New York Jets Sports Bar

Taste and Thirst

Taste and Thirst is a New Yorkers home away from home when it comes to football. This Jets’ fan homebase is always packed during game days—and win or lose—the bar serves happy hour from 3 p.m. – 8 p.m., which is a win-win in our opinion.

Upcoming Games: New York Jets 2024 Schedule

715 Fourth Ave, Gaslamp Quarter

Buffalo Bills Sports Bar

The Local Pacific Beach

Bring those red, whites, and blues out. The Local PB shows up for Bills games in a big way. Arrive early on game days, though, the line to get upstairs fills up quickly. But with TVs indoors, outdoors and a spacious pet-friendly patio, there are plenty of ways to cheer on your favorite team.

Upcoming Games: Buffalo Bills 2024 Schedule

809 Thomas Ave, Pacific Beach

San Francisco 49ers Sports Bar

Saddle Bar

Originally a 1920’s era bike shop that was transformed into a bar 60 years ago, Saddle Bar is the quintessential San Francisco bar in town. Wear your Rice or Montana jersey and stick around for live music from local rock bands and DJs weekly.

Upcoming Games: San Francisco 49ers 2024 Schedule

123 Plaza St, Solana Beach

Arizona Cardinals Sports Bar

Arizona Café

A block away from the beach on Bacon street, Arizona Café is the local spot for Cardinal fans to catch the game. With a kitchen that’s open till 1 a.m daily., it’s the ideal spot for your post game discussion, late-night fantasy football trades, and an opportunity to win back your failed parlay bet during pool.

Upcoming Games: Arizona Cardinals 2024 Schedule

1925 Bacon St, Ocean Beach

Kansas City Chiefs Sports Bar

Kansas City BBQ

Catch the reigning 2022 Super Bowl champs at Kansas City BBQ take on the Detroit lions at this legendary outpost Downtown. Gather with local Chiefs fans to relish in historic San Diego memorabilia, recount your favorite Top Gun lines and watch Patrick Mahomes score six while enjoying their daily happy hour from 3:30-6:30 p.m.

Upcoming Games: Kansas City Chiefs 2024 Schedule

600 W Harbor Dr, Downtown

Philadelphia Eagles Sports Bar

Pretzels & Pints

Immerse yourself in Philadelphia sports at this tucked-away gem in North Park ideal for America’s most passionate sports city. Like the name implies, Pretzels and Pints has an excellent selection of hot pretzels baked daily paired with local craft beer and even an irresistible beer cheese to fumble over as Jalen Hurts scrambles for another touchdown.

Upcoming Games: Philadelphia Eagles 2024 Schedule

3812 Ray St, North Park

Los Angeles Chargers Sports Bar

Park 101

Watch Sunday night football with the remnants and hold-outs from the Chargers fan base at Park 101 in Carlsbad. With large outdoor LED screens, a spacious outdoor patio, a rooftop deck complete with a bar, this BBQ joint is the perfect space for parents, dogs, and kids to enjoy a bolts game.

Upcoming Games: Los Angeles Chargers 2024 Schedule

3040 Carlsbad Blvd, Carlsbad

New England Patriots Sports Bar

The Sandbox

Come see if the New England Patriots can earn themselves another Super Bowl ring this year at The Sandbox in Ocean Beach. Wear your Patriots jersey, paint your face red and blue, or don your signature Bill Belichick hoodie to this island-themed bar. Order one of their specialty pizzas like their meat lover’s Hungry Surfer and enjoy a game of skeeball or pool while you count down to kick off in Foxborough.

Upcoming Games: New England Patriots 2024 Schedule

1466 Garnet Ave, Ocean Beach

Los Angeles Rams Sports Bar

Ocean Beach Brewery

Despite a disappointing 2022 season following their 2021 Super Bowl win, Ram’s fans can rejoice at this three-story hotspot on the beach. On game day, members of the “ramily” can gather at Ocean Beach Brewery featuring a rooftop bar with oceanfront views, plenty of activities to after a quarter, and even their own microbrewery offering up craft beer brewed daily. 

Upcoming Games: Los Angeles Rams 2024 Schedule

5041 Newport Ave, Ocean Beach

Dallas Cowboys Sports Bar

Union Kitchen & Tap

Root for America’s Team on the gridiron each week at this bustling Gaslamp sports bar. Wear your silver stars, your favorite cowboy boots, or your Dallas cheerleader outfit studded with rhinestones each week. You can even bring your furry Cowboys fan to accompany you on their pet-friendly outdoor patio to catch a breather after another nail-biting game.

Upcoming Games: Dallas Cowboys 2024 Schedule

333 Fifth Ave, Gaslamp Quarter

Seattle Seahawks Sports Bar

Thrusters Lounge

Join the loudest fans in the league, the 12s, at this no frills bar in the heart of PB. This Seahawks nest features 22 beers on tap, skeeball, and even a beer vending machine for a quick buzz during halftime.

Upcoming Games: Seattle Seahawks 2024 Schedule

4633 Mission Blvd, Pacific Beach

Denver Broncos Sports Bar

Chief’s Burgers and Brew

A Broncos bar named Chiefs may confuse you, but their excellent chili cheese fries, buffalo wings, and other great bites shouldn’t. Cheer on the “No Fly Zone” at this Broncos hub featuring a special NFL Football Sunday Breakfast with a unique menu available from 9 a.m to 12 p.m. before the Broncos kick-off.

Upcoming Games: Denver Broncos 2024 Schedule

124 Lomas Santa Fe Dr #108, Solana Beach

Green Bay Packers Sports Bar

El Prez

Gather your local cheeseheads and rush down to El Prez to cheer on the Packers each week. Located steps away from the Pacific Beach boardwalk, this Packers rooftop bar offers tacos and tequila to munch on while you watch fans on TV bundle for warmth in Green Bay. For the most dedicated of Packers fans, the beachside spot opens early at 9:30 a.m. on game days for fans to enjoy pregame festivities.

Upcoming Games: Green Bay Packers 2024 Schedule

4190 Mission Blvd, Pacific Beach

Las Vegas Raiders Sports Bar

El Chingon

El Chingon is all the rage for Raiders fans on game day offering refreshing margarita flights and late hours (closes at 2 a.m. daily) ideal for watching the “Men in Black” each week. Gear up in your Davante Adams jersey, your favorite spiky outfit, and watch the Raiders take on the Broncos on opening night. Swing by for Monday Night Football and enjoy their generous happy hour weekdays from 2-6 p.m. featuring $7 off their signature cocktails.

