Unless you’ve been living under a rock — or you’re a lousy Raiders’ fan — you’re probably getting fired up for the Chargers season-opener this Sunday at Qualcomm Stadium.
Sure, we hear all sorts of sports jargon on ESPN regarding stats, game
plans and potential playoff contenders… but have you ever wondered
where your favorite Chargers’ players like to hang OFF the field? Yelp’s very own Ruggy J, had the opportunity to huddle up with pro-bowl center Nick Hardwick and new linebacker Derek Smith about some of their favorite spots on our home turf.
Ruggy: San Diego’s got some of the best Mexican food in the country. Where do you run for some authentic, south-of-the-border cusine?
Nick Hardwick: Miguel’s in Point Loma. They’ve got a solid atmosphere, nice breezes on the deck and good food. You gotta try the Lobster Puerto Nuevo. It’s amazing.
Derek Smith: Definitely Las Olas in Encinitas. It’s right by the beach, the food is excellent and they have great margaritas.
R: San Diego has some of the best weather in the United States; where do you head for a day at the beach?
NH: La Jolla Shores. There are no real waves or anything, but it’s really nice and has a cool stretch of sand. It’s a fun place to kick back.
DS: If I’m taking my family, it’s Moonlight Beach. If I’m going to surf, it’s Swami’s… even though I don’t get out as often as I’d like.
R: Where’s your favorite place to celebrate after a big win?
NH: Definitely PB Shore Club. They’ve got a cool vibe and the drinks are always flowin’.
DS: The Beach House on Highway 101. It’s a pretty cool spot with an awesome ocean view and great food.
R: You’re both big, beefy dudes… where’s your go-to place for a big hunk of red meat?
NH: Morton’s in the Gaslamp. I know it’s a chain, but there’s just something I like about it. The people are always really friendly.
DS: Probably Fleming’s in La Jolla… I guess I like it because it’s the closest to my house. Ha-ha.
R: Any hole-in-the-wall spots you’ve discovered since living here?
NH: The Venetian. They’ve got some of the best Italian food around. I like the Pearl Hotel as well… it’s a pretty cool, swanky place that’s totally unassuming.
DS: Beach City Burrito in Cardiff. They’ve got the best burritos in North County. I get the Chicken Pesto for lunch all the time. The ingredients are always really fresh.
R: What’s the best part about returning home after a road game in a crappy city like Cleveland?
NH: Touching down at the San Diego Airport is always so nice. It’s just so beautiful here in San Diego and we’re stoked as soon as we hit the tarmac.
DS: I always head home to see my kids… that’s the best part.
R: What’s the one thing in San Diego you couldn’t live without?
NH: Probably Croce’s. I really dig the music… I like it a lot.
DS: San Diego as a whole. There is no way I can limit it to just one. I love Mission Bay, the boardwalk, Del Mar Dog Beach… just everything. I love this city.
