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I really loved this speakeasy! I ate at Cardellino before & if you can, definitely make a reservation to dine here after. & check out their ice cream window too! Friendly bartenders. Intimate speakeasy with a couple of cozy tables & bar seating. Their cocktails are Greek mythology theme which was super cool, & they were delicious & strong.
Swanky lil speakeasy in Mission hill, delivering solid cocktails with deeply complex yet balanced flavors. You can reserve ahead via Resy, no deposit. The only issue is the location is so busy, there's ever any available street car parking space. Located inside the mother restaurant, hidden discretely until the host lets you in. We tried their clarified milk punch variant, Phoenix rising which is their take on spicy marg, and a dessert drink - think tiramisu but with thai tea and coconut foam. We loved them all. Service is impeccable, space is immaculate. Overall 10/10.
The ultimate girls' date spot! The atmosphere at Carlo Speakeasy is amazing, but the bar program is the real star. Every cocktail we tried was crafted to perfection. The bartenders are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about what they do. 10/10 vibes and drinks--we'll definitely be making this a regular spot!
Marina and Reuben are AWESOME!! To start, ambiance was dark, intimate, and intentional - on par with many of the high quality SD speakeasies. Music fit the mood and furthered the experience as well. Service was great from check in to check out. We had a great time getting to know our bartenders (Marina & Reuben) who were super personable and knowledgeable, so we're glad we snagged seats at the bar to watch the magic happen. Drinks definitely ranged on the pricier side, but we've come to expect that in these settings. Having come a month after the opening of Carlo, we are excited to see how things grow and expand here! Coming here on a Wednesday night gave us the energy to get through the week!
We went on a Friday evening. They were ready right on time with our reservation. We went behind the secret wall and were sat at a table. It was very pretty in there, but the tables aren't very comfortable. The seats are low, and some are just tiny stools with no back. The tables are very small and hardly have enough room for everyone's drinks and waters. Our server was nice and helpful with suggestions. I ended up trying two of their signature cocktails - the Celestial Being and Amongst the Cosmos. The preparation did take awhile. I know with people throughout the space all getting different drinks, it can be hard to be fast. The Celestial Being had beet in it, which I was a little worried about, but our server assured me it was balanced. She was right. I did enjoy the drink, and the beet was not overpowering. As far as the Amongst the Cosmos, I wasn't overly impressed. I think I would rather just have a traditional Cosmo. The other 3 with me all felt kind of the same. The drinks were decent, but expensive. While the space felt private and unique, it's not high on my list to return to at this point.
Fun atmosphere. Gorgeous interior. Intimate setting. This is a great speakeasy that's not just all gimmicks. Cocktails are outstanding and right on theme with the whole Roman-methodology decorations.
Nice speakeasy inside of the Cardellino restaurant located in Mission Hills. Make sure to make a reservation in advance! The drinks were tasty and the vibe was great. Perfect for a date night or catching up with a friend. The bartenders were very helpful in suggesting specific drinks based on my preferences.
Carlo Speakeasy in Mission Hills is such a cute, intimate spot. It's located inside a restaurant and tucked behind a wall of wine bottles -- super cool hidden entrance. Great selection of drinks, nice and attentive staff, and the music was good without being too loud. The atmosphere is cozy and perfect for a date night or low-key night out. I would definitely go again and would probably eat at the restaurant before or after next time.
Loved my first experience at Carlo! Made reservations and snagged seats at the bar which is the best experience to watch the cocktails be made and learn from the bartenders. Both were very attentive and helpful as we decided what to order from the menu. Everything was quite unique and inspired in part by Cardellino's menu. I first tried the Medusa cocktail which was a clarified funky drink that went down so smooth. Then I ended with the acihilles which is a vegan spin on a carrot cake. The space itself was a classic speakeasy - cozy and dark with enough light to see who you're conversating with. I'll absolutely be back to try other cocktails!
