The Malibu Barbie Cafe Rolls Into San Diego For The Summer

San Diego got a serious dose of pink when the Malibu Barbie Cafe opened at Bayside Kitchen and Bar. This isn’t just another themed restaurant—we’re talking about a full-blown interactive experience that combines roller skating, dining, and enough Barbiecore vibes to make your Instagram feed jealous.

What Makes This Pop-Up Special

Bucket Listers has been creating viral pop-up experiences across the country (think Saved by the Max and The Golden Girls Kitchen), and their partnership with Mattel for the Malibu Barbie Cafe has been selling out everywhere from New York to Miami. Now it’s our turn to see what all the buzz is about.

The concept draws inspiration from 1970s Malibu—that groovy beachside energy when Malibu Barbie first hit the scene. The space transforms into a roller rink and restaurant where you can literally skate between courses, which feels like exactly the kind of ridiculous fun we need right now.

The Food and Experience

Master Chef finalist and Chopped Champion Chef Becky Brown created the fast-casual menu, focusing on all-day friendly fare, desserts, and drinks that fit the pink aesthetic without sacrificing taste. Between the food and the skating, there are interactive activities and exclusive merchandise to keep things interesting.

What we appreciate is that they’re thinking beyond just the novelty. Every dollar from roller skate rentals goes to the American Red Cross to support California wildfire relief, and they’re planning special events like cupcake decorating classes, paint parties, and 21+ skate nights for adults who want to embrace their inner child.

Getting In

Tickets are $25 each and include both food and merchandise credit, which actually makes the math work out pretty well. They’re only available through Bucket Listers, and you can join the waitlist now to get first access when tickets go on sale this June.

Given how quickly their other locations have sold out, getting on that list sooner rather than later is probably the move.

The timing couldn’t be better either—opening right before Comic-Con means San Diego is already going to be in full celebration mode. Adding a roller-skating Barbie cafe to the mix feels like the perfect way to lean into the city’s playful summer energy.