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Dining with Daddy – Father’s Day in San Diego

June 18th will be here faster than you know it, which means you need to plan to treat the pops for Father’s Day. Most dads will be happy just to spend time and dine with their kids, but we know you want to impress. That’s why we’ve made a list of specials to make this Father’s Day one to remember. Any man can be a father, but it takes someone special to be a Dad. June 18th marks Father’s Day, an excuse to celebrate dads for being everyday superheroes. What better way to toast the guy who does it all than with an ice-cold beer in hand? Show your dad how much you love them by sharing brews and bites around San Diego at these diverse destinations! For those classic dads who like savor the flavor of the grill, Wood Ranch in Mission Valley’s Hazard center has you covered. Visit for lunch or dinner and chow down on Carolina Pulled Pork and the All-American Baby Back Ribs. Just when you think you’re through licking the BBQ sauce off your fingertips…surprise! Wood Ranch is sending your dad home with a complimentary bottle of their Original BBQ Sauce. It’s the Wood Ranch way of saying thanks for celebrating the day with them. Their 16-ingredient sauce, which includes dark chocolate and apple cider vinegar, has a touch of heat and even more tanginess. Dad will think of his favorite Father’s Day every time he’s behind the grill this summer. If the surf is on the schedule for Father’s Day, we suggest you bring dad into P.B.’s Duck Dive to refuel for lunch or dinner. Start cooling down with one of the 20 cold beers on tap and then spice it up with charred adobo sauce Dive Wings. For the main course, Duck Dive is featuring a hearty New York Strip Steak grilled to perfection topped with a delicate red wine demi glaze, with house horseradish mashed potatoes and a side of fresh grilled asparagus. All of this for only $25. And, finally, treat the ol’ man to the Duck Dive House Old Fashioned, a steal at $5 a pour.  Feeling a little fancy this Father’s Day? Head to the hills of Rancho Santa Fe for fine dining at Ponsaty’s. Enjoy the elegant indoor dining adorned with chandeliers and booths upholstered with custom French-tufted leather. If poppa would prefer the patio, dine outdoors and enjoy the splendid garden, where Chef Patrick Ponsaty, one of only two Master French Chefs in San Diego, grows herbs for the signature dishes you’re about to enjoy. This Father’s Day, the Chef is boasting aHerb Crusted Prime Rib and a Slow Roasted Whole Pig for brunch and dinner. During dinner, a decadent lobster tail accompanies the béarnaise-dressed Herb Crusted Prime Rib. Ask your server for suggested wine pairings from Ponsatys’ extensive list of exotic wines. Reservations are strongly suggested.  The Westgate Hotel has just what every Dad deserves – a combination of a few of his favorite things: Blues, Brews & Brunch! On Sunday, June 18, the Westgate invites guests to spend quality time with Dad while sipping micro-brews, swaying to the sounds of a live blues band, and indulging in an award-winning Sunday Brunch. Brunch will be available from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Westgate will be gifting each Dad with a unique pint glass to commemorate the day.  Treat dad to a delicious meal and the cold beer he deserves for Father’s Day at Barefoot Bar & Grill or Tidal restaurant at San Diego’s waterfront destination, Paradise Point Resort. At Barefoot Bar & Grill, choose the classic burger topped with American cheese, caramelized onion, tomato, iceberg, Boar’s Head pickles and aioli on a brioche bun paired with any draft beer for $20, or dine at the resort’s signature restaurant, Tidal and enjoy the Grillin’ and Chillin’ Meat Platter, available all day which include braised short ribs, grilled steak and game sausage paired with mash potatoes, green beans and a pint of beer for $45. Both options are sure to please the men of the house.  Located in picturesque Rancho Santa Fe, families with kids of all ages are welcomed to join for Father’s Day Brunch at Veladora on Sunday, June 18 from 10:30am – 2:30pm. Special for Father’s Day, guests and locals can delight in a pancake breakfast and barbecue geared toward dads with sweet and savory offerings including house made buttermilk pancakes, omelets and crafted eggs, a BBQ pit with slow roasted brisket, marinated tri tip, BBQ baby back pork ribs, jumbo BBQ shrimp, pulled pork, smoked chicken, traditional sides and more. Additionally, find roasted marshmallow cotton candy, fresh kettle corn and ranch games for the whole family with pony rides, horse shoes, a kids campout play area, decorate a bandana for dad, a themed photo booth and more. Brunch is $115 for adults, $50 for children 11 and under and reservations can be made by calling 858-759-6246. What better way to celebrate Father’s Day than with a ‘manly,’ multi-course dinner featuring several dishes made with the most-desired, highest quality beef available today. Set in one of the most historic dining rooms in Downtown San Diego, The US GRANT’s Grant Grill will offer a four-course Wagyu Tasting Dinner exquisitely prepared by Chef (and fellow father) Mark Kropczynski. The dinner will feature a Wagyu slider “amuse bouche;” followed by a Wagyu beef consommé, made with cepes and a delicate foie gras mousse; a pan-seared Japanese Wagyu A5 New York steak, served with farmer’s market vegetables, seasoned with sea salt and garnished with smoked torpedo onions, and end the meal with summer stone fruit and Wagyu yorkshire pudding, with stone fruit compote. This very special Father’s Day Wagyu Tasting Dinner will be offered June 19-25 inside The Grant Grill for $180 per person, with the option for wine pairings at an additional charge. Reservations can be made online or by calling (619) 744-2077.  Red O La Jolla has curated an exclusive Father’s Day menu featuring a selection of its top breakfast items. Standout dishes include steak & eggs, breakfast torta, lobster Benedict, braised short rib enchiladas and more, with bottomless mimosas, tequila sunrises, sangrias and bloody marys for an additional $20 per guest.

