I was looking for them at the farmers market a week ago and was sad not to find them, had no idea that it wasn't just a temporary blip. Any ideas about if they are working on a revamp/reorg?

It is a little bit different then a gastropub but Cafe Chloe downtown has a private room that seats up to 12 or 14 and you could call them and see what they could do. Much better food then Neighborhood with a good selection of beer and wine.
Neighborhood is like FO in they have stupid rules that make no sense, i.e. no ketchup for your fries or burgers....or anything.

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Cafe Chloe
721 9th Ave, San Diego, CA 92101

My reply is not to be an extensive run down of best "authentic" taco shops but there is a huge difference in San Diego v. Los Angeles v. San Francisco taco shops. While I understand you described what your criteria for a good taco shop is, I find it difficult that you found what you were looking for in LA. As you say, " I've found loads of places in LA and the Bay Area that make good and great asada tacos and believe me, the competition there is pretty fierce (in LA at least)."

I found quite the opposite when I lived in LA for eight years. The additions of lettuce and sour cream to the most basic tacos was prevalent from the Westside taco shops to those in Boyle Heights. As well as numerous other flaws. The entire time I lived there I derided their tacos and their Taco Shops as being unpalatable and unauthentic. But that is because my taco shop standards are here in San Diego. It was only when I moved home a few years ago that I was content with the tacos that I grew up on and loved.

My point is only echoing onr above that states the most authentic taco shop is the one you grew up on.

I would also suggest Blue Water, as you are in Old Town a cab shouldn't be difficult to procure. Also, if you walk one block north of Blue Water there is an English pub named Shakespears that would be willing to help you grab a cab back to your hotel. The fare shouldn't be more then $5 each way. A tad bit pricey but better then the super ugly walk. Also, if you are looking for sushi Hane Sushi in Banker's Hill/Hillcrest is just a bit farther and has excellent sushi. It is no Kaito but very tasty.

Maybe it is just my childhood memories speaking but Samson's in the 80's was way better then Elijah's or Miltons.

Jimmy's Famous American Tavern. A wee bit greasy but super tasty. Their cocktails and ice cream sundae are also very tasty. And well the location is pretty nice too.

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Jimmy's Famous American Tavern
4990 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92106

I think you should also check out Seaside Market just north of you in Cardiff. They have a pretty decent take out selection of sushi, entrees etc...They generally source locally and are smaller but on par with Jimbos and Wholefoods. Their seafood is quite nice although they have only a small selection of ethically sourced proteins (although they do have some.)

That is a great idea! You only turn 21 once and you should do it at a fun bar/restaurant. Craft and Commerce has good food and great cocktails in Little Italy.
If you want to stay in La Jolla (and by La Jolla I don't mean University City/UTC) go to Whisk-n-ladlle (fun bar) or the bar at George's California Modern.
TGIFriday's is, well to be honest, a cruddy chain. Why would you spend an important birthday at a chain that only attempts to be mediocre to suit the masses?

So for you first night I think maybe either Cowboy Star or Cucina Urbana (need a cab) or my friends and I have really been enjoying Bice. But you might also like Searsucker (have not been but may fit your "fun" requirement.)

Second night Cafe Chloe or Cowboy Star. Both within walking distance.
Also, your hotel is actually getting moderately decent reviews (see SDreader.com)

I am no help for burger or mexican within walking distance.

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Cafe Chloe
721 9th Ave, San Diego, CA 92101

So they want some sort of Italian restaurant version? Baci (coats required) on Morena across the freeway might work? Honestly, this is a tough request. Maybe ask Red Sails at the Hilton on Mission Bay to order it? They have an extensive seafood menu. Or if it is their anniversary spring for a cab to one of the local fish places like the Fishery (in PB) or Oceanaire (downtown.) Good luck, I am getting married in the next month and sometimes people ask questions that are very difficult and stressful. Congrats!

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Oceanaire
San DIego, CA, San DIego, CA

Baci Restaurant
1955 West Morena Blvd, San Diego, CA 92110

Whisk n ladle in La Jolla has a pretty cool looking private room for aroun 15-20 people with lots of options and the price is in your budget. The food is good to outstanding and they have tasty cocktails.

