Only reviewing the Espresso martini. The . bomb . Com. Tastes just like my daily morning coffee (minus alcohol of course). read more

BAR by Red Door - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

Loved the intimate atmosphere and the live music of live guitar turned big band (I love big band) later that night. We ordered two glasses of wine, an appetizer, 3 entrees. I ordered the pepardelle and my husband the chicken parmigiana. We had the mussels for apps which was divine. We got bread to dip in the sauce which was very tasty. However, we were both disappointed with our entrees. My sauce was pretty salty to taste. I tasted the chicken parmigiana which was a huge dish but it lacked taste. I was really hoping to like this place because of its ratings. I've been to other 5 star Italian restaurants that live up to the ratings so coming here I had high hopes. I do have to say their Mac & Cheese is the best I've tried. Prices are pretty high so I was expecting a lot out of my dishes. read more

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Live guitarist Thursday to Sunday with very intimate seating. We had a reservation at the restaurant, but they offered to seat us here if this is what we wanted. It was super cute but the lighting is a little bit overbearing with the blue and red lights to set the vibe. There's also a disco ball which kind of feels out of place. It's great that they offer this option to check out this location. It looks like every couple except for one stayed for their meal here. Their service was friendly and efficient. Also, the menu is the same at both locations. We ordered: Butternut Brie appetizer, beef Wellington, and seafood squid ink fettuccine, bottle of rose for dining in. To go, we ordered the banana cream pie. How we felt about our dishes: 5/5 - butternut Brie appetizer was flavorful. Too much for two people, but can't wait to reheat it for the next day. This is a must get! 5/5 - banana cream pie is huge, not overbearingly sweet, and so yummy. It has a thick crust which is lined with chocolate. 3/5 - beef Wellington sauce was super flavorful. If there wasn't a sauce, this dish would be a 1/5. The beef appeared to be cooked medium rare, however, with the lighting, it was so hard to see how it was cooked. The cut of meat was fairly tough. The vegetables on the plate were amazing and carried the dish. 4/5 a seafood fettucine had a lot of seafood. Two scallops, two large shrimp, and plenty of clams and mussels. I thought this dish would've been different so when it came out, it was not what I expected. A lot of seafood for this pasta dish. If you want a creamy pasta sauce, this is not the dish for you. Our waitress was super sweet and included a few truffles for us as we were celebrating our anniversary. Those truffles were yummy. This is a great spot for a date (probably too romantic for a first date) or if you just want to listen to some live music while enjoying a meal. I understand the vibe they're creating, but the lighting felt a bit weird. We were directly under the blue lighting, the other side was under the red lighting. This also explains why the photos we took are mainly blue hued. Would I go again? Yes! But to try their short ribs, catch of the day, cocktails, and other dessert. I would not order the same entrees again, but I would def order that appetizer every time! read more

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See review in The Red Door. Put in wrong section. Sorry but the Bar is the place to go for a delicious dinner with entertainment.

Such a cool small bar find in Mission Hills. Attached to the very popular Red Door Restaurant is a smaller, cocktail lounge bar with room for maybe 25 people. Was the perfect night cap after an impromptu dinner in MH. Even had live jazz music being played to close out the the night. Connor our bartender was super knowledgeable about the drink menu and even curated something off-menu. Big plus. Very impressed with the service and ambiance and would recommend for anyone looking for a nice drink in a smaller/intimate setting while visiting the area. read more

BAR by Red Door - Espresso Martini sub whiskey - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

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Had reservations for the larger restaurant next door, but they were very accommodating and let us start with a drink here while we waited for our table. Ended up staying here for dinner because the vibes were great and it honestly felt more intimate. Cute disco ball, purple mood lighting, and live music- how could you not want to stay?! They have the same food menu and bring it over from the kitchen at Red Door. Fried calamari had a great golden crispy layer and prepared like a large french fry. The chipotle dip was good. The bucatini was filling. very fresh tomato sauce that was sooooo good. Tiramisu served in espresso cup was super cute and a wonderful light dessert. read more

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Our table was not ready at Red Door so one of the workers offered for us to wait next door at the bar and he'd come and get us when our table was ready. This bar used to be The Wellington. Well lit and live harp music. Great selection of drinks and they offer the same menu as the restaurant since it's the same owner. Once our table was ready our server walked my drink over to the restaurant through the kitchen. Awesome service. read more

BAR by Red Door - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

I had a fantastic dinner here about a year ago and didn't leave a review. What a great location. The food was fresh and excellent. Loved the chefs personal touch. I need to go back- see you there! read more

