San Diegans are gearing up for 4th of July and planning out the best way to celebrate our independence. From sunrise to sunset, there are happenings all around town. Here are a few to keep in mind for this firework of a holiday:
Twenty 20 Grill
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. Ticket pricing is $65 for adults and $30 for children. Reservations are available from 6 pm to 10 pm and can be made by calling (760) 827-2500 or visitingwww.twenty20grill.com.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
At Union Kitchen & Tap Gaslamp, 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.
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.
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 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!
4th of July at Seaport Village
Seaport Village, the bay’s iconic shopping and dining complex, is celebrating Independence Day in a big way with a family-friendly lineup of waterfront fun before the fireworks light up the night sky! On Thursday, July 4 from 4 to 8 p.m., the village will host a free event filled with live music, kid-approved crafts, games, amazing prizes and much more. From patriotic photo opps to delicious restaurant deals, Seaport Village is the ultimate San Diego hot spot to catch the fireworks, with pre-show activities including:
- Kids craft zone
- Giant Paint-by-Numbers community mural
- Live entertainment including music, stilt walkers and more
- “Wheel of Seaport Fortune” with amazing prizes
- Food & beverage promotions from Seaport Village’s sidewalk eateries and waterfront restaurants
Big Bay Boom Viewing Party at Del Frisco’s
Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse, San Diego swankiest dining destination, is offering a unique 4th of July experience for those looking to beat the crowds while taking advantage of the best view in town. On Thursday, July 4 from 7 to 10 p.m., guests will gather on Del Frisco’s pristine patio to celebrate the Big Bay Boom Viewing Party ($50 per person) which includes delicious passed hors d’oeuvres from Executive Chef Brian Christman. The package also includes two drink tickets for beer, wine or specialty cocktails, complete with breathtaking firework views. To purchase, call 619.272.5060.
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.
Mavericks Beach Club has 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.8
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.5
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.
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!
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 a view of the surrounding fireworks shows!
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!
Red, White & BBQ
Join Upper East Bar in celebrating Fourth of July weekend at “Red, White & BBQ.” Guests can enjoy food and beverage specials including $5 beers, $8 cocktails (featuring Jack Daniel’s Whiskey and Tito’s Vodka) and $5 bratwursts, bacon-wrapped hot dogs & other BBQ favorites. Located on Jsix restaurant’s rooftop, Upper East Bar is an ideal setting for watching the fireworks! The event runs from 11:30 a.m. – close all weekend along, and fireworks kick off at 9 p.m. on July 4. For more information visit https://jsixrestaurant.com/events.
Cusp Dining & Drinks & Hiatus Lounge
Want to skip the crowded beaches? Head to Hiatus Lounge at Hotel La Jolla and relax poolside. The outdoor oasis will be open 4th of July offering the perfect oasis to chill. Lounge poolside or grab one of the plush seats throughout and order bites from Cusp’s kitchen.Upstairs, the 11th floor Cusp Dining & Drinks makes the perfect place to toast and dine with exceptional views. Complimentary valet with purchase at either location. 7
Level Four Pool Deck + Lounge
This Independence Day, head to Level Four, the Rooftop Pool Deck + Lounge on Hotel Palomar’s 4th floor. Guests can lounge poolside and nosh on bites and drinks from the bar. There is no cover to enjoy Level Four this 4th of July, so grab your friends and head to the roof!
THE MED
This Fourth of July post up for brunch at THE MED’s ocean terrace. The picturesque eatery makes the perfect place to enjoy al fresco bites and sips with stunning ocean views. Brunch will be served from 10:30am, where guests can order whimsical dishes like Pink Velvet Waffle + Vanilla Bean Cream Cheese Frosting, Crab + Avocado Toast, Brown Butter Lobster Roll and Carne Asada Benedict + Chipotle Hollandaise. Pair brunch with one of THE MED’s classic sippers, like their Juniper & Elderflower, Kumquat Daiquiri or a glass of bubbly.
Make your way over to Bibigo Kitchen in Fashion Valley Mall for a special Korean-inspired BBQ promotion for the 4th of July and new beverage items for your summertime sipping needs. From July 4th until July 7th, if you dine in and order a BBQ Platter, you receive a Korean cocktail half off. Want to order take-out and bring it to the beach? No worries. When you order it to-go, you get a free salad plate with your platter. Launching tomorrow, June 27th, enjoy new Korean cocktails including the Yuzu Mojito, Summer Breeze, Makkiato, Pink Banana Carafe or the Yuzu Mimosa. New non-alcoholic beverages include three Boba drinks such as the Signature Milk Tea, Matcha Holic and Blue Jasmine.
