With the 2022 edition of the Farmer’s Insurance Open fast approaching, San Diego will once again be the focus of the golf world. The Farmer’s Insurance Open (previously the Buick Open, among others) is notorious for bringing in some of the PGA Tour’s best players, with no shortage of entertainment. From Tiger Woods absolutely dominating in the early 2000s to the 2015 Jason Day playoff win, Torrey Pines seems to have a flare for the dramatic.
Though the tournament doesn’t get as rowdy as other PGA Tour stops (I’m looking at you Waste Management Open), there is still a ton of opportunity to let loose and have some fun after the sun goes down… if you know where to look.
Farmer’s Insurance Open Details:
- Where: Torrey Pines Golf Course
- When: January 26-29th
- How to Watch: Tickets or on CBS
Unique for 2022, the tournament is slated to begin their initial rounds on Wednesday which means a Saturday finish. Long gone are the Sunday scaries at Torrey Pines. You can now safely get hammered during the final round with the promise of a Sunday recovery, you degenerate, you.
Below are my picks for grabbing food, drinks, and general information to make your time at Torrey one to remember. *I refrained from including any restaurants/bars at the Torrey Pines Golf Course. The Lodge at Torrey Pines gets crazy, so this is intended on helping you elsewhere*
Where to Eat Breakfast Near Torrey Pines
Does the thought of a hotel breakfast or a quick McDonalds breakfast sandwich excite you? I thought not. Skip the boring breakfast and check out the following places for a bite before the tournament:
Caroline’s Seaside Cafe
Open 8am-3pm, Caroline’s is a sneaky great place to grab a bite before the action starts. Tee times launch at 9am on Wednesday/Thursday and move to 9:30am on Friday/Saturday. This gives you a small window to grab a quick bite if you want to be there for the early tee-offs. I recommend getting here early and grabbing a spot on their patio. This place operates a little differently than most (you stand in line, order, then find a seat), but it offers amazing breakfast choices and you can get started early with some mimosas.
Farmer & the Seahorse
Open 8am-2pm, the Farmer & the Seahorse might just be the best place within walking distance of the golf course. It’s a little hidden, but sits directly across North Torrey Pines Road from the golf shop surrounded by all those techie biopharm businesses. They also have a great happy hour between 3pm-6pm on Thursday and Friday, so enjoy a post-round drink over there.
Copa Vida
More of a coffee shop, Copa Vida is a great place for a good cup of joe and breakfast bites. Open 8am-3pm, this serves as an ideal stop for some early morning go-go juice. They have a few locations around San Diego, but the one tucked away on Science Center Drive is your best bet for a close-by stop.
Shorehouse Kitchen
Open at 7:30am and closing 2:30pm most days, this La Jolla Shores staple is a great stop for a pre-round breakfast. Located on Avenida de la Playa, you’ll be a short 5-10 min drive from the Gliderport entrance for the tournament. This place rocks, the food is stellar, the drinks are great, and the location is amazing.
Where to Eat Dinner Near Torrey Pines
After a long day of watching other dudes live the life you wish you had, you may be in the mood for some grub. Lucky for you, we have some picks. Here are my favorite spots near Torrey Pines for a bite to eat:
Monarch Ocean Pub
I’ve previously declared my love for this place, and I stand by it. Located just a short 10 minute drive north of the golf course, Monarch Ocean Pub sits neatly at the top of Del Mar Village. This place is wallet-friendly, serving up amazing food and even better views. I was here during the Breeder’s Cup and this place was POPPIN… I expect the same during the tournament.
Duke’s La Jolla
Situated in La Jolla among other San Diego staples (i.e. George’s, Eddie V’s, Blue Ocean), Duke’s sets itself apart. While the prices are reflective of the neighborhood it sits in (hello $18 cheeseburgers!), the views and the vibes more than make up for the hurt your wallet is bound to feel. This less stuffy La Jolla institution is a great place to knock back a few drinks and unwind after a day in the sun.
Din Tai Fung
If you’re in the mood for asian food, look no further than Din Tai Fung. This chain, originating in Taipei, Taiwan, is the spot to get your dumplings fix. Snag a reservation if you can, waiting in the standby line can be an adventure in itself. After dinner, you can explore the UTC Mall and crush some nearby bars (I’m a fan of margaritas at Javier’s).
James’ Place
I would love to take credit for finding this place, but I have to give my Dad props to showing me (also shoutout to the CBS TV crew this weekend… the unsung heroes of the PGA Tour). James’ Place is the definition of a hidden gem, located on the campus of UCSD next to the La Jolla Playhouse. The name may not inspire, but believe it or not, James’ Place produces some of the best sushi in San Diego. Call in before making the trek, their website says they’re open for dinner during a 90 minute window before shows at the playhouse… and I don’t want to be responsible for sending you to a closed restaurant.
Where to Drink Near the Torrey Pines Golf Course
If the day drinking at the course wasn’t enough, there are plenty of places near Torrey Pines to get your drink on. Fair warning: like anything else in San Diego, you’ll need a car to get around. Uber/Lyft can get a little pricey around the course during the weekend, so plan accordingly.
Raised by Wolves
Raised by Wolves is easily my favorite speakeasy in San Diego. Hidden behind an old-timey bottleshop, a revolving fireplace spits you out into a turn-of-the-century French library with strong drinks and an impeccable ambiance. I’m a huge fan of their whiskey drinks, but their rum-based tropical drinks are a knockout as well. Go here. I’m serious.
Shore Rider
Located near Shorehouse Kitchen on Avenida de la Playa, Shore Rider is the perfect beach bar. From the location to the drink prices, it would be difficult to find a bar that compares, especially in the La Jolla area. While their food menu is great, but their beer selection is even better. From local brews to more mainstream beers, they have a little bit of everything for everyone.
Hennessey’s Tavern
Believe it or not, but La Jolla actually has dive bars… weird, I know. If you’re looking for a place in La Jolla that has a fireplace, big patio, and a ton of Irish flare, I have the spot for you. Hennessey’s has a GREAT happy hour with cheap drinks and appetizers. After a long day of crushing Coors Lights, Hennessey’s is the perfect spot to continue the vibe.
Gravity Heights
While not the closest bar to Torrey Pines, this 12,000 square foot brewpub in Sorrento Mesa is a great place to unwind after watching the tournament. Gravity Heights has a great drink lineup with cocktails and beers made on location (my favorite is the June Gloom Hazy). Like other Whisknladle Hospitality restaurants, the decor and vibe is flawless, so it’s as great of a date spot as it is a place to get a buzz with the boys.
That should cover it. If you’re in the mood to explore more places around San Diego, our date night guide is a great place to start. Or if you’re trying to catch a sunset after the tournament, we have put together the best sunset spots in San Diego!
