Named after the style of wood-frame house that occupied San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter 150 years ago, Saltbox is downtown’s latest go-to spot for expertly crafted classic cocktails and tasty New American tapas. Behind the bar, NYC mixologist Erin Williams revives century-old recipes like the Ward 8—here made with bourbon and pomegranate molasses and renamed the “Mental Ward”—and makes fresh magic with drinks like Off the Beet’n Path, with saffron-infused gin, beet brine, elderflower syrup and hibiscus salt. In the kitchen, Chef Simon Dolinky prepares shareable plates ranging from lobster corn dogs and beef cheek tacos to the unusual Bacon Cappuccino: two coffee-braised pork belly meatballs in an unctuous broth, garnished with bacon biscotti. This is elevated, stick-to-your-ribs food, perfect for winter. 1047 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp Quarter, 619.515.3003. www.saltboxrestaurant.com
