The Golden State is in full summertime swing right now, with eating, drinking and merry-making high on the agenda. For San Diegans hot on the tail of the next tongue-tingling morsel, the Gay & Lesbian Times takes you on a culinary crusade beyond the mediocre, high into the realms of spectacular summer suppers.

1421 University Ave., Hillcrest

(619) 269-8510

From the top-notch affordable food, party atmosphere and über-friendly staff, to the distinctive décor, slick service and hot ’n’ happening happy hours, it’s easy to see why Baja Betty’s has fast become a staple hangout for the Hillcrest-savvy.

Hailing from the super-successful Hamburger Mary’s chain and formerly named Margarita Mary’s, the best of Mary’s characteristic formula is in full bloom at Baja Betty’s; but instead of burgers, there is a zinging Mexican menu to rock your taste buds.

Winner of the 2005 Nicky Award’s Outstanding New Business award, Baja Betty’s front sidewalk and back patio dining areas make this a perfect summer spot to while away boozy lunchtimes or get the weekend buzz every day of the week.

A host of dollar-saving specials offered daily from 6:00 to 11:00 p.m. will have you convinced: Half-Off Menu Mondays does exactly that; Tostada Tuesdays offers a budget-tastic all-you-can-eat array of topped tostadas for just $1 each; and Student ID Thursdays offers $1 Coronitas, $2 tequila poppers, $3 casa margaritas and $4 fruit margaritas for anyone with a valid student ID.

The ever-popular sangria or champagne/mimosa Saturday Mexican brunch offers an all-you-can-eat buffet from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. for $14.95; and margarita madness rages all day and all night on Sundays, with $2 tequila poppers and $2 off all premium margaritas and tequilas.

3940 Fourth Ave., Hillcrest

(619) 400-4500

After numerous owners and dated looks, finally this second-floor restaurant with the “best patio bar in Hillcrest,” according to the Gay & Lesbian Times’ food critic, has an atmosphere, décor and dining that befits it.

With new owners comes a reinvented dinner menu, new food suppliers and a cosmetic refitting that has already stamped Martinis Above Fourth firmly back on the Hillcrest dining set’s favorites list.

The nondescript lower half of the building belies the hotspot perched above, accessible via an elevator that spits out into a swanky soiree dining area, reminiscent of the 1920s. The menu features the usual high-end dining assortment, prepared to tender perfection and often drizzled in tempting sauces.

The drink menu has also been revamped, now offering large, lively martinis named after San Diego’s even livelier reigning drag entertainers, such as the chocolaty Coco LaChine, the well-shaken Blushing Babette and Ophelia’s mega martini, which invites sharing between three or more.

The spacious covered patio attracts a large crowd of martini sloshing barflies most nights, while an array of friendly, talented entertainers such as Sue Palmer, Laura Jane and Franco Z. keep the warm ambience flowing tableside.

Park Manor Suites Hotel, 525 Spruce St., Hillcrest

(619) 296-0057

A double-dining decision awaits you at the Park Manor Suites, situated in the heart of Hillcrest overlooking Balboa Park: Chow on continental cuisine in one of the large romantic booths situated in the lower level of the hotel, or take a meal with a view and savor al-fresco panoramic views from the penthouse patio at the Top of Park? Tough choices, and that’s before you have to decide between supreme seafood, lean meats and succulent salads.

Lunch is served at Top of Park, indoors in the Hall of Mirrors, or out on the vast, awesome patio (complete with heaters or umbrellas for the shifting seasons) weekdays from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., and don’t miss the tremendously popular Friday happy hours, which take place from 5:00 to 10:00 p.m.

The downstairs restaurant offers a more comprehensive menu and fantastic nightly entertainment, lending a piano/lounge bar atmosphere to the swanky and supremely gay-friendly night spot.

An After Dinner Delights menu features a variety of coffee drinks spiked with rum, Frangelico or crème de cacoa. Whichever of these bars bequeaths your presence this summer, why not top off a memorable meal with a tremendous, caffeine-fuelled tipple to kick start your weekend?

2550 Fifth Ave., 12th floor, Hillcrest

(619) 239-1377

As their Web site boasts, “Why settle for just an ocean view when you can see the entire city from one vantage point,” 12th-floor dining in the heart of cosmopolitan San Diego is certainly hard to beat.

A spacious outdoor balcony with heaters and parasols for all conditions wraps around three sides of the restaurant, offering fine dining amidst spectacular panoramic views of downtown, Balboa Park and San Diego bay.

