Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Curryosity

    4.3 (675 reviews)
    Open 3:00 pm - 9:30 PM
    Updated over 3 months ago

    Order Curryosity Takeout or Delivery

    Curryosity Photos

    Business Info

    CURRYOSITY ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Hipster
    Casual
    Trendy

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Curryosity

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Butter Chicken
    Nastaran M.

    Always the best! Never disappoints. Nirvana is my favorite and the saag is a must! Definitely try some of their cocktails.

    Brandon M.

    Very big inside. Outside seating is minimal. Funny and trendy decor and slogans on the wall and menu. The garlic Nan's are pretty big but they come with just one per an order. Four people could do 2 or 3 orders since they are so large. The tikka masala and the lamb masala both tasty! Crowd liked the lamb more. The Tandoori lamb chops and Tandoori chickens were both better than the curries, even though in ordinarily a big curry person. Try em out . Service good too (: Oh! And & do not sleep on the cocktails. I had the mule and ordered it without the strawberry. They are surprisingly strong for Soju and you could definitely feel something with just one!

    Bathroom Ceiling
    Natalie H.

    This is my new favorite happy hour spot! $5 drinks and $5 shareable plates. The mojito was so good that I ordered a second one. My friend got the Tantric Yoga drink and said it was great too. We ordered the fried chicken, curry fries, and naan bruschetta, $5 each. Plenty of food for the two of us to share. Everything was delicious, the atmosphere was welcoming, and they have a cute patio outside too. Our server was nice, helpful, and stopped by to ask if we wanted anything else before happy hour ended. I will absolutely be coming back. Highly recommend!

    Rice with chicken tikka & butter chicken
    Marissa D.

    Listen, this place is "trendy white people" Indian food, with cuisine like fried chicken and curry mac & cheese, which is FINE if you want that sort of stuff. The Indian food itself is not bad, but not the best in San Diego by any means. The chicken tikka, butter chicken & nirvana with chicken were all decent but not worth the slow service and hefty price point. Most outstanding thing was the green coconut which was tasty. Masala chai was also pretty disappointing as an avid & frequent chai drinker.

    Curryosity Fried Chicken
    Vina R.

    Came here for happy hour and couldn't believe what a great happy hour menu they have! I ordered the monsoon mojito as I love ginger. Great mix with the strawberry, lime and mint! Also ordered the samosa slim ... Very tasty and bigger than expected. Ordered the naan bruschetta .... Decent portion was that expecting a hearty amount. Also ordered the curry fries (feel like normal fries with some curry seasoning), the cheese samosa and curryosity fried chicken. The chicken are not wings rather pieces of chicken marinated with spices then fried. Very flavorful, but extra kick with the sauce it comes with. Our server was patient with all our questions and quick. Place has a cute decor and great menu def plan to come back.

    Cheese Naan, Vindaloo, Green Coconut, Curryosity Fried Chicken
    Tiffany H.

    Very cute spot in the heart of South Park. I for one love the creativity of their fusion menu. We got the curryosity fried chicken, vindaloo lamb, green coconut curry, cheese naan, and mango lassi. Yummy! I love their mint chutney that goes with the chicken. My usual go to is the saag paneer and while I still prefer that one this meal was a nice deviation to sample their other plates.

    Joe M.

    Great Indian spot! Was recommended by a volunteer from the House of India at Balboa Park. Spice level was great for the tikka masala. Our go to spot for Indian food in the area.

    Vindaloo with tofu
    Felina V.

    An excellent dinner, without a doubt. Rainy evenings in San Diego are perfect for cozy, flavorful Indian cuisine. We drove around looking for parking so long that we ended up in South Park, and it was a pleasant change-up from our original destination. The restaurant was mostly full, but we received quick, excellent service at the bar. Absolutely will be back!

    Brittany P.

    I went for happy hour and got cocktails with my friend. Amazing place and the food is shareables (which is great!).

    The spread
    Claire T.

    This little gem is tucked away in the very cute Southpark neighborhood! The service is efficient, and the food is flavorful! I appreciate their use of traditional flavors but with a creative twist on their menu! Also, their happy hour CANNOT BE BEAT! They have a variety of dishes for $5 and in today's economy - that is a steal! We were tempted to and almost ordered one of everything on the HH menu! Pro-tip: Get the curry fries, garlic naan, and butter chicken!

    Menu
    Sandra T.

