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    Recommended Reviews - Tako

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    Reviews With Photos - Tako

    Beaches be Crazy and Ube Cocktail.  Ig @mel_foodie_ventures
    Melanie P.

    I had this place bookmarked awhile ago after seeing an Instagram reel. Fast forward to today and one of my friends picked this spot to celebrate one of best friend's birthday. First of all, love the vibe with the tropical, dark hallway as you ascend the stairs. As you enter, the place definitely has a cozy vibe and we able to sit in a secluded spot under the disco ball! The service by Maddie and Renzo was amazing! We got to try the new Ube Cocktail but my fave was Beaches be Crazy lol. We were served with a delicious app served on spoon which had yellowtail. Afterwards we had several types of sushi. The XXX, Pantera, Aguachile, Lemon Bomb, The Ronin & Crispy Rice. I don't know which one was my favorite, they were all delicious in their own way. I think the fan favorites were the XXX and Lemon Bomb. I absolutely loved the Matcha Tiramisu. Totally worth sacrificing your diet for! I would definitely come back again for food and drinks!

    Jungle Cruise
    Bruce L.

    Food: Jungle Cruise was perfect for a group of 4. It says "serves 4-6" on the menu, but I imagine you'd be still be hungry if there were 6 people sharing. Drink: Slow Dancing in a Burning Room is perfect for those who enjoy smokey drinks. Leans slightly sweeter, but still good for mezcal lovers. Parking: It's Old Town so plan to do a few laps around the block for street parking. Definitely doable though. Service: Melissa was great! Super sweet and professional. She actually remembered me from a previous visit!

    Yellowtail carpaccio , spicy garlic edamame, wontons
    Mitzy D.

    definitely recommend this place ! perfect for date night and the food is delicious. My husband and I love ordering lots of plates and splitting them and the server was so great providing additional dishes to make food sharing easier.

    Michael B.

    I stumbled on accident upon this place on a Sunday night around 8pm. And so glad I did because this place gave me good vibes. There was only a handful of people here but the atmosphere gave good energy, the cocktail list was so hard to choose just one, and the service was quick and super friendly. I was only here for one drink and was in and out in about 25 minutes but in that little bit of time, it definitely left a good impression and I totally would come back here to really dive into their unique drinks and their bites. It's Japanese inspired.

    Sushi and drinks were phenomenal! Not to mention the view and decor are killer. Highly recommend to all who enjoy quality sushi and cocktails.

    Leonardo E.

    Atmosphere: Walking in felt magical. It was like going through an enchanted forest! And the entrance is a bit hidden as well. It's actually behind another restaurant in a small parking lot so keep that in mind. Then going inside felt very nice, they have a cool disco ball seating area typically reserved for groups of 6-8 people. They have nice date night seating. It wasn't packed when we went. The music is slightly loud but it's loud enough to not hear other people talking while being quiet enough for you to hear whoever you came with. Food: a lot of it was great! Definitely enjoyed it all. Now I would say the drink was overhyped a bit. I got the drink where they light some stuff around it on fire but that was pretty much it. It was pretty quick honestly and the drink wasn't exactly to my preferred taste but it was still good enough for me to drink. Now it was our anniversary and they actually gave us a sparkler and provided us with a free shot each for free! That was pretty awesome. It went down easy too. Likely a lemon drop shot. Sushi was pretty flavorful and unique as well. Service: They were a bit slow but it was pretty much 1 server working only and 1 bartender. They might need more employees to help with this issue because the server was already working pretty quickly by himself. They were very friendly though and I know they did their best to ensure we had a great experience. Recommendation: It is a bit pricey and I probably wouldn't come here again any time soon but it's somewhere you should at least try once. Their menu is a bit small for a sushi place so consider that as well. It's a unique blend of sushi and Mexican food so that's another reason why I'd say to try at least once!

    Old town's best kept secret! Come to the second floor of El Sueño and enjoy the most top quality sushi! Tako is a small but very beautifully decorated restaurant. Coming up the stairs and entering the beautifully decorated space felt like discovering a whole other secret world. The atmosphere is too cool to call it a restaurant. Not your average sushi place, that's for sure! Very attentive service. Highly recommend! If you're looking for great sushi in a different atmosphere, Tako is the place! Can't wait to return!

