Comic-Con permeates all life, all souls, all cheesecakes, all cocktails. The Gaslamp is once again transforming into a neighborhood of cloaked superheros, looming villains, and the people who adore them and dress like them. One of the greatest fallouts is that every restaurant and bar in the city is trying to outdo each other by cosplaying your food and drink.So if you’re the kind of person whose thrill index is lifted by being served a pink mojito in a Barbie pool… we’ve got you covered. Here are a few places to find Comic-Con-inspired food and drink menus.
Cerveza Jack’s
Courtesy of Good Time Design
Cerveza Jack’s
At Cerveza Jack’s it’s all about Yoda’s Tears and Death Star Old Fashioned. The emo Yoda drink has rum, chartreuse, lime, and simple syrup. The space globe of death cocktail is Bulleit Bourbon, Mr. Black’s Coffee Liqueur, cold brew, demerara, and a large Death Star ice cube. Destroy the planet of You.
Smoking Gun
The Smoking Gun
The Gun is throwing it back with an old-school retro arcade vibe. They’ve got a Space Invaders cocktail made with Volcan Blanco tequila, Lillet, ginger, honey, and Angostura bitters. Once you’ve downed your alien juice, head back to the restaurant’s arcade to try your hand at skee ball, Pac-Man, and air hockey.
The Blind Burro, Barbie Dream Marg
Courtesy of Good Time Design
The Blind Burro
Burro is going full dream house. Barbie’s Dream Marg is made with Cutwater Blanco tequila, strawberry-watermelon puree, lime juice, and served in a goblet rimmed with pink sugar. The drink comes with pink heart sunglasses and the choice to add a “Ken” shot if you’re needing a little something extra to make it until opening day of the movie. On Thursday, they’re giving 10 percent off to anyone dressed in Barbie cosplay.
The US Grant, Barbie drink
Courtesy of The US Grant
The Grant Grill Lounge
The Grill always plays. One year they had a full Game of Thrones cocktail menu. This year, they’re serving Comic-Con cocktails from 3:00 p.m. to 11:00 pm until July 23. Chow down on Barbie-inspired fare like Hi Barbie, Hi Ken Sliders made with fried shrimp and pink pineapple slaw. For dessert, it’s the Malibu Barbie Milkshake or go for pastry chef’s choice with Skipper’s Pool Party, a selection of sweets served in a plastic Barbie pool.
If morning fare is more your speed, Spill the Beans in the Gaslamp and Seaport Village is serving up bagels with Super Mario-themed cream cheeses like Princess Peaches Cream Cheese, Mario Party Cream Cheese and Donkey Kong’s Banana Cream Cheese. So, grab an everything bagel and go nuts.
AC Lounge, Blue Beetle
Courtesy of AC Hotel San Diego Downtown Gaslamp Quarter
AC Lounge
The Lounge in the AC Hotel is serving up Blue Beetle Margaritas in preparation for the upcoming Blue Beetle film. It’s got Casamigos Blanco tequila, Lagoon Bay aperitivo, lime juice, and simple syrup. Looks like windshield wiper fluid, tastes like a dream.
The Deck at Moonshine Flats
Courtesy of Good Time Design
The Deck at Moonshine Flats
Sub Zero is a retro video game-inspired cocktail named after the Mortal Kombat warrior at The Deck at Moonshine Flats. Blue, of course, with coconut rum, blue curacao, cream of coconut, and soda water. Master Sword is aimed at Zelda fans, made with blueberry vodka, blue curacao, lemon juice, soda water, and drinkable glitter. (Drinkable glitter, people.) And for all the wannabe Ninja Turtles out there, Cowabunga Dude! is made with Jameson, peach schnapps, pineapple juice, and Sprite.
Sonic the Hedgehog Cafe, San Diego
Photo Credit: Noah Reid
Sonic the Hedgehog Speed Cafe
SEGA and restaurateur Andy Nguyen of Secret Sauce Society are collaborating this year on a pop-up restaurant inspired by Sonic the Hedgehog’s iconic universe. This month-long restaurant includes “Sonic’s Classic Chili Dog,” the “Knuckles Sandwich” (fried chicken sando) and “The Evil Genius” egg salad sandwich. For drinks, it’s Blue Blur blueberry slushie, Smashing Echidna cherry slush, Flying Fox mango orange slush and Team Dark mocha milkshake.
