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    Rustic Root

    4.0 (2.7k reviews)
    Closed 10:00 am - 11:00 pm

    Order Rustic Root Takeout or Delivery

    Services - Rustic Root

    Bartending services

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    RUSTIC ROOT ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Trendy
    Classy
    Casual
    Moderate noise

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    Recommended Reviews - Rustic Root

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    Left two drinks: Prairie breeze and side porch shrub
    Grace L.

    We started off with drinks. I enjoyed the Side Porch Shrub for a light refreshing mocktail, and my friend liked her Prairie Breeze which had prickly pear in it. The appetizers unfortunately were quite small for the prices charged. The firecracker shrimp appetizer was $17.25, and came with 5 shrimps. The crispy brussels sprouts ($15.25) was even smaller. You can see the water cup (about the size of a soda can) below in the picture for reference. This app was definitely not worth the price. Out of the two entrees we got, my favorite was the lobster pappardelle ($37.95) which included tomatoes, spinach, corn, chili flake, sherry cream. This was my favorite dish of the meal, and I'd recommend it if you come to this restaurant. The roasted salmon ($32.50) dish came with creamy yam, kale and squash. It was a good dish, but not remarkable. In terms of service, it took almost 50 minutes before we received our entrees. This caused us to have to rush to our next event. Overall even though I enjoyed the lobster pappardelle, due to the pricey appetizers and slow service, I left feeling that Rustic Root didn't live up to my expectations.

    Ginger P.

    It's nice to dine at a rooftop bar in downtown. I actually only got an order of fries here. The drinks were really nice. I loved the one with pineapple and a tajin rim, and the table also really loved the ube one. I don't remember every cocktail we got but we were impressed with all of them. Service was pretty slow however. It took us a long time before someone came around to get our order in and also a long time to get our food/drinks. Vibes are nice though and drinks were awesome, so we didn't mind waiting.

    Menu
    Tatibella D.

    Rustic Root definitely wins on ambience. The rooftop setting and beautiful views made for such a fun experience and it's a great spot for pictures and brunch vibes. As far as the food, it was just okay overall. I had the breakfast sliders and they were good enough, nothing amazing but still enjoyable. The breakfast potatoes were well seasoned but somehow still bland at the same time; a little salt would've gone a long way. Hubby had the chicken and waffles, which were also just okay. My favorite part was probably the drink. I got the Cocoa Bonito. It reminded me of sherbet ice cream with a 7-Up float on top, which I actually really liked. Overall, I'd come back more for the atmosphere and drinks than the food.

    Sheila K.

    We came here before the Padres game and had a spicy margarita and Caesars salad both on HH and they were both delicious. Love the atmosphere and the staff was friendly. I didn't have a chance to check out the rooftop since we were on a time crunch but will check it out next time.

    chicken caesar salad.
    Blain C.

    My sister is visiting from Virginia. So I had to take her to one of my fav spots!! Gaslamp is a vibe! We ordered the wagyu meatballs, fried chicken, and jambalaya. My hubby and I ordered chardonnay and ipa. Good service good vibes and the rooftop is absolutely stunning BUT the food needed more seasoning. I'm also meal prepping and enjoy lots of spices so keep that in mind. We will be back. Thank ya & enjoy!

    Avocado toast
    James G.

    Food: 5/5 Service: 5/5 Ambiance: 5/5 We were walking around downtown SD looking for a spot to grab a bite. We serendipitously were in front of Rustic Root as they were opening their doors at 10am. The gorgeous interior and the enticing menu drew us in. We scored a table on the second floor (rooftop bar) which offered a nice view of the nearby buildings of downtown. To eat, we got the Avocado Toast, Maple Cloud cakes and kimchi fried rice with 2 fried eggs. Everything was delicious, but the cloud cakes were amazing. They were pillowy, tender, and drenched in the maple glaze - so, so good. The kimchi fried rice was also flavorful with little bits of pork belly. Service was quick and attentive, but not overly fussy. We will definitely be back!

