The Rustic, known for its vibrant live music and farm-to-table American comfort food, is getting ready to open its first location in San Diego, with a new location coming to 525 E Harbor Dr.
The Texas-based restaurant is set to move into the current home of Joe’s Crab Shack space near The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park. Kyle Noonan, Owner of FreeRange Concepts, confirms the news with What Now San Diego, saying, “We’re incredibly excited about the opportunity to bring The Rustic to San Diego. We look forward to showcasing local products, purveyors, ingredients, and musicians—celebrating everything that makes this community special. We’re also honored to help restore the legacy of the San Diego Rowing Club back to its former glory.” It’s unclear when the restaurant will open.
The San Diego Rowing Club site spans 9,000 square feet and 1.2 acres, featuring a wraparound patio, a boat dock, and 56 parking spaces. Since 2022, the Port has focused on redeveloping the site, replacing Joe’s Crab Shack with a new operator to boost revenue. The Rustic will offer a fresh dining experience, despite apparent concerns about the Port’s preference for a Texas-based operator over local businesses. The site, located behind the San Diego Convention Center, first became a restaurant in 1981 with Chart House and later became Joe’s Crab Shack in 2002.
The Rustic is a Texas-based restaurant known for its vibrant atmosphere, live music, and farm-to-table comfort food. Since its debut in 2013, the concept has expanded to multiple locations, offering a menu featuring regional dishes like brisket sandwiches and Gulf shrimp tacos, alongside craft beers and agave cocktails. The Rustic’s combination of food, drinks, and entertainment has made it a popular destination for families and music lovers. Now, its expansion efforts continue, with the brand eyeing a location in downtown San Diego near The Rady Shell.
