Here at the San Diego Comic-Con Unofficial Blog, we love to eat. And we know some of you do too, even at a convention as packed as SDCC. That’s why the Restaurant Promotions Guide for San Diego Comic-Con is back again for a fourth year.
With that in mind, we’ve reached out to several restaurants in the Gaslamp and surrounding area to see what is being offered, from special menus, themes, Comic-Con deals, and more.
“But what about [Insert Your Favorite Restaurant Here]? It’s so close and the food is great!” This list is not intended to be comprehensive, but rather a guide to eateries and establishments that are going the extra mule when it comes to celebrating Comic-Con. We probably love some of the same places that you do, but we are keeping this guide a little more focused
Below you’ll find the restaurant with a link to either their site or social media and the distance from the convention center. Keep in mind, this list is not exhaustive, but only those we are aware of and have spoken with. Make sure to check back as we will update this as we get more details. (And if you’re a restaurant that would like to be featured, use our Contact Form).
barleymash
0.5 miles from the convention center
barleymash, located on the corner of Fifth Ave and Market St, will transform into Area 619, featuring specialty food and drinks, and an invite-only cocktail lounge from Thursday, July 23 – Sunday, 26.
Sip on The Mothership ($19), with Patron Blanco Tequila, ube, coconut, and lime, Warp Speed ($17) – Bacardi Rum, pineapple, orgeat, blue curaco, and lime, Close Encounter ($18), made with Grey Goose, melon, lime, mint, and melon balls, or the Galactic Buzz ($18) – Cazadores Reposado, cold brew, coffee liqueur banana cream.
Food specials include:
- The Zoidberg-er ($22) – A crab Rangoon-style patty with sweet chili sauce, wonton crisp, and green onion cream cheese spread on a brioche bun with fries
- Drax-A-Roni and Cheese ($22) – Ale braised pork, salsa verde, Mexican street corn sauce, and tortilla crisps tossed with tajin, and topped with cotija all on mac and cheese
- Pizza Planet Pockets ($18) – Pepperoni pizza empanadas with za sauce
- Experiment 626 AKA Stitch ($14) – Peanut butter ice cream and strawberry jam sandwiched between rice crispy treats.
The invite-only cocktail lounge Space Smugglers Cantina will feature exclusive cocktails, galactic vibes, and black market bites. To get in, you’ll have to DM @barleymashsd for the “secret password”.
There will also be away swag, prizes, and out-of-this-world goodies throughout Comic-Con.
The Blind Burro
0.4 miles from the convention center
The Blind Burro is bringing you to the cosmos with their “Aliens in Outer Space” theme this year. Staff will be dressed in far-out looks, the restaurant will be decorated in a stellar theme.
The featured drink this Comic-Con will be a larger-than-life, galactic, glowing, cucumber-melon margarita. We are also featuring far-out fully loaded carne asada fries!
On Friday, the Nutrl promo team will be here from 3pm-5pm. The team will hand out samples and swag, as well as set up a hat decorating station. Guests can pick their hat, pick their patches, and the team will press them on! Saturday night we will have an outer-space themed dance party 8pm-10pm with a live DJ.
Cafe de l’Opera
0.5 miles from the convention center
Cafe de l’Opera is bringing Poke Puffs to the masses, which are Pokémon-themed pastries that will be available in Sweet, Mint, Citrus, Mocha, and Spice, with tiers including Frosted, Deluxe and Wish options.
Cloak & Petal
1.3 miles from the convention center
Located in Little Italy, the Michelin Guide-recognized Cloak & Petal is going all in on Marvel thanks to Executive Chef Robert Cassidy and Bar Director Johnny Perez during Comic-Con!.
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Spidey Sense Roll – Pepper crusted tuna, softshell crab, jalapeno whipped goat cheese, avocado, cucumber, asparagus, chipotle miso, fig compote & shiso
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Deadpool Sashimi – Pan seared gochugaru albacore, sambal butter ponzu, pickled fresno, salsa macha, shaved red onion, guajillo shio & cilantro
- Shinobi Logan – Mijenta Blanco Tequila, Shochu, Cucumber, Shiso, Lime, Light Braulio Float) – a bright and refreshing blend of cucumber, shiso, and citrus with subtle herbal depth. Inspired by Logan’s disciplined warrior spirit and his mastery of the shadows during his time in Japan.