Tear your eyes away from the swooping jetliners, which fly level to your table, and revel in the array of European haute cuisine available.

From lobster bisque, Hawaiian swordfish steak and cordon bleu pork loin, to caviar bites and shrimp skewers drizzled with grapefruit vinaigrette, Bertrand’s menu oozes high-end dining, with high-end prices to match.

A disappointment to some might be the hotel-like interior, which could be considered bland if it weren’t for the awesome sunset and night views, which start around 7:00 p.m.

There are no happy-hour or cocktail specials, and required attire is termed as “casual,” which equates to no shorts, flip-flops or tank tops.

Sea Lodge Hotel, 8110 Camino del Oro, La Jolla

(858) 456-0600

Given the length of beautiful coastline skirting San Diego County, it’s astounding the lack of quality beachside dining. But one such sacred spot is The Shores restaurant, housed within the plush Sea Lodge Hotel, a part of the La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club.

Each domed window surrounding the fine-dining area frames a stretch of golden La Jolla sand and dazzling Pacific Ocean, making it a superb vantage point to soak in a sunset while sucking down a cocktail.

The menu is prepared by an award-winning chef and described as American Coastal Cuisine, consisting of high-class surf ’n’ turf fare. With bargain specials on offer throughout the week, exquisite dining with beautiful shore-side views are no longer just for the private tennis club set.

A two-course Coastal Sunset Dinner, served Monday through Wednesday from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m., starts at $11.95. Thursday is Build Your Own Surf ’N’ Turf Night, offering a three-course feast for $29.95 per person. Friday evenings host the Seafood Buffet for $29.95 per person, which includes your choice of fresh salmon, shellfish, scampi, mahi mahi and crab. Sunday Lobster Night will get you 1 1/2 lbs. of live Maine Lobster for $32.75 per person. All prices exclude tax and tip.

The Shores bar is open from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily, with happy hour from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

1549 El Prado, Balboa Park

(619) 557-9441

Located within the historic House of Hospitality in beautiful Balboa Park and in close proximity to the Old Glove Theatre and the Japanese Friendship Garden, The Prado offers chic, sumptuous dining in beautiful surroundings at accessible prices.

Hailed by Gourmet magazine as one of the best restaurants in America, The Prado’s colorful and contemporary menu is surprisingly affordable, striking a balance between formal and casual park-atmosphere dining.

A large patio dining area, complete with heaters for cooler evenings, compliments the stylish restaurant interior and nestles resplendently among the park’s stylish gardens.

The food is just as awe-inspiring, offering a fusion of Latin and Italian cuisine, utilizing the freshest ingredients from the So Cal region.

The presentation of each dish is as superior as the quality of the produce, with an impressive array of high quality seafood, steaks, sashimi and salads. It’s no surprise that The Prado hails from the same prestigious family as Gaslamp giants Mister Tiki Mai Thai Lounge, Blue Point Coastal Cuisine and Dakota Grill & Spirits.

With the The Prado’s signature sangria and divine desserts, it’s also no wonder that Hugh Hefner chose The Prado several years ago for a three-day Super Bowl bash brimming with celebrities.

1013 University Ave., Hillcrest

(619) 688-0333

This delightfully intimate restaurant located next to Flicks boasts a superb authentic Italian menu, a friendly staff and desserts to die for – all for a reasonable price.

The canopied outside dining area, complete with fairy lights and cozy charm, makes for a perfect summer supper with friends or loved ones.

Service is exemplary; the accommodating staff will ensure your glasses are topped off and your bellies are full without you feeling like they’re rushing you along.

The homemade soup is like momma would make if she were a culinary whiz with Italian heritage, and the pasta is al dente rather than mushy. For the indecisive, a Half and Half option lets you mix and match your favorite two pasta dishes for just $12.95.

A constantly evolving wine list and good martini selection compliment any great meal at Taste of Italy.

With the intimate setting and quality-as-standard food, you’ll be surprised to learn the Hillcrest restaurant is part of a chain, with branches across San Diego County. For a comprehensive list of Taste of Italy’s sister restaurants, visit www.gaylesbiantimes.com for a link to their Web site.

4645 Park Blvd., University Heights

(619) 298-2801

Formerly Café Caspian, devoted patrons of this family-run, miniature Persian restaurant followed the Middle Eastern aromas across the street from their former University Heights premises and continue to revel in this understated spot.

The comfortable, shaded front patio is a perfect people-watching location and a relaxed hangout in which to make a break from the usual pattern of Mexican, Italian and steakhouse dining that saturates San Diego.

