Boozy brunches are always in fashion, and in a city as craft cocktail-forward as San Diego, restaurants have started to expand their morning drink offerings to include innovative libations beyond the standard repertoire of bloody marys and mimosas. Check out our top picks around the city for those seeking new morning concoctions with some zeal!
Brunching by the beach? Head to Bub’s @ the Beach, a neighborhood staple that’s stood the test of time for 20 years in Pacific Beach. Revel in the location’s eclectic energy meshed with dive bar vibes, and order The “Original” Breakfast Shot, a no-nonsense start to your day including Tullamore Dew with Buttershots, complete with a side of orange juice and a crispy side of bacon!
Beloved for its historical merit as Hillcrest’s oldest known gay bar, The Rail maintains its prominence in San Diego’s restaurant and bar scene with a variety of expertly crafted dishes and cocktails. Start your day off with their Morning Jitters cocktail, featuring fugu horchata vodka, crème de cacao and rich coffee.
It should come as no surprise that Breakfast Republic boasts creative morning cocktails, as they are dedicated to all things brunch. Behold the Grasshopper, a hoppin’ concoction with Insta-worthy aesthetic and an invigorating blend of branca menta, crème de menthe, cacao, cream and sea salt.
Ditch the stressors in your life and rejuvenate by the beach at The Duck Dive, a surf-inspired eatery nestled in Pacific Beach’s laid-back neighborhood. Brunch like a true beach bum with one of their specialty dishes, and indulge your senses with The Morning After cocktail, infused with Fernet Branca Menta, Modern Times Cold Brew, Carolan’s Irish Cream, crème de cocoa and a dash of chocolate bitters.
Fig Tree Café in Pacific Beach, Liberty Station and Hillcrest delivers garden-style charm paired with flavorsome dishes and drinks idyllic for a dreamy brunch outing. Venture outside of your mimosa zone and into an effervescent glass of Daddy’s Strawberry Spicy Margarita, crafted from muddled strawberries and cucumber, lime, roasted red and green jalapeño-infused tequila, and house-made serrano-infused simple syrup.
Snooze, an A.M. Eatery creates a refreshing brunch cocktail with the Morning Mojo Mojito. This mojito adds green tea syrup for a breakfast vibe and is freshened up with plenty of cucumber and mint.
