Alchemy Choose Thy Poison
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Alchemy Choose Thy Poison is serving delicious modern Mexican cuisine. AMBIANCE The charming dining space is Al fresco/outdoors, tucked between brutalist architecture, concrete fortress, Hotel Narcissus. Mosquitoes and flies are unfortunately afoot this humid and hot summer's night. SERVICE Staff was friendly, helpful, and attentive. DRINK New season drinks arrived. I was bummed to find a prior drink gone - 海道 (Kaido) Gin or vodka, kombu-celery syrup, lime, dry vermouth, saline, olive-herb oil. 4/5 alchemy tonic: sweet citrus tonic separated by sparkling water 4/5 bloodstone: sweet and hibiscus forward, didn't taste basil 3.5/5 ABUELITA'S old fashioned: very chocolatey, spirit forward FOOD 5/5 CEVICHE NEGRO: SNAPPER, love the RECADO NEGRO (SQUID INK, TAMARI, & CHARRED PINEAPPLE ASH) 4/5 CREMA DE POBLANO ROASTED POBLANO AND CORN BLENDED INTO A CREAM soup, topped with MORITA OIL, QUESO FRESCO, CHILE ANCHO. Served with SOURDOUGH CRAFTED FROM HEIRLOOM BLUE CORN (nicely crisped, not blue) 5/5 CRUDO: SEARED TUNA paired perfectly with the sweet and tart POMEGRANATE SALSA MACHA 5/5 ZARANDEADO Tender, flavorful, tail-on ADOBO-MARINATED MEXICAN SHRIMP, BLISTERED veggies
I came w very high expectations since the reviews were so great but it did not hit the mark. The overall experience was ok. Service was just one waiter. I felt bad for him but thank goodness it was a small restaurant. Our party of 4 was seated at the same size table as a table for 2. Felt so squished since we ordered the entire menu to sample. Wish they had a larger table. Food and cocktails were a hit or miss. Overall I'm glad I tried it but most likely will not return.
SUCH A GEM- the food, the service, the vibe. First, the food- we absolutely LOVED everything we had, flavors were excellent! Our can't miss is the smoked tuna empanada. The entire staff was incredible, warm, like we were part of the family. Then, the location - I love the outdoor dining vibe and all the art. It was a little hidden in the most fun way.
What a secret surprise hidden within the courtyard of a boutique hotel! Keep in mind, street parking is the only option, but trust me it's worth the hunt. As you walk up, you'll see huge windows looking directly into the restaurant's kitchen, where all the magic happens. You may even spot a restroom along the way and wonder, "Am I actually in the right place?" Trust me--you are! We made a reservation, and the team was incredibly accommodating when we ran into some traffic and arrived later than expected. Since everything on the menu sounded amazing, unique, and completely different from what we normally order, we decided to go with the tasting menu, aka the Weekly Ritual. We each chose different dishes so we could try as much as possible--and I'm so glad we did! The drinks! The cocktails were just as creative as the food. As a whiskey lover, I had to try the Whisky Sour, aka Wolfsbane--Earl Grey, citrus, dark tea, and bright acid with what they describe as "the calm before the burn." Well... I loved it so much that I couldn't stop ordering them until we officially shut down the restaurant. Oops! Now, the food! For the first course, we tried the Baja Caesar and Crème de Poblano. The soup was such a surprise--the heat slowly creeps up on you, while the Caesar may look simple at first glance, but it was an absolute explosion of flavor. For the second course, we chose the Ceviche Negro. Its striking black color doesn't prepare you for the bright, vibrant flavors of the fruit and perfectly prepared fish. We also ordered the Smoked Tuna Empanada, and honestly, I haven't had anything quite this memorable since some of the incredible food I experienced in Peru. It was simply a delightful little pocket of magic. The third course brought braised beef with butternut squash purée, perfectly prepared Brussels sprouts, and an incredible mole. We also couldn't pass up the squid ink-braised oxtail. We never sleep on a chef who wants to reinvent the wheel, and this was exactly the kind of creativity we were hoping for. And, of course, we had to finish with both desserts. The perfect ending to an incredible meal just the right amount of sweetness to close out the night. We truly couldn't have asked for a better experience. From the incredibly creative food and cocktails to the welcoming and accommodating staff, every part of the evening felt special. A huge thank you to the entire team for a phenomenal experience! We'll absolutely be back sooner then my wallet wants.