It’s happening, San Diego. The pre–Comic-Con excitement jitters begin to creep in as soon as July hits the calendar. But for those who forgot to set an alarm on registration day, whose batteries died or whose luck ran out in the virtual waiting room, or who simply prefer to soak up the fandom frenzy from the outside, we’ve got the best ways to experience Comic-Con weekend—no badge required.
Ready Party One: The Final Level 2026 SDCC Kickoff Party
Ain’t no party like an after-hours party, and XLE Productions’ Ready Party One is definitely one for comic book fans. Kick-start your convention weekend at Parq Nightclub and enjoy music by fan-favorite ’80s tribute band The Flux Capacitors, along with enough fandom fun, cosplay, retro gaming and pop-culture nostalgia to satisfy your inner geek. At least for the night.
Date & Time: Wednesday, July 22, 8 p.m. Location: Parq Nightclub, 615 Broadway, San Diego, CA 92101 Price: Tickets start at $34
Interactive Zone at Petco Park and Gallagher Square Events
With more than a dozen activities and brand activations, Petco Park’s Interactive Zone is a badgeless fan’s playground, bringing together brands, games, celebrity appearances and immersive experiences all in one place. On Friday, July 24, Funko’s beloved annual party, hosted by Funko founder Mike Becker, returns to Gallagher Square. This year’s “Quest for the Grail” event will take guests on a journey to the sunken city of Atlantis. Expect themed décor, food, drinks, games and special guest appearances.
Date & Time: Thursday, July 23–Sunday, July 26 (times TBD) Location: Lexus Premier Lot across from Petco Park Price: Free; Funko Funday event is ticketed
Cartoon and art lovers can celebrate the work of Chuck Jones, creator of some of animation’s most iconic characters, including Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Road Runner, Wile E. Coyote and Pepé Le Pew, at Seaport Village’s Chuck Jones Gallery. During Comic-Con weekend, the showroom will also host meet-and-greets with talented artists including Disney artist and seascape painter Steve Barton, The Simpsons animator Stephen Reis, and licensed Warner Bros., Hanna-Barbera and Disney fine artist Ben Olson.
Date & Time: Thursday, July 23–Saturday, July 25, 2026 (times TBD) Location: Chuck Jones Gallery, 809 W. Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA Price: Free
PAWmicon Pet Cosplay
Get your pup’s—and your own—cosplay game ready because Helen Woodward Animal Center’s PAWmicon is back. Enjoy a Comic-Con-themed outing with the whole family while raising awareness for orphaned pets in San Diego. Divided into three categories—Flying Solo, Dynamic Duos & Trios & More, and Fantastic Floats—the event is a paw-fect way to jump-start the festivities.
Date & Time: Tuesday, July 21, 2026, 4:30–7 p.m. Location: Presidents Way Lawn at Balboa Park Price: Free
Comic-Con-Themed Bar Crawl
Why leave all the fun, mischief and mayhem to badge holders when you can join more than 300 partygoers and crawl through some of downtown San Diego’s top bars and nightclubs? Whether you’re called to save the universe or have an allegiance to the dark side, the annual Comic-Con Bar Crawl gives attendees exclusive access to more than 20 venues throughout the Gaslamp Quarter, with free welcome shots, exclusive drink discounts and complimentary entry along the way. This event for ages 21 and older is a fun way to celebrate your fandom outside the convention center.
Date & Time: Friday, July 24–Sunday, July 26, 2026, 8 p.m.–2 a.m. Location: Check-in at Toro, 672 Fifth Ave., San Diego, CA 92101, from 8–9 p.m. Price: $13–$30
Her Universe Fashion Show
Geek out over couture at the annual Her Universe Fashion Show at the Manchester Grand Hyatt. Hosted by founder and Star Wars: The Clone Wars actress Ashley Eckstein and presented by Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products, this year’s show will feature a selection of designers showcasing one-of-a-kind DC-inspired creations as they compete for a $2,000 cash prize.
Note: Wristbands are traditionally distributed the morning of the event on a first-come, first-served basis, but official details have not yet been announced.