We eat at Chloe fairly regularly (once a week before saving for the wedding--now hopefully once a month.) But the chairs at the two larger high bar tables are much (much much much) more comfy. I assume the high tables outside are the same.

How about Blanca. I think if you do a search it is getting pretty good reviews with the new chef.

Went this evening there were two of us. Very friendly staff, still working out kinks with basic stuff, bread with charcuterie plate and dropping silverware at propertimes but I think great potential. The cocktails were very good. The wine list is hopefully a work in progress. Would love if they could grab some wine from Enoteca around the corner. Obviously wine is not their thing so I won't judge. The beer selection looked good but didn't try any.

As there doesn't seem to be a menu online I will give a pretty detailed description of the food. We shared the charcuterie plate which was great not just because of the meats but because of the interesting additions of their house vinegar/chutney/tomato salsa. They all paired well with the bone marrow, coppa molina, fried house beef jerkey, and chorizo blanca. It was 14 dollars and I think quite generous. We also had the mussels which came with an uni/jalepeno broth that was spicy with a nice umami flavor (also 14 and a huge serving.) The fries on top were a bit cold but the grilled lemon was a tasty addition. I liked the fact that they actually had spice. The only complaint would be I would have liked some ketchup with the fries as a counterpoint to the umami/spicy flavor. Very diverse crowd, hipsters to marines to older couples. I wish they had seating outdoors but am guessing it is an alcohol permit issue.

What about Apollina in Costa Verde? Pretty tasty Greek/Med food. Flaming cheese as a starter (Hallumi cheese) as well as lots of vegetarian choices. They have a nice outside patio.

That might have to be the plan. Am camping this weekend and was thinking some of the fish would be amazing over the campfire.

Thanks! The ceviche looked amazing but didn't have a cooler to take with me and wasn't heading home right away!

Quick question(s), what is the name of the vendor who has the fresh seafood, shellfish and ceviche? He was there today with his son I think? Also, does he go to any other markets? Thanks!

I would say right now the food has really improved and the links are amazing. I am sorry that you haven't had the opportunity to try them at their greatness.

They also have a nice Gruner Veltliner (sp?) Right now their white flight also includes a nice minerally wine from Spain thats different from an Albarino and something light from France. I'm trying to convince them to upgrade their meats as the pork shoulder panini sounds amazing.

That would be way too far but those more adept at the bus routes could probably give you a pretty good way to get there via bus!

I am being a bit lazy here, as the PB Henrys is just down the street but did they just have ground beef or any other "cuts"?

I just called Kevin Faulconer to voice my displeasure over this. The number is (619) 236-6622.

Also, I know you are more of a beer person but their wine list is what I think is the best in the city right now. They have some crazy unique wines by the glass and the Wednesday half off bottle night is a steal.

I would also suggest the Marine Room. I know Bernard and Ron will work with your dietary issues. Their Ceasar salad made tableside is great. Also, if your Dad insists on springing for dinner perhaps you could treat them to one of the beautiful rooms at the adjoining La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club. Congrats to them!

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Marine Room Restaurant
2000 Spindrift Drive, La Jolla, CA 92037

I love Enoteca Style/ Salad Style Both are downtown but Enoteca is a wine bar first salad/panini place second. Their salads are great especially just the house salad and the couscous salad. They also have a great bruschetta with avocado, lime, scallion and sea salt that is super tasty.
I also like Tender Greens in Point Loma.

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Point Loma Cafe
4856 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92106

Tender Greens
2400 Historic Decatur Rd, San Diego, CA 92106

Salad Style
807 F St, San Diego, CA 92101

Great idea but I am pretty sure they are closed this Saturday. Open Thursday and Friday.

The Fish Market Downtown is quite popular, right on San Diego Bay next to the aircraft carrier. I prefer to sit outside on the deck but that is a limited menu. Can be average to great (depending on what you order) and is very family friendly.

How do you like Costa Brava? It is pretty tasty and lots of the employees are from Barthelona.

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Costa Brava
1653 Garnet Ave, San Diego, CA 92109

It is a great review, love the pictures. Thanks and we will be giving it a try!