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12 Great Places To Eat & Drink During Comic-Con

by Mackenzie Maher
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by Mackenzie Maher

The madness is about to begin. It's that time again, when San Diego hosts thousands upon thousands of fans for the annual pop culture phenomenon known as Comic-Con. Whether you're a diehard comic or sci-fi follower, or just going to witness the extravaganza, we advise you to skip the bland food options available at the San Diego Convention Center.

With so many noteworthy restaurants nearby, it's worth venturing outside to take in some extra people-watching; there are walkable and accessible eateries for every budget within easy reach. Some offer 'Con-themed drinks and food specials and others provide a welcome break from the costumed crowds; here are our 12 Great Places To Eat & Drink During Comic-Con.


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Note: Restaurants on this map are listed geographically.

1. Rare Form

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793 J St
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 255-6507
(619) 255-6507
Visit Website
The prolific CH Projects' latest spot offers the opportunity to peer into Petco Park while munching on the eateries' original sandwiches, which include a fried egg and bacon waffle sandwich and a swordfish sandwich with caper aioli. Don't go back to the fest without having a tipple from these cocktail pros; the Basil G&T, with basil eau de vie, dry gin and locally-made tonic, is a fresh take on the classic.

2. Don Chido

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527 5th Ave
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 232-8226
(619) 232-8226
Visit Website
The new Don Chido will be serving up cocktails inspired by some of Mexico’s beloved cartoon characters, El Chapulin Colorado (Reposado tequila, lime, hibiscus) and Chilindrina (roasted pepper infused tequila, cucumber, lime, agave, tajin). All the food here is fresh, local and authentic; we recommend Richo’s Nachos ($9) or the Adobado Enchiladas ($16) to help soak up all that tequila.

3. Basic Urban Kitchen & Bar

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410 10th Ave
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 531-8869
(619) 531-8869
Visit Website
This hip pizza spot is one of a number of participating East Village bars that will be offering specials to all Comic-Con attendees. Flash your Comic-Con badge at the front door here for a hoppy $5 Urbn St. Brewing Co. IPA and pair it with one of their award-winning pies like the Mashed ($12.50 or $21.50), topped with mashed potatoes and bacon, or the Meatball ($15 or $28), topped with mozzarella, ricotta and, you guessed it, meatballs. Bonus tip: free pizza samples are served during their 4-7 happy hour every day. And if you find yourself there Thursday night after 9PM, you’ll be just in time for a Comic-Con themed party hosted by Munky King.

4. Werewolf

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627 4th Ave
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 234-0094
(619) 234-0094
Visit Website
This new pub is offering a weekend lineup as wild as the bar’s name suggests. The Comic-Con festivities start Friday with a Ghostbusters-themed party, followed by a Star Wars-themed party on Saturday (you’ll want to try the Storm Trooper rum cocktail, $9), and a Dress Like a Superhero-themed Sunday brunch with food and drink discounts for any participants! If you can somehow manage a way to eat in your R2D2 getup, take advantage of the late night kitchen (open until 1 am) to fill up on some of the tasty vittles offered on Werewolf’s menu. Among the homemade comfort food items are pork belly sliders and mac and cheese.

5. Jsix Restaurant

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616 J St
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 531-8744
(619) 531-8744
Visit Website
This recently-revamped restaurant is definitely worth of a visit during the fest, especially on weeknights, when they offer a $6 menu from 5 to 8 p.m. In-house bartender Nate Howell is featuring a special concoction for the duration of the convention, ‘The Alter Ego’ boilermaker ($12), a shot of Jsix’s signature Woodford Reserve bourbon paired with a draft of their IPA made by Hess Brewing--a combination potent enough to bring out the superhero or villain within.

6. Searsucker

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611 5th Ave
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 233-7327
(619) 233-7327
Visit Website
Darth Vader, Green Lantern, and Lex Luther: yes, these are some of the most notorious villains in the game, but this week they are also the names of some of Searsucker’s playful Comic-Cocktails. And the celebrations don’t stop there, if you're a Game of Thrones fan, there's a cunning medley of GOT-themed beverages to help you toast your favorite house: choose from either the ‘House Lannister’ (gin), ‘House Stark’ (Pimms), ‘House Targaryen’ (vodka), or ‘House Baratheon’ (rum)--these will run around $12. Just blocks from the Convention Center, you’ll be able to enjoy one or all of these before winter comes.

7. Burger Lounge Gaslamp

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528 5th Ave.
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 955-5727
(619) 955-5727
Visit Website
The downtown outpost of this SoCal chain, is an easy walk from the Convention Center. Here, you can expect the quality of a high-end burger with a mid-range price tag served in a casual setting. The health-conscious comic fan will appreciate their generous selection of salads ($6.25-$8.95) that go a few steps beyond your basic greens, offered in half and full sizes, as well as their vegetarian burger and gluten free options. Make sure at least one person in your group orders a side of their fresh-cut fries or onion rings, we promise you they’re worth it.