Upcoming Games: Las Vegas Raiders 2024 Schedule

560 Fifth Ave, Gaslamp

Chicago Bears Sports Bar

710 Beach Club

Will 2024 be the year Da Bears make a run for the Super Bowl? Join the excitement each week at this breezy beach club offering a den for Bears fans trying to catch the game at Soldier Field. On Sundays when the Bears take the field, indulge in their all-you-can-eat brunch from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for traditional breakfast staples, Bloody Marys, slushies, and bottomless mimosas to sustain you through four quarters.

NfUpcoming Games: Chicago Bears 2024 Schedule

710 Garnet Ave, Pacific Beach

The post 15 San Diego Sports Bars Dedicated to Your Favorite NFL Teams appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

Smoke and Mirrors at Mister A’s

Mateo Hoke’s Pick

We begin with the Smoke and Mirrors at Mister A’s. “[We balance] mezcal and rye whiskey … with vermouth and dry curaçao,” says bar lead Alvin Pugeda. “We add a few dashes of Havana and Hide bitters, which lends a tobacco finish. The cocktail is finished with smoked hoja santa, imparting an anisette and pepper aroma.”

Cheeto Fingers at The Lion’s Share

Alvin Pugeda’s Pick

Pugeda says the Cheeto Fingers—a violently orange blend of tamarind mezcal, Fresno chile, cucumber, lime, and agave—at The Lion’s Share in downtown offers “a great balance between spicy, funky, juicy, and savory flavors.”The sip gets its cheddar hue from the fermented Fresno juice. “My coworker said it looked like Cheeto water,” adds bartender Cassandra Feather. “That sounded so gross I changed it to Cheeto Fingers—the signature acid-orange finger pads you get from mowing through a bag.”

Lazy Suzan at Happy Medium

Cassandra Feather’s Pick

Feather recently popped by North Park newcomer Happy Medium, where she fell in love with the Lazy Suzan. “It’s a bright, imaginative, and interesting rum cocktail,” she says. “It has [melon] and celery bitters. I found myself craving another after I’d gone.” The sip gets its name from Suze, a unique, bittersweet French aperitif.

Gimlet at Mabel’s Gone Fishing

Christian Siglin’s Pick

Happy Medium owner Christian Siglin doesn’t have to travel far for his favorite drink. He traverses a few North Park streets to get to Mabel’s Gone Fishing, where he orders a gin-and-sherry gimlet, finished with makrut, cardamom, and lime. “[It’s] an interesting take on an old classic: slightly salty with plenty of acid to keep me coming back,” Siglin says. “It pairs great with their oysters, as well.”

Esquire Martini at Turf Supper Club

Anna Canrinus’ Pick

Embracing all things retro is an unwritten requirement at this red-lit, 1950s-era Golden Hill haunt for DIY
steaks. It’s no surprise Mabel’s Gone Fishing bar lead Anna Canrinus sticks to a beloved standby here. “They shake the martini, so tiny ice chips form on the surface and it’s very pleasant,” she says. “I like to grill up a ribeye when I’m at Turf Club, and the bleu cheese olives pair beautifully.”

Pomona at Botanica

Jesse Ross’ Pick

For a night out in North Park, Turf Club bartender Jesse Ross recs Botanica’s Pomona, “a memorable cachaca, sherry, guava, Cinnamon Toast Crunch situation that’s punchy and somehow delicate at the same time—a total party in your mouth,” he says. “Marina Ferreira’s drinks are all bangers, and all the menu cocktails are accompanied by pretty pictures, which I love. Pro tip: Get the tempura olives.”

Dirty Ishigami at Realm Of The 52 Remedies

Marina Ferreira’s Pick

Ferreira, Botanica’s general manager and a self-professed “huge dirty martini fan,” appreciates Convoy speakeasy Realm of the 52 Remedies’ twist on an old standby: negi-infused gin, cocchi Americano, sansho oil, and housemade Japanese brine, with a teensy serving of pickled green onion. “It just hits it on the head of being interesting, yet familiar, eye-opening, and still comforting,” she says. “The balance between salinity and softness is incredible. Not to mention there’s a snack on the side.”

Hugo Spritz at Marisi

Jonny Nguyen’s Pick

Diners often sing the praises of the housemade limoncello at La Jolla Italian joint Marisi, but Realm bartender Jonny Nguyen opts for the sparkling wine–based Hugo Spritz. “It’s a simple yet elegant cocktail that gets a touch of bright herbal flavors from basil and stone fruit from elderflower,” he says. “That liquid gets fully carbonated to order, making every sip as crispy as the last.”

Old Fashioned at Jeune Et Jolie

Derek Cram’s Pick

“Andrew Cordero—the beverage director at Jeune et Jolie and Campfire—is one of the best recipe guys in San Diego,” says Marisi’s director of bar logistics, Derek Cram. “His old fashioned adds plenty of intrigue with a bourbon and cognac split-liquor base, cacao, and hazelnut, all while exercising restraint and keeping it within the comforting confines of an old fashioned template.”

Polynesian Forty Niner at False Idol

Andrew “Coco” Cordero’s Pick

From their cave-like perch in the back of Little Italy’s Craft & Commerce, False Idol’s bartenders mix orange-and chai-infused bourbon with pear brandy, lemon, orange, and gardenia to produce the orchid-adorned Polynesian Forty Niner. “It’s tropical and juicy with a hint of chai spice,” Cordero says. “It’s almost like a buttery Good Humor Creamsicle Bar.”

The post 10 Best Cocktails in San Diego According to Local Bartenders appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

Whiskey Bar in San Diego

The Whiskey House

For scotch enthusiasts and whiskey connoisseurs, The Whiskey House stands out as San Diego’s number-one destination. The bar, located in the Gaslamp Quarter, boasts the record for the world’s largest collection of purchasable whiskey, sourcing over 2,467 unique varieties from around the globe. You can sample a range with a whiskey tasting flight, which includes brands from San Diego, Kentucky, Ireland, and Japan. Join their Whiskey Club for monthly tastings and discussions with visiting distillers. | 420 Third Avenue, Gaslamp Quarter

Notable Mentions: Seven Grand, Aero Club

Gin Bar in San Diego

Mabel’s Gone Fishing

Cozy, Spanish-inspired seafood restaurant Mabel’s Gone Fishing lures locals for more than freshly shucked oysters and jamon iberico—they also have one of the best G&Ts in San Diego. Mabel’s and accompanying bottle shop, Bodega Rosette, offer an extensive collection of gin and a rotating gin and tonic of the month. For $75 per quarter, you can also join their gin club, which gets you curated deliveries of gins, tonics, and mixers, plus access to their exclusive release parties. | 3770 30th Street, North Park

