San Diego Comic-Con Saturdays are always intense. Heat, crowds, and endless lines are part of the deal. So spending a Saturday afternoon “dining” at The Bear felt strangely appropriate.
FX set up the experience outside the Convention Center on the Hilton Bayfront Lawn, turning the area into a pop-up version of the show’s restaurant. The line was long, especially in the afternoon sun, but we passed the time talking about our favorite episodes and characters. The actors also asked us trivia questions while we waited, which made the time pass more quickly.
Once inside, things moved fast. This was a semi-sit-down experience with a quick walk-through designed to feel like stepping onto the set mid-service. The space captured the show’s tight, industrial vibe and high-pressure energy.
Instead of food, the daily “chef’s special” was exclusive merch. On Saturday, items were revealed under silver cloches and handed out to guests. Aprons, hats, and small collectibles made the visit feel fun and on theme. By the time we arrived, they had run out of aprons, so we received The Bear t-shirts wrapped like an Italian beef sandwich. As part of the larger FX experience, guests were also given The Bear tin lunchboxes with lanyards, which was a surprisingly cool and thoughtful touch.
Was it worth the wait? For me, yes. The experience was brief, but the atmosphere and exclusivity made it a memorable one. As a The Bear fan, it felt fitting. Fast, stressful, and over before you knew it.
For a Saturday dine at Comic-Con, it delivered exactly what the show promises. Intensity, style, and just enough chaos to make it stick with you.