Date & Time: Thursday, July 23, 6 p.m. Location: Manchester Grand Hyatt, Seaport Ballroom, 1 Market Place, San Diego, CA 92101 Price: Free
Comic-Con Museum
A destination for all things fandom, Balboa Park’s Comic-Con Museum brings world-premiere and exclusive exhibits and events to the heart of San Diego, giving fans a place to geek out all year long. The museum is currently featuring the U.S. debut of Doctor Who Worlds of Wonder, showcasing 17 of the Doctor’s most iconic costumes, a full-size TARDIS and a collection of original sonic screwdrivers used on-screen. Visitors can also explore Sangre, Sudor y Mito: The Art and Tradition of Mexican Lucha Libre, featuring rare collectibles and authentic masks and costumes worn by legendary luchadores.
Date & Time: Open Thursday through Tuesday (closed Wednesdays), 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Location: 2131 Pan American Plaza, San Diego, CA 92101 Price: $15–$30; free for children younger than 6
Comic-Con Art Show
Browse an extensive collection of original drawings, paintings, jewelry and other whimsical creations from more than 100 professional and amateur artists at the Comic-Con Art Show. Many pieces will be available for purchase through the silent auction or Quick Sale, giving fans the chance to take home a one-of-a-kind Comic-Con souvenir while supporting talented artists.
Dates & Times:
Thursday, July 23: 11 a.m.–8 p.m.
Friday, July 24: 9 a.m.–8 p.m.
Saturday, July 25: 9 a.m.–6 p.m.
Sunday, July 26: 9 a.m.–6 p.m.
Location: Manchester Grand Hyatt, Grand Hall CD, 1 Market Place, San Diego, CA 92101 Price: Free
Looking for a supercute way to fuel your Comic-Con adventures? Swing by the Hello Kitty Café Truck. This traveling pink café on wheels will be parked at Petco Park’s Interactive Zone, serving up tasty treats and exclusive merchandise. From limited-edition tote bags and hats to mugs and T-shirts, it’s the perfect stop to grab a snack and a little extra kawaii cuteness.
Date & Time:
Thursday, July 23–Saturday, July 25: 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Sunday, July 26: 10 a.m. (closing time TBD)
Location: Petco Park Interactive Zone, 100 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA 92101 Price: Menu items vary
PopUp Bagels, Spider-Man and Donut Bar Activations at Pendry San Diego
Get ready to fuel up and hype up. Whether you’re a plain-bagel purist or an everything-bagel fan, don’t miss your chance to grab breakfast or recharge at PopUp Bagels’ Volkswagen bus parked outside Pendry San Diego. Then satisfy your sweet tooth at Provisional with a rotating selection of character-themed doughnuts from Donut Bar. Both are available throughout the weekend beginning at 7 a.m. until sold out.
On July 24 and 25 from noon to 4 p.m., head to Nason’s Beer Hall for photo ops to celebrate Sony Pictures’ upcoming Spider-Man: Brand New Day. Guests can sample Tom Holland’s nonalcoholic beer brand, BERO, served in limited-edition themed cans available exclusively during the event.
Camila Ibarra Gallego is a CaliBaja native pursuing a master's degree in culinary journalism at the Basque Culinary Center. Shaped by the culturally rich, bicultural megaregion, she's passionate about sniffing out stories that connect people, territory and culture through food. When she's not tumbling down internet rabbit holes, you can find her pretending to be a wine connoisseur at a local wine bar or nose-deep in a good book.
Even without Marvel and DC hosting major panels this year, Comic-Con cosplayers in 2025 showed up in full force on Thursday, July 24. Thousands of fans packed the Convention Center and Gaslamp Quarter, showing off some of the most creative, clever, and cinematic costumes—from intricate multiverse mashups to handmade costumes crafted over months. The Gaslamp buzzed with free events and activations for badge-less fans, where Spider-people swung in from every corner and Fantastic Four suits made a strong showing ahead of the MCU film premiere. We also spotted full squads of Minecraft cosplayers, anime characters tricked out in light-up outfits, and even a fully animatronic Deadpool head that winked, blinked, and rattled off one-liners to fans posing for photos. The fandom and imagination on display were on high display—and this is only day one of Comic-Con. Here are some of our favorite looks.
Cole Novak is an award-winning writer with a passion for highlighting local figures, small businesses, and nonprofits. Born and raised in San Diego, Cole is passionate about photography, surfing, art, the local food scene, and the great outdoors.
