Garnet Avenue has always been the commercial spine of Pacific Beach — a stretch where surf shops, taco stands, and late-night bars compete for sidewalk attention. But two incoming openings are about to inject a different kind of energy into the corridor, and both are worth watching closely.
Coco Fuego: Caribbean Heat Meets PB Sand
Grind & Prosper Hospitality — the group behind Miss B's Coconut Club — is bringing Coco Fuego to 832 Garnet Avenue, the former Backyard Kitchen & Tap space. Led by restaurateur Pete Cich, the concept channels a Tulum-meets-San-Diego aesthetic built around rum and tequila cocktails, coal-fired cooking, lush greenery, and immersive design. If you've eaten at Miss B's, you already know this team understands how to build atmosphere. Coco Fuego is expected to open in 2026 and aims to stabilize one of PB's more frequently reinvented restaurant spaces.
Mr. Charlie's: The Vegan Fast-Food Sensation Arrives
Launched in Los Angeles in 2022, Mr. Charlie's has built a global following with its cheeky red-and-yellow branding and an entirely plant-based menu that mimics fast-food nostalgia. The PB location at 1560 Garnet Avenue — taking over the former Brazilian Bowls space — will serve vegan burgers, "Not Chicken" sandwiches, nuggets, fries, breakfast items, soft-serve, and the signature Mr. Frowny Meals. A second location is planned for Hillcrest. For a neighborhood where In-N-Out Burger and Wendy's have traditionally dominated the fast-food conversation, this is a significant pivot.
What This Means for Pacific Beach Dining
These two openings, combined with Cherryfish on Felspar and Madi's expansion into PB, represent a clear trend: Pacific Beach's restaurant scene is diversifying beyond its comfort zone. The neighborhood still delivers on classics — 710 Beach Club, Sandbar Sports Grill, and The Duck Dive aren't going anywhere. But the arrival of concept-driven restaurants suggests PB is competing for the same diners who currently head to La Jolla or Del Mar for elevated options.
Existing tiki bars like The Grass Skirt, craft cocktail spots like Slowly Restaurant and Lounge, and neighborhood staples like Pacific Beach AleHouse give the community a deep bench. Adding Caribbean and plant-based options only makes it deeper. Stay current with new Pacific Beach restaurant openings and local business news on San Diego Lineup.
