Get Ready for Barbiecore™ Dining, a Groovy Roller Rink, and Comic-Con Pink Vibes
Barbie is about to make her San Diego debut in the most fabulous way possible. Bucket Listers and Mattel are rolling out their wildly popular Malibu Barbie Café to Southern California on July 11, just in time to collide with the energy of Comic-Con 2025. Set against the sunny backdrop of Bayside Kitchen and Bar, this immersive Barbie pop-up will transform the waterfront venue! Think: vibrant, all-pink paradise complete with retro décor, an interactive roller rink, and a fast-casual café menu. This isn’t just any themed restaurant! Malibu Barbie Café is a pink-powered dreamworld complete with roller skates, sunshine-y bites, and a beachside blast from the past.
After viral runs in cities like New York, Chicago, and Miami, the experience is finally making its way to the West Coast. Created by Bucket Listers in partnership with Mattel, the San Diego version comes with all the flair of the original doll herself. The café leans into that groovy, 1970s Malibu energy, channeling carefree summer days and retro glam in every detail. You can see it in the décor, as well as the diner-style eats. Chef Becky Brown, a MasterChef finalist and Chopped champion, has crafted a menu to satisfy all your Barbiecore dining cravings. You’ll have cheeseburgers, chicken tenders, sprinkle pancakes, vibrant drinks, and cupcakes to choose from!
“Barbie has proven to be one of history’s ultimate icons,” says Derek Berry, Bucket Listers’ President of Experiences and the visionary behind buzzworthy pop-ups like The Golden Girls Kitchen and Saved by the Max.
“We cannot wait for America’s Finest City to see what we have in store.”
But the fun doesn’t stop at your table. There’s a full-on roller rink, along with themed events like cupcake decorating classes, paint parties, and 21+ skate nights. Barbie might have a Dreamhouse, but this summer, she’s got a dream café—and we’re all invited.
“Every detail has been thoughtfully designed to celebrate the iconic Barbie style,” says Julie Freeland, VP of Global Location Based Entertainment at Mattel. “We’re thrilled to bring this unique experience to San Diego.”
Tickets for the Barbie pop-up in San Diego, which include food and merch credit, are $25 and go on sale June 11 via Bucket Listers. But, fans can join the waitlist now for first dibs! With Barbiemania expected to be in full swing during San Diego Comic-Con 2025, those skates are sure to sell out fast. Bonus points for the fact that every roller skate rental supports the American Red Cross and their California wildfire relief efforts.
Barbie girls (and guys), consider this your summer plan: grab your besties and skates, and get ready to paint the town pink.
Local Insight: After dark, the space transforms into a Barbie-approved bash with cocktails and DJ beats. It’s ideal for those looking to keep the party rolling straight into the Gaslamp.
This article is brought to you by one of the many talented writers associated with Locale Magazine! We are a group of locals (whether born and raised or transplanted) who love this county we now call home!