No badge? No problem. Comic-Con might be the main event, but San Diego is bursting with offsite experiences anyone can get into. Whether you want to meet your favorite comic artist, dance the night away, pretend you’re in the Whoniverse, or simply grab a selfie in a life-size Barbie box, here are 12 ways to join the fun from outside the convention center.
Courtesy of Crunchyroll
Crunchyroll Anime FanFest
Did somebody say free music festival? We’re in. Don your dancing shoes and hit Crunchyroll Anime FanFest at The Rady Shell for live performances by Denzel Curry, SPYAIR, yama, INIKO, and more. This celebration of anime and music will also have exclusive merch, giveaways, and an immersive crosswalk activation.
Date & Time: July 25–26, 1 p.m. Location: The Rady Shell, 222 Marina Park Way, Embarcadero= Price: Free
The Whoniverse is taking over The Harbor Club with an all new immersive pop-up inside UNIT’s top-secret “Black Archive.” Fans can snap a photo inside the Fifteenth Doctor’s TARDIS; explore props and monsters from the show; and, from 6 to 8 p.m., dive into a mission to assist the Doctor in uncovering clues. For Whovians who want to see even more, check out the Doctor Who Worlds of Wonder exhibit at the Comic-Con Museum in Balboa Park.
Date & Time: July 24–26, 10 a.m.–8 p.m. & July 27, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Location: The Harbor Club, 100 East Harbor Drive, Marina District Price: Free
Courtesy of Mattel
Malibu Barbie Cafe
Hi, Barbie! The Malibu Barbie Café is rolling into San Diego just in time for Comic-Con, bringing all the pink, palm trees, and photo ops your heart could desire. Starting July 11 at Bayside Kitchen & Bar, this retro-glam pop-up has themed bites, a $1 charity skate rink, and—yes—a life-size Barbie box. Tickets come with food and merch credit, so grab your crew and hit the dreamhouse.
Date: July 11–Oct. 12, 10 a.m.–10 p.m. Location: Bayside Kitchen & Bar, 2137 Pacific Highway, Harborview Price: Starts at $25 per person
Hulu’s King of the Hill
Dust off your boots folks—Hulu is bringing King of the Hill’s Arlen, Texas to SDCC this year with a backyard cookout full of BBQ, lawn games, and plenty of chances to snap pics with the Hill family and iconic landmarks from the show. Try your hand at Alamo Pong, customize a trucker hat at the Mega Lo Mart, and win prizes for successfully landing the Rhinestein’s Cowboy Boot Toss. And yes, there’s Alamo water to beat the heat.
Date: July 24, 11:30 a.m.– 7 p.m.; July 25–26, 9:30 a.m.–7 p.m.; July 27, 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m. Location: Bayfront’s Parking Lot (Fifth Ave Landing – Lot A1) at 600 Convention Way Price: Free
Courtesy of Eventbrite
Ready Party One
Kick off your Comic-Con weekend in style with the return of the fan-favorite Ready Party One event. Think throwback bangers, epic cosplay, free airbrush tattoos, and The Flux Capacitors rocking tracks from pop culture juggernauts like Mortal Kombat and Shrek. Plus, Napoleon Dynamite actor Efren Ramirez is this year’s special guest DJ.
Date & Time: July 23, 8 p.m.–2 a.m. Location: Parq Nightclub, 615 Broadway, Gaslamp Quarter Price: Tickets start at $33
Watch 25 designers from around the country show off their looks in this Wicked-inspired runway show presented by Universal and hosted by founder Ashley Eckstein. The Her Universe Fashion Show returns on July 24 with bold fandom looks and peak geek couture. A $2,000 prize is up for grabs for the show’s two winners, chosen by the audience and judging panel. Free wristbands are available at 10 a.m. on a first-come, first-served basis; the show starts at 6 p.m.
Date: July 24, 6 p.m. (wristband distribution starts at 10 a.m.) Location: Manchester Grand Hyatt Seaport Ballroom, 1 Market Place, Downtown Price: Free
Courtesy of the San Diego Padres
Interactive Zone at Petco Park
The Interactive Zone at Petco Park is back with free activations, fan-favorite brands, food trucks, and plenty of freebies for you and your crew. Swing by the Lexus Premier Lot to demo new games from Arc System Works, grab a cute treat from the Hello Kitty food truck, and snap a pic with the cabbage cart in the Magic: The Gathering x Avatar popup.