The service and quality of the cocktails are definitely 5 star. The bar stools and the price points - yikes. Let's start with the stools. I am an average size human and was falling off the stool. They are stiff and small and just weird. The drinks range from $18-30. I usually get Negronis but $30 here! The space is beautiful as are the cocktails. We started with the Medusa's Medallion which has a rare rum from Haiti called Clairn. It's a little funky but in a good way. I had the Achilles Heel for dessert which was made with geneveer. Tasted like carrots cake. My girlfriend tried the Devil's Whim. Think espresso martini. Both were a little rich to finish. I'm not sure I'll go back but I love that it's in the neighborhood.
What a great speakeasy! We made a reservation for before dinner and it was so nice! The drink list is great, the drinks we all had were good and the place is dark lit with great ambiance. The server was nice and we really enjoyed ourselves. I believe you have to make a reservervation so be prepared. It's worth it.
Carlo is a hidden gem of a speakeasy with an atmosphere that immediately pulls you in and doesn't let go. The drinks were outstanding--creative, balanced, and clearly crafted with intention. I had the "Trials of the Gods" and ended up going back for more; each one was better than the last and kept me wanting another round. Great service, great vibe, and easily one of those places you don't forget. I'll definitely be back.
I am a sucker for a speakeasy and after a great dinner at Cardellino this was a great decision. The myth and mist was excellent and I loved the foam. The Thai tea cocktail was excellent and I missed the picture for the Rum coffee cocktail but I loved that too. It's a classy, intimate little environment and was great for an afternoon dinner night extender
13 days ago
We stumbled into Carlo completely by accident and it ended up being one of the highlights of our San Diego trip. Our server at Cardellino tipped us off about the hidden bar during dinner and got us a same night reservation. The entrance is through a wine bookshelf and you would never find it on your own without being in the know. The interior is stunning. Dark, moody, and intimate with deep reds and mauves. The cocktail menu is divided into The Fates (house creations) and The Legends (elevated classics). I had an Oaxacan old fashioned and it was excellent. We went on a Thursday and had nearly the whole place to ourselves which made it feel even more special. Reservations are required so plan ahead through Resy. Highly recommend adding this to any San Diego itinerary, especially if you're already dining at Cardellino read more
Dark & moody vibes 4 stars Drinks 2 stars (ridiculously expensive) Service (non existent after our first order, they weren't even busy. We were the second rsvp there at 8pm. So we paid our tab & went out to the bar at Cardellions, had exceptional great time) read more
This is now one of my favorite speakeasy in San Diego. I have read about this place and have been anticipating to go for months now and finally made my way here. Drinks: 5* - Very well balanced Ambiance 6* - Swanky, chill, intimate Service 5* - The bartender and server crafted a drink based on our preference. The GM even asked how we enjoyed it after we left, that's rare these days. The overall feeling is that the bar doesn't try to impress you--it simply assumes you'll notice the craftsmanship and the service. You will have to visit it yourself as photos don't do it justice. read more
I really loved this speakeasy! I ate at Cardellino before & if you can, definitely make a reservation to dine here after. & check out their ice cream window too! Friendly bartenders. Intimate speakeasy with a couple of cozy tables & bar seating. Their cocktails are Greek mythology theme which was super cool, & they were delicious & strong. read more
Swanky lil speakeasy in Mission hill, delivering solid cocktails with deeply complex yet balanced flavors. You can reserve ahead via Resy, no deposit. The only issue is the location is so busy, there's ever any available street car parking space. Located inside the mother restaurant, hidden discretely until the host lets you in. We tried their clarified milk punch variant, Phoenix rising which is their take on spicy marg, and a dessert drink - think tiramisu but with thai tea and coconut foam. We loved them all. Service is impeccable, space is immaculate. Overall 10/10. read more
3 days ago
The ultimate girls' date spot! The atmosphere at Carlo Speakeasy is amazing, but the bar program is the real star. Every cocktail we tried was crafted to perfection. The bartenders are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about what they do. 10/10 vibes and drinks--we'll definitely be making this a regular spot! read more
