Brunchfaced: 4th of July Weekend Brunch Guide

Fireworks, food, friends, family and freedom! What could be better!? I’ve put together the ultimate guide on where to get brunchfaced for the 4th in San Diego! From kid-friendly, all day block-parties, or somewhere to grab a bite and some cocktails (because you went hard on Wednesday night) there’s something for everyone on this list!

Pacific Beach & Mission Beach

Mavericks - Pacific Beach

Mavericks Beach Club, PB’s destination beach bar and club will be the place to be this 4th of July, as they’ve got quite the lineup of fun planned! The Mavericks Block Party, which takes place from Noon to 9:00 p.m., will feature a BBQ stand, inflatable hoops game, San Diego’s best DJs and a Splash Zone. Mavericks will be celebrating by setting up cabanas with inflatable pools that can be reserved for bottle service during the block party.

Miss B’s Coconut Club - Mission Beach

Miss B's Coconut Club, in Mission Beach, will be celebrating the 4th of July all weekend long! Stop by the beach bar Thursday through Saturday, to enjoy delicious barbecue, Caribbean-style street tacos, Dole Whips and specialty drinks served from their outdoor, pop-up bar. You’ll also have the perfect view of the surrounding fireworks shows!

Bub’s @ the Beach - Pacific Beach

Pay tribute to the red, white and blue with a trip to Bub’s @ the Beach in Pacific Beach. Bask in the eatery’s laid-back beach vibes as you sip their July “Bomb Pop” Mule of the Month, crafted with a red, white and blue layering of blueberry vodka, blueberry puree, fresh lime juice, ginger beer and grenadine.

Pacific Beach Ale House - Pacific Beach

Get hoppy this 4th of July at Pacific Beach AleHouse, and slide into summertime feels with barbecue specials paired with Adult Slushies and $5 House-Brewed All American Lager. The AleHouse BBQ Special includes your choice of a half-rack of ribs, pulled pork or smoked tri-tip for $15.95, or a combo of all three for $21.95. Both options are plated with jalapeno cornbread, baked beans and macaroni salad for good measure!

Backyard Kitchen & Tap - Pacific Beach

Backyard Kitchen & Tap in Pacific Beach is gearing up for Independence Day with a food special available all day on the 4th, complete with barbecue ribs, mac ‘n’ cheese, cornbread muffin, roasted corn and coleslaw, all priced at $14.95!

Sandbar - Mission Beach

Nothing says ‘4th of July’ like a day spent at the beach and Sandbar is the perfect spot to refuel! The Mission Beach bar will also host themed parties Thursday, July 4th through Saturday, July 6th, along offering BBQ dishes and drink specials all weekend long. Come up to the roof deck and take in the ocean views over those award-winning TKO tacos!  

JRDN @ the Tower23 Hotel - Pacific Beach

There’s no doubt that Pacific Beach is one of the best places to spend the week before, during and after the Fourth of July. In the heart of this beach town, JRDN is the perfect place to celebrate America’s Independence. Pull up a chair on the patio and enjoy aPicking Berries ($13) made with Fugu Vodka, berries, and lemon. The flavors will remind you of a flag decorated sheet cake in a cocktail glass.

Waterbar - Pacific Beach

Celebrate Independence Day with ocean-front views at Waterbar in Pacific Beach during their RED, WHITE & Tentacles Summertime Beach Party, and delight in food and drink specials honed for the occasion. Drink specials include $7 Red, White, Blue Boozy Popsicles, as well as $12 Tito’s Frozen Electric Lemonade and Frozen Jack Cherry Coke. Curb your brunch cravings with options such as Loaded Breakfast Tots and their flavor-packed Breakfast Burrito, among other options, or opt for lunch specials including The East Coaster, packed with Maine lobster claw meat, drawn butter, celery and garlic salt on a brioche roll, or Fried Corn Dogs. If dinner’s on the docket, keep it all-American with Americana Sliders, or their Carne Asada, Pollo Asado or Grilled Salmon Plate served with baked beans, macaroni salad and sweet corn.

