San Diego, CA 92113

Barrio Logan – Neighborhood Review | Condé Nast Traveler

"Tell me: What’s this place all about? One of California's 14 Cultural Districts, this historic, artsy San Diego neighborhood is rooted in Mexican and Chicano cultures. The most obvious proof is Chicano Park, the neighborhood's collection of more than 80 outdoor murals painted onto the concrete girders of the Coronado Bridge. The park was named a National Historic Landmark in 2017, and features larger-than-life portraits depicting iconic cultural figures, like revolutionary Emiliano Zapata and Aztec goddesses. As you walk along the main drag of Logan Avenue, it's tough to ignore that gentrification is seeping in, but many of the hip, modern businesses that have landed are still rooted in the community's culture. There's Por Vida for coffee, Border X Brewing for Mexican-inspired craft beers like a horchata brew, Salud! for street tacos that garners long (long) lines, and Simón Limón, which sells beauty and home goods. Beyond Chicano Park, Bread & Salt is a warehouse-turned-art gallery that showcases works by local and international artists, and next door is Mujeres Brewhouse, a new Latina-owned craft brewery with an expansive patio. And for old-school flavor and some of the best Mexican food in San Diego , don't miss a meal at Las Cuatro Milpas , but get there early—they usually sell out by lunchtime. Every weekend, Logan Avenue turns into an outdoor market and art festival with Walk the Block, a new community-run event that happens Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 6 p.m. What’s it like being there? The vibe is low-key and convivial. And while you won't see as much foot traffic in Barrio Logan as some of San Diego's more talked-about neighborhoods like North Park or Little Italy, it's plenty walkable, especially on Logan Avenue. Who comes here? Local families with young kids, hipsters, artsy types, and taco-beer seekers unite here. Did it meet expectations? A lot of the talk about San Diego focuses on sun and surf, but Barrio Logan proves that with its unique position near the U.S.-Mexico border, the city has plenty to offer in terms of culture and community, too. So then what, or who, do you think it’s best for? Art and history lovers, as well as people who want to go off the beaten path. If you're on a time crunch, grab a coffee at Por Vida and head to Chicano Park. If you want to spend the night, check out the minimalist-cool Airbnb One Bunk Barrio." - Archana Ram