Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    The Rooftop

    3.7 (177 reviews)
    Open • 11:00 am - 10:00 pm
    Updated over 3 months ago

    The Rooftop Photos

    THE ROOFTOP ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Trendy
    Classy
    Good for groups

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - The Rooftop

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Brussel & Apple Salad
    Lauren X.

    Very beautiful venue on the top of the hotel. Don't underestimate the hotel food because this is one of the best salad & salmon we've ever had. Could not take a picture of the salmon before it was finished. The salad was excellent with the amount of dressing on it. Great portion for the price. There is a beautiful outdoor area with fireplace and a huge screen, as well as the inside area where you can see the sunset by the large window. We will definitely be back for the food, even if we don't stay here. I love how the heater is dedicated to each table on the outside so you never get cold.

    Food
    Keri W.

    This bar/restaurant is on the roof of the Carte Hotel on Ash. We have been here twice now. The first time was when a friend was visiting from out of town and then we decided to stay for the weekend and bring the pups. Staff are very nice. The views are great too. They have 2 outdoor areas and one of them has a huge tv. The drinks are great! The food was a mix between good and eh. Steak sandwich- my husband said it was good. Charcuterie- was really good. It had 2 cheeses and 2 meats and all the extras you would expect like pickled veggies and fruit. Pizza- this was a miss. It honestly tasted like microwaveable pizza and it wasn't even fully cooked on the bottom. Everything other than the pizza was good. Also, we were able to bring our pups with us! The video was when we had dinner and we were inside.

    Deanne L.

    We stayed at the Carte Hilton hotel, which is where this rooftop bar is located. The hotel gives you $15 restaurant credit so I took advantage of that here. We were only there for a short time, but everything went well. I ordered the Strawberry Fields, a strawberry basil tequila cocktail, while my boyfriend got the Rosemary Smoke, a mezcal with rosemary. Mine tasted great with a couple pieces of strawberry inside. Pricey with the cocktails $17 each, but glad I got that credit to use. Highly recommend sitting outside with a view of downtown plus a huge big screen TV and fire pits. Looks perfect for groups. Service was nice and was easy to apply credit from hotel.

    Dara T.

    We went there for some drinks after lunch. Service was great and the ambiance is really nice. You go to the hotel and take the elevator to roof . It's a digital button elevator so it'll say roof. Drink was pretty good. I got a pomegranate Mock tail drink. We went around 4pm so it was nice to get away from the sun and into the breeze of a rooftop where there was a big screen TV and plenty of spaces to lounge around.

    Risto K.

    Cute location for drinks - but I would not eat dinner! Came in on Thursday night for dinner. Located on top floor of Carte hotel, it is an awesome location for happy hour and drinks. Food was disappointing! Burger came in cold, and likely it was made in the kitchen on lower floor and carried upstairs to restaurant. Caesar salad consisted of four leaves of romaine with dressing on them. Service was all right, but nothing special.

    Relaxing by the fire pit drinking a Cali Creamin'
    Anabel H.

    I love coming here every time I am in Downtown SD! The ambience is great and the service is amazing, our server Jessica always greets us with such Joy and makes us feel welcomed:) They have a great selection of draft beer, Cali Creamin' Vanilla cream ale, Mother Earth 5% is my favorite draft beer! They had a Valentine's Day specialty menu and we tried the bucatini pasta with lobster and for desert we had the chocolate and strawberry. The carte burger was very good and so is their calabrese pizza!

    Cocktails
    Vida K.

    Rooftop bar at the Carte hotel. Beautiful cocktails with a nice indoor/outdoor feel. Fire pits, heat lamps, seating and a large TV for watching sports. $17/each cocktail. They also have wine, beer and food.

    Truffle poutine
    Sam E.

    What a lovely rooftop restaurant at the modern style Carte- Hilton in San Diego! Loved coming here for an easy fun and delicious dinner. The service was great, one of the waitresses Jhezzie was the best she brought our drinks & food out immediately, always greeted us with a smile and gave us great recommendations of fun things to do in San Diego. One dish that stood out was the truffle poutine. The only thing better than fries would be fries topped with fried cheese & gravy and this did not disappoint. The truffle flavor brought it from a 10 to an 11/10. The restaurant lounge space itself is very modern in its style & appearance, great for anything from family vacation dinner to business dinner. I would definitely come here again to both stay in the hotel and dine in. This restaurant and hotel definitely made my stay in SD extra enjoyable.