Simply great food, great drinks and great service! The live music was amazing and after a year without concerts or live entertainment this was such a bonus. Our server recommended a pink drink with sugar rim that was delicious. If I'm ever in the area again will definitely stop by read more

BAR by Red Door - Flatbread/pasta and cocktail - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

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Been nearly 3 months, but -BAR by Red Door- is back...YAY! Went last night and enjoyed a lovely evening with Jocie, serving us our most favorite cocktail, the WELLINGTON FASHIONED! Definitely order one...you *won't* be disappointed!! For food, we ordered the MEAT LOVER'S MAC and EGGPLANT PARMESAN... both were so deeeelicious! Chef, taking the time to do his routine 'Meet & Greet', also added a nice familiar feel to the new covid setup. Seating is separated by plastic curtains and proper social distancing, with hand sanitizer easily accessible. And the entire team was sporting their stylish Red Door face masks, which added a nice clean touch of uniformity. Finally, it was so great to see the staff, because as much as we love the food, we've grown to adore the RD team, especially the dynamic duo of Jocie and Ali...and it's one of the major reasons we continue to go back. https://www.barbyreddoorsd.com/ read more

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Absolutely the chilliest... Ali the mix mistress.. Brian backing Stopped in to avoid the traffic and found this amazingly friendly place with choices!! Warm, friendly service.. Carlsbad mussels, yummy.. Rosemary bread !!! Cool saxophone music. Ambiance of a proper nature... Think girl from Ipanema... read more

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While the place is small it's cozy and beautifully designed. Live music creates such a great atmosphere. The owner/head chef and the staff are incredibly welcoming and on point. The food is delicious, some of the best I've had in San Diego. Homemade pasta and hand tossed burrata and just the entire selection of food and wine was really impressive. I'll attach some food photos but they are not worthy of how spectacular they tasted and looked. Will be going back. Great for a date, adult family hang out, or a dinner with you best friend. read more

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Bar by Red Door is a cute cocktail bar.. a similar version of the restaurant next door with a limited selection of food (just appetizers.. good variety) and fresh cocktails! This is located in the area of Mission Hills with ample street parking nearby. The inside at first I thought was huge and when I used the restroom towards the end of dinner I realized to the left was a large reflective mirror (LOL).. so the space was actually half the size of what I thought. This place is cozy and has cute decor all around. The food I had here was appetizing and enjoyable with comfy seating in the corner! The dishes I tried were the Baja Shrimp in Bone Marrow which came with bread, Pork Pastries, and Fries with Veggies. The drink I had was "Foster the Goldfinch" which was refreshing and I could tell there was a lot of TLC put into it. ;) Overall, a great option when in the area for "fresh from the farm" food and drinks with sweet service.~ read more

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I was invited to the preview of this wine bar a couple weeks ago. It's located right next door to their sister restaurant, The Red Door, replacing The Wellington. There were succulents hanging on the ceiling, so the decor reminded me of an enchanted little garden. I sampled a couple of their homemade honeys that they had. They both tasted very good and one had hints of buckwheat. Now I can see what all the buzz is about LOL. The cocktails were beautiful and really strong, but took a while to make. I tried the Los Star Fighter, Smudge and Conjure, and the Zombie Bus Stop. My favorite would have to the be Los Star Fighter since Tequila was used and it had a nice kick to it. They only have 5 small plates available and each one was delicious! We were able to try the Baja shriimp and bone marrow, catch of the day, opah de gallo, eggs and sope, carrots and pesto. Each dish was great for sharing and I like that they grow nearly half of their produce used at this restaurant. You can really taste how fresh everything is! read more

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LOVE THIS PLACE!!! Chateaubriand is amazing! Everything we have had here is amazing. Super friendly service, live music, great vibe. Our go to date spot. What more could you ask for? read more

BAR by Red Door - Compliments to the wonderful chef for being amazing! - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

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I had made dinner reservations for two at The Red Door, but staff suggested that we go next door which has the same menu, same happy hour specials, etc. but with live music! The Bar by Red Door was small but cute (and I hadn't been back for 8 years since the previous owner). For HH, we enjoyed the cashew nut crusted chicken wings, but we thought the veal meatballs were too dense (needed some bread crumbs) and the vegetables with pesto should have been a bit more crisp. I really enjoyed the scallops--this time they came on a round plate instead of a rectangular plate--with parsnip and bacon, vegetables, side of fried kale. The portion size was very respectable too. Chef Luciano came out to talk to us -- twice -- during the night. He is friendly and personable--what a nice touch! He told us we had to try his dessert (and come back for Lasagna and wine for $25 on Mon nites). The female singer who played acoustic guitar was fabulous--she sang soft rock, oldies but goodies. read more

