Wild About Watermelon: Refreshing Sips & Bites for National Watermelon Day – 8/3

By Molly Sanders | August 2, 2019

National Watermelon Day is August 3^rd, the perfect time to grab a sweet slice and get an immune-boosting dose of vitamins A, B-6 and C, plus hydration during the dog days of summer. Check out these local San Diego restaurants for some food and beverage twists on this impressive fruit, that’s not only refreshingly tasty but also oh-so-good for you.

Drinks

Venture up to Oceanside to celebrate National Watermelon Day at Toast, a trendy brunch spots with great morning drinks. Not only can you sip coffee, beer, wine and a variety of juices, but Toast also serves breakfast cocktails, like the One in a Melon. The fruity combination of rum, St. Germaine, watermelon juice and lime juice can’t be beat!

Head on over to Beerfish and enjoy the 30 craft beers on tap. With a happy hour and daily specials Monday through Friday, it’s the perfect time to check out the selection.  Does the summer heat have you feeling a little adventurous? Try the WatermelonSake Shots. 

The Duck Dive, a PB neighborhood beach lounge and eatery, has the perfect ambiance to spend the day sipping on some tasty watermelon cocktails. Kick start your weekend with the Take Me to Mexico, made with Los Altos Plata Tequila house infused with fresh watermelon, basil, jalapeño, shaken with agave, lemon, and fresh watermelon. You’re sure to love the blend of refreshing watermelon and spicy jalapeño!

Sandbar in Mission Beach is mixing up a signature Melon Margarita complete with Herradura Double Barrel Reposado tequila, Licor 43, Cointreau Noir, agave nectar, fresh lime juice, fresh watermelon, and cucumber. This signature marg is exclusive to Sandbar and is a must-try summer favorite. 

Known for their iconic tequila cocktails and margaritas, Jalisco Cantina is the perfect place to sip the day away. Grab your friends and make the trip up to Oceanside, believe us when we say it’s worth it. Opt to try the Agua Melon margarita – a one-of-a-kind blend of blanco tequila, watermelon, red bell pepper, rosé syrup, citrus, black pepper, and pink salt.

Steps from the ocean in Pacific Beach, Mavericks Beach Club captures and celebrates California’s infectious beach and surf culture while providing an all-around, daily beach party. Here you can sit back and relax while sipping the Watermelon Mule, a delicious combo of Skyy Watermelon Vodka, fresh lime juice, and ginger beer. Whether you enjoy watching sports, challenging your friends to a game of cornhole or imbibing cocktails while soaking up the sun, Mavericks really does have it all.

With a variety of burgers to choose from, 70 beers on tap, and cocktails handcrafted with fresh ingredients, the Corner Drafthouse has something for everyone to sip on. If you crave a cocktail with a bit of heat to it, go for the WatermelonJalapeno Margarita. With Volcan Blanco Tequila, jalapeno, freshly squeezed watermelon, lime juice, agave, and a Tajin Rim, this bright red margarita is bursting with flavor and will have your mouth feeling like those Fourth of July fireworks.

Ponce’s Mexican Restaurant is now serving its summer menu at both the Kensington and Del Sur locations. New drink additions include the tequila-based La Sandia with fresh watermelon juice, lime, agave nectar, dusted with tajin – of which the restaurant has already sold 300+ since it debuted on July 1.

National Watermelon Day just so happens to fall on a Saturday this year, and you’ll find us at Miss B’s Coconut Club, a great spot for weekend brunch in Mission Beach! Along with their delicious breakfast plates, like the Jerk Chicken & Waffle and scrambles, Miss B’s offers quite the lineup of boozy brunch cocktails. We recommend the Watermelon Mimosa, a light and oh-so-tasty blend of watermelon agua fresca and bubbles. Cheers!

Dine

Make a day of it and catch the Coaster up to Carlsbad for a little fun in the sun at CLARA. On August 3^rd, enjoy a Watermelon Salad made with heirloom tomato, local avocado, feta cheese, basil, sunflower seeds, and pickled rind.

Tahona’s summer menu launched last week and includes Executive Chef Adrian Villareal’s Watermelon and Hoja Santa Salad with fresh watermelon, hoja santa (Mexican Pepperleaf), Cotija cheese, red onion, chili powder, and lemonette dressing.

Pacifica Del Mar is getting fresh for summer. The popular Del Mar staple for dining and drinking has introduced a tasteful new menu. Our favorite summer item is the flavor bomb Spanish Octopus a la Plancha with cucumber-watermelon-mint salad and hoisin bbq sauce.

Cusp Restaurant atop Hotel La Jolla continues to offer more than stunning views. New to the Summer menu are half a dozen bright, flavorful dishes. Start with a light Watermelon Salad with feta, jicama, radish, jalapeno, and mint jalapeno dressing, or the Heirloom Tomato Crostini.

Head to any of the Sammy’s Woodfired Pizza locations to dig into their seasonal summer salads, only available for a limited time. The classic summer staple, watermelon, can be enjoyed with the Watermelon, Cucumber and Feta Salad, topped with toasted almonds and drizzled in lemon-mint vinaigrette.