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    Understory Bar

    4.2 (397 reviews)
    ModerateCocktail Bars
    Closed 4:00 pm - 11:00 PM
    Updated 3 months ago

    Understory Bar Photos

    Business Info

    UNDERSTORY BAR ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Hipster
    Casual
    Trendy
    Intimate

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    Recommended Reviews - Understory Bar

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    Mezcal sour
    Jeremy A.

    Went here for the first time. Sofia and Jess are awesome, very talented bartenders. Cool vibe. Will definitely be returning soon for the great service and fantastic drinks.

    Mocktail Mango margarita with tajin
    Monroe H.

    I got a mocktail after giving up alcohol and ordered the mocktail mango margarita with tajin and loved it! Service was prompt and they gave us space to have our convos and checked in with us regularly. The ambiance was really nice and calming. It's in the center of a food court so it's a bit loud but it feels like you're away from everyone with the setup.

    Lustrous Copper
    Amanda J.

    I came here with a friend on a Saturday evening and it wasn't busy. We were seated immediately at a booth, which was nice. I had a couple of alcohol-free drinks and they were tasty and well made. Service was a bit slow at times. The atmosphere was relaxed and inviting. Overall, a pleasant spot for drinks and conversation.

    Brian F.

    Understory Bar is located at the Del Mar Highlands Town Center. It's on the second floor right in the middle of the Sky Deck. It is part of the indoor outdoor area that's really spacious and has great natural lighting. There is free parking in the structure. The cool thing is that you can order from any of the restaurants in the vicinity through the QR code and your phone and they will bring it to you regardless of which restaurant you're at. My first drink was the barbary macaque ($17) which was slightly sweet and delicious! This was definitely one of our group's favorite drinks. My second drink was the domino cuckoo ($17) which was slightly bitter from the campari and was tiki-like. The vibes here were great when the sun was shining bright and the drinks were good.

    Tory O.

    Understory is located in the middle of the SkyDeck. The ambiance is inviting with lighting that looks like trees and cozy booths. I had a reservation for 5 people and we were sat promptly. The menu has very appealing visuals for each cocktail the make and depending on the cocktail, can come in different types of glasses. The drink I got had a tropical taste to it and came in an Elephant glass. Unfortunately the experience wasn't the best due to the DJ that was blasting music while we were there. I could barely hear the person next to me since the music was echoing throughout the whole building. When we asked our waitress if they could turn down the music, they said they couldn't since they weren't the ones who hired them. But the DJ was performing in their bar which didn't make sense to me.

    nachos
    Kelsey F.

    An amazing place to get drinks and food!! Understory is in the middle of the skydeck and you can order food from any restaurant. It's great place to go if you have people who want to eat different cuisines. The ambiance is the best part about this bar with very nice booths and tables. And everyone who helped us that night was beyond nice and very fast! Will definitely be coming back and recommending it to my friends and family.

    The Rabbit Eye
    Jane A.

    COCKTAILS AND DECOMPRESS (4.5 stars) Sometimes a good cocktail or two is needed to decompress. I am not much of a drinker these days but when I do it's because I'm extremely stressed and I need a feel good moment. And lately, I've been dabbling THE RABBIT EYE ($17) - nolets gin, lemon, blueberry, sage, and egg white. I love gin and quickly drawn and compelled to get this drink from the menu list. Price it portion was a little pricy but this place is one of those crafty cocktail bars - so I get it. I felt as if I was drinking a blue berry drink (but spiked) with a foamy top. If you haven't had egg white froth in your cocktail, think of the foamy top as a smooth and silky layer of foam. Not too bubble/foamy but light and smooth. The cocktail taste was not strong at all BUT after having brunch and my third cocktail of the day - I did feel a small feel good buzz. Mission accomplished. HIGHLY RECOMMEND Not sure why I had two of these when I did want to try the cocktail in the elephant cup. More reason to come back! APPROVED.

    A "Forty Leg" and a "Prince Ruspoli's Turaco. They were both delicious.
    Katy C.

