First time here and I will say that the ambiance was great! Really well kept and the staff were amazing. Marla was our host and gladly explained everything to us before letting us in as it was our first time here. Misha was our server for the night, recommended drinks, sparked great conversations, recommended activities to do nearby and checked up on us throughout the night! Will definitely be coming back when I'm around SD again. Very welcoming environment and staff! read more

We walked in without a reservation around 6pm and got seats at the bar maybe 30mins later. The staff were super nice and helpful. The bar itself is incredibly fun, drinks were delicious, and we had an amazing time. I can't wait to come back! Yes it's very dark and that makes it hard to read the menu, BUT the staff can help you choose a cocktail to try. I'd absolutely go back anytime, maybe make a reservation a month ahead of time, next time. read more

False Idol - Coronado Luau Special - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

Super fun bar. Must visit! Strong drinks and great service. Not enough standing space, I would limit capacity but other than that I had a great time here! read more

Great ambiance. Was able to snag a table for 8 a couple days before. Hostess constantly checked up on us to make sure we were not thirsty they do a great birthday surprise when the birthday person orders a drink! read more

Very cool concept but it was incredibly packed by 6:30 with one waitress for every table. Obviously not the waitress's fault, but it resulted in slow service. The drinks were tasty but 95% ice. Not worth $7 for a happy hour drink. Also, it was a much older crowd than we had expected for a fun tiki bar / speakeasy. (Mostly middle-aged folks compared to college kids) The staff was super friendly though, so nothing at all aimed at them :) We put on card on our tab then she let us split the tab between our group so that was nice. All in all, a bit of a disappointment, but cool in theory. read more

False Idol - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

I love supporting restaurants, especially those local to me. I live across the street, in village walk, upstairs from the chocolate shop (iykyk) and I had such a weird and unfriendly experience with this company recently. I was with a group of 5 ladies and I arrived late- like 11:45pm. We were immediately allowed to enter in (yay) and were told standing room only. Totally fine. We ordered $100 worth of juice type shots and they were great! However, when we tried to sit 2x we were told (mind you, it's now midnight) we could not- the tables were reserved. So we stood and waited. No one sat where we were attempting to sit, we were eager to spend more and enjoy more from the fab bartenders, and we were not allowed to get comfy in the now, emptying bar, 2 hours prior to closing. Super interested to know how many midnight reservations they had. Anyway, bartenders are great, drinks are extremely sugary but like a nice dessert and if you love bunker vibes (windowless and claustrophobic), this is your spot! Also, can't wait for this review to play in the restroom. As a frequent guest of c&c, it could happen! Love on your locals, false idol- we're supporting you. But when you treat us like this, it isn't fun and we spread the word. read more

Was able to get a last minute reservation to False Idol on a Friday night! It was such a cool vibe! It was very dark inside and kind of loud but a good experience. The happy hour drinks were a great deal and very tasty! The service was exceptional! 4 stars just because it was insanely loud. read more

False Idol - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

Pretty interesting tiki bar located in Craft & Commerce. Very well decorated, dimly lit and and interesting list of tiki-inspired (mostly rum) cocktails. Not a huge fan of rum, I ordered the Ode to Okolehao and another Bourbon beverage. Both drinks were good, but if rum is not your choice of drink, I'd stay at Craft & Commerce. read more

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Classic Tiki Bar. Hidden dark and moody. You need a reservation for a table otherwise standing room only. Drinks were excellent and vibe was friendly. Staff was super helpful. Con a bit pricey. Worth it for a drink maybe two then move on. read more

What a cool little "secret bar" in Little Italy. I mean, I would've never guess this was here. I haven't been bar hopping back home in a long time, so I'm glad my friend Milly told us about this place. We started off at Craft and Commerce while we were waiting for some space to open up at False Idol, but didn't really even have to wait that long...maybe like 10 minutes? Walking back there was just so cool, definitely feels like you're walking into a completely different world. It's basically a tiki bar with pricey drinks, but you know what, I drank my expensive and tasty pina colada proudly. Why? Because I was on vacation thank you. I really wish I had two of them, it was seriously so good. Anyways, when we initially entered it was like on bar with about 10-ish seats and then a few tables for people who made reservations, but you could take the seats if they left with the knowledge that you might have to get up for another incoming reservation, or just stand. So we stood for abount 5 minutes and a couple people left the bar so we hopped right in. The servers were really good about going around to people and making sure everyone got a drink, or put in another order for drinks. The memorabilia and decor was super awesome. Themed bars are where it's at. When someone orders that $45 drink, the bar darkens up (EVEN MORE) and thunder goes off in the background. Pretty neat and I can't wait to come back and visit again! read more