Finding the entrance was probably the hardest part of our evening My husband and I walked up wondering if we were even in the right place, but luckily our server, Alex, spotted us outside and got us seated right away. From the start, Alex made the experience memorable. You can tell when someone genuinely loves the food they're serving, and his enthusiasm was contagious. Every recommendation came with thoughtful details, and honestly, he didn't steer us wrong. His top recommendation was the Oxtail Tetelas, and wow! This ended up being my favorite dish of the night. The sauce was absolutely incredible, rich and flavorful without overpowering the dish, and every ingredient worked together perfectly. As someone who has never considered Mexican cuisine my go-to choice, this dish completely changed my perspective. It was comforting, creative, and packed with flavor in all the right ways. My husband ordered the tuna empanadas, which were being made fresh at the time, and after stealing a few bites (as any good spouse does), I can confirm they were equally delicious. Fresh, light, and beautifully prepared. For drinks, I went with the Verde Zero Proof. It wasn't my usual flavor profile and had a bit more spice than my taste buds typically enjoy, but that's more of a "me" problem than a criticism. If you enjoy a little kick in your drinks, you'll probably appreciate it much more than I did. The restaurant itself has that cozy hole-in-the-wall charm that makes you feel like you've discovered a hidden gem. The vintage decor creates a warm atmosphere that's perfect for date night, and as dog parents, we especially appreciated that the place is dog-friendly. That was actually one of the main reasons we decided to give the place a try, and we're glad we did. Great food, great service, a cozy atmosphere, and a few surprises along the way. We'll have to come back to work our way through more of the menu
I was treated to this place for my birthday and I have to say it might've been one of the top five meals I've ever had in San Diego so unique and where it's at under an overpass in a concrete building, but it has so much character so much artistic I don't even think there was music because I didn't notice any Tables very intimate one server and the food wow our server helped us pick options for the table and did not steer us wrong all night . This place is hard to get reservations because there are only seven tables but it's worth the wait so find a time and make sure you go.
This was a very cool experience. Highly recommend making reservations as they only have a couple of tables inside. We tried a couple of the menu options and everything we ordered was delicious. Our server was extremely friendly and explained everything.
Every once in a while you stumble onto a place that completely catches you off guard. ALCHEMY was one of those places. From the outside, you'd never expect what's happening here. It's this hidden little outdoor nook tucked into the middle of urban grit with eclectic art, concrete walls, moody lighting, and this weirdly cool energy that feels equal parts underground gallery and secret dinner party. Then the food arrives... and suddenly none of your surroundings make sense anymore because the dishes coming out of that kitchen are on another level. The menu is small and intentional -- which I personally love. Every plate felt thoughtful, layered, and beautifully executed instead of overloaded with gimmicks. The mole sauce on the braseado was insane. Deep, smoky, rich, velvety... one of those sauces that makes the entire table go quiet for a second. The seared tuna crudo was fresh and balanced perfectly, the crema de poblano was silky and comforting, and even the cocktails felt crafted instead of just poured. And the service matched the vibe perfectly -- warm, attentive, relaxed, Just really good food, cool atmosphere, and people who clearly care about what they're doing. Honestly one of the most unexpectedly memorable meals I've had in a long time.
Saw this place through IG and had it saved to take the girls out for dinner. This place is tucked away in a patio space next to an Airbnb and a nearby apartment complex. It was small and intimate with interesting art throughout. I love the open, airy but private vibe of this place. Recommend making reservations since this is a small place but you may score some seats if you come early enough. We came during happy hour which was half off the entire happy hour menu! They didn't skimp on the food and cocktail selections which happens a lot at other establishments. What I ordered - Baja Caesar - Instead of romaine, this came with spring greens. It still worked, the dressing was lightly coated and it was a refreshing start to my meal. Bloodstone with gin - A pretty drink that was delicious to drink! Ceviche Negro - Love the freshness of the seafood and the squid ink sauce! One of my favorite dishes. Smoked Tuna Empanadas - I had to order another one! It was that good! Never had smoked tuna in empanada form and this was absolutely fantastic! The delicate crisp of the empanada paired with the smoky flavor of the tuna is another dish that you must put in your rotation! Oxtail Tetalas - The meat was tender and masa was perfectly crisp! Zarandeado - This one was a little too salty for me, which was a sentiment also shared with those in my group. Braseado - This also was super tender! Loved the mole, which was smooth and flavorful. Dessert - Rose Tarts - A pretty handheld dessert that was tart with raspberry flavoring. This was sweet but not overly sweet. I'm not a fan of fondant frosting, so it wasn't my fave. Tres Leches Cake - This dessert is the one to order. Perfectly moist and soft, this is the perfect ending to the night. Loved the experience, we got a random cat that decided to visit us while we dined :). There were quite a few flies around, so this took away some of the ambiance. I would definitely return for their elixir hour!
The food was delicious well thought out and presentation was chefs kiss!:) overall service was amazing shoutout to Isaac for making my first time experience awesome he knew a lot about what I would like according to my preferences and cared I truly love the energy and ambiance there! The decor is medieval mixed with an aztecan vibe is what I would call it I like each and every crafted element in the design and intentional details of the overall flow and vibe the
Best elevated Mexican food I ever had. The restaurant was situated in a very strange setup lol it was quite literally a hole in the way alleyway seating embedded in a living complex. That in mind, every single dish shook what I knew about Mexican cuisine. Every bite, a bold tangy and bright fiesta to the senses. They sure do love their mole here. Their drinks were great too. I don't typically order spicy alcohol but our server was very enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and polite about his recommendations so I couldn't refuse. When even the servers care about what youre eating/drinking you know its gon be fire
We did the tasting menu and really enjoyed it! I had the crema de poblano, smoked tuna empanadas, and the braseado. The location was very cool. Staff were super friendly and gave great recommendations. I would absolutely go back again.
