The Smoking Gun is offering pink Barbie wings: pickle-brined chicken wings tossed in a pink BBQ sauce. (Photo courtesy of The Smoking Gun)

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and San Diego’s culinary scene is serving up more than just delicious dishes—it’s offering opportunities to support a meaningful cause. From specialty cocktails to sweet treats, here’s how you can dine and drink with purpose this month.

At La Valencia Hotel in La Jolla, the iconic Pink Lady cocktail returns, with $1 from each sale donated to Susan G. Komen San Diego. Guests can also enjoy the Pink Tea Series on October 17 and 24, where a portion of the proceeds supports breast cancer awareness.

Nearby, Breakfast Republic’s East Village location is donating 100% of October sales from Pancakes for the Cure—a stack of buttermilk pancakes layered with strawberry syrup and cheesecake icing—to the same foundation.

Crack Shack, with locations in Encinitas and Little Italy, is serving its “My Breast Friend” cocktail, with $1 from every sale going to Susan G. Komen San Diego.

City Tacos’ Taco of the Month for October is the Mexi BBQ on a pink corn tortilla, and each order of the taco comes with a complimentary “City Tacos Loves Boobies” bracelet in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. A portion of the sales of every Mexi BBQ ordered will benefit Keep A Breast Foundation. The taco features traditional barbacoa with onion, cilantro, chipotle aioli and pink radish. It goes for $4.75 at each of City Tacos’ six San Diego County locations in Encinitas, La Mesa, North Park, Ocean Beach, Pacific Beach, and Sorrento Valley.

Taco of the Month for October is the Mexi BBQ on a pink corn tortilla at City Tacos. (Photo courtesy of City Tacos)

Barleymash, is serving up its Code Pink Cocktail made with Cutwater Vodka, raspberry, coconut, and lemon.

Over at Spill the Beans in Seaport Village, Mission Valley, Pacific Beach, Ocean Beach, try the Strawberry Milk Latte and maybe Hasta Mañana Cantina’s Guava Margarita with Tequila, lime, and guava.

Hasta Mañana Cantina’s Guava Margarita. Photo courtesy of (Hasta Mañana Cantina)

Sheraton San Diego Resort & Marina is offering the Rumorosa cocktail, Eye of the Tiger mocktail, and pink-themed desserts at Strada all month, while Grant Grill is featuring rosé wines and specialty pink cocktails crafted for the occasion.

TidBits

Beyond breast cancer specials, other San Diego food and drink spots are worth a visit this month.

Roman Wolves in Little Italy celebrates National Pasta Day with 50% off the cheese wheel pasta of the day during happy hour, and its full menu features bruschetta, suppli, polpette, calamari, pinsa margherita, and tagliere dello chef.

A pasta dish. Photo courtesy of (Roman Wolves in Little Italy)

On Oct. 16 Coin Haus in La Mesa Village hosts a Magic The Gathering Commander Booster Tutor event at 6 p.m.; $20 entry includes a $15 drink/arcade card and a booster pack.

Applebee’s has upgraded its 2 for $25 menu with the Grilled Cheese Cheeseburger and Chicken Parmesan Fettuccine, along with Crispy Pickle Fries on the Ultimate Trio sampler.

Borrego Rooftop Kitchen + Cocktails provides daily happy hour specials, including $5 tacos and $2 off draft beer and wine, with panoramic views of the Gaslamp skyline.

Lofty Coffee’s new Terminal 1 location at SAN Airport opened Oct. 10, and is serving artisan coffee and pastries for travelers on the go.

Applebee’s Grilled Cheese Cheeseburger. (Photo courtesy of Applebee’s)

From pink cocktails to sweet treats and seasonal specials, San Diego offers plenty of ways to dine with purpose this October. Whether you’re celebrating with friends, enjoying a rooftop happy hour, or grabbing a quick coffee, some of those bites and sips support local charities and breast cancer awareness.

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