Curious if anyone would have recommendations for local fares that are non-chain and reachable by trolley from the convention center? I’m hoping to find a spot for large Mexican meals like one can get for breakfast down in the beach areas, and also looking for BBQ. Thanks.
I don’t have an answer for you, but I am also curious.
Looking at Google maps, there’s a bunch of places in Old Town which is a short trolley ride.
There are some good places in Old Town
Check out 30th St in North Park for a lot of interesting restaurants as well as the Toronado SD
While not on the trolley line, Point Loma Seafood is good, fresh, and has Sculpin on tap. (no credit cards)
In that vein, if you’re going to be in town on the Tuesday, there are possibly still tickets left to the Taste of North Park event. That would give you a chance to sample the food (and beer) in that area for $20.
http://northparkmainstreet.com/home-brewers-conference-pre-conference-beer-events/
Isn’t there a mall across the road with a bunch of restaurants? Or was that some other NHC?
Yes, the food court in the mall was “adequate”.
We are going to check out Old Town.
Adequate, plus close and easy…walking distance.
I can’t believe you left out cheap!
That’s becasue I’m a millionaire homebrew book author now! 
Where, exactly, is Old Town?
Looks like it is just west of the conference.
It’s 1.5 - 2 miles west of the Convention Center, near where hwy 5 and 8 meet. The food has been great in the past but it’s a bit toursity and been through some change. In particular, I’m not sure which restaurants still have the wandering Mariachi bands.
You do realize that millionaires aren’t counting pennies, right?
Tickets are still available - I just bought mine.
Does that mean that rounds are on you? 
Trolley stop 2 to the west of Fashion Valley.
IMHO old town is definitely worth a visit.