As the self-appointed king of speakeasies, I'm back at it with another one. After having dinner in the area, we stopped by Charade for some drinks on a Monday night. I parked on the street close to the dinner spot I went to and then walked over to Charade. Ambiance (5/5): Charade is a speakeasy so here's your clue. It's located inside Balboa. Look for the room with the arcade games and you're on the right track. Once you enter the speakeasy, you'll immediately be impressed with the old school charm. It seats roughly 20-30 people and there's a bar on one end and a stage on the other end. Old school red curtains add to the vibe. And here's the best part. On Mondays, it's jazz night. Local musicians will play which makes for a great time. Service (3/5): There was one bartender working when we were there. Overall, she provided pretty good service. There was one comment she made which rubbed me the wrong way but no biggie. Food (N/A): I had dinner prior so were on a liquid diet. I did notice that they have a few snacks available like popcorn. Drinks (4.5/5): When you think of speakeasies, you think of elevated cocktails. I look for creativity and an interesting blend of flavors and ingredients. The menu here, while not huge, has some interesting options. Outside of the menu itself, the prices are reasonable (especially for California). And they make you stiff drinks which is always appreciated. Taking into account the cocktails and the ambiance, Charade is an awesome laid-back speakeasy. Make sure to stop by on a Monday for jazz night. That takes things up a notch. read more

Came here around 11:30 PM on a Friday right before closing. No reservation needed. It's a little tricky to find at first, but once you know it's tucked inside The Balboa Bar and Grill, it all clicks. I've been to The Balboa plenty of times and had no idea this was even here. The space is intimate, but well-designed. Think low lighting, a small bar, and sofa seating lining the walls with an open area in the center that naturally shifts between a dance floor and a social space. It strikes a nice balance of being lively without feeling overcrowded. They had DJs playing. It wasn't too loud so you were still able to socialize and hear one another. Drinks were solid. I ordered an Old Fashioned, and it was done right. Service stood out too. Everyone we interacted with was genuinely friendly and welcoming. Overall, it's a great late-night spot that feels a little more tucked-away and intentional than your typical bar scene. Definitely worth checking out! read more

My partner and I were excited to check out Monday Jazz Night and their drinks! We got dinner at The Balboa before hand which is where Charade is located. On google it says opens they open at 7pm. But they dont let people in until 7:30pm. So keep that in mind if your planning on checking out Jazz Night. The space itself was very cozy and intimate. We got there early so we were able to get a table. It filled it pretty fast so I would recommend getting their early. I got their Lenny Sands. Very tasty. It was a good take on an old fashion. Will definitely be back and try out their other drinks. Our waitress Cassandra was actually their sommelier! Which was pretty cool! She mentioned that they could be doing more wine options and tastings. We will definitely be back for that! read more

Charade - Lenny Sands - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - San Diego, California

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Such a vibe I loved it here. Located in the back of The Balboa. You enter through the back wall of the arcade room off the main bar. We got there at 7 thinking it opened then and was told to come back at 7:30. Music actually starts around 8. You can't bring drinks or food in from The Balboa. The have mostly cocktails but also offer beer, wine and some non alcoholic options. A few snacks are offered (popcorn, nuts, etc) but don't expect anything substantial. The space is very intimate and cozy. Not a huge amount of space so better for groups no bigger than 6. We came on a Mon for jazz jam. It starts with the house band playing for 45ish minutes. They take a 15 min break and then the lead brings on people from the crowd to jam. Music was great! Very laid back. The lead was a great xylophonist which I don't hear as often in jazz. Cassandra was helping us all night and was wonderful! read more

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A truly original and fun place. Been going here since the day it first opened. Last night the show was over the top fun but the bar service was terrible. Full house. One bartender and one server. And.... We could not order from the bar. Just really made the night less than it could have been read more

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So incredibly fun! We immediately knew we were in for a good time just by the energy in which Cassandra greeted us! She and Chloe and Jinx the magician worked together to create a whole evening of fun and fascination for the entire crowd. Great drinks too! read more

The experience was alright. It's definitely unique.. We made reservations for this place close to 7pm when the show starts. The place was empty except for the host and the bartender. We could choose anywhere to be seated and the seats are arranged such that you're facing the stage. The drinks menu is limited; about 5-7 cocktails, beer and wine. There is a 2 drinks minimum policy. I had the Perfidia and white jazz and they were both good. If you're looking for a unique, more adventurous cocktail, you probably won't find that here. The first show was a little.. odd. It reminds me of David Lynch's Mulholland Drive for some reason. Weird but I was strangely drawn to it. Come 8:15ish, that's when most people came in. Now it makes sense, the burlesque show starts at 8:30 and that was fun and hilarious. I enjoyed that. No food. But go outside the room and enjoy the burgers at The Balboa. read more