Downtown, East Village, and Gaslamp

WhipHand - East Village

Nothing says America like beer, and East Village’s WhipHand will be offering 25% off their self-serve beer bank on the 4th of July! Sip and savor flavors like Juneshine’s Blood Orange Mint hard kombucha and Modern Times City of the Sun IPA. WhipHand will also be offering ½ off wings and burgers, such as their Smoked Cheddar Burger, with dry-aged beef, smoked cheddar, candied bacon, Cajun onions, lettuce, tomato, and pickle chips.

The Whiskey House - Downtown

Raise a glass to America at the premier Gaslamp drinking destination- The Whiskey House. From 4 to 7 p.m. on Independence Day you will be able to enjoy $4 drafts of Kronenbourg, a pale lager, and $1 shot of house whiskey while surrounded by the largest commercially-available whiskey collection in the world!

Monello - Little Italy

If you find yourself in Little Italy this Independence day, we’ll understand if you want to celebrate at one of the best Italian spots in San Diego. You can still show your patriotism by sipping on this cocktail featuring tequila, agave, triple sec, lime juice, grenadine, vermouth with a blue sugar rim.

Union Kitchen & Tap - Gaslamp

Celebrate in San Diego's liveliest downtown neighborhood when you stop by Union Kitchen & Tap Gaslamp, and enjoy brunch and bottomless mimosas starting at 9 a.m., followed by food and drink specials available from 2 p.m. to close. Gorge on their Disheveled Joseph (sloppy joe) piled high with ground beef stewed in a spiced tomato sauce, caramelized onion and roasted wild mushrooms on a warm brioche bun, or delight in their Double Chili Cheese Burger, prepared with two quarter-pound patties, house chili, white cheddar cheese and a brioche bun, both served with your choice of a side. Side specials for the day include Chili Cheese Fries and Whole Grain Mustard & Bacon Potato Salad. If something sweet and boozy is in order, be sure to order their $8 Betsy Ross cocktail special, infused with peach vodka, orgeat and lemon.

The Smoking Gun - Gaslmap

Come celebrate 4th of July Coney Island-style with a hotdog eating contest at The Smoking Gun! On Thursday, July 4th, this retro Gaslamp District bar will be hosting a hotdog eating contest that begins promptly at 2:00 p.m. Whoever can eat 20 dogs the quickest will win $1,000! Pre-sign up is required for the first 25 people and you can enter by emailing Info@thesmokinggunsd.com. If you think you got what it takes, don’t hesitate and enter today! If you aren’t in the mood for all of that, swing in for a big ‘ol American style breakfast plate with pancakes, eggs, meats and bacon. Oh, and bottomless mimosas, of course. 

Lazy Hippo - Downtown

Kick off Independence Day at Lazy Hippo with a freebie for the most important meal of the day! With the purchase of any breakfast item of your choice receive a free indulgent Cinnamon Roll Pancake, a soft yet uniquely textured pancake topped with sweet cream cheese glaze and a touch of cinnamon.

Westgate Hotel - Downtown

With spectacular views of the San Diego skyline at sunset, the Westgate Hotel's rooftop will be home to the 6th Annual Sunset Poolside Jazz Series, featuring an incredible lineup of the best smooth jazz artists in Southern California. Trumpet virtuoso, composer, producer, and educator in the San Diego jazz community, Gilbert Castellanos directs this special event that will take place every Thursday evening. No reservations are required, and tables are first come, first serve. A $25 food and beverage minimum per person applies for each event, and parking is available for $10.

