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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!

    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.

    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.

    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!

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

    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.

    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!

    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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    Really cool spot just outside of Old Town. Nice ambiance and the drinks are good too. The DJ was great!

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    Page 2 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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    Starlite

    Starlite

    4.1
    (2.7k reviews)
    1.9 mi
    $$$

    I absolutely loved this place! Everything felt reasonably priced, especially compared to similar…read morespots in San Diego. My only complaint was that we didn't get to sit in the disco room--it looked so fun and was definitely one of the coolest parts of the restaurant. We skipped the cocktail menu and ordered pornstar martinis instead, and they were incredible. The passionfruit tasted fresh and natural, not overly sweet or artificial. For food, we shared the mozzarella sticks with caviar crème fraîche ($23), which came with a surprisingly generous portion of caviar. We also ordered the Caesar salad, which was a great size for sharing, and the Starlight Burger with a Wagyu patty and fries. Everything was delicious and exceeded our expectations. The service was just as impressive. Our server was attentive without being overbearing and checked in frequently to make sure we had everything we needed. Overall, every part of the experience was on point. Great food, great drinks, great service, and such a fun atmosphere. I'll definitely be back!

    I had a reservation for Thursday and it was packed but took less than 5 minutes to get seated. They…read moredo check your ID at the entrance it's 21+ only. Parking is a nightmare good luck finding parking within a mile of the restaurant. Pros: atmosphere, drinks, service Cons: food wasn't great for the price, restaurant was small and crowded, no parking Service: All of our servers were friendly and very accommodating. Gave us some knowledge on the menu and recommended cocktails based on our preference. I had spilled my drink and they were quick to make me another one. Food: I had intended to get the prime ribeye cap steak but they ran out for the night around 8pm. I shared the steak sampler which came with four different cuts of steak and 4 sauces. I ordered medium and it was cooked medium/medium rare which was fine with me, it also had a good sear, almost burnt though. Out of the four steaks, we only liked two based off flavor and tenderness. The other two were more tough and gamey. None of the sauces really stood out but the bordelaise and horseradish were good. For our sides we got fries, roasted broccoli, and the grilled wedge salad. Fries were average. The roasted broccoli had really good flavor, I expected the broccoli to be al dente but it was cooked to mush and drenched in sauce. The grilled wedge salad was decent, there was a slightly bitter taste to it. I know it says grilled wedge but the experience of biting into the salad and it being both hot and cold was not pleasant. Cocktails: I tried the Honey Ryder and New Wave. These were recommended as the more fruity/sweet cocktails. You can definitely taste the alcohol but it's only 2oz so it's not too strong. Ambience: 10/10 I got seated downstairs by the bar. Only thing about downstairs is that it's too dark to take photos unless you use flash. Overall, I agree with the other reviews saying to go just for drinks and appetizers. I would go again just to sit upstairs and get drinks and take pictures. We left unsatisfied and ended up getting in-n-out after.

    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)
    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.

    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.

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    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)
    4.0 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.

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    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
    (224 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
    False Idol

    False Idol

    4.4
    (1.4k reviews)
    3.0 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.

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

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    Back bar rum selection
    Noble Experiment

    Noble Experiment

    4.5
    (1.9k reviews)
    3.8 mi
    $$

    My husband and I recently spent some days in San Diego. He found this speak easy and we decided we…read moreneeded to try it out. This was definitely the highlight of our trip. From the spooky, dark, skulls old school ambiance and decor, to the experience of not ordering from a menu, everything about it made it feel unique and curated making it feel like a true individualized experience. As mentioned, there are no menus. We sat at the bar, the bartender makes casual conversation with you regarding the types of drinks you enjoy. He curated something for both my husband and I based on what we shared we enjoyed. The drinks were delicious. The entry was very cool! It felt as if you were entering a hidden spot - which you do. When you enter the restaurant, you let the hostess know you're there for the Noble Experience. She let us know to head to the wall with the kegs (which is actually a door). You enter and there's a small waiting area where you're greeted by another hostess. This place is a 20/10. We can't wait to return on our next visit to SD.

    This is an easy one and Consortium Holdings does it again...a MUST go. You know the rules...one…read moreshort review, let's go: Drinks: no menu. Love it. True bartender skills. Love it. Drinks. Love them! Whole crew did. Well done Ambiance: top tier. As with anything CH. so fun Service: amazing. Knowledgeable. Attentive. And so nice. Go go go to NE

    Photos
    Strawberry cucumber Gin cocktail
    Strawberry cucumber Gin cocktail
    Ceiling and chandelier
    Ceiling and chandelier
    Bartenders creations.

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    Bartenders creations.
    Mothership

    Mothership

    4.3
    (969 reviews)
    4.3 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
    Away Mission
    Away Mission
    The bar area

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    The bar area
    Side Bar

    Side Bar

    4.4
    (206 reviews)
    3.8 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.

    Tako - cocktailbars - Updated August 2026

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