    We made reservations to sit in the tiger room for the experience. The room and tables are cute but I may be too old to be sitting Indian style. My legs got numb... old lady in me was not happy with the decision. We ordered samosas and tofu vindaloo we enjoyed the level of heat they both had. I also ordered a sangria and it was tasty and a good price. Indian food is always a great option for vegans that enjoy a little heat.

    View from the patio looking inside
    Stephanie B.

    Great Indian spot in South Park! They have indoor and outdoor seating with an open air feel connecting the inside bar area to the outdoor patio. There is a very cool room in the back where they have low tables and pillows on the floor, which feels super authentic. The decor throughout the restaurant did as well. Service: Our server was great and food came out fast! Food: we started with the samosa slim, which was outstanding and freshly handmade. For entrees, we got the pick your own curry with masala and lamb, the tandoori chicken tikka, and garlic naan bread. Everything was delicious! They have happy hour from 3-5pm Mon-Fri. They had a ton of starters on the menu that were almost a gastropub Indian fusion that I'd love to come back and try, like curry Mac and cheese or wings, poutine, etc.

    Erica S.

    We come to this restaurant pretty often and every time we leave with our bellies full and completely satisfied. Not only is the food phenomenal, but the vibe and service is amazing! We usually have Katherine as our server. She is the best!!!!! Lenna, is also great! We highly recommend this restaurant hands-down! -JERRICA

    NaanHummus

    See all

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Charwel M.
    153
    21
    29

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Tita G.
    94
    53
    11

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of L F.
    231
    34
    4

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Nikita D.
    232
    10
    3

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Iggy G.
    58
    67
    0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Karina B.
    287
    18
    12

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Ilay B.
    71
    78
    100

    2 years ago

    Food is fresh abs service is great, lot of recommendations and nice inputs. We barely finish half of our dish but it was delicious!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Nice ambience. Good food and customer service. The only negative is parking can be hard to find.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Wonderful Ambiance, super yum food and great service! I wish I could give 100 stars for this amazing restaurant!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Riddhi P.
    113
    29
    14

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Mara M.
    753
    586
    2972

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 1

    5 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jan C.
    142
    356
    1805

    5 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    7 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    Page 4 of 17

    Curryosity Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Curryosity

    You might also consider

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Indian 13,436 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    Mothership

    Mothership

    4.3
    (952 reviews)
    0.0 mi
    $$

    This was a serendipity find and it gives off enigmatic vibes, they had amazing selection of vegan…read morefood especially their scallion pancakes, loved the vibe and the place Menu is intriguing and has a speak easy kind of entrance, must try for vegan people! The server helped us understand the menu and they accomodate all dietary restrictions

    Celebrated my teenager's birthday at Mothership, and it was definitely an experience! The…read morespace-themed speakeasy vibe is so creative and immersive--it honestly feels like you've stepped onto another planet. The kids had an absolute blast, especially with the fun non-alcoholic drinks that fit the theme perfectly. The menu is pretty limited, so if you're coming for dinner with a group, you'll likely end up ordering almost everything to make it a full meal. We tried the Potatoes, Sandwich (aka Jackfruit Bao Buns), Paella Rice (our family's favorite!), Lemon Pepper Tofu, and the Charred Zaatar Roti. The Paella Rice was the standout dish for us. Service was warm and attentive, and they made the birthday celebration extra special by surprising the birthday boy with a complimentary dollop of soft serve, which was a really thoughtful touch. The only reasons for 4 instead of 5 stars: the limited menu (in addition to this food menu, wish they would include also include some more appetizers from their sister establishments, so guests can sit back and enjoy their creative and in some cases strong cocktails! And the fact that they can't accommodate parties larger than six due to the seating layout. If you have a bigger family or group, that can make celebrating together a little tricky. Overall, such a unique spot that's worth visiting at least once for the atmosphere alone!

    Photos
    Mindkiller
    Mindkiller
    The bar area
    The bar area
    Away Mission

    See all

    Away Mission
    Noble Experiment

    Noble Experiment

    4.5
    (1.9k reviews)
    2.0 mi
    $$

    I'm not an often a cocktail drinker. So when the bartender asked what I'm looking for I was ill…read moreprepared. From his view, it probably sounded like "I'm Ron Burgundy?" (It definitely did). His questions guided my indecision towards a Berkshire Old Fashioned that was fantastic despite my fumbling to get there. With the warm up round over and the old fashioned loosening up my creativity, round two was set to be a knockout. I love coffee (specifically strong espresso drinks), so I asked for a strong, coffee infused, punchy cocktail, but with a different base of alcohol from the old fashioned. What came out was the best cocktail I will probably ever have in my life. The bourbon cocktail with coffee liqueur (and a number of other garnishes I will never remember) hit the bullseye. Flavorful, strong, bold, delicious all at the same time. Unfortunately (?), this was a noble experiment so I'll forever be chasing the white whale of what this drink was. But that's the allure.

