Fandom could cut your tab in half

I’m a fan of the activities and events scheduled at downtown San Diego’s El Chingon. The latest promotion at this Mexican restaurant/bar/hot spot in the Gaslamp Quarter centers on the College Football Playoff National Championship game on Jan. 19.

It’s sure to score a crowd. Guests who arrive before the 4:30 p.m. game kickoff and are wearing their team’s gear will get half off their tab if their team wins the national title.

We don’t know yet who’ll be squaring up in the college championship game. The tournament is down to the quarterfinals. Ole Miss plays Miami today, and Oregon faces Indiana on Friday.

El Chingon is Mexican slang for “badass.” The eatery’s annual list of competitive promotions lives up to that nickname.

Throughout 2025 (and planned again for this year), El Chingon held costume contests for Halloween, Dia de los Muertos and Ugly Sweaters.

High-energy eating contests ran the spectrum from watermelon and wings to churros, rolled tacos and tamales. Ay, dios mío.

El Chingon is part of a local restaurant group that includes Mezé Greek Fusion, Havana 1920 and Prohibition in the Gaslamp, and Bencotto and Monello in Little Italy. The umbrella organization is called GBOD Hospitality Group (Go Big Or Die). 

Speaking of going big, El Chingon has a 120-inch LED screen (and 10 other TVs) for college football’s biggest matchup later this month. 

Imagine the prospect of watching your team win a national championship and the win slashing 50% off your bill. That’s … badass.