Eat Beat: Ramen pop-up, Padres specials, and more spring detours

Spring tends to sneak up in San Diego, but you can feel it this week—menus are shifting, patios are filling up, and just about every bar within walking distance of Petco Park is getting ready for the Padres crowd. There’s a mix of the expected—game-day specials, happy hours, new cocktails—and a few things actually worth going out of your way for, including a short-run ramen pop-up, a one-night cherry blossom menu, and a stout release that’s finally made it into cans.

A Fresh Look for The Haven

The Haven Pizzeria has updated its Adams Avenue dining room with deeper green tones, wood tables, new banquette seating, and added greenery. The refresh features a seasonal menu that includes a Guava Margarita, spritz and sangria flights, and dishes such as Burrata and Beet Salad, Salmone, and Poblano Shrimp Pasta.

Roman Wolves Leans Into Happy Hour

Roman Wolves is now offering Happy Hour Sunday through Thursday from 4 to 6 p.m., with 50% off its signature cheese wheel pasta. The menu also includes Roman-inspired bites like bruschetta, supplì, polpette, calamari, and Roman-style pinsa, along with cocktails, wine,e and beer.

Harrah’s Hits Energy Milestone

Harrah’s Resort Southern California received a $127,571.94 incentive from SDG&E after exceeding projected energy savings through a resort-wide smart thermostat project. More than 1,400 units were installed across guest rooms and operational areas, reducing energy use as part of the resort’s CodeGreen initiative.

A Ramen Pop-Up, For Now

Funner Ramen has opened as a limited-time pop-up, serving tonkotsu, shoyu, yu, and birria ramen, along with spring rolls, coconut shrimp, and mango shakes. The concept has taken over the Best of Cluck space and is expected to run for the next few months.

Game Day, All Around Petco

Bars and restaurants in the Gaslamp Quarter and East Village are gearing up for Padres season with watch parties and specials. Borrego Rooftop Kitchen + Cocktails at Hotel Indigo is planning opening day events, while nearby spots like El Chingon, Havana 1920, and Prohibition are leaning into pre- and post-game crowds. In East Village, Bubs at the Ballpark, Tom’s Watch Bar, Far Corner, and The Blind Burro are all within walking distance, with Margaritaville Hotel San Diego adding a rooftop party with a DJ, lawn games, and themed cocktails.

One Night of Cherry Blossoms

Cloak & Petal will offer a one-day Cherry Blossom Festival menu on March 23, including a salmon belly nigiri trio and a sakura roll, along with cocktails like Spring in Ginza and a Cherry Blossom Highball. The restaurant opens at 4 p.m., with reservations available via OpenTable. On 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝟮𝟯, Cloak & Petal celebrates cherry blossom season with a limited menu inspired by hanami — featuring the Sakura Roll, Salmon Belly Nigiri Trio, and cocktails like Spring in Ginza and the Cherry Blossom Highball.

Wreck Alley, Now in Cans

Karl Strauss Brewing Co. is releasing its Wreck Alley Imperial Stout in cans for the first time, after it was brewed on draft in 2010. The 9% ABV beer, with notes of dark chocolate, toffee, fee, and espresso, is now available in four-packs at its local brewpubs.

Savannah Bananas Weekend at Hasta Mañana Cantina

In celebration of the Savannah Bananas returning to San Diego, Gaslamp’s Hasta Mañana Cantina is offering weekend drink specials on Saturday, March 21, and Sunday, March 22.

Stop in to try the Banana Old Fashioned, made with Templeton Rye Whiskey, banana liqueur, and black walnut bitters. Fans of the Savannah Bananas’ matchup against the Loco Beach Coconuts can sip a Frozen Coconut Lime Margarita, featuring El Jimador Tequila, coconut liqueur, fresh lime, and agave.

Guests can also enjoy $7 drafts, including Pacifico, Michelob Ultra, and .394 throughout the weekend.

A Pop-Up Worth Browsing

The Smoking Gun will host a Beers & Browsing pop-up market on March 22 from noon to 3 p.m., featuring local vendors selling vintage goods, art, and clothing.

With baseball back and patios filling up, there’s no shortage of places to land before—or after—the game.

Do you have any restaurant news? A new chef? New location? Special menu? If so, drop me a line at Debbiesklar@cox.net, and you could be included in a future Eat Beat.