6 months ago
Marina and Reuben are AWESOME!! To start, ambiance was dark, intimate, and intentional - on par with many of the high quality SD speakeasies. Music fit the mood and furthered the experience as well. Service was great from check in to check out. We had a great time getting to know our bartenders (Marina & Reuben) who were super personable and knowledgeable, so we're glad we snagged seats at the bar to watch the magic happen. Drinks definitely ranged on the pricier side, but we've come to expect that in these settings. Having come a month after the opening of Carlo, we are excited to see how things grow and expand here! Coming here on a Wednesday night gave us the energy to get through the week! read more
We went on a Friday evening. They were ready right on time with our reservation. We went behind the secret wall and were sat at a table. It was very pretty in there, but the tables aren't very comfortable. The seats are low, and some are just tiny stools with no back. The tables are very small and hardly have enough room for everyone's drinks and waters. Our server was nice and helpful with suggestions. I ended up trying two of their signature cocktails - the Celestial Being and Amongst the Cosmos. The preparation did take awhile. I know with people throughout the space all getting different drinks, it can be hard to be fast. The Celestial Being had beet in it, which I was a little worried about, but our server assured me it was balanced. She was right. I did enjoy the drink, and the beet was not overpowering. As far as the Amongst the Cosmos, I wasn't overly impressed. I think I would rather just have a traditional Cosmo. The other 3 with me all felt kind of the same. The drinks were decent, but expensive. While the space felt private and unique, it's not high on my list to return to at this point. read more
3 months ago
Fun atmosphere. Gorgeous interior. Intimate setting. This is a great speakeasy that's not just all gimmicks. Cocktails are outstanding and right on theme with the whole Roman-methodology decorations. read more
1 month ago
Nice speakeasy inside of the Cardellino restaurant located in Mission Hills. Make sure to make a reservation in advance! The drinks were tasty and the vibe was great. Perfect for a date night or catching up with a friend. The bartenders were very helpful in suggesting specific drinks based on my preferences. read more
Carlo Speakeasy in Mission Hills is such a cute, intimate spot. It's located inside a restaurant and tucked behind a wall of wine bottles -- super cool hidden entrance. Great selection of drinks, nice and attentive staff, and the music was good without being too loud. The atmosphere is cozy and perfect for a date night or low-key night out. I would definitely go again and would probably eat at the restaurant before or after next time. read more
9 months ago
Loved my first experience at Carlo! Made reservations and snagged seats at the bar which is the best experience to watch the cocktails be made and learn from the bartenders. Both were very attentive and helpful as we decided what to order from the menu. Everything was quite unique and inspired in part by Cardellino's menu. I first tried the Medusa cocktail which was a clarified funky drink that went down so smooth. Then I ended with the acihilles which is a vegan spin on a carrot cake. The space itself was a classic speakeasy - cozy and dark with enough light to see who you're conversating with. I'll absolutely be back to try other cocktails! read more
The service and quality of the cocktails are definitely 5 star. The bar stools and the price points - yikes. Let's start with the stools. I am an average size human and was falling off the stool. They are stiff and small and just weird. The drinks range from $18-30. I usually get Negronis but $30 here! The space is beautiful as are the cocktails. We started with the Medusa's Medallion which has a rare rum from Haiti called Clairn. It's a little funky but in a good way. I had the Achilles Heel for dessert which was made with geneveer. Tasted like carrots cake. My girlfriend tried the Devil's Whim. Think espresso martini. Both were a little rich to finish. I'm not sure I'll go back but I love that it's in the neighborhood. read more
What a great speakeasy! We made a reservation for before dinner and it was so nice! The drink list is great, the drinks we all had were good and the place is dark lit with great ambiance. The server was nice and we really enjoyed ourselves. I believe you have to make a reservervation so be prepared. It's worth it. read more
17 days ago
4 months ago
