February 12, 2015
Did you know George Washington at one time owned the largest whiskey distillery in the United States? (Whiskey variations were actually the alcohol of choice for most U.S. Presidents.) Or that John Adams started almost every morning with hard cider? What better way to celebrate President’s Day than with a cocktail or two! Here are our recommendations of San Diego bars and restaurants to toast to the presidents on February 16.
Mission Beach’s
Sandbar Sports Bar & Grill is celebrating the presidents with three days of DJs, dancing and drink specials. Toast to presidents past and present with the Merica Mule featuring American Harvest Vodka. Or order an updated version of President Truman’s favorite cocktail, the Old Fashioned, with Sandbar’s New Fashioned cocktail made with Wild Turkey bourbon, local oranges, cherries, simple syrup and angostura bitters.
Start the Monday holiday early with a President’s Day Party at
The Duck Dive in Pacific Beach. From 9pm to close, dance to beats by DJ Saul Q and order drinks from guest bartender, Mike “Camo” Cameron. Don’t Get Monday-ed on President’s Day if you have to work, enjoy specials like a burger and brew combo and $5 Mule cocktails. In honor of President Harding—who during Prohibition stashed whiskey in his golf bag—order the There Will Be Blood made with Old Forrester Bourbon, which was one of the 10 brands sold during Prohibition under the context of “medical use only.”
Have Monday off? Join
barleymash for brunch in the Gaslamp beginning at 10am. Enjoy live music while sipping on a Dirty American and grubbing on brunch favorites such as Double-Batter Chicken Fried Steak and Angry Orchard Bread Pudding French Toast. A trip to barleymash’s build-your-own Bloody Mary bar is must to honor the spirit of JFK, who was known to consume this “trendy drink” during the time of his presidency.
Find your patriotic side in Hillcrest at
Uptown Tavern. Opening at 11:30am, enjoy lunch dishes like BBQ Chicken Flatbread and the Tavern Chicken ‘N’ Waffle as well as All-American Food Specials just for the day. Wash it all down with Red, White & Blue drink specials. Pay homage to Martha’s Vineyard, the getaway of choice for a handful of presidents, with The Vineyard made with Skyy Raspberry Vodka, mixed berries, peach Schnapps, cranberry juice and Red Bull.
In North Park, pull up a seat at
True North Tavern and order your favorite craft beer to pay homage to Presidents Garfield and Cleveland who loved their beer. For something a little stronger to drink to the presidents, add a political twist to your cocktail order with The Diplomat made with Skyy Blood Orange Vodka, St. Germain, simple syrup, lemon juice, with local IPA beer served on the rocks.
FDR loved a good gin martini. For a gin martini with a twist, find a seat at
Pillbox Tavern & Grill in Solana Beach for the Lemon Gingertini. This cocktail is made with Bombay Sapphire Gin, fresh lemon juice, homemade ginger syrup, and Pillbox’s house-made sweet n sour and served with a sugar rim. When stomachs start rumbling, dine on a true American meal with Pillbox’s Burger Mondays special consisting of a burger and brew for just $10.
Head to Encinitas’
Lumberyard Tavern to cheers all our whiskey loving presidents. Known for their whiskey selection, Lumberyard’s offerings include Bourbons, Ryes, Tennessee whiskeys, Scotch-Whisky and Single Malts. Try the Old Fashion, Whiskey Mule and Crimson if whiskey cocktails are more your thing.
In Pacific Beach, head to
Tavern during your Monday off. Snag one of the personal taps to keep the beer flowing and order twists on all-American classics like the Kegs in a Blanket. Pay respect to our presidents hailing from the state of Texas with the Walker Texas Ranger made with Jack Daniel’s, fresh lemon and lime and simple syrup.