Notable Mentions: You & Yours Distilling Co., Botanica Art & Cocktail Bar

Vodka Bar in San Diego

619 Spirits

The rare San Diego bar producing its own vodka, 619 Spirits was one of the city’s first craft distillery and tasting rooms to hit the scene in 2012 before expanding into a full-fledged bar and restaurant. Located in North Park, this under-the-radar watering hole offers unexpected farm-fresh vodka infusions, including pickle, coffee, rose petal, and scorpion pepper. You can order shots, pick up a whole bottle, or opt for a mixed drink (though, if you’re seeking complex craft cocktails, be aware that it’s all about the vodka here—libations are simple and spirit-forward).  | 3015 Lincoln Avenue, North Park

Notable Mentions: Malahat Spirits Co., Storyhouse Spirits

Tequila & Mezcal Bar in San Diego

El Agave Restaurant & Tequileria

Established in 1996, El Agave is home to the largest selection of tequilas in the US, with over 2,000 unique brands of tequila and mezcal (they call it their “tequila museum”), including their own award-winning spirit, Agave Artesanal. Attend one of their various tequila-tasting events on their lively outdoor patio overlooking Old Town. Or, if you really feel like treating yourself, opt for a shot of rare 1800 Colección for just over $185. | 2304 San Diego Avenue B, Old Town

Notable Mentions: Cantina Mayahuel, Tahona Bar, La Puerta, Quixote

Sake Bar in San Diego

Tanuki Sake Bar

One of San Diego’s only sake bars, Tanuki (the Japanese name for cute canids called raccoon dogs), is a must-visit for patrons seeking tough-to-find brands of Japanese rice wine. Located in Kensington, Tanuki offers over 100 junmai daiginjo, nigori, ginjo, and sparkling sake flavors from Dassai, Shinsei, and other major exporters. Keep an eye out for their omakase events, ticketed multi-course dinners thoughtfully paired with sakes. | 4191 Adams Ave, Kensington

Notable Mentions: Beshock Ramen, Cloak and Petal

Wine Bar in San Diego

The Rose Wine Bar

Housed in the renovated 1927 Rose Grocer building, the Rose Wine Bar bar is a laid-back locale ideal for enjoying some of the city’s best natural wines. Relax with a glass of white and a charcuterie board on their dog-friendly patio or pop by the accompanying bottle shop for the finishing touch on a home-cooked Italian dinner. Membership in the bar’s wine club includes up to four bottles of wine of your preferred type per month and discounts on bottle shop purchases and tastings. | 2219 30th Street,  South Park

Notable Mentions: Vin de Syrah, Carruth Cellars, Pali Wine Co., Vino Carta

Rum Bar in San Diego

Havana 1920

Perched in the Gaslamp Quarter, Havana 1920 is inspired by Ernest Hemingway’s time in Cuba (it’s where he wrote The Old Man and the Sea). You can party like the famous author and daiquiri downer with one of our city’s most robust rum collections, from traditional agricole rhum to imported bottles from Barbados, Jamaica, Bermuda, Guyana, Nicaragua, and Puerto Rico. | 548 Fifth Ave, Gaslamp Quarter

Notable Mentions: False Idol, Raised by Wolves

Absinthe Bar in San Diego 

Wormwood

From the shores of the French Riviera to the mountains of Switzerland, bar-goers can sip their way through a world tour of absinthe and pastis at Wormwood in Normal Heights. The dreamy French bistro serves the “green fairy” over a sugar cube, as many famous writers and artists enjoyed it, but they also mix the anise-flavored spirit into balanced cocktails like the A La 30th, a blend of absinthe, rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and orange bitters. | 4677 30th St, University Heights

Notable Mentions: Noble Experiment, The Lion’s Share

Japanese Whisky Bar in San Diego

Realm of the 52 Remedies 

For a taste of single-malt goodness, visit Realm of the 52 Remedies, an apothecary-themed Convoy speakeasy packed with traditional Japanese artwork and more than 20 whiskys from the Land of the Rising Sun. Order your favorite straight, or try a cocktail inspired by Japanese treats and even pop culture like anime and manga. Plan your visit in advance, as reservations for this underground spot are extremely limited and only available two or more weeks in advance. | 4805 Convoy St, Kearny Mesa

Notable Mentions: Huntress, The Whiskey House

The post The Best San Diego Bars Dedicated to Your Favorite Liquor appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

A five-star dive bar. 

The institution is Gilly’s Cocktails. The barmen: San Diego native Erick Castro, who co-founded cocktail temple Polite Provisions (he’s since sold his share in it) and who remains co-owner of Raised By Wolves (SDM’s “Best Cocktails” 2022). His partner is Jacob Mentel, who studied with national bar-brain Sam Ross at Youngblood and ran Polite for a bit.

“I’ve been wanting to do this concept for years, but I had to find the right space,” Castro says. Paul Ahern of Next Wave Commercial helped Castro find the place and broker the deal. 

“I’ve seen places like this in Europe and around the US,” Castro continues. “An honest neighborhood place where you can walk in and play some pool and darts and watch the game, and then you’re like, ‘Holy shit, that’s a great old fashioned… with clear ice…  What the—!’” 

So aside from a minor name change—to Gilly’s House of Cocktails—that’s the one major update under Castro and Mentel. A hell of a cocktail program. An obsessive’s collection of spirits. Ice that’s clear as rain. Chefy garnishes that aren’t dumb. In skipping the billion-dollar redesign and just cleaning up a comfortable place, they can pass those cost savings onto the patrons.

“It’s going to be a local neighborhood bar that does incredible cocktails that aren’t $20,” he says. “Where you can get a great old fashioned for $10 … so you can afford to go there two or three days a week.” 

Gilly’s, located right across the street from the new Lafayette Hotel and down the street from Live Wire, has been a bar since 1968. Originally called Gil’s, it changed names a couple times, but, since 2006, it has been named Gilly’s Cocktails after owner Martin Gill. Gill is retiring, and was picky about who he sold the place to—it had to be someone who would keep it a neighborhood place. 

“I don’t see Jacob and I as owners,” Castro says. “We’re stewards of an institution. We wanna honor North Park and the neighborhood. No reason to try to do something fancier. I already own one of those [with Raised by Wolves]—I don’t want to own two. The neighborhood also needs an everyday place.” 