    Xxx roll
    Nikki R.

    Tako has been on my list to try for a while. We got there early (because parking can be difficult) and got a drink at the bar. We got a few different drinks between us including the slow dancing in a burning room. For food we got a mix of apps and rolls. My two favorites were the plantains and the xxx roll. The vibe was funky and cool and the dj played great music. The servers seemed a little confused and service was a bit slow but that was the only down side and definitely not a deal breaker. We would go back

    XXX Roll - with Lobster, Wagyu Beef, and white truffle... so bougie
    Jillian C.

    San Diego's newest speakeasy located in Old Town @tako is a Japanese-Mexican fusion hot spot that is hip and vibey with a DJ, drinks that brought a show to the table, and one of the best sushi rolls we've ever had! We went here to start our night so we only ordered drinks and an appetizer, but based on our experience we are definitely looking forward to trying more of their food options. We ordered: Slow Dancing in a burning room Message in a bottle ‍ Yur talking to me Suntory Toko smoked Old Fashion 10/10 XXX Roll - with Lobster, Wagyu Beef, and white truffle... so bougie

    Dirty pop
    Addy W.

    This was a really cute spot. I loved the tropical entry way. The staff were sweet and attentive. My drink the " dirty pop" was absolutely delicious. I also had the chirashi which was kinda like a sushi bowl with sashimi and that was really yummy too. Overall, I definitely will be back.

    Stairs leading up to the restaurant
    Allison C.

    Came here on a Friday night to celebrate my girlfriend's birthday. Party of 5, I believe she made a reservation. Located in old town. It's at the 2nd story of El Sueno. I think there's free parking on the street but it gets filled up quick. So we did the valet parking (forgot to check how much) but the crazy thing is, valet ended at like 830. Yet the restaurant is still open. I saw a parking lot of the other side of the building, which I'm not sure if that was also valet. Ambiance is very nice, very instagrammable. Starting from the stairs leading up to the restaurant. They had a live DJ playing good music. We had friendly customer service from Vito, he seemed knowledgeable of the menu and was able to give us his recommendations and they did not disappoint. We ordered: Miso soup Shishito peppers (they say 1 in 10 peppers are spicy) Yellow tail appetizer- we ordered this 3x Rolls: XXX- also a favorite but pricy pantera - ordered 2x Caballero Aguachile (this one too maybe like a mild kick as it has salsa verde) Sueno (has Serrano, so a little kick) Drinks: Slow dancing in a burning room (record this) Cool as a cucumber (a group favorite- very refreshing, light) They give u a slender pitcher of water for the table. I always appreciate when restaurants offer this, so I don't have to hunt down the waiter. I did have to ask for a cup of ice tho as I like chilled water. Birthday girl: they gave two ice cream mochi strawberry and chocolate and a lit sparkler. Would definitely come here again. Great for date night as well.

    Chirashi Bowl
    Courtney D.

    My husband and I had a wonderful time here. The sushi was fresh, big portions, and well priced. We enjoyed the Cuban style decor and the hidden upstairs atmosphere. Our service was impeccable and the drinks were top notch. We enjoyed our server, Vito, who gave important cues as to what to order since we are fish lovers. We appreciated the upscale environment but the home style service. We would definitely recommend!

    Spicy Tuna
    Lauren M.

    My friends and I came here to celebrate my husband's birthday on a Sunday night. I thought this would be the perfect place for a sushi lover. The ambiance is very unique, love the Jungle theme, and there's a DJ. We were seated close to the DJ, but we were still able to talk and hear each other. Our waitress was nice and helped me out with a special request to surprise my husband with the Slow Dancing in a Burning Room drink. We also ordered several other drinks-- Halle Berry, Dirty Pop, and Dragon Tales. We liked all of them, but think the drinks were pretty weak. Aside from the drinks, the rolls were delicious. We ordered the Spicy Tuna, California, Caballero, and Pantera. The Spicy Tuna is definitely spicy. The waitress apologized for the kitchen being backed up and treated us to shots with a sparkler, which was really fun! Other notes- I will say it is pretty pricey and parking in Old Town is always a little tricky.