 

 Celebrate dad at The Grass Skirt with a tasting of the June “Rum of the Month!” Each month, Beverage Director Steven Tuttle carefully selects one of his favorite rums to highlight for the month, offering tastings of the specialty rum for just $5 for a tasting pour.  This Father’s Day, treat dad to a rooftop brunch at Rustic Root. Recently updated menu selections include the meat lover’s skillet, filled with artisan ham, applewood smoked bacon, pork sausage and red onion served with rustic home fries and the smoked salmon eggs Benedict, topped with smoked salmon, red onion, caper, poached egg and uni hollandaise served with a sourdough english muffin. Since no brunch is complete without a delicious cocktail, Rustic Root also offers an impressive variety of handcrafted bloody marys as well as coffee cocktails.  This Father’s Day FIREHOUSE American Eatery + Lounge and Spa Kingston are teaming up for the perfect gift for any dad – a beachside lunch and afternoon massage. For $70, locals can treat their father to a relaxing hour massage topped off with a mouth-watering burger and bloody Mary. The FIREHOUSE Burger treats the palette with a fun flavor profile comprised of maple-peppercorn bacon, aged Manchego cheese and tomato confit, topped with wild arugula and truffle aioli on a spicy pickle brioche bun. The meal meal is paired with a refreshing Bloody Mary, perfecting for toasting to dad while enjoying the scenic views of FIREHOUSE’s open-air rooftop.  Treat dad to Sunday Funday at downtown San Diego’s favorite neighborhood bar. Every Sunday from 9:30am – 2pm, The Commons offers its Sunday Brunch, with items including a custom omelet, breakfast sandwich, southern bowl, breakfast burrito and more.  And since no brunch is complete without a cocktail, The Commons is offering bottomless mimosas for $19 with purchase of one brunch entrée and a signature bloody mary made with scorpion pepper vodka. Take dad out for a delicious pie and a cold beer at Kensington’s neighborhood spot, The Haven Pizzeria. On June 18th, guests who buy one beer will get half off a beer for their dads. With the whole fam? Opt for a $5 pitcher of brewski and $4 Haven Twists, which are soft and chewy parmesan garlic bread sticks with your choice of two dipping sauces. After the appetizers have been devoured, let dad build his own pizza with all the fixin’s he loves most! Candied bacon? You got it. Prosciutto and Smoked Gouda? No problem. Enjoy Father’s Day in Kensington’s community-minded restaurant for good eats, good vibes and good memories to be made. Join Pacific Beach AleHouse this Father’s Day for a toothsome brunch paired with craft brews and coastal views! Treat dad to one of their specialty brunch dishes, such as Steak & Eggs, an 8 oz. hanger steak served with two eggs any style and potato medley, or their Short Rib Hash & Eggs, served with two eggs any style, potatoes, onions and sausage gravy. Show some Father’s Day appreciation with a take-home growler for dad, filled with one of Pacific Beach AleHouse’s specialty brews, such as their 858 Blonde Ale or Law Street Lager.  Celebrate Father’s Day at Union Kitchen & Tap Gaslamp for food and drink specials, and a viewing of the final round of the U.S. Open with sound on Union’s flat-screen TV’s. Treat dad to Union’s Father’s Day brunch special, Grilled Andouille Sausage, served over red bliss potatoes, caramelized onion, roasted bell and poblano peppers, two local eggs and chive Old Bay hollandaise, or one of their signature dinner specials, a choice of either ½ Rack of Pork Ribs, smothered in peach BBQ sauce, jalapeno cheddar corn bread and fried okra, served with a choice of coleslaw or fries, or 21 Day Dry Aged Prime Ribeye, prepared with smoked porcini, peppercorn sauce and steak cut fries. Top off the Father’s Day experience with $5 Bloody Mary’s with the purchase of any entrée and $5 drafts until 5 p.m.!  Spend this Father’s Day at Backyard Kitchen & Tap for Father’s Day food and drink specials that are sure to put a smile on dad’s face! Treat the man of the hour to a 16 oz. Bone-in Ribeye, prepared with a balsamic reduction and accompanied by garlic mash and grilled asparagus, or a Chili Cheese Burger, crafted with a brisket ribeye blend burger patty, short rib chili, cheddar cheese and fried onion ring, served with his choice of sea salt fries, sweet potato fries or chips. Backyard is also offering an IPA Tasting Flight Board, consisting of four 5 oz. tasters of Lattitude 33 Blood Orange IPA, Societe “The Apprentice,” Bear Republic Racer 5 IPA and Alpine Duet. Dads get $2 off flight boards all day!  