San Diego Reader

• Restaurant

Du-Par's

• 3711 Sports Arena Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92110 | Directions
• 619-224-4454

Oh, man. That smell. That barbecue smell, reaching out and pulling you in by the nose. It’s coming from Phil’s BBQ, right past the sports arena. Even now — it’s early evening — streams of people are headed toward the entrance.

But, I tear myself away and cross Sports Arena Boulevard, because over on this side of the road, there’s a deal going on that I’ve gotta try.

It’s called “Beat the Clock,” and it’s part of the operation at Du-par’s, a small, 73-year-old chain that’s come to town from L.A. Seems if you make it here between 4:00 and 6:00 p.m., the price you pay for your meal is whatever the time is. Like, eat at 4:11, pay $4.11.

They’re in a plant-filled eatery that used to be Baker’s Square. A big sign reads “Du-par’s Restaurant and Bakery.” There’s another sign below it: “24 Hours, 7 Days.”

Good to see this strip-mally part of town has gotten itself an all-night eatery.

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