Even superheroes need to kick back with a cocktail
Costumed super heroes, zombie walks and celebrities fill the streets of downtown San Diego during Comic-Con. Among all of the revelry, superheroes, heroines and villains get a little thirsty. Local bartenders and mixologists put their expertise to work crafting an impressive array of comic themed cocktails to keep spirits high and the character-inspired party going.
Here are the top spots in San Diego to get Comic-Con inspired cocktails.
Downtown San Diego
The Blind Burro: Along with a range of Comic-Con inspired dishes, this Baja-inspired spot is prepping multiple cocktails for revelers. Try the Mega Margarita, crafted with Milagro Silver, triple sec, fresh citrus and agave, the festive Pop Bam Slam Mule and Marvel-ous Paloma also made with Milagro Silver, and the Woman in Red Sangria, with red wine, orange liqueur, blackberry brandy, succulent juices and fresh apples. Casual.
639 J St., 619.795.7880, theblindburro.com
The Bristol Hotel: Inspired by Wonder Woman, this downtown pet-friendly boutique hotel offers a trifecta of cocktails for Comic-Con patrons. The Golden Lasso of Truth combines white rum, brandy, triple sec and lemon juice and is topped with golden raw sugar and a candied twisted lemon peel. The Invisible Jet is all bubbles with sparkling grape juice, white rum and a float of Bacardi. The Steve Trevor, is made with rye whiskey, amaretto and a dash a bitters poured over ice. Cocktails are $10. Casual.
1055 First Ave., 619.232.6141, thebristolsandiego.com
The Commons: For close by liquid courage, try $5 ComicKaze shots at this bar located in the heart of Comic-Con central. Customers dressed in costume will also receive a welcome shot. Casual.
901 Fourth Ave., 619.696.8888, thecommonssd.com
JSix: Revelers will enjoy the downstairs bar and upstairs deck complete with pool. Don’t miss the spirit-forward cocktail, Iron Man crafted with bourbon, rye, Cognac, Giffard Banane du Bresil liquer, Barolo Chinato, and R&D Sarsaparilla Bitters. Upscale/casual.
616 J St., 619.531.8744, jsixrestaurant.com/en-us
Manchester Grand Hyatt: Alongside a Star Wars-themed sushi menu and light saber chopsticks at Sally’s Fish House and Bar, try the comic-inspired cocktails. The Wonder Woman is made with blueberry vodka and lime muddled with mint and blueberries, and the Deadpool combines cucumber vodka and bloody Mary mix topped with celery, pepperoncini, blackened shrimp, bacon, olive and lime. The Hulk takes it green with tequila, spinach, lime, lemon, agave nectar and white grape juice, while the White Walker mixes white rum, coconut rum, pineapple juice, Tuaca and blue Curaçao. Casual.
1 Market Place, 619.232.1234, manchester.grand.hyatt.com
The Nolen: Located 14 floors above the Gaslamp, this popular spot offers three cocktails for comic fans. The Bruce Banner is crafted with pepperoncini vodka, cucumber, pineapple, lime, celery bitters, while the Wonder Woman is made with mezcal, tequila, lemon, blackberry shrub, and pineapple. The Dark Knight takes on the charcoal craze with gin, honey, cucumber, lemon, and you guessed it, charcoal. Upscale/casual.
453 Sixth Ave., 619.796.6536, thenolenrooftop.com
Puesto: Alongside the El Heroé Taco and The Villain Taco, are two inspired cocktails to join forces. El Mezcalito, is made with Vida mezcal, Guanabana, housemade tamarindo soda, lime leaf and charred orange. The Love Interest, $5, is crafted with Mexican crema panna cotta, passion fruit, prickly pear, lime and blueberry gelatina. Each can be ordered separately or as a foursome for $25. Casual.
789 W Harbor Dr., 619.233.8880, eatpuesto.com
US Grant: Elegance and mayhem cross paths at this downtown hotel bar. Order the Game of Thrones inspired cocktail Tohrren Square, a table-side experience featuring scotch, sweet vermouth, cynar, essence of oak barrel, and pastis. Upscale.
326 Broadway, 619.232.3121, usgrant.net
The Westgate: Go upscale and sophisticated with cocktails in at the Plaza Bar. The Caped Crusader is made with Eristoff Wild Berry Vodka, homemade Chai, Jägermeister syrup, and egg white, and the I’m Mr. Meeseeks! Look at Me! inspired by Adult Swim, combines tequila, clarified carrot juice, honey, and a blueberry ice cube. Upscale.
1055 Second Ave., 619.238.1818, westgatehotel.com
Surrounding areas
Bankers Hill Bar + Restaurant: Always a neighborhood treat with inventive cocktails and wine selections, this Fourth Avenue favorite takes on the villain for Comic-Con. The cleverly named Comic Khan is made with barrel-aged Genever, Ancho Reyes, five-spice carrot honey, and garnished with a carrot top and five-spice lemon wheel. Casual.
2202 Fourth Ave., 619.231.0222 bankershillsd.com
Bleu Boheme: This restaurant is the spot for all things French and ooh-la-la delicious. Go dark and bubbly with the Femme Fatale, crafted with Campari, Fernet, grapefruit juice, simple syrup and Montsarra Cava Brut. Upscale.
4090 Adams Ave., Kensington, 619.255.4167, bleuboheme.com
Parc Bistro Brasserie: Based on the Marvel Comics superheroine, The Pixie is a refreshing and spicy wake up call for comic lovers. Crafted with fresh watermelon, citrus vodka, mint, ginger and cayenne pepper, it’s the perfect summer pick-me-up cocktail. Upscale.
2760 Fifth Ave., Bankers Hill, 619.319.9472 or parcbb.com
Polite Provisions: Stocked with a variety of Con-inspired cocktails, this hotspot has event-goers covered. Game of Thrones cocktails include Lady Stoneheart, with sparkling wine, Punt e Mes vermouth, and Angostura bitters, and the Brave Companion with bourbon, lemon, créme de cacao, and vanilla gomme. Archer fans will enjoy the Lana Kane, with bourbon, lemon, orange, honey, falernum, and allspice. Batman-inspired Millionaire Playboy is crafted with Cachaça, lime, peach liqueur, pineapple, orgeat and absinthe, and Nintendo themed Gunman Clive, is made with reposado tequila, sweet vermouth, creme de cacao & PAF Bitters. Casual.
4696 30th St., North Park, 619.269.4701, politeprovisions.com
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