    Menu
    Troy H.

    Service is iffy. The menu is limited, ambiance is nice but not worth the price in my opinion. I ordered the burger and it was missing topping. Remind you this burger cost $24.

    Truffle Poutine
    Jane A.

    16 FLOORS ABOVE ASH (5 stars) - FOOD/DRINKS: yums - SERVICE: excellent - PRICE: hotel prices - AMBIANCE: beautiful What a gem! I love how it's NOT located in Gaslamp where all the other rooftops are or in overly populated areas like Little Italy - not into crowds (obviously) haha. It's a bit off to the side. The vibe is cool, mostly business/grown people and very mature crowd. It's smaller than the pictures portray but it's still spacious in its way. Part of it is indoor, part of it is outdoor, stunning views of downtown and buildings (not so much the water). Playing 90s r&b and 90s hits (SO MY VIBE). :: FOOD/SIPPIES :: TRUFFLE POUTINE ($24) - French fries, beer braised short rib, cheese curd, truffle + mushroom gravy, truffle zest. My goodness, this was super delicious. It's very hearty, very heavy, yup likely make your tummy turn a little, but all worth it. I tend to stay away from truffle flavored stuff if it's actually not the real truffle because truffle flavor can be quite overpowering. This has truffle flavor but was not truffled out. Plenty of fries coated with gravy that had small shavings of mushroom and light truffle flavor. The short ribs were very tender and flavorful. The cheese curds to my surprise were touch. It was exciting when one popped into the mouth because the flavor of truffle, gravy, fries, short rib and then cheese curd all in a bite was deeeeeslicious. Whatever you don't eat you can pack to-go. Did you know this is only $12 during HH. HIGHLY RECOMMEND FOREVER YOURS ($18) - You & Yours Sunday gin, pandan, lemon St. Germain, camomile, soda. I loved everything about this drink from the light spritz feel, to the refreshing flavors, and of course a loyal consume to You & Yours. Perfect drink to sip on during a meal. HIGHLY RECOMMEND :: SERVICE :: I had a really good server named Bernadette. She recommended the right items when in limbo, checked up on all her tables at the right times, not too much and not too little. Very good customer service that you don't typically see from an average server. Tip those people tell! Will I be back? This could be a regular occurrence. JABA APPROVED. Until the next review...

    Hosai W.

    The ambiance is cool, has plenty indoor, out door seating. The outdoor is kinda odd because it is does get hot during summer ( they have umbrella but doesn't help on a hot SD day). I can only comment on the HH, the food options were meh in general, nothing light or summery or hot weather friendly; so got pizza, dip n fries ( not the choices I will make in summer for HH). The food was okay, drinks were alright. The service was great, very attentive, checked on us often enough but not too often to make us uncomfortable. The views are great, multiple TV playing games so it is a good place to watch a game, catch up with friends. I might go again- to watch game or quick drink with friends but not food.

    Alicia S.

    Nice rooftop bar and lounge. They have an outdoor big screen TV and typically show relevant sporting events live. Servers are all friendly and the food is good. They have a nice range of highlighted cocktails and a full bar with beer on tap. Prices are elevated as a result of being attached to the hotel. Service was exceptional!

    Lisa S.

    Super fun spot! We went up twice since we were staying at the hotel. Drinks were yummy and the music was on POINT! Such a chill vibe with a great view. We sat at the bar once night and struck up great conversations with the bartender, Danyelle! She was fabulous!

    Chilaquiles

    See all

    Photo of Mike J.
    498
    446
    2608

    3 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Rex C.
    1061
    1678
    7302

    1 year ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 1
    Love this 5
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jacob Q.
    20
    142
    75

    1 month ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Mira P.
    860
    582
    3364

    11 months ago

    Helpful 7
    Thanks 2
    Love this 5
    Oh no 1

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 1
    Love this 5
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 2
    Love this 2
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Risto K.
    342
    1077
    6433

    2 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 3

    3 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Sam E.
    595
    429
    1684

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jane A.
    400
    2781
    6459

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Nicole N.
    159
    16
    0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Steven W.
    538
    3245
    21736

    3 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of M J.
    0
    2
    0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Tina S.
    34
    45
    38

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    4 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of K J.
    3
    55
    6

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Lam B.
    367
    787
    3981

    4 years ago

    Helpful 10
    Thanks 0
    Love this 8
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 5

    Ask the Community - The Rooftop

    Is there smoking area here at the rooftop bar?

