The Dish Comic-Con 2018: Where to eat like a superhero
San Diego Comic-Con, the ultimate pop culture festival on the planet, opens for its first full day Thursday, July 19, and local restaurants are geared-up for the occasion. Costumed superhero and superheroine fans can take a break from the convention madness and refresh with a bite and/or cocktail at any one of these establishments. Most Comic-Con menus and cocktails are available through Sunday, unless otherwise noted.
Barleymash will serve a lineup of comic cocktails like the Pop Tart Party, made with Skyy Vanilla Vodka, fresh strawberry and a Pop Tart rim and the Capri Sun Cooler, Toucan Sam, Cuckoo for Coco and Cinnamon Toast Crunch shots. 600 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp Quarter. (619) 255-7373. barleymash.com
Bleu Bohéme is honoring Spider-Woman with its Femme d’Araignee cocktail. Priced at $14, the drink is made with rye whiskey, Ramos Pinto Fine Ruby Port, lemon juice and simple syrup, topped with soda water. 4090 Adams Ave., San Diego. (619) 255-4167. bleuboheme.com
Café 21’s “Black Panther”-inspired Wakanda’s Potion, created by owner and chef Leyla Javadov, is a mix of Broker’s London Dry Gin, activated charcoal and egg white. Gaslamp Quarter, 802 Fifth Ave., San Diego. (619) 795-0721. cafe-21.com
Café 222 will keep defenders of justice well-nourished with Captain America Shield Waffles. The golden-brown malted waffles, shaped like the hero’s famous shield, are topped with fresh berries and whipped cream. They will be available on the children’s menu and will be made in limited supply each day. 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily. cafe222.com
Carnitas’ Snack Shack — Embarcadero is getting into the Comic-Con spirit with its themed cocktails, The Hammered Hulk and Mother of Dragons. There will be Carnitas coloring books, an employee costume contest and free fries for anyone who shows up to the Shack in costume. 1004 N. Harbor Drive, San Diego. (619) 696-7675. carnitassnackshack.com
El Chingon’s Comic-Con-inspired cocktails are based on the Marvel Comics superhero team the “Avengers.” Standouts include The Infinity War, made with Olmeca Altos Blanco Tequila, lemon, ginger, honey, St. Germaine and Ancho Reyes Verde; Captain America’s Revolution, made with Espolon Blanco tequila, fresh pineapple, fresh lime, cream of coconut and Dry Curaçao (amber-colored liqueur); and Iron Man Blast, Milagro Reposado Tequila, Mexican Coca-Cola reduction, R&D Cherry Apple Bitters and Sarsaparilla Bitters. 11 a.m. to 1:30 a.m. 560 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp Quarter. (619) 501-1919. elchingon.com
Havana 1920’s handcrafted rum cocktails are created from the characters in the film, “Avengers: Infinity War.” Highlights include: Dr. Strange Daiquiri, made with Havana Club Añejo Blanco Rum, fresh lime juice and fresh sugarcane syrup; Mind Stone Mojito, a combination of Havana Club Añejo Blanco Rum, fresh lime juice, yerba buena (an aromatic herb), fresh-pressed sugarcane juice and sugarcane syrup, topped with club soda; and Ant Man Apricot Special, a combination of Diplomatico 6-year Rum, fresh pineapple juice, fresh lime juice, apricot liqueur and R&D Aromatic No. 7 Bitters. 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. 548 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp Quarter. (619) 369-1920. havana1920.com
Hotel Republic says no superhero is complete without their trusty sidekick, which is why it’s hosting a special Yappy Hour that will spotlight your furry friend’s superpowers. Caped crusaders can sip on Comic-Con-themed cocktails while browsing a dog costume pop-up boutique, and pets can strut their stuff for prizes during a costume contest hosted by a surprise four-legged guest celebrity. 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday. 421 W. B St., San Diego. hotelrepublicsd.com
Meze Greek Fusion celebrates 10 years of Marvel movies with 10 Marvel-ous cocktails. For $13, guests can enjoy drinks like Thor’s Hammer, a combination of fig-infused Redemption Bourbon, fresh lemon and honey; Hulk Smash, made with Henebery Rye, blackberry, fresh lemon and Demerara sugar; and Asgardian Ricky, a combination of Tito’s Vodka, Mastiha Liqueur, fresh lime, cucumber and mint. 10:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. 345 Sixth Ave., Gaslamp Quarter. (619) 550-1600. gaslampmeze.com