    Citrus yellowtail

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    Page 1 of 4

    Ask the Community - Tako

    What is the parking situation like? Is it recommended to uber?

    I would recommend Uber or Lyft. Old town is very busy and the parking lots and street parking is usually full.

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

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    The Cordova Bar

    The Cordova Bar

    4.7
    (223 reviews)
    1.1 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
    Oculto 477

    Oculto 477

    4.2
    (306 reviews)
    0.4 mi
    $$

    I plan to come back to San Diego every few months, and since I'm a creature of habit, I'm looking…read morefor something that I can do every single time. I'm really glad that I found Oculto because it has been one of the highlights of my San Diego trip. First of all, the concept of the seven deadly sins is really cool. The space is absolutely moody, intimate, and thoughtfully designed. It has an atmosphere that makes you want to slow down and enjoy your drink rather than rush through it. And since I don't really drink, I was definitely going slow. And I was alone, but the good part was I found myself just taking it all in instead of reaching for my phone. I started with an espresso martini-style cocktail that was smooth, balanced, and the perfect way to ease into the evening. For my second drink, I asked for the bartender's choice, and it ended up being one of my favorite cocktails I've had in a long time. It featured lychee, strawberry, and cardamom, and was garnished with a beautiful little rose. It was creative, elegant, and every flavor worked together perfectly. The cocktails were outstanding, but what really made the experience stand out was the service. Devin was an excellent bartender and an amazing conversationalist. He was warm, knowledgeable, and genuinely engaging, making me feel welcome from the moment I sat down. He took the time to craft a drink based on flavors I enjoy, and it was clear he cares about creating a great experience, not just serving drinks. If you're looking for a cocktail bar with incredible drinks, a gorgeous atmosphere, and exceptional hospitality, I can't recommend Oculto enough. I'll absolutely be back the next time I'm in San Diego.

    The self-appointed king of speakeasies is back at it with another one. I stopped by Oculto 477 on a…read moreWednesday evening an hour before close. Located in Old Town San Diego, we had dinner at a restaurant within walking distance from Oculto. I parked for free on the street and made a reservation day of. It's a pretty small speakeasy so if you're going on a weekend, you're probably going to have to make a reservation in advance. Ambiance (4.5/5): Oculto has the seven deadly sins theme going which is pretty cool. I've been to a similar speakeasy in St. Pete, Florida. Once you arrive at the mezcal bar that houses Oculto, check in with the host, and he will bring you to a "confessional." There, you must confess one of the seven deadly sins before the door to the speakeasy is opened for you. Naturally, I went with "lust." Once you get inside, it's a charming speakeasy. Service (2.5/5): This is one of the areas that leaves a little to be desired. There was only one bartender working when I was there. Since speakeasies have elevated cocktails, service was quite slow. They definitely needed two bartenders there to speed up the process. They also have a two-drink minimum which I was annoyed about on principle. I often have multiple drinks at a bar, but I never feel like I'm forced to do it. Food (N/A): I'm not sure if they have food, I don't believe they do. Regardless, I was on a liquid diet. Drinks (4/5): Pretty interesting menu of craft cocktails. When I'm at a speakeasy, I look for unique drinks that have an interesting combination of ingredients and flavor profiles. In addition to a nice list, they also have a dealer's choice cocktail where you can tell the bartender what you're into and they will craft a custom cocktail for you based on your taste. Another cool thing about Oculto is that it's located next to the cemetery in Old Town. That adds to the spooky theme.

    Photos
    Seat at the bar
    Seat at the bar
    La Llorona
    La Llorona
    Oculto 477

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    Starlite

    Starlite

    4.1
    (2.6k reviews)
    1.9 mi
    $$$

    After dinner at Kingfisher, we were looking for a great place to end the night with dessert, and…read moreStarlite turned out to be the perfect choice. The funniest part was actually finding the place. We kept looking at the Yelp photos of the exterior, and the logo made us think the restaurant was in a large standalone building. Our Tesla kept navigating us to the same location, but we couldn't find what we expected. On our second pass, FSD actually pulled us right in front of the entrance--even in a red zone for a brief moment--just so we could finally see the Starlite sign. It honestly felt like the car knew we weren't recognizing the place. It was such a funny experience that made FSD seem almost human. Once inside, we were blown away. The interior is absolutely top-notch--stylish, elegant, and full of character. The pistachio dessert and the chocolate mousse were pure heaven, rich, smooth, and beautifully presented. The hidden disco room with the waterfall is simply insane and adds such a unique vibe to the experience. Even the restrooms are thoughtfully designed and incredibly cool. Starlite isn't just a place for dessert--it's an experience from the moment you arrive until you leave. Highly recommended if you're looking for an unforgettable atmosphere paired with amazing desserts.