Date: July 24–July 26, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., July 27 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Location: Lexus Premier Lot across from Petco Park Price: Free
Want to get in on the recent Labubu craze, or need another furry monster toy to add to your collection? You’re in luck, because the La’butique Pop-Up Shop is coming to Petco Park. This limited-time pop-up will be packed with exclusive merch featuring the creepy-cute vinyl creatures everyone’s obsessed with.
Phoenix is a senior at San Diego State University where she studies journalism and photography. You can find her reading at the beach, taking photos at a concert, or cultivating her 200th Spotify playlist.
Finding a gift that feels truly personal can be surprisingly difficult. In a sea of generic options — flowers, gift cards, candles, and the like — Xplosion Box offers something more lasting: a customized keepsake built around the photos, messages, and memories that matter most.
Founded by Southern California entrepreneur Jay Vijay, Xplosion Box LLC creates fully customized explosion gift boxes that arrive professionally designed, printed, assembled, and ready to gift. Each box opens layer by layer to reveal personal photos, heartfelt messages, pull-out albums, origami-style photo pockets, and hidden notes, turning a simple gift into an emotional reveal.
The brand was built for people who want to give something meaningful without spending hours printing photos, cutting paper, folding cardstock, or assembling a DIY project. Customers simply choose a box, upload their favorite photos, add personal messages, and the Xplosion Box team transforms those details into a polished keepsake that feels thoughtful, personal, and beautifully made.
Xplosion Box offers personalized gift boxes for birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, graduations, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Valentine’s Day, Christmas, proposals, bridesmaid gifts, long-distance relationships, and thoughtful “just because” moments.
Customers can choose from flexible customization options starting at $27. The Mini Surprise Box includes 10 photos, three message cards, and one hidden secret note, while the Mega Surprise Box offers a fuller keepsake experience with 40 photos, three message cards, and one hidden secret note.
What sets Xplosion Box apart is its high level of customization combined with convenience. Filled with personal photos, custom text, decorative details, and layered surprises, each box gives customers the freedom to create a gift that feels one-of-a-kind — without having to make it themselves.
At its core, Xplosion Box helps people turn favorite photos, stories, and words into something tangible: a keepsake that can be opened, revisited, and remembered long after the occasion has passed. asion has passed.
Get ready to geek out—San Diego Comic-Con 2025 returns to the San Diego Convention Center from Thursday, July 24, through Sunday, July 27. This massive pop-culture celebration draws fans from around the world for panels, celebrity appearances, exclusive merch, cosplay, and major announcements from the biggest names in comics, TV, movies, anime, and gaming.
Founded in the far-far-away year of 1970 under the moniker San Diego’s Golden State Comic-Con, the convention has exploded in popularity. Highlights over the years include an under-the-radar Star Wars preview in 1976, the event’s relocation to the San Diego Convention Center in 1991, Avengers announcement in 2010, and memorable cameos—like Breaking Bad‘s Bryan Cranston going incognito in a Walter White mask.
Each year, Comic-Con puts the international spotlight on San Diego, drawing more than 135,000 visitors. This year, the fun returns with a full slate of panels, events, and passionate fandoms. While major studios like Marvel, DC, and Legendary won’t be attending, there will still be plenty of big names from across the multiverse making appearances.
Whether you’re camping out for Hall H, debuting a fresh cosplay costume, or just enjoying the people-watching downtown, our Comic-Con 2025 guide will ensure you make it to all your favorite events.
Comic-Con 2025 takes place Thursday, July 24 through Sunday, July 27 at the San Diego Convention Center. Preview Night is Wednesday, July 23 and is only open to 2025 badge holders.
Comic-Con 2025 Hours
Wednesday: 6–9 p.m.
Thursday: 9:30 a.m.–7 p.m.
Friday: 9:30 a.m.–7 p.m.
Saturday: 9:30 a.m.–7 p.m.
Sunday: 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m
Where Do I Pick Up My Comic-Con Badge?
If you registered in advance, Comic-Con badges will be shipped 3–4 weeks before the event. If yours doesn’t arrive, you can pick it up at the Sails Pavilion inside the convention center starting July 22. Bring a valid photo ID and your badge confirmation email.
Can I Still Get Tickets to San Diego Comic-Con 2025?
Badges for Comic-Con 2025 are sold out. To increase your chances next year, register for Comic-Con 2026 on the official website. Open registration begins in November. Mark your calendar and hit that refresh button like you’re the Flash.