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The ambience! The drinks! The CHLOE! Chloe was so good to us, entertained is when we asked for custom drinks and they were all really good. She created some really unique cocktails with a japanese strawberry gin. It was an emphermal experience tonight my friends and I loved it. Menu cocktails were good too! Playlist was fire. read more

Without much context to this bar except that it was a speakeasy vibe, I was surprised and excited that it was a burlesque show night which started at 7pm! There is a 2 drink minimum which is not bad especially with a show included. Tucked away in the back of The Balboa, I liked the contrasting vibes of the speakeasy which was more cozy and intimate. The cocktails were just okay and too sweet for my taste. I tried the lavender vodka cocktail and an old fashioned, both were sweeter than I prefer. The show itself was fun with intermittent acts every 20 mins or so. The venue was just the right size so you can still see even from the way back. Make sure to make reservations as we got lucky to get seated by showing up early during a lull period. It got packed within the hour! read more

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We ate dinner at The Balboa and realized the speakeasy was getting ready to open that evening; so I decided to plant some entertainment into our night unknowingly what we were going to see. We scoured the website for a password and found just a reservation on OpenTable will get us in the door. The entry of the speakeasy is behind one of the walls of the arcade and it looks like an industrial wall of pipes and brick to showcase a glass french door that looks into a very colorful, mysterious, low lit room. Once seated, you're offered beverages of your choice and before the music starts, they collect $10 per person and on the drink menu indicated at the bottom is the two drink minimum. An unexpected evening of delight and cheer. A small intimate crowd with a unique offering of a visual stimulating atmosphere with beverages for all to include (non alcoholic) beverages that range from $9 to $16. You have one server and friendly staff that's committed to make sure you have a good time. We met Sip & Curl, two beautiful voices Danielle and Ruby G and one drummer referred to as Cab Driver on the drums / guitarist. We also enjoyed some stand up comedy too. read more

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I recently stumbled upon this new speakeasy & was beyond pleasantly surprised to find out that it's a new speakeasy in one of my favorite spots ever, the Balboa Bar & Grill in Bankers Hill! The Balboa is definitely my favorite burger in San Diego, as well as my family's, so us finding out that they incorporated a new performative bar only meant one thing... we had to go immediately. A few weeks ago, a few of us had visited the Balboa & had noticed that they created a new spacious arcade game room area that included a new pool table. However, we had no idea the speakeasy would be part of this area as well. The expansion is awesome! We were able to experience Charade's first week of opening & upon entering, it was seriously so cool, intimate, & I love the projectors that display unpredictable, but captivating scenery (e.g., random aquariums, aurora borealis-looking visuals, & etc). Lighting in here was super ambient & really nice too, which is something I appreciate! Since they're in their beginning stages with recently opening, they have a limited menu for now, but they have a full bar & are flexible with drink orders off the menu. For instance, martinis were not on the actual menu, but they made a mean one upon request :) Drinks were great & service was great too! We really liked the bartender (I didn't quite get his name), but we also thought that our server, Shine, was really sweet & welcoming, & he really cared to make sure we had a drink in hand & that we were enjoying our time there. The most cool & unique thing about this new establishment though is that they have a stage with a curtain where throughout the night (~8 PM - 1AM ish), artists take turns to perform any type of art that they'd like. You really never know what you're going to get & during our visit, we got to see epic guitar playing & singing, a ventriloquist, & another singing bit with comedy mixed in. It's definitely an unpredictable & exciting performative journey & makes the night more interesting & exciting. Overall, I am super happy to see that the Balboa (which was already amazing as is) is evolving & supporting San Diego's local talent, & being an open platform for artists to do their thang. They even let us know that if we, or if anyone that we knew, was interested in performing there, that they would love to learn more about our art & to give us a chance to be a part of the experience. I totally recommend this place & the even better part about it is that after you get some nice drinks in here & you step on out, you can continue the fun by treating yourself to the best burger ever at the Balboa! ;) read more

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Had a great time here! There was no entertainment the night I went which was fine cause there was karaoke. Staff was awesome too. Overall great experience read more

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I have no idea how this place is as low key as it was when I went last night, it was great! The speakeasy is located near the arcade in the back of the restaurant. The bartender was super friendly and made us custom drinks that were delicious and well priced. Mine were about $14 each, which, for a custom drink is super good. The ambiance is incredible, great low lighting, cool displays, small and intimate. The act last night was also interesting. They went on at 7pm and we were there for 2 hours and he did two shows. For the price, location, and quality of drinks this place was amazing. Will 100% be coming back, and during a weekend next! read more