If you know me, one of the most important things in the world is service. If your food is meh, I don't care as long as your service is stellar! Bar by Red Door does not have good service. It is right by my house and I wanted to have a Moms Night Out there on a Thursday night. A friend called to ask if we can reserve a couple of tables and was told, "No reservations." That the only way would be to rent out the whole restaurant for $1800. Now tell me, if you were a brand new business and wanted to develop a following in the community, wouldn't you cater to the moms and say, sure, come on in! We would LOVE to have you! Treat us well and we will be back again and again with our friends, our husbands, our moms...but no. We walked in on the same Thursday but only 5 of us to check it out. EMPTY! And there was something off about the service. The bartender wasn't rude exactly but she didn't exude warmth either. The beers are only in bottles or cans which is fine. But there are only 5 choices and they are not on the menu. The wine list is written on a mirror that you have to strain to see. Two of us ordered dessert. Dessert was meh. No one was happy or even pleasant about the fact that we were there. The contrast to the place we had just left was amazing. The place we came from knew which side their bread was buttered. read more

We live in Carlsbad and make trek down to chill at the bar with some amazing food and music.

I came out to this bar that has a live band or on this day a guitarist David Maldonado. He's a great performer and talented musician. It was great having the music but also he was very interactive with the guest at the bar. Kudos to both bar tenders and I have to say they make the best drinks and I say this because I got the same drink twice and both times exactly the same. Very tasty Fancy That! Thanks ladies for the well made drinks and the conversation with your guests at the bar. read more

After coming here for years when it was Wellington, I was skeptical of what concept could possibly replace the old quaint steak restaurant/bar. But I was pleasantly surprised. The space didn't change a whole lot- except it is a lot brighter and more open, which makes it more conducive to socializing. The bar staff are just as knowledgeable and fun as ever, and the drinks are even better then before. We tried a couple cocktails, which had very clever and inventive ingredients, and enjoyed it all. Also tried the roasted carrots- delicious! Although a bit on the spicy side, so for those sensitive to heat, be aware. Really great experience and can't wait to come back to try more. read more

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Visiting San Diego and we wanted to eat at the Red Door but there was a wait. So we decided to eat next door at the Red Door bar (same owner, same menu). The atmosphere was great, live music and the food was outstanding. Everything tasted fresh. The menu is diverse and the presentation of each meal exceptional. Luciano the owner came by our table twice to make sure everything was to our liking. A very nice and tasteful touch. We really enjoyed our Saturday night at the Red Door Bar. Danke Luciano und viele Gruesse aus Wuppertal :-) read more

Loved the atmosphere (pigment made a bar) and great service. Variety of drinks, fun space and intimate. read more

BAR by Red Door - Trying to be Italian - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

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I've only been to Bar by Red Door a few times, and each time did not disappoint. It's a small - intimate space, but the personable bartender and servers make it feel nice and cozy. The live music is a great bonus as well. The last time I was there was on (cough) Valentine's Day because I was forced to go out against my own will, but I'm glad I did (an obvious romantic). The owner/chef came out to greet tables and we ended up having a nice conversation with him. Next thing we know, he randomly brought out his delicious risotto, on the house, followed by an amazing chocolate dessert, also on the house. His exceptional hospitality, along with the staff's, without doubt made that night 100x more special. I felt like it was our own private little dinner with all the spoils. It just might have restored going out on a Hallmark holiday, but only to the Bar by Red Door. read more

Ended up here somewhat by accident for Happy Hour and had an absolutely lovely meal/evening. This is the bar next to the main restaurant- in addition to happy hour selections the full dInner menu was available. There was also great live music (sexy saxophone). Every dish was fabulous and the chef came to see how we enjoyed our meal- very classy touch. We will be back! Some of the highlights include - Golden eye cocktail Seafood risotto Orecchiette Brussel sprouts Kale Caesar Clams Mussels read more

The only craft cocktail bar in Mission Hills. It's really stunning inside. Lots of wood, natural materials and plants everywhere. Cocktails are well thought out and very rum, bourbon and gin intensive. My favorites! The bartender, she lacks personality, though, so the experience is a little soulless. Still, it's lovely and worth a visit! read more

Went there on a Sunday for date night with my wife. Food wise it was phenomenal. Ribeye and Pasta that we devoured. They had a musician playing Spanish guitar and it was the best live music that I have experienced in any restaurant in recent memory. Our waitress was great and the owner Luciano checked in multiple times to make sure everything was OK. We will definitely be back again soon. read more

