11 Oct Our Favorite San Diego Speakeasies
History has a funny way of repeating itself, and we are loving every minute of it. Nothing says exclusivity like cleverly hidden bars that are decorated with the glitz and glamour of the roaring 1920s, and always require a reservation. When the consumption of alcohol became illegal during the prohibition era, underground bars and taverns began popping up everywhere. Thankfully these speakeasies are 100% legal, but they offer up a bit of nostalgia and some tasty drinks too.
Noble Experiment & Neighborhood
Tucked away behind a wall of false kegs inside The Neighborhood in East Village, is the dark and decadent bar that is Noble Experiment. This watering hole is so popular you won’t be able to get in without a reservation, but it is totally worth it. The décor is best described as grace meets ghoul, with skulls lining the walls from floor to ceiling, and gold finishes in all the right places. Pick your poison from a simple cocktail menu, or have the bartender create the perfect concoction, according to your taste.
The Grass Skirt
This gem “hides” not so subtly in the heart of Pacific Beach and reminds us of Disneyland’s tiki room. If you’re a rum lover, look no further, their collection contains nearly 150 varieties. Their Hawaiian inspired menu also has a lot to offer, their shishito peppers and tenderbelly rice bowl are to die for!
Raised by Wolves
The latest Consortium Holdings project is a bar you’ve only seen in your dreams. Hidden in a bottle shop in UTC Mall La Jolla, you must wait for your acceptance to take a seat in the revolving fireplace that takes you into this incredible speakeasy. As if the stunning marble bar needed any more attention, a 3 tiered fountain is situated at the center with light beaming down from an ornate, stained glass dome. To top it off, the drink menu is anything but ordinary, with cocktail names like “Trap Queen” and “Pelvic Sorcery.” The best part is, if you fall in love with any of these drinks, you can ask for a recipe card and pick up all the ingredients from the bottle shop on your way out!
False Idol
Nestled in Little Italy, through a false cooler inside Craft & Commerce, is the tropical tiki bar False Idol. This hidden bar serves up curiously strong tiki drinks in a hidden cave, that will leave you feeling like you’ve taken a quick plane ride to a secret Hawaiian island. We love sipping on a “Singapore Sling” by the waterfall after a long day of showing property.
101 Proof
With floors made of pennies, this speakeasy is more than a dime a dozen. Hidden inside Urge Gastropub and Whiskey Bank in Oceanside, 101 proof provides a 1920s flare in the middle of a beachy neighborhood. Choose from over 22 custom cocktails, 100 whiskeys, and beers on tap. This hidden bar does have a few rules, so if you were thinking of strolling in after a day at the beach, think again. Patrons are required to dress to impress. Make a reservation and see what they have to offer.