    No it is 100 percent smoke free.

    Is there a dress code or is shorts and a shirt ok?

    It was a casual environment. Shorts and shirt ok

    Are Reservations required?

    We went on Mother's Day evening, 2022 (on a Sunday obviously), and did not require reservations. Friday and Saturday may be another thing. I'd give them a call to verify, especially if those are the days you are interested in.

    Do you need to take an elevator to get there or are there stairs?

    You take an elevator -just push the button at the elevators that calls for the 16th floor Above Ash Lounge/Restaurant. I believe it is elevator #1 that takes you!

    Can I bring my baby at night?

    Yes

    Are pets allowed?

    Pets are not allowed

    Happy Hour menu?

    I've only been there once but the Brussels sprouts app was delicious!

    View All 11 Questions

    You might also consider

    Raised By Wolves - Lots o' Scotch

    Raised By Wolves

    4.3(2.3k reviews)
    10.9 mi•University City
    •$$$

    RAISED BY WOLVES @ UTC LA JOLLA…read more Raised by Wolves is located inside UTC La Jolla, tucked away in the very back of the mall near the Din Tai Fung area. I would definitely recommend parking around Corner Bakery or near 24 Hour Fitness for the closest way in. This was my very first time going to Raised by Wolves. I made a reservation on OpenTable, and if you are reading this right now, I highly recommend booking one. When we got there, the wait was two hours for people without a reservation. I booked for 9 PM on a Saturday night with my friends after dinner. We actually arrived at UTC earlier than expected, so we let the host know and they let us in about 20 minutes early. As for parking, they do not validate here. Parking is free for the first hour and then two dollars per hour after that, so just be aware that you may end up paying for parking when you visit this bar. It is set up like a speakeasy, which is really cool. You get to see where the actual bar is hidden. We ended up ordering a bunch of cocktails and the drinks were super great. I really loved the vibe overall. It was lively and chatty, and the staff was super friendly. The ambiance is very dark and classy. Keep in mind they do not serve food here. It is purely drinks only. Overall, I would definitely recommend stopping by.

    LOVE THIS SPEAKEASY…read more Shoutout Taylor and Lexi for the incredible service. The ambiance and drinks are unmatched.

    Photos
    Raised By Wolves - Tiramitini and Mojito.

    Tiramitini and Mojito.

    Raised By Wolves - The secret panel that rotates like a carousel into the wolf den.

    The secret panel that rotates like a carousel into the wolf den.

    Raised By Wolves - Smells of leather bound books and rich mahogany

    See all

    Smells of leather bound books and rich mahogany

    False Idol - Reserve Mai Tai

    False Idol

    4.4(1.4k reviews)
    0.1 mi•Little Italy
    •$$

    False Idol is a tiki bar and speakeasy hidden away at the back of Craft & Commerce. Although…read moreindistinguishable from the outside, the entrance to the speakeasy is clear once you enter Craft & Commerce. Our hostess was really nice and let us sit although a couple of our party members were running late. On that note - reservations for a table are quite hard to get here. My friend just happened to see one pop up on OpenTable and immediately grabbed it. If you don't have a reservation, it's standing room only.  After walking through a cavern of glowing skulls, you emerge into a lively Tiki atmosphere. Colorful glass baubles hang from the ceiling suspended by a rope netting while Tiki effigies stare at you from the walls. There's even a small waterfall in the back corner. The atmosphere inside is lively and busy. The floor is packed with standing patrons chatting about. Lucky for us, we got to sit at one of the few tables they had available. Every once few minutes, the ceiling thunders because one of the groups orders a punch bowl, complete with sound effects and pyrotechnics. My favorite drink of the night was the Mac Nut Chi Chi. It was sweet and creamy, which contrasted very nicely with the salted macadamia nut. I liked it so much, I even asked for the recipe. Another drink I enjoyed was the Saturn, which is a classic Tiki drink. In comparison to the other drinks of the night, this one felt a bit more posh. It was served up and simple and elegant in its presentation. On the nose, it was very refreshing and citrusy, and on the palate, it was light and refreshing with floral notes. I also enjoyed the Reserve Mai Tai, which was quite strong. I can definitely see why it's so hard to get a table at False Idol. I had an amazing time and would totally come back.