Head over to Pillbox Tavern in Solana Beach this Father’s Day for a Southern family-style dinner, complete with Fried Chicken, and sides including Homestyle Mashed Potatoes, Creamed Corn, Southern Greens and Corn Bread, a spread perfectly suited to a day dedicated to father appreciation! Pair your Homestyle feast with a House Hard Lemonade, made with vodka, fresh lemonade and Triple Sec, or John Daly’s, made with fresh lemon juice, iced tea and vodka, for a Father’s Day celebration he’ll never forget!  For the downtown dad, check out The New Yorker Pizzeria & Bar, set inside the historic Chinese Laundry building in the Gaslamp Quarter. Designed to convey an East Coast neighborhood bar while embracing the sunny San Diego vibes, The New Yorker boasts a full menu of New York style pizzas, buffalo wings, deli sandwiches, burgers, and soups.  Order dad the hand-tossed All-In Pizza, topped with mushrooms, pepperoni, sausage, green peppers, and red onions, while he sips from The New Yorker’s full draft menu, featuring several California craft favorites! A world-class dad deserves a world-class experience at Osetra, located in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter, one of southern California’s premier destinations for fine dining and nightlife. Combining California modern flavors with high-end meats, Osetra offers an upscale, exclusive dining experience like no other.  Take in the elegant ambiance and three-story wine tower while sipping on a number of San Diego’s famous craft brews from Osetra’s extensive drink menu. Pair with a hand-cut 16oz New York Strip steak served with truffle and herb butter sauce for a meal that dad will never forget!  If dad is an aspiring beer aficionado, look no further than Barrel Republic in Carlsbad.  Barrel Republic is the mecca for craft beer lovers who want to have that taste of freedom: the freedom to pour! With well over 40 casks to choose from, dads can pour their own glass of brew with the simple swipe of a wristband. Cheers with fellow craft beer enthusiasts all night long in the warm and inviting wood interior while enjoying bites such as the Mini Crabcake Bites, seasoned with old bay, garnished with pickled tomatoes and preserved lemons, and served with a side of tangy lemon aioli.  Nestled along Adams Avenue in University Heights, Et Voilà is the ideal spot to treat dad to a one-of-a-kind Father’s Day favorite. With a cozy interior reminiscent of a traditional French bistro with a stylish twist, Et Voilà promises an extensive menu complete with both traditional and contemporary French dishes. Come in for Et Voilà’s Father’s Day specials on June 18th for exclusive brunch and dinner items including the Surf & Turf, made with grilled Maine lobster, Aspen Ridge beef tenderloin, risotto cake, and topped with black truffle sauce. Don’t forget to order dad a draft from Et Voilà’s beer selection, boasting a blend of California crafts and European imports! Fire dad up with a Father’s Day fiesta at La Piñata, Old Town’s oldest restaurant! It’s no secret that Old Town is home to some of the very best Mexican restaurants in San Diego.  Since 1928, folks have been gathering at this cherished landmark for some of the most authentic Mexican food and fun to be found on this side of the border! Join the party with a selection of chilled Mexican cervezas, coupled with hot house specials including the Shrimp Fajitas, made with marinated shrimp sautéed with bell peppers, onions, and savory spices and served with rice, beans, and freshly made tortillas.  