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    Brisa Restaurant & Bar

    4.4 (380 reviews)
    Updated 2 months ago

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    BRISA RESTAURANT & BAR ATMOSPHERE

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    Smoked Pork Chuleta 9/10!
    Frankie M.

    This is where Latin American flavors meet Asian Fusion cuisine! Brisa is a vibrant restaurant in the heart of Little Italy that serves up some of the best Latin-Japanese fusion flavors in town! My wife has been longing to dine here for months! So, we finally set up a double date night to embrace the uniqueness of this tropical, coastal and stylish restaurant. For starters, we ordered the passion fruit ceviche 8/10. It was fresh and tangy with a hint of spiciness! Very tasteful! For our main entrees we ordered the smoked pork chuleta, the chop was tender and juicy with tons of flavor 9/10. And my wife ordered the cheese empanadas, each bite had a satisfying crunch with piping hot melted cheese inside 9/10. Our friends ordered the tequila salmon and the house special which consisted of ribeye steak bites, shrimp, and (1) cheese empanada. As for cocktails, highly recommend the guava lava-jalapeño infused tequila, guava purée, triple sec, and lime 10/10. And also the forbidden fruit martini- rum, lychee liqueur, rose water, and lemon 10/10. Overall, the food was exquisite! Service was definitely on point! From start to finish we were greeted with smiles and hospitality- it definitely shows when people are passionate about providing top-notch service! We will definitely be back soon!

    Saleen M.

    I was super excited to check out this restaurant when I found out they had a speakeasy! Brisa is Latin & Japanese inspired cuisine. The sushi was expensive & basic. Unfortunately, the speakeasy is just a separate room (looks like it is a converted patio). They had quite a few tables in such a small space so it was tight. Service was extremely slow & it seemed like they just took whoever they could get from Brisa to come by to take orders. They had a few exclusive cocktails, with the rest from Brisa.

    Zuli M.

    Good trendy spot. Nice GNO or date night option. Not somewhere you go to be it's world class cuisine lol The menu is a nice fusion so something for everyone. I knocked a star bc it's a bit cramped in there... they really squeeze people in there.

    erica b.

    The Galentines day brunch was Awesome! This restaurant is so pretty. It was decorated with roses coming out of the ceiling and flower backdrop at the bar. Just Beautiful! Our server Lorenzo was the best! The food was really good as well. I really liked the cheese empanadas. The whole atmosphere was just great. I will definitely be putting this on my list of places to go for brunch.

    Isaiah A.

    Came here for a date night and were offered both the regular menu and a Restaurant Week menu. After looking over both, the Restaurant Week option caught our attention. The ambiance was nice, dimly lit with a candle at the table, which made it feel intimate. One small detail I really liked was the unique water glasses they served us. For our first course, we ordered the ceviche and empanadas from the Restaurant Week menu, and also added the Brisa oysters from the regular menu. The empanadas were easily the standout of the three appetizers. The ceviche was solid, though I've had better, and the oysters were fine but nothing memorable. For our entrees, we went with the steak and lobster and the Cajun salmon. The steak had a strong lemon flavor but was overall good, and the lobster was cooked very well. My partner enjoyed the salmon as well. To finish, we got a tres leches cake, which was very good and a sweet way to end the meal. I'm not completely sold on Brisa just yet, but it might be worth giving another try in the future.

    Lobster and NY Strip Steak - restaurant week
    Kate F.

    This restaurant is so cute inside with flowers hanging from the ceiling. Very Instagram worthy We went for restaurant week and the ceviche was delicious and a large portion. I got the lobster and NY Strip steak. The mashed potatoes and lobster were delicious. The steak was just okay The tres leches cake was really good as well It was an incredible deal for $45

    Shaeli Z.

    Can I just say.... It was not what was expected. They had a pop up, but I guess it's one and the same place. I definitely missed the jungle pop ip speakeasy they were advertising. This place is built like a concrete holding cell with some flower thrown in. The menu is confused and the food was mediocre at best. The vibe was dim and dreary, tables squished together with no space to walk between. The whole building also smelled weird, there was a pungent odor coming from either the pipes of sewerage. I lost my appetite. From the time I called to let them know I was going to be a couple mins late they just said "ok" and didn't ask for a name or time of my res. Maybe they're not concerned with people showing up. Our server was great though it looked like he was struggling to walk between the tables. The lobby wasn't bad when you first walk in.... Becomes quite grim immediately past that lobby area. They look like they half-a it, like running out of budget. The ambience was colorless, distasteful and humdrum. It was cold and quite unequivocally uncomfortable. I have never had experienced this in my life. Moving on to food: menu is a number give away of what to expect.... I supposed you expect they don't know what you are as a brand. It's a mess. They couldn't dabble in a cuisine so they didn't choose one but all. I was immediately walking to walk out when we got our food. 1: nothing on the menu was appetizing so we ordered a salad. There was something wrong with the dressing. 2: we got the garlic rice, it was a plate of oil/melted butter. I have yet to go to a restaurant and ask for them to remake the food but with less butter, but this should've been the time. To end: I will not be returning, for any of you coming here, book a table in the lobby. It saves you from the smell and unimpressive ambience. For those of you reading this review, people say to order the sushi. I should've listened, even then, $30 for a roll is insane. It also did not smell fresh in the restaurant so you could very well be sick.