Basmati rice rich with cranberries, barberries, orange rind and almonds accompany the homespun and authentically Iranian hot dishes, such as slow-roasted chicken, tender lamb shanks and succulent fish dishes.

A large and nutritious salad selection is also available, and many vegetarian dishes make Soltan Banoo a favorite with the eclectic neighborhood crowd, many of whom consider it a home away from home.

7863 Girard Ave., La Jolla

(858) 456-8111

There’s a new Dining Don in town and his name is Jack’s. Due to open in August, four floors will house four bars and four distinctly different restaurants, seating over 400 people at a time.

Jack’s Ocean View Room and Oyster Bar is expected to be the jewel in Jack’s resplendent crown, located on the top floor above Jack’s Fine Dining Lounge, Wine Bar, Grill and Sidewalk Café.

And with one of New York City’s premiere chefs at the helm, Jack’s in La Jolla is undoubtedly one of the hottest happenings to hit San Diego’s gastronomic connoisseurs in years.

Combine culture and cuisine by pre-ordering a delicious picnic through Lady Carolyn’s Pub, a full bar with a selection of lighter bites, which opens 90 minutes before the curtains go up. Picnic pre-orders must be received at least 48 hours before show time and cost $13.92 per person, plus tax. Wine Lovers Nights feature pre-show wine-tasting receptions hosted in The Old Globe plaza garden, complete with tempting appetizers; admission is $59, including a performance ticket. Globe members also receive a 20-percent discount at several top restaurants. For more information, call (619) 23-GLOBE.

The well-established Hornblower Cruises offers a romantic summer dining twist with nightly sunset dinner cruises across San Diego bay for $58.95 ($63.95 on Saturdays). Sip complimentary champagne while anticipating your sumptuous three-course meal; during select summer cruises, when the drink’s flowing, venture onto the dance floor and savor the Friday live band. Summer champagne brunch cruises are available weekends for $42.50, with boarding at 10:30 a.m. For more information, call (888) 467-6256.

This award-winning and luxurious bistro hosts a unique Tuesday night lineup of opera singers, who serenade diners while they relish exquisite Italian fare and gaze out at beautiful San Diego bay. Singers from the Small Opera of San Diego, which promotes opportunities for opera exposure, are accompanied by live piano from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. and perform a wide repertoire of opera standards. The plush yet affordable bistro is located within the Sheraton Hotel and Marina on Harbor Island. Reservations are advised. Call (619) 692-2778 for more information.

Murder and mystery are the plat du jour aboard the Mystery Café’s Sternwheeler theater cruises. These drama dinners serve up gourmet four-course meals amid an unforgettable interactive theater experience. Playing now through September, choose between dining with crime-ridden classmates in Killer Reunion and a mock-mafia comedic wedding in I Do or Die. Tickets are $55-$60. For more information, call (619) 544-1600.

3766 Fifth Ave., Hillcrest

David’s has long been more of a Hillcrest institution than simply a breakaway from Starbucks-style coffee outlets. A large open window at the front of the shop lets the cool San Diego breeze in, and seating under the front canopy offers solace from the searing summer heat. A back patio completes the summer features, if the pastries and homely interior don’t steal you first. WiFi is available at an hourly rate.

1128 25th St., Golden Hill

Nestled inconspicuously in peaceful Golden Hills, this fresh, indie-retro hangout oozes Hillcrest charm. A large deck patio surrounded by lush vegetation offers the perfect sun-dappled, iced-coffee escape. Free WiFi is available.

4121 Park Blvd., Hillcrest

Sip This is a friendly, quirky outdoor coffee haven with the mission statement, “Being outdoors lets us provide a relaxed and intimate environment [and] since we skip the pretentious crap, we can concentrate on providing fantastic coffee at a decent price.”

Free parking is available down the alley behind the building, and free WiFi completes the charm.

5047 Newport Ave., Ocean Beach

An al fresco coffee house with a tropical theme provides the basis for this multi-faceted fresh-bean OB hangout. Browse rows of charming ceramic pots and plant holders, leafy shrubbery and quirky knickknacks from the comfort of a garden table, with a hot or iced bevie in hand. Dog-friendly and distinctly hippie in feel, Jungle Java is OB with Frappuccino on the side.

1948 Broadway, Golden Hill

The trendy, chic interior of this downtown café would have you believe you were in uptown New York if it weren’t for the friendly service and chilled-out San Diego atmosphere. Influx is a great café to retreat to when you fancy a distinctively different downtown café experience.