Castro and Mentel take the reins on Nov. 15. They’ll shut down for just a couple days to do some maintenance, housekeeping, and cleaning. They’ll keep it open through the holidays, then probably close in January for a small stretch to paint, put in a pinball machine, make some un-drastic improvements. 

The post Incoming: Gilly’s House of Cocktails appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

We put together a list of the best bars and breweries offering trivia in San Diego where you can win fun prizes like t-shirts, free shots, tasty food, and most importantly, team pride.

Duck Foot Brewing Co.

Multiple locations

Duck Foot’s portfolio of gluten-reduced beers means you can have your trivia and beer too, without the gluten levels found in a typical craft beer. Both of their locations offer weekly trivia nights, as well as long tap lists and food trucks for the full experience.

When: Wednesdays in Miramar from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. | Thursdays in Leucadia from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

What to drink: Their limited releases give patrons a chance to try something new, but I’m partial to their Duckzilla Double White IPA, a mashup between a White Ale and Double IPA.

8920 Kenamar Drive, Suite #210 | 978 N. Coast Highway 101

Black Plague Brewing

Multiple locations

Arrive early to snag a seat at the heavy metal-themed brewery’s trivia nights in all three of their taprooms—it gets pretty packed in all of them. Black Plague’s Purgatory Lounge in Escondido and Oceanside tasting room both have Full Metal Burgers to supply plenty of brain food, and the Dearly Departed taproom in North Park’s full kitchen offers omnivore and vegetarian-friendly fare as well.

When: Tuesdays in North Park from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. | Thursdays in Oceanside from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. | Thursdays in Escondido from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

What to drink: Stay hoppy with one of Black Plague’s IPAs, like their Dearly Departed Cold IPA, brewed with three hops for a tropical and citrus-forward refresher.

2899 University Avenue | 2550 Jason Court | 239 E. Valley Parkway

Kilowatt Brewing

Oceanside

See if you can beat Trivia Tim every Tuesday during Trivia Night and Music Bingo at Kilowatt’s Oceanside taproom. Can’t make it on Tuesday, or trivia not your thing? Check out the hidden speakeasy The Space Pad, a psychedelic journey through space and time (open Thursday, Friday, and Saturday). Reservations recommended.

When: Tuesdays from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

What to drink: With 25 taps to choose from, Kilowatt offers everything from hazy IPAs to hard seltzers. But I prefer to keep my wits sharp for trivia night, so a low-ABV option like a tangy Berliner Weisse is best.

406 Mission Avenue

Pali Wine Company

Little Italy

Bring a friend to Pali’s free trivia nights every Thursday in Little Italy. Their breezy, modern tasting room is the perfect spot to sip wine, shout answers, and share some small plates like charcuterie, oysters, and yellowtail tuna crudo.

When: Thursdays starting at 7 p.m.

What to drink: Not sure what to start with? Try a curated flight of five different wines, ranging from seasonal favorites to more esoteric natural wines from across California wine country.

2130 India Street

Helix Brewing Company

La Mesa

Helix Brewing Co. is nestled next to car repair shops and dispensaries, but don’t be fooled by the gritty surroundings. Their indoor/outdoor patio is one of the best-kept secrets in East County and their weekly trivia nights are the perfect chance to come check it out.

When: Thursdays from 6 pm to 8 pm

What to drink: The Commercial Street location is actually home to two concepts: Helix and Sourworx, their wild and sour beer counterpart. Try a little something from both, but their Dark Sour beers like Animals in the Night and Betting On Stars are as complex as they are funky.

8101 Commercial Street

Resident Brewing

Downtown

Pop inside The Local every Wednesday to try your hand at Resident Brewing’s trivia night, paired with brews made by local brew icon and head brewer Bill Lindsay. The space gets pretty lively as the night goes on, so arrive early to stake out a good spot.

When: Wednesdays from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

What to drink: It’s a tie between No-No Joe, their West Coast IPA collaboration with Joe Musgrove, and their Gaslamp Porter, a malty, smooth, and wildly drinkable robust porter. Or, of course, you could just try both.

1065 Fourth Avenue

Bivouac Ciderworks

North Park

Enjoy $2 off cider flights during Bivouac’s own Sunset Trivia nights on Wednesdays at their North Park location. Don’t skip their food menu, either—from a Mediterranean meze platter to a chimichurri-smothered steak, this is beyond basic bar food.

When: Thursdays starting at 6:30 p.m.

What to drink: A cider flight, obviously.

3986 30th Street

The post 10 of the Best Trivia Nights at San Diego Bars & Breweries appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

This isn’t your typical food court fare. UTC has embraced global cuisine, hidden speakeasy gems, and elevated establishments and transformed into a gastronomic haven, drawing in food enthusiasts as eagerly as it does folks on the hunt for a new pair of shoes.

So the next time you need a break from browsing shelves—or are seeking a dining destination in its own right—try one of these 14 food and drink spots at Westfield UTC.

Lucrezia

When it comes to Italian cuisine, I’m a discerning critic, but Lucrezia managed to surpass all of my expectations. Among the freshest additions to UTC’s culinary scene, this coastal Italian spot captivates with an ambiance that transports you to the Mediterranean, and servers, while attentive, allow guests to savor their meal without feeling rushed. The memory of the exquisite cacio e pepe and grilled baby lamb chops lingers, and I eagerly anticipate my return to explore their pizza offerings.

Din Tai Fung

I frequently daydream about the xiao long bao at Din Tai Fung, and the constant line and the scarcity of available reservations on OpenTable serve as a testament to the fact that I’m not alone in my admiration for this UTC gem. If you’re lucky enough to snag a table, try the vegetable and pork dumplings, chicken spicy wontons, and tantalizing noodles with spicy sauce. Your taste buds will thank you later.

Javier’s

Javier’s Cantina reigns supreme among dining experiences that effortlessly convey you away from the bustling mall environment. The decor inside Javier’s will make you feel like you’re entering a high-end eatery in Cabo. This is one of my go-to picks for a date night, birthday dinner, or special event, thanks to the restaurant’s perfectly shaken margaritas and steamy empanadas. Tyr their fresh seafood dishes like aguachile del rey made with callo de hacha, camaron and pulpo or signature plates like the chile negro made with braised angus short ribes in chile negro sauce.

