Five Restaurants To Try This Weekend

It’s finally Friday, which means it’s almost time to clock-off and get those weekend vibes started. No plans yet? No problem! Eater's here with a handy set of recommendations to assist in your destination decision-making. Read on to discover five brand new cocktail menus bursting with tiki and spring-inspired ingredients, plus a new menu of late-night bites in the Gaslamp.

Tiki Additions For Spring: Kettner Exchange

In anticipation of their tiki-themed speakeasy - slated to open in Pacific Beach this fall - SCDM group beverage director Steven Tuttle has added four suitably inspired cocktails to his Kettner libations list. In addition to the Oaxacan Rose (mezcal, Cocchi Rosa, rhubarb bitters), The Count Camillo (gin, Campari, sweet Vermouth) offers a refreshing riff on a Negroni Collins; while 'Mezcal/Cahaça Mai Tai' I Go To Rio allowed Tuttle the chance to marry his two favorite spirits. Influenced by a recent trip to Venezuela, his Sazerac iteration, The Diplomat, comprises a heady mix of Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva Rum, cane syrup, orange bitters and Absinthe. 2001 Kettner Blvd. (619) 255-2001 [Courtesy Photo]

Spring & Summer Sippers: Mister A's

Designed by lead bartender Alvin Pugeda, the iconic Mister A's just unveiled their stunner of a spring/summer cocktail menu last week. Comprising five sections - including 'light, lifted, refreshing'; 'stirred and direct'; and 'for the adventurous' - the thoughtful selection comprises new contemporary cocktails with some imaginative twists. Must trys include: The Herbivore - a refreshing mix of barrel-aged gin, housemade lemongrass-hibiscus tonic, Cynar, and fresh rosemary; Rabbit Punch (Farmer's Organic Gin, fresh carrot juice, yellow Chartreuse, Szechuan peppercorn syrup), and Smoke Signal - pineapple infused mezcal, Benedictine, green Chartreuse, cardamom bitters. 2550 5th Ave. (619) 239-1377 [Photo: Michael Rohan]

Japanese Craft Cocktails: Tajima

San Diego’s popular ramen concept is celebrating its recent bar remodel with a new Japanese craft cocktail program at their Kearny Mesa location. Standouts include: Tokyo Buck - Iwai Whiskey, fresh lemon juice, Giffard Fres Des Bois, simple syrup, angosturra bitters, fresh strawberry garnish, ginger beer top; and Hare of The Dog - a Japanese spin on the classic 'Bloody with Suerte Reposado, Yuzu juice, ramen broth, sriracha, and tomato juice. Catch late night happy hour every Friday and Saturday [10 p.m. - 1 a.m.] too with $2 Sapporos, $1 Edamame, and $3 Karaage. 4411 Mercury St. #110 (858) 278-5367 [Photo: Lyudmila Zotova]

April Menu Specials: Breakfast Republic

Johan Engman’s mecca for all things morning-related will be serving up three new adult approved breakfast beverages during April. Look out for Orange you glad it’s Spring? - muddled fresh strawberries, orange, pomegranate syrup, vodka, over ice), and the Spring Fling - pineapple juice, orange juice and strawberry syrup joined by champagne for a spring-style mimosa. On the savory side is the Black ‘n’ Blue Bloody – Breakfast Republic’s classic bloody Mary generously garnished with two bleu cheese stuffed olives and a big strip of bacon. 2730 University Ave. (619) 296-7058 [Photo: Bradley Schweit]

Late Night Eats: Searsucker San Diego

And, last but by no means least, there's a new late-night menu available Friday -Saturday from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. at Brian Malarkey's lively spot for innovative American cuisine. Featuring everything from customer favorite short rib dish, to duck fat fries, and the royal with cheese to cookies and milk, the menu has every kind of night owl hunger cravings covered. 611 5th Ave. (619) 233-7327 [Photo: Brian Malarkey]