I have always been a city streets driver rather than a highway driver (unless the highway really does get me there faster). I like to take the path of least resistance. his means fewer stopsigns and stoplights (or at least stoplights that run in your favor). I actually prefer stopsigns to a majority of stop lights as with stopsigns I have more control of the length of time I will be sitting there. Anyhow, I probably will get called out on this one but I thought it would be a fun one to write about. Plus I don’t really think my readership is that high to really impact the number of cars on these roads (that would be cool though).

The following are all of my favorite “shortcuts” or “roads less travelled” to get around this lovely city of ours:

Pershing Street (North Park to Downtown… and more)
This is a daily route for me to get downtown, on to the 5, 94, the airport and more. Even if you don’t need to always get downtown from North Park or visa versa, this is a great road to know about should you ever find yourself needing to. This two lane road (each side) hardly ever has traffic, there is only one light as it crosses Florida/26th Ave… oh and the speed limit is 50 mph. As another bonus, I have never seen a cop hanging around this stretch of road… I’m just saying, I might be driving a bit faster than 50mph.

A Street and B Street (Downtown)
If you are ever trying to negotiate downtown with all of the one way streets, you will often find yourself waiting at light after light. For some reason all of the direction websites like Yahoo and Mapquest send you down Broadway. Never take Broadway unless it is absolutely necessary. Both A Street (leaving downtown) and B Street (going into downtown) the lights are actually set in your favor to help with the flow of traffic. You may in up sitting at one light, but not for long.

Meade Ave (Park Blvd, University Heights to Fairmount Ave, Rolondo)
I heard about this one from a friend that frequently drove drunk. Not smart in that aspect but I now use this road all the time instead of Adams Ave or El Cajon Boulevard. The road has only a few lights that are quick and very few stop signs. Few if any cops hang out on this road, per my friend. The road cross the 805 and 15, sneaking through University Heights, North Park, Normal Heights, Kensington, into Rolondo/City Heights.

Beryl Street (Pacific Beach)
Many people who live in Pacific Beach swear by this road. I love it too. It gives you great access to both North PB and PB proper (proper really seems like the wrong word for PB). To access this stretch of road you want to turn right onto Soledad Mountain Road off of Garnet Avenue, then you will make a left onto Beryl Street. The road has two stop lights (as I recall). The first is nearly always in your favor at Lamont Street, the second is Ingraham Street/Foothill Boulevard. Here is were you decide where to go. Go straight through a few stop signs to make it to central PB (near the bars and pier), OR make a right for Northern PB (Turquoise and Tourmaline Streets). Quick in and out route to PB… cause who really wants to stay in PB?

Texas Street (Mission Valley to North Park)
Texas Street is a great quick way of getting in and out of Mission Valley into North Park. I guess this road is only good for those who live in this area, but a very necessary route when it comes to heavy shopping days and when there is a stadium event. The road is very steep, giving those with stick shift butterflies in heir stomachs that they might roll back into the car behind them. Well at least it did for me when I was taking driver’s ed and they made me go on this hill.

Kearny Villa Road (Miramar to Mesa College)
This road is a great frontage road for the 15 and 163. It will take you from the Marine Corps base in Miramar ending at Mesa College in Kearny Mesa. I never find very mush traffic on this road except over by Sharp Hospital at the end of the day (4-6pm). I don’t often travel up this way but I find myself using the road frequently none-the-less.

Here are some not-so-short, shortcuts that others swear by:

Pomarado Road (15 to Poway)
This used to be a great way to get from the 15 to Scripps Poway Parkway. Now it seems that many people know about this route and more development has occurred along the way. Some people still continue to swear by this route, claiming it’s quickness. All I find is slow traffic accompanied by lots of lights.

905 (out of Cricket Amphitheatre)
I am still arguing with friends on this one. The problem with getting out is not the roads as much as it is getting out of the parking lot in the first place. Turning south (right) out of the parking lot instead of going along Main Street by turning left seems like it would be quicker. But the actual drive is about the same. What they really need is professional traffic controller (not kids) and more than two exits out of the place.

Unlike my mom, but like a lot of new parents, I made the decision not to give up things that I love for my child. I still drive my MINI Cooper, play roller derby, go out to watch bands, and of course, drink. Now that Thomas is in our lives, there are limits to how much I drink and where I can drink. Many parents think that the bar scene is so far behind them. I disagree. There are many cool places that you can go enjoy a few good drinks and bring the little one(s) along that are not Gymberee or Dave and Buster’s. Here are a few of my favorites:

Toronado
I found out that I was pregnant the day that this bar/restaurant opened. The kids that were tagging along with their parents made me realize that my drinking days were not over. This place feels more like a bar than a restaurant (all the better). If you do bring your little ones, you may be among the few (if not the only ones) that have children there. They serve an excellent

Blind Lady Alehouse
This is a fairly new pub/restaurant located in Normal Height. They serve good beer through a stainless steel draft system making it cleaner than other bars/pubs. They serve amazing pizza and salads. You have to try the cheese plate! Many families do come here in the early evening. Get there between 5pm and 6pm to ensure a seat otherwise look forward to hovering.

Baja Betty’s
Craving margaritas or straight up tequila? This place is for you. They also have awesome happy hour specials so non-working moms can hit it up early.

Lei Lounge
Roger and I disagreed on this place. He was positive that it was 21+ only. After a quick query, I found it indeed can have minors. Great mixed drinks (by the pitcher if you choose) and fresh food that comes out as it is ready. Get a cabana for you and your crew.

To check out places that you would like to frequent, try the California License Query System where you can search businesses by business name (Doing Business As), address, licensee name, or license number.

To understand the what the numbers on the license type mean, check out the list of common liquor licenses

Sadly, I will not be at the Starlite tonight for the Cause for Drinks, charity benefit of UNICEF’s Tap Project to celebrate World Water Week since Starlite is a License Type: 48, meaning no minors, even though they do operate a restaurant.

Sources: California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control and individual sites.