While searching for an up-and-coming Mexican restaurant for a family trip to San Diego, I discovered Alchemy and was immediately drawn to photos of its photogenic dishes. Alchemy is a hole-in-the-wall spot with big ambitions, working to transform both the neighborhood and expectations of Mexican cuisine. The restaurant is set up in the courtyard of a small B&B. Aside from the kitchen and restroom, all seating is outdoors, with about half a dozen heaters keeping guests warm. I suppose San Diego seldom rain except this December. While waiting for food, you'll notice interesting art installations (particularly snakes) and white sage, burned wood scattered throughout the space adding to the experience. The flavors absolutely live up to the hype. Eddie--the owner, chef, waiter, bartender, and janitor all in one--was constantly moving and humbly delivered the best meal we had in San Diego. My two favorite dishes were the snapper ceviche and the huarache. The ceviche, completely coated in black ink, was extraordinary. Its depth of flavor came from a thoughtful mix of cucumber, mango, onion, cilantro, avocado, chiltepin, and charred pineapple ash. The huarache featured generous portions of braised beef, paired with beans, pickled tomatillo, and other fresh elements that brought balance and brightness to the dish. The food at Alchemy isn't typical Mexican fare, it is designed to feel like something you'd find in the chef's hometown of Mexico City. I highly recommend visiting Alchemy if you're looking for a memorable and exploratory dining experience while in San Diego.
2 months ago
We picked Alchemy on a whim for date night. It was honestly one of the best meals I've had in San Diego. Unique, bold flavors. Expertly cooked with pretty presentation. Tough street parking situation, so leave yourself a little extra time in case you have to drive around the block. Be sure to make a reservation because there are only a handful of tables. read more
**Alchemy deserves 1 Star!!! As in Michelin!!!** Let's get the facts up front. Yes it's in Barrio Logan. Yes it's street parking. Yes it's small (Reservations a must), but it's quaint and unique. But if you dare to explore, you'll go on a flavorful journey bringing a Mexican flavor you never experienced. My wife and I went to try after seeing a Reel. We were not disappointed. Chef Eddy Cortes brings together a menu that that blends flavor combinations that range from Puebla, to Baja, then back to Oaxaca, We tried 5 Dishes.. Started with the Ceviche Negro. The flavors of traditional citrus, but mellowed with the squid ink, charred pineapple, and chile oil...WOW! Then journeyed to Central Mexico with the Crema Poblano. On spoon and it's the warm comfort of Nana's creamy corn soup, but with a flavor of ancho and poblano that surprises your tongue with overwhelming flavor. Next the Star and must try... The Oxtail Tetelas. Again, did not know what to expect, but the crispy black masa held a secret of savory, tender beef oxtail, enveloped in spices and flavors that blend so well. The dish lies over a salsa that brings all the flavor with very very mellow bite. Perfect for all. The Zarandeado Shrimp. Ok, so to be clear in a scale of 1-10, these were a 9 in a realm of 12's. They are Shrimp cooked with the flavors or Adobada aka Al Pastor. They were large, flavorful, and delicious. The unique blend of seafood and Al Pastor keeps these as a staple on the menu. Finally, instead of a desert we went with the Crudo. Glad we did!!! This was a unique flavor explosion that fused the freshness of Baja, and added flavors of charred hibiscus, pomegranate, avocado and chipotle. You must eat each piece with a pickled grape in one bite. The complexity of the flavors you experience will make your eyes roll. Drinks... Very unique, try the mescal forward drinks to pair with the Mexican flavors. Each brings their own flavors to the party. read more
Business owner information
Eduardo C.
Kal! Thank you so much for your kind regards. It means a lot to me.…
1 month ago
Alchemy Choose Thy Poison is serving delicious modern Mexican cuisine. AMBIANCE The charming dining space is Al fresco/outdoors, tucked between brutalist architecture, concrete fortress, Hotel Narcissus. Mosquitoes and flies are unfortunately afoot this humid and hot summer's night. SERVICE Staff was friendly, helpful, and attentive. DRINK New season drinks arrived. I was bummed to find a prior drink gone - 海道 (Kaido) Gin or vodka, kombu-celery syrup, lime, dry vermouth, saline, olive-herb oil. 4/5 alchemy tonic: sweet citrus tonic separated by sparkling water 4/5 bloodstone: sweet and hibiscus forward, didn't taste basil 3.5/5 ABUELITA'S old fashioned: very chocolatey, spirit forward FOOD 5/5 CEVICHE NEGRO: SNAPPER, love the RECADO NEGRO (SQUID INK, TAMARI, & CHARRED PINEAPPLE ASH) 4/5 CREMA DE POBLANO ROASTED POBLANO AND CORN BLENDED INTO A CREAM soup, topped with MORITA OIL, QUESO FRESCO, CHILE ANCHO. Served with SOURDOUGH CRAFTED FROM HEIRLOOM BLUE CORN (nicely crisped, not blue) 5/5 CRUDO: SEARED TUNA paired perfectly with the sweet and tart POMEGRANATE SALSA MACHA 5/5 ZARANDEADO Tender, flavorful, tail-on ADOBO-MARINATED MEXICAN SHRIMP, BLISTERED veggies read more
I came w very high expectations since the reviews were so great but it did not hit the mark. The overall experience was ok. Service was just one waiter. I felt bad for him but thank goodness it was a small restaurant. Our party of 4 was seated at the same size table as a table for 2. Felt so squished since we ordered the entire menu to sample. Wish they had a larger table. Food and cocktails were a hit or miss. Overall I'm glad I tried it but most likely will not return. read more
9 days ago
4 months ago
SUCH A GEM- the food, the service, the vibe. First, the food- we absolutely LOVED everything we had, flavors were excellent! Our can't miss is the smoked tuna empanada. The entire staff was incredible, warm, like we were part of the family. Then, the location - I love the outdoor dining vibe and all the art. It was a little hidden in the most fun way. read more
2 months ago