8. Florent Restaurant & Lounge

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672 5th Ave
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 595-0123
(619) 595-0123
Visit Website
This new restaurant, lounge, bar and nightclub will satisfy all your pre-and-post festival needs, with a $2 off wells, calls and drafts until 7 p.m. and $15 mimosas during their DJ-fueled Sunday brunch.

9. The Blind Burro

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639 J St.
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 795-7880
(619) 795-7880
Visit Website
The Sharknado movie might be questionable but we're pretty sure the Sharknado-themed treats that The Blind Burro will be serving up this weekend will be a hit. Check out the Smoked Shark Tacos and the dangerously blue ‘Sharkbite Cocktails’, complete with gummy sharks. There's a tequila selection (over 100 kinds!), a full menu featuring Baja Coastal cuisine and a fun, laid back setting. Enjoy some ceviche ($11) and jalapeno poppers ($9) while soaking up the sun at their indoor/outdoor bar.

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10. Saja Korean Kitchen

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417 4th Ave.
San Diego, CA 92101
Satisfy your Asian food cravings at this brand spanking new spot that's a short stroll from the convention center. Grab a Korean BBQ plate or a stone pot rice bowl and a beer or one of their soju or sake-based cocktails.

11. Encore Champagne Bar & Dining Room

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531 F St
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 255-5152
(619) 255-5152
Visit Website
Geek out in style at the swanky Encore Champagne bar, where you can sip on superhero-themed luxury libations amongst fellow convention attendees. Each designed to honor a popular comic book icon, they include fan favorites like ‘The Hammered Hulk’, ‘Kryptonite’, ‘Joker Juice’, and the ‘Fizz-tastic Four’, all at $8 each. Specialty dishes will include a Chicken Liver Mousse with currant and brandy gelée, house pickles, tapenade and crostini for $8; Smoked Salmon Tartare with crème fraîche, fine herbs, capers and crostini for $15; and an Angus Beef Burger with manchego cheese, onion jam, arugula, roasted tomatoes and a special house sauce, priced at $14.

12. Bang Bang

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526 Market St
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 677-2264
(619) 677-2264
Visit Website
This Asian-inspired Gaslamp hot spot is opening its doors to citizens of all districts with a collection of Hunger Games-themed speciality cocktails. Try ‘The Effie’ (a bubbly champagne concoction), the ‘Haymitch Tribute’ (scotch, ginger, honey, lemon), the ‘Mockingjay’ (rum, brandy, ginger, apple), the ‘Girl on Fire’ (a mix of rums, amaretto, lime, and pineapple), or the ‘Katniss Kiss’ (gin, honey, ginger, rose water). If all the excitement has worked up your appetite, the Avenger specialty sushi roll will satisfy the old school comic fans.

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1. Rare Form

793 J St, San Diego, CA 92101
The prolific CH Projects' latest spot offers the opportunity to peer into Petco Park while munching on the eateries' original sandwiches, which include a fried egg and bacon waffle sandwich and a swordfish sandwich with caper aioli. Don't go back to the fest without having a tipple from these cocktail pros; the Basil G&T, with basil eau de vie, dry gin and locally-made tonic, is a fresh take on the classic.
793 J St
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 255-6507
Visit Website

2. Don Chido

527 5th Ave, San Diego, CA 92101
The new Don Chido will be serving up cocktails inspired by some of Mexico’s beloved cartoon characters, El Chapulin Colorado (Reposado tequila, lime, hibiscus) and Chilindrina (roasted pepper infused tequila, cucumber, lime, agave, tajin). All the food here is fresh, local and authentic; we recommend Richo’s Nachos ($9) or the Adobado Enchiladas ($16) to help soak up all that tequila.
527 5th Ave
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 232-8226
Visit Website

3. Basic Urban Kitchen & Bar

410 10th Ave, San Diego, CA 92101
This hip pizza spot is one of a number of participating East Village bars that will be offering specials to all Comic-Con attendees. Flash your Comic-Con badge at the front door here for a hoppy $5 Urbn St. Brewing Co. IPA and pair it with one of their award-winning pies like the Mashed ($12.50 or $21.50), topped with mashed potatoes and bacon, or the Meatball ($15 or $28), topped with mozzarella, ricotta and, you guessed it, meatballs. Bonus tip: free pizza samples are served during their 4-7 happy hour every day. And if you find yourself there Thursday night after 9PM, you’ll be just in time for a Comic-Con themed party hosted by Munky King.
410 10th Ave
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 531-8869
Visit Website

4. Werewolf

627 4th Ave, San Diego, CA 92101
This new pub is offering a weekend lineup as wild as the bar’s name suggests. The Comic-Con festivities start Friday with a Ghostbusters-themed party, followed by a Star Wars-themed party on Saturday (you’ll want to try the Storm Trooper rum cocktail, $9), and a Dress Like a Superhero-themed Sunday brunch with food and drink discounts for any participants! If you can somehow manage a way to eat in your R2D2 getup, take advantage of the late night kitchen (open until 1 am) to fill up on some of the tasty vittles offered on Werewolf’s menu. Among the homemade comfort food items are pork belly sliders and mac and cheese.
627 4th Ave
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 234-0094
Visit Website