    Filet Potstickers
    Carlos S.

    Brisa delivered a fun night for our birthday celebration, with a few misses. We came as a party of 8 and the vibe was festive right away. The space was decorated with a Valentine's Day feel, with flowers everywhere, which made the whole dinner feel extra special. Service started off a bit slow, but Jenny completely turned the experience around. She surprised our birthday boy with champagne and a free dessert, and that thoughtful gesture made the night. Food was mixed. The appetizers were the clear highlight and the reason I would return. Across the table, the winners were the steak skewers, the empanadas, and the key lime pie. Those were the standouts. The main courses were less consistent and did not match how strong the starters were. One more note. Brisa has a speakeasy bar connected, which sounded fun, but it was rented out the night we visited so we did not get to check it out. If you go, focus on appetizers and drinks, and ask about the speakeasy if you want the full experience.

    Brisa Roll
    Jonathan Z.

    Cute cocktails, great mid week deals for Mexican food, but wouldn't come back for the sushi rolls. Got the Brisa Roll and the Surf & Turf Roll. Not a fan of the lobster and steak with the cream cheese. Crispy fried onions were good, though. The Brisa Roll wasn't much to write about either. California roll style and both took quite a bit to come out. I did love their Flower Pot cocktail served in a mini flower pot. A boozy Oreo espresso martini with whipped cream. The bf's cocktail wasn't bad either. Service was friendly but may have to try their non-sushi options when we come back.

    Signage. Ig@mel_foodie_ventures
    Melanie P.

    And I'm back for the Christmas experience that I saw on IG. I loved the Christmas decor right as you enter, which allows you to take some cute photos while you wait for your table. It's definitely a win if you come during this happy hour so that you can take advantage of that and also taste their holiday drinks! The flying reindeer was super cute with the balloon reindeer attached to your drink! I also liked the Santa's Nightcap with the eggnog and the gingerbread man garnish on top. Sushi was good and I enjoyed the Tizon Roll, which was torched at tableside. The place was kinda loud though, so it was hard to talk above all the chatter. Customer service on point as usual and I would definitely return to try more of their holiday drinks.

    Brandon M.

    Bomb steak skewers The sushi rolls were also good. Service was exceptional. Decore was string lights & vibey. Downside is kinda pricey. Even apps are $20 or more.

    bar area
    Roxanne H.

    Came here for the christmas drink menu and had such a great experience. The staff was incredibly friendly and welcoming. Drinks were tasty as well, not super strong for mine, but it was a sweeter drink. I tried my friends martini though and dare I say best martini i've had ever? Perfect amount of olive juice!! Our drinks came out fast, and the ambiance of the restaurant was cozy and charming. Would definitely come back and would love to try the food next time!

    Menu
    Daniela A.

    Came in and because we heard there was a holiday theme and I'm so glad we did! We made a reservation and the hostess seated us right away. The inside was so cute as well as the outside and made for a very inviting time. We ordered the Calamari and truffle fries as well as the Frostys Hot Mess. The Calamari was cooked perfectly ans so nice with the lime. The avocado cilantro aoli it came with was such a nice pairing. The truffle fries were also delicious, well done ans not to much truffle but a generous amount ot Parmesan. The Frostys Hot Mess was really cute, I enjoyed the marshmallow on top and it was a well balanced drink. Overall, I'd recommend this restaurant and I cant wait to come back!

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    What kind of sushi rolls that are 50% off on Tue? What time? Can I order togo?

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    Raised By Wolves - Lots o' Scotch

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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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    False Idol - Rum Old Fashioned

    False Idol

    4.4(1.4k reviews)
    0.4 miLittle Italy
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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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    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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    My husband and I recently spent some days in San Diego. He found this speak easy and we decided we…read moreneeded to try it out. This was definitely the highlight of our trip. From the spooky, dark, skulls old school ambiance and decor, to the experience of not ordering from a menu, everything about it made it feel unique and curated making it feel like a true individualized experience. As mentioned, there are no menus. We sat at the bar, the bartender makes casual conversation with you regarding the types of drinks you enjoy. He curated something for both my husband and I based on what we shared we enjoyed. The drinks were delicious. The entry was very cool! It felt as if you were entering a hidden spot - which you do. When you enter the restaurant, you let the hostess know you're there for the Noble Experience. She let us know to head to the wall with the kegs (which is actually a door). You enter and there's a small waiting area where you're greeted by another hostess. This place is a 20/10. We can't wait to return on our next visit to SD.

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

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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!

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    4.0(1k reviews)
    1.2 miGaslamp
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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

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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)
    3.4 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)
    0.5 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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    Brisa Restaurant & Bar - bars - Updated September 2026

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