In an effort to feature more attendees, rather than featuring just one per week — we’re featuring lots of you! We’ll have a new question each week, so be sure to keep an eye on our social media channels for each week’s question. Without further ado let’s get into this weeks question:
Scott Daigle
Phoenix, AZ
I’ve been going to the world’s greatest Comic-Con since 2005, but as of the last 10 years the following have become traditions for my wife and I…
We have been blessed to stay at our home away from home, Sofia Hotel over the last decade – comfortable beds and fantastic staff! We don’t try to book anywhere else.
Gotta do breakfast at Richard Walker’s Thursday morning of the con.
Always grab drinks at The Blind Burro – fun themed drinks and great people watching.
Be it his podcast, his panel in Hall H, or just out and about, we make sure to see the Godfather of Comic Con, Mr. Kevin Smith.
Dinner at Old Spaghetti Factory every Saturday evening of the con (they even had a fun Comic Con themed spumoni last year).
But the tradition that I hope we continue in the years to come is meeting up with our good friends, Sebastian and Red, that we met at San Diego Comic-Con years ago! Cheers!
Roberta Peters
Coral Springs, FL
We have too many traditions to mention! But probably our two favorites are starting the con off by having lunch Wednesday at Lou & Mickey’s and ending the Con on Sunday for dinner at Fleming’s!
Santiago
Argentina
One of the traditions that I started doing in the last couple of years is going at least once a day of the con to the Committed Comics booth to bother Tom!
The other tradition is going to your parties.
I can’t wait to keep adding new traditions.
Tim Scanlon
Bakersfield, California
Every year since 2005, my family’s very first stop on Wednesday afternoon has always been the Tin Fish for some fried seafood, Shock Top, and meeting up with folks we haven’t seen in a year. It used to promote NBC’s upcoming shows as part of the adjacent off-site activation (like Blacklist and Grimm). New ownership now, but that spot in the middle of the Gaslamp will always be our place to kick off SDCC!
Troy
Washington DC area
I have a few traditions, but most of them revolve around food. One of my favorites is arriving in town a few days before the convention officially begins so I can watch the city transform as Comic-Con approaches. The atmosphere has changed a lot over the years, but I still love seeing the buildup. Back in the day, the area around the Convention Center would be pretty quiet, with excitement gradually building until Wednesday. Occasionally, a company would launch an early offsite activation — like LAIKA did for a number of years — but for the most part, you could really feel the momentum slowly gathering. I started making this early arrival part of my routine after my very first SDCC. Since the pandemic, though, it feels like everyone wants to get there early, events happen all the time now, and the locals no longer clear out of the area the way they used to. It’s still an amazing area to be in during the build-up to the Con.
The tradition starts as soon as I arrive. After checking into my hotel, I head straight to the Ralph’s near the Convention Center to stock up on snacks, drinks, and breakfast supplies (especially if my hotel doesn’t offer breakfast). That evening, a friend and I make our obligatory pilgrimage to In-N-Out Burger near Old Town. I also have to stop by Prince Street Pizza and Sweet Things to see what Comic-Con-themed treats they’re offering — or, more often than not, to grab my favorite: a Pineapple Dole Freeze with added ginger.
There are also several restaurants that have become annual staples. I always try to organize a lunch or dinner gathering with friends at Lotus Thai. Sadly, a few of my longtime favorites are gone now, but they were once must-visit spots — sometimes multiple times during the convention. Rest in peace, Tin Fish and Lolita’s. Another tradition I miss is wrapping up the convention with Sunday brunch at the Hotel del Coronado.
Finally, I always make time for a movie at Rooftop Cinema Club. Some years I’ve gone more than once. A couple of years ago, they hosted a special event with live music and games before the movie, and we had an absolute blast. I’m hoping their new location captures that same magic.
Deon Sinquefield
Houston, TX
My wife and I have a tradition of taking a selfie outside the airport once we arrive in San Diego before the start of our fun. It’s evolved to include our daughter and niece now, but it’s STILL tradition.
They now have a tradition of getting Epic Wings and other good food without me. Meanwhile I have the tradition of eating like I’m on an episode of Survivor during days I’m not with any of them at the con.
I also have the tradition of drinking tons of Cactus Cooler (not found in Houston) while in San Diego. I can’t get enough of it.