5. Jsix Restaurant

616 J St, San Diego, CA 92101
This recently-revamped restaurant is definitely worth of a visit during the fest, especially on weeknights, when they offer a $6 menu from 5 to 8 p.m. In-house bartender Nate Howell is featuring a special concoction for the duration of the convention, ‘The Alter Ego’ boilermaker ($12), a shot of Jsix’s signature Woodford Reserve bourbon paired with a draft of their IPA made by Hess Brewing--a combination potent enough to bring out the superhero or villain within.
616 J St
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 531-8744
Visit Website

6. Searsucker

611 5th Ave, San Diego, CA 92101
Darth Vader, Green Lantern, and Lex Luther: yes, these are some of the most notorious villains in the game, but this week they are also the names of some of Searsucker’s playful Comic-Cocktails. And the celebrations don’t stop there, if you're a Game of Thrones fan, there's a cunning medley of GOT-themed beverages to help you toast your favorite house: choose from either the ‘House Lannister’ (gin), ‘House Stark’ (Pimms), ‘House Targaryen’ (vodka), or ‘House Baratheon’ (rum)--these will run around $12. Just blocks from the Convention Center, you’ll be able to enjoy one or all of these before winter comes.
611 5th Ave
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 233-7327
Visit Website

7. Burger Lounge Gaslamp

528 5th Ave., San Diego, CA 92101
The downtown outpost of this SoCal chain, is an easy walk from the Convention Center. Here, you can expect the quality of a high-end burger with a mid-range price tag served in a casual setting. The health-conscious comic fan will appreciate their generous selection of salads ($6.25-$8.95) that go a few steps beyond your basic greens, offered in half and full sizes, as well as their vegetarian burger and gluten free options. Make sure at least one person in your group orders a side of their fresh-cut fries or onion rings, we promise you they’re worth it.
528 5th Ave.
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 955-5727
Visit Website

8. Florent Restaurant & Lounge

672 5th Ave, San Diego, CA 92101
This new restaurant, lounge, bar and nightclub will satisfy all your pre-and-post festival needs, with a $2 off wells, calls and drafts until 7 p.m. and $15 mimosas during their DJ-fueled Sunday brunch.
672 5th Ave
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 595-0123
Visit Website

9. The Blind Burro

639 J St., San Diego, CA 92101
The Sharknado movie might be questionable but we're pretty sure the Sharknado-themed treats that The Blind Burro will be serving up this weekend will be a hit. Check out the Smoked Shark Tacos and the dangerously blue ‘Sharkbite Cocktails’, complete with gummy sharks. There's a tequila selection (over 100 kinds!), a full menu featuring Baja Coastal cuisine and a fun, laid back setting. Enjoy some ceviche ($11) and jalapeno poppers ($9) while soaking up the sun at their indoor/outdoor bar.
639 J St.
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 795-7880
Visit Website

10. Saja Korean Kitchen

417 4th Ave., San Diego, CA 92101
Satisfy your Asian food cravings at this brand spanking new spot that's a short stroll from the convention center. Grab a Korean BBQ plate or a stone pot rice bowl and a beer or one of their soju or sake-based cocktails.
417 4th Ave.
San Diego, CA 92101

11. Encore Champagne Bar & Dining Room

531 F St, San Diego, CA 92101
Geek out in style at the swanky Encore Champagne bar, where you can sip on superhero-themed luxury libations amongst fellow convention attendees. Each designed to honor a popular comic book icon, they include fan favorites like ‘The Hammered Hulk’, ‘Kryptonite’, ‘Joker Juice’, and the ‘Fizz-tastic Four’, all at $8 each. Specialty dishes will include a Chicken Liver Mousse with currant and brandy gelée, house pickles, tapenade and crostini for $8; Smoked Salmon Tartare with crème fraîche, fine herbs, capers and crostini for $15; and an Angus Beef Burger with manchego cheese, onion jam, arugula, roasted tomatoes and a special house sauce, priced at $14.
531 F St
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 255-5152
Visit Website

12. Bang Bang

526 Market St, San Diego, CA 92101
This Asian-inspired Gaslamp hot spot is opening its doors to citizens of all districts with a collection of Hunger Games-themed speciality cocktails. Try ‘The Effie’ (a bubbly champagne concoction), the ‘Haymitch Tribute’ (scotch, ginger, honey, lemon), the ‘Mockingjay’ (rum, brandy, ginger, apple), the ‘Girl on Fire’ (a mix of rums, amaretto, lime, and pineapple), or the ‘Katniss Kiss’ (gin, honey, ginger, rose water). If all the excitement has worked up your appetite, the Avenger specialty sushi roll will satisfy the old school comic fans.
526 Market St
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 677-2264
Visit Website

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