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    Cigar Cave

    4.8 (87 reviews)
    Fri 4:00 pm - 2:00 am (Next day)
    Sat 4:00 pm - 2:00 am (Next day)

    Cigar Cave Photos

    Business Info

    CIGAR CAVE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Quiet
    Hipster
    Casual
    Intimate

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    Recommended Reviews - Cigar Cave

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    K D.

    Great place for a relaxing cigar! Nice location - with a good selection of cigars and drinks! Awesome service from Raul. Will be back!

    Bar
    Christopher R.

    Me and my friends were looking for a cigar lounge to hang out for the evening. We found this lounge on yelp. We entered the lounge and were greeted by the staff. The staff showed us the humidor and the different selection of cigars. The bar has beer and wine. The cigar selection is top notch and the customer service was great. The staff cuts your cigar to your liking and the ambiance is customer friendly. The lounge has pool and outside seating. Great place to go smoke a cigar.

    Roger M.

    Raul is the friendliest cigar bar owner in town. Super easy going and always provides top notch customer service. This is one of the few cigar spots in town open until midnight during the week and until 2am on weekends. If you're like me and want to have a late night cigar, Cigar Cave is your spot. There are tons of regulars here that you'll get to know. Great beer selection, especially Belgian stuff on tap or bottle. And their humidor is stocked with a lot of the good stuff. Light one up at the bar and allow the team here to provide great hospitality!

    Cigars room
    Luis R P.

    Awesome speakeasy and cigar bar!awesome beer and wine selection with a full bar. Great decor and ambiance. Access through 5th avenue and also the back alley parking. The bartender is great and super accommodating.... Love this place!

    If you want to smoke a cigar this is the spot in town to go to. Big inside with plenty of chairs. They only charge $5 if you bring your own cigar which totally makes this place worth it. They have beer and wine, a pool table and plenty of chairs and ash trays. The humidor isn't huge but they have enough good variety for any level of cigar smoker. Parking can be tricky but it's worth it. People working there are chill too.

    Main lounge area and bar
    Lizzy W.

    If you're looking for the most authentic cigar lounge in San Diego, come here! If you aren't questioning if you are in the right spot or not then you haven't gone far enough. Emanates the cave in cigar cave. We loved the speak easy feel of having to ring the doorbell to be let in and how moody the lighting and furniture was. The decor of this place deserves some kind of award, it is a bunch of random items immaculately brought together. The cigar collection for purchase was great especially for a couple of amateurs. They offer drinks in the most sophisticated glasses. The owner was friendly and provided great conversation. This was the highlight of my husband's birthday in San Diego.

    One of the most amazing spots I've ever had the chance to visit. Quality time, good cigars and cool drinks. Raul will assure your comfort!

    Cigars Drinks Ambiance Coziness Friendly place 5 star service Quality design Togetherness

    Anthony L.

    Came to Rancho Santa Fe for the cars and coffee car show and to meet a business associate. After our meeting, we went to the Cigar Cave. Now let me tell you, its hidden so you have to read the signs. Off of fifth Avenue through an alley way next to the Chase Bank parking lot. It's like a secret speakeasy. As soon as you walk in, theres a big humidor to your immediate left. Great selection of cigars and if you are not sure ask the owner Emmy and she can suggest some great cigars. As you walk in further, there's a bar to your left. You can get your libations here. Emmy suggested the bourbon to pair with my cognac cigar. The mood is a dark, sexy, whimsical, vintage inviting kind of way in which the further you walk in the more you want to stay. Old with a modern twist.There is plenty of comfortable leather seats and couches. There's chessbosrds through and a pool table. This is one of the most unique cigar lounges I have been to. First class service. Emmy is professional and friendly and she makes you feel at home. The atmosphere is very chill and relaxing....great vibes...great music. You dont want to miss this place. This is a 5 star establishment and I have been to many cigar lounges including Chicago and Beverly Hills. This place is amazing, phenomenal service, and the vibe is a speakeasy night club with a cigar lounge. Only thing missing is the password at the door to get in. I recommend this place to all my cigar aficionados. Simply the best cigar lounge hands down in Downtown San Diego. Great cigars, great libations, great conversations. I will definitely be back. Thank you Emmy.