*pre covid review* My bf and I absolutely love tiki bars. When we were in San Diego we knew we had to check this one out. I'm so happy we did because it is my current favorite tiki bar of the 10+ we've been to. I loved the unique entrance that adds a level of secrecy to the whole experience. We were seated at a table and given menus but we were told we might have to order from the bar anyways. We got our drinks pretty quickly after ordering and enjoyed every bit of them. The cocktails themselves are pretty classic and taste great. They have descriptions that say if they are on the strong side or not too strong which I love. The best part by far was how wonderfully decorated this bar is. It really truly transports you to another place and makes you feel like you are somewhere tiki and tropical. It was such a fun experience and I would recommend it to anyone who likes great drinks and an awesome bar atmosphere! read more

False Idol - Skull decor - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

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Should definitely get a reservation next time ! Super cute vibe inside I love the decor and tiki theme they have going on ! A little small and only bar seating or standing around if you don't have a reservation. Overall great experience :) read more

Make sure you make a reservation online before you go! We randomly made a 4pm reservation (thankfully) and it was so busy (they open at 4) we never would have got in without a reservation. The vibe of this place is very cool. It's kinda of like a speak easy. It's very dark with tiki vibes everywhere. I wish we would have ordered a group punch bowl because a lot of the people around did and they looked amazing (decent price for a larger group) The drinks are so good (a little on the pricey side but worth it). We got the crab rangoons (delicious), pulled pork sliders which were very good and some loaded fries with pulled pork on them which were also very good. They do not have much for food options- small apps, but the prices are reasonable. Definitely recommend getting the crab rangoons though. Check this place out! read more

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I love a good speakeasy. We put our name is at 11 on a Saturday with no reservation and was seated at 12. They played a funny song at 1 to get everyone out. The drinks are SO good but will give you a major hangover because of how much sugar is in them. Overall I recommend but giving a 4 because not the best speakeasy in San Diego by far. read more

I came here for a couple of drinks with my friends. I had no idea it was a speak easy until the GPS led us to Craft and Commerce. You definitely have to get a reservation in advance because once we got there, the hostess said we were put on a waitlist and the wait was about an hour or so. First walking in, I was really digging the tiki decor vibe. Just hated how small it was in there. Seating first come first serve. We luckily found seating next to a corner near the entrance. The server was really polite and considerate. But I feel like she was the only one walking around taking orders and handing out drinks. So everything was pretty cool for the most part but the limited space is what really got me. Idk what it was, maybe I was a magnet for people with no self awareness but TWICE, there were people standing way too close to me. First time was two guys, I politely told them they were standing way too close because their elbows kept touching me. They had the decency to move away. The second time was a group of middle aged women and their one guy friend. One of the women literally kept bumping her butt on my thigh when taking her selfies with her friends. I told her she was getting too close. And of course she pulled the shocked, offended Karen look and backed up a little. But then her stupid guy friend/husband? Childishly put something in our tables candle(which we discovered after this next incident) and this man was giving me a weird stare. I made eye contact and asked him if I could help him. He said no and to turn around and not talk to him. I told him to not talk to me or even look at me. Luckily their group moved away from me and my friends but as I was trying to calm down, the flame to our candle looked bigger and this mf had dunked something in there. Another thing I hated was how small the ladies bathroom was. It's literally a janitors closet. I really did enjoy the drinks and the whole vibe but the fact of how cramped it was in there really killed it for me. I feel like a drunk fight could break out at any second cause it almost happened for me. read more

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Loved the ambience and the drinks. Relaxing and the fun and rum drinks. Loved the happy hour drinks and more. read more