    We ate at Craft and Commerce and decided to jump in line for False Idol as walk-ins. Luckily we…read morelined up near opening because there were quite a few reservationists that showed up on a Friday night. We were led into a dimly lit speakeasy soon after lining up. Fortunately we got bar seating. The bar then quickly filled up with many standing as the bar got crowded. As far as drinks, their menu had many listed drinks. Wifey and I started with Rum Old Fashioneds and they were delicious. Our second drink was a King Kong Old Fashioned and it too was yummy. The bartenders were very friendly and attentive. The place was hopping and packed. We will definitely return.

    Photos
    False Idol - Rum Old Fashioned

    Rum Old Fashioned

    False Idol - Isn't it gorgeous?!

    Isn't it gorgeous?!

    False Idol - Tiki themed decor

    See all

    Tiki themed decor

    Mothership - Amazing decor

    Mothership

    4.3(989 reviews)
    2.3 mi•South Park, Golden Hill, North Park
    •$$

    This was such a cool bar with very nice staff…read more It's easy to find, street parking was a nonissue, and they have a huge selection of cocktails with a decent selection of mocktails as well. I love their menu design. It gives a lot of attention to each drink with a clear description breakdown along with the level of alcohol meter. A lot of the drinks are STRONG and their presentations are magnificent.

    We had such a great experience at this space themed bar! One thing that I would make a note of is…read morethat we did make a reservation for 10 pm on a Saturday night, but still had to wait in a very long line out the door for a good 15 minutes. We were confused, along with many other folks in line. I think they were just preparing their tables way longer than expected. Other than that inconvenience, the bar itself was beautifully decorated and very on-theme. The drinks were very much giving "tiki bar but in space" and were veryyyy strong. They have an alcohol strength spectrum on their menu so you can guide yourself through the drinks. We got drinks that weren't even on the strong side of the scale and they were still pretty strong. This would be a great place for a pregame for sure! They even have some food and seasonal soft serve other than their normal drinks. Overall, great service, strong drinks, and fun vibes. Perfect place for a pregame!

    Photos
    Mothership - Deceiving Exterior

    Deceiving Exterior

    Mothership - Mindkiller

    Mindkiller

    Mothership - Away Mission

    See all

    Away Mission

    Noble Experiment - Spiced banana flip! Delicious!

    Noble Experiment

    4.5(1.9k reviews)
    0.7 mi•East Village, Core
    •$$

    My husband and I recently spent some days in San Diego. He found this speak easy and we decided we…read moreneeded to try it out. This was definitely the highlight of our trip. From the spooky, dark, skulls old school ambiance and decor, to the experience of not ordering from a menu, everything about it made it feel unique and curated making it feel like a true individualized experience. As mentioned, there are no menus. We sat at the bar, the bartender makes casual conversation with you regarding the types of drinks you enjoy. He curated something for both my husband and I based on what we shared we enjoyed. The drinks were delicious. The entry was very cool! It felt as if you were entering a hidden spot - which you do. When you enter the restaurant, you let the hostess know you're there for the Noble Experience. She let us know to head to the wall with the kegs (which is actually a door). You enter and there's a small waiting area where you're greeted by another hostess. This place is a 20/10. We can't wait to return on our next visit to SD.

