10 replies to this topic

[FrogPrincesse]

The summer issue of Imbibe magazine includes a fairly detailed article on the San Diego beer scene and cocktail culture. San Diego is already well known for its local breweries, but maybe not so much for its cocktail bars. The article mentions El Dorado, Noble Experiment, Craft & Commerce, Salt Box, The Lion Share, Grant Grill and Snake Oil Cocktail Company.

The online version of the article can be found here.

[AlenChris]

Looks good. Thanks for sharing it. I like this magazine. Have heard from other people about it.

[FrogPrincesse]

A review of the 12 best bars in San Diego was just published in Difford's CLASS magazine.
It's nice to see more San Diego coverage!

The list:

• Craft & Commerce
• The Noble Experiment
• Cantina Mayahuel
• El Dorado
• Seven Grand
• Starlite
• Saltbox
• Cowboy Star
• Grant Grill
• The Lion's Share
• Vin De Syrah
• El Take It EZ

Edited by FrogPrincesse, 27 November 2012 - 11:35 AM.

[kalypso]

Very surprised to see Mayahuel, but not disappointed. They have a great selection of mezcals. Also glad to see Jay get a mention. They've really worked hard on their bar program

[FrogPrincesse]

The third Annual Bartender Challenge took place at El Dorado last night. Anthony Schmidt from Noble Experiment, who won the first two years, lost his title to Christian Siglin from Craft & Commerce. Here is an interview of Christian that was published last year if you are not already familiar with him.

[FrogPrincesse]

Very surprised to see Mayahuel, but not disappointed. They have a great selection of mezcals.

I am not familiar with Cantina Mayahuel, but it sounds like they have quite a selection (200 tequilas and 55 mezcals!).

Also glad to see Jay get a mention. They've really worked hard on their bar program

You are referring to Jay Porter from El Take it Easy?

In the list, the places I've been to and like (more or less in order of preference) are Noble Experiment, Craft & Commerce, The Lion's Share, Saltbox, Starlite, El Dorado. I've also been Cowboy Star a few times for dinner but was less than impressed with the cocktails. All the other places are solid to outstanding.

[kalypso]

If you've been to Mayahuel you would know why I am surprised to see them on the list They are definitely NOT trendy or upscale in the least, but yes, they do have a fabulous selection of tequilas and mezcals. Mayahuel is a goddess in the Maya pantheon of gods and goddesses and is credited with the creation of the maguey plant. Mayahuel the cantina is up on Adams Ave. a half block west of 30th. It's decidedly downscale and not the least bit trendy. They also serve a very good mole with lovely floral notes to it. It's more about the libations and less about the scene and the environment.

Yes, Jay Porter and El Take it EZ. I think he's got one of the more improved bar menus and one that's pushing the Baja envelope. Like ETiEZ and The LInkery, not everything works but I have to give he and his staff kudos for thinking outside the local SD box and trying interesting things. Everytime my firends and I go we all order different drinks and then pass them around the table. Some are more balanced cocktails than others. I always seem to come back to the Paloma made with jamaica infused reposado. Since I always have jamaica at home I've taken to keeping a bottle of reposado at home that I've infused with jamaica. Makes a lovely colored margarita too

[FrogPrincesse]

If you've been to Mayahuel you would know why I am surprised to see them on the list They are definitely NOT trendy or upscale in the least, but yes, they do have a fabulous selection of tequilas and mezcals. Mayahuel is a goddess in the Maya pantheon of gods and goddesses and is credited with the creation of the maguey plant. Mayahuel the cantina is up on Adams Ave. a half block west of 30th. It's decidedly downscale and not the least bit trendy. They also serve a very good mole with lovely floral notes to it. It's more about the libations and less about the scene and the environment.

What do you mean it's not trendy - pretty much anything on Adams avenue IS the epitome of trendiness! Full of 20 to 30-somethings with beards and suspenders. It's Hipster Central as my husband calls it. Maybe you don't realize it because you happen to be one of the cool people.

Yes, Jay Porter and El Take it EZ. I think he's got one of the more improved bar menus and one that's pushing the Baja envelope. Like ETiEZ and The LInkery, not everything works but I have to give he and his staff kudos for thinking outside the local SD box and trying interesting things. Everytime my firends and I go we all order different drinks and then pass them around the table. Some are more balanced cocktails than others. I always seem to come back to the Paloma made with jamaica infused reposado. Since I always have jamaica at home I've taken to keeping a bottle of reposado at home that I've infused with jamaica. Makes a lovely colored margarita too

That sounds lovely.

[kalypso]

What do you mean it's not trendy - pretty much anything on Adams avenue IS the epitome of trendiness! Full of 20 to 30-somethings with beards and suspenders. It's Hipster Central as my husband calls it. Maybe you don't realize it because you happen to be one of the cool people.

The reality is I'm an old dinosaur . Frankly, I find the whole too cool for my shoes mind set amusing, but I supposed I was that way when I was that age. Compared to downtown and the rest of Adams Ave., Mayahuel truly is not a "see and be seen" place. The last time I was there, which was, admittedly, a while back, it didn't reek of sophistication (real or faux). Lots of good latin art covering a variety of genres on the walls and there may have been picnic table seating. Funky probably fits it better than trendy.

Chile infused tequila is better than jamaica infused , adds pizzazz to any tequila based drink.

[FrogPrincesse]

Just a quick note that Bottlecraft has just opened a second store in Normal Heights. It's around the corner from Urban Solace on University. I had a chance to visit this weekend and they have a great selection of local and non-local beers. I picked up a few local beers (Lost Abbey, AleSmith, The Bruery) and some Belgian beers as well.

Edited by FrogPrincesse, 06 February 2013 - 01:57 PM.

[FrogPrincesse]

San Diego Magazine just published an interview with Erick Castro from Polite Provisions, together with a link to a very promising drink menu. They are scheduled to open next week.