False Idol - Spice trade - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

We really enjoyed ourselves at False Idol. We went on a Monday evening, which made for a decent but not irrepressible crowd. Upstairs, the restaurant-bar is open air with fires at some of the more exposed tables. The staff was attentive and even offered to clean a table for us that was in a more desirable section of the restaurant. In the basement, False Idol, the tiki-themed speakeasy is housed. You won't know it's there until you ask, in true speakeasy fashion. The barkeep provided insight and encouragement as we combed through the long --and slightly cumbersome--but creative drink menu. The many options provided ample opportunity to try something new, but might overwhelm folks looking for a tried-and-true favorite cocktail. Ultimately, this is one of the most FUN bars, with perhaps the best ambiance overall, I've been to in some time. We will be back! read more

SO AMAZING. Price was great for what you got! Bartenders must have a phD in mixology atmosphere 10 service 10 DRINKS 10 will be back! read more

The drinks were yummy and service was amazing. They forgot my drink and gave it to me for free. All the drinks I had that night were fantastic. I recommend reserving ahead of time. It was nice having a table for yourself. read more

One of my first experiences in a speakeasy bar and probably one of the coolest. My party and I had a difficult time finding the entrance, but the internet helped us out big time (the entrance is near the ram head along the wall)! Service was top notch and so were the drinks. They also make really great mocktails!! I got the Sidewinder Fang as a mocktail ($6.50) which was super refreshing and tasted like passion fruit. My group also got the Luau Scorpion which epically came with thunder playing from the speakers and a fire coming from the center of the triangle. Definitely worth the experience! If I had the chance to come back again, I definitely would! read more

The Mac Nut Chi Chi was amazing !!! I definitely go again the service was wonderful. The girl up front was so sweet and helpful with all my questions I believe her name was Krizel. read more

Amazing spot. Best Tiki drinks that you can buy without coming to my house instead. I've read the owner's book though...

Found this spot from a friend...Crizel was awesome. We were seated quickly and had great drinks in our hands. The service was fantastic .... Loved the vibe and music..try a Zombi! Can't wait to go again! Thank you Crizel! read more

This is one of those reviews where it really doesn't matter how many stars I give this place. It's unique and deserves recognition for those who search for it, eventually find it, and enter. It's a speakeasy that gets a huge line for the mere possibility of entrance. The wait can take a long time. Fortunately, you can get a call back so that you may also enjoy other things during that wait. Once you get in, you realize that it's a tiki themed bar (if you didn't already know, like I didn't). Servers are pretty good, and same goes for the bartenders and the drinks themselves. It can get a bit pricey, but the way I see it, we're paying for the experience and decor, as it isn't exactly easy to create and maintain this type of place. I understand that they can come off as strict when it comes to entrance, capacity, seating, etc. It's that way on purpose. They don't want to crowd the whole place, so they pay extra attention to the flow of people in here. To approach with the belief and expectation that you are entitled to enter and access anywhere and anything as you lease, you will find out that this is an exception. I love it when someone orders the super cool drink for multiple people. The whole place starts rumbling, the lights start strobing/flickering, and the sound of thunder resonates. Parking: Street, or wherever you can find it. FYI: - To save on waiting time, put your name on the call-back list so that you're not stuck in line doing nothing else. That's valuable time you can be using dining at Craft & Commerce. - Vulture effectively for a table and seats. - It can get crowded, so I hope you don't mind tight spaces. read more

Oh my goodness ! What a magical place ! Wish there was something comparable in LA .... entrance is within the restaurant and more akin to private club , but once you're in A new world emerges ....will have my birthday party here for sure ! Bar is amaZing Staff are friendly and it's like a party atmosphere ,what I liked most was when someone ordered the special cocktail and the place went dark , thunder sounds came on Like a Dixie storm ! Everything stopped for a minute What a concept ! The running waterfalls and walls are so well thought out No windows or light so again, you really are in some magical world . Remember to get stamp as toilets are in the back and you have to go through restaurant to re-enter Great music too No need to go to New Orleans either now But it's so much more than that as it has a voodoo feel which gives it mystery Perhaps I should be selfish and keep this place a secret for myself Then again a good deed .... read more

False Idol - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

Was excited to try this place, finally, was put on the wait list, sat at the C&C bar, ordered $100+ food and.cocktails, only to be told by the hostess that she would not allow me entry because was rude to her. I would have appreciated her opinion before I sat and waited... Really not excited to go back. Good luck John and Penelope. read more

Went to false idol again. Not the cheapest place in town, but I love the atmosphere.

