These Boozy Brunch Libations Are Loaded With All the Goodies
While mimosas are traditionally seen as a modern Sunday brunch staple, the bloody mary offers a more savory start to the day. Thankfully, San Diego has one of the most dynamic and creative brunch scenes in SoCal, making it a great destination for fans of this tomato-based cocktail. From classic crispy bacon strips to savory sliders, several restaurants in San Diego deck out their bloody marys from head to toe, making this boozy brunch favorite more of a meal than a drink. That being said, here are eight of the best places in San Diego to get a bloody mary! Best Bloody Marys
Farmer’s Table
In addition to having four locations across San Diego, Farmer’s Table also has four different bloody mary options. Spice things up with the Tijuana Maria, which comes with a bacon-wrapped hot dog, Mexican street corn and pickled veggies. No matter which concoction speaks to you, you’ll also have the option to order a pitcher that comes topped with a whole roasted chicken, providing you with a drink and meal all in one.
Locations: Bay Park, La Mesa, Chula Vista and Little Italy
Best Bloody Marys
Pacific Coast Spirits
Pacific Coast Spirits is the ultimate destination for a casual yet high-quality Sunday brunch. Of course, guests can expect to find Pacific Coast Spirits’ very own vodka in the signature bloody mary. Rather than using the same ingredients all of the time, the flavors change with the seasons, yielding unique and thirst-quenching flavor profiles. When it comes to food, the salsa verde chilaquiles pack a punch, and the cheesy cheddar biscuits are a must-order.
Location: Oceanside
Best Bloody Marys
Brian’s 24
Though Brian’s 24 used to operate 24/7, they have since placed their focus on brunch, allowing them to master the art of a boozy bloody mary. The Carrie packs a major punch thanks to some Old Bay Seasoning, horseradish, pressed lemon, stout and pepper sauce. Of course, you can never go wrong with a bacon garnish. Order the sweet soufflé pancakes to create a cool contrast to your savory cocktail.
Location: Gaslamp Quarter
Cafe 21
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Cafe 21 is an innovative streetside restaurant that prides itself on making everything from scratch. The classic bloody mary here is served in a regal white bust and is topped with crisp veggies like cucumbers and carrots. If you are wanting to level up, dress your bloody mary up with a grilled cheese or grilled Italian prosciutto, allowing you to drink (and dine) like royalty.
Locations: Gaslamp Quarter, University Heights
12/30
C Level
If you catch a craving for seafood, head to C Level–a breezy lounge that overlooks San Diego Bay. The fish is fresh and the ocean views are serene, while the habanero-infused vodka used in the signature BM heats things up. C Level’s housemade mix has a slight sweetness that pairs nicely with the shrimp and crab garnish, and it goes best with oysters on the half-shell and some wasabi aioli.
Location: Harbor Island
Morning Glory
From the pink velvet booths to the checkered marble floors, Morning Glory is a funky-fresh brunch spot that serves globally inspired brunch dishes and boozy coffee. But the house bloody mary is a favorite and can be made with gin, vodka or tequila. The umami juice, garlic bitters and celery foam create a dynamic and slightly sweet flavor profile. Pair it with the bacon-forward breakfast carbonara to let your taste buds soar.
Location: Little Italy
Cardellino
Cardellino has mastered the art of comfort food, serving up sweet treats like cinnamon rolls and French toast in a cozy, industrial setting. In addition to a variety of Italian-inspired cocktails like the classic Aperol Spritz and the Cinque Terre, Cardellino also places an Italian twist on the bloody mary. The housemade mix is smooth and silky, but the Italian flair adds some extra spice and flavor.
Location: Hillcrest
8/29
Best Bloody Marys
Davanti Enoteca
Davanti Enoteca is a charming wine bar located in the heart of Little Italy. Though they specialize in vino, the brunch cocktails keep things classic, making it the perfect place to cure your cravings for a traditional vodka-based bloody mary. The savory and spicy mix pairs perfectly with the roasted tomatoes on the avocado toast, and an extra side of thick-cut bacon is always a good idea.
Location: Little Italy
Allie Lebos graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara in 2017 with a BA in Communication. While in school she was a staff writer at The Daily Nexus for nearly two years. Since graduating she has written for The Palisades Magazine, as well as Hidden Hills Magazine. Currently living in Santa Monica, Allie loves to indulge in good food, hot yoga, and daily walks along the beach; writing articles on travel, special events, as well as features on local businesses and individuals.