    Inside

    Okay, as another reviewer stated, Christine is the Cigar Cave Queen! I'm not a cigar smoker. My partner is. We recently explored little Havana and came home to San Diego wanting to find a good cigar place. We tried Gas Lamp. Yeah, not so great. Landed at cigar cave after eating at our favorite Greek restaurant. Cigar cave has a great atmosphere, good beer and wine. But seriously, Christine knows her cigars. Great recommendations and on top of bar for drinks. We've been back several times and this will definitely be our spot. Totally recommend

    Glimpse of the bar (also everything is for sale you see)
    Josh N.

    Yes!!! Got brought here super drunk on a Saturday night and remembered, "that bar is awesome!" And also left my credit card there so had to go back sober to get it. I confirm sober or drunk this place is AWESOME! A very New York or LA vibe with SD peeps. Back alley entrance, cigars, pool, vintage art, outdoor space, I could go on and on. Officially obsessed!

    Bathroom vibe
    Beau I.

    Fun fun fun. The vibe is dar yet inviting. You can sit inside or outside, drinks, pool, cigars, and hookah what is not to like? Not to mention there are lots of beautiful women that frequent this place.

    a bar with purple lighting

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    Photo of Steven W.
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    9 years ago

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    Emanuela L.

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    Emanuela L.

    well which matters most U found Uss. Thank You for that.

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    6 years ago

    Nice intimate place to catch up with relatives, old friends, or even to just chill.

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    Emanuela L.

    Chiilin is our product

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    Apologies

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    7 years ago

    The Owner Amy is Amazing. She recommended some great cigars and the atmosphere was so relaxing!

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    8 years ago

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    Emanuela L.

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    8 years ago

    Great cigar lounge with walk-in humidor! Perfect place to chill before heading out for the evening.

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    Emanuela L.

    Thank U for your review .Enjoy the rest of your stay

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    Emanuela L.

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    9 years ago

    Awesome little hidden away cigar bar. I can't wait to go back. Good selection in stogies and mission on tap!

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    Emanuela L.

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    7 years ago

    Cool spot! Vibe was nice! Music was great! Went on a Friday night. They had a DJ. I loved it!

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    8 years ago

    Great selection of cigars. Visited here a few times. Very chill environment. Always a good way to end the night

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    9 years ago

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    9 years ago

    Excellent. Great place to relax and smoke some nice cigars. Reminds me of a speakeasy.

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    Page 2 of 3

    Ask the Community - Cigar Cave

    Cost of a carton of Marlboro 100's?

    Varies by state due to tobacco taxes. In California $90-$100 per carton should cover it.

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    Review Highlights - Cigar Cave

    This place is awesome especially Raul is a great guy cigars are not overpriced like other cigar shops in town.

