The San Diego Half-Marathon takes place on Sunday, March 11th and downtown will be filled with runners looking to refuel after pushing themselves to the limit during this 13.1-mile race. With an epic finish inside of Petco Park, here are some of our favorite spots to enjoy brunch and lunch following the race.
The Smoking Gun
Lemon-Peppered Chicken Drumettes / The Smoking Gun / Courtesy Photo
After 13.1 miles, your legs will thank you for only having to venture a few short blocks to the The Smoking Gun, located at 6th and Market Street. The retro-style cocktail bar not only serves delicious drinks, beer and wine, but also appetizing bites like the Lemon-Peppered Chicken Drumettes. Juicy chicken served with homemade ranch and Cali wing sauce will reenergize you after giving the half-marathon everything you’ve got.
Thick Chips / The Smoking Gun / Courtesy Photo
Ordering a side of the Thick Chips to go along with your chicken drumettes is highly recommended. Their Walk of Champagne Brunch has recently launched, so those looking for a few adult libations, this is your spot! After all, you deserve it!
Breakfast Republic
Breakfast Bacon Mac ‘n Cheese / Breakfast Republic / Courtesy Photo
Crossing the finish line is worthy of celebrating by enjoying the best brunch in San Diego, at Breakfast Republic! Their East Village location, on the corner of G Street and Seventh Avenue, is an innovative breakfast destination with omelets, scrambles and sweet treats like pancakes and French toast dishes. Refuel with the carb-loaded Breakfast Bacon Mac ‘n Cheese, consisting of parmesan bread crumbs, chives, bacon, jack and cheddar cheese sauce and three eggs, any style. Upgrade your meal to include Breakfast Republic’s popular Jurassic Pork, thick cut bacon marinated and baked with paprika and brown sugar. You can also order one of the organic local antioxidant shots, like theCellular Boost made of fresh pressed apples, cranberries, acai, grapes and other fruit. This shot not only helps hydrate and nourish your cells, but also restores vital body electrolytes lost during the race!
Gaslamp Union Kitchen & Tap
San Diego Blackened Chicken Wrap / Gaslamp Union Kitchen & Tap / Courtesy Photo
Only two blocks from Petco Park, half-marathoners can find Gaslamp Union Kitchen & Tap, with refreshing outdoor seating and a lively indoor vibe as well. Their menu boasts lots of delicious dishes including starters, salads, burgers and sandwiches. Try the healthy, yet hearty San Diego Blackened Chicken Wrap, made with blackened chicken breast, corn and chorizo hash, lettuce, avocado, cotija cheese and chipotle-tomato emulsion wrapped in a spinach tortilla. Union also has sides to pair with the wrap, including Sweet Potato Fries, Kennebec Frites and a Black Bean Cassoulet.
Spill the Beans
The San Dieggo / Spill the Beans / Courtesy Photo
If all you want to do after crossing the finish line is to grab food and head home to shower, swing into Spill the Beans for a one-of-a-kind breakfast sandwich to go. The San Dieggo comes served on a homemade sweet bun smothered in cayenne aioli with a fried egg, thick cut peppered-bacon, pepper jack and American cheese. Yum! Spill the Beans also serves seven different flavors of bagels, with unique cream cheeses. For friends or family who might be cheering you on throughout the race, they can stop in for a Dark Horse coffee or Espresso drink to help them stay awake. They open at 7:00 a.m.!
barleymash
barleymash / Courtesy Photo
The Gaslamp District’s iconic barleymash just recently launched their Wake-n-Bacon Brunch menu, featuring plenty of hearty options to restore your energy after running for two hours straight. Go big with a barley flatbread, like The Popper. Made from scratch daily using local beer and fresh ingredients, this flatbread is topped with Applewood smoked bacon, fresh jalapenos, cream cheese, ranch, crispy tobacco onions and habanero jelly. Help restore carbs by ordering a light and refreshing barleymash Blonde Kölsch-style beer to sip on while you devour your meal.
Visit sdhalfmarathon.com for more info on the race.