    We had a great Saturday afternoon with Jerrica at Understory bar. She is a fantastic bartender, knowledgeable and personable, giving great suggestions and making balanced and nuanced cocktails. The bar is light and bright with a comfortable feel and we easily ordered in delicious food from Marufuku Ramen which was delivered right to our table. This is a must try if you are in Del Mar or anywhere near by. Definitely ask for Jerrica; she made the experience perfect.

    Domino Cockcoo cocktail - similar to a tiki zombie drink. Potent and delicious!
    Metta T.

    The bartenders here are true mixologists who really know their craft. They're personable, attentive, and happy to work with you to create whatever drink you're craving. The vibe is super hip, set right in the heart of the market halls--making it the perfect spot to sip, socialize, and explore. A little on the high end but not unreasonable.

    Burgers and drinks!
    Katie G.

    We had a great time here for date night! Understory bar is located in the middle of Sky Deck. The ambiance was night with low lights and a corner booth. You might be sharing a bench with another party but quickly it didn't bother us. The cocktails were beautiful. We got the Van Dam' Vanga and the Halcyon Horseshoe. Both were surprising and delicious. I think the pricing is expected for a craft cocktail. My favorite was that you can order food from any of the restaurants within Sky Deck and they bring the food to you! We ordered some burgers from Craft House and they were so delicious! I got the shroom and truffle burger. My fiancé got the Not so Basic burger. Both came with a large helping of fries. Everyone was very nice and attentive. We were mostly left alone to enjoy each others company. Really great experience.

    Poke nachos
    Melissa L.

    One of my favorite date spots!!! Sit at the understory section to order drinks AND be able to access and order food from the other food stands surrounding it. Scan the QR code to order and they will bring the food to you! Such a cool and unique concept especially if you want to try different things and not be constricted to one cuisine. Perfect mega feast ! Poke nachos were very good but I do wish there was more fish; felt imitation crab heavy. Pork bao buns are a must from the ramen place. Pizza was good as well!! Can't go wrong

    Domino cuckoo, pornstar martini (forget the purple ones name)
    Claire J.

    Walking into this place for the first time is such an experience - so many options around you, decor is really pretty. They lived up to the 'luxury cocktails' name as we loved all of our drinks! I specifically enjoyed the Domino Cuckoo, it was an experience with the 'buzz button' edible flower. They recommend you bite into it halfway through the drink, it gives your tongue a tingling sensation and was such a sensory delight! Being able to order from the surrounding restaurants and have them bring it to you in the center at Understory is great-- but ordering through the QR code adds an 18% service charge...... whereas if you just walk over to the place you want food from, you avoid that charge and they'll still bring it over to you. Pretty bizarre of a charge and influences you to pay less of a tip. Regardless, we enjoyed this spot and would absolutely come back!!

    Parmesan Garlic Truffle Fries | More truffle and I loved the pungency combined with the garlic and parmesan. [Food is from Craft House]

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    Page 1 of 10

    Ask the Community - Understory Bar

    Do you have to be 21 to enter the place?

    Hi! All guests have to be over the age of 21 to visit with us.

    Is there a mandatory gratuity for small groups?

    How big is your small group?

    Do you have an age requirement to enter your establishment?

    it's a bar... they only serve drinks - i'd assume they check ID at the hostess stand...

    Do you take reservations?

    Yes. It's $10 per person. Ie you want a table for 4 it's $40. You can get the money back at the end of the night or apply to your bill.

    Do they have cider?

    Hi Renee, We do not have cider.

    Which restaurants serve food at Understory Bar?

    Ziziki's (Greek) Kiin (Thai) Milano Pizza Experience (serve more than pizza. Very good )… Read more

    Do they serve food from the ramen restaurant as well?

    The Ramen restaurant does not deliver to your table at Understory but 4 of the restaurants inside of Skydeck will. We really like Craft House.

    Are you dog friendly?

    I took my dog there once, but he's very behaved and slept the entire time.

    Do you have a food menu?

    They're the bar, food comes from the surrounding restaurants.