Nice little cocktail bar next to Red Door. Came out on a Monday night and it wasn't busy at all- which I really like because it gives you the opportunity to sit at the bar and chat with the bartender. The place is very brightly lit, which is way different than the place that used to be here. As for food, we got the bone marrow and fries w/ veggies- and both were very good - no complaints there. The drinks were all really good, but my favorite was definitely the good will. We got to chat with Jason, the bartender, and he even made us a few drinks that he was still working on. You could tell that he really knew his stuff. Since this place just opened up, I'm definitely interested in returning to see how their menu changes/expands. The bar was a little bit small for how much seating was available, so I do wonder how they will do during a packed night. But for now, I do really enjoy coming here during non-busy hours and just getting some good drinks. read more

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Last night, we had a wonderful dinner at the Bar by Red Door. And, it is next door to one of our favorite restaurants, The Red Door and it is under the same ownership. Also, they use the same great menu but, the atmosphere is very lively in the Bar. And, while sitting there, Lori had the special Salmon dinner and I was enjoying the Arugula with Pear salad and then their delicious short ribs dinner. Also, we were entertained by the Spanish guitarist, David Maldonado. He plays there one or two nights a week and he created great music with his mastery of the guitar and his lively selection of classic favorites and today's popular songs. Everyone in the Bar by Red Door were having a great meal and a fabulous time. I highly recommend the Bar by Red Door for a night of good food and great entertainment on a Wednesday thru Sunday evening. read more

fyi, BAR by Red Door is closed. I've tried to go three times and the first two times they closed earlier than advertised and so I wasn't able to go in. Now they are officially closed except for private events. They may re-open around May 1, 2018 under the new owner ... perhaps the fourth(???) time's the charm ... read more

I give this happy hour 5 stars! Love the lamb sliders and the shrimp bone marrow dish. I ordered two tikis on the menu and loved them. I read past reviews about the bard tender and I think I had the same one! Came across rude. I almost walked away because of it. But the food and drink redeemed itself. I WILL be coming back for happy hour. read more

Ok. If you are anywhere near mission hills..go see REN. Bartender extraordinaire... vary knowledgeable. So kind. The spot is the best value in the area. Snooze you lose. read more

This was our first visit to The Bar by Red Door, but I don't think there is anything unique enough to compel me to come back. The two cocktails I had were well-crafted. The three appetizers we shared were tasty, particularly the stuffed dates. The service was fine. But these types of places are a dime a dozen in San Diego. I was very sad to see The Wellington go. I loved the dark, Gothic ambiance of the old place, and I wish they had kept more of that vibe for the switch to The Bar. Even if serving beef is not as environmentally friendly, I really miss the old-school feeling of The Wellington--it was something unique and different in San Diego. The Bar is no different than a dozen other places in San Diego county, so I am overall a little bummed. read more

Bartender poured pre-mixed cocktail over ice, stirred it in the glass as if it needed mixing, and then-I kid not-tried a sip of it from a straw. The only value in all of this are the ongoing giggles about how ludicrous it was. Oh, and the wines are ridiculously overpriced. read more

Amazing farm to glass craft cocktails. Everyone is friendly and knowledgeable and the food is out of this world delicious! Great for a date, drink after work, or a night on the town. read more

Best shrimp and grits (polenta) ever and I'm a southern girl! Great drinks - very unique. Hidden jewel on a Saturday night with no wait. Shhh...don't tell everyone but definitely check them out! read more

Cozy neighborhood bar with good selection of cocktails and awesome appetizers. Got the truffle risotto, fries & veggies and fried radishes...very tasty. The staff was super friendly and attentive. Sometimes I'm in a mood for a rockin' place with loud music and 20 local craft beers on tap. This time, my wife and I were leaving our kids behind and looking for a low-key place with a chill ambiance where we can unwind. Found it... read more

The cocktails are top-notch and put together by some of the best bartenders in SD. The food from Red Door is fantastic. There's also trivia on Wednesdays at 7pm, which is super-fun and entertaining ... and you can win bar cash to be used at either Bar or Red Door. Great addition to Mission Hills! read more

My husband and I stumbled across the Bar by the Red Door on a Tuesday night. Jason and Ryan were extremely attentive and great company at the bar. Drinks were top notch (Jason gives great recommendations) and food was delicious. Will return soon with friends. read more

Cute little bar with live music - had the happy hour cocktail "All That", very good. I really love this area in San Diego.

Tried this place after reading great reviews. Their signature lamb slider was quite disappointing - bun was just awful & the lamb dry. We were a threesome & everything came in twos, which would have been nice to know starting out. Taco innerds were tasty, but the corn tortillas were drenched in oil. The bacon wrapped dates & Mac & cheese salvaged the meal. Drinks were good, not great, & service was terrible for Fri nite HH, b/c server was covering the place on her own. Too many great places in SD to give this spot another try. read more