One of the ways San Diegan’s try to be prove to their out-of-town guests that our city is superior to others is finding hidden gems in “up and coming” neighborhoods. Well, friends, we’ve found your new bragging-rights spot, Dough Nations.
The owners of El Chingon, one of San Diego’s most lively tequila bars, is bringing New-York style pizza to Barrio Logan. Dough Nations has brought a legit pizza spot to “the Barrio” (as lovingly coined by San Diego locals) with an Italian fusion menu of pizza, pastas, sandwiches, salads and a full bar.
Before we delve into the delicious food and drink at Dough Nations, let’s first give a shout out to Barrio Logan. Charmingly nestled under the Coronado Bridge, the Barrio has found its creative renaissance over the last decade. It is emerging as one of San Diego’s most sought-after neighborhoods to live and hang out. Urbanite millennials and young artists have begun settling in droves bringing with them no shortage of ironic hipster beards, artist’s enclaves, and charming locally-owned coffee shops. One could get delightfully lost around Barrio Logan simply exploring the street art that is lovingly adorned around the neighborhood, representing symbols of peace, hope and inspiring individuality.
In addition to the edgy art galleries and the biggest collection of Chicano murals in the world, the Barrio boasts a burgeoning food scene and countless local coffee shops that ease seamlessly into vibrant happy hour scenes. One of Dough Nation’s owners, Rodney Daylamy, has been volunteering his time in Barrio Logan for years. Rodney was raised in humble beginnings as a helper in his parent’s restaurant, busing tables before he was 10 years old, and cooking in the back kitchen by 11. He knows ultimate hard work and sacrifice, and it’s paid off with his successful San Diego endeavors, such as Meze Greek Fusion, Prohibition, Havana 1920, and, of course, the beloved El Chingon. Throughout the good times and the bad, Rodney has always found time to give back to his community. He unwaveringly invests his energy and skill in volunteer activities, supporting the Boys and Girls Club in National City for years, as well as committing his time to the weekly food bank in Barrio Logan, It’s All About the Kids. This community-focused mindset has laid the groundwork for Dough Nations.
And here is where it gets punny. Dough Nations is a wordplay on “donations”, as it donates a portion of its monthly sales to local community organizations, as well as features pizza themes from many different nations. Menu options run the gamut from your traditional cheese and pepperoni to internationally inspired themes like the Havana (with ingredients reminiscent of a Cubano Sandwich), the Greek Malaka, and the El Chingon (cilantro on my pizza, yes please!). The crust is New York Style with an ideally-thin, sourdough style crust and a pie size that clocks in at 18 inches, easily feeding a large and hungry crowd. The crust is so tender it barely fights fork, knife or teeth. You inhale it at least as much as you eat it. And the pasta dishes are remarkable in their flawless al dente preparation, with a saucy and cheesy goodness that would satisfy any Italian mama’s palate.
One of Dough Nation’s finest features? The craft cocktail menu with creations that sing the melody of the Barrio Logan neighborhood, such as the Barrio Libre, a composition of Brugal 1888, Mexican Coke and lime; and the Manzana, made with Maestro Dobel tequila, lime, grenadine, and cherry apple bitters. My favorites were the Paloma and Margarita, which both came replete with their own full-sized popsicle, best enjoyed just a little melted in your drink. Thank you, summer, for coming just in time!
In all, we loved Dough Nations. We love a good pun (who doesn’t). We love the international theme of the restaurant and the pizza. We love that it is located in Barrio Logan, with its mesmerizing galleries and extravagant displays of graffiti. And we especially love the do-good, be-good aspect of this fantastic neighborhood spot. When you get a chance, check out It’s All About the Kids. Consider volunteering or donating. And when you do, stop by Dough Nations for a slice and a popsicle. Why not? It comes with a cocktail on the side.