Carlo is a hidden gem of a speakeasy with an atmosphere that immediately pulls you in and doesn't let go. The drinks were outstanding--creative, balanced, and clearly crafted with intention. I had the "Trials of the Gods" and ended up going back for more; each one was better than the last and kept me wanting another round. Great service, great vibe, and easily one of those places you don't forget. I'll definitely be back. read more
I am a sucker for a speakeasy and after a great dinner at Cardellino this was a great decision. The myth and mist was excellent and I loved the foam. The Thai tea cocktail was excellent and I missed the picture for the Rum coffee cocktail but I loved that too. It's a classy, intimate little environment and was great for an afternoon dinner night extender read more
6 months ago
I booked a spot here through Resy for a Tuesday at 11 PM. We arrived about 15 minutes late, and it wasn't a problem at all. They were very flexible, probably helped by it being a weekday. Their last call is around 11:30 PM, and there were only a handful of people, so it felt relaxed. The seating options are great with both bar seating and comfortable sofa seats. We were brought water right away, and we both went with the dealer's choice. The bartender made an excellent cocktail for the two of us. The space is lovely, right behind a wine wall in a restaurant - super cute and full of fun energy. Will definitely be back! read more
8 months ago
This speakeasy bar is so cool. The hosts led us to the entrance. What a gorgeous atmosphere. The heavy burgundy velvet curtains leading to the seating area. And every detail was nicely done. I love the theme. The bartenders were super warm, pleasant, and attentive as well. The drink prices were starting ~$20. This was a fun evening. Make a reservation. read more
We were excited to check out this new speakeasy and we made reservations over a week in advance for the second day that Carlo was open. Carlo is tucked inside the Cardellino restaurant and has an elegant ambiance! Service was great! Our favorite was the godfather which had a delicious smoky taste. The Trials of the Gods tasted like a fancy apple juice and was too sweet for my liking. Overall we thought the drinks were mediocre with steep price tags. Unfortunately the bar seats were also pretty uncomfortable and unstable as well. read more
8 months ago
We absolutely loved Carlo! The speakeasy nestled inside Italian restaurant Cardellino was so much fun and the drinks were soooo good! Going into it not knowing anything, I was super interested to try the restaurant as well. It was gorgeous. For those of us that enjoy less alcohol forward drinks, this place is for us. While you could definitely still taste the alcohol it wasn't so overpowering. Each ingredient was still able to be tasted and enjoyed. I really liked the p*rn star drink which was grapefruit, lime, vanilla and vodka. Really great! Our bartender was super cool too. Would definitely return. read more
7 months ago
Great date night spot! Make a reservation for the restaurant about 1.5 hours after your slotted time for the speakeasy. This way you can eat and have a guaranteed table. Barcelona was an amazing host at the speakeasy and was very knowledgeable and friendly. Can't forget a name or person with his hospitality. read more
New speakeasy in Cardellino's Restaurant. Opening is hidden door along the wall of wine. I had reservation so was seated immediately. Immediately welcomed by bartender with explanation of two different sections of the menu. Service was excellent and they had excellent recommendations based on your likes and dislikes. My favorite was the prophet. Ambiance is chic. read more
4 months ago
The drinks were incredible, and the bartenders were super attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable. Great atmosphere, excellent service, and some of the best cocktails I've had. Highly recommend! read more
9 months ago
Checked out Carlo, the new speakeasy in San Diego, and honestly I was a little disappointed. I had high expectations, especially knowing it's owned by Trust Group, who usually never miss. The space itself is cool, but the drinks were just okay nothing bad, just nothing memorable. It kind of felt like a spot that was put together because they had the space. That said, service was great attentive, friendly, and definitely a highlight of the night. I'll for sure give it another shot down the road once they've had more time to work out the details, because the potential is there. But as of now, it's a pass for me. read more
