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    Bencotto Italian Kitchen

    4.2 (3.6k reviews)
    ModerateItalian, Bars, Desserts
    Closed 11:30 am - 9:30 pm
    Updated 2 weeks ago

    Order Bencotto Italian Kitchen Takeout or Delivery

    Bencotto Italian Kitchen Photos

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    BENCOTTO ITALIAN KITCHEN ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Trendy
    Classy
    Moderate noise
    Dogs allowed

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    Recommended Reviews - Bencotto Italian Kitchen

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    Cheese wheel pasta
    Kami H.

    Located in Little Italy so parking can be challenging. It was an easy walk from the hotels near the cruise port. We were seated outside which wasn't bad weather wise, but the trees kept dropping leaves on our food and drinks. Calamari - I wouldn't order this again. While it was nice that the batter wasn't heavy, this was overcooked and dry. If they hadn't given us such a generous portion of the sauces, we wouldn't have eaten it. Cheese wheel pasta - This is not the kind of place that brings it to your table or lets you see the process unless you ask. Our server was nice and he brought me inside so I could watch it. I would totally order this again as the flavors were wonderful and not too rich. Add bacon to it!

    Calamari Fritti $19
    Ben C.

    Chic spot in Little Italy. Inside ~ cocktail vibe, dark, classy. A few seats on their sidewalk patio. Late afternoon shaded from buildings. Service ~ our waiter was awesome! Professional & well mannered for an enjoyable experience.

    Mozzarella sticks
    Selena L.

    Came here on a weekend and we were seated outside due to no reservation. Our table was filled with leaves that had dropped, including on our dishware. We got mozzarella sticks, tagliatelle nere, cheese wheel pasta, and tagliatelle lamb. To our surprise, the mozzarella sticks only come with three small sticks, but the cheese pull on them were really nice. The cheese wheel pasta was not tossed in the cheese wheel table side because we were seated outside, which I wish they would've explained when we were ordering. We substituted the tagliatelle ragu with pappardelle pasta since we already had fettuccine and I liked that a lot. When the pasta came out, our server asked if we wanted cheese on the pasta to which we said yes, and then he forgot to bring us cheese so we had to ask the hostess standing outside. Overall the food was good and the pasta portion was filling. I wouldn't recommend sitting outside because service was not the best. Not sure if it was because we were quite literally the only table outside.

    Pasta Fresca - Tagliatelle
    Anney L.

    Made a reservation, so the wait wasn't bad at all! The food was definitely the star of the night. Everything we ordered was delicious, and I'd absolutely come back for the pasta. The only downside was the service. It was reaaaally slow, and we were hardly ever checked on. We had to raise our hands multiple times just to get someone's attention, which took away from the experience. I'd still recommend giving this place a try, but I'd suggest coming during a less busy time since I think the service would be much better. The food is worth it!

    Pollo alla Pizzaiola (Chicken Parmesan with mashed potatoes)
    Maddie M.

    Pros: Food Ambience Service Accommodate Larger Parties Cons: Dessert Parking It was my friends birthday and birthday girl wanted to try something different. We all loved our dinner especially the birthday girl with her squid ink pasta. Great selection of wines! This place is great for larger parties, but also date night. It's not too quiet, but not too loud either. Parking is difficult to find, but manageable. However the worst thing I've possibly eaten in a while was their tiramisu. I am a connoisseur of tiramisu so much so I am planning a trip to Italy for their tiramisu running marathon . This isn't a typical tiramisu and specifically says 21+ to order it. Traditional tiramisu has Marsala wine and American versions may even have some rum, but it's such a small amount that it's not enough to get drunk. HOWEVER Bencotto's has seen it as a challenge. It comes in a small espresso size cup amount. If you love alcohol and food together, you'll love this. Upon taking my first bite, I was smacked with whipped cream filled alcohol. It's truly startling and not good! Then I thought well maybe if I dig deeper to the bottom it won't be as bad, NOPE! It gets worse! You are literally taking a double shot of alcohol with cake. It was honestly such a turn off that it almost ruined dinner for me. I don't mind having a glass of wine or maybe a cocktail, however if I decide I want a shot, I definitely don't want cake in it.

    Jamal A.

    My absolute FAVORITE Italian spot in CA and I've been here so many times and have brought so many friends but this is the first time I've gotten around to reviewing this spot! The service is always prompt and the feel of the restaurant feels modern yet casual enough where it's not stuffy, perfect for just hanging out with friends or family. In this round, I got to try their special, Spaghetti Alla Gricia which features a Pecorino and black pepper cream sauce with Guanciale (pork cheeks). Absolutely delicious, balanced flavors with perfectly cooked pasta (as always)!