    Flatbread
    Jason B.

    Heard this place has a great happy hour, so we did a date night check in... Promptly seated for our reservation at a high bar overlooking the street, great people watching! Good local draft selection so I had a few brews! Started out with the burger, truffle fries, and firecracker shrimp... all was good, but had a higher expectation for the burger...wouldn't get it again. Finished up with the flatbread which was really good... crisp crust and nice toppings. Ambiance is rooftop industrial, service was friendly and prompt, and prices are in line with the area... cool little spot!

    Restroom hallway upstairs
    Taura G.

    First time here was a brunch date with two friends. I booked about 3 weeks in advance on Open Table. Reservation was for 11a and I requested in the comments a rooftop table. I arrived at 10:52a and the rest of my party had not arrived yet. The hostesses recommended that I go upstairs to the bar to wait. I was a bit perplexed that there is no seating area near the hostess station to wait. Up at the bar, the bartender was very customer service oriented. He offered a bar menu and I checked out the good stuff. They have a very nice mocktails menu. One mocktail featured a non-alcoholic whiskey. It was like a whiskey sour, but apple flavor, I ordered this yummy drink. The bartender allowed me to taste the 0% alcohol whiskey, while he made my mocktail. It was DELICIOUS! Our server was a nice young lady. She took our orders and also answered any questions that wr had. We ordered: 2 Chicken & Waffles (1 requested as well done extra crispy chicken), 1 Biscuits Breakfast, 2 sides of bacon, 1 side of scrambled eggs, 1 side medium over easy eggs, and 1 side of house potatoes. My friend also ordered the Lavender lemonade. While we waited on our food, the staff started making loud noises and moving partitions, furnishings, lamps, and all types of equipment (sign easel) around...loudly. The noises were loud, and with the music being also loud, we could barely hear each other talk. Also, the peace of enjoying a rooftop terrace brunch was stolen amid this chaos. The chaos was a corporate lunch reception, yes a WHOLE RECEPTION with about 40-50 people talking, drinking, and mingling loudly with tray passed apps, drinks, and business. This reception was ARRANGED RIGHT NEXT TO OUR TABLE. It was the first strike in ruining our brunch experience. Our food came out and it looked well prepared. The potatoes were a bit too charred and not as flavorful as they were described on the menu. The issue with the food was that the special extra crispy well done order of chicken and waffles was pink inside. When we told the server this, she clapped back with, "This is an organic chicken so it is pink but it is cooked all the way..so I will send it back but it will be pink again if they cook it again..." the problem was that my order of chicken and waffles was not pink inside. Also, we cook organic chicken at home all the time, and it is not pink when we cook it well done. We asked for a manager. Strike 2 of the brunch experience. The manager came out and he said that he would ask the kitchen cook the entree again well done. By the time the entree came, we were done eating. My friend asked for a to go container for the late entree. Strike 3 for the brunch experience as the arguing about the pink organic chicken could have been mitigated had the order been placed immediately when it was brought to the attention of the server. We will probably not come here again, and Im sure that they would appreciate this as well. We are foodies and we enjoy a wonderful brunch experience. The loud music, pop-up business reception, and undercooked chicken is not our type of enjoyment. You don't respect your diners here, and you are willing to interrupt customer dining experiences for a "SOZO Private Wealth" company reception. No thanks. The bar mocktail is great, and the bartender was wonderful.

    Main seating area ground floor
    Derek B.

    Was here Saturday night. Nice looking place...especially the 2nd story patio/bar scene where you have a great view of 5th Ave below. I savoured a couple tap beers on the patio. Me really likes thus place.

    LOBSTER PAPPARDELLE Chicken pot pie
    Ashley H.

    Apps here were delicious !! Brussel sprouts and Mac& cheese were a definite must order. Lobster pappardelle was a little overpriced for the flavor. Chicken pot pie was a little heavy but decent flavor. Was here for a birthday and they had a cute free dessert! Good vibes overall and good for a bigger party.