What a secret surprise hidden within the courtyard of a boutique hotel! Keep in mind, street parking is the only option, but trust me it's worth the hunt. As you walk up, you'll see huge windows looking directly into the restaurant's kitchen, where all the magic happens. You may even spot a restroom along the way and wonder, "Am I actually in the right place?" Trust me--you are! We made a reservation, and the team was incredibly accommodating when we ran into some traffic and arrived later than expected. Since everything on the menu sounded amazing, unique, and completely different from what we normally order, we decided to go with the tasting menu, aka the Weekly Ritual. We each chose different dishes so we could try as much as possible--and I'm so glad we did! The drinks! The cocktails were just as creative as the food. As a whiskey lover, I had to try the Whisky Sour, aka Wolfsbane--Earl Grey, citrus, dark tea, and bright acid with what they describe as "the calm before the burn." Well... I loved it so much that I couldn't stop ordering them until we officially shut down the restaurant. Oops! Now, the food! For the first course, we tried the Baja Caesar and Crème de Poblano. The soup was such a surprise--the heat slowly creeps up on you, while the Caesar may look simple at first glance, but it was an absolute explosion of flavor. For the second course, we chose the Ceviche Negro. Its striking black color doesn't prepare you for the bright, vibrant flavors of the fruit and perfectly prepared fish. We also ordered the Smoked Tuna Empanada, and honestly, I haven't had anything quite this memorable since some of the incredible food I experienced in Peru. It was simply a delightful little pocket of magic. The third course brought braised beef with butternut squash purée, perfectly prepared Brussels sprouts, and an incredible mole. We also couldn't pass up the squid ink-braised oxtail. We never sleep on a chef who wants to reinvent the wheel, and this was exactly the kind of creativity we were hoping for. And, of course, we had to finish with both desserts. The perfect ending to an incredible meal just the right amount of sweetness to close out the night. We truly couldn't have asked for a better experience. From the incredibly creative food and cocktails to the welcoming and accommodating staff, every part of the evening felt special. A huge thank you to the entire team for a phenomenal experience! We'll absolutely be back sooner then my wallet wants. read more
5 months ago
Finding the entrance was probably the hardest part of our evening My husband and I walked up wondering if we were even in the right place, but luckily our server, Alex, spotted us outside and got us seated right away. From the start, Alex made the experience memorable. You can tell when someone genuinely loves the food they're serving, and his enthusiasm was contagious. Every recommendation came with thoughtful details, and honestly, he didn't steer us wrong. His top recommendation was the Oxtail Tetelas, and wow! This ended up being my favorite dish of the night. The sauce was absolutely incredible, rich and flavorful without overpowering the dish, and every ingredient worked together perfectly. As someone who has never considered Mexican cuisine my go-to choice, this dish completely changed my perspective. It was comforting, creative, and packed with flavor in all the right ways. My husband ordered the tuna empanadas, which were being made fresh at the time, and after stealing a few bites (as any good spouse does), I can confirm they were equally delicious. Fresh, light, and beautifully prepared. For drinks, I went with the Verde Zero Proof. It wasn't my usual flavor profile and had a bit more spice than my taste buds typically enjoy, but that's more of a "me" problem than a criticism. If you enjoy a little kick in your drinks, you'll probably appreciate it much more than I did. The restaurant itself has that cozy hole-in-the-wall charm that makes you feel like you've discovered a hidden gem. The vintage decor creates a warm atmosphere that's perfect for date night, and as dog parents, we especially appreciated that the place is dog-friendly. That was actually one of the main reasons we decided to give the place a try, and we're glad we did. Great food, great service, a cozy atmosphere, and a few surprises along the way. We'll have to come back to work our way through more of the menu read more
I was treated to this place for my birthday and I have to say it might've been one of the top five meals I've ever had in San Diego so unique and where it's at under an overpass in a concrete building, but it has so much character so much artistic I don't even think there was music because I didn't notice any Tables very intimate one server and the food wow our server helped us pick options for the table and did not steer us wrong all night . This place is hard to get reservations because there are only seven tables but it's worth the wait so find a time and make sure you go. read more
This was a very cool experience. Highly recommend making reservations as they only have a couple of tables inside. We tried a couple of the menu options and everything we ordered was delicious. Our server was extremely friendly and explained everything. read more
Every once in a while you stumble onto a place that completely catches you off guard. ALCHEMY was one of those places. From the outside, you'd never expect what's happening here. It's this hidden little outdoor nook tucked into the middle of urban grit with eclectic art, concrete walls, moody lighting, and this weirdly cool energy that feels equal parts underground gallery and secret dinner party. Then the food arrives... and suddenly none of your surroundings make sense anymore because the dishes coming out of that kitchen are on another level. The menu is small and intentional -- which I personally love. Every plate felt thoughtful, layered, and beautifully executed instead of overloaded with gimmicks. The mole sauce on the braseado was insane. Deep, smoky, rich, velvety... one of those sauces that makes the entire table go quiet for a second. The seared tuna crudo was fresh and balanced perfectly, the crema de poblano was silky and comforting, and even the cocktails felt crafted instead of just poured. And the service matched the vibe perfectly -- warm, attentive, relaxed, Just really good food, cool atmosphere, and people who clearly care about what they're doing. Honestly one of the most unexpectedly memorable meals I've had in a long time. read more
