In 2015, San Diego's nearly 50 year old Brigantine Restaurant Group beat out proposals from longtime tenant Anthony's Fish Grotto and another from Sunroad Enterprises that included restaurants by the Cohn Restaurant Group (Coasterra) and Consortium Holdings (Born & Raised) to get awarded the redevelopment deal on the prime downtown waterfront project. After more than 70 years serving seafood on San Diego Bay, Anthony's Fish Grotto closed its downtown location after service on January 31, 2018.
Designed by Tucker Sadler, the modern waterfront complex pays tribute to San Diego’s long history as a nationally known fishing port. Highlights include a barrel-shaped steel roof, Brazilian hardwood siding, a second floor ball room surrounded by glass, a glass egg staircase leading to the second story, and a nearly 3,000 pound wall-mounted sculpture of an octopus by Ryoko Nasu of the Hatch Design Group.
Portside Pier has received its final inspection and is cleared to open. Following a ribbon cutting on July 20, eateries will soft open outside dining areas to the public next week and host an official grand opening on Tuesday, July 28. The expansive space will offer a variety of dining options at various price points - from fresh seafood at Brigantine on the Bay, to authentic Mexican flavors at Miguel’s Cocina, to pub fare at Ketch Grill & Taps, and walk-up service at Portside Coffee & Gelato. In addition, the public can enjoy panoramic views of San Diego Bay with free access to a second level perimeter walkway and a viewing deck that will have tables and seating for up to 108 visitors. There is also be an expanded dock and dine to accommodate up to four vessels.
Brigantine Restaurant Group got its start in San Diego in 1969 when Mike Morton Sr. and family opened the first location of the surf & turf centric Brigantine restaurant on Shelter Island (in the space where Miguel's is now). Brigantine Incorporated now employs more than 1,200 San Diegans and operates 17 restaurants in San Diego County, including eight Brigantine Seafood and Oyster Bar locations, six branches of Miguel’s Cocina, and three outposts of Ketch Brewing.
Portside Pier is located at 1360 North Harbor Drive on the downtown San Diego North Embarcadero. Check out the first photos below.