    Pollo Alla Pizzaiola
    Kritine F.

    Food service and ambiance were incredible. Waiters are friendly, we dined outside which was lovely and intimate, and the food was INCREDIBLE. Got the recommendation from someone off the street and it truly is some of the best Italian food you could get in California and very reasonably priced. Dress up fancy or semi casual and they treat you like a local.

    Salmone Mediterraneo
    Ruby S.

    Highly recommend making a reservation! We got so lucky they were able to squeeze us in on a busy Saturday night, it was a risk & I was prepared to wait but was so thankful! We started with lobster bisque & calamari. Both were good but I preferred the calamari. Everyone loved their entrees but the star of the show was the cheese wheel pasta. Seriously I didn't think it would be that good but it was worth the hype. I'd go back just to eat that pasta. We all got a variety of desserts & each were great as well! We sat outdoors and the weather was perfect. Amazing food & wine was had. So glad we chose this place for our dinner in little Italy!

    Fresh calamari. This was delicious
    Heather W.

    Came here yesterday with the husband for dinner. I ordered the cheese wheel pasta with shrimp and the hubby had the lasagna. The food and service were amazing! The best pasta I had ever eaten!!!

    Dennis T.

    Came here for my sons birthday and was not disappointed the food here is good. Our server here was amazing,He navigated us through the menu pretty quick. We got three pasta dishes and shared them, I really should've got the names, but we did get the pasta that they mix in the cheese and the big bowl and it was amazing, make sure you don't put no extra cheese on it cause it'll be too cheesy. I most definitely would return her for the good food and the good customer service.

    Gnocchi with four cheese white sauce and Italian sausage
    Kelly C.

    There are a lot of great Italian spots in Little Italy, but Bencotto Italian Kitchen is on another level! I've been coming here on and off for almost a decade, and the transformation under the new ownership is honestly incredible. What was once a solid neighborhood favorite has evolved into my absolute go to Italian restaurant in all of Little Italy. First off, the pasta!! Handmade and perfectly textured every single time. You can actually taste the difference! Incredible! And then there's the showstopper... pasta tossed in a giant cheese wheel. Yes, a literal wheel of cheese, melted and worked into the pasta right in front of you! It's as indulgent and unforgettable as it sounds. The gnocchi with four cheese sauce and Italian sausage? Unreal. Pillowy and packed with flavor. It's one of those dishes you think about long after you leave. Easily one of the best things I've ever eaten! Honestly, the gnocchi is better at Bencotto than I had in Italy (wild I know!) Beyond the food, the entire experience just hits. The staff is warm, attentive, and genuinely passionate, which makes the whole night feel special without ever being stuffy. And the vibe? Cozy and intimate which is perfect for date nights or long dinners with friends. If I could eat here every night, I genuinely would. Thank you again to Steve, who made my last few experiences here great! Can't wait to go back!!

    Tagliatelle Al Ragu' Di Agnello
    Jessica K.

    Came to celebrate a birthday! We made a dinner reservation on the same day and were seated quickly upon arrival. We were seated upstairs in a small table. The food was absolutely delicious. The ravioli al tartufo was one of the best raviolis I have had. The sauce was light yet so flavorful and full of umami and mushroom. Ravioli was perfectly al dente. Portion was huge as well. The Tagliatelle Al Ragu' Di Agnello was also delicious and perfectly complemented the ravioli. The sauce was plentiful with large chunks of meat, and the meaty flavor was not overpowering. The noodles were cooked perfectly as well. While the food was amazing, service missed the mark for us. We noticed our server would go to other tables and offer bread, strike small conversation, and make recommendations about the menu. He didn't do any of that for us, and we didn't know bread was an option until we saw other tables have it and we already had our entrees. While service was not impolite, it was nothing to write home about. I would definitely come back for the amazing pasta here!

    Menu
    Charlene S.

    Went with a friend on Valentine's Day (yes, a friend), and reservations were booked. They were able to get us seated early, though. From there, service was great. Vegetarian review: The pasta that they finish in a cheese wheel was great. The pasta was chewy in texture, sauce was so, so good. It was cheesy and lightly truffled. Mushrooms were great too. Ambiance was nice, and parking ain't great, but it's possible. Possible.

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    Bencotto Italian Kitchen Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Bencotto Italian Kitchen

    How are the acoustics? Would a party of 12 easily be accommodated here? Celebrating the life of a beloved family member who passed away

    They did have 2 levels plus outside maybe it's a good place to

    Is there a corkage fee?

    Hi Natalie, Yes we do have a $30 corkage fee per 750ml bottle.

