The Best Food in Liberty Public Market (+ things to do!)
Nevaeh and I went to Liberty Public Market in 2021 and loved it. The place buzzes with excitement, and there are so many different types of food to try when you are there. San Diego as a whole has a lot going on, and this area just adds to the rich history! Keep on reading for all the details.
About Liberty Public Market
Liberty Public Market started as the Naval Training Center’s commissary building. It was built in 1921 and continued operations until the end of World War II. The talks of revitalizing the area started in the early 1990s, with the base officially closing in 1997. The site’s historic structures were gradually repurposed under a master plan by the Corky McMillin Company.
It took several years to get the building up and running, and they opened as San Diego’s first public market—a 25,000 sq ft food hall that brought together local artisans, farmers’ market vendors, and popular food trucks turned brick-and-mortar merchants in March 2016. This building, specifically, was spearheaded by David Spatafore of Blue Bridge Hospitality. He envisioned the market as a community hub showcasing regional flavors and craftsmanship, inspired by similar markets across the country.
Around 2021, the market added 6,000 sq. ft. of indoor space and expanded its outdoor seating to accommodate nearly double its previous footprint. With patios, live entertainment, artisan goods, wine, beer, and coffee lounges, it has become a go-to destination for both locals and travelers seeking a lively, casual foodie experience.
Getting to Liberty Public Market
Driving Directions
From downtown San Diego (~3 miles):
- Take I‑5 South, then exit at Hawthorn St/Rosecrans St.
- Continue west on Rosecrans St, turn left onto Historic Decatur Rd—your destination will be on the right.
From San Diego International Airport (~7 miles):
- Head south on N Harbor Dr → merge onto I‑5 S → exit onto Rosecrans St → turn left on Historic Decatur Rd.
Parking: Liberty Station offers free parking lots—plenty of spaces just steps from the market.
Public Transit Options
Bus
Lines 10 & 28 stop nearest the market:
- Rosecrans St & Roosevelt Rd (9‑minute walk)
- Or Rosecrans St & N Evergreen St (6‑minute walk)
From Old Town Transit Center:
- Board Bus 28 heading west toward Shelter Island—ride ~10–15 minutes, then walk ~5 minutes. Once you get off at Rosecrans & Roosevelt or Rosecrans & Evergreen, it’s a straight walk west on Rosecrans, then a right turn onto Historic Decatur Rd—look for the Spanish‑revival architecture. This walk is really not bad, and you get some great views!
Train
Nearest rail stop is Old Town Transit Center: served by Amtrak Pacific Surfliner, COASTER, and San Diego Trolley (Blue, Green lines)
- From there, transfer to Bus 28 (a 10–15 minute ride), then walk ~6–9 minutes.
Trolley
Both the Blue and Green trolley lines stop at Old Town Transit Center
- Cross over to the bus level via the pedestrian tunnel, catch Bus 28 as above.
The Best Food at Liberty Public Market
Except for the last place I’m mentioning, these are all restaurants we’ve tried within the market. Naturally, when I return next year, I’ll have a few more suggestions to share with you.
BopJo
The restaurant was the first one that caught our eyes. BOPJO uniquely blends Korean BBQ staples—like bulgogi—with Mexican styles, served in rice bowls or tortillas. We enjoyed sharing the flavorful tacos among the three of us, almost as if it was an appetizer. Rumor has it, though, that the bowls offer “huge portions”. I think the biggest hit here, though, was the flavor. I can’t say that enough- BOPJO has flavor.
Slurp Taiyaki & Ramen
Our second dish, or the main portion of our meal, came from Slurp Taiyaki and Ramen. We got a spicy fried chicken plate with wontons and a salad. Everything in this meal was good, though I liked BOPJO just a bit better. Since we went in 2022, they have added taiyaki. I’m almost certain of this because had we seen it, Nevaeh and I certainly would have gotten it. (Also, they have pork belly that is supposed to be very good. Not Vaeh’s thing, so we opted for chicken, but that’s an FYI for my pork belly friends out there.
Le Parfait Paris
My friend Lisa, who was with us on this trip, opted for a caramel dessert cup from Le Parfait Paris, and it was so good, rich and creamy. This French patisserie is the brainchild of Guillaume and Ludivine Ryon, who brought their Parisian café to San Diego in 2013 and landed in Point Loma soon after. It’s easy to see why locals love it: the pastries are crafted fresh daily with true French precision, and the café vibe—complete with espresso, free Wi‑Fi, and cozy counter seating—was even praised by Coronado Times writers for being an ideal spot to sip, snack, and linger over a laptop or journal.
Talitha Coffee
I’m adding this coffee shop to my list of places to try. Their mission is to help women who have been involved with sex trafficking. Doing my research and it seems they have a cinnamon honey latte, which sounds right up my alley!
Additional Things To Do at Liberty Public Square
Beyond Liberty Public Market is Liberty Public Square, which is bustling with as much excitement as the restaurants. There is so much to do and to explore. Here are some suggestions:
Arts & Culture
If you’re looking for something fun to do, be sure to check out the improv and comedy shows at Mockingbird Improv. Or check out Trivia Tuesdays and Sunday Music Nights at Carruth Cellar Urban Winery. Additionally, the San Diego Watercolor Society offers rotating exhibits and summer events.
Enjoy the outdoor area
There is plenty of shaded patios and garden-like spots for lounging, people-watching, and eating your food from Liberty Public Market. Would you like to bring your furry friend along? That’s okay too! And if you’re coming in on the weekend, there’s the Point Loma Farmers Market nearby (though, in my opinion, not as good as Little Italy’s).
Browse Shops and unique finds
Stroll through quirky boutiques, pop-up shops, vintage stalls, and even a vinyl record stand while you’re out and about. You can even do this at Liberty Public Market, since it’s a combination of restaurants and stores.
Add Liberty Public Market to your San Diego Trip Itinerary
If you’re with a large group and looking for a place where everyone can find something they like to eat, don’t miss out on Liberty Public Market.
Or maybe you’re going on your own and just want to sit and people-watch. You’ll win by going here, too.
No matter what your itinerary is, I hope you plan to check out Liberty Public Market and the square!