    FIRECRACKER SHRIMP - delicious
    Chelsey H.

    We did a reservation for the rooftop at 5p. Ambiance was nice. They opened the overhead shutters closer to 6p, which brighten up the space so much. I wish it would have been like that at the start since it was an overcast day. If you have a reservation for the rooftop, you first go to the downstairs host, and she mentioned she would let us know when it ready. I ended up getting a text saying that our table was ready, but waited for the main host, since she said she'd let us know (we were standing right in front of her so didn't think she would forget). After some time, we ended up going back to her and let her know we got a text. She checked and said "oh ya, you can go upstairs". I guess there is a second host on the second story. The food was overall good. We were going to order drinks, but based on the reviews of the drinks, we decided against it. Not worth the money it looked it (each are priced in the $17+). For food, we ordered firecracker shrimp to start, then the salmon and friend chicken. The two stars of the show were the firecracker shrimp and fried chicken. The salmon had good sauce. Giving 3 of 5 purely since it's what I expected. There wasn't anything that was above and beyond. Service was just ok. Food is why it got a higher rating. I do appreciate that you can book rooftop specifically when doing a reservation.

    Kimchi rice
    Marcel M.

    Reallllly good! The views from the 2nd floor is what brought us in, but man the food was outstanding! We split the fluffy pancakes and I got the kimchi rice. Both were so good, the pancakes were perfectly cooked and the kimchi rice was packed with flavor and little kick. Service was excellent and the space is beautifully decorated. Definitely recommend! Food: 5 Service: 5 Ambiance: 4.7 Marcels foodie score: 4.9

    Dinner menu
    Tina K.

    5 star experience all the way! We sat on the rooftop and had THE best server. EVERYthing we ate was delicious (and they have a happy hour some nights until 6:30). Such a cute holiday vibe right now - with a few TVs if the game is on. Our faves were the meatballs and firecracker shrimp- great flavor and easy to share. They have a full bar- wine, beer, and signature cocktails (and mocktails). Can't wait to come back again and try more.

    PARMESAN FRIES

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    Rustic Root Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Rustic Root

    Who handles gift certificate distribution when one is purchased and not received?

    Hi Sherri - You can email me directly at katie@rmdgroupsd.com and I'd be happy to help you out! - Katie B, Director of Marketing

    I'm dining here soon with some plant based guests in my party. Will there be any options for them? The online menu does not include anything vegan-friendly, but I'm seeing in reviews that there is a vegan bowl. Does that still exist?

    Hi Raechelle, We're excited to share that we finished setting up our menus on Foodini! You can now sort our menu by dietary preferences or allergens and Foodini will show you… 

    Do you still sell the Dr. Jerry's Royal Flush cocktail or something that has a fun presentation like that? Going for a bachelor party weekend and wanted to order it for the groom-to-be.

    Hi Alexander, We do have a few cocktails with fun presentations and love celebrating special… 

    What time does brunch stop?

    I don't know, but they open today at 5pm, and here is their phone number. 619-232-1747

    Do you NEED tickets for NYE or can we just walk in?

    Do y'all ever answer the phone?

    I don't think so, been calling all morning 😒

    Do they still do do bottomless brunch on the roof?

    Is dinner at 17:30 for all ages?

    Yes.

    Do we have to make reservations for the rooftop?

    Hi Vanessa, We encourage guests to make a reservation to limit their wait time and to guarantee table availability. You can easily make a reservation on our website at… 

    Hi can I make a reservation for this weekend? The website appears to be down and I don't see an option on yelp

    Hi Nikole, You can make a reservation on our website at rusticrootsd.com/reservations

    Outdoor dinning available?

    Hi Sarah, We offer outdoor dining on our street level patio and al fresco, open air dining on our rooftop!

    Still open for sit down eating?

    Hi Dionna, We are open!

    Can I make a reservation for rooftop dining if I am under 21?

    Hi Arianna, After 8pm all rooftop guests must be 21 or older or with a legal guardian.