13 days ago
6 months ago
Saw this place through IG and had it saved to take the girls out for dinner. This place is tucked away in a patio space next to an Airbnb and a nearby apartment complex. It was small and intimate with interesting art throughout. I love the open, airy but private vibe of this place. Recommend making reservations since this is a small place but you may score some seats if you come early enough. We came during happy hour which was half off the entire happy hour menu! They didn't skimp on the food and cocktail selections which happens a lot at other establishments. What I ordered - Baja Caesar - Instead of romaine, this came with spring greens. It still worked, the dressing was lightly coated and it was a refreshing start to my meal. Bloodstone with gin - A pretty drink that was delicious to drink! Ceviche Negro - Love the freshness of the seafood and the squid ink sauce! One of my favorite dishes. Smoked Tuna Empanadas - I had to order another one! It was that good! Never had smoked tuna in empanada form and this was absolutely fantastic! The delicate crisp of the empanada paired with the smoky flavor of the tuna is another dish that you must put in your rotation! Oxtail Tetalas - The meat was tender and masa was perfectly crisp! Zarandeado - This one was a little too salty for me, which was a sentiment also shared with those in my group. Braseado - This also was super tender! Loved the mole, which was smooth and flavorful. Dessert - Rose Tarts - A pretty handheld dessert that was tart with raspberry flavoring. This was sweet but not overly sweet. I'm not a fan of fondant frosting, so it wasn't my fave. Tres Leches Cake - This dessert is the one to order. Perfectly moist and soft, this is the perfect ending to the night. Loved the experience, we got a random cat that decided to visit us while we dined :). There were quite a few flies around, so this took away some of the ambiance. I would definitely return for their elixir hour! read more
13 days ago
The food was delicious well thought out and presentation was chefs kiss!:) overall service was amazing shoutout to Isaac for making my first time experience awesome he knew a lot about what I would like according to my preferences and cared I truly love the energy and ambiance there! The decor is medieval mixed with an aztecan vibe is what I would call it I like each and every crafted element in the design and intentional details of the overall flow and vibe the read more
Best elevated Mexican food I ever had. The restaurant was situated in a very strange setup lol it was quite literally a hole in the way alleyway seating embedded in a living complex. That in mind, every single dish shook what I knew about Mexican cuisine. Every bite, a bold tangy and bright fiesta to the senses. They sure do love their mole here. Their drinks were great too. I don't typically order spicy alcohol but our server was very enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and polite about his recommendations so I couldn't refuse. When even the servers care about what youre eating/drinking you know its gon be fire read more
4 months ago
We did the tasting menu and really enjoyed it! I had the crema de poblano, smoked tuna empanadas, and the braseado. The location was very cool. Staff were super friendly and gave great recommendations. I would absolutely go back again. read more
While searching for an up-and-coming Mexican restaurant for a family trip to San Diego, I discovered Alchemy and was immediately drawn to photos of its photogenic dishes. Alchemy is a hole-in-the-wall spot with big ambitions, working to transform both the neighborhood and expectations of Mexican cuisine. The restaurant is set up in the courtyard of a small B&B. Aside from the kitchen and restroom, all seating is outdoors, with about half a dozen heaters keeping guests warm. I suppose San Diego seldom rain except this December. While waiting for food, you'll notice interesting art installations (particularly snakes) and white sage, burned wood scattered throughout the space adding to the experience. The flavors absolutely live up to the hype. Eddie--the owner, chef, waiter, bartender, and janitor all in one--was constantly moving and humbly delivered the best meal we had in San Diego. My two favorite dishes were the snapper ceviche and the huarache. The ceviche, completely coated in black ink, was extraordinary. Its depth of flavor came from a thoughtful mix of cucumber, mango, onion, cilantro, avocado, chiltepin, and charred pineapple ash. The huarache featured generous portions of braised beef, paired with beans, pickled tomatillo, and other fresh elements that brought balance and brightness to the dish. The food at Alchemy isn't typical Mexican fare, it is designed to feel like something you'd find in the chef's hometown of Mexico City. I highly recommend visiting Alchemy if you're looking for a memorable and exploratory dining experience while in San Diego. read more
2 months ago
I love eating food and I love eating good food. But I haven't a meal this memorable or delicious in quite some time. We wandered over here in the afternoon during Comic Con weekend after not really feeling the menus at a couple of nearby spots and saw this place online that had good reviews across multiple platforms--google, Yelp, etc. It's in a very unassuming location, tucked away within a cute boutique hotel. There was only 1 other couple when we arrived who were finishing up drinks only so we had the place to ourselves. Very cute, reminds me of restaurants in Mexico City. The staff was amazing, it was the server and the chef/visionary and they gave great service and recommendations. We ordered the crema de poblano, truly the mot delicious soup I have ever had, creamy and spicy with a side of most amazing homemade sourdough bread. I am still thinking about this soupI ordered the Haurache de Res and my mom ordered the Oxtail Tetelas, each also 10/10. To drink we both selected the bloodstone; if you're a fan of jamaica this is a great pick! Overall we had a great experience and am definitely looking forward to trying their happy hour and multiple course dinner menu! read more