    Mentioned in 10 reviews

    Read more highlights

    Starlite

    Starlite

    4.1
    (2.7k reviews)
    1.1 mi
    $$$

    Starlite!! WOW!…read more Okay, Starlite... now I finally understand what all the buzz is about! I've driven past this place more times than I can count, and every time I pass it on the 5, I see a line of people wrapped around the building waiting to get inside. Naturally, I had to find out what all the fuss was about--and let me just say, Starlite is giving "San Diego's cool kid who knows all the best places to be." This has to be one of the most happening spots in San Diego right now, and after experiencing it for myself, I completely understand why. Quick tip before you go: make reservations if you're planning a full night out. You can sometimes walk in early, but reservations let you choose between three distinct areas--and trust me, the ambiance is part of the experience. First, there's The Cave--dark, intimate, and effortlessly sexy. It has that tucked-away vibe that makes you lean in and go, "Okayyy, this is cute!" Perfect for date night or a cozy dinner when you want something more private. Then there's the indoor/outdoor space, which I absolutely loved. Palm trees and greenery create a lush, California-botanical feel that's elevated without trying too hard. And then there's the entry/bar area--lively, social, and very "we came for dinner but somehow stayed for cocktails for three hours." No matter where you sit, you're getting the full Starlite experience. THE FOOD We came to eat--and Starlite delivered. We went as a group, and just a heads up: large parties may be subject to a fee, which is pretty standard. I wouldn't bring a huge group here, but four? Perfect. A friend had already been raving about the burger, so I knew exactly what I wanted. The burger. Period. What I didn't realize? It already comes with fries. So yes... I also ordered scalloped potatoes. My husband got the burger with mac & cheese, and we added Thai carrots to balance things out--or at least pretend we were being responsible. Then the food arrived. And I was like... "Wait... where did these fries come from?" Because these fries? Golden, crispy, perfectly seasoned, and dangerously good. The kind you stop talking for. And the burger? Baby. Medium-well, caramelized onions, melted cheese--everything blended perfectly. But the real star was the garlic sauce. That sauce deserves its own review. If I could bottle it, I'd be writing this from a yacht. It took everything from great to "Ohhh, this is why people come back." The scalloped potatoes were rich, creamy, and hearty. The pepper jack mac & cheese was another standout--creamy, cheesy, with just enough kick and corkscrew noodles holding onto all that goodness. Comfort food, but make it chic. Our friends also ordered the shrimp with cocktail sauce, which they raved about for being fresh, large, and flavorful. The Dijon chicken looked incredible and got rave reviews at the table as well. So yes--we over-ordered. And no, we didn't regret it. THE VIBE Starlite nails the atmosphere. It's stylish without being pretentious, trendy without trying too hard, and intimate without feeling cramped. Even the bathrooms deserve a mention. They have a cool vault-like design, and the women's restroom includes thoughtful touches like mints and feminine products. Because honestly... A place that keeps you fed AND freshened up? I notice that. SERVICE Huge shout-out to Daniella! She was warm, attentive, accommodating, and super knowledgeable about the menu. She guided us through the favorites and made the whole experience feel easy and elevated. Great service really does change everything. FINAL VERDICT Would I come back? Absolutely. Starlite is the kind of place where you dress up a little, bring your favorite people, order way too much food, sip cocktails, and simply enjoy the night. Perfect for date night, girls' night, or a "let's see what the hype is about" dinner. Food? Ambiance? Aesthetic? Service? Vibe? 10/10 from me. San Diego, you were hiding a gem in plain sight... but I'm in on it now. Highly recommend.

    Honestly, Starlite was my favorite experience out of all of the CH Projects properties I visited. I…read moregenuinely really enjoyed my time here, and the food was SO good. The mozzarella sticks in particular were absolutely insane -- easily one of the highlights of the meal. There were still a few service issues, but honestly, they were noticeably less frustrating here than at some of the other properties. Our experience overall was much more enjoyable, and I actually left feeling like I would happily come back. I do think there seems to be a broader service issue across some of the restaurants under the same ownership, which is a shame because the food and atmosphere at these places are clearly there. I don't necessarily think it's an issue with the individual restaurants or servers, but more something that seems to come from the overall management and service structure. That being said, Starlite really stood out to me in the best way. Great food, a fun atmosphere, and overall a genuinely enjoyable experience. And seriously... those mozzarella sticks. SO good.

    Photos
    Bar area after entering
    Bar area after entering
    Pistachio ice cream sandwich
    Pistachio ice cream sandwich
    Cocktails are fun!

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    Cocktails are fun!
    insideOUT

    insideOUT

    4.4
    (1.4k reviews)
    0.7 mi
    $$$

    My partner & I recently got engaged and came to celebrate here. Christian treated us so well! Food…read more& drinks were great and so was the ambiance. Also my first time in San Diego and Christian already made my experience so good. Definitely would come back here if we're ever in town.