    Are they taking reservations for large parties?

    Hi Evelyn, You can book a reservation for a large party through our website at… 

    Is brunch for all ages?

    Yes

    What's the vibe like on a Saturday night? What type of music do they play?

    Hi Nancy, Our rooftop is lively and high energy on Saturday nights. Our music selection varies… 

    Do you guys have bottomless mimosas?

    Hi Kylee, I'm editing my response to reflect that we do now offer bottomless mimosas!

    Do I have to make a reservation for brunch?

    Depending on where you'd like to sit. If you want a fire pit table upstairs it would be a good idea since there are limited options and a popular choice. Downstairs typically has good availability.… 

    What are the restaurant's vegan dinner dishes?

    Hi Catherine, Our Mole Carrots can be modified to be vegan as can our Spinach & Watermelon Salad,… 

    What time do they stop serving breakfast items on Sundays?

    Hi Stacy, We currently stop serving breakfast items at 2:30pm on Sundays.

    View All 52 Questions

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    False Idol - Isn't it gorgeous?!

    False Idol

    4.4(1.4k reviews)
    0.8 miLittle Italy
    $$

    My brother found this place several years ago on his visits to SD. It's now become a regular spot…read morewhenever we are in town. Most recently we were there for an event and as always, they were nothing short of exceptional! The drinks are always fantastic but what really elevates this place is the staff. They always have the best attitude, they are so accommodating, and you can tell they want you to enjoy your experience in every way. During our most recent visit, Lamar really went above and beyond to ensure our group was able to all be together for an event. I'm so very grateful for his assistance and wanted to say thank you again for everything! This place is an absolute must each time we visit, and I would highly recommend adding it to your list to try!

    This place is hidden inside Craft & Commerce which is a quirky little bar itself. There was a wait…read morefor entry this past Sunday after 9pm. Staff was also not very attentive to guests' needs, rather just going through the motions. For instance, they noted "standing room only" and that they would eventually seat our party of two. They walked us to an exact spot on the floor to stand and view the menu in the dark (we used our phone flashlights, but it wasn't easy while carrying our belongings too), and they instructed us not to order at the bar in this colorful but dimly lit tiki lounge. We essentially ordered from staff who took our order in the middle of the floor, then we had to hold our drinks, some that came with additional shot glasses, in full hands, as we were never seated. We did find a barrel to set our drinks on later, but their process and expectations for guests was just really weird and impractical. The theme and decor of the setting was lovely, with moments of a lightning and thunder effect that made the experience more immersive. But we were not impressed by the sticky menus and sticky floor, nor the lack of service and minimal help from staff while there. We made the most of our time at False Idol regardless of their shortcomings. The bombay sling and enigma de muerte were pretty decent in quality and flavor, so it's safe to say the drinks aren't the problem here. And though we probably won't return, it was cool for a one-time experience.

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    False Idol - Tiki themed decor

    Tiki themed decor

    False Idol - Rum barrel

    Rum barrel

    False Idol - Back bar rum selection

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    Starlite - Starlite Burger