    View All 14 Questions

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    Craft House at Sky Deck - Del Mar

    Craft House at Sky Deck - Del Mar

    3.9
    (411 reviews)
    0.0 mi
    $$$

    My friends and I came here on a Monday night and were seated right away. The staff were very…read morefriendly and there was plenty of seating. We conveniently came during the padres game and got the padres special - musgrove burger, beer, and fries for $15! It was a great deal and the burger was pretty good! I do think the prices are steep if you don't go during happy hour or when there is a special. Food review: Burger: (4/5) The Patty was tender but felt the overall burger was missing something - sauce or another topping? Elote: (5/5) Delicious and refreshing! I put some on the burger and it was pretty tasty! Truffle fries: (4/5) It was a huuuge portion and super tasty! Chicken wings: (5/5) These were only $1 each, such a good deal! We ordered 12 wings for the 3 of us and it was the perfect amount. Both flavors were yummy and the wings were a good size!

    I've written countless reviews and dined at restaurants all over the world, and I can honestly say…read moreI'm shocked this place is still in business. I came in for dinner and ordered something as simple as a "Double Smash Burger." The photo on the menu looked incredible -- thick, juicy patties loaded with the usual toppings like lettuce, onions, and more. What arrived at the table was almost unbelievable: an oversized bun with two paper-thin pieces of meat that resembled beef jerky and a few wilted pickle slices. That was essentially it. The service itself was mediocre at best, but the food was genuinely one of the worst meals I've ever been served. It was so bad that despite being extremely hungry, I couldn't force myself to eat it. I ended up sending it back and leaving hungry. Without question, this was one of the most disappointing restaurant experiences I've ever had, and I will never return.

    Photos
    Craft House Bar
    Craft House Bar
    Guest Favorite-Charred Octopus!
    Guest Favorite-Charred Octopus!
    Short rib poutine

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    Short rib poutine
    Postino Del Mar

    Postino Del Mar

    4.6
    (499 reviews)
    0.2 mi
    $$
    Happy hour specials
    Catering service

    Two Visits - Happy Hour & Late Night…read more 1st Visit - After reading the reviews for the Postino Del Mar restaurant, I suggested trying it for happy hour to a business associate whom I was meeting for the first time. When I made the reservation, I asked if it was possible to find a place that wouldn't be too close to the bar, as I didn't want the typical happy hour noise that might make it hard to hear one another. And they delivered! My business associate got there before I did and asked how I reserved such a prime spot! She was seated right next to the outdoor fireplace! We decided to take advantage of the $7 glasses of wine they offer until 5pm for happy hour and asked our server, for a suggestion on something to nibble on. She immediately went to the bruschetta board and said we could pick four different types to make up our board. Not only were they a delicious delight, but the fact that arrived pre-cut made dividing them up much easier! Our server treated us to a dessert - hot donut dots, which came with tasty dipping sauces. What a sweet treat, literally and figuratively! 2nd Visit - The next time I returned it was to join some family members who were there dining but because I had already eaten, I just joined them for a drink. So this time I got to sit on the inside, which was just as enjoyable. We had a server who was training another server and they both did an outstanding job. It was a first visit for my family members and they were really impressed with what they had eaten and the service. So whether dining inside or outside, the atmosphere is wonderful, the food offerings are delicious and the service is top-notch! I can see this easily becoming a local go-to place when trying to decide where to go with friends.

    The menu looked very tasty, but our family could not deal with the loud music that is playing…read moreinside and out on the patio. Restaurants are way too loud in general, but some things are outside their control. Playing music too loud for people at the same table to have a conversation is not one of them!! The servers were polite and understanding, so I don't think we were unusual in walking away. Also, the Postino website does not allow you to complete their online survey--at least not if you are giving them a poor rating. I tried several times and concluded that they have it set up to prevent you from submitting a sub-par review. Not really interested in constructive feedback, I guess.