    Last night was one of my top dining experiences. Everything about IO was great. Literally every…read morebite and sip was so delicious. And the decor was so thoughtful, refined yet relaxing. My friend is ready to redecorate his place with Moroccan lamps now. The only negative was our fault...we decided to go two days ago and the only reservation left was at 8:45. I think IO more beautiful at night, so we were looking forward to it nonetheless. We arrived around 8 and ordered a bottle of wine in the waiting area/courtyard ramp. Such an interesting layout, but it works! We got to sit at a table right next to the waterfall and pond. Our server was very nice. Probably the only slip-up in service, was that our main came out when we had barely put a dent in apps. We were probably chatting and sipping on wine too much? The expo realized, kept the mains, and said take your time. Then he brought out mains when we were ready. Everything on the menu sounded amazing. My friend and I decided to both get the steak on the hot stone. It comes out raw and you have to keep track of time to cook it how you like it. You can choose flavored salts and butters and sauces for the side. We also shared the pickled strawberry salad. It had lots of toppings, flavor, and textures. The pozole verde was also excellent.

    Photos
    Spring oasis
    Spring oasis
    Dip and chips
    Dip and chips
    Pear mocktail

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    Pear mocktail
    ALTITUDE Sky Lounge

    ALTITUDE Sky Lounge

    4.0
    (1.7k reviews)
    2.7 mi
    $$

    Altitude Sky Lounge in downtown San Diego has an absolutely beautiful rooftop view. From the top,…read moreyou can enjoy views of both the waterfront side and the downtown skyline, and honestly the scenery alone makes it worth visiting. To get inside, you have to go through the hotel entrance and then take the elevator to the top floor. There was no issue going up or down, and everything moved rather quickly considering we visited on a Friday night. Up top it was a little crowded near the edges where everyone was taking photos, but people moved around pretty quickly so it was still easy to get some really good pictures from the rooftop. I didn't order any drinks, so this review is based solely on the location and the views, but once you're up there it's just absolutely beautiful. We stayed for about 20 minutes, enjoyed the views, took in the atmosphere, and then headed out. Definitely worth checking out if you're in San Diego.

    I've been here multiple times before heading out for a night on the town, but this was my first…read moretime visiting during the daytime. It was nice to switch things up and catch a sunset from the rooftop. The drinks are always solid and this spot has become a staple first stop before hitting Gaslamp.

    Photos
    The perfect drink paired with the perfect view!
    The perfect drink paired with the perfect view!
    Altitude is situated on the rooftop of the San Diego Gaslamp Marriott. Enter through the hotel lobby & take our express elevator to the sky!
    Altitude is situated on the rooftop of the San Diego Gaslamp Marriott. Enter through the hotel lobby & take our express elevator to the sky!
    Birthdays, bachelor-/rette parties, private events or just a regular happy hour - we're downtown San Diego's preferred special event spot!

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    Birthdays, bachelor-/rette parties, private events or just a regular happy hour - we're downtown San Diego's preferred special event spot!
    The Cordova Bar

    The Cordova Bar

    4.7
    (223 reviews)
    2.9 mi
    $$

    Stopped by here after dinner and had a blast. This place is a vibe…read more They had a DJ. There's plenty of seating, both indoors and outdoors. Service was awesome from start to finish, and the drinks were reasonably priced, which is always a plus. They're dog friendly, which is awesome. Overall, it had a great crowd and an easy, laid-back atmosphere. Definitely a fun spot to hang out.

    Dope cocktail bar in Morena area. Just dropped in on a routine Saturday night for 1 cocktail and…read moreended up having many lolol They had a DJ in playing which was cool and kept the vibes right for the night (although I think the volume could have been a bit lower as I felt like I had to yell to talk or do the awkward lean in to hear). Bartenders were cool. Nick was our fave though for sure. He made some mean cocktails. Solid liquor selection plus a list of cocktails to choose from. I initially ordered the something and picante (can't remember the full name) and found it to be way too sweet. Then switched to a basic Lalo with soda and lime to cleanse my palette. After tried their version of an espresso martini which was quite good but made with nitro brew and kahlua so a bit on the sweeter side. I ended the night with my fave drink though which was a Hugo spritz and it was perfectly balanced. Definitely will be going back, especially for the love band Sundays. Parking is all street parking.