FYI…I only look like this in the pic because we tried to have some Cactus Cooler delivered and the store was out, but Target had a few bottles and I bought them all.
Victor Calderon
Whittier
Visiting Phil’s BBQ is one I try to do. I know there possibly is better BBQ out there. But since I tried the sandwich thanks to the Mr. Robot activation. I try to have it every year. Sometimes it’s the first meal during our stay, or we eat it on the way home on Sunday.
Funny enough also, a dinner at Rockin’ Baja Lobster is also good. This is my second or third time going also. The lobster or crab sampler is good.
Alejandro Ricardez
San Jose California
My tradition is going to Hodads every time I’m in San Diego for SDCC. It’s a must. Such a great vibe, delicious burgers and shakes, oh and beer as well.
Michael Rodgers
Bogota, Colombia
My favorite tradition is getting a commission of my dog from a different artist every year. I love seeing each artist’s interpretation.
Lupe Lupe
Brownsville, Texas
My favorite Comic-Con tradition actually started before I ever attended. My brother, uncle, and mom would bring me back Dragon Ball figures, especially those from Bandai and Tamashii Nations.
When I finally made it to San Diego Comic-Con, I got to help hunt down those same figures myself. What I quickly realized was that the best part wasn’t the collectibles, it was the time spent with family. Working together, sharing the excitement, and creating memories became more meaningful than anything we brought home.
Those memories were so special that I’ve continued the tradition with my wife and two sons, making it a three-generation Comic-Con tradition.
Ariel Estandarte
As for traditions (besides meeting up with my con family) is taking a picture with the yearly Star Trek designs on the Marriott. Finding that is usually the start of my convention.
Kristian Hernandez
Cypress, Ca
After 20 years of Comic-Con, there are so many traditions I look forward to each year. Some favorites include our annual dinner in Little Italy, playing card games on the Amtrak ride down, camping overnight even when it isn’t necessary, Saturday in Hall H, and the Good Goods celebration sing-alongs.
One tradition that has become especially meaningful is wearing matching shirts. What started as a simple alternative to cosplay for my son and me has grown into a tradition for our entire group.
Damian
Northern Virginia
Other than the UBlog party and meeting up with con friends, most of my traditions revolve around food. A must-do for me is the convention chocolate bars. I love seeing (and eating) the new creations. Another must-do is a trip to Sweet Things at the Hilton Bayfront for some Dole Whip and whatever their fun con creation is that year. We always try to have at least one breakfast as a group, usually at Broken Yolk or the Breakfast Flight at the Gaslamp Breakfast company. Finally, we always make a trip out to In-N-Out with an old friend who lives in San Diego as we can’t get it on the east coast.
Alejandro Hurtado
Fontana, CA
For many years my daughter and I always had the tradition of eating at Bunz every Preview night. It is located in Hotel Circle and would make the drive even if we got a Downtown hotel. It was a different restaurant before but I forgot the name. Looks like tho that tradition is not happening this year since it is permanently closed, at least according to Google Maps. Oh well.
Mathew Aranda
Los Angeles, Ca
When it comes to traditions at SDCC, two come to mind. For the last six years (this year being seven), my girlfriend Jazmine and I have been attending Comic-Con and before we head out on our trip down to San Diego, I always take a selfie of us before hitting the road. I love being able to see these pictures because it shows the eagerness in our eyes, the excitement the con will hold, and most importantly, it’s the one time out of the year we actually take a break from work so we’re ready to have fun.
And as for my second favorite tradition, we always love going to eat at our favorite Italian restaurant every Saturday as our way to really cap off a fun-filled week by going to Asti (located on 728 5th Ave). From their warm atmosphere and friendly wait staff to their delicious food; we love the house-made lasagna and spaghetti and meatballs and my favorite part is when it comes to dessert; they wheel a whole cart out for you so you can decide what you’ll be having. That and a nice cappuccino is the best way to end a fun-filled week at Comic-Con and a tradition I will continue on this year too.
Next Week’s Question: What Is Your Favorite “Waiting In Line” Story At SDCC?
Please send in your Name, Location, Picture, and your response to [email protected] by Tuesday, June 9th to be featured! (If you have submitted for past questions, feel free to submit again!)