- Ronin Wolverine – Mijenta Reposado Tequila, Yuzu, Cherry Blossom Tonic, Dash of Tres Tribus Mezcal) – a crisp highball balancing smoky tequila, vibrant yuzu, and delicate floral notes. Inspired by the wandering samurai searching for purpose, honor, and redemption.
- Berserker Weapon X – Nikka Whisky, Hine Cognac, Black Sesame Orgeat, Smoked Salt, Chocolate Bitters, Orange Bitters) – a rich and powerful cocktail layered with nutty, smoky, and warming flavors. Inspired by the untamed rage of Weapon X and the raw power that lies beneath Wolverine’s control.
El Chingon
0.4 miles from the convention center
El Chingon, located at the center of the Comic-Con-verse at 560 Fifth Ave., will be hosting a Star Wars brunch on Sunday, July 26 from 11am-4pm. The Star Wars themed brunch will be filled with out-of-this-world cocktails, galactic beats, themed photo ops, and brunch favorites worthy of The Emperor himself. Whether you walk the path of the Jedi or embrace the Dark Side, this is the brunch you’ve been looking for.
You can purchase your brunch ticket via Eventbrite.
Also happening at El Chingon on Tuesday, July 21 at 5pm is Pokémon Trading Card Night. Bring your latest and greatest cards to potentially trade with others just steps away from the convention center in the heart of the Gaslamp District. On top of food and drink specials, when you RSVP you receive a Charizard Cocktail or taco on the house. You can RSVP on the Eventbrite page.
Garage Kitchen + Bar
0.7 miles from the convention center
Located on 4th Ave, Garage Kitchen + Bar is a short walk from the convention center and this year they are offering a few “Super Deals” on July 23 – 26!
- $20 Bottomless Mimosa Brunch from 11 AM – 3 PM
- $6 Crazy Bob’s Burger & Fries from 11 AM – 12 PM & 3 PM – 4 PM
- Happy Hour: 51% OFF Drinks & $3 OFF Apps from 4 PM–6 PM (Excludes specialty cocktails & top-shelf liquor.)
Gaslamp Lumpia Factory
0.6 miles from the convention center
LumpiaCon returns for year 5 at Gaslamp Lumpia Factory. Each night on Thursday, July 23-Saturday, 25, Gaslamp Lumpia Factory will be having a themed night to LumpiaCon. On July 23 it is “SKETCH & SCRATCH” night and July 24 it becomes “CREATORS NIGHT”. Saturday is still to be announced but make sure to keep on eye on their Instagram for more details!
Pendry San Diego
0.3 miles from the convention center
Pendry has a few different events happening July 23 through July 26 that may be of interest to the Comic-Con crowd!
- PopUp Bagels x Pendry – Fresh hot bagels with plain or scallion schmear served daily from 7AM until sold out
- BERO x Nason’s Beer Hall – A Spider-Man themed Comic-Con celebration featuring BERO, the premium non-alcoholic beer from Tom Holland, alongside interactive pop culture moments and collectible mementos
- Pendry x Donut Bar – Character-themed daily donuts from San Diego’s Donut Bar served on the Provisional Kitchen patio from 7 AM alongside sweet and savory offerings
Relic Bakery
1.1 miles from the convention center
Gotta catch’em all with Relic Bakery’s Pokémon-themed pop-up in collaboration with Tailored Hair and Sneaky Fox Records. The pop-up is happening on Friday, July 24 from 9am-1pm where guests can enjoy the themed experience along with at least two available Pokémon-inspired pastries.
Tipsy Crow
0.6 miles from the convention center
While the Tipsy Crow (located on Fifth Ave and F St) hasn’t announced what their Comic-Con specials are just yet, they have put out a teaser on Instagram…
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