    My brother-in-law and I were looking for places to drink....And we just wanted somewhere chill. We…read moreknew that any bar by tacos el gordo would be too wild for us, so we walked a couple blocks and approached Noble Experiment. I would say this was probably our highlight of our trip in San Diego. Garrick, the bartender there, was super accommodating. Not only was he and the other bartender were making damn good drinks, they would legit talk to you. The ambiance of the place is cool too. Felt like I was going inside some continental room like John Wick. Definitely my vibe and definitely coming back. But if you ever get Garrick as your bartender, you're in for a treat!

    Photos
    Strawberry cucumber Gin cocktail
    Strawberry cucumber Gin cocktail
    Bartenders creations.
    Bartenders creations.
    Skull wall

    See all

    Skull wall
    Kindred

    Kindred

    4.4
    (2k reviews)
    0.6 mi
    $$

    Vulture is dead. Long live Kindred!…read more I'm glad my prayers were answered. I guess I prayed to the right deity, because the Vulture Martini is back. I have had a few martinis in my day, and this one may well be the best. The Dirty Martini may be the second best. I'd probably stop there, but my wife loved her Brooklyn during our last visit, and she is not even a big fan of peach. Skewers are still great. I missed out on one of the pickled things. Was it a pear? Not sure. The carrots were good. I missed out on my opportunity to try the French Onion Soup at Vulture, so I was really happy to see it on the Kindred menu. Surely this could win over carnivores. Vive la soupe à l'oignon française! Maybe I will try the Steak Frites next time, which I think is another Vulture holdover. It was great to see Kindred busy on a Monday night. Let's support the vegan places, people. Peace

    I want to start by saying I appreciate KINDRED as a place for people to get dietary restrictions…read moremet and not feel bad about it. I've gone over the past decade with friends/family alike and 60% of the time it's been solid. As I've looked around before posing, it seems the restaurant is in a steady spiral downward over the years. I've had great service here and it sucks to say this evening was such a poor experience. I hope everyone working can be on the same page moving forward to avoid this happening again to others. I decided to come by for birthday dinner and figured 8pm was a decent time to still get great food and service. We made a reservation in advance and got to a table in 5 minutes. That's wonderful, always love that for anyone. The non-alcoholic drinks are always a favorite as someone who's been sober for years. However, it all got much more complicated after that. After not hearing or getting any updates from the server for 50 mins on our appetizer, we asked if everything was ok and if they had potentially forgot about our order. It's happened before no worries. The server said no and it just takes a while. That's fine and fair, it's to be expected on a skeleton crew for a Wednesday night shift. It was odd to see at least 4 tables and groups who had been seated after us get their food before us. When we got our Doom Bloom, around 8:55pm, over 50% of it was burnt to a crisp, the smaller mushrooms had been completely blackened to a point where you could just taste charred. Something tells me this is not the best way to serve food to others but what do I know as someone who's been coming here for years. When we got our Mind Melt and BBQ Jackfruit, which was another 50 minutes later now around 9:40pm, these entrees had met the same fate. The BBQ Jackfruit sourdough was so dry and burnt it tasted like a saltine cracker left in a campfire as a joke. The fries were overcooked, super dry, and stale all at the same time. It's like it was left in the heat lamp for 30 minutes or far too long to be enjoyed for what would be great food. My partners food thankfully wasn't to the same degree as mine but still not great. We were checking with ourselves quietly to make sure the other wasn't loosing it or if we were missing out on something. People will be people and that will never change. I hope some else won't have to spend over $100 with tip included to get the same service we got. I cannot imagine how bad things are behind the scenes for this to be a standard the staff are okay with and that they perpetuate based off other recent reviews in this matter. It was embarrassing and a waste of money. I do not recommend coming here given how this situation has transpired. My stomach still hurts while typing this review on my sofa at home.

