The Local’s Guide On: How To Navigate Comic-Con!
Comic-Con is not for the faint of hearts, the quick to wary, or the meek. No, it’s for the troopers, the true heroes, and maybe most notably, the tourists – which come in drones every year packing the city and making things a lot more populated.
Here are the watering holes where you can find the locals, and avoid looking lost (even if you actually are).
Where to meet: Bootlegger
Visiting hours are 10am to 2am but the happiest hours are from 3pm to 7pm. Meet here with your mates for local brews, build your own burgers and beats by San Diego’s finest on the mixers. It may be modeled after Prohibition, but this place encourages alcohol consumption by the masses a-plenty.
Local Tip: Inquire about “Mini Bar” for a super-secret side attraction that might be small but leaves a mighty impression.
Where to eat: Florent Restaurant & Lounge
Built with fine dining in mind, Florent’s extravagant atmosphere is rivaled only by their casual cool menu. Offering eats by Executive Chef Abe Botello, Florent’s menu offers favorites like Buffalo Cauliflower Wings, hearty Black Truffle Burgers, and Fish Tacos. Offering live music at dinner time, Florent is the perfect pre-party palace. Indulge in their crafty cocktail menu and basque in the glow of their 17 foot LED screen…and, all of their decked out Comicon gear (both staff and venue – no expense spared).
Local Tip: Women, when you use the bathroom, make sure to venture into the handicap stall to discover the staircase that leads to nowhere and a long standing lasting impression.
Where to play: foundation.
Venture down, deep into the depths of the Florent underground once you’re finished upstairs to find the hidden gem that is San Diego’s best kept secret. Pose inside a human-sized bird cage, imbibe cocktails of a curious creation, and indulge yourself in the wonderland that used to exist as Olde City Hall’s jail cells. Able to accommodate its own DJ, a champagne room for showing off (staged as a library), and private booth seating for large parties – foundation. is the perfect place to get your dance on.
Local Tip: Pose in front of the “#lostinfoundation” neon sign that sits atop the DJ booth and re-post the hashtag to be featured on foundation.’s instagram page!
Where to stay: Ocean Park Inn
Retire to a place where the moon beams meet the board walk and fall asleep to the sound of waves crashing in Pacific Beach’s most accommodating beach hotel. Complete with a view, a pool, and walking distance to the all the best beach bars, Ocean Park Inn makes for the most perfect place to stay while relaxing between Comicon events. Located less than 10 miles from Gaslamp’s epi-center, Ocean Park Inn provides a cosmic escape from the cosplay whenever one is needed.
Click here to check availability.
Local Tip: Book the junior suites when making reservations to have access to gigantic bathtubs. Don’t forget to pre-order in room massages and flower petals on the bed spread with the front desk agent for the most luxurious of experiences.
