If you plan to eat out during San Diego Comic-Con make sure you have the budget for it! We have your Pro Tips and list of places to eat at San Diego Comic Con!
Pro Tips
The food at the Convention Center is overpriced but it is convenient. If you don’t like waiting in long lines for a seat at a restaurant, large crowds, or walking around in the midsummer heat then eating at the convention center might be worth your peace of mind. Things might look close on a map, but once you take into account the crowds, road closures and heat, it may not be worth it.
There are very few chain restaurants in the Gaslamp Quarter and there are more bars than restaurants (not all are kid-friendly). Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina and the Hilton San Diego Bayfront each have food courts in them, but they are a further walk than you may think they are. Unless you are staying at those hotels it may not be worth the walk.
Sodas and water are overpriced at the convention center kiosks. The panel rooms usually offer water stations. Take advantage of those. Pack your own water and drinks. There are water fountains by all the convention center bathrooms if you want to refill your water bottles.
Do yourself a favor and every morning put a few snacks in your bag to hold you down until you get in a proper meal. A few protein bars and a couple of bottles of water should keep you good. If you have a sweet tooth, stop by the candy store before you hit the convention.
Places To Eat
This is not a complete list but it does give you a fair idea of what to expect in the Gaslamp area. Many of the bars in the area are also 21+. You can also check out Google Maps for more in the surrounding areas.
The Old Spaghetti Factory
Family-friendly chain eatery featuring traditional Italian entrees amid turn-of-the-century decor. Late-night food · Happy hour drinks · Comfort food
275 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101 osf.com
Tin Fish Gaslamp
Casual chain serving a range of seafood, from fish tacos to oyster po’ boys, plus burgers & chicken.Happy hour food · Comfort food · Outdoor seating
170 Sixth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101 https://tinfishgaslamp.com
Roy’s Restaurant
High-end chain serving notable chef Roy Yamaguchi’s Hawaiian fusion fare in a contemporary setting.
Happy hour food · Late-night food · Happy hour drinks
333 W Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101
Located in: Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina https://roysrestaurant.com
The Cat Cafe
Coffee & pastry shop serves drinks & light fare amid a host of adoptable cats.
Breakfast · Outdoor seating · Quick bite
472 Third Ave, San Diego, CA 92101 https://catcafesd.com
The Oceanaire Seafood Room
High-end chain offering seafood, steaks & a deep wine list in sophisticated but lively environs.
Happy hour food · Happy hour drinks · Small plates
400 J St, San Diego, CA 92101 https://theoceanaire.com
Jolt’n Joe’s Gaslamp
Bi-level warehouse-style hangout packs a huge dance floor, games, 3 patios & sports TV under 1 roof.
Bar games · Happy hour food · Happy hour drinks
379 Fourth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101 https://gaslamp.joltnjoes.com
Cold Beers & Cheeseburgers
Happy hour food · Late-night food · Happy hour drinks
322 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101 https://coldbeers.com
Rockin’ Baja Lobster – Gaslamp
Rollicking chain outpost boasts seafood-centric Mexican eats, margaritas & an outdoor patio.
Happy hour food · Late-night food · Happy hour drinks
310 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101 https://rockinbaja.com
Ciné Café
Comfort food · Quick bite · Fast service
412 K St, San Diego, CA 92101 https://cinecafesandiego.com
Dls Cine
Comfort food · Casual · Good for kids
420 K St, San Diego, CA 92101 (619) 232-4533
Toscana Cafe & Wine Bar
Warm hangout serves Italian & domestic pours, plus espresso drinks, panini & other cafe fare. Happy hour food · Comfort food · Outdoor seating
238 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101 https://toscanacafesd.com
New Leaf Restaurant
Comfort food · Casual · Tourists
401 K St, San Diego, CA 92101
Located in: Hilton San Diego Gaslamp Quarter
Lou & Mickey’s
Smart surf ‘n’ turf joint known for steakhouse staples & tropical cocktails, plus an outdoor patio.
Happy hour food · Late-night food · Happy hour drinks
224 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101 https://louandmickeys.com
Nobu San Diego
Happy hour food · Late-night food · Happy hour drinks
207 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101
Located in: Hard Rock Hotel San Diego https://noburestaurants.com
Starbucks
Seattle-based coffeehouse chain known for its signature roasts, light bites and WiFi availability.
Breakfast · Outdoor seating · Quick bite
209 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101
Located in: Hard Rock Hotel San Diego
Donovan’s Steak and Chop House
Vibrant high-end steakhouse known for prime cuts of meat, seafood & martinis in a clubby setting.
Happy hour food · Comfort food · Great dessert
570 K St, San Diego, CA 92101 https://donovanssteakhouse.com
UNION Kitchen & Tap Gaslamp
A rotating menu of craft beers paired with New American small plates in a modern-yet-rustic setting.
Happy hour food · Late-night food · Comfort food
333 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101 https://gaslampunion.com
Cafe Sevilla of San Diego
Happy hour food · Late-night food · Happy hour drinks
353 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101 https://cafesevilla.com
Bar Vie
Contemporary hotel hangout serves up classic bar eats & specialty cocktails in a stylish atmosphere.
Quick bite · Fast service · Casual
356 Sixth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101
Located in: Residence Inn by Marriott San Diego Downtown/Gaslamp Quarter
https://barviegaslamp.com
The Deck at Moonshine Flats
BBQ & cocktails served in an airy hangout with artificial grass & lawn games like cornhole.
Happy hour food · Late-night food · Happy hour drinks
335 Sixth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101 https://thedecksd.com
The Broken Yolk Cafe
Cheery chain serving all-day breakfast, including Mexican dishes, plus sandwiches & burgers.
Comfort food · Breakfast · Outdoor seating
355 Sixth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101 https://thebrokenyolkcafe.com
Lucky’s Lunch Counter
Classic American breakfast & lunch served in a snug, retro diner hung with vintage baseball photos.
Comfort food · Breakfast · Outdoor seating
338 Seventh Ave, San Diego, CA 92101 https://luckyslunchcounter.com
Meze Greek Fusion
Luxe bar/restaurant offering Greek-inspired small plates & entrees, plus cocktails.
Happy hour food · Late-night food · Happy hour drinks
345 Sixth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101 https://gaslampmeze.com
The Blind Burro
Stylish Mexican eatery & bar decorated in bare wood serving Baja-style coastal cuisine & cocktails.
Happy hour food · Late-night food · Happy hour drinks
639 J St, San Diego, CA 92101 https://theblindburro.com
Drinks at Vin de Syrah are amazing! Also, the closest Starbucks to the convention center will be SWARMED! Do your coffee pit stop a bit further out