How to Get to San Diego Comic-Con?
If you have wings or a cape, getting there is a breeze. If not, transportation might be your kryptonite. Parking downtown is limited, and ride-sharing is strongly recommended. Starting Wednesday, July 23, a complimentary Comic-Con shuttle will run every 15–30 minutes with stops in Mission Valley, downtown, and hotel zones near the airport on Shelter and Harbor Islands.
There are plenty of food and drink vendors inside the convention center. Badge holders can also access the Comic-Con Hospitality Suite at the Marriott Marquis, open 2 p.m.–midnight, Thursday through Saturday. It offers free snacks and an air-conditioned break from the crowds.
What Are the Biggest Events Happening Outside of Comic-Con?
If you missed out on a 2025 badge, there is plenty of fun outside of the convention halls.
This year Paramount+ returns with The Lodge, an immersive activation inviting fans to nerd out with exclusive content in the Gaslamp Quarter. Anime enthusiasts can dive into the Crunchyroll Anime Fan Fest at The Rady Shell, featuring guest panels, limited-edition merch, and interactive installations. Don’t miss the Malibu Barbie Café, transforming Bayside Kitchen & Bar into a sun-soaked, retro-glam pop-up from July 11 through Comic-Con weekend.
Cole Novak is an award-winning writer with a passion for highlighting local figures, small businesses, and nonprofits. Born and raised in San Diego, Cole is passionate about photography, surfing, art, the local food scene, and the great outdoors.
Over 18 years of eating through the city as a food writer—a profession that feels like it needs an “ahem” attached to it—I’ve kept a list of the dishes and drinks and places that floored me. The ones I yammer on about to strangers, or share with people I love who don’t owe me money. For Comic-Con, I picked through that list to share 50 of my favorites within striking distance of the comic core: Gaslamp, Barrio Logan, Little Italy, Mission Hills, Coronado (one simple ferry ride away), Golden Hill, and a wild place in North Park. Remember, even if you just ate and you’re a little full, the week is about role playing. Role play still being hungry.
Here are the best restaurants, and what to order, near downtown San Diego.
Photo Credit: James Tran
Callie
What to Order: Aleppo Chicken
Callie will bring home San Diego’s next Michelin star, or I will lose all faith in the system. The fermented and pickled carrots with dukkah. The Aleppo chicken. The everything. Chef Travis Swikard is on another level.
This place is so charming it hurts. If an alpaca were a restaurant. Like you’re dining in an ADU built for someone who is loved. Wolf in the Woods is a passion project for Johnny Rivera (Hash House A Go Go) and chef Carmine Lopez, and you can feel that passion. It snuggles you with Spanish wine. The sweet corn and piñon soup might be the best bowl of hot liquid in the city.
1920 Fort Stockton Dr Suite C, Mission Hills
Photo Credit: Kimberly Motos
Kingfisher
What to Order: Wild Mushrooms and Chino Farms Corn Congee
This is where you want to go for a Vietnamese-centric but pan-Asian exploration of fish sauce. Get the beef tartare, the whole fried rockfish in ginger sweet-and-sour sauce, and the congee with wild mushrooms.
2469 Broadway, Golden Hill
Top of the Hyatt
What to Order: Cocktails
It’s the view from the top and edge of our world—a glass box of emotion, 40 floors up, looking down on all that water and sunset. Pick a cocktail, any cocktail.
1 Market Pl, Embarcadero
Courtesy of Mister A’s Restaurant
Mister A’s
What to Order: Maple Leaf Farm Duck Breast
Mister A’s started as a Scorsese-type place where people enjoyed the fruits of some gray-area capitalism with a holy **** view of the entire urban core. Wave at planes as they land at eye-level and the sun sets over the watery cliff in the distance. Two years ago, longtime owner Bertrand Hug handed the reins to longtime GM (and damn good human) Ryan Thorsen. He’s breathed new life into the place with some key renovations. It’s a bucket worthy of the list. The duck with huckleberry gastrique is chef Stephane Voitzwinkler’s specialty.
An F.-Scott-Fitzgerald-meets-Busta-Rhymes steakhouse from the weirdos of CH Projects. A magic room that feels both alive and haunted. Bone marrow’s a pretty fantastic fat, but it needs flavor. B&R serves it with Burgundy escargot on toasted bread, and the garlic is fantastic.