10 months ago
Came for the name, stayed for the vibes. Alchemy Thy Poison is tucked near Chicano Park and feels like a hidden atrium inside a small apartment complex. Intimate, artsy, and low-lit--very moody in a good way. Food and drinks were delicious, though a bit on the pricier side. Perfect for a date night, catching up with a friend, or a small group where you actually want to hear each other talk. Only real con: parking is tight and limited. You'll likely need to park in the surrounding neighborhood, so give yourself extra time. Worth it--but plan ahead. read more
Imagine an intimate, laid-back, trendy restaurant... with hotel rooms basically making eye contact with your table. You could literally eat, book, and be in bed in 30 seconds lol. Such a unique experience. Food: hands down stand out flavors, presentation, portions, taste *chefs kiss* we tried so many amazing dishes. My top 3 recs: 1)Ceviche Negro: Snapper, cucumber, mango, salsa Ouroboros (squid ink, tamari, charred pineapple ash), avocado, chiltepin, morita oil 2) Braseado: Slow-braised beef over a silky butternut squash puree, with charred brussel sprouts and a rich mole negro salsa. A deep, soulful composition of earth. fire, and time. 3) Dessert: Pistacho crusted ricotta cake berries fresas con crema with added blackberries Drinks: we tried the seasonal menu but they cocktails were so fresh and delicious. Service: Our server was awesome, knowledgeable, attentive, and fun! The menu varies but trust the chef and team know exactly what they're doing. I'm still full but also dreaming of the next visit! Ha Enjoy :) read more
10 months ago
Alchemy, Choose Thy Poison is a truly memorable dining experience that brings bold, authentic Mexico City flavors meets speakeasy vibes. From the walk to the restaurant to the absolutely melt in your mouth OXTAIL TETELAS to the specialty seasonal cocktails, everything hits the spot TIMES A MILLION. This restaurant feels like you've been transported straight to Mexico City right here in San Diego. This charming, intimate spot in Logan Heights is truly a hidden gem - one that we secretly want to keep to ourselves - but we can't be that selfish not to share Alchemy with our fellow foodies. Every bite and sip completely blew our taste buds to new levels. Chef/Owner Eddy gave us an experience we will truly never forget - tell him I told you to stop by! We ordered: Bonesmoke Dark Aether Elixir of Life CREMA DE POBLANO - Roasted corn and poblano soup served with a freshly made bread made of sourdough and blue corn masa - 10/10 OXTAIL TETELAS - the oxtail just melted in your mouth and the sauce, I just wanted to drink it - 15/10! HUARACHE DE RES - this is a fancy take on a Mexican flatbread - 9/10 ALBÓNDI-SMASH BURGER - What Chef Eddy craves for the late night munchies 10/10 Tres Leches Cake Follow @allthingsfoodinsandiego for more must try San Diego restaurants, date night ideas, food experiences, kid friendly spots, with a sprinkling of home-cooking! read more
2 months ago
Fantastic! Had dinner at Alchemy this past Saturday before a show at the Rady Shell and it didn't disappoint. We had a reservation and we're promptly seated at a cute little table with a rose. All of the staff here were extremely friendly and helpful. Each thing they brought to the table was created with an attention to detail. The Mezcal cocktails were some of the best I've tasted. The Crudo was incredibly flavorful. The beef huarache was filling, colorful, and filled with symbiotic textures and flavors. This place is definitely up to the hype and they take pride in what they serve. and how they serve it. I'll definitely be back and thanks for such a lovely dining experience. read more
3 months ago
Came for the first time tonight and was very impressed!! The space is tucked in the courtyard of a small condo type building resulting in an intimate experience with all the flavor and service and none of the pretense of some other places in town! First off, the El Duende cocktail was probably the best cocktail I've ever had (I subbed Mezcal for Tequila). So good I ordered in again for my 2nd drink! We had the Smoked Yellowtail empanadas, Ceviche Negro, and the Braseado and I'd order all of them again. The menu changes frequently and based on Alex's excitement for explaining the food and flavors to us i can tell the staff take pride in the recipes and preparation. Portions were larger than expected so 3 plates filled 2 of us up but I will be back to try the rest. read more
2 months ago
Food was tasty and at the same time artful and complex. Paired with local sparkling ciders from Raging Cider made for a delicious and unique meal. I was in a party of six, which was great because we tried many dishes. It's an intimate space, so book ahead. read more
Setting: After parking around the corner, we walked down Kearney Street, quiet and dark, with our camera flashlights barely illuminating the sidewalk front of us. Then our destination, a bright and modern building almost under the shadow of the Coronado Bridge, came into view. As soon as we stepped into the light, Eddie, the owner & chef, welcomed us for our 6:45pm reservation, and seated in the unique indoor/outdoor dining space with 8 tables on the first floor and a few tables upstairs. Walk-Ins are welcome (first come, first serve) but since the space is small, reservations are recommended. The dining room is decorated with interesting pieces of art and display items, many of which are uniquely inset into the walls with a transparent window protecting them. Heat lamps and patio heaters were also present and fired up so no one caught a chill. The experience: Menus were already set on the table. With low lighting, it was very hard to read the tiny font (red letters on black paper). When our waiter, Alex, saw that we were using our phone flashlights to read the menu, he joked that they "really tried to make the menus as hard as possible to read." He then kindly brought over a little lamp for the table that made