    One of the most beautiful cocktail bars ever! It looks like something out of a Star Wars movie…read more However, me and my friends had to share a small table and sat in tiny stools. If you make a reservation be sure to reserve the booth seats. Parking was HARD and nonexistent. Less than 10 parking spots provided by Starlite, then you need to drive through the hilly residential area for a spot. Drinks were decent but nothing special! You really just come here for the ambiance. Presentation was nice. Service could be better, was slow.

    Photos
    Bar area after entering
    Bar area after entering
    Chef's vegetable salad, beautiful presented and super yummy!
    Chef's vegetable salad, beautiful presented and super yummy!
    Cocktails are fun!

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    Cocktails are fun!
    The Gärten

    The Gärten

    4.6
    (79 reviews)
    0.6 mi
    $$

    This biergarten is awesome. As soon as you walk in, there's a food truck immediately to your left…read moreserving wood-fired pizzas that are absolutely phenomenal. They also offer a great happy hour special Tuesday through Friday with $5 off pizzas. I don't remember the exact hours, so you'll want to check those before visiting. One of the things I love most about this place is the variety. There are three different brewery stations throughout the venue. I got a flight from the back room, where they serve mead, which is tough to find around San Diego. I ordered a flight, which came with six selections, and every single one was excellent. The staff here are fantastic. Everyone was friendly and welcoming, and one of the chefs even came out to give the pups some pepperoni, which was a nice touch that definitely stood out. The space itself is huge with plenty of both indoor and outdoor seating. It's a great place for groups to gather, relax, and enjoy a few drinks without feeling cramped. Overall, this is a fun and unique spot with great food, excellent drinks, and outstanding service. I'm definitely looking forward to coming back.

    This is a great space! Love meeting friends here - locals and tourists are always pleasantly…read moresurprised by this literal 'hidden' gem tucked in the middle of an industrial area (parking may take a bit to find). The main food available is from Pizza Cassette, which has delicious sandwiches and wood-fired, Neapolitan-style pizza pies. Drinks are available from a brewery, a trendy and unique wine spot, and a meadery! Truly something for everyone. It's dog friendly and great for groups to still feel intimate with standing areas, barrel table tops and picnic style tables. There's usually always something happening like trivia night or live music, but heads up, they don't stay open too late - won't be an issue for most, but in case you're looking for a spot at 8pm, double check the hours, especially for food.

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    VIP flight from Lost Cause Meadery
    VIP flight from Lost Cause Meadery
    The Gärten
    The Gärten

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    insideOUT

    insideOUT

    4.4
    (1.4k reviews)
    2.9 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.

    If you're looking for an unforgettable dining experience in San Diego, look no further than…read moreinsideOUT. From the moment we arrived, we were blown away by the incredible atmosphere--it's truly an urban oasis and unlike any restaurant we've visited. The ambiance is absolutely stunning, making it the perfect spot for a date night, celebration, or simply an evening out with friends. The food was exceptional, with every dish beautifully presented and bursting with flavor. It's clear that so much thought and care goes into every detail, from the menu to the guest experience. And let's talk about the Mai Tai--without question, the best Mai Tai we have ever had! Perfectly balanced, refreshing, and crafted to perfection, it's the kind of drink you'll find yourself thinking about long after your trip to San Diego. What truly sets insideOUT apart is the complete experience: incredible food, outstanding cocktails, and a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere that makes you never want to leave. It's easy to see why this place has become such a beloved destination in Hillcrest. We cannot wait to return on our next visit to San Diego. insideOUT has officially earned a permanent spot on our must-visit list and comes with our highest recommendation!

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

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    Pear mocktail

    Tako - cocktailbars - Updated July 2026

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