Ramen Nagi

If you go to Ramen Nagi, be prepared to do some waiting. While standing in the serpentine line that winds its way through an exterior courtyard, though, you’ll receive a customizable ramen order sheet to tailor your bowl precisely to your preferences—right down to the desired quantity of oil, garlic, and spice. If you’re in the mood for a more traditional soup, the Original King is an excellent choice. Seeking a spicier adventure? The Red King beckons. Beyond the realm of ramen, make room for the crispy karaage chicken.

Haidilao Hot Pot

At this hot-pot hot spot, you’ll choose up to four broths in which to cook an array of meats, seafood, and veggies, including harder-to-find proteins like tripe, sea cucumber, and duck tongue. Spring for access to the sauce and seasoning buffet to kick all your selects up a notch. Futuristic robots traversing Haidilao‘s add a quirky and entertaining dimension to your dining adventure.

Queenstown Bistro

This restaurant’s menu may be New Zealand–inspired, but the décor of its outdoor bar and bistro embraces the laidback SoCal spirit. Queenstown Bistro sits in the heart of UTC Mall, offering an indulgent baked brie, a delightful soup and sammie combo, and the Hogs & Heifers burger (a grass-fed beef patty with bacon, edam cheese, and tomato chutney), plus an ever-evolving selection of wines, beers, and cocktails.

Raised by Wolves

When you cross the threshold of the hidden-in-plain-sight speakeasy Raised by Wolves, you’re ushered into a chair flanking a fireplace that pivots to bring you into the inner sanctum of the bar. While the initial journey can feel like the entrance into an amusement park ride, the energy inside more closely resembles a Victorian gentleman’s club. My drink of choice here is the Bidi Bidi Bom Bom, a blend of blanco tequila and Aperol with strawberry, habanero, and lime.

Silverlake Ramen

One Silverlake dish is that has left an indelible mark on my taste buds is the garlic truffle ramen, a flavor bomb featuring a creamy pork and veggie broth blend with thick noodles, kale, mushrooms, and the soup’s titular garlic and truffle oil (that said, it’s not a great date night choice). In addition to its delectable ramen offerings, Silverlake Ramen offers savory rice bowls and chicken, pork, and Impossible meat bao buns.

Pacific Catch

Inside Pacific Catch’s breezy, wood-paneled UTC space awaits a diverse spread of sustainably sourced seafood. Fish is rolled, raw, into sushi; fried and tucked into tacos or beside fries; and served grilled in bowls or next to sides like kimchi fried rice, blistered shishito peppers, and broccoli brushed with miso butter. I’m partial to the crispy Baja shrimp taco with avocado-tomatillo salsa.

Board & Brew

Few sandwich places in San Diego compare to Board & Brew. I used to trek to their original location in Del Mar to get my hands on the coveted Turkado (turkey breast, jack cheese, and avo on sourdough) with the shop’s cult-favorite secret sauce. Over the last few years, the chain has expanded across San Diego, OC, and Tempe, adding a location in UTC. If sandwiches aren’t your jam, Board & Brew also offers a winning cobb salad and a grilled Baja chicken wrap loaded with spicy jalapeños.

Tocaya Modern Mexican

After a Mexican-food feast, I typically find myself wishing for more forgiving pants, but Tocaya presents a refreshingly light twist on Mexican cuisine. They have a robust lineup of vegan offerings, and you can customize protein options (including plant-based meats) for nearly every dish. I can’t get enough of the plantain chips and guac, and the Fajita del Rey bowl—featuring sautéed peppers and onions, rice and beans, and dairy-free chipotle crema—is my go-to order.

Wushiland Boba

This tea spot is a great place to meet up with a friend before hitting the shops—but don’t come hungry. Wushiland is all about the drinks. They offer refreshing sips like grapefruit green tea and the floral Four Seasons tea, as well as creamier picks such as a red bean black tea latte. I like a classic milk tea with a scoop of ice cream inside, like a richer version of a float.

True Food Kitchen

Nationwide chain True Food is the kind of spot that manages to strike that ideal balance between scrumptious fare and a lighter, more health-conscious approach. Though their seasonally rotating menu makes brilliant use of less-common ingredients like sea moss and sweety drop peppers, my favorites are deceptively simple: the Tuscan kale salad shines with lots of lemon and garlic (add salmon to make it a meal), and their nostalgia-inducing flavored lemonades remind me of carefree childhood days.

The post This Isn’t Your Grandma’s Food Court appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

But drying out doesn’t have to be a chore, or even difficult. With tons of creative non-alcoholic options, it can be an opportunity for exploration with delicious results. NA is more popular than ever: off-premise sales of non-alcoholic options hit $510 million between July 2022 and July 2023, and that doesn’t even count restaurants or bars mixing up mocktails or offering non-alcoholic wines, spirits, or beer.

If you’re interested in participating in Sober October around San Diego, there are plenty of choices, from beer to wine and beyond.

To shop for something to take home, Clos Wine Shop in University Heights carries non-alcoholic wines and spritzes alongside their extensive collection of low intervention and biodynamic wines. Certain Bottlecraft locations tend to offer a non-alcoholic option on draft occasionally, but also have myriad options of things like NA beer, kombucha, and hop water.

Creative cocktails abound across San Diego, with South Park’s Kindred and Mothership eternally perched at the top of any list. 619 Spirits in North Park also offers a slew of mocktails on their designated NA menu, including favorites like their Paloma, with passion fruit, lime, and bell pepper agave for a balanced take on the Mexican classic.

Continuing north, Polite Provisions’ beverage program has made a name for itself since 2013, featuring zero-proof cocktails on their already-voluminous menu. Their take on Ginger Beer includes ginger, peach, and allspice that’s both complex and refreshing, but for something leaning towards the tropics, try Un Poco with coconut, strawberry, chile pasilla, and lemon.

The Rose Wine Bar & Bottle Shop’s menu also includes a dedicated Zero Proof section that goes beyond (but does include) basic options like coffee, tea, and sparkling water. Not an Aperol Spritz is a convincing replacement of the iconic Italian aperitif, and the Rosso Collins uses non-alcoholic sweet vermouth with strawberry, lemon, and orgeat for a delightful sipper ideally enjoyed with a snack from their kitchen.

I can think of no better place than Ocean Beach for a kombucha taproom, and it seems Nova Kombucha would agree. Under the umbrella of Novo Brazil, Nova Kombucha creates a wide range of kombuchas—some with alcohol, some without—for the sober curious and probiotically-minded. Co-founder Tiago Carneiro says their NA Mango Pineapple is a particular crowd favorite, thanks to its balance between mango and pineapple with that familiar kombucha bite.