reading much easier. The narrative and immersive nature of the menu is a whimsical touch. The cocktail menu takes up a page and the so does the food menu, so the menu is manageable. Marlin Empanadas (Special) - DELICIOUS! Ceviche - It was fine, but for me, the presentation did not work. M. loved it because he really loves ceviche, but for me, the squid ink just disguised what I was eating and did not enhance the dish for me personally. Mexican Shrimp - Tasty, but oversauced and slightly overcooked. The shrimp were very firm. The potatoes were good. Slow Braised Beef (Braseado) - M. said it was delicious, tender, and flavorful. It was also heavily sauced and the beef portion was petite and was only accompanied by 4 brussels sprout halves and a sliver of watermelon radish. For the price ($38), the portion should have been more generous. Pistachio Cake with mixed berries: Wonderfully light and delicious. A nice end to a good meal. Drink: Boo-tanical: Fruit and sour forward, tasty. Drink: Dark Aether- really smooth, slightly sweet but a delicious flavor combination. Service: Alex did a nice job taking care of us with humor and kindness. It was a very busy night at the restaurant, and he was hustling, but he managed to be attentive nevertheless. At this price point, perhaps another assistant for Alex to help serve food, bus tables and reset tables would be a helpful addition. I'd like completed dishes to be removed faster, the unadorned plastic table to be wiped clean between courses, and the tables to be sturdier. Our entree plates were still on our small table when dessert was served. Also, there were two decorative bottles/jars on our table that did not serve any purpose, except taking up room. I noticed that there were yellow roses in glass vases that were sitting on the Service stand, and I would have rather had a pretty living flower on my table instead. Verdict: Alchemy has a very interesting concept and has the potential to be a go-to dining experience in Southwest San Diego. It is pricey as the check for the two of us was over $200 with tip. I think that there are still some little details that need to be worked out for this to be a true 5 star dining experience, but it absolutely has potential. I'm eager to come back again when the menu updates to try the new seasonal offerings. read more
5 months ago
Fantastic flavors, delicious courses, excellent service in a charmingly quirky courtyard. We were a party of four, so we each ordered the tasting menu and between us ordered each dish and shared. I think we sampled every dish on the menu, and they were all excellent! The service was terrific too! Definitely going to go back soon read more
6 months ago
Incredible flavors, masterful drinks and the service is a cut above. I can't wait to come back, and you shouldn't wait to go. This is a hidden gem read more
Went here with a group of friends and honestly, we tried just about everything on the menu. Everything was amazing. The place has a super cozy vibe, definitely a hidden gem in San Diego. The drink menu was incredible (we tried nearly every cocktail), and our server (I wish I remembered his name; Hispanic young man) was phenomenal. Super friendly, explained each dish, and really made the experience stand out. My favorite was the Crudo, but everything was on point. read more
We're literally sitting at Alchemy as I type this and I legit have to write it not because this place is FIRE! First of all, the vibe is so dope here, the decor is really cool and def feels like a Mexico City place you'd see. it feels all mystical! now the service - we had the owner and chef , eddie, attend to us today, and he's so kind. he gave us the low down on his menu and how he wants to shake it up for the fall, and let us know what was good to try today. His energy is great too, felt like just yapping with a friend. For that reason alone we'll definitely be back! Now the FOOD! WHEW CHILLLE. We split the albóndi-smash burger and tételas de cordero, both were soooooo fire. i've never had a burger with such a soft and bouncy bun, and making the albóndigas into a burger was genius move. the papas machas that came with us, I WOULD EAT A WHOLE PLATE OF THESE WOW. Now the tételas, that's something neither of us have had before and 20/10 will be getting again. The salsa on top is the star of that dish and completes each bite. the braised lamb inside, oh my god SOOO good! *chefs kiss* will be coming back and will be telling my friends about this spot. (def great if you're checking out the bread and salt gallery nearby for some art and then craving a delicious meal) read more
I really do not want to write this review. I'm only writing this because I don't have that many followers so it won't get read by too many people. Why you ask...because this restaurant is so delicious and so adorable that I just want to keep it a secret!! First of all the place is all outdoors which of course thrills our corgi to no end. There are only a few tables so the ambiance and service is stellar. They even have fresh flowers on the table. The owner Eddie, is a real doll. He is friendly and helpful and just an overall great guy. There is no parking lot but we found street parking pretty easily. The drink menu looked fabulous but we were here for lunch so we took a pass on the drinks. We ordered a bunch of different things just to check out the food. We started with the ceaser salad which might be one of the best I have ever had. It had a very tasty line dressing and good fresh greens and avocado. Then came the lamb- omg this was my favorite dish. I reluctantly shared it with hubby though I really wish I hadn't agreed to that deal beforehand. They then mistakenly brought out the braised beef dish which they comped for us. The beef was incredibly tender! If you like butternut squash and brussel sprouts then this is the dish for you. the final dish was the shrimp. I'm not a huge shrimp eater but these shrimp were so well cooked and delicious I just couldn't stop eating them. They are working on lunch and brunch menus and have special events! This place is going to do great. Though selfishly I still want to keep it a secret! read more
Business owner information
Eduardo C.