    Drinks are hit and miss. No menu bar is more gimmicky than anything…read more I'm sure there's some set menu that the bartenders just play off of and quality of the drinks really really just depends on who's your bartender. First round was great, not exactly what we ordered but still quality cocoktail. Second round was not good at all. And especially not what we ordered lol The wait on off days can be 5-10 minutes. Busy days it can be 1-2 hours. Drinks: 5/10 Service: 6/10 Atmosphere: 7/10 Value: 4/10

    Photos
    Noble Experiment - Strawberry cucumber Gin cocktail

    Strawberry cucumber Gin cocktail

    Noble Experiment - Ceiling and chandelier

    Ceiling and chandelier

    Noble Experiment - Skull wall

    See all

    Skull wall

    Convoy Music Bar - Lychee Martini

    Convoy Music Bar

    4.5(432 reviews)
    7.3 mi•Kearny Mesa
    •$$

    Such a great speakeasy-style music bar! The drinks are strong, delicious, and really well made. The…read morebartenders are also incredibly friendly and go above and beyond to make sure you get something you'll enjoy. They're happy to suggest unique drinks or even create something specifically tailored to your taste, which made the experience feel really personal. Getting to the front door is probably the only slightly questionable part because you have to walk down an alley, but once you get inside, it's completely worth it. The place is beautiful, clean, and has a really great atmosphere. Even the bathrooms were spotless! I also loved the little personal touches. If you're celebrating a birthday or anniversary, the staff gives you a personalized card, which I thought was such a thoughtful touch. One of my friends and I were sitting at the bar, and the bartender noticed how much I loved their cheese-stuffed olives and brought me a few extra. It's those little details that really stand out and make you feel welcomed. Overall, such a fun and unique place with great drinks, great service, and an amazing atmosphere. Definitely a place I'd come back to!

    We had RSVP Walk past the dumpster alley…read moreDo not knock they will see you on camera Dark moody vibes 4 stars cute little space Drinks delicious 4 stars Service 4 stars Not too ridiculously expensive either

    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

    See all

    Interior

    Prohibition - Our famous Prohibition Old Fashioned

    Prohibition

    4.0(1k reviews)
    0.7 mi•Gaslamp
    •$$

    So came down to San Diego to celebrate my brother birthday and we decided to take a whiskey class…read morewith our ladies. So we found that Prohibition offers a whiskey class where you can make drinks yourself. Met the owner Ryan who is the owner of Prohibition Whiskey and he told us the story about how he started the business and we connected because he was from Oakland. From that moment it was on and poppin. The vibes of the class was great and conversations along with the drinks were flowing. We ended the night by making an espresso martini made with whiskey and it was amazing. Plus it was dope that I got to make the drink myself. Can't wait to come back to San Diego to patron this establishment

    I went to Prohibition when I was attending a conference at the Convention Center, so I think my…read moreexperience is a little different. A sponsor had rented out the whole place and all drinks were comped with food being passed around. We had cuban sandwiches and empanadas, which I think were all from the Havana restaurant upstairs. Food was great! Drinks were good, but the menu was so confusing to me. I didn't really like how they categorized them. Sometimes I feel like just being straightforward is better. Too cute with trying to do the prohibition/speakeasy menu. It did take a while to get drinks when it was packed. Understandable. But I had a few that were good, the boats and hoes, and keffir lime tequila drink were great. I would say that the bathroom had a bit of a stink to it...not sure what it was but smelled just like coming up from the pipes. May just be a basement issue. Overall, good experience. It didn't feel super special but just like any other speakeasy. I like False Idol better in terms of overall vibe.

    Photos
    Prohibition
    Prohibition - El Fruterio featuring Azunia GBOD single barrel reposado tequila

    El Fruterio featuring Azunia GBOD single barrel reposado tequila

    Prohibition - Live Jazz/Blues/Roaring 20's kinda vibe! My kind of bar/lounge! (5/5)

    See all

    Live Jazz/Blues/Roaring 20's kinda vibe! My kind of bar/lounge! (5/5)

    Starlite - Starlite Burger

    Starlite

    4.1(2.7k reviews)
    1.3 mi•Middletown, Mission Hills
    •$$$

    Starlite delivers that quintessential sleek, mid-century modern lounge atmosphere right along India…read moreStreet. The iconic geometric wood ceiling, dramatic chandelier, and moody lighting make the space feel effortlessly cool. The craft cocktail program is legendary, and the elevated gastropub menu is just as impressive, the grilled octopus was tender with a wonderful smoky char, the Jidori chicken was remarkably juicy with perfectly crispy skin, and the sea bass was delicate and flaky. Taking off one star because street parking along India Street can require quite a bit of circling during peak evening hours, and the dining room gets rather loud and dim once the crowd settles in. Still, an absolute San Diego staple and a top choice for a stylish date night, late-night craft drinks, or dinner with friends.

