Much like San Diego LGBT Pride, our local dining scene is loaded with history. Numerous restaurants throughout the city either exceed Pride’s 50 years in existence or they are barreling toward that milestone.

Amid the fleeting kitchens that come and go, our city prides itself on an array of well-established places that are revered for their tried-and-true meals. So whether you’re looking for a retro-diner experience or a white-linen gourmet supper—or something in between—we got you covered with our list of recommended restaurants that know a thing or two about survival.

Hob Nob Hill

2271 First Ave, Bankers Hill

619-239-8176, hobnobhill.com

At 80 years old, Hob Nob Hill attracts a wildly diverse patronage that comes knocking for scratch made classics such as meatloaf, corned beef with cabbage, liver and onions, and more. Or if you’re on the hunt for prime rib with included side dishes, then get here shortly after 4 p.m. Sunday through Thursday before the dinners sell out. Adding to the culinary nostalgia is an array of pies and other desserts made onsite daily.

Since its founding eight decades ago by a couple from Kansas, the restaurant underwent a few name changes and owners. Today it is operated by Tania Warchol, who has kept the place anchored to its history with Hob Nob’s original recipes while also providing a tastefully remodeled atmosphere that pays partial homage to The Wizard of Oz movie and features a full bar.

Mister A’s

2550 Fifth Ave. Bankers Hill

619-239-1377, asrestaurant.com

The once-strict dress code at this legendary 12th-floor penthouse restaurant has been somewhat relaxed in past years. But the fine-dining atmosphere and views of San Diego Bay, Balboa Park and the downtown skyline remain unchanged.

Mister A’s opened in 1965 and has since attracted politicians, movie stars, business professionals and anyone hankering for a luxurious meal. After a few shifts in ownership and spendy makeovers, dinner potentially begins with Wagyu beef tartare or Black Pearl caviar before progressing to dishes such as Maine lobster strudel, rack of lamb Provencal or ravioli filled with English spring peas. Located just blocks from the gayborhood, the pampered experience is worth the splurge.

Parkhouse Eatery

4574 Park Blvd., University Heights

619-295-7275, parkhousesd.com

What used to be a specialty thrift shop run by St. Vincent de Paul until 1995 is now a charming restaurant distinguished by an eye-catching pedestal clock on its front patio. Much of the staff, including the chef, have worked here for more than 20 years.

Daily brunch (except Tuesdays) is a big deal at Parkhouse. It’s when lemon-ricotta pancakes, crab cake Benedict, and BLT bloody Marys rule the morning and afternoon. Dinner service is available Thursday through Saturday, when signature dishes such as cedar-shingled salmon, herb-crusted chicken and mushroom-wine polenta cakes come into play. The restaurant has been a reliable favorite within the LGBTQ community for nearly three decades.

Chicken Pie Shop

2633 El Cajon Blvd., North Park

619-295-0196, chickenpieshops.com

The iconic Chicken Pie Shop originally opened in Downtown San Diego in 1938. Its founder, the late George Whitehead, moved the business to Fifth Avenue and Robinson Street in central Hillcrest in the 1940s. It eventually outgrew the space and ended up moving to much larger digs more than 30 years ago.

From the homey décor, which includes a collection of ceramic chickens, to the rattling food carts, the famous pies contain a mix of pressure-cooked chicken and turkey. The meat drippings are captured for making gravy. Hundreds of the pies fly out of the kitchen daily, and they come with whipped potatoes, veggies, a dinner roll and a slice of dessert pie. Other homespun options include country-fried steak, a Reuben sandwich, chicken and waffles, and more.

Tobey’s 19th Hole Cafe

2600 Golf Course Drive, Balboa Park

619-234-5921, tobeys19thhole.com

Aside from being one of San Diego’s oldest kitchens, Tobey’s 19th Hole Cafe also ranks as one of our most hidden restaurants, unless you are a golfer.

Located within the Balboa Park Municipal Golf Course, the modest family-owned cafe opened in 1934. It affords customers green views with downtown’s skyline in the background. Open for breakfast and lunch only, favorite meals include the house-made corned beef hash, New York steak and eggs, the breakfast burritos, and the hefty chili burgers. Beer, wine and low-alcohol cocktails are also in the offing.

Alexis Greek Cafe

3863 Fifth Ave., Hillcrest

619-297-1777

Generous portions at reasonable prices have kept this humble cafe hopping for at least 35 years. Located in the village of Hillcrest, the establishment is an ideal place for people-watching through the front windows, especially during San Diego Pride celebrations.

With little evidence of a remodel over the years, the eatery’s endearing owner, Jorge Salcedo, often helms the semi-open kitchen while sometimes doubling as a waiter. Everyone seems to know him as he cranks out a steady stream of daily lunch specials as well as generous Mediterranean platters and dinner entrees such Greek-style chicken, gyros, dolmades (stuffed grape leaves) and moussaka (beef and eggplant lasagna).

The Huddle

4023 Goldfinch St., Mission Hills

619-291-5950

At nearly 40 years old, The Huddle feels like a cozy diner you would find perched along the shoulder of Old Route 66.

Owner Ruth Henricks runs the business with family members, all of whom have been collectively slinging breakfast and lunch since 1986. The structure dates back to the 1920s, when it operated as an ice cream parlor before serving hot food in the 1950s. Today’s bill of fare still carries a retro feel when you consider pancakes with house-made apple butter, creamed chipped beef, and homey meatloaf sandwiches.

Henricks is also the founder of Special Delivery, a non-profit that provides meals to home-bound locals living with AIDS/HIV, cancer and other illnesses. Those meals are prepared in the adjacent storefront.

Flashback

The facade of Chicken Pie Shop, which has been located in Hillcrest since the ‘40s, can be seen behind these Pride Parade marchers in 1991. (Photo courtesy Lambda Archives)