Barbarella: build Halloween night around a special dinner
Barbarella’s October 31, 2026 dinner service features a limited Halloween menu, with dishes ordered à la carte. Its regular menu will not be available that evening, and costumes are encouraged. The restaurant is at 2171 Avenida de la Playa in La Jolla Shores. View the Halloween dining experience.
Choose it for: a Halloween-night meal that deserves its own reservation. Review the special menu before booking if anyone has dietary needs or is expecting a favorite regular dish.
Leave time to travel from La Jolla to the Gaslamp Quarter if dancing downtown is part of the plan.
LandShark Bar & Grill: try a tropical Halloween dinner
At Margaritaville Hotel San Diego, Lost Temple Tavern brings jungle-inspired Halloween décor, island-inspired food and themed cocktails to LandShark Bar & Grill during October 10–31, 2026.
Admission is free, while food and drinks are purchased separately. An Eventbrite RSVP does not reserve a table or seat, so confirm dining arrangements directly if the meal is your priority. The hotel is at 435 Sixth Avenue. Explore Lost Temple Tavern.
Choose it for: a casual, themed meal in the Gaslamp before your group moves on. Check the pop-up’s schedule for your chosen evening.
ARLO: make Halloween brunch the main attraction
ARLO’s Halloween Brunch takes place Sunday, October 25, 2026, from 8 a.m.–1 p.m. Expect seasonal specials, a DIY Bloody Mary cart and a live DJ; costumes are encouraged.
Find ARLO at Town and Country Resort, 500 Hotel Circle North in Mission Valley. See ARLO’s Halloween Brunch listing.
Choose it for: friends who would rather celebrate over a daytime meal. This brunch falls before SideBar’s listed Halloween events, so treat it as a separate outing rather than the start of a same-day party itinerary.
Witches of the Westgate Tea: gather for pastries and tea sandwiches
Witches of the Westgate Tea serves pastries, savory tea sandwiches and gourmet teas in the hotel’s Le Fontainebleau Room. Adults 21 and over receive a glass of champagne.
The 2026 dates are October 24, 25 and 31, plus November 1, from 11 a.m.–1:30 p.m. October 24 was marked sold out when checked on October 9.
- Adults: $65, plus tax and 20% automatic gratuity.
- Children ages 2–12: $40, plus tax and 20% automatic gratuity.
- Children 1 and under: complimentary.
- Group seating: everyone who wants to sit together must be on the same reservation.
Check the Westgate event and reservation details.
Choose it for: a daytime costume gathering centered on tea and treats. On October 31, leave a proper afternoon break before evening plans. The tea welcomes families; SideBar’s events are for adults 21 and over.
Give the meal room in your plans
A good Halloween dining itinerary starts with one reservation, not a race between restaurants.
- Choose the experience first. Decide between a sit-down dinner, casual themed food, brunch or tea.
- Check the event menu. Ask about dietary needs, pricing and any group charges before booking.
- Reserve together. Confirm that your full group can be seated together rather than assuming separate bookings will be combined.
- Allow time to move on. Include the meal, travel, any outfit change and your next venue’s admission deadline.
Wrap up Halloween at SideBar
When the plates are cleared, make SideBar your final stop for dancing at 536 Market Street in the Gaslamp Quarter. Its Halloween 2026 lineup includes:
- Wednesday, October 28: Industry Halloween Party; guestlist registration listed.
- Friday, October 30: BITTEN with Kevin Kon; tickets and tables listed.
- Saturday, October 31: BITTEN with DJ Crooked; tickets and tables listed.
All events are 21+ with valid identification required. Costumes and elevated Halloween attire are encouraged. Bookings are date-specific, and entry is subject to venue policies and capacity.
Confirm the arrival window before setting your dinner reservation. For a VIP table, ask about the total cost, guest allowance and admission arrangements.
Choose your Halloween night at SideBar and finish your meal-centered celebration on the dance floor.