    Starlite

    4.1(2.7k reviews)
    2.0 miMiddletown, Mission Hills
    $$$

    Starlite!! WOW!…read more Okay, Starlite... now I finally understand what all the buzz is about! I've driven past this place more times than I can count, and every time I pass it on the 5, I see a line of people wrapped around the building waiting to get inside. Naturally, I had to find out what all the fuss was about--and let me just say, Starlite is giving "San Diego's cool kid who knows all the best places to be." This has to be one of the most happening spots in San Diego right now, and after experiencing it for myself, I completely understand why. Quick tip before you go: make reservations if you're planning a full night out. You can sometimes walk in early, but reservations let you choose between three distinct areas--and trust me, the ambiance is part of the experience. First, there's The Cave--dark, intimate, and effortlessly sexy. It has that tucked-away vibe that makes you lean in and go, "Okayyy, this is cute!" Perfect for date night or a cozy dinner when you want something more private. Then there's the indoor/outdoor space, which I absolutely loved. Palm trees and greenery create a lush, California-botanical feel that's elevated without trying too hard. And then there's the entry/bar area--lively, social, and very "we came for dinner but somehow stayed for cocktails for three hours." No matter where you sit, you're getting the full Starlite experience. THE FOOD We came to eat--and Starlite delivered. We went as a group, and just a heads up: large parties may be subject to a fee, which is pretty standard. I wouldn't bring a huge group here, but four? Perfect. A friend had already been raving about the burger, so I knew exactly what I wanted. The burger. Period. What I didn't realize? It already comes with fries. So yes... I also ordered scalloped potatoes. My husband got the burger with mac & cheese, and we added Thai carrots to balance things out--or at least pretend we were being responsible. Then the food arrived. And I was like... "Wait... where did these fries come from?" Because these fries? Golden, crispy, perfectly seasoned, and dangerously good. The kind you stop talking for. And the burger? Baby. Medium-well, caramelized onions, melted cheese--everything blended perfectly. But the real star was the garlic sauce. That sauce deserves its own review. If I could bottle it, I'd be writing this from a yacht. It took everything from great to "Ohhh, this is why people come back." The scalloped potatoes were rich, creamy, and hearty. The pepper jack mac & cheese was another standout--creamy, cheesy, with just enough kick and corkscrew noodles holding onto all that goodness. Comfort food, but make it chic. Our friends also ordered the shrimp with cocktail sauce, which they raved about for being fresh, large, and flavorful. The Dijon chicken looked incredible and got rave reviews at the table as well. So yes--we over-ordered. And no, we didn't regret it. THE VIBE Starlite nails the atmosphere. It's stylish without being pretentious, trendy without trying too hard, and intimate without feeling cramped. Even the bathrooms deserve a mention. They have a cool vault-like design, and the women's restroom includes thoughtful touches like mints and feminine products. Because honestly... A place that keeps you fed AND freshened up? I notice that. SERVICE Huge shout-out to Daniella! She was warm, attentive, accommodating, and super knowledgeable about the menu. She guided us through the favorites and made the whole experience feel easy and elevated. Great service really does change everything. FINAL VERDICT Would I come back? Absolutely. Starlite is the kind of place where you dress up a little, bring your favorite people, order way too much food, sip cocktails, and simply enjoy the night. Perfect for date night, girls' night, or a "let's see what the hype is about" dinner. Food? Ambiance? Aesthetic? Service? Vibe? 10/10 from me. San Diego, you were hiding a gem in plain sight... but I'm in on it now. Highly recommend.

    Honestly, Starlite was my favorite experience out of all of the CH Projects properties I visited. I…read moregenuinely really enjoyed my time here, and the food was SO good. The mozzarella sticks in particular were absolutely insane -- easily one of the highlights of the meal. There were still a few service issues, but honestly, they were noticeably less frustrating here than at some of the other properties. Our experience overall was much more enjoyable, and I actually left feeling like I would happily come back. I do think there seems to be a broader service issue across some of the restaurants under the same ownership, which is a shame because the food and atmosphere at these places are clearly there. I don't necessarily think it's an issue with the individual restaurants or servers, but more something that seems to come from the overall management and service structure. That being said, Starlite really stood out to me in the best way. Great food, a fun atmosphere, and overall a genuinely enjoyable experience. And seriously... those mozzarella sticks. SO good.

