Yes, some of us actually eat during SDCC. And if you typically don’t, maybe you’ll find some time this year to do so. 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, great prices, and more.
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 if you’re a restaurant who would like to be featured, use our Contact Form).
Also, for all things Sweet Things Frozen Yogurt, they have their own dedicated article!
barleymash
0.5 from the convention center
It’s an epic battle of Heroes vs Villains, Anime-style, at the Gaslamp’s barleymash for Comic-Con this year! Bartenders will be dressed up as anime villains, while servers will dress up as anime heroes, and locals and visitors to downtown can all enjoy Chef Rose’s Barley Bento Box. Choices include Crispy Chicken Katsu with Steamed Rice, Cucumber Salad, and Bulgogi Green Beans for $22, or Spicy Tuna with Steamed Rice, Cucumber Salad, and Bulgogi Green Beans for $24.
The Butcher’s Cut
0.5 from the convention center
Looking for something maybe a little bit on the upscale side? The Butcher’s Cut is offering a three course dinner for the price of $50 during Comic-Con (July 20 – 23). They also offer $5 beers with the purchase of food.
City Tacos SD
0.3 from the convention center
While nothing specific to San Diego Comic-Con, we felt it was worth mentioning a few things. City Tacos features 17 different tacos on the menu with 14 of them coming in under $5! They also offer tacos that are vegetarian, vegan, and paleo friendly (their July taco is a Mahi-Mahi Baja Surf Taco). City Tacos is a short distance from the convention center and will be open 11am-8:30pm, plus if you are in town early, they have a Taco Tuesday special that features $2.50 Mexican beers and 10% off your entire food order.
Farmer’s Table
1.7 from the convention center
Farmer’s Table in Little Italy has a great deal going on, show your Comic-Con badge for a free dessert with the purchase of two entrees.
Hob Coffee – East Village Location
0.7 from the convention center
In need of a refreshing drink or a “pick me up” during Comic-Con? Hob Coffee has a few delicious sounding themed drinks to choose from on top of their normal menu. An addition to themed drinks, show your Comic-Con badge for 10% off your bill.
Landini’s Pizzeria
1.4 from the convention center
If you’re staying near Little Italy and craving a delicious slice of pizza, Landini’s will be offering $1 off a slice of pizza when you show your Comic-Con badge.
The Lion’s Share
0.6 from the convention center
The Lion’s Share is a pretty hip spot that has some great looking food and drinks with a happy hour that goes from 4P-6P. While no specific Comic-Con related menus or deals, we did want to mention that the kitchen is open late.. until 1AM! The bar stays open until 2AM as well.
MAKE pizza+salad
0.9 from the convention center
MAKE has some really good happy hour specials that include $4 and $5 draft beers as well as discounted appetizers but you will be able to utilize your Comic-Con badge for a 20% discount! MAKE does have gluten free and vegan options on top of the good deals they have going on.
The Moxy
0.7 from the convention center
While yes, The Moxy is a hotel, they have a few things going on this year worth checking out if you are in the area (and these are open to individuals not staying at The Moxy as well). With the lobby featuring an anime themed mural by the time SDCC rolls around, it also features board games, giant Jenga, and plenty of outlets to charge your devices.
Breakfast runs from 6:30am-12pm and is open to everyone while the all day menu kicks off at noon and runs until 10pm. You can find the menu for both below plus a SDCC special drinks menu.
The Smoking Gun
0.5 from the convention center
Gaslamp’s The Smoking Gun is going old-school retro arcade for San Diego Comic-Con this year! Along with specialty food and drinks for the long weekend, the restaurant will be featuring a themed cocktail all throughout July. Space Invaders is made with Volcan Blanco Tequila, Lillet, Giffards Passionfruit, Liquid Alchemist Strawberry, Cold Press Lime Juice, and Jameson Caskmates Float.
The Smoking Gun has a large arcade in the back of the restaurant, so don’t miss out on fun games like air hockey, skeet ball, basketball, driving games, Galaga, Pac-Man, and more!
Spill The Beans – Coffee and Bagels
Gaslamp location – 0.5 from the convention center
Seaport Village – 0.6 from the convention center
Both locations of Spill the Beans will be featuring Super Mario-themed cream cheeses to celebrate Comic-Con! Try the light and fruity Princess Peaches Cream Cheese, the delectable Mario Party Pizza Cream Cheese, or Donkey Kong’s Banana Cream Cheese – all three are available to order with any of Spill the Beans’ bagel flavors, like Roasted Garlic & Herb, Bacon & White Cheddar, French Toast, classic Everything, and more.
Union Kitchen & Tap Gaslamp
0.3 from the convention center
The backroom portion of the Union Kitchen & Tap will be themed in the vein of the most famous comic book city Gotham.
Werewolf
0.5 from the convention center
Werewolf on Fourth Ave. will be offering some specials and events that will make you howl in excitement. Firstly, there will be karaoke each night starting at 9pm with no cover.
Need an afternoon uplift? A DJ will be performing Thursday – Sunday from 12pm-4pm. On top of that, Werewolf will be special $15 bottles of champagne AND free shots passed out throughout the day.
