Check Out These Comic-Con Food, Drink, and Party Specials!
What would Comic-Con be without amazing food, drinks, and parties?! Here’s a run-down of some of the most interesting specials we’ve seen around town!
Lionfish Modern Coastal Cuisine
Centrally located at Pendry San Diego in the center of the Comic-Con orbit, the celebrity-friendly culinary destination, Lionfish Modern Coastal Cuisine, will feature a drink menu of specialty Comic Con-coctions, each priced at $18:
- Regeneration Refresher, a twist on the Dirty Shirley made with Grey Goose Vodka, grenadine, and Sprite (fun fact: groundbreaking BBC vision mixer Shirley Coward created the first regeneration effect in “Doctor Who”)
- Cowabunga Cooler, a green TMNT-inspired cocktail featuring Sipsmith Gin, Midori, cucumber, honeydew, lemon and simple syrup
- Joker’s Jive, a villainous espresso martini crafted with Belvedere Vodka, espresso, St. George Espresso Liqueur, Baileys Irish Cream, and simple syrup
- Elven Elixir, an energizing mixture of St-Germain Elderflower liqueur, rosé wine, and Fever-Tree pink grapefruit soda.
Located at 435 Fifth Ave., Lionfish is mere blocks away from the Convention Center and offers an exquisite dining experience perfect after a long day of Comic-Con adventures. More information can be found here.
Prohibition
Sequestered discreetly behind a clandestine entrance in the midst of Gaslamp’s “Gotham” Quarter, the secret hideaway Prohibition is where you’ll find the Penguin-inspired Gentleman of Crime, a nefarious yet sophisticated cocktail blend of whiskey, lemon, and ube, priced at $18.
The Penguin’s league of extraordinary libations also offers a collection of special edition cocktails, all priced at $18, including:
- Hanzo Sword, forged with Umiki Japanese Whisky, Yellow Chartreuse, Cointreau, and lemon
- Sisyphus, a mythical mixture of Castle and Key Gin, Italicus Rosolio di Bergamotto, lime, lemongrass, and cucumber
- All My Heroes are Dead, made with Old Forester Bourbon, Lo-Fi Hibiscus Amaro, lemon, hibiscus, and R&C Citrus Bitters
Comic-Con attendees and henchmen wanna-be’s can find the lowkey cocktail lair’s secret entrance behind the Fifth Ave. door inconspicuously marked as “Law Office – Eddie O’Hare, ESQ.” More information can be found here.
barleymash
barleymash thrives on a love for beer and bourbon, reminding us of two simple ideas: life is meant to be sipped and savored, and good times should always be shared.
In the heart of the Gaslamp on the corner of Fifth Avenue and Market Street, they’ve handcrafted a special lineup of cocktails available Friday through Sunday:
- The Oz includes Bacardi White Rum, ube, coconut cream, and lime garnished with a custom Comic-Con sticker
- Cat’s Meow mixes Grey Goose Vodka, cold brew, coffee liqueur, sugar, and activated charcoal whip, topped with a sugar cat
- Flying Falcone includes fiero, strawberry, sparkling water, and a red wine float garnished with a mini decorative rose
El Chingon
For those seeking a more rambunctious vibe for a night of roguish Comic-Con revelry, El Chingon is a “bad ass” Mexican cantina filled with vibrant decor and dynamic main character energy.
El Chingon will offer a Joker-inspired cocktail, Madness Like Gravity, priced at $13. It features tequila, lime, melon liqueur, agave, and Tajín and is sure to put a smile on any face…no joke.
The restaurant also features a regular rogues gallery of wanted cocktails, including:
- Pancho Villa, made with El Jimador tequila, lime, salt and a choice of Jarritos (grapefruit, pineapple, tamarindo, or mandarin), priced at $13
- Bad Hombre with choice of tequila or mezcal, orange curacao, lime juice, ginger beer, and Tropical Red Bull, priced at $14
- Margarita flights for $18
More information can be found here.
The Smoking Gun
Known for bringing the Gaslamp a revolutionary spin on the classic neighborhood bar, The Smoking Gun‘s 80s-inspired interior matches perfectly with their theme this year: Beetlejuice!
The Beetlejuice-themed cocktail, available throughout Comic-Con, features Astral Blanco, Italian liqueur, melon, lime, and ava salt rim.
On Friday, July 26, The Smoking Gun will host a Mario Kart N64 competition! Sign-ups begin at 6 PM with races beginning at 8 PM. Prizes include gift cards to both The Smoking Gun and their arcade, along with merchandise.
The Westgate Hotel
As Comic Con returns to San Diego for its 54th year, The Westgate Hotel calls on comic-book lovers to experience the popular Superhero Tea on July 24 to July 28 from 1 PM to 5 PM.