    Photos
    Starlite - Bar area after entering

    Bar area after entering

    Starlite - Pistachio ice cream sandwich

    Pistachio ice cream sandwich

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    Mothership - Amazing decor

    Mothership

    4.3(967 reviews)
    2.2 miSouth Park, Golden Hill, North Park
    $$

    If you're looking for a fun evening with great drinks and food, you should come here. It's in South…read morePark and we easily found street parking. Definitely make a reservation. They also have some seats at the bar. This restaurant has gone all in on the space theme, from the hostess greeting to the decor in the restaurant and restroom, and even the menu and tables. Such a fun vibe! This place is known for their cocktails. I forget what we ordered because they all have funny names, but both my friend and I really enjoyed our choices. The food was great too. We ordered the tofu. I think it had a light tempura fry, yummy sauce, and very large portion. The bread is roti with an eggplant and tomato dip. Very good, but not enough dip. I'd still order it again. Probably the only negative was that I felt a bit rushed to leave. We were enjoying our conversation, entrees, and drinks and got checked on quite frequently. Eventually the waiter said, no rush but here's the check. Kind of ruined the vibe. We decided to pass on dessert here and walk to an ice cream shop in the same neighborhood.

    The single worst experience I've ever had going out…read more If you're friends with the servers, bartenders, or hosts, you'll probably have a great time. If you're not a regular, be careful, because apparently all it takes is one drunk friend of the staff making up a story to get you kicked out. While visiting San Diego with friends, we came here after hearing so many great things. There was a short wait, which was fine. The four of us were seated at a small standing table, also fine. Behind us were two guys drinking at the standing bar. One of them bumped into my friend and then stroked her arm while apologizing. She was visibly uncomfortable, so I told her to switch places with me. The guy immediately said, "We're gay, so you don't have to worry," then turned to his friend and said, "Now he looks so stupid and embarrassing." I told him, "I don't think it's embarrassing to make sure your friends are comfortable," then turned back around. I didn't argue with him, insult him, or continue the conversation. I thought that was the end of it. A few minutes later, the manager came over and told us we had made comments that made other patrons uncomfortable and asked us to leave. We had already paid for our drinks and were still waiting for them. My friend followed the manager to ask what was going on, and I joined shortly after. The person complaining was, of course, the same guy who had bumped into her. He was clearly drunk and started rambling about how we had made homophobic comments toward him and his friend. This was especially ridiculous considering the friend I switched places with was there with her girlfriend. We calmly explained exactly what happened. The manager did not care. There was no real attempt to hear our side, ask questions, or figure out what actually happened. The decision had clearly already been made. While we were speaking to the manager, the guy who complained was cheerfully talking with one of the bartenders, receiving a to-go meal, and greeting them cheek to cheek. He very obviously appeared to know the staff. So that seems to be how things work here: a drunk regular or friend of the staff can make up whatever story he wants, and management will throw out an entire group of paying customers without even pretending to investigate. They refunded the drinks, which was the bare minimum. The ambience was nice, but that means absolutely nothing when the staff handles customers this poorly. Awful management, blatant favoritism, and easily the worst service I have ever experienced. I would never come back, and I would strongly warn anyone who isn't already friends with the staff to stay away.

    Photos
    Mothership - Mindkiller

    Mindkiller

    Mothership - Away Mission

    Away Mission

    Mothership - The bar area

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    The bar area

    Bar Kamon - Hokkaido White Lover

    Bar Kamon

    4.6(278 reviews)
    0.5 miEast Village
    $$
    Private events
    Takes reservations

    WOW i was so happy with this speakeasy !! finding the entrance was a bit tricky at first, but we…read morewalked into the bakery with 2 other parties and we all helped each other LOL. so cute that it's in a bakery though - definitely wanna come back to try the bakery goods and drinks! we had a reservation for 2 @ 8:45pm, and we got seated at a table. loved the ambiance, dimly lit but still a good amount of light, the japanese decor - it was all so great and immersive. our server Moe was so kind and explained the concept + menu to us, and she also helped me with choosing a drink after i told her i like sweet flavors :) food we ordered: - korean cucumber salad: smashed cucmbers in a korean chili sauce that was yummy but pretttty salty. i do think though that it paired really nicely with my sweeter drinks bc i love a sweet & salty pairing - alone though, it def could've been a bit much - nagoya karaage: delicious, crispy & tender chicken pieces! the flavor gave orange/citrus-y chicken to us, and we really enjoyed it drinks we ordered: - ao ichigo: this drink was sweet, light, and tart. the strawberry flavor really came through, and i thought i wouldn't feel anything after drinking it but the reposado/vodka/vermouth combo sneaks up on ya haha - sesame old fashioned: my fiancé is a new old fashioned drinker, and he enjoyed this one. he did say it was pretty standard in its flavor and he wishes he could've tasted the sesame more, but that being said it was one of the better old fashioneds that he's had - white lover: i think this drink was my favorite! a perfect ending drink since it was creamy from the calpico. it comes with a little circle scoop of some type of sweet ice cream that pairs PERFECTLY with this drink - you can either lick it as you sip the drink (which i did at the beginning), or just drop it into your drink (which i did at the end). it definitely enhanced the flavor so i really enjoyed this drink overall a great experience, can't wait to come back sometime so try more of their omiyage cocktails! :-)

