Luna Grill
350 University Ave. (Hillcrest)
619-296-5862
Happy Hour: 3 to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday, all day on Sundays
Come On Get Happy! | By Dr. InkI’ve been to the moon twice for happy hour. Well, in theory at least when visiting Luna Grill in Hillcrest and Mission Valley.
The ever-growing chain made its earthly landing some 10 years ago in Torrey Highlands before branching out to other locations in San Diego and Orange counties. Bright, clean and colorful inside, you can scarf down a cold brew and hummus plate during happy hour for under $7 at any location.
Beer choices are limited, however. In Hillcrest, they serve Stone IPA and Stella Artois. The latter is replaced in Mission Valley by organic Eel River Blonde Ale. Each is reduced in price to $3.50, served ice-cold and in tall glasses.
Wines contained in small split-size bottles are the same price. They normally sell for $5 apiece. But connoisseurs beware. Your choices are confined to chardonnay or cabernet by Woodbridge, pinot grigio by Bollo and pinot noir by Cavit — basically your everyday supermarket brands that I’ll dare say pair okay to Luna’s $3 appetizers such as spicy cilantro hummus, sweet potato fries and herby falafel (served four to an order).
In my latest “Luna” mission at Mission Valley’s Fenton Plaza location, I nursed on the Eel River Blonde Ale. The suds were slightly malty with a super-crisp finish that effectively balanced the spiciness of the cilantro hummus I ordered.
In Hillcrest, I indulged on Stone IPA, although unless the eatery adds some of its flavorful meat kabobs to the happy hour list, the beer’s intense hops overwhelm the current discounted nibbles.
This brings me to the conclusion that Luna’s beer and wine list can expand by a few notches, considering that the food is made fresh while duly capturing the herby flavors of the Middle East and Mediterranean. Everything I’ve eaten at either location, during and outside of happy hour, reveals tangy marinades and charry finishes that are deserving of craftier beers and finer wines. Yes, happy hour easily leads you into buying full meals once you get a whiff of the Cornish hen and lamb kabobs flying by, so a bigger drink list would seem fitting.
The design at all locations features bold cherry-red accents with vivid photographs of vegetables overlooking the dining areas, a clue that the salads are also sprightly and satisfying. Also, a sign hanging near the soda machines whimsically reads: “Drink and be refreshed.”
I did and I was, but without the help of Coca Cola.