    Photos
    Bar area. Ig @mel_foodie_ventures.
    Bar area. Ig @mel_foodie_ventures.
    Torched carrots
    Torched carrots
    Camino Muerto (Mezcal Drink)

    See all

    Camino Muerto (Mezcal Drink)
    False Idol

    False Idol

    4.4
    (1.4k reviews)
    2.4 mi
    $$

    Went here with advance knowledge of the place during our PHX to SD whirlwind vacation to see Bob…read moreDylan at the Rady Shell. Had to put in our names, as there is only so much space on an early Saturday evening. Took all of 10 minutes before entry was granted. Led inside to a standing room-only table. Lady friend got the Saturn, myself the 151 Swizzle. I probably did the wrong thing and didn't allow the ice packed on top of the swizzle to melt thoroughly enough into the drink to dilute the 151 overproof black Demerara's rum. Nae worries, brah. It was delicious. Affordable tiki-theme cocktails, decor(!) and atmosphere is why this place will remain popular and a must visit when in Sandy Eggo. Top notch!

    What a fun nightlife spot! If you're looking for a fun place to grab cocktails, this is definitely…read morea spot worth checking out! **Located inside Craft & Commerce Walking into False Idol honestly feels like you've been transported somewhere else. It's hidden behind Craft & Commerce, and once you step inside, the immersive tiki atmosphere really sets the mood. The decor, lighting, and sound effects all come together to make the experience feel fun and memorable. Just know, if you are hoping to sit down, good luck! A lot of reservations are made in advance. However, at the bar, if you see a reservation sign and they're not there yet, staff will let you sit down once it's time to get up for the reserved party. DRINKS: 9/10 The cocktails were creative, well crafted, and definitely strong enough to make you feel like you were getting your money's worth. I also loved how much attention they put into the presentation. Every drink looked like a piece of art and added to the whole tiki experience. SERVICE: 9/10 The staff were friendly and knowledgeable about the menu. They took the time to answer questions and made great recommendations without making us feel rushed. AMBIANCE: 10/10 This is easily the highlight of the experience. The entire space is beautifully designed, and every little detail makes it feel like you've escaped into a hidden tropical bar. It's cozy, intimate, and unlike any other place I've been to in San Diego. Reservations are definitely worth making since the space is on the smaller side and fills up quickly. The only reason I'm giving 4 instead of 5 stars is that, while the experience and ambiance were amazing, the drinks are definitely on the pricier side. I understand you're paying for the craftsmanship and atmosphere, but it's probably not somewhere I'd visit regularly because of that. It's common for tiki bars to be pricey so it was to be expected. Overall, I'm really glad I finally got to experience False Idol. If you're in San Diego and enjoy creative cocktails in a one-of-a-kind atmosphere, I'd definitely recommend checking it out at least once!

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

    See all

    Back bar rum selection
    Books & Records

    Books & Records

    4.3
    (408 reviews)
    1.9 mi
    $$

    Happy Hour is all day on Wednesdays, which is a huge plus…read more The menu has a great selection, and this place always has a solid ambiance. Everything came out quickly, including the drinks. I genuinely wasn't dressed up and still received some of the best service I've ever had at a restaurant. Dalton was an absolute all-star, even though he's a Dodgers fan. A+ service. Even when he had a good number of tables, he still checked in regularly to make sure we were happy and had everything we needed.

