Hidden Bars
The Hidden Bars of San Diego
There is a growing number of bars hidden from public view that can easily be missed if you don't have the insider info. So check out these locations that range from the classic speak easy to unique Tiki lounges that will make you feel like you've stepped into a tropical paradise.
Raised By Wolves
La Jolla
When you think of a hidden bar, you probably don't think of it being in a mall. But it really works well for this place and it is among my favorite places to have a cocktail in San Diego. Heads up though - you might not be able to get a spot if you walk in, so I recommend making a reservation on Open Table. You may have to plan ahead by making a reservation at least a week or two in advance, but I promise it will be worth the wait. The decor, atmosphere, and cocktails are amazing! No wonder it has been named to Esquire Magazine's "Best Bars in America".
Realm of the 52 Remedies
Kearny Mesa
One of the newest hidden bars to hit the scene has now become my favorite. The cocktails are not like any I've ever had before and the ambiance is over the top. The Realm of the 52 Remedies is in the back of the Common Theory Gastropub on Convoy Street in Kearny Mesa. Reservations are recommended. Once you arrive, check in with the hostess at Common Theory and wait for them to take you back. Every guest is taken into an apothecary and given a short presentation about the herbs and tonics that align the walls. Then you place your palm on an ancient Asian script on a sliding glass door which will then open to a world of elegant decor. This Asian speakeasy features unique cocktails with flavors not typically seen in American drinks. I had the Japanese Highlife which was Tiki Japanese whiskey, plum nectar, lemon, sea salt, soda and garnished with salted plum. We also tried the Cure My Appe Thai which had Johnny Smoking Gun whiskey, Tom Kha reduction, Shiitake mushroom, lime, serrano tincture and furikake.
Room 56
Gaslamp Quarter
Room 56 is the newest hidden speakeasy in San Diego's Gaslamp Quarter. It is located in the back of the lobby of the Moxy hotel. At Moxy, hotel guests are given a complimentary cocktail at check in. If you aren't staying here and just want drinks, you can order at the bar and sit down in the first floor lounge. However, if you are going to the hidden speakeasy, you definitely need to make reservations on their website, which is quite an experience in of itself. Once your time is confirmed head to the second floor and you'll be asked to pull a red book off the shelf and have a seat. After a few minutes the hostess will come from behind the hidden door in the bookcase and invite you back. You'll make your way down a spiral staircase to a cozy speakeasy that serves great classic cocktails and a few small plates. It's a fun experience that I highly recommend.
Prohibition Lounge
Gaslamp Quarter
I stumbled across Prohibition Lounge one night when dining at a restaurant across the street in the Gaslamp Quarter. This place checks all the boxes when it comes to a classic speakeasy. There is no sign directing you to the entrance. You'll need to look for a door set back from the street that can easily be missed. The sign on the door reads Law Office, Eddie O'Hare. The bouncer standing out front really gives the impression that there is a shady lawyer inside. After the bouncer gives you his okay, you wait for the light to come on to indicate the door is unlocked and ready to enter. Once inside, the bartenders can mix up a cocktail of your choice or you can choose from the prepared cocktail menu. On the night I went, they had an Old Fashioned special for only $5! It's the best drink deal I have seen in San Diego. After getting our drinks we sat down at a little table directly across from the stage. What makes sets this place apart from others, is they have live music every night. On Wednesdays they have an open jazz mic night. Our intention was to just check this place out and have one drink, but we were having such a great time, we stayed to listen to the music and had another cocktail.
Noble Experiment
East Village
The Noble Experiment is a hidden speakeasy in the East Village area of Downtown serving some of the best cocktails in San Diego. This is a small location where reservations are highly recommended. You can make reservations on their website up to a week in advance. When I went, the entrance to this hidden gem was inside the Neighborhood Bar & Grill. However, the Neighborhood is currently closed for renovations, so I'm not exactly sure where you enter now. If it is still the same, you make your way toward the restroom and look for a wall of beer kegs. Pull the beer kegs toward you and on the other side you will find a hostess stand in a little room for you to check in. We made the mistake of thinking they would come out to get us or let us in. So if you have reservations, just skip any line and make your way to beer kegs. After you check in the hostess will seat you at a small table or at the bar. If you don't have reservations, they may let you in but will not likely have a seat for you. They do have a menu of drinks to choose from, but I recommend "the Dealer's Choice". You tell the server or bartender what alcohol you like and the bartender will mix a drink specially crafted for you.
False Idol
Little Italy
There seems to be two kinds of hidden bars in San Diego. The classic speak easy as noted above or Tiki bars. The False Idol is the latter. Located inside the Craft & Commerce restaurant in Little Italy, you may not even realize there is an entire different bar inside. When entering, head past the hostess stand for Craft & Commerce to the left side of the bar. There you will find a host or hostess with an iPad taking names to enter. If the wait is too long to stand in line you can have a drink at the Craft & Commerce bar or walk around in Little Italy until they text you when they have space available. Once you make your way inside, you'll feel like you've been transported into a tropical paradise. The walls are decorated in tikis and skulls. Don't expect to get a seat when visiting though. I have been several times and have never been offered a seat. They tell you where to stand. A server will come and take your drink order. The drinks here seem to be quite strong and they sneak up on you, so beware. While enjoying your beverage, the lights might flash and you'll hear thunder and falling rain. This thundershower happens every time someone orders a volcano punchbowl big enough for at least four people.
The Grass Skirt
Pacific Beach
Finding the door is half the fun! I just love the entrance to this hidden Tiki bar in Pacific Beach. Reservations are recommended, but not always necessary. To enter, look for the Good Time Poke shop in a strip mall. Instead of ordering food, let the server know you have reservations for the Grass Skirt. She will take you behind the counter into the kitchen and directly into what looks like a walk-in freezer. However, that is simply the entrance to the Grass Skirt. On the other side you'll be in a large Tiki lounge that offers amazing cocktails and a full food menu.
Fairweather
East Village
I'm not sure Fairweather really qualifies as a hidden bar, but it sure is difficult to find. I like this location because it is outside and overlooks Petco Park. Here you'll have a partial view of the game free of charge while the people below who bought tickets are watching on the lawn. The entrance to Fairweather is in the back of Rare Form. Make your way into Rare form and head past the kitchen toward the restrooms. The restrooms are on the left, so you'll take a right. Keep walking and make your way through several rooms that will make you think you've gone the wrong direction. Head up the stairs around a corner or two and then head out to the second story outdoor patio that is called Fairweather. They have a lot of tiki inspired drinks, but also offer some classic cocktails like margaritas. They also have several local draft beers on tap. You can order food from Rare Form and they'll bring it your table.
Vin de Syrah
Gaslamp Quarter
Vin de Syrah is below the Melting Pot on the corner of 5th and E in the Gaslamp Quarter. You'll often see a line forming behind red velvet ropes if you go late on a Friday or Saturday night. However, I've gotten right in when I've gone in the early evening. When you head down the stairs, the door is hidden behind artificial vines that align the walls. Search for the door and just know that everyone inside can see you on a monitor looking for the door. So don't be surprised if people laugh and stare when you first walk in, especially if it took you some time to find the door. Vin de Syrah offers spirits, unique beer and an array of beautiful wine with great cheese pairings and mouthwatering desserts.