    Photos
    Postino Del Mar
    Postino Del Mar
    Postino Del Mar

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    North Italia

    North Italia

    3.8
    (1k reviews)
    0.1 mi
    $$

    Very nice restaurant with a relaxing vibe, the staff was very friendly and welcoming. Our server…read moreKailee was awesome, very attentive and helpful when it came to the menu. The food was amazing, the kids pizza was tasty made with a fresh dough. We had the meatball ragu and let me tell you that dish had great flavor and along with homemade pasta (at least that's what I was told) lol either way awesome dish. They brought out a delicious tiramisu for my wife's birthday which was the cherry on top. The one bummer was they had no focaccia bread. We will definitely be back when visiting, I need to try that bread!!!! Great job North Italia you guys rock!

    I came here with a larger group of 15 for a celebration with a reservation. We were seated right at…read moreour time and they had a bunch of tables together for us. The waitress was really nice and helpful. She did a great job getting all of our orders correct and was prompt with responding to our requests. In my opinion the service and ambiance were the best part of the restaurant. The food was honestly just okay for me. There are so many other great Italian restaurants that I would rather go to at a similar price point. Our table shared the white truffle garlic bread which was pretty tasty with a nice creamy sauce and crispy crust. For the entree my husband and I shared the strozzapreti pasta and the pig pizza. The pasta was claimed to be a creamy, truffle and cheese pasta with an herb roasted chicken. It wasn't that creamy, there wasn't really a truffle taste, and the chicken honestly just felt like a shredded rotisserie chicken. The pine nuts were a nice addition and the pasta itself was a nice texture but overall the dish was very underwhelming. The pizza we got was like a meat lovers pizza. It was good but the toppings were sparsely placed mostly on one side and it was a bit too much crust for me. I also tried bites of a chicken parm plate which was decent but nothing out of this world. Unfortunately north Italia missed the mark for me

    Photos
    North Italia
    North Italia
    North Italia

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    Raised By Wolves

    Raised By Wolves

    4.4
    (2.3k reviews)
    5.5 mi
    $$

    The innovative approach begins with the super cool entrance. You pull a lever and the chairs you're…read moresitting in begin to turn and all of a sudden you're in a gorgeous dome ceiling speakeasy. Then for the cocktails. These folks are innovating out on the bleeding edge of using those ingredients you've never heard of to make a drink that you'll never forget. And to top it all off, we had some of the best, most friendly and informative service I've ever had at a speakeasy. This place rocks.

    For our first and only visit, my husband and I were looking forward to trying this local spot. We…read moreput the kids at the gym who hosts a "kids night out" so us parents could enjoy some alone time. We made a reservation and although we arrived on time, we had to wait about 10 minutes to be seated. I agree with some of the other commenters when they say that the revolving fireplace needs some love. It has the look and feel of needing to be updated. Also, for it to be a "speakeasy" vibe, you could hear the loudness of the bar through the walls. It just kind of ruins the facade a little bit. Regardless, we enjoyed the novelty of being slowly admitted to the speakeasy on the opposite side. We were given seats and upon first glance it was a dark lit space with an old fashioned aesthetic. I was surprised to see how casual everyone was dressed- I assumed there was a dress code, but I guess flip flops made the cut ‍. It took a few minutes for our server to attend to us, and when he did you could tell he was slammed. We just didn't get the table side manner one was hoping for an establishment like this. Peeking at their drink menu, I found myself disappointed that much of their options had a lot of sweet or fruit juice ingredients. So, I went for their old fashioned. For the price, it was just okay. Another disappointing moment. In all, it wasn't terrible, but it just isn't worth the hype. Overpriced and mediocre drinks and a seemingly overworked staff didn't make for a memorable experience and ended up not being for us. Glad to have tried it...but look elsewhere if you've actually been to a speakeasy. This just doesn't live up to what it's trying to sell you.

