Do I need a reservation, or can I just walk in?

Reservations are strongly recommended—this North Park spot has been packed since opening in late 2025. The intimate space fills up quickly, especially for dinner and weekend brunch. Walk-ins might get lucky off-peak, but don't count on a table for date night or groups without calling ahead.

What's the parking situation on University Ave?

Street parking is available along University Ave, though it can be tight during peak dinner hours. Arrive early or scope out the lot near the restaurant's location (#102). The North Park strip generally turns over spots regularly, so don't stress too much—just don't expect to park directly out front on a Saturday.

Is there a dress code?

No strict dress code, but the vibe is polished casual. People come here for anniversaries and special occasions, so think date-night ready rather than gym clothes. You'll fit right in with clean jeans and a nice shirt—just don't show up in beach attire.

What should I order first?

Go for the small plates approach—reviewers recommend getting 3-4 plates to share between two people. The kitchen is chef-driven with a modern Mexican focus, so ask your server what's moving fast that night or what the chef's really excited about. Expect bold, well-balanced flavors and beautiful plating.

Is this place good for groups, or is it more couples-only?

This works for both. It's designed for special occasions and date nights, but the small-plates format and North Park neighborhood vibe make it great for group dinners too. Just book ahead—no showing up with six people unannounced.

How much should I budget?

Plan on $130+ for two people (food and drinks, before tax and tip). It's a fancy dinner, not a quick weeknight spot, but reviewers say the quality and experience justify the cost. Think of it as a celebration meal, not everyday eating.

Are there options for dietary restrictions?

The restaurant's modern Mexican approach and small-plates format give flexibility for customization. Call ahead if you have specific needs (vegan, gluten-free, allergies) so the kitchen can plan accordingly—chef-driven spots like this are usually receptive to working with you.

Carne & Hueso — San Diego

“Carne & Hueso is the chef-driven modern Mexican spot that opened four months ago and already cooks like it's been on 30th Street for years.”

Where Pela Mesa leans Mediterranean seasonal and Rusticucina does Italian-American comfort theater, Carne & Hueso operates in a different register entirely: contemporary Mexican technique that doesn't apologize for being upscale but never loses the thread of what makes the food actually Mexican. The kitchen isn't tweaking tradition for North Park tastes—it's cooking *from* tradition with chef-level precision, which means bold flavors that land clean, plating that doesn't distract, and a menu built for sharing without forcing you into small-plates exhaustion.

The vibe splits the difference between date-night intimate and group-dinner energy—cozy enough for anniversaries, spacious enough that four people ordering half the menu won't feel cramped. The room reads upscale-casual in the way North Park does best: chic without the stuffiness, neighborhood-first without the performative dive-bar aesthetic. Expect $130 for two with drinks and four plates, which prices it above your weeknight taco run but below the kind of special-occasion spots that make you rehearse pronunciations beforehand.

The service knows the chef's backstory and will tell you about it if you ask, which matters when the food reflects both training and intent. Everything tastes fresh, looks composed, and skips the Instagrammable gimmicks—this isn't molecular Mexican or deconstructed mole, just well-executed cooking that happens to come from a kitchen that takes itself seriously. Worth noting: they take reservations, and given the early buzz, you'll want one. Walk-ins work for bar seating, but the dining room fills fast, especially weekends.

This is North Park's answer to the question of what modern Mexican looks like when it's built for the neighborhood instead of imported as a concept. The restaurant's only been open since late 2025, but it already feels like it belongs here—right next to the observatory crowd, the 30th Street regulars, and anyone looking for a dinner that clears the bar without making you feel like you're performing fine dining.

Carne & Hueso

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