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Charade is one of those places where you walk in and immediately think, "Okay, this is gonna be interesting." It's definitely unique part cocktail lounge, part live show, part "where am I and how did I get here?" vibe. The concept? Super fun. The execution? Ehh... still deciding. It feels like one of those movies you kinda like but know you probably need to watch again to really get it. Service was great though friendly, fast, and nobody gave you the stink-eye for not knowing what was happening, which is always a plus. Cocktails? Solid. No complaints there. They know how to mix a drink, and they don't skimp on the good stuff. Plenty of parking (bless) and yes, they take reservations so you can feel fancy for a hot second. Honestly, if you're looking to switch things up from the usual "drink at a bar and stare at your phone" night, Charade's a fun option. Come for the cocktails, stay for the what-is-happening-right-now entertainment. Might need a round two to really appreciate it but hey, any excuse for more drinks, right? read more

Charade - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - San Diego, California

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This place seemed like it could be a cool little speakeasy but service was not very welcoming. We had reservations but the guy at the door assumed that we didn't, paired with a snarky attitude. We decided to not stay as we didn't feel welcomed. This was a first for me and we could only figure that it was because we were black, because we were very pleasant so the guy's attitude was unwarranted. Hope they learn to ask if someone has a reservation before dismissing them because you ASSUME that they don't. Unfortunate situation as we were first time visitors of San Diego. Bad first impression. read more

We walked into the wrong room but we still found the place. The ambiance is great and the staff were helpful and well dressed. The drinks were delicious but they were out of some of the food options and the drinks took a minute to come out read more

Charade - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - San Diego, California

The best. The entertainment. Drinks and ambiance a1 next level i will fuckin keep coming back here this is a staple in the city. Thank you for serving the community. read more

. What an unforgettable experience! The energy was incredible from start to finish -- everyone was laughing, singing, and just having the best time. The hosts made everyone feel comfortable and confident, whether you were a seasoned performer or just having fun with friends. The song selection was fantastic, the sound system was on point, and the crowd was so supportive. It wasn't just karaoke -- it was pure joy, community, and good vibes all night long! I can't wait to come back. 10/10 would recommend to anyone looking for a fun, welcoming night out filled with music and memories. read more

Charade - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - San Diego, California

Best vibes in SD!! Love charade, love the drinks, staff, and everything in between. Unreal speakeasy!! read more

Charade - The best vibes, drinks, and staff!! If you're looking for an entertaining and exciting night, come to Charade!! - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - San Diego, California

I came in on May 31st with some friends and Charade did not disappoint. Performances by Aimee Jacobs and Klaus the clown were amazing! Also the host , Nancy was incredible! She has so much personality and she made the whole night so entertaining from start to finish. Even the entertainer breaks were not boring. read more

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The ambiance is intimate, with dim lighting and plush seating that encourages conversation and connection. The decor artfully combines retro elements with modern touches, creating a unique atmosphere that is perfect for unwinding after a long day. read more

Charade - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - San Diego, California

Great service- Chloe was great & so is the atmosphere. You have to Walk in thru the Balboa and head to the back through the 2 little red doors. Grab a burger before & head here after! read more

Charade - Back room at the Charade - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - San Diego, California

Stumbled upon this place and we were blown away!! Delicious drinks, awesome atmosphere, great service and really talented acts! read more

Charade - Craft cocktails - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - San Diego, California

We had heard great things about this place and the shows. It s a very small space. The shows are supposed to be anything from burlesque, cabaret, magic etc. What did we get? 2 guys playing Hawaiian music on a guitar and keyboard. It was so boring. They never once announced who they were or thanked anyone for being. They were really awful. We did not eat the food. Hopefully it's better than the show. We ordered 4 bottles of champagne for a party of 8. When that was gone. We left. Very disappointed. read more

Bartender and show was on point ********************************************************************************************* read more

First time here. Definitely out of our comfort zone but enjoyed the show. Cas, Mj and Josie were amazing host and had great hospitality. Come visit!!!!! read more

Great dive speakeasy ! Chill vibe Nice staff Great drinks and low key. Cozy and very welcoming. Come and enjoy your drinks read more