For non-alcoholic beer, no list would be complete without mentioning Athletic Brewing, who’s arguably leading the charge in NA beer across the U.S. Their fall seasonal Oktoberfest has already hit shelves, and their ever-increasing line of options includes light lagers, IPAs, witbiers, and tons of other styles with flavor sans booze. More local options come from AleSmith Brewing Company, who makes both an NA IPA and Stout alongside their widespread menu of standard beer offerings.

The post San Diego’s Best Non-Alcoholic Drinks for Sober October appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

Youngblood Interior Bar San Diego

Photo Credit: Arlene Ibarra

Every teenager that has snuck out and evaded capture can tell you exactly what American prohibition has already taught us: Some things are more fun when you aren’t supposed to be doing them. In an age of Ring cameras and Life-360, the high schooler must be far more creative in order to bear the fruits of the rascals before them.

Prohibition in the ’20s pushed the rule-breakers inside and forced them to mask the taste of bootlegged liquor, giving us house parties and mixed drinks (at least no one was posting evidence of their mischief on Instagram). When you turn 21, no one stops you from entering a bar—the troublemaker inside us all is having much less fun. Enter: speakeasies.

These secret locales transport us to worlds we never knew existed. Glimmering bottles of bitters whisper sweet nothings. A stranger opens a once-invisible door. Elusiveness, ambiance, booze. It’s a secret we’re all just dying not to keep—so we won’t.

Here are 11 of our favorite not-so-secret San Diego speakeasies to enjoy next time the rule-breaker in you wants a night out.

Raised By Wolves Speakeasy Bar San Diego Open Table La Jolla UTC

Courtesy of Raised by Wolves

Raised By Wolves  

Opulence, luxury cocktails, community—these are things you may not expect to find tucked behind a swiveling mantel in a liquor store at an outdoor shopping mall. But the Gatsbian grandeur and Parisian style at this speakeasy in La Jolla are more than enough to make you forget you’re within spitting distance of a Macy’s. The bar gets its name from the tale of Romulus and Remus. Humble beginnings, make way for a glittering cocktail empire.

4301 La Jolla Village Dr #2030, La Jolla

Realm of the 52 Remedies Speakeasy Bar San Diego Convoy

Courtesy of Realm of the 52 Remedies

Realm of the 52 Remedies  

Whatever is ailing you this evening, this magical, apothecary-inspired bar claims to have the cure. Embracing its roots in Chinese medicine, this hidden haven in Convoy transports seekers into an enclave of hanging beads, golden hues, and cocktails gently puffing smoke. If your current malady is your growling stomach, try the mushroom fried rice made with creamy coconut milk.

4805 Convoy St, Kearny Mesa

Part Time Lover Bar Interior North Park San Diego

Photo Credit: Riley Dring

Part Time Lover  

This dreamy bar-slash-record-shop in North Park combines expert cocktails with curated tunes played exclusively on vinyl. Community members are also invited to come spin their own favorite records (or shop for a new one at the Folk Arts Rare Records outpost in the back). Inspired by Japanese design, the space is furnished with pieces built by the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation. If cocktails aren’t on your night’s itinerary, try some of Part Time Lover‘s coffee and pastries before you melt into the velvet seating; cool, orange lighting; and sweet music. Audiophiles, you are home here.

3829 30th St, North Park

Convoy Music Bar Speakeasy Bar San Diego

Courtesy of Convoy Music Bar

Convoy Music Bar  

Tucked away in a back alley that offers a (somewhat) true speakeasy experience, this intimate Tokyo-style listening bar is a hidden gem. Look out for the red “On Air” sign, knock on the door, and enter a space dedicated to Japanese whiskey and sophistication. We all know that looks matter when it comes to picking out a cute spot for a well-deserved night out, but Convoy Music Bar teaches us that sound matters, too.

4646 Convoy St, Kearny Mesa

Beeside Balcony The Hive Speakeasy Bar San Diego

Photo Credit: Max Beyer

The Hive  

The newest addition to La Jolla’s beloved Beeside Balcony, this enchanting, hidden bar honors the glitz of the 1920s with live jazz and a gallery wall of old-fashioned glamor shots. Spend a night in the candlelight, under a ceiling concealed by a bed of flowers. It’s like time-traveling, without the worry of the fuzz getting wind of your bourbon-and-honey elixir.

1031 Prospect St, La Jolla

Young Blood Cocktail Speakeasy San Diego Drink

Photo Credit: Arlene Ibarra

Young Blood  

This room of gold promises a personally curated cocktail experience. For $65, Young Blood’s guests receive a 90-minute tasting that includes a glass of bubbly and three cocktails—each of which are invented by an experienced bartender according to your personal liquor and flavor preferences. You can add on bonus drinks, too, if you want to taste more of their mixtures.

777 G St, East Village

Old Town Speakeasy Bar San Diego Oculto 447

Courtesy of Old Town San Diego

Oculto 477  

With a name that pays homage to the number of bodies buried in the cemetery just next door, you can trust that Oculto 477 is a bar that reveres all kinds of spirits. Their alchemy centers mezcal and whisky in specialty cocktails that are served up like potions. Their gin-based, apple-cherry Manzatini, for example, arrives before you in a mini bathtub.

2414 San Diego Ave, Old Town

FIRST LOOK: False Idol Speakeasy Bar San Diego

Photo Credit: Robert Benson

False Idol  

We know there are tiki lovers in San Diego. You welcomed us into your homes and gave us a soft spot for bamboo furniture and colorful, Polynesian-inspired decor. But when we are in the mood to venture beyond our own backyards, this might be the place. False Idol stocks its bar with tons of vintage and rare rums and blends them with ingredients like macadamia nuts, ube, and toasted-rice cordial.

675 W Beech St, Little Italy

The Space Pad Speakeasy Bar San Diego Oceanside

Courtesy of Kilowatt Brewing

The Space Pad   

If there were a tiki bar in Zenon: Girl of the 21st Century, it would look a lot like this interplanetary cocktail lounge. Located somewhere between Oceanside and the dark side of the moon, The Space Pad serves up locally sourced poke, drinks infused with fresh-pressed juice, and LED lighting straight out of a rave.

406 Mission Ave, Oceanside

The Grass Skirt Captain’s Quarters Speakeasy Bar San Diego Pacific Beach

Courtesy of The Grass Skirt

Captain’s Quarters & The Grass Skirt

These adjacent sister venues provide whimsical escapes into the worlds of tiki and nautical underwater adventure. If you aren’t soaking up enough ocean on the sands of Pacific Beach, check out these bars to keep the coastal vibes going.