    Gluten free options?

    Yes, they have many gluten-free options

    Do they accept walk ins?

    Yes! You might have to sit on the patio depending on current occupancy but they'll rarely turn away a walk-in :) enjoy!

    Do they have a well stocked bar? IE Captain Morgan, Bourbon etc? Or is it limited to their specialty cocktails?

    Hello Bob! Thank you for the inquiry about our beverage options. We do indeed have a fully stocked bar and look forward to serving you soon! Cheers!

    Hi! It's the marinara sauce option for the build a pasta vegan?

    Thank you for the inquiry! Yes, the marinara sauce for the build you own pasta is completely vegan, as is the arrabbiata sauce!

    Senior friendly? Wondering how much walking would be necessary and the level of noise inside.

    If eating outdoors there is one step up to the patio area. To get to the inside dining room there were about 5-6 steps. We ate outdoors the noise level was not excessive and when we were inside the noise level was not too bad. You would be able… 

    Will they do the cheese wheel pasta for you even if you ask for outdoor dining?

    Yes! They brought us inside to watch it being prepared and then we went back to our outside table and they served us!

    Is there a kids menu available?

    Are the ladyfingers in the tiramisu homemade also?

    Do I need to make a reservation?

    I highly recommend reservations for dinner. They get busy quick! Cheers!

    So you aren't open on mondays?

    They are not open for lunch on Mondays but are open for dinner.

    Are you now open for outdoor dining?

    Yes they're

    Are the cheese wheel pastas select pastas or how does it work?

    Yes they do! During my visit in August they had 2 cheese wheel pasta offerings.

    Small dog friendly outdoor area?

    Yeah they're super cool with dogs.

    What is the corkage fee?

    CORKAGE FEE $ 30 PER BOTTLE

    Is it kids friendly ? Has high chair?

    It's fairly loud and relaxed in there so I would consider it kid friendly. Not sure about high chair but my guess is yes. You could call and ask

    Do you have any VEGAN options?

    PROBABLY

    Does this place allow BYOB?

    CORKAGE FEE $ 30 PER BOTTLE

    Is this place dog friendly?

    Yes! They are. There is outdoor seating which is for regular dogs. I bring my dog all the time. Obviously service dogs are allowed anywhere a human goes.

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    Raised By Wolves - Lots o' Scotch

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    4.3(2.3k reviews)
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    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.

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

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    False Idol - Rum Old Fashioned

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    I love it here; this is one of my go to spots to bring people when they are in town for…read morework/visiting etc. Be warned, you can have a very long wait here if you just pop in, especially on a Friday or Saturday evening. Make a reservation if you know this is your destination. They have some spot on Tiki decor and the staff here is really friendly, happy to share their favorite drinks, or make suggestions based on your likes. If fruity drinks are not your jam... what are you doing in a Tiki Bar!! No really, they have great options for on the rocks or straight as well as ordering your favorite cocktail or beer. They have a ton of options, all sorts of alcohol bases depending on what your vice is, they also have non-alcoholic drinks for those so inclined. Hard to pass on a Mai Tai or a Zombie to start your evening off. lately I have been enjoying the Eastern Sour which is their take on a whiskey sour. It's always fun when someone orders a bowl and the room shakes and the lights flash with thunder and lightning adding a bit of excitement for first timers. Just to recap: Don't get mad if you have to wait and did not make a reservation. While they have lots of options, most drinks and all specialties are Tiki Drinks. Tiki drinks can be strong, mind yourself. If a place like this is not your vibe, that is fine, head back into Craft & Commerce, make room for others who are waiting to get in, just have fun!

    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.

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    False Idol - Isn't it gorgeous?!

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    Mothership - Amazing decor

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    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!

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    Noble Experiment - Spiced banana flip! Delicious!

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    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

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    Convoy Music Bar - Lychee Martini

    Convoy Music Bar

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

    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

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    Prohibition - Our famous Prohibition Old Fashioned

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    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.

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    $$$

    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 - Pistachio ice cream sandwich

    Pistachio ice cream sandwich

    Starlite - Cocktails are fun!

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    Cocktails are fun!

    Polite Provisions - Uncle Jalapeño

    Polite Provisions

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

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

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

    Photos
    Polite Provisions - Want. Make. Disco.

    Want. Make. Disco.

    Polite Provisions - Real oil lamps!

    Real oil lamps!

    Polite Provisions - Art deco

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    Art deco

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

    Kiku Room

    3.5(45 reviews)
    0.6 miMiddletown

    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

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    Bencotto Italian Kitchen - italian - Updated September 2026

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