    Bar Kamon is a speakeasy hidden inside of Asa bakery in downtown SD. Fantastic ambiance with a lot…read moreof Japanese-inspired decor and drinks. My party ordered a whiskey flight, the sojiros sprotini, the trash panda, and the ube cocktail. All had very unique flavors. Will be returning to try more drinks on the menu! I highly recommend reservations, especially on Friday evenings and weekends. I tried walking-in on a Friday night and was turned away because of how busy it was. Also - do not try to open the door yourself manually... My party was berated for doing so, oops.

    Photos
    Bar Kamon
    Bar Kamon - Hibiki old Fashioned

    Hibiki old Fashioned

    Bar Kamon - Tokyo Banana

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    Tokyo Banana

    Convoy Music Bar - Lychee Martini

    Convoy Music Bar

    4.5(425 reviews)
    7.9 miKearny Mesa
    $$

    I've been coming to Music Bar since they first opened, and somehow never got around to writing a…read morereview. This one is long overdue--not that they need my review, because by now everyone already knows how amazing this place is. What keeps me coming back is the combination of great music, an energetic vibe, outstanding service, and some of the most creative cocktails you'll find anywhere. Tonight was girls' night out, so we decided to order the prettier, and sweeter cocktails. But don't let the sweet flavors fool you--they are definitely generous with the alcohol. These drinks may taste dangerously easy to sip, but they pack a punch! I don't even remember the names of the cocktails we ordered, but honestly, that doesn't matter because the menu changes so often. And that's one of the things I love most about Music Bar. Every visit brings something new, fresh, and exciting to try. Both of my drinks were absolutely delicious, with the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. I honestly don't know how the bartenders come up with these combinations, but kudos to the team for constantly pushing their creativity while still making every cocktail incredibly well balanced. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a regular, Music Bar never disappoints. I'll definitely keep coming back to see what new creations they come up with next. Cheers to one of my favorite cocktail spots in San Diego!

    Convoy Music Bar was my first HiFi experience and it did not disappoint! CMB is an intimate…read morelistening bar situated in an alleyway with a dark and moody ambiance. Speakers and vinyls line the walls. Vibes are more elevated here than at your usual bar. I ordered the Nickel Fortune, which came out with a fun tarot card. It was a savory drink with a nice lingering of sesame oil after each sip. Seating is pretty limited inside, so reservations are recommended. CMB's website states that "cocktail attire is celebrated."

    Photos
    Convoy Music Bar - Corner table view:  large JBL speakers with Macintosh amps