910 Grand Ave Ste 105-107, Pacific Beach

The post The Best Speakeasies in San Diego appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

La Puerta Mission Hills

Demon Fire

The Demon Fire at La Puerta is made with mezcal, gin, carrot, chile, and lemon and is basically a Whole Foods wellness shot infused with alcohol. The flavors mix together perfectly, making it a cocktail that is semi-sweet with a bit of smokiness that all comes together to give our eyes and immune system a little love. –NM

Tap Shack

Kombucha Flight

Choices are hard. Go for the flight. A nonalcoholic oasis on a stressfully busy corner of OB, Tap Shack’s success nods to the quality. (It opened a second location in East Village.) With numerous rotating flavors of booch on tap—plus nitro cold brew—there’s a drink for every time of day. The Night Surf kombucha stands out with coconut, charcoal, and lime. –MH

Yerba

Maté Ritual

As a lifelong daily maté drinker, I get overly excited each time I come across a café dedicated to the South American upper-delivery herb. Yerba in PB features a lovely, quiet, plant-heavy patio to enjoy a gourd full of maté with a house bombilla. Bring a magazine, why don’t you. Empanadas on tap and the chocolate alfajores can get it too. –MH

The Mad Beet

Lana Del Raspberry

The Mad Beet in PB offers a dizzying menu of smoothies, fruit bowls, juices, salads, and wraps, all with creative names and health-conscious ingredients. It can be overwhelming, but don’t panic. The Katy Berry? Sure. They’re all good. Skip Postmates; go in person. Sip your selection inside while playing old-school arcade games like Pacman, NBA Jam, TMNT, and Mortal Kombat. The Lana Del Raspberry smoothie is a crowd fav, but who can tell, really. –MH

Gelato Vero Caffe

Pistachio Affogato

They used to cram indie rock bands in this classic, rickety beaut. It was not in any way permitted, and it was lovely. The corner gelato store in Middletown is an icon with a thin sliver downstairs and what feels like an enclosed rooftop room that someone’s dad built with a hammer and cursing. Get a pistachio affogato (a scoop of gelato swimming in espresso from Caffè Calabria), and watch the planes land. –TJ

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Costco

Izo Sotol

If this sentence is wacky, you know which bottle to blame. Izo Sotol has become SDM office water. Based in San Diego, Izo started with mezcal, expanding to tequila, sotol, and bacanora—all distilled in owner Gustavo Martinez’s hometown of Durango, Mexico. The sotol won our hearts because it’s imminently drinkable straight (like a well-aged bourbon) but also plays well in a spicy margarita situation. It’s served at serious cocktail places (George’s, Cantina Mayahuel), but also at everyone’s favorite pandemic superstore for home use. –TJ

Bivouac Ciderworks

Pikes Peak Colada

From North Park’s heroes of craft ciders… it’s like a boat drink, on a boat lazily and dreamily anchored off the coast of the Philippines. It starts with pineapple-infused cognac, fresh pineapple juice, lime juice, and finally, the key—a jigger of ube coconut cream. Ube is a Filipino sweet potato, so Jimi Hendrix–hued that it makes Instagram seem invented simply to promote ube. It’s purple. It’s creamy. It’s tart. It’s dreamy. –TJ

Pure Project

Stoic Serenity Kombucha

Sometimes you need a little beer break, even if you’re at a brewery birthday bash with your pals. Enter hard kombucha, part gut-health guardian, part afternoon buzz extender. Pure Project’s Stoic Serenity is anything but sedate; its cranberry, lime, hibiscus profile is reminiscent of gummy bears in the best way, with none of that ’booch funk that can sometimes harsh your vibe. –SL

Sycamore Den

Syc Den Margarita

Deciding on a night-out destination is an internal war between my affection for cozy, no-frills locales and my devotion to really good craft cocktails. Syc’s Patron-based drink checks many of my margarita-snob boxes—not blended (sorry), real agave, generous dusting of salt around the rim—in a laid-back habitat complete with bar games and free popcorn. Bonus: Many menu options utilize fellow SD businesses, including Lestat’s Coffee and Cutwater Spirits. –AR

Fruittitude

Matcha Green Tea Slush

Boba is a treat. Made-to-order slushy boba? Even better. The Matcha Green Tea Slush at Fruittitude is a cold comfort on a hot day wandering La Jolla’s endless boutiques. Across from the 70-year-old Ascot Shop and next to a designer pet store, the sleek, all-white interior juice joint fits right in. Bare, sure. But what the place lacks in décor it makes up for in options. Soup, salad, even rice bowls. –MH

Señor Mangos

The Vampiro

The Leon family has been a cornerstone of North Park and City Heights for decades since its father, an ag worker in Mexico, moved all nine kids to San Diego. The kids sold bags of fruit on the streets. Now those kids own Señor Mangos (two locations), modest windows selling to-go smoothies, juices, and bowls—using the fruit that paved the way for their family. Try the Vampiro, a damn good cup of red beets and local lore. –TJ

J & Tony’s

Tony’s Negroni

Anthony “Tony” Schmidt was once an adjunct SDSU professor. Which explains why, as cocktail captain of CH Projects, he analyzes brix and dilution and surface area of ice and all sorts of other academic glass science that eventually leads to great drinks. Tony’s Negroni is equal parts Sipsmith L. Dry Gin, Campari, and sweet, heavy, round Carpano Antica Formula vermouth to balance it all, finished with a quarter-ounce of fresh lime juice. Drink it and stare at the dinosaurs in this Jurassic Park-ian art house in East Village. –TJ

Salt & Straw

Brownie Olive Oil Milkshake

Easily one of the best parts of being an adult is the freedom to give into 5 p.m. milkshake cravings with impunity. Enter Salt & Straw’s Little Italy location with its selection of boldly inventive ice cream flavors. Try a whipped cream–crowned blend of chocolate gooey brownie and Arbequina olive oil—rich, nuanced, studded with brownie bits, it’s my new favorite way to spoil my dinner. –AR

Cocktail Kickoff Winner: Critic’s Choice

Malahat Spirits Co.