The Corner Drafthouse - Bankers Hill

With a variety of burgers to choose from, 70 beers on tap, and cocktails handcrafted with fresh ingredients, the Corner Drafthouse has something for everyone to sip on. If you crave a cocktail with a bit of heat to it, go for the Watermelon Jalapeno Margarita ($11). With Volcan Blanco Tequila, jalapeno, freshly squeezed watermelon, lime juice, agave, and a Tajin Rim, this bright red margarita is bursting with flavor and will have your mouth feeling like those Fourth of July fireworks.

barleymash - Gaslmap

Born in the U.S.A…I was born in the U.S.A. barleymash is going big for the 4th of July this year with their Red, White & Bruce Brunch, a Springsteen/80’s themed brunch on Friday, July 5th! Starting at 10:00 a.m., the Gaslamp District spot will be serving specialty-themed cocktails such as a Long Walk Home, made with Skyy Citrus, Coconut and lemon, and Rocky Ground - Skyy Watermelon, fresh watermelon juice and lime with a pop rock rim. Things will surely be rockin’ at barleymash this 4th of July!

East County

The Pioneer - La Mesa

Nothing quite screams Independence Day like some good, old-fashioned barbecue, so tuck that napkin in your collar like a pro and dig in at The Pioneer! Try your hand at their dry-rubbed and barbecue-glazed Baby Back Ribs, while you sip a cocktail from their patriotic cocktail list curated for the occasion. You can’t go wrong with The Patriot, infused with rum, blue curacao, pineapple juice and strawberry puree float.

North County

Park 101 - Carlsbad

If you’re looking to kick off your 4th of July weekend with some family-fun, look no further than  Park 101! On Thursday, the Carlsbad dining establishment will be hosting a 4th of July Luau with island-inspired food and drink specials throughout the day. The party doesn’t stop once the sun goes down, as guests can look forward to performances from Polynesian dancers and a fire show. Aloha attire is encouraged! 

20|Twenty Grill at the Westin - Carlsbad

Celebrate the Fourth of July this year in red, white and blue at 20|Twenty Grill located at the recently reimagined Westin Carlsbad Resort and Spa. Gather the whole family and enjoy a classic American barbeque prepared by Executive Chef Julian Quiñones. Munch on all of the grilled classics without the mess, including marinated tri-tip, smoked chicken, charred corn cobblet, three-bean chili, seasonal veggies, strawberry rhubarb cobbler and more. A kid-friendly menu will also be available. Don’t miss LEGOLAND®’s Red, White, and Boom! firework show that can be seen anywhere on the property at 8:30 pm.

Biergarden of Encinitas - Encinitas

The Bier Garden of Encinitas is located just a few blocks from some of North County’s best beaches. Whether you’re a beach-loving local or just visiting for the holiday weekend, Bier Garden is a great spot for an all American cocktail. After you spend your Fourth on one of Encinitas’s beautiful beaches, stop by Bier Garden and cool down with a Blackberry Mash ($12) made with Bulleit Bourbon, crème de cassis, muddled blackberry, honey, and lemon juice. Show your love and appreciation for the independence of this country with a vibrant red drink that will match your patriotic attire!

7 Mile Kitchen at the Sheraton Carlsbad - Carlsbad

Located inside the beautiful Sheraton Carlsbad Resort & Spa, 7 Mile Kitchen is the perfect spot to relax and enjoy a refreshing cocktail by the pool or while taking in the panoramic views of the Carlsbad coast. Cool off with The Acai Spritz made with acai juice, light agave nectar, lemon juice, club soda, topped with a spoonful of blackberry-acai juice muddle, and garnished with a lemon wheel and mint sprig. It’s up to you whether you want Mixologist Stephen George to spike it with Venom Vodka or enjoy it spirit-free. With the red, white and blue hues in this cocktail or mock-tail, it is the perfect drink to sip on while you soak up the sun on the Fourth of July weekend.

