Not really for a date but just for good ribs and very wet bbq, and not far from you on Sports Arena Blvd. Very casual, but you'll likely enjoy the food.

For more date appropriate, I might take my wife to the Hillcrest area. Lots of great restaurants with different flavors. Likely a bit more tolerant of casual wear. San Diego's most prominently gay area, if that matters to you. I like the Italian at Arrivederci at 3845 4th Ave, but that's one of many, many choices. University and Washington Aves. are where to head.

If you prefer downtown, find the "Gaslamp" area, 5th avenue between Market and Broadway, roughly speaking. Just walk around and pick a crowded restaurant. Lots of good choices. Searsucker at 611 5th Ave is pretty good. In the same area the cross streets and 4th and 6th also have good choices. Re do Gado is the all you can eat meat brazilian BBQ. 939 4th Ave., but kind of pricey. Excellent other choices besides meat, though, in the salad bar.

A bit further out, you could drive to La Jolla Cove, a bit south off the 5, west of the temple. Rappongi's at 875 Prospect St is apparently excellent, and walking around the neighborhood is fun with a date.

Hope that helps!