Yes ! This place is definitely a must try. Close to downtown and little Italy and near to other delicious establishments. This place is a must if you can get in. We will most definitely be back. The drinks were delicious and the vibe is very chill and friendly. We had a great time! read more

This place is amazing!!!! Best crab Rangoon's we have ever had. Excellent and huge drink menu. Small food menu. Prices for drinks range from $12 to $18 and shared drinks $45. Our server Bill was great, she checked on us just the right amount of times. Food and drinks came out right away. Definitely coming back for our date nights and would highly recommend for everyone to come here! read more

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There have been some changes following Covid which took away a bit from the experience: 1)you no longer enter through a freezer (no secret entrance) and 2)if you don't have a reservation, you'll be assigned a spot to STAND which is pretty awkward. It's a unique bar though with a fun tiki look. Be warned that it is loud/hard to hear people you're with. read more

I can't say enough about how great an experience it was at False Idol but I'll try to sum up my experience. Everything throughout the service was top shelf and it'll always be one of the first spots I recommend when people ask me where to go for a drink in San Diego. The experience will spoil you for other places but it's worth it. They're not a restaurant so they don't serve food (eat before or after), they sling magic drinks! Pros: drinks, ambience, service. It's all aces. Cons: You won't want to leave. *Shout out to Bill for being a stellar host and starting my party off on the right foot! read more

I'm so happy we stumbled upon this speakeasy. We waited an hour to get in (without a reservation). They have the best fruity drinks in San Diego. I love the tiki underwater theme. I highly recommend! Go with a reservation for a seat at the bar or booth. read more

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Excellent. Easy to find and get access too. We just walked up and they let us in. I would go again. read more

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While enjoying a cocktail at Craft & Commerce we noticed the entrance to False Idol, which did not have a sign, but just an alluring and mysterious door beckoning for you to enter. It felt like sneaking into a speakeasy as we entered. As we arrived we were delighted to get a table and try some of their delicious tiki cocktails that would even make Don The Beachcomber envious. After scrutinizing the menu I opted for the "Navy Grog," which was cautioned as an "extraordinarily strong" drink on the menu. Yes, recollecting now, the next morning, the cautionary title was 100% true, and may not have been the best option late after an evening of great wine and cocktails :) That said, I did thoroughly enjoy my delicious cocktail and it was a perfect wait to enjoy our stay. It was fun to find that if you order a certain drink...I'm not sure what a tropical storm erupts pervading throughout the bar for a moment. What a delightful touch for a fun and delightful tiki bar experience! read more

My boss found out about this after reading reviews for the restaurant it's nestled in, Craft & Commerce. The bar is usually pretty packed and you have to ask the hostess of the restaurant to let you in. They monitor how many people that are in there. You walk into the walk in freezer for the restaurant then head through another door into False Idol. It's a great tiki bar complete with water and mini waterfalls. Every so often there's a "storm" where it sounds like it's raining and the lights flash. The staff are super friendly and the drinks all have a tiki theme to them. I'm not much for sugary mixed drinks, but it's fun to have a drink here. I think it's more of a one time thing/tourist destination, but I definitely recommend checking it out if you're in the area. read more

False Idol - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

One of the coolest bars I've been to since I've been 21. If you could get in, you gotta go. Shout out to Jordan!

Ehh it's ok. Very unusual environment...that's pretty cool. But kind of a one-and-done novelty place...cool to see once but probably won't go back even though I live across the street. read more

So much fun!!! I love themed bars! Walking into this place was like another world! I couldn't get over all the decorations and details they put into the place! They had beautiful glass ball lights hanging from the ceilings! And even dried puffer fish incorporated into the decor. Haha. All the staff had on Hawaiian shirts! We got bar seats and got to see all the bartenders craft drinks! There was also a dude dressed in a HUGE tiki head which was sooo funny! Hahah. They played fun Hawaiian music the whole night! I really enjoyed this and would recommend it to anyone looking for a secret themed bar! Side note: This bar is inside a restaurant so you have to walk into the restaurant to find the ushers for false idol to escort your into the actual bar. read more

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Fun, chill spot had a good time here. Drinks are good, was my first time at a tiki bar. Will come back when ever I am in sd read more

False Idol - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

Totally dug the small speakeasy style. Drinks were boozy and delicious. Decor and bartenders were on point. Put your name on the wait list and wanna a around Little Italy. Definitely looking forward to going back! read more