1909 India St, Little Italy
Courtesy of Old Town San Diego
El Sueño
What to Order: Elote & Cocktails
A hell of a patio in Old Town, run by Pietro Busalacchi, one of the better drinks people in San Diego. The elote is fantastic—half a corn cob grilled; soaked in veggie broth; and seasoned with mayo, melted butter, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, a touch of sugar, garlic and onion powder, Cotija cheese, and chives. Every drink here is good.
2836 Juan St, Old Town
Cowboy Star
What to Order: A5 Japanese Omi Gyu
There are three main names when it comes to the best Japanese Wagyu. Most people who love the melting beef know two of them (Kobe and Matsusaka). The third type is omi gyu, the original Wagyu that was served to shoguns 400-plus years ago. Compared to the other two, it’s still got that high fat content that makes the Wagyu magic, but it’s lighter, more delicate, cleaner tasting. And Cowboy Star—the beloved local steakhouse run by chef/partner Victor Jimenez—is the only place I know of in San Diego that serves it. You’re not coming to Comic-Con looking for small experiences.
640 Tenth Ave, East Village
Courtesy of Wikipedia Commons
Las Cuatros Milpas
What to Order: Tacos
Yes, there are designer-ier tacos. But this family’s been serving homemade tacos with fried-before-your-eyes tortillas since the dawn of time. Cash only.
1857 Logan Ave, Barrio Logan
J & Tony’s Discount Cured Meats and Negroni Warehouse
Troy Johnson is the magazine’s award-winning food writer and humorist, and a long-standing expert on Food Network. His work has been featured on NatGeo, Travel Channel, NPR, and in Food Matters, a textbook of the best American food writing.
If you’re anything like us, it can be easy to get so caught up in taking care of everyone else, that your own needs get lost in the ether. But while this may be a cliché, that doesn’t make it any less true: You can’t give your best self to other people unless you’re taking care of yourself.
Sometimes, that looks like stopping in for your regular acupuncture or chiropractic appointment. Other days, it means giving your body the fresh, organic fuel it needs to truly feel and function at its best. And some other times still, it involves leaving your responsibilities behind for a weekend to pamper yourself at an incredible resort and spa.
Only you can decide what your truly need. We’re just here to help you find the best ways to get it.
Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort & Spa
Island living meets desert luxury at the Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort & Spa in Indian Wells. When you step onto the 11-acre property, you’ll be surrounded by sweeping view of the Santa Rosa Mountains with olive trees and fragrant citrus groves decorating the grounds. In other words, everything about this relaxed but refined resort is primed to help you let go of the stress from home and enjoy easy sun-soaked days and gorgeous starry nights.
The rooms blend calming, woven textures with Tommy Bahama’s signature tropical prints and feature private lanais, making it easy unwind the moment you walk in the door. If you book one of the four Villa Suites, you’ll be treated to exclusive Tommy Bahama furniture and unique personal touches to further that feeling of instant ease.
At the award-winning Spa Rosa, the expert team will help reset and recharge your body and mind using methods and rituals inspired by the desert. The 12,000-square-foot retreat includes outdoor soaking pools, eucalyptus steam rooms, and outdoor cabanas, as well as massages, facials, and body masks—all aimed at creating a day dedicated to you. We’re particularly partial to the Day Long Escape, an indulgent all-day affair of CDBs soaks, renewing scrubs, life changing massages, and transformative facials.
Following your treatment, continue the experience with a meal on the patio at Grapefruit Basil. We love the Hamachi Crudo, a light, citrus-forward dish featuring premium yellowtail, house-made ponzu, creamy avocado, and fresh seasonal garnishes.
Whether you’re strolling the gardens, relaxing beside its saltwater pools, or indulging in a restorative treatment, you’ll be able to escape in style and relax in luxury at the Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort & Spa.
Healcove Chiropractic
There’s no shortage of ways to stay active in San Diego—but if you really want to enjoy everything the city has to offer, you’ve got to make sure you’re giving your body its tune-ups. Enter: Healcove Chiropractic. The board-certified chiropractors and wellness professionals at Healcove are experts at addressing that stage where you’re not injured, exactly, but you’re not at 100%, either. Maybe you’re feeling a bit tense or stressed out. Or it could be that you’re not quite moving the way you want to. Sometimes, it’s just that the accumulation of days, weeks, or even years of daily strain is starting to take a toll. No matter what stage you find yourself at, the Healcove Chiropractic team can provide integrated, preventative care centered on long-term, science-backed approaches that ensure you can always stay active and live the life you want to live pain-free.