    Photos
    Happy Hour 5-8PM features specials on Martinis, Craft Beer on Tap, Wine and Wells.
    Happy Hour 5-8PM features specials on Martinis, Craft Beer on Tap, Wine and Wells.
    Peanut Butter Espresso Martini
    Peanut Butter Espresso Martini
    Classic Martini $10 During Happy Hour 5-8PM

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    Classic Martini $10 During Happy Hour 5-8PM
    False Idol

    False Idol

    4.4
    (1.4k reviews)
    1.9 mi
    $$

    My brother found this place several years ago on his visits to SD. It's now become a regular spot…read morewhenever we are in town. Most recently we were there for an event and as always, they were nothing short of exceptional! The drinks are always fantastic but what really elevates this place is the staff. They always have the best attitude, they are so accommodating, and you can tell they want you to enjoy your experience in every way. During our most recent visit, Lamar really went above and beyond to ensure our group was able to all be together for an event. I'm so very grateful for his assistance and wanted to say thank you again for everything! This place is an absolute must each time we visit, and I would highly recommend adding it to your list to try!

    This place is hidden inside Craft & Commerce which is a quirky little bar itself. There was a wait…read morefor entry this past Sunday after 9pm. Staff was also not very attentive to guests' needs, rather just going through the motions. For instance, they noted "standing room only" and that they would eventually seat our party of two. They walked us to an exact spot on the floor to stand and view the menu in the dark (we used our phone flashlights, but it wasn't easy while carrying our belongings too), and they instructed us not to order at the bar in this colorful but dimly lit tiki lounge. We essentially ordered from staff who took our order in the middle of the floor, then we had to hold our drinks, some that came with additional shot glasses, in full hands, as we were never seated. We did find a barrel to set our drinks on later, but their process and expectations for guests was just really weird and impractical. The theme and decor of the setting was lovely, with moments of a lightning and thunder effect that made the experience more immersive. But we were not impressed by the sticky menus and sticky floor, nor the lack of service and minimal help from staff while there. We made the most of our time at False Idol regardless of their shortcomings. The bombay sling and enigma de muerte were pretty decent in quality and flavor, so it's safe to say the drinks aren't the problem here. And though we probably won't return, it was cool for a one-time experience.

    Photos
    Tiki themed decor
    Tiki themed decor
    Rum barrel
    Rum barrel
    Back bar rum selection

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    Back bar rum selection
    Mothership

    Mothership

    4.3
    (967 reviews)
    2.2 mi
    $$

    If you're looking for a fun evening with great drinks and food, you should come here. It's in South…read morePark and we easily found street parking. Definitely make a reservation. They also have some seats at the bar. This restaurant has gone all in on the space theme, from the hostess greeting to the decor in the restaurant and restroom, and even the menu and tables. Such a fun vibe! This place is known for their cocktails. I forget what we ordered because they all have funny names, but both my friend and I really enjoyed our choices. The food was great too. We ordered the tofu. I think it had a light tempura fry, yummy sauce, and very large portion. The bread is roti with an eggplant and tomato dip. Very good, but not enough dip. I'd still order it again. Probably the only negative was that I felt a bit rushed to leave. We were enjoying our conversation, entrees, and drinks and got checked on quite frequently. Eventually the waiter said, no rush but here's the check. Kind of ruined the vibe. We decided to pass on dessert here and walk to an ice cream shop in the same neighborhood.