Winter Solstice

At local craft distiller Malahat, spirit whisperer Ash Easterly got the inspiration for this cocktail while on a motorcycle trek through Southeast Asia and its sprawling natural tea fields. It starts with the subtly sweet Malahat Black Tea Rum, mixed with a housemade rosemary-orange syrup and citrus. The key is the top of warm spices (think autumn) and tiki bitters. Could’ve called it the Sweet Teaki. –TJ

Cocktail Kickoff Winner: People’s Choice

The Fishery

Milk Punch

Bar man Eddie Avila’s milk punch starts with Don Fulano tequila (a favorite, from a family of agave farmers turned distillers). He takes mango skins and seeds leftover from the kitchen’s weekly chutney to create an oleo sacchurum (syrup), adds both sweet and dry vermouth for balance, then fresh lemongrass and Sri Lankan lemongrass tea. It’s all clarified with oat milk (an ancient bar magic trick), which makes a clear cocktail feel like silk. –TJ

Are you a restaurant or food- or drink-maker with something delicious that should be on SDM’s Hit List? Send the editors an email at [email protected] and tell us what you think we should try! 

The post The Food Hit List: April 2023 appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

The Me & Mine cocktail at Mister A’s

Photo Credit: Kimberly Motos

While fans of craft cocktails tend to have a go-to favorite, they also love the excitement of an interesting new spirit or liqueur, a unique preparation, or an unexpected twist on a classic. There’s always something new popping up on menus that reflects the creativity and innovation that go into well-made cocktails—think trends like butterfly pea cocktails, white negronis, or build-your-own old fashioneds.

So, what does 2023 have in store for bartenders and patrons? To gauge current trends, we reached out to several local cocktail creators to find out what they’re seeing on the horizon and what’s appealing to guests’ palates. Here’s what they had to say:

The Emerald City cocktail at Trattoria Don Pietro

Photo Credit: John Dole

Cocktail Trend:

Unexpected Ingredients

Pietro Busalacchi, co-owner, Trattoria Don Pietro and El Sueño: “I see people putting ingredients in cocktails one would never traditionally see, like a light grating of pecorino on top of an espresso martini, [or] olive oil for the health benefits.”

• What to Order: Emerald City at Trattoria Don Pietro

Ewan Bennie, assistant general manager, Consortium Holdings: “One spirit that I think more people should be aware of is aquavit. It’s a Scandinavian spirit made with caraway seeds and fennel. It’s a really interesting, more botanical, savory alternative. Gin, obviously, is growing in popularity, and this spirit is a cool stepping stone.”

• What to Order: Stepping Stone at Part Time Lover

Rowland Silva, lead bartender, Matsu: “Yuzu is only getting more popular, and we use it alongside sudachi—a Japanese citrus fruit—as our base juices instead of lemon and lime. Kokuto (Okinawan brown sugar) is our bread-and-butter for a simple syrup for more direct cocktails, [like] old fashioneds.”

• What to Order: The Kaisō

Cocktail Trend:

Got Milk?

Ewan Bennie, CH: “In the bartending world right now, milk punches are very popular. This is essentially pre-batching a cocktail, adding milk, and letting it steep, then straining everything out. This creates a totally smooth but viscous cocktail once it absorbs the lactose. It’s a really amazing mouthfeel, which is a big part of cocktails that gets overlooked!”

The Espresso Martini at Cucina Urbana

Photo Credit: Bobby Magee

Cocktail Trend:

Coffee Continues to Get Boozy

Bobby Magee, bartender, Cucina Urbana: “I am making more espresso martinis than ever before. Last year it was two a night, maybe. We made 40-plus on Saturday night. We make a classic espresso martini: equal parts organic vodka, fresh-pulled espresso, and, my favorite, Caffe Borghetti Espresso liqueur, [all] shaken and served in a chilled coupe glass with the traditional three beans garnish.”

• What to Order: Espresso Martini

Ewan Bennie: “People are really turning on to carajillos—espresso [with vanilla-flavored Spanish liqueur] Licor 43. I’m fully on board with this trend, as one of my favorite things to do is eat oysters and drink carajillos.”

The Midnight Margarita at Amalfi Cucina Italiana

Cocktail Trend: Bitter than Ever

Devin Mech, bar manager, Amalfi Cucina Italiana: “More tart cocktails have been a frequent request. So, I’ve been adding a layer of bitterness to cocktails to trick the palette into thinking the cocktail is on the tarter side—but in reality, it’s still a well-balanced beverage that the masses will enjoy. [You can use] bitters, or you can add some kind of bittersweet liqueur, such as Campari, Cocchi Americano, Punt e Mes, or Carpano.”

• What to Order: Midnight Margarita

Cocktail Trend: The Zero-Proof Boom

Jess Stewart, bar manager, Trust Restaurant Group (Trust, Fort Oak, Cardellino): “The alcohol-free trend is going to continue to grow and become more mainstream. We’ve evolved from calling drinks without alcohol ‘mocktails,’ which implies a negative—that we have to create something fake—to this new place where you can have a robust, thoughtful drink program that doesn’t need alcohol to make it great. I’ll be creating more alcohol-free drinks [and] featuring more [zero-proof spirit] producers like Lyre’s.”

• What to Order: Lyre’s Amalfi Spritz at Cardellino

The Apricot Old Fashioned at Marisi

Photo Credit: Jim Sullivan

Cocktail Trend: Spirit Forward

Beau du Bois, vice president of bar & spirits at Puesto and Marisi: “People seem to be consuming more ‘aromatic’ or ‘direct’ cocktails, which means stirred cocktails like old fashioneds, Manhattans, and martinis. For instance, the dirty martini is certainly having its time in the sun—we are seeing signature dirty martinis at any creative cocktail program. We will see people drinking straight spirits more than we’ve seen in the past.”

• What to Order: Apricot Old Fashioned at Marisi

Alvin Pugeda, bar manager, Mister A’s: “I’ve noticed more … split-based cocktails. [As with] tiki-style drinks, using multiple base spirits creates more complex and exciting flavors. Mezcal and whiskey [or] gin and Scandinavian aquavit are some of my favorite combinations to work with.”

• What to Order: Smoke & Mirrors

Olivia Daniel, senior bartender, Bali Hai: “Recently, guests have been requesting mezcal. It’s important to us to support our local breweries and distilleries, so once Cutwater Spirits released their Mezcal Joven, we were excited to create a new cocktail. At 90 proof and with a heavy smokiness, the mezcal definitely makes its presence known. That bold flavor profile is balanced with fresh-squeezed lime, passion syrup, orange, and guava juices, served over crushed ice.”

• What to Order: Kopiana POG

The post 2023 Cocktail Trends, According to SD’s Top Bartenders appeared first on San Diego Magazine.