Dry January vs. the $6 martini

Doing Dry January? Congrats if you‘ve made it this long without drinking alcohol in 2026. But look away – downtown bars and restaurants are far more inclined to offer “wet” specials for patrons looking to stay lubricated in the new year: 

• Lionfish Modern Coastal Cuisine. The Pendry Hotel’s upscale restaurant started doing Martini Tuesdays on Jan. 13. The classic cocktails, starring gin or vodka, cost $6 from 5 to 9 p.m. (Purchase of an entrée required.)  

• Table 509 Bar & Kitchen. The ground-floor restaurant in the Gaslamp Quarter’s Hotel Indigo recently introduced bottomless breakfast beverage service (mimosas, micheladas and bloody marys). Available every morning from 6:30 to 10 a.m. for $29.

• Borrego Rooftop Kitchen. Up on the ninth floor of Hotel Indigo, a San Diego Rodeo special will be served from Jan. 16 to 18. The rodeo will be at Petco Park (you can see it from Borrego’s patio). Eat and drink like a cowpoke with ribeye tacos and a Coors Light for $20.  

• El Chingon. This “badass” Mexican restaurant will hold one of its signature eating contests on Jan. 25. Celebrate the fastest fish taco eater with specialty cocktails like the Battle of Juarez, a Pancho Villa or the Paloma en Fuego.
  
  
• Garage Kitchen & Bar. Weight loss and liver regeneration are good reasons to do Dry January. If saving some money was also a goal (and you’re a Dry Guy or Gal still reading) don’t be tempted by Garage. Tuesday through Sunday from 3 to 6 p.m., alcohol is 51% off. No, not the top-shelf booze.