If there were ever a time to reinvent your weekday lunch break, it’s now. Picture this. The sun is dancing off the rooftop pool, the skyline of downtown San Diego serves as your backdrop, and your biggest decision is whether to order the crispy chicken sandwich or the Mediterranean plate. Welcome to Lounge and Lunch at The Pool House at Pendry San Diego — the midweek poolside escape designed for those who expect a little more from their midday routine.

Where Style Meets Sunshine on the Rooftop

Perched above the buzzing Gaslamp Quarter, The Pool House is not your typical poolside bar. This airy, open-concept rooftop oasis fuses Southern California sunshine with downtown glam, offering a chic but relaxed environment that caters to both locals in-the-know and discerning visitors. From Monday to Friday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., the rooftop transforms into a stylish midday destination where “out-of-office” feels like a mantra and “just one drink” is always negotiable.

Designed by Clique Hospitality — the brains behind some of the most buzzworthy venues across California and Las Vegas — The Pool House blends resort-style relaxation with the kind of culinary polish you’d expect from a fine-dining experience. Think white cabanas, curated playlists, cocktail pitchers, and plates that are as photogenic as they are flavorful.

A Menu That Tastes Like Vacation

Let’s start with the food. Light, refreshing, and chef-driven, the menu hits all the right notes for a sun-drenched lunch hour. Craving something crisp and hydrating? The apple and quinoa salad delivers a bold mix of chickpeas, gouda, roasted pumpkin seeds, and apples drizzled in apple vinaigrette. Want something with a bit more crunch and zing? The lollipop chicken wings, done Buffalo-style and served with a rich house-made blue cheese, check that box.

And for those days when only a sandwich will do, the crispy chicken sandwich brings the sweet heat with a honey glaze and Calabrian chili aioli layered over butter lettuce. The big eye tuna poke bowl, topped with cucumber, seaweed, avocado, and spicy aioli, rounds out the selection with a clean, coastal flair that fits perfectly with the rooftop vibe.

Sip Something Special in the Sun

Let’s not forget the drinks — because what is a weekday getaway without a signature cocktail in hand? Lounge and Lunch doesn’t skimp when it comes to mixology. The skinny mojito blends Sammy’s Beach Bar Rum with mint, agave, and Perrier for a refreshingly guilt-free sipper. The Don Sandia elevates tequila with watermelon, lime, and lemon juice for a tart and juicy refresher.

Those with a taste for something more floral can opt for the Lavender Haze, a Tanqueray-based concoction enhanced with orgeat, cucumber, and real lavender notes. If you’re steering clear of alcohol, no worries — the Desert Water mocktail, made with Almave Blanco (a spirit-free agave), pomegranate, and soda, is every bit as luxe.

By the glass or by the pitcher, cocktails here are made to be shared — and Instagrammed. (We won’t judge.)

The Perfect Setting for Midweek Indulgence

Whether you're hosting an informal business meeting, catching up with friends, or flying solo with a good book and a better drink, The Pool House provides a luxurious pause from the workweek hustle. With plush daybeds, VIP cabanas, and casual lounge seating, it’s easy to make the space your own.

Prefer to keep things exclusive? Private table service and shaded cabanas are available with reservations — ideal for those who like their leisure with a touch of privacy. And if you’re planning a weekday celebration or networking lunch, there’s no better backdrop than the breezy beauty of a rooftop in the sky.

What Sets This Rooftop Apart

While San Diego is no stranger to rooftop bars and beachy escapes, The Pool House offers something that feels intentionally elevated. The attention to detail — from the hand-crafted drinks to the cityscape views — makes it feel like a mini-vacation without ever leaving downtown. It’s the kind of place where deals are closed poolside, friendships are toasted over rosé pitchers, and time simply slows down.

Backed by Clique Hospitality, whose portfolio includes hotspots like Lionfish Modern Coastal Cuisine, Serẽa at Hotel Del Coronado, and Oxford Social Club, The Pool House benefits from a legacy of hospitality that knows how to blend style with substance.

Your Escape Is Just One Reservation Away

The best part about this luxe lunch and lounge experience? It’s open to the public. No need to be a hotel guest to indulge in poolside cocktails and midday bites. Just reserve your spot — or take your chances with open seating — and slip into something a little more comfortable. Like maybe, a cabana and a skinny mojito.

Reservations are highly recommended and can be made directly at PoolHouseSD.com or by calling 619-738-7058. More information can be found at  PoolHouseSD.com  and on Facebook and Instagram.

Make Midweek Feel Like the Weekend

Let’s face it. The demands of the daily grind can wear even the most seasoned sophisticate thin. Lounge and Lunch at The Pool House flips that narrative, offering a way to reclaim your lunch hour and recharge your senses in an ultra-chic environment. Whether it’s your new favorite lunch meeting locale or your weekly self-care sanctuary, this rooftop retreat is calling your name.

So skip the cubicle and soak up the skyline. San Diego’s most sophisticated rooftop lunch is ready to make your weekdays feel like weekends — no vacation days required.

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