This starts by providing truly individualized care. Every patient can expect a thorough 60-minute consultation session that includes a posture and movement screening. This allows the team to develop a completely personalized plan. That plan might include chiropractic care, acupuncture, or massage therapy, as well as functional fitness training, vibration and sound therapy, and Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization, a clinical rehabilitation method that retrains the body’s stabilization systems. Whatever the team recommends, you can be sure that it’s tailored to meeting your body’s needs today and the future.
There’s a reason that San Diego Magazine named Healcove the “Best Chiropractor in San Diego”—don’t wait until you’re struggling with an injury to find out why. Book an appointment today for holistic, integrated care that helps ground and heal your body before it reaches a crisis point.
Juice Holler
West Coast wellness culture meets the community feel of Southern Appalachia at Juice Holler. Juice Holler’s menu consists of made-to-order smoothies and smoothie bowls, as well as grab-and-go cold-pressed juices, wellness shots, salads, and more. It operates from the blissfully simple premise that fueling up with food and drink that’s guilt-free and good your body should be simple, accessible, and, above all else, delicious. And if you haven’t yet made it out to the Encinitas café, which opened just this year, let us be the first to tell you: Juice Holler delivers on each and every of these fronts.
We love the Supercharger smoothie, a mood-lifting and body-fueling option made with banana, almond butter, blue spirulina, maca, grass-fed whey protein, raw cacao nibs, medjool dates, and coconut milk. We’re also partial to the Thrive Alive smoothie bowl, where avocado, mango, sea moss, spirulina, mint, coconut milk, and agave are mixed and topped with coconut, chia seeds, strawberry, mango, and chocolate drizzle. The wellness shots include the Detoxifier, a cleansing blend of kale, cucumber, lemon and spirulina, plus a shot specially designed to fight inflammation (named, fittingly, Anti-Inflammation). Probiotic overnight oats, lemon turmeric bars, and strawberry shortcake chia pudding are other standouts on the grab-and-go menu.
Much of the vibe feels beachy North County chic—think green tile with orange and pink accents, grounded with greenery and natural wood—but Juice Holler founder Kelly Sergott, a longtime Encinitas local, has also enfused the space with her Kentucky roots. In Appalachia, a holler is small valley between hills and mountains, where nature reigns, community is king, and nourishment comes right from the land. At Juice Holler, Sergott has created a holler for the busy modern times, using local ingredients to create a spot for people to come together and enjoy fresh, fast, feel-good fuel for their day.
Everwell Acupuncture
We’ve all had that experience with a medical professional where we’ve felt rushed, ignored, or misunderstood—and ultimately, like we didn’t get the answers that we needed. But at Everwell, the holistic acupuncture practice located in Solana Beach, the care team wants to transform your understanding of what healthcare can look like.
Patients at Everwell experience care rooted in intentional listening and radical empathy—and trust us, those aren’t just corporate buzzwords. This place actually puts those ideas into practice. You will always be given the time you need to tell your story— initial in-take appointments are two hours long—and you can rest assured that your story will be believed. Every single question and concern will be addressed by a dedicated practitioner who wants to find the specific solutions that work best for you, and you’ll receive care that’s aimed at healing the body, mind, and spirit.
Everwell’s highly trained, doctorate-level practitioners blend evidence-based acupuncture with the practice of classical Chinese medicine. (If you’ve never tried acupuncture before or aren’t sure if the team will be a fit, we’d highly recommended Everwell’s complimentary 20-minute consultations.) Research shows that by stimulating specific points on the body, acupuncture activates a natural healing response in the body, helping to restore balance, regulate the nervous system, and improve overall wellbeing. This allows the practice to address an incredibly wide range of conditions from chronic pain and autoimmune disorders to digestive issues, from stress and burnout to headaches migraines, fertility and postpartum struggles, hormonal imbalances, sleep concerns and more.
At Everwell, you can expect to feel heard, trusted, respected, and cared for. This is a space that doesn’t want to be just another healthcare provider you visit; it wants to provide patients with dedicated partner who will be there for their entire health journey.