After we had dinner at Cardellino, we entered the "secret" wall where wines were placed. Expect to see something else amazing. As we entered, but it was just black tiny area and to your right was a pretty lit emblem of the place. The decore was nicely done and immediately got seated in the worse place possible, the corner of the bar by as you entered. The bar stools where we sat were very wobbly and out butts got numb the longer we sat. Horrible! I wanted to ask if they could move us, but it seemed like it was getting busy. The bartender was the best. Drinks were amazing but the Medusa was the best drink ever!! The description sounded a bit odd but guarantee you if blows your mind! So note to you, if they seat you in that corner area of the bar closest to the entry, try to ask them to put you in another area. They have a small couch area along side the wall but they are for parties of three or more. This place was great.The only thing I could say is they really need to change the seating of the bar. Our butts were completely numb as we got up to leave! You won't be disappointed with the drinks. I'm absolutely amazing! read more
7 months ago
8 months ago
Carlo in Mission Hills - Great potential, but needs work This spot has real promise, but it's not quite there yet. I came on a date after seeing it hyped on Instagram multiple times--Instagram definitely makes it look way more polished and magical than it is in person. The location in Mission Hills is perfect, and the venue itself is cool: tucked in the rear of Cardellino restaurant, with a hidden, intimate vibe. The overall aesthetic is beautiful and moody (it feels like a nod to places like Vin de Syrah or even Youngblood's energy), but there are some glaring unfinished details. Whatever you do, don't let your eyes wander too much--there's still exposed drywall above the bar that hasn't been completed yet. The biggest letdowns were the service, seating, and drinks: * Seating is uncomfortable and unstable. Do NOT sit at the bar--the chairs feel wobbly and extremely uncomfortable. The seats behind us also gave off a cheap vibe, like they were the most budget-friendly options from Wayfair just to fill space. It became painfully obvious when a small side table a group was using for drinks tipped over completely, sending multiple glasses crashing to the floor. That moment alone made me question the whole setup. * Service lacked personality. The bartenders were dry and had zero swagger or mixologist charm. I'm a sucker for engaging bartenders, and these felt flat. * Drinks fell short. I'm a big Old Fashioned fan, so I ordered The Prophet (bourbon, cognac, dates, palo santo, bitters). It completely missed the mark--the promised palo santo flavor was nonexistent. I even asked my date if she could taste it, and neither of us could. It left me disappointed and not wanting to order anything else. The cocktail menu is on the pricier side, and honestly, the quality doesn't justify the prices, especially when the flavors don't match the descriptions. The space is very small, which adds to the intimate feel but also makes the discomfort more noticeable. My date thought it was okay, but I've been to enough speakeasies to know this one's firmly middle-of-the-pack--not the worst, but far from the best. They need to address the unfinished construction, upgrade the furniture for stability and comfort (especially the bar stools), train staff to bring more personality, and nail the cocktail execution. Once those things improve, Carlo could be a standout. As it is right now, I probably wouldn't return. read more
4 months ago
The speakeasy had a great atmosphere with beautiful decor, a clean and welcoming space, and a music selection that really added to the vibe. The music was a little loud at times, but the playlist choices were excellent and fit the ambiance well. The bartenders were incredibly friendly, attentive, and went above and beyond by offering us a sample of a specialty drink that wasn't even on the menu yet, which was a nice touch. Overall, it was a great experience. We would definitely come back again and would absolutely recommend it to others. read more
2 months ago
6 months ago
3 months ago
6 months ago
7 months ago
new fave spot! love how it's on RESY and AMEX covered my entire bill. service was amazing and drinks were all delicious. no food so make a reservation at Cardellinos for that! ambiance is so nice and quiet. loved the lighting and decorations. can't wait to be back! read more
4 months ago
10 months ago
Carlo was a great speakeasy experience. They had some of the most interesting drinks I've ever had. Winged Silhouette and Achilles' Heel are must try's but everything our group ordered was delicious. I'll be back soon! read more
4 months ago
9 months ago
9 months ago
More info about Carlo
4033 Goldfinch St
San Diego, CA 92103
Mission Hills
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https://www.ciaocarlosd.com
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Ask the Community - Carlo
Do i need to have a reservation to get in the speakeasy?
It's always good to have one . Enjoy