I rarely leave bad reviews, but my experience here for my birthday was so disappointing that I feel people should know what they're walking into. I booked a reservation for 25 people specifically because this venue advertises surprise nightly shows (burlesque/comedy, etc.). I spoke with the events contact twice on the phone and also over email--and clearly stated that I would only book my birthday party here if there was going to be a show that night (a Saturday) Each time they confirmed, and I have it written in email. We arrived in multiple Ubers from several nearby towns, only to find out there was no show at all--just sign-ups for karaoke. No one gave me a heads up, even though I had emphasized multiple times that the entertainment was the entire reason for choosing this spot. My after-party was supposed to be karaoke, so this completely derailed the night. To make matters worse: * Staff canceled my reservation without even speaking to me, just because a friend told the bartender I was disappointed. * The burger spot this venue is located inside of told us a specific time to arrive for dinner to make an 8pm Charade reservation, but several guests were then told it was "too late" to order. * I told my friends to eat anyway, considering I just found out there was no show so who cares if we are late at this point, i had to break the news awkwardly to 25 people. When we eventually made our way inside, the bartenders were rude to multiple people in my group. * About half my party stood outside debating whether to even go in at that point, and many chose to leave altogether. I tried emailing the person I coordinated with the next day to give a chance to make things right, and I've been ignored for five days now. I was genuinely excited to celebrate here, but this experience ended up being a flop that ruined my birthday. If consistency, communication, or basic customer service matters to you, I suggest choosing another venue. They barely had any business that evening and I had 25 people but this is how they chose to handle a party. They had plenty of opportunities to let me know they weren't actually having a show, clearly they said whatever they could to get 25 people in the door because they seemed desperate for business. Do NOT make the same mistake I did and hold any sort of event here. read more

Amazing performers! Drinks are good. Ambience is great. Will def come back. Plus burgers next door are good. read more

Charade - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - San Diego, California

Pros: The drinks were pretty good, and the show was fun! Cons: They were extremely unprepared for the volume of customers they had (there was one bartender and one server for a room that looked at or over-capacity), the music was so loud that it was difficult to talk with my friends, and the service was super slow. Not the workers' fault of course that it was severely understaffed, but management should be aware of this. Without exaggeration, it took an HOUR to get our first round of drinks after being seated. Overall: I think this place has potential, but I'm gonna give it some more time to figure things out before I consider revisiting. read more

The best service by Chloe she's so sweet. great music by local artists. !!!! Monday jazz nights I recommend grabbing food next door at the balboa and finishing up here with drinks to end the night off read more

Oslo's Pop Up Sardine Bar was a hit! Been an OG #1 Fan since its inception. Such a great evolution in a fantastic venue. Also a huge Template fan, so supporting this amazing new speakeasy was a no brainer. read more

I've stumbled upon Charade speakeasy on their opening night and have returned twice in the week since. Every night has included a delicious smoky mezcal cocktail (highly recommend the Perfidia), attentive service, and the sickest ambient projector walls. I'm so happy to be walking distance from the new Bankers Hill neighborhood gem and am excited to become a regular. If you're looking for a cozy, fun, niche, speakeasy with tasty drinks and friendly service check out Charade speakeasy in The Balboa. read more

Excellent drinks, Chloe crafted some amazing cocktails for us. Always interesting events, come for bluegrass night! Would definitely come again. Hidden location inside the Balboa but well worth it read more

WOW WOW WEE WOW! Been waiting for a cabaret spot like this. Lucky to get in on a Friday night. MJ is as sweet as can be. Clowns and mezcal is how I prefer to spend my Friday nights. TY SM JACKIE MENDOZAAAAA FOR THE REC. read more

Charade - LUCY!! - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - San Diego, California

Absolutely amazing! So much fun, so interesting and unique. Drinks are great, service is spot on, the overall vibe is unlike anything else. Also the random shows are so cool, you never know what's about to happen in this place! Highly recommended read more

Charade - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - San Diego, California

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Performance is amazing, burlesque is such a vibe on a moody Friday evening! I definitely recommend starting of with a white jazz drink to begin the night. read more

Charade - Burlesque fridays - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - San Diego, California

Went on a weeknight and still really enjoyed ourselves. Bartender Chloe is so sweet and makes a MEAN dirty martini! Andy performed some great comedy stories onstage and is a really sweet guy! I will be back!!! read more

Super fun Jazz night Mondays!! Wonderful attentive service..drinks were delicious! I definitely understand the price point and minimum to accommodate the talent. I can't wait to experience more of what Charade has to offer with the variety of acts. read more

TBH: this place is fine. It's absolutely not a speakeasy , it's just a karaoke bar inside of another bar. The cocktails are fine, nothing amazing. If you're looking for either a speakeasy or a karaoke bar, there are a hundred better options in San Diego. read more