You’re invited to dress up as your favorite comic characters for a “super” afternoon tea service featuring gourmet tea sandwiches, house-made pastries, signature desserts, premium teas, and a selection of specialty-themed cocktails.
The event will take place in the hotel’s Grand Lobby, transformed into a world fit for a superhero (or even a supervillain!) and scored with music from a live harpist.
Tickets are $59 for adults, $35 for children ages two to 12, and complimentary for infants under one. Comic Con attendees can show their badge upon arrival to receive 10% off their tea experience. Reservations can be made here.
Havana 1920
Located at 548 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp Quarter’s Cuban escape, Havana 1920, will pay homage to Batman’s sinister super-foe, Bane, with a cocktail as dark and treacherous as the archvillain’s tortuous origin story in a Caribbean prison.
The restaurant’s Bane-inspired Comic-Con cocktail, I Broke The Bat, looks as sinister as a moonless Havana night, built with coconut rum, lime, Demerara, and activated charcoal for $15.
Havana features authentic Cuban cuisine, lively music, and a vibrant bar scene boasting an assemblage of rum and colorful cocktails.
Moonshine Flats + The Deck
Take a break from Con at Moonshine Flats, the ultimate honky-tonk party every night in the Gaslamp quarter. This hotspot is perfect for country music fans, line dancers, and partygoers.
Start your evening at The Deck at Moonshine Flats, offering Smokehouse BBQ, unique drinks, and fun games like corn hole and giant beer pong.
During Comic-Con, enjoy a Borderlands-themed weekend with specialty cocktails like The Nuke Margarita Shooter, Eridium Lemon Drop, and Handsome Jack’s Coffee Old Fashioned.
Refresh with these cocktails, and then head to Moonshine Flats for live country music performances on July 26 and 27. Whether you’re an experienced line dancer or just looking for a good time, Moonshine Flats guarantees memorable experiences during Comic-Con weekend.
Hudson & Nash
Join Hudson & Nash just blocks from the San Diego Convention Center and savor these extraordinary cocktails, specially crafted to enhance your Comic-Con experience:
Blazing Torch: Ignite your taste buds with our Blazing Torch, featuring house-infused bacon vodka and H&N Mary Mix, topped with a crispy bacon strip. Perfect for your Comic-Con adventure!
Fantastic Mule: Embark on a flavor journey with the Fantastic Mule. Tito’s vodka, ginger-lime kombucha, organic blueberries, and orange juice create a refreshing twist on the classic mule.
Espress-ocalypse: Fuel your Comic-Con frenzy with the Espress-ocalypse. Fresh-pulled espresso and Licor blend into a bold cocktail for an invigorating kick.
Multiverse Michelada: Explore flavors with our Multiverse Michelada. Signature michelada mix, Tajin rim, and your choice of Modelo or Stone Buenaveza create a spicy, tangy experience.
Superberry Mimosa: Elevate brunch with the Superberry Mimosa. Prosecco, organic strawberries, and strawberry nectar craft a sweet, sparkling delight for celebrating Comic-Con.
Cheers to a super time!
Spill The Beans
Spill The Beans’ Gaslamp location will be expanding upon its funky, upbeat atmosphere by embracing a Shrek theme this year available from July 24 to 28.
Shrek’s Swampaccino includes iced Chaga and Taro Tea Latte with a Matcha Cold Foam available hot or cold with the option to add espresso.
Donkey’s Morning Waffle features French Toast Waffle Bagel, Maple Butter, 2 fried eggs, American Cheese, and Chicken Sausage!
The Blind Burro
Just three blocks from the San Diego Convention Center, The Blind Burro is a must-try Mexican restaurant specializing in Baja coastal cuisine, which offers a unique twist on traditional Mexican dishes.
Escape the convention madness with Blind Burros’ extravagant Beetlejuice-themed cocktails and specials! Lydia-Rita, a blackberry margarita featuring Cutwater Blanco Tequila Triple Sec, blackberry puree, agave, soda, and topped with a lime.
Or try the Burro Juice, a shooter featuring Cutwater Blanco Tequila, Midori, sour apple, and lemonade.
Once you have tried the exciting Beetlejuice cocktails, move on to some delicious bites. Start off with the Queso Especial, made with triple cheese sauce, crispy smoked paprika potatoes, house-made chorizo, pico de gallo, cilantro, and house-made corn tortilla chips.
For your entree, move onto the Street Tacos with your choice of Carnitas, Carne Asada or Pollo Asada including citrus-chile de arbol, onions, and cilantro, or the Birria Burro-ito with slow-braised beef shoulder, butter rice, queso oaxaca, red cabbage, crema, onion, queso cotija, cilantro, pickled red onions, diced avocado, and salsa de birria.