    The single worst experience I've ever had going out…read more If you're friends with the servers, bartenders, or hosts, you'll probably have a great time. If you're not a regular, be careful, because apparently all it takes is one drunk friend of the staff making up a story to get you kicked out. While visiting San Diego with friends, we came here after hearing so many great things. There was a short wait, which was fine. The four of us were seated at a small standing table, also fine. Behind us were two guys drinking at the standing bar. One of them bumped into my friend and then stroked her arm while apologizing. She was visibly uncomfortable, so I told her to switch places with me. The guy immediately said, "We're gay, so you don't have to worry," then turned to his friend and said, "Now he looks so stupid and embarrassing." I told him, "I don't think it's embarrassing to make sure your friends are comfortable," then turned back around. I didn't argue with him, insult him, or continue the conversation. I thought that was the end of it. A few minutes later, the manager came over and told us we had made comments that made other patrons uncomfortable and asked us to leave. We had already paid for our drinks and were still waiting for them. My friend followed the manager to ask what was going on, and I joined shortly after. The person complaining was, of course, the same guy who had bumped into her. He was clearly drunk and started rambling about how we had made homophobic comments toward him and his friend. This was especially ridiculous considering the friend I switched places with was there with her girlfriend. We calmly explained exactly what happened. The manager did not care. There was no real attempt to hear our side, ask questions, or figure out what actually happened. The decision had clearly already been made. While we were speaking to the manager, the guy who complained was cheerfully talking with one of the bartenders, receiving a to-go meal, and greeting them cheek to cheek. He very obviously appeared to know the staff. So that seems to be how things work here: a drunk regular or friend of the staff can make up whatever story he wants, and management will throw out an entire group of paying customers without even pretending to investigate. They refunded the drinks, which was the bare minimum. The ambience was nice, but that means absolutely nothing when the staff handles customers this poorly. Awful management, blatant favoritism, and easily the worst service I have ever experienced. I would never come back, and I would strongly warn anyone who isn't already friends with the staff to stay away.

    Photos
    Mindkiller
    Mindkiller
    The bar area
    The bar area
    Vegan (?) soft serve

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    Vegan (?) soft serve
    Side Bar

    Side Bar

    4.4
    (205 reviews)
    2.5 mi
    Luxury
    Private events

    Sinclair was so inviting and his security made me feel so safe and comfortable. Had a great night…read moreknowing the security had my back

    Exceptional Hosting by Keagan at Side Bar and Gaslamplighter!…read more If you are planning a corporate event, team-bonding outing, or just looking for an unforgettable night out in San Diego, you absolutely need to visit Side Bar and Gaslamplighter. Our team was in town for our quarterly QBR last quarter, and we went out afterward to let loose on the town. We randomly came across Side Bar on a Thursday night and met Blake the manager who introduced us to Keagan, who completely transformed our entire trip. He was the ultimate curator! He immediately assessed our group's vibe, realized we were out for team bonding, and invited us right in, securing a fantastic VIP booth for my team. After a few shots and grooving to great music, he personally ushered us over to Gaslamplighter for a change of scenery, where we spent the rest of the night enjoying amazing drinks and live karaoke. The experience was so incredible that on our second night out, after hopping around various other bars in the Gaslamp Quarter, our team unanimously decided to end our night right back at Side Bar. Once again, Keagan took flawless care of us. He hooked us up with another booth and a few bottles. We happened to be celebrating a team member's birthday that night, and Keagan made it unforgettable. The staff brought out the full VIP treatment with bright sparklers and "Happy Birthday" signs to close out the night in style. What makes Keagan so special is his attention to detail. Even while working a packed club and making his rounds to ensure everyone was taken care of, he constantly circled back to check on our group. He made every single person on our team feel incredibly important and looked after on both nights. We walked away with fantastic pictures, amazing team memories, and a strong desire to return. Shout out to Keagan and the exceptional teams at both Side Bar and Gaslamplighter; memories were truly made! I highly recommend these venues for any group outing in downtown San Diego.

    Photos
    Side Bar
    Wine by the glass in a whimsical lounge setting.
    Wine by the glass in a whimsical lounge setting.
    Gorgeous tasting 'Hush Money' cocktail in the Side Bar Lounge.

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    Gorgeous tasting 'Hush Money' cocktail in the Side Bar Lounge.

    Cigar Cave - wine_bars - Updated August 2026

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