San Diego Reader Feast — 2017 restaurant issue

It's a mess. A glorious mess.

Azerbaijan on Adams Ave., the Buzz Burger with bacon jam, Surf Check in Shasta travel trailer, old-school Japanese in Chula Vista. — Ed Bedford

Save room for the Mexican chocolate bread pudding

Red O, the Hake, Crack Shack, Fernandez, Azucar, Pho Hoa. — Mary Beth Abate

Why slow and low cooking is worth the wait

Paris Bakery Coop's BBQ, Tamales Ancira, Campfire, Wrench and Rodent, Village North, Buona Forchetta, Aladdin's. — Ian Anderson

Fusion is foremost

Al Reef, Koon Thai, Bully's East, Izakaya Masa, Grass Skirt, Prep Kitchen, La Bonne Table. — Barbarella Fokos

Sweet, spicy, satisfying

Ranchwood BBQ, Whet Noodle, Red Card Cafe, Cannonball, Hundred Proof, Arriba Room, Sheldon's Service Station. — Patrick Henderson

A slice of Chicago

Lefty's, Regents, Chicago Bros., Berkeley, Chicago Pizza. — Ambrose Martin