Taste of Third Avenue 2026 is Coming and You Do Not Want to Miss It
If you have been around Downtown Chula Vista for a while, you already know what time it is. Taste of Third Avenue 2026 is back, and honestly, this is one of those events I look forward to every single year. I have been going since the very first one, and I can tell you that the vibes never disappoint. Good food, good music, good people, all on one stretch of Third Avenue. It is the kind of night that reminds you why this neighborhood is so special.
For those who have not been before, here is the deal. Taste of Third Avenue is a self-guided tasting tour through Downtown Chula Vista, where you stroll along Third Avenue sampling bites and sips from more than 20 participating restaurants, all with live music playing in the background. The event runs on March 19th from 4 pm to 8 pm along Third Avenue from G Street to E Street. It is the perfect excuse to try out spots you have been meaning to check out while also swinging back by your old favorites. That combination is exactly what keeps me coming back year after year.
And yes, I will be out there on the day of the event with my camera, capturing photos and videos of everything, so keep an eye out!
Get Your Taste of Third Avenue Tickets Now, Seriously
Before we even get into the food, let’s talk tickets. Early bird tickets have already sold out, so if you have not grabbed yours yet, do not wait any longer. Current Taste of Third Avenue tickets are $54 per person and include all your food and drink samples for the evening, which is a solid deal given how many restaurants are participating. You can purchase your tickets online at the Downtown Chula Vista website.
There are no day-of tickets for this event, so if you show up without one, you won’t get in. Do not let that happen to you. Grab your tickets now so you are not left standing on the sidelines while everyone else is eating their way down Third Avenue.
Start at Memorial Park and Grab Your Food Passport
When you arrive at Taste of Third Avenue, your first stop should be Memorial Park, where you will pick up your food passport for the evening. This is your ticket to getting samples at every participating restaurant, so do not skip this step. While you are there, make sure you give yourself some extra time to check out the vendor booths from the event sponsors. They will be set up at the park, giving away freebies, so getting there early is definitely worth it before the crowds roll in. It is a great way to kick off the night before you start heading down Third Avenue.
Live Music to Keep the Vibes Going All Night
One of the things that makes Taste of Third Avenue feel like more than just a food event is the atmosphere, and the live music playing throughout Downtown Chula Vista all evening long is a big part of that. There is something about walking down Third Avenue with great food in hand and live music in the air that hits different. It adds that extra layer of energy that keeps the night feeling festive from start to finish. If you have never experienced it before, trust me, it sets the tone in the best way possible.
Two Brand New Spots Joining Taste of Third Avenue 2026
This year has me even more excited than usual because two brand new restaurants are making their Taste of Third Avenue debut, and both are already turning heads on Third Avenue.
Smoke and Glory just had their ribbon-cutting ceremony last week, so they are about as new as it gets. This BBQ spot is already getting a lot of attention in the community, and for good reason. A brand new BBQ restaurant on Third Avenue is exactly the kind of addition the neighborhood has been needing. I cannot wait to get my first taste and I have a feeling this one is going to be a highlight of the night for a lot of people.
Suzette is also joining the event this year, and I am really looking forward to this one. This French-inspired bistro is brand-new to Third Avenue and offers wonderful brunch-forward options. There is something about French cuisine that just feels like a treat, and getting to try it in the middle of a tasting event makes it even better.
Seeing new spots like Smoke and Glory and Suzette jump into Taste of Third Avenue right out of the gate says a lot about the kind of community Downtown Chula Vista is building. I would love to see even more new restaurants get involved next year. If you are a new spot on Third Avenue, the door is open and we would love to have you.
The Taste of Third Avenue Spots You Already Know and Love
Now let me tell you about some of the returning favorites at this year’s Taste of Third Avenue, because this lineup is stacked.
Acqua e Farina is bringing Rome straight to Chula Vista. Chef Alberto Morreale crafts everything with fresh, high-quality ingredients and all the pasta is made in-house. We are talking classic carbonara and those incredible cheese wheel pastas that have people lining up for good reason. If you have not tried this place yet, Taste of Third Avenue is a perfect introduction.
Brewjeria is one of those spots that makes sense in Southern California. The name blends the English word “brew” with the Spanish “brujerÃa,” and that mix of cultures and creativity carries through everything they do. They started with a single beer kit and now run a one-barrel system producing 31 gallons per brew session. Science, culture, and community all in a glass.
3 Punk Ales has been a South Bay staple since 2017, and if you have never been, you are missing out. Founded by three friends with a love for punk music and craft brewing, they are known for band collaborations and a rotating lineup that keeps things fresh every time you visit. Classic styles, experimental brews, zero predictability. I love it.
If you want to talk about history, La Bella Pizza has been a Chula Vista cornerstone since 1955. Tony and Kitty Raso built something special here, and the family has kept it going ever since. Their sons Joseph and Tony now run the place, and it still has that same warm, generous spirit. They were actually the first restaurant to deliver pizza in Chula Vista back in 1957. That kind of legacy speaks for itself.
And of course, no trip through Downtown Chula Vista is complete without a stop at Don Pedro Taco Shop. This place is exactly what a neighborhood taco shop should be. Burritos, fish tacos, adobado, menudo, pozole, you name it. Whether you are a regular or visiting for the first time, Don Pedro always delivers.
Stay in the Loop With Chula Vista Living
I will be out there all night, capturing photos and videos of Taste of Third Avenue as the evening unfolds. Make sure you are following @livingchulavista on Instagram for live updates throughout the event and a full recap afterwards. It is the best way to stay connected and relive all the highlights, whether you made it out or not.
More than 20 restaurants are participating in Taste of Third Avenue this year, so there is truly something for everyone. Whether you are coming out to revisit your favorites, try something brand new, or just soak in the atmosphere on a great night in Downtown Chula Vista, Taste of Third Avenue always delivers.
Taste of Third Avenue 2026 is on March 19th, from 4 pm to 8 pm, along Third Avenue from G Street to E Street. Tickets are $54 and can be purchased at the Downtown Chula Vista website. No tickets are sold on the day of, so get yours now, and we will see you out there.
Updated March 5th: Suztte is no longer participating in the event.