Sbicca - Del Mar

Nestled in the quiet yet bustling center of Del Mar, one block from the ocean is Sbicca in Del Mar. Grab a seat on the patio with ocean views and start your brunch off with a popover and the Ultimate Bloody Mary with bacon, veggies, and meats! Nosh on the Sbicca omelet with 3 eggs, tomatoes, bacon, cilantro, and cheddar or the Short Rib Hash and Eggs made with  two eggs any style with sautéed peppers and onions, breakfast potatoes, sliced tomatoes & mushroom cream sauce.

Señor Grubby’s - Oceanside

Start you day off bright and early with some Mexican breakfast fare starting at 7am at the newest location of Señor Grubby’s in Oceanside. Sip on a bloody mary or the Morning Buzz cocktail so you’re ready to take on the day and feed your soul with the Breakfast Papas, Machaha Plate, or one of their gigantic breakfast burritos! If you can make it for breakfast grab the friends and fam and enjoy half off bottles of wine, happy hour from 2-6pm or social hour from 8-10 with $7 cocktails! Sip sip hooray!

Hillcrest, Mission Hills, University Heights

insideOUT - Hillcrest

Elevate your 4th of July in style in San Diego’s only urban oasis in Hillcrest! Enjoy California-Mediterranean brunch fare by Chef MJ, including dishes like the Lamb Meatballs and Baked Eggs with asparagus, broccolini, light tomato sauce, pearl mozzarella, roasted garlic and crisp toast! Pull up a seat at the bar or relax on our couches by the waterfall and sip on hand-crafted brunch cocktails designed by co-owner Moe Girton like the Queen Spritzer with cucumber vodka, St. German, prosecco, cucumber bitters, soda water and mint for a fun and relaxing 4th!

Fort Oak - Mission Hills

The newest concept from the Trust Restaurant Group, Fort Oak, features a collection of car themed cocktails that you can take a for a spin while enjoying scrumptious seafood and wood-fired fare from Executive Chef Brad Wise. Toast to your patriotism with the Skylark. Mixologist Jess Stewart elevated the Gin and Tonic, a summer favorite, and added coconut milk, lemon, earl grey orgeat, meringue, and soda.

Trust Restaurant - Hillcrest

A neighborhood favorite, Trust has cocktails that are equally as good as their highly praised, wood-fired fare by Executive Chef Brad Wise. Come in for a sipper with the smoky flavors we all crave during the summer and that remind us of childhood BBQs with family and friends on Independence Day. Raise a glass to the red, white and blue with a TAKE TWO ($15), made with Cutwater Vodka, Amaro, blackberry, mint, lime, and salt. The dazzling drink is red hot.

Hundred Proof - University Heights

When you want to step up your cocktail game and try something that has all the patriotic colors, go for the Goma ($12) made with Kikori Rice Whiskey, clement coconut, lemon, black sesame, and Japanese chili. Garnished with red, white and blue unconsecrated communion wafers, this drink offers a mouthfeel that pairs perfectly with the acidity of the lemon juice and the umami of the black sesame. Beverage director, Stephen Kurpinsky, executed this drink to highlight the heat from the togarashi to remind you of the warmth of a bonfire on the Fourth of July, which makes it the perfect choice!

Samm’y Woodfired Pizza - All Locations

Want all the BBQ flavors without the hassle of firing up the grill? Head to any of the Sammy’s Woodfired Pizza locations to dig into their seasonal summer salads, only available for a limited time. A classic summer staple, watermelon, can be enjoyed with the Watermelon, Cucumber and Feta Salad, topped with toasted almonds and drizzled in lemon-mint vinaigrette. Looking for something more classic ‘BBQ’ flavor? Order the Sweet & Sassy BBQ Salad, prepared with grilled chicken tossed in barbecue sauce, roma tomatoes, gorgonzola, fresh corn, red onion, cilantro, ranch and crispy tortilla strips. Pair it all with Summer Sips Flight, featuring Sancerre Blanc, Pascal Jolivet Pinot Grigio, Ruffino II Ducale Rose and Jean Luc Columbo, all served in 3-oz. tasters.