Also, don’t miss out on the Beer & A Shot Special all day, every day, which includes a 24 oz can of Estrella Jalisco and a shot of Casamigos Blanco or Casamigos Jalapeno Tequila.
Tajima East Village
After a long day exploring Comic Con, re-up with a bowl of tasty ramen at Tajima!
Their newly expanded East Village location, less than a ten-minute walk from the Convention Center festivities, is the perfect spot to gather with friends, fill your stomach, share some drinks, and dig through your Comic Con swag bags.
Tajima’s ramen offerings reflect authentic Japanese techniques with modern twists and come in a variety of flavors, including their original Tajima Ramen, made with their signature Tonkotsu pork broth, as well as more adventurous selections such as Carnitas Ramen, Spicy Sesame Ramen, and Vegetarian Ramen.
In addition to their regular beer and sake offerings, Tajima will be serving a Pokemon Sake Flight specially made for Comic Con, featuring three different Pikachu, Bulbasaur, and Squirtle-themed cocktails with mini figurines included. Gotta catch ‘em all!
Mezé Greek Fusion
Mezé Greek Fusion will offer a special menu of food and drinks to Bat-tle the classic arch-nemesis of every Comic-Con guest—hunger. The cocktail specials include:
- Caped Crusader, heroically built with Divino Maguey Destilado con Tamarindo & Chiles Mezcal, Aperol, passion fruit, lemon, and a Tajin rim, priced at $19
- The Sidekick, made with Old Forester bourbon, Curious Junior Juniper Blackberry, Ginger, and lemon, priced at $18
- Pennworth For Your Thoughts, made with George Dickel Bourbon or Ketel One Vodka, Havana 1920 cold brew, orgeat, and R&D Sarsaparilla Bitter, priced at $19
The restaurant’s Batman-themed dishes will include:
- Dynamic Duo, a choice of hummus, cilantro jalapeno hummus, sriracha honey hummus, tzatziki, or baba ganoush, priced at $21 for any two items, $32 for any four items or $43 for all of the items
- Birds of Prey, flour-dusted and crispy meatballs seasoned with mint, onion, garlic, and cumin, priced at $16
- Bat Signal, jumbo shrimp pan seared with garlic, tomato, green onion, and Fetas cheese, flambeed in Ouzo tableside and served with pita, priced at $26
Hasta Mañana Cantina
Hasta Mañana Cantina, located just outside the Convention Center, brings a Baja Coastal fiesta to San Diego. Three specialty cocktails will be served in celebration of Comic-Con:
- Pantera Negra with blanco tequila, lime, agave, activated charcoal, and agave bitters with a skull glass giveaway for the first 25 orders everyday
- Super Juice with blanco tequila, lime, agave pineapple juice, and blue curaçao
- El Storm with blanco tequila, lime, agave, white peach, and edible glitter
Hilton San Diego Bayfront
Hilton San Diego Bayfront is offering conveniences for superheroes and sidekicks alike! Since it’s so near the convention center, it can be an easy stop to escape the rush and stock up on provisions.
Hit the Concession Stand in front of the new LED lightwall (outside of the Indigo Ballroom on lobby level) to purchase quick grab-and-go food. The Cannery (in Promenade West) will be fully open for more grab-and-go options. And Sweet Things will be open from 7 AM to 11 PM during Comic-Con with festive treats.
And don’t miss the Super Fan Photo Booth, all weekend long in the Lobby. Assemble your superteam and strike a pose!
Oxford Social Club
As the sun sets over the Convention Center, Gaslamp Quarter’s premier nightlife destination, Oxford Social Club, will shine a spotlight on the iconic artwork of Comic-Con.
On Friday, July 26, from 7 PM to 10 PM, the swanky boutique club will host a Comic-Con art showcase featuring legendary artist Ryan Benjamin and many other top comic book artists.
Beginning at 10 PM, you can enjoy a dark night of entertainment, drinks, and dancing to the high-energy sounds of DJ Shift.
Located at Pendry San Diego, the celebrated San Diego nightclub will be at the center of the nightly after-Con party scene throughout the weekend, filling the downtown district with electrifying energy, unmatched entertainment, and exquisite hospitality.
The Pool House
After days spent exploring strange new halls and seeking out new lines and new exhibitions, weary fans can trek to The Pool House for a relaxing escape high above the bustling crowds on Fifth Ave.
Boasting incredible views and an elevated lounge setting, the sunny rooftop oasis at Pendry San Diego will host one final epilogue to an epic Comic-Con weekend.
You can battle the onset of P.C.D. (‘Post-Con Depression’…it’s a thing. Look it up!) while getting rid of any lingering cosplay costume tan lines with a sun-soaked pool party featuring exclusive Comic Con-coction cocktails, dance tunes spun by top DJs, and legendary entertainment on Sunday, July 28, from noon to sundown.
See you there, San Diego!