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

Monkey King will defend San Diego from Shang Tsung with Mortal Kombat-inspired cocktails ($12 each) like Liu Kang’s Shaolin Fury, a combination of Ketel One Vodka, Thai basil, lemongrass and lime; Kung Lao’s Hat Trick, made with sake, Ketel One Botanical Peach Vodka, lemon, green tea and honey; or Shang Tsung’s Your Soul is Mine!, made with Iwai Japanese Whiskey and Jägermeister Manifest. 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. (619) 359-8897. monkeykingsd.com

Primavera Ristorante executive chef Ryan Moore will offer two specialty dishes and a cocktail inspired by the Super Mario series: Super Mario Brothers Meatballs ($12), house-made pork and beef meatballs topped with creamy ricotta and served with house-made marinara and basil crisps; Mario Marsala ($28), lightly breaded chicken breast sautéed in Sicilian Marsala wine with crimini mushrooms; and Princess Peach Bellini ($12), made with Prosecco and fresh peach slices. 932 Orange Ave., Coronado. (619) 435-0454. primavera1st.com

Prohibition Beverage Director Ryan Andrews will take Comic-Con fans to the dark side with these Star Wars-inspired cocktails. Priced at $14, such notable drinks include Never Tell Me the Odds, made with Redemption Rye, Demerara sugar, Averna and R&D House Bitters; I Find Your Lack of Faith Disturbing, a combination of El Silencio Mezcal, watermelon cordial and R&D Smoke Bitters; and Let the Wookie Win, made with bourbon, lime, ginger and fernet (herbs and spices). 8 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. 548 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp Quarter. (619) 501-1919. prohibitionsd.com

Searsucker San Diego kicks off the celebration with a Bottomless Mimosa Brunch from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., followed by happy hour from 2:30 to 5 p.m. with themed cocktails like The Wasp, made with El Silencio Mezcal, peach, lime and tarragon; and Star-Lord, made with Pimm’s No. 1 Cup, bruised basil, pressed lemon and pickled carrot extra special Sipsmith Gin. 611 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp Quarter. (619) 233-7327. searsucker.com/san-diego

Tajima’s Naruto Ramen ($11), based on a popular Japanese anime, includes bamboo shoots and Naruto fish cakes, as well as Miso Ramen classic ingredients like pork chashu, Japanese seaweed, sesame seeds, green onion and half a ramen egg. Stop by the Mercury location (4411 Mercury St.) for a Firecracker cocktail ($12), made with shōchū ( a Japanese distilled beverage), plum wine and a sweet explosion of popping candy crystals. Both specials are available through July. Five locations: North Park, Hillcrest, East Village and two in Kearny Mesa. tajimasandiego.com

The Blind Burro in East Village has crafted four Comic-Con-inspired cocktails strong enough to boost the energy of any crime-fighting superhero. Along with Deadpool’s Daiquiri ($14), made with 1888 Rum, strawberry puree, lime juice agave nectar and Float Black Strap Rum; and Yellow Jacket Margarita ($16), convention-goers can also try the Vibranium Mega-Paloma ($14) or The Lady in Red Sangria ($12), made with red wine, orange liqueur, blackberry brandy, juices and fresh apples. These specials will be available Wednesday through Sunday. 639 J St., San Diego. (619) 795-7880. theblindburro.com

The Smoking Gun will serve a Comic-Con menu featuring bites like Deadpool Drumettes, with homemade ranch and cayenne sauce; a half-pound Captain America Slider and Chips and The Hulk salad. Guests can also try a plate of Juggernachos, topped with smoked chili and poblano cheese sauce, sour cream and jalapeños. 555 Market St., San Diego. (619) 233-3836. thesmokinggunsd.com

National Tequila Day is Tuesday, July 24

The Blind Burro in East Village will serve Bottomless Margaritas, crafted with unique ingredients like chamoy, pineapple puree and agave nectar. 4 to 11 p.m. 639 J St., San Diego. $17. (619) 795-5880. theblindburro.com

The Patio on Goldfinch will serve a four-course dinner paired with handcrafted signature cocktails made with El Silencio Espadin Tequila. The menu includes smoked tomato and pulpo ceviche, seared scallops, pork mole and key lime coconut semifreddo with coconut tuile (a curved macaroon-like cookie). 6:30 p.m. 4020 Goldfinch St. Mission Hills. $48 per person. (619) 501-5090. thepatioongoldfinch.com

Cafe 21’s owner and chef Leyla Javadov, in collaboration with Greenbar Distillery, has crafted the Sandia Beach, made with IXA Reposado Tequila, watermelon, lime and chili salt. 802 Fifth Ave., San Diego. $14. (858) 280-9644. cafe-21.com

Prep Kitchen celebrates with its Puesta del Sol, made Reposado Tequila, Blood Orange juice and lime. 250 N. City Drive, San Marcos and 1660 India St., Little Italy. $12.50. prepkitchen.com

Madison on Park Bar Manager Danny Kuehner amplifies the tequila while staying true to its flavors with his creation, the Motor Bike ($10), made with El Jimador Blanco Tequila, local watermelon, Aperol (an Italian apéritif), ginger and lime. 4622 Park Blvd., San Diego. (619) 269-6566. madisononpark.com

Herb & Wood’s Tequila & Rose ($14), is the perfect blend of sweet and tart, crafted with Tequila Blanco, Blood Orange fennel, rose acquafaba and soda water. 2210 Kettner Blvd., Little Italy. (619) 955-8495. herbandwood.com

What’s happening

The Burgers & Brews Invitational returns to the Del Mar Racetrack offering unlimited samples from award-winning craft breweries like Ballast Point and Belching Beaver paired with unlimited tastes of gourmet burgers and fries from San Diego’s top burger joints. There’s also a Bavarian stein-holding contest for charity and a tip sheet for the races. 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. Saturday. Del Mar Thoroughbred Club’s Seaside Concert Area, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar. $37 to $42, includes racetrack admission; children 3 and under are free. dmtc.com

Bagby Beer Company will host its inaugural Agave Festival featuring agave spirits from several handpicked distilleries. Guests will learn about the tequila and mezcal-making process from plant to bottle, while sipping different kinds of both liquors. Along with direct pours, there will be agave-based cocktails and traditional Mexican foods. Tasting packages can be purchased upon arrival, no advance ticket purchase is necessary. 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday. 601 S. Coast Highway, Oceanside. (760) 512-3372. babybeer.com

Chefs Will Gustwiller, owner of Eclipse Chocolate Bar & Bistro in South Park, chef/owner Matt Gordon from Urban Solace Restaurant Group and Farm to Table chef Miguel Valdez will present three signature tastes for the ninth annual Farm to Bay charity dinner at the Living Coast Discovery Center. Guests will sample culinary fare from dozens of other local restaurants, purveyors, breweries and wineries. The evening includes entertainment, live and silent auctions, and an animal encounter or two. Proceeds benefit the center’s coastal wildlife, education and sustainability programs. 4 to 7:30 p.m. Aug. 4. 1000 Gunpoint Point Drive, Chula Vista. $100. thelivingcoast.org/farmtobay

Openings

STK San Diego has opened its doors in the Gaslamp Quarter in the boutique Andaz San Diego hotel. Steak is the main attraction, offering small, medium and large cuts of meat, as well as market fresh fish entrees, and other palate-pleasing dishes. Aside from steak, signature items include Parmesan truffle fries, Lil’ BRGs, tuna tartare and sweet corn pudding. The modern steakhouse also offers cocktails and a local beer program. 600 F St., San Diego. (619) 354-5998. togrp.com/venue/stk-san-diego

carolina.gusman@sduniontribune.com