Whether You’re Looking to Treat Dad or Yourself, Here’s the Best Places to Do So

Where whiskey flows, Dad will go. Fill his glass this Father’s Day and spend some quality time together at these local San Diego hot spots! Each of these restaurants features an excellently curated menu with a spirits list to match, so whether the day calls for nothing but some good food or you’re fueling up after a family hike, everyone’s happy. Prepare for all of the whiskey and none of the funny business this Father’s Day—just what Dad ordered. Every cocktail sold will contribute a $1 donation to the Padres Foundation, making a meaningful impact.

 

 

Lavo

Must-Try Cocktail: Ballpark Brew

If there’s one thing that’ll satisfy pops, it’s pasta. Twirl your spaghetti with a twist of upscale at Lavo, the Gaslamp’s chic, California-inspired Italian restaurant. Begin with their baseball-season special, the Ballpark Brew cocktail! Inspired by Cracker Jack, the mix of Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey, Templeton Rye, peanut butter caramel, fresh lemon, ginger ale and vanilla crema will send you straight back to the days of summer’s past. Start with a shared Carne Pizza–fresh mozzarella topped with soppressata, prosciutto, tomato and pepperoncini. Then treat yourself to the penne alla vodka with onions, prosciutto, peas and a light cream sauce made with Seagram’s Vodka.

Location: Gaslamp Quarter 

 

Lionfish

Must-Try Cocktail: In SD Fashion

Let’s be honest: your dad would probably rather be fishing. Meet him halfway and treat him to a fresh catch of the day at Lionfish–Pendry San Diego’s modern coastal restaurant. Reflective of the San Diego lifestyle, you can find sustainable, locally sourced seasonal ingredients on high-quality dishes like the Broiled Big Glory Bay Salmon or “Angry” Whole Grilled Snapper. Let him stay a bit old-fashioned but try a little something new with the In SD Fashion cocktail, a mix of Templeton Rye, Stone IPA simple syrup and peach bitters.

Location: Gaslamp Quarter

 

Riviera Supper Club

Must-Try Cocktail: Coffee Eyes

Riviera Supper Club is East County’s take on the intimate dinner and entertainment experience, providing all the same ambience of the classic 1930s-style dining hideaways. Steak is the star of their menu; choose from a juicy sirloin, filet or ribeye or meat between two buns with the Riviera Burger. To drink, combine your dad’s two first loves (before you came along, that is) and have him try the Coffee Eyes Cocktail, a locally inspired espressotini. Created with Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey, Borghetti Espresso Liqueur and Irish cream, he’s in for a buzz of a beverage balanced by a smooth, creamy finish.

Location: La Mesa

 

Mister A’s

Must-Try Cocktail: Burnt Orange Old Fashioned

If there were ever a place to get fancy on Father’s Day, it’s Mister A’s. Famously known as being one of San Diego’s finest dining establishments, the long-standing restaurant sits atop the city illuminating the Bankers Hill neighborhood. Make a reservation and watch the planes come in during lunch or take in the breathtaking twinkle of the downtown skyline during dinner—the plates are divine at any time of day. As for drinks, stick to Dad’s favorite and order the Burnt Orange Old Fashioned, made with Templeton Rye, burnt-orange reduction and orange Angostura. If you’re in for lunch, try the prime beef short rib on housemade tagliatelle. If you’re in for dinner, go for the artichoke and morel mushroom risotto. Either way, you’re in for a treat.

Location: Banker’s Hill

 

OB Noodle House

Must-Try Cocktail: Manhattan

If your dad is more of a laid-back kind of fella, the locally loved OB Noodle House is about to become his favorite spot. Home of the original peanut butter whiskey that later became the bottled version of Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey, this Ocean Beach Asian-fusion hot spot is buzzing nearly every night of the week. Start off with the ‘OG PB’ shot, and keep it going with their Manhattan, featuring a mix of Templeton Rye, Cinzano Sweet Vermouth, Angostura bitters and a Luxardo cherry. Pair it with a share plate of wings (highly recommended by locals) and a plate of the Dry Chow Fun: hearty, crispy egg noodles mixed with your choice of protein!

Location: Ocean Beach

 

Barleymash

Must-Try Cocktail: The Ron Burgundy

Spending time with your favorite guy doesn’t mean he has to miss the big game. The Gaslamp’s casual bar-meets-restaurant, Barleymash, is covered from end to end with flat-screen TVs, so he won’t miss a beat—or miss out on a delicious burger. Stay classy, San Diego, and start off with their “Anchorman”-inspired Ron Burgundy cocktail, a blend of Barleymash Private Barrel Kentucky Spirit, sugar, Angostura bitters and orange bitters. Match his dad jokes with a little more cheese and order from their wide variety of BarleyMacs–beer cheese-topped cavatappi noodles with a ton of mix-in options! If that’s not his speed, plenty of burgers, greens and flatbreads are also available: his toughest decision of the day awaits!

Location: Gaslamp Quarter

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The Lion’s Share

Must-Try Cocktail: Bitter Tears

Introduce your fearless leader to nature’s leader of the pack: The Lion’s Share. Ideal for the adventurous dad who has nothing to fear, exotic meats and eclectic decor come together to create this animalistic dining experience that features everything from boar sliders to sumac-rubbed elk flank. Take the edge off with the Bitter Tears cocktail, made with Japanese whiskey, pineapple rum, Cynar and saline. It’s bitter, balanced and classic—just like dad. For the first leg of your eating adventure, try the salt and pepper frog legs—you’re just warming up for the main course of boar Bolognese, fettuccine topped with San Marzano tomato and Parmesan.

Location: Downtown