The pulse of a university extends far beyond its lecture halls and libraries. It draws energy from unexpected connections, creative ideas formulated over coffee and shared inspiration. UC San Diego Park & Market is now home to a social hub created for community leaders, innovators, artists and lifelong learners that gather at the university’s state-of-the-art downtown building. Senses Bistro, located on the first floor near Park & Market’s main entrance, is a space designed for artists, visionaries and succeeders to engage in meaningful conversations that lead to creation and action.
A striking floral mural welcomes guests to Senses, also nicknamed “A Human Bistro.” Just overhead sits a one-of-a-kind balcony stage where world-class musicians and speakers alike will entertain, challenge and inspire audiences. The bistro’s impressive menu includes an espresso bar, beverage bar, boulangerie with an assortment of delectable pastries, marketplace with grab-and-go eats and lunch fare from quiche and salad to soup and a chorizo manchego sandwich.
Managed by UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies, Park & Market was built with the purpose of sparking connections and making education accessible to all, with various programming featuring opportunities to learn from and connect with the cultural heritage and shared values of our unique, binational region. In its first year, the building’s meeting spaces, galleries and event venues have hosted a wide array of programs and events including National Conflict Resolution Center’s ‘A Path Forward,’ Camarada’s “Frida Dreams” and The Old Globe’s Globe for All Tour. An anticipated 10,000 community members from across the San Diego region will engage with Park & Market’s diverse programming and partners throughout the year. Whether community members come to the building to attend an event, take a course, access resources through our partners or stop in spontaneously to view art on display, connections are bound to spark new ideas and innovation.
Senses Bistro is a sister restaurant to Bella Vista Social Club & Caffe located on the Torrey Pines Mesa. With its proximity to giants of the industry including Salk Institute for Biological Studies and Scripps Research Institute, Bella Vista Social Club & Caffe became the meeting ground for leaders in San Diego’s biotech scene. Now, as Senses Bistro opens its doors at Park & Market, artists, creatives and innovators have a space carved out downtown to meet, share ideas, encourage one another, get inspired and prompt action.
Students, business people and members of the community alike can arrive early to an event or stop by on their lunch break to enjoy everything Senses Bistro has to offer. UC San Diego Park & Market is located in San Diego’s East Village neighborhood—connected by the trolley from the bustling business areas of Torrey Pines Mesa and UC San Diego’s La Jolla campus to the U.S./Mexico border.
Learn more about the opening of Senses Bistro and see daily offerings on their Facebook page.
Stop in at the corner of Park and Market downtown.
For more information, view our upcoming events hosted at the building, sign up to receive updates on educational courses and programs or tour spaces at the building.