    Corner table view: large JBL speakers with Macintosh amps

    Convoy Music Bar - Interior

    Interior

    Convoy Music Bar - Interior

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    Interior

    Polite Provisions - Uncle Jalapeño

    Polite Provisions

    4.3(2k reviews)
    4.0 miUniversity Heights, North Park
    $$

    Always a 5 Star experience when gathering for drinks here…read more Over the years, the names have changed for the provider of Polite Provision's delicious orderable food to go along with their polite provisions. Items such as scrupulously prepared meatballs, fried polenta, spaghetti with mushroom sauce, etc., from the prior next-door, connected purveyor "Soda and Swine"...but those days are done ...I digress. And where is Soda and Swine's Yelp page? I know I did a review, but now the page appears gone completely in search? Nah, it's just hidden, presumably to accommodate Fortunate Sons, which opened about a year ago after re-construction of both establishments. I'm too lazy to see if still owned by Consortium Group. I did search my reviews and found my updated Soda & Swine review dated 8 & 10 years ago. O_o !! Now, food is still served, however, there's a new name in town called "Fortunate Son" (next door, connected). Apparently, food now served is Asian-inspired. I've not visited recently to taste. The North Park area is a great neighborhood with many different types of food close by. While you're there, don't forget to stop by "An's Dry Cleaners", where the most inventive gelato's, ice creams and sorbets come from.

    You can order from the bar or your table. Lots of different seating options indoors and outdoors…read more Very extensive drink menu almost too many options. The drinks we ordered were good and service didn't take too long. Right next to Fortunate Son so you can order food from them and enjoy in their bar.

    Photos
    Polite Provisions - Want. Make. Disco.

    Want. Make. Disco.

    Polite Provisions - Real oil lamps!

    Real oil lamps!

    Polite Provisions - Art deco

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    Art deco

    Realm of the 52 Remedies - Clouds over Thailand

    Realm of the 52 Remedies

    4.4(884 reviews)
    8.2 miKearny Mesa
    $$

    My friend and I made reservations here for this past Thursday at 9 PM, and I'm already looking…read moreforward to coming back! Definitely make a reservation in advance through OpenTable because they fill up pretty quickly. There is also a deposit required, which you can lose if you no-show or cancel within 24 hours, but the deposit is refunded once you arrive for your reservation. When you arrive, a hostess greets you at the entrance. There's a small waiting area where you can sit until they come get you. Then there's a door where you press a button, and it opens to bring you into the restaurant/bar. Inside, there's a mix of tables and bar seating, and they serve food in addition to having an extensive cocktail menu. The drink menu was definitely the highlight for me. There were so many creative and unique cocktails that really stood out. I'm usually not a huge cocktail person because I don't like overly sweet drinks, and it can be surprisingly difficult to find cocktails that are both original and sophisticated enough to actually sip and enjoy. They definitely nailed that here. I tried several: *Kasato Maru: This was so smooth and absolutely delicious. By far my favorite. You could really pick up the St. Germain elderflower and pear, and the flavors worked beautifully together. Definitely one of my favorites. *Sunomono: This was more liquor-forward, but still incredibly smooth. Definitely a good choice if you want something that lets the spirits shine. *Je Ju: Unfortunately, this one wasn't for me. It had a really unusual flavor that just didn't work with my palate, and my friend wasn't a fan either. I'm usually not one to send a drink back, but the staff was fantastic about it. They happily took it back and made me a completely different cocktail. *Softly Spoken: My friend ordered this one, and it came in a glass filled with small ice cubes. I tried it and thought it was really good, but it wasn't quite my personal preference. It definitely had more of a fruity flavor profile. The food looked absolutely amazing although we didn't eat here this time. There are still so many cocktails on the menu that I want to try so I'll definitely need to come back. The atmosphere is dimly lit, intimate, and full of character. It has that cool, moody feel that makes you want to sit back, sip a cocktail, and stay awhile. And the service was phenomenal from start to finish. Overall, this was such a fun experience. Great atmosphere, creative cocktails, excellent service, and plenty more on the menu I still want to try. I can't wait to come back!

    This speakeasy was such a fun experience…read more The entryway and the decor, music,lighting and Anime playing on the walls all added to an asian inspired sensory deluge. Loved the drinks, food, and the service. Highly recommend a visit!

    Photos
    Realm of the 52 Remedies - Sitting area

    Sitting area

    Realm of the 52 Remedies - Main dining area

    Main dining area

    Realm of the 52 Remedies - View from my table

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    View from my table

    Rustic Root - cocktailbars - Updated August 2026

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