    Books & Records was a first for both me and my crew tonight, and I have to say...what a great find!…read moreLet's start with parking. It's not the most convenient, but don't let that discourage you. There is metered street parking nearby, including on the side street that forms a "T" with the main road. It wasn't difficult to find a spot, although I do wish the restaurant's sign was a little larger. If you're driving down the main street without GPS--or you're not paying close attention--you could easily drive right past it. This is definitely the type of place where reservations are a good idea, especially if you're looking for a cozy table. We arrived with a party of six, and our table was ready when we got there. We had the perfect setup with a booth on one side and comfortable high-top seating on the other, making it ideal for conversation and sharing plates. I did notice several people walking in and grabbing seats at the bar, so that's also a great option if you're dining solo or as a couple. If you're planning to visit, Wednesday is the day to go because Happy Hour runs all day! Definitely take advantage of it. My husband and I ordered the 8-ounce steak and fries, and wow...it exceeded expectations. The steak was cooked perfectly, incredibly tender, and very simply seasoned with sea salt, allowing the quality of the meat to shine. It was served with a garlic chili aioli that paired beautifully with every bite. Now let's talk about those fries. I know it sounds funny to rave about fries, but they're often either a hit or a miss depending on the restaurant. These? Absolute hit. Crispy, flavorful, and the perfect companion to the steak. Honestly...I'd come back just for the fries. Well...maybe not just for the fries because the lamb meatballs completely stole the show! I expected them to have a stronger gamey flavor, but they were incredibly well prepared. You could immediately tell the chef knew exactly what they were doing. They were served in a rich tomato sauce with Parmesan cheese, and the garlic really brought everything together. Every bite was packed with flavor. We also tried the Brussels sprouts, which were tossed in what tasted like a delicious peanut sauce. The sauce itself was fantastic, and I loved the toppings, but I personally would have preferred the Brussels sprouts to have a little more crisp before being coated. That's purely my preference because the flavor combination was excellent. The mac and cheese was ok, although I wasn't expecting what looked like a light cornflake crumb topping. It added good texture and made for a beautiful presentation but could have used a little salt and more flavor. Happy Hour also includes a nice selection of wine, beer, and even margaritas, so be sure to check out the drink menu while you're there. One of the highlights of our evening was the service. Our server Dalton was absolutely fantastic--friendly, attentive, and incredibly patient. One person in our party had a food allergy, and I really appreciated how seriously he took it. He carefully noted the allergy, communicated it with the kitchen, and checked in several times throughout our meal to make sure everything was perfect. As a longtime Yelper, I believe great service deserves just as much recognition as great food, and tonight's service absolutely elevated the entire dining experience. The ambiance is another reason I'll be back. Books & Records has such a cool, inviting vibe that makes you want to linger a little longer. It's one of those hidden gems that locals secretly hope stays under the radar...but sorry, San Diego--the jig is up! Your favorite Yelper is here to shine a light on another amazing spot that's absolutely worth visiting. I'll definitely be back to work my way through the rest of the menu. If you're in the area, do yourself a favor and check them out. And as always...you can thank me later.

    Photos
    Interior
    Interior
    Bao buns
    Bao buns
    Blueberry Beret ($14)

    See all

    Blueberry Beret ($14)
    Botanica Art & Cocktails

    Botanica Art & Cocktails

    4.4
    (319 reviews)
    1.3 mi
    $$

    I recently visited on a Sunday night with friends and really enjoyed our time there…read more The atmosphere was very relaxing, the drinks were unique, and the staff was excellent in helping us choose something we would enjoy. They also checked with several times to make sure we had everything we needed, which was great because we were so distracted talking lol so it helped us re-order drinks and appetizers. The spicy tuna crispy rice was soo good, it had a really unique flavor. My drink, the "heads will roll" was BOMB. While the pricing may be slightly higher than other venues, the service and experience were well worth it. Just a warning about a potential GPS issue...Both my Lyft driver and my friends' Uber driver dropped us off two blocks away, on a side street at the wrong location so be alert and don't get out early like we did! Overall, it was an somewhat upscale, unique, and chill experience, and I look forward to returning.

    Immediately fell in love with this quaint and chicly decorated speakeasy lounge. The staff was…read moreincredibly personable and helpful. The vibe was relaxed and unassuming. When I made the reservation, it was noted that there is a 1.5 hour limit on the table. Thankfully, Botanica isn't incredibly stringent about this rule as it gave us more time to eat, drink and be merry. My friend and I split the bill and I paid $87.49 with tip included. Here's what we had: Blistered shishito peppers - mild spice but flavorful New York strip yakitori - ordered two of these because they were that good! The steak was tender and the sauce rendered an umami flavor Botanika roll - tasted fine, but it ate one note. You can taste the citrusy parts but not much else. Mochi dessert - you can only get dessert if you order the pre fixe chef menu, but since our waitress didn't know this, she put the order in and gave it to us! We were incredibly grateful because it was the perfect end to a good meal For cocktails we ordered Spirited Away, Dragon of the West, Kyoko Sakura & Heads will Roll. All of the cocktails were beautifully presented and quite tasty.

    Photos
    Japanese Gin for the win!
    Japanese Gin for the win!
    Polenta and Wild Mushrooms
    Polenta and Wild Mushrooms
    The Dream

    See all

    The Dream
    Charade

    Charade

    4.5
    (79 reviews)
    1.8 mi

    As the self-appointed king of speakeasies, I'm back at it with another one. After having dinner in…read morethe 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.

    Came here around 11:30 PM on a Friday right before closing. No reservation needed. It's a little…read moretricky 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!

    Photos
    Burlesque fridays
    Burlesque fridays
    The jazzy sound of Sip & Curl
    The jazzy sound of Sip & Curl
    Back room at the Charade

    See all

    Back room at the Charade

    Curryosity - indpak - Updated July 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...