Tatum. I’ve never seen them in that wing shape!
3. I don’t usually like almond butter, but this one at Venissimo Cheese was SO GOOD.
4. It goes without saying that the paper products (Rifle Paper and the like) at Seaside Paper | Home are charming, but those trays and Voluspa candles are equally needed in my apartment.
5. I’ve been to the Mozza in L.A. but it must’ve been an off night because I didn’t love it there, but yesterday’s sampling of the funghi pizza–the same one I had in L.A.–was out of this world. That crust is divine.
6. California (tea towel) love at Urban Beach House.
7. Woah! Huge hanging pot at Puesto, an upscale restaurant with a Mexican street food menu. I loved the entire design scheme here.
I was treated to free samples and food at the above restaurants, but opinions are completely my own.
Archana, would you recommend the food at Seasons 52? They opened one nearby and I’m sort of skeptical but you’re the second person I’ve heard of liking something there so maybe I should just give it a shot…
I would, and let me say that I went into this restaurant with my guard up. They have a location at my NJ hometown mall, so I had to ask myself, “A mall restaurant?” But between the flat breads and drinks we tried, I was really impressed by the quality. It’s so not the stale taste found at big chains. Also, they had a tray of dessert shooters and each was under 250 calories. Bonus points for that!
I was a bit hesitant about Seasons 52 too. (I mean it’s part of the Darden family – Olive Garden, Red Lobster, etc., but I was also pleasantly surprised.) You have piqued my interest in The Headquarters – I will have to check it out! :)
Totally feel you! I was really very surprised. Go for it!
Wow, this looks amazing. Can we take a field trip sometime so you can show me all the things??
Yes please! That would be so much fun.