From the famous pumpkin pancakes at Claire’s On Cedros to the sage caramel, hazelnut and pumpkin semifreddo at Catania in La Jolla, San Diego-based eateries are sweet on treats focused on fall flavors. Of course, with Halloween on Oct. 31, there are creepy cocktails to be had too, plus Oktoberfest meals and other autumn-themed specials. Read on as Yelp takes a bite out of the best treats around town.
The Cravory (Point Loma)
This popular bakery, known for its unique cookie creations, is currently offering a special October menu aimed at both the candy crazy and fall romantics. Try the “Trick or Treat,” a cookie stuffed with Kit-Kat pieces and Rolos chocolates or the “Dark and Blondie,” a decadent cookie mixed with Reese’s Pieces and blonde brownie batter. There’s also the “Golden Chocolate,” rich with milk chocolate and an edible golden spray on top and, for pumpkin peeps, the “Pumpkin Chai Latte” with vanilla chips. By the way, the bakery will offer $1 cookies (Halloween and October flavors) on Halloween to customers who visit the shop in costume. No, this isn’t a trick. Go ahead, treat yourself.
Mille Fleurs (Rancho Santa Fe)
Oktoberfest is in full swing at Mille Fleurs through Oct. 31 as Chef Martin crafts traditional dishes around this annual celebration. The authentic fare includes traditional Bavarian entrees like Stuffed Pork Loin with Dried Fruit and Broken Arrow Ranch Venison Bratwurst, among many other specialties. German cheeses such as Rauchkase and Limburger, as well as wines and unique beers are available, too. Note: reservations are a must here, or you’ll be left out in the cold.
The Blind Burro (Gaslamp)
Celebrate the spookiest time of the year at The Blind Burro. On Halloween, brave the crowds because the drink specials are worth it. Plus, patrons will be treated to tunes from DJ Mike White. If you get frightened, come back in broad daylight as the festivities continue into the morning with The Blind Burro's signature “Day of the Dead Brunch” on Nov. 1 where guests can build their own breakfast burrito or enjoy churro waffles while sipping on bottomless mimosas, all for $25.
Aztec Brewery (Vista)
Spicy and some even spooky, the brews created here have a magical, ancient quality. The El Dorado Blonde is a smooth start but things get bloody serious with the Aztec Sacrifice Red IPA – a sudsy selection featuring caramel and toffee notes. It’s so delicious, it’s downright freaky. Top off the night with Aztec’s famous day of the dead brew, Noche de Los Muertos, described as being “black as night” and full of cinnamon spice.
Tajima (Hillcrest and Kearny Mesa)
One of San Diego’s favorite ramen joints has some ghoulish fun on its menu this season. Order the Black Tajima Ramen, piled high with brain-like noodles, kakuni, black garlic oil, chives, bean sprouts, green onion, egg and pork. Wash down the dark dish with a Ghostly Geisha Cocktail, a spooky mix of pumpkin spice syrup and milky white Nigori Sake. If you make it inside alive on Halloween night you’ll be able to snag the signature late-night Happy Hour with specials until 1 a.m. plus music and Halloween décor.
Cat Eye Club (East Village)
If you’re more tiki than terror, here is the perfect location for you. This cocktail lounge is right across from Petco Park in downtown’s East Village and pays homage to the late ‘50s and early ‘60 culture. On Halloween however, the spirits are out and about. Guests are encouraged to come in costume and enjoy the Ghost of Blacks Beach cocktail: a creepy and creative mix of Appleton v/x and Benedictine, with lemon and falernum syrup. The restaurant will honor the dead with this eerie drink all season long and will knock $2 off the regular price on Halloween.
Trish Sanderson is the community manager and marketing director for Yelp North County San Diego. She leads the local community of Yelp reviewers both online and off.