Make dad the slice of the party at Woodstock’s Pizza, located in Pacific Beach! This cozy and casual pizzeria is the perfect place for hot pizza pies and craft brew by the beach. What more could a guy ask for? With a focus on fresh, hand-tossed dough and a unique folded-over crust with sauce inside, Woodstock’s is committed to offering the highest quality ingredients in each of their pizzas. Order up one of Woodstock’s signature pies, including the Kickin’ Carnitas, made with southern chipotle sauce, slow marinated carnitas, crispy bacon, red onions, and fresh cilantro, before letting dad have his pick of the rotating selection of over 18 cold brews on tap to soak up the tasty pizza! From Whiskey Bacon Chili to Prime Rib, find all of Dad’s favorites at Decoy Dockside Dining’s Father’s Day Brunch. Located at Lakehouse Hotel and Resort with a beautiful view of Lake San Marcos, the whole family will enjoy a delectable brunch buffet filled with father-approved dishes. Brunch will be served alongside specialty cocktails and an impressive beer selection so you can say “cheers” to that special man in your life.  Brunch will be served from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and priced at $40 for adults and $18 for children 12 and under.  Spice things up this Father’s Day with a truly unique dining experience at Jsix restaurant in downtown’s East Village. Relish in modern American cuisine influenced by acclaimed Chef Anthony Sinsay’s Filipino roots. Flavorsome dishes such as Stir-Fried Vegetable Rice Noodles with fried egg, Kalamansi and “Pancit Bihon,” and 24-Hour Short Rib with crispy sweetbreads, pea tendrils, and a turnip demi-glace are sure to deliver a memorable dining experience. Raise the rooftop

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this Father’s Day at the newly revamped Upper East Bar where Dad can soak in the best of the city’s sights and sounds. Stir things up with Hotel Solamar’s unique “A Crafty Pair” package which includes accommodations, a mixology class for two at Jsix, a Chef’s Selection five-course dinner at Jsix, etched souvenir cocktail glasses, and more.  What Dad doesn’t love pizza and pints? Oggi’s is the perfect place to grab a meal, watch the game, and enjoy some quality time this Father’s Day. Visit any Oggi’s location and enjoy appetizers, pizza, award-winning craft beer, and more in a family-friendly, sports-loving atmosphere. Also, Dad will take home a special Father’s Day pint glass with the purchase of any Oggi’s beer!   Treat Dad to a French feast this Father’s Day with brunch or dinner at Parc Bistro-Brasserie in Bankers Hill. Bottomless mimosas, hand-crafted cocktails, wines of all kinds, and favorites likeWhole Maine Lobster, Steak Frites, and Duck Confit make this charming bistro a great place to dub Dad king for a day.  You can trust that Dad will appreciate every minute of his Father’s Day dining experience at TRUST Restaurant, especially with a Rye Old Fashioned or frosty mug of craft beer in hand. Enjoy a brunch or dinner inside or on the spacious patio. Hearty dishes like the Prosciutto Breakfast Sandwich and Smoked Pork Shoulder Hash during brunch and Wood Grilled Lamb Meatballs and Meyer Ranch Chef’s Late Night Style Flat Iron Steak at dinner, make TRUST a perfect place to fill up and chill out with Pops. Dinner is served at Point Loma’s Harbor Town Pub! On June 18 they will be throwing a Whiskey and Steak night, perfectly catered with Dad in mind. For $30, deserving dads can indulge in a full steak dinner with corn on the cob and mashed potatoes, paired with a draft beer and double pour of whiskey from 5-9 p.m.  Celebrate Father’s Day early at Banzai Bar with their Summer Kick-Off party on June 17! No Father’s Day celebration is complete without some friendly competition… and Banzai will be hosting a Dad Bod contest with prizes for the top contestants. Well known dad, Yew!’s Chris Cantore, will be guest bartending. Proceeds from cocktails sold will benefit the Surfrider foundation for cleaner San Diego beaches. Not to mention, there will be some of Dad’s favorite games including corn hole and beer pong.  Looking for an interactive Father’s Day activity? On Sunday, June 18 from 1 – 4 p.m., Hard Rock Cafe San Diego will be hosting their Wine & Canvases for the Dad who enjoys the arts, food, drinks, music and fun! The admission includes all the supplies needed to recreate the “Blue Lagoon” and is just $35 per person. The restaurant will also be serving specialty mimosas for just $5, alongside their full menu of burgers, appetizers and delicious eats. For more information, or to signup, visit their Facebook page.   Make this Father’s Day one he’ll never forget with specials from these San Diego restaurants!

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