Thank you so much Leslie! I look forward to hosting you again.…
7 months ago
Stopped by Alchemy based on the glowing review one of my foodie friends gave it. We ordered the "Ritual of the Tides," a 4-course dining experience. The cost was $65 per guest, which I thought was very reasonable for the quality and amount of food provided. Diners select one option from each of the first three courses. I -- Awakening Crema Poblana Baja Cesar II -- The Waters Empanadas de Atún Ceviche Crudo III -- The Fire Huarache Tetela Zarandeado Braseado IV -- Sweet Transmutation Chef's Dessert We chose the crema poblano for the soup and the Caesar salad. The soup was delicious with a good charred smoky poblano taste. The Caesar salad was also fresh and flavorful. For the second course we chose the crudo and ceviche, both were outstanding with the crudo taking the win. The ceviche I felt needed a bit more sourness to it. Final course was zarandeado and braseado. Both were cooked to perfection with the beef just breaking apart with a slight pull from a fork. The desert was a tart that we shared that was a lovely ending to the meal. Overall quite the experience. The restaurant is small with maybe six tables or so but has a nice modern feel to it. Will be coming back. read more
5 months ago
Such a beautiful restaurant. I went here for my graduation celebration (intimate) with my mother and colleague and it was perfect! The food was unique and delicious. The service...the waiter and host were so kind and took the time to answer our questions. Will definitely return! Oli read more
Came here on a Saturday night. When you first arrive it's tucked away in a neighborhood in barrio Logan, easy to miss. Service was very prompt and attentive, never had an empty glass of water to give an idea. Food was outstanding! We ordered the tasting menu which was a 4 course meal and we were full but didn't feel like we over ate. The restaurant itself was different, but definitely liked the vibe. read more
3 months ago
I see a lot reviews mentioning this place is a little hard to find, but luckily didn't struggle spotting it as we got off the freeway. Before we even made it in we were greeted in a very warm way by staff. The inside of the place was very unique, and I loved the attention to detail they put into it. The space is small and intimate, but still felt big enough to accommodate my party. The food did take a while, but honestly after you bite in you realize that they take great pride in providing you an excellent dish! The drinks were also very tasty! While they may sound very unique, they somehow made each ingredient work for each cocktail ordered. My favorite one that I tried had to have been the Ancestral Flame, but honestly can't go wrong with the Verde or Bloodstone! Back to the food! Our party ordered the Ceviche Negro, Smoked Tuna Empanadas, Huarache De Res, Oxtail Tételas and Zarandeado! Everything was amazing, and honestly there wasn't a dish I wouldn't recommend from what I tried. My favorite was definitely the Oxtail Tételas, but the Zarandeado was a close 2nd (I'm usually not too big on shrimp!). It's definitely not an inexpensive dinner option, and there can be a little wait after you place an order. However the warm attitude of the staff, the presentation of the food, and the overall flavor of the drinks and food more than make up for it! It may not be for everyone, but in my book it was a 10/10 dining experience! read more
I finally made it to this restaurant I've had bookmarked forever and wow, it did NOT disappoint! We hit brutal traffic from Orange County, so I called to push our lunch reservation. No stress at all. I'd read reviews saying this place was tricky to find, but when we got close, Eddie himself spotted us and personally guided us to the entrance. Talk about hospitality! From that moment, I knew this was going to be something special. The vibe? Artistic. Atmospheric. One-of-a-kind. In a city overflowing with Mexican food, Eddie stands out by being bold, inventive, and 100% authentic in his approach. This guy isn't just the chef, he's the owner, the server, the creative force behind every plate and cocktail. A true one-man show. His energy? Real. His passion? Next level. Honestly, Eddie deserves a full-sized restaurant ASAP because what he's doing here is magic. We walked in still a little shook from an accident on the way down. Eddie picked up on it immediately and boom he set us up with a mezcal and hibiscus shot to lighten the mood. That's more than service; that's soul. And get this: this spot has only been open 8 months. Unreal. Cocktails: Ancestral Flame - Had to order my own after trying my boyfriend's. Incredible balance and depth. Hexy Colada - Not my jam because I don't do coconut, but if you love it, you'll love this drink. Food: Ceviche Negro - Tangy, salty, packed with layered flavors. Baja Caesar - That avocado mousse twist? Chef's kiss. Special of the Day - Perfectly crispy snapper over handmade spinach pasta. I'm still dreaming about it. Tetelas de Cordero (bf's pick) - He said it was rich, flavorful, and memorable. The space is intimate, just a few tables inside Hotel Narcissus. We came for lunch but I can only imagine how packed it gets for dinner. Eddie, you've created something truly special. If you're in San Diego and want a dining experience that's memorable, personal, and bursting with creativity, stop scrolling Yelp and GO HERE. You'll leave just as amazed as we did. Eddie, keep shining. You're a rockstar, and we're rooting for you! read more
8 months ago
Went for Valentine's Day. Very small venue, so you'll need a reservation. Btw, the location is outside seating only. Very cold! Even with the outdoor heaters. They only had 1 server for all of their tables... Don't go hungry, as the portion sizes are small and the food takes a very long time (noticed that for other tables/guests too). Food was bomb . Could be 5 stars, but the long wait times and chasing down to server for updates on food, and only 1 server on one of the busiest dinner nights wasn't a good experience. Experience enhances food when done well, which was missed here. Also, when I made my reservation, they didn't tell me it would be a prefixed menu, which was also disappointing. read more
1 month ago
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More info about Alchemy Choose Thy Poison
1932 Kearney Ave
Ste 100
San Diego, CA 92113
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(858) 339-2611
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http://Choosethypoison.com
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