    I had a reservation for Thursday and it was packed but took less than 5 minutes to get seated. They…read moredo check your ID at the entrance it's 21+ only. Parking is a nightmare good luck finding parking within a mile of the restaurant. Pros: atmosphere, drinks, service Cons: food wasn't great for the price, restaurant was small and crowded, no parking Service: All of our servers were friendly and very accommodating. Gave us some knowledge on the menu and recommended cocktails based on our preference. I had spilled my drink and they were quick to make me another one. Food: I had intended to get the prime ribeye cap steak but they ran out for the night around 8pm. I shared the steak sampler which came with four different cuts of steak and 4 sauces. I ordered medium and it was cooked medium/medium rare which was fine with me, it also had a good sear, almost burnt though. Out of the four steaks, we only liked two based off flavor and tenderness. The other two were more tough and gamey. None of the sauces really stood out but the bordelaise and horseradish were good. For our sides we got fries, roasted broccoli, and the grilled wedge salad. Fries were average. The roasted broccoli had really good flavor, I expected the broccoli to be al dente but it was cooked to mush and drenched in sauce. The grilled wedge salad was decent, there was a slightly bitter taste to it. I know it says grilled wedge but the experience of biting into the salad and it being both hot and cold was not pleasant. Cocktails: I tried the Honey Ryder and New Wave. These were recommended as the more fruity/sweet cocktails. You can definitely taste the alcohol but it's only 2oz so it's not too strong. Ambience: 10/10 I got seated downstairs by the bar. Only thing about downstairs is that it's too dark to take photos unless you use flash. Overall, I agree with the other reviews saying to go just for drinks and appetizers. I would go again just to sit upstairs and get drinks and take pictures. We left unsatisfied and ended up getting in-n-out after.

    Photos
    Starlite - Bar area after entering

    Bar area after entering

    Starlite - Chef's vegetable salad, beautiful presented and super yummy!

    Chef's vegetable salad, beautiful presented and super yummy!

    Starlite - Cocktails are fun!

    See all

    Cocktails are fun!

    Polite Provisions - Uncle Jalapeño

    Polite Provisions

    4.3(2k reviews)
    3.6 mi•University 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

    See all

    Art deco

    Kiku Room - DJ in the front room. Back room behind him that can be accessed from the side.

    Kiku Room

    3.5(45 reviews)
    1.0 mi•Middletown

    Maybe it's because we went right at opening time 6pm on a Saturday- our group enjoyed this spot…read more The bartender was great and we got a few rounds before heading to our next destination. Being here for about an hour and a half, people started to arrive. It is on the smaller end but it was a vibe! Would come again even with the mixed reviews on yelp.

    I've visited here a couple of times, and my experiences have been completely different depending on…read morewhen I went. The first time was fantastic. The atmosphere immediately reminded me of Berlin with its moody red room aesthetic and unique vibe. There's a DJ right when you walk in next to the bar, and as you make your way toward the back, you'll find additional seating. It's a fun, energetic space that's unlike many other spots in San Diego. However, my visit this past Friday was a completely different story. We had to wait outside for people to leave before we could get in, although thankfully that only took a few minutes. Once inside, it was packed shoulder to shoulder. There are only two bathroom stalls so it took about 20 minutes just to use the restroom. The biggest issue, though, was the temperature. It honestly felt like it was 100 degrees inside. It was unbearably hot, and after a while we had to leave because we were so uncomfortable. During a crowded San Diego summer night, having air conditioning or at least improved ventilation would make a huge difference. That said, I still recommend checking this place out. My advice is to visit on a weekday instead of a weekend, and avoid especially hot or overly crowded nights. When it's not packed, the atmosphere is unique, stylish, and definitely worth experiencing.

    Photos
    Kiku Room - Pay to get in bar.

    Pay to get in bar.

    Kiku Room - Entrance to the back room

    Entrance to the back room

    Kiku Room

    See all

    The Rooftop - bars - Updated September 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...