Del Mar, CA and San Diego, CA.............

I will be visiting San Diego, CA in December.  I will be staying at the Grand Del Mar Resort.  We will have several opportunities for fine dining so I'm interested in some true road food joints for good burger's, BBQ or seafood.  Any and all help is appreciated.  Anything between Del Mar and SD is great.  We want to go to La Jolla for sure and may drive up to LA for a night or two.  Anything along that route would be great.  Thanks for your kind help.

Hodad's in Ocean Beach is a burger joint that lots of people rave about.  Myself, I wasn't impressed with the burger.  However the chocolate malt is something I dream of.
 
If you've never been, Phillipe's in downtown LA, Cielito Lindo walking distance from Phillipe's and Tito's Tacos in Culver City.
 
I've lived in the LA area most of my life and I keep going back to those three places.   For an interesting burger in LA you could stop at Howard's on Venice BL near Sepulveda.  They're famous for their bacon avocado burgers.  It's not one of my stops.
 
Mid way between SD and LA is the town of Westminster.  It's become "Little Vietnam" and if you are looking for a bowl of Pho that's the place.  There are many hole in the wall Pho shops.  Yummmmm!

I like this place, in Solana Beach, not to far from the Hilton Del Mar and the racetrack:
http://fidelslittlemexico.com
I've had the chile colorado and I remember it being good.  The other time I don't remember too well, because the margaritas were really good.
 
Some people will tell you to go to Jake's or Pacifica but skip them if you are looking for roadfood type places.

Check out Miguel's Cocina (www.brigantine.com/locations_miguels.html) on Shelter Island or the Brigantine also on Shelter Island has a good seafood selection.  Also, check out Karl Strauss Brewery and Grill (www.karlstrauss.com/index2.html) or Rock Bottom Brewpub both in La Jolla.

Was able to work my way into a weeklong business trip for a seminar in San Diego about 10 years ago.  Went to the Harbor House...it was wonderful.   http://www.harborhousesd.com/   Nice atmosphere and the food was good. You MUST drive the bridge over to Coronado Island while you are there.  There is nothing like that at nighttime.  I went with one of our sales reps that was local out there.  Then he took me to Point Loma to see the lobster fishing...at least that's what he said was going on out there.  Got there and nobody was there.  Was around this time of year...
 

Not quite Roadfood, but I have enjoyed Croce's downtown.  Kind of earth-mother food with an upscale twist.

If you are going to be there on Sunday the Brunch at the Hotel Del Coronado is a must. In-N-Out burger and a Carne Asada Burrito from Roberto's.  

A "real" "fresh" fruit smoothie at the OB Smoothie and Sub Shop in Ocean Beach is a must. Unlike smoothies in the rest of the country that are made with syrups, powders, mixes, reconstituted or tired old fruit- these smoothies are made with year round fresh fruit.
 

For some great experiences that are unique to the area, try The Potato Shack Cafe in Encinitas for breakfast. Awesome. You have to try In-N-Out if you have not been before. During non-rush time, and when the weather is decent, you must go to Bull Taco in the San Elijo State Park Campground. It is to the left side of the Campground Store near the main entrance. Snag a table right on the bluff, a couple of Duck Confit Tacos and an order of Carne Asado Nachos, mmmmmm...... Bull Taco is in Cardiff By The Sea/Encinitas. It is very close to del Mar.
La Jolla is a place not to be missed. The Farmer's Market is well worth a visit. The park in the village of La Jolla, not the beach at La Jolla Shores, is one of the best places ever to have picnic. I could watch that clear blue water crash into the rocky shore all day.
Also, a California Burritto from just about any Taco shop close to the beach is a uniquely SoCal thing. You kidding? A burritto with french fries in it? How can it be bad?
Have a great time.

Littleman, you can check out my thread on a recent trip to San Diego.  For places not included on this trip ,I love El Indio Mexican, Da kine Hawaiian, Rubio's Fish tacos, and the Hob Nob hill restaurant for quite good coffee shop grub and the best restaurant service I have ever experienced. please enjoy your stay.

Let me echo what mr chips said.  My one "must-eat" restaurant in San Diego is Hob Nob Hill.
 
http://www.hobnobhill.com/

Thanks for all the great suggestions.  Any comments on Rocky Burger's or Waterfront Bar and Grill.  Thanks.

HI Littleman, I hope you have a great trip. We stayed at the Del in June, we had a nice vacation. The Hotel is great, nice pool, nice people, no problems with anything there. The breakfast buffet is nice, it was a great way for us, traveling with a 9 year old to start the day. The buffet was full with an array of fresh fruit, pastry, breads and croissants, cheese. The omelet bar was a must for me daily with a fresh spinach an array veggies, shrimp, meats to build your omelet, with a choice of cheddar or goat cheese. The hot side potatoes, bangers and other items were also good, the coffee, hot chocolate and juice was a nice beginning.....I would take the bridge out for all of your other meals, I found nothing on the island that would be close to a roadfood destination......The best....................BillyB