5 Hair-Raising Menus For Halloween Weekend

Like a stealth zombie, Halloween has snuck up on us once again. Spanning Friday, October 30, through Mexico’s vibrant Day of The Dead on Sunday, November 1 (and in some cases even into Monday!), there are plenty of frightfully fantastic themed menus, cocktails, parties and other happenings to indulge the senses. No plans yet? No problem! As always, Eater's here with a handy set of recommendations to assist in your destination decision-making this Halloween weekend.

Dia de los Muertos: Barrio Star

Where better to celebrate all things that go bump in the night than this "Dia de los Muertos-inspired eatery" in Bankers Hill? Enjoy Halloween and Day of the Dead specials like Blood Orange Margaritas ($8), and three carnitas tostadas ($8) from Friday, October 30 through Monday, November 2. The vibrant spot recently debuted its new remodel and fast-service concept –– look out for the combined lunch and dinner menu, plus "Tacos a La Carte" for mix and match orders. 2706 5th Ave. (619) 501-7827

[photo: Barrio Star]

Spook Alarm: FIREHOUSE American Eatery + Lounge

Get in the Halloween spirit and "trick-or-treat" yourself to a Spook Alarm cocktail on October 31 at this restyled PB lounge. With a Halloween-themed twist on the restaurant’s most popular craft cocktail, the Smoke Alarm, it offers a blend of Xicaru Mezcal, Tequila Peligroso Reposado, lemon blood orange, cinnamon and peach bitters garnished with gummy worms. Available only Saturday, October 31, it's a Halloween treat that big-kids-at-heart should be sure to add to their 'candy bags.' 722 Grand Ave. (858) 274-3100

[photo: Andrew Jorgensen]

Walking Dead: The Duck Dive

Seek shelter from the downtown Zombie Crawl with a Walking Dead cocktail at this popular PB gastro pub. Made with light and dark rum, Nocello, simple syrup, lime and pineapple juice, 3 dashes Bitterman's Tiki Bitters and atomized green chartreus it’s garnished with pineapple leaf wedge and a maraschino cherry. Nab one for only $5 during happy hour (Monday through Friday, 3–6 p.m.), and pair it with some Sriracha/Sculpin IPA marinated grilled salmon Voodoo Tacos ($12). 4650 Mission Blvd. (858) 273-3825

[photo: The Duck Dive]

Crime Scene: Spiked Lounge Harrah's

Make a toast to the spirits of the past at Harrah's Spiked ultra-lounge where they will be serving up two suitably creepy Halloween cocktails. Made with Absolut Vanilla, Belgian Chocolate Liqueur, and Baileys the Crime Scene cocktail is served with a coffee ice sphere plus a dash of peychaud’s bitters dropped in the cocktail directly in front of guests' to create a rippling red accent to this bloody good drink! While The Count cocktail, a one-of-a-kind vampire approved drink featuring Hamilton 151 Rum, Brancamenta, and Averna Amaro, is served up as a shooter that is as dark as Dracula’s own heart. 777 Valley Center Rd. (760) 751-3100

[photo: Caesars]

Sleepy Hollow: Bleu Bohème

Creatures of the night should head to Ken Irvine’s rustic-chic French Bistro, where its Sleepy Hollow cocktail ($12.95) gives a Halloween nod to Ichabod Crane and the Headless Horseman. Made with mezcal, Allspice Dram liqueur and an absinth rinse, it’s garnished with toasted rosemary that smokes like eerie fog. Enjoy one during social hour 5 – 6 p.m. nightly, alongside dishes such as moules frites, and petite plats like escargot, and Tarte Chaude au "Reblochon" ($10.95). 4090 Adams Ave. (619) 255-4167

[photo: Bleu Bohème]