    Photos
    Tiramitini and Mojito.
    Tiramitini and Mojito.
    The secret panel that rotates like a carousel into the wolf den.
    The secret panel that rotates like a carousel into the wolf den.
    (stole this pic from my friend)

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    (stole this pic from my friend)
    Cross Street Chicken and Beer

    Cross Street Chicken and Beer

    4.2
    (438 reviews)
    0.2 mi
    $$

    I tend to stop by this place when I'm in the area, they've been here for many years and have…read morepioneer Korean fried chicken in San Diego. Parking can be a little tricky, but same can be said about the whole neighborhood, so it's worth it to find a spot. There's plenty of indoor and outdoor seating to dine fora casual atmosphere with cool music playing.. and you can ask the staff, but they also told me they have a trivia night! Speaking of the staff, they are all very kind and helpful making the experience that much better. The drunken wing plate had insane flavors, I can't say I've had any wings like them, it is the priciest item on the menu, but there is a ton of wings and rice and you will be very satisfied. I also highly recommend the peppered Bulgogi hot plate, outstanding flavors! And the rice gets a little crispy, sitting on that cast-iron plate!! Don't forget to wash it down with a beer, I highly recommend the hazy Ube IPA!

    Repeat visit. Just can't get enough of this place! I love their Seoul Spicy Chicken Sandwich…read more($13.75) which is what I ordered. What a delicious sandwich! Boneless, juicy chicken thigh meat dipped in a coating that fries up super crunchy, then bathed in a sweet and spicy sauce, dressed with cubed daikon, and served up in a toasty brioche bun. The side of fries was excellent too. Pro tip: sandwiches+fries are $15 on Wednesday, so that's the way to go. Friendly, helpful service as always.

    Photos
    Dining room
    Dining room
    Bar
    Bar
    Hallway

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    Hallway
    Salt  + Lime

    Salt + Lime

    4.3
    (623 reviews)
    1.8 mi
    $$
    Locally owned & operated
    Vegan friendly

    Husband and I came here for the first time to have lunch and were amazed at how wonderful it was!…read moreOur server was prompt and so polite. We got seated quickly in their beautiful outdoor patio area with our 2 pups! The food was absolutely delicious! The wonton tostada, DEFINTELY my favorite!! I wish we got more orders! I was apprehensive about the tangerine in it at first, but it brought such a delicious sweet flavor to the tostada, literally devoured it so fast lol 20/10! The bone marrow quesadillas were good. The bone marrow was juicy, melt in your mouth flavor! I like to add a squeeze of lime on the marrow as well, tastes so good that way. The quesadilla itself was okay, tbh I could've done without it as it wasn't anything amazing. The bulgogi burger is on their monthly special menu! It's listed as sliders but when we came, our server informed us they only have it as a regular burger for the time being which wasn't an issue for us! It was delicious & filled with so much flavor! I loved the crunch from all the veggies inside as well. The fries it came with had some sort of sugar salt which wasn't my favorite, but still good. Overall we had an amazing first experience and will definitely be back & bring our family/friends!

    Father's Day brunch at Salt + Lime Del Mar--such a great vibe. Fresh, lively spot with a beautiful…read morestreet view and even a peek of the ocean. Service was super friendly and made the whole experience even better. The starters absolutely stole the show--bone marrow quesadillas were fire, and the aguachile negro was next level, easily the standout. My kid loved the Mexican French toast (really tasty), and my wife's enfrijoladas were also a hit. For my main, ordered the chilaquiles verdes with birria. The meat was solid, but the chilaquiles themselves were a bit flat on flavor. I ordered the chilaquiles verdes with birria. I really wanted to love it, but it just didn't hit. That said, I'd definitely give this place another shot. It's a great spot with a lot going for it--I'd just try something different next time.

    Photos
    Dining area
    Dining area
    Won Tostada:
 Marinated Tune/Chipotle Mayo/Avocado/Pickled Onion/Sesame Seeds/Chives/Masago
    Won Tostada: Marinated Tune/Chipotle Mayo/Avocado/Pickled Onion/Sesame Seeds/Chives/Masago
    Potato Taquitos:
 Mashed Potato/Shredded Lettuce/Crema/Cotija Cheese/Pickled Onions/Green Salsa

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    Potato Taquitos: Mashed Potato/Shredded Lettuce/Crema/Cotija Cheese/Pickled Onions/Green Salsa

    Understory Bar - cocktailbars - Updated July 2026

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