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Gaslamp Speakeasy
Categories: Nightlife Bars Lounges Arts & Entertainment Jazz & Blues Nightlife Jazz & Blues Arts & Entertainment Art Galleries Shopping Art Galleries Lounges, Jazz & Blues, Art Galleries
708 4th Ave(between G St & F St)
San Diego, CA 92101
Neighbourhood: Gaslamp
(619) 239-9994
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 8 pm - 2 am
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Music:
- Live
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Thu, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- No
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
- Coat Check:
- No
- By Appointment Only:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Very Loud
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
- Dogs Allowed:
- No
31 reviews for Gaslamp Speakeasy
Review Highlights
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"There was a live band playing which always makes things..." In 3 reviews -
"Heath is a very cool guy, made us feel welcome and..." In 5 reviews -
"Jazzy/old school with specialty drinks- very delicious." In 1 review
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31 reviews in English
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Review from Jonathan G.
Playa Vista, CA
3/19/2012
I was a bit disappointed upon first arriving at the Gaslamp Speakeasy to learn that 1) there was no password required to be spoken through the slat of a metal door, and 2) once inside, the place is not filled with flappers and guys who talk like Edward G. Robinson. However, this was quickly replaced by elation after tasting the first drink Heath mixed up for me. I gave him a few tastes I like, and the result was a Russian horchata, something I never even knew existed until that night (and I'm half Russian).
The other fantastic thing about this place is the music: while relaxing at the bar, we were treated to an incredibly talented jazz duo who covered greats like Miles Davis & Etta James on a digital piano & a drum set. I didn't catch her name, but the pianist was laying down a heavy bass line with her left, her right hand flying over the keys riffing on the melody, and belting out the vocals with a surprisingly powerful voice.
Hard for me to think of a better way to spend an evening...did I mention there was no cover charge? -
Review from chris d.
QuickTip: I hit up this place when both Yelp and their own website said they were closed. I am pretty sure they will open up most nights there is a convention in town so it's worth a call or walkby to see if they are open.
This is another one of those establishments that justifies my love of Yelp. I land jetlagged in strange cities and rely on Yelp to help me find good espresso, food and booze within walking distance of whatever hotel I've ended up at.
Gaslamp Speakeasy had great cocktails; friendly staff, nice live music an an atmosphere where you don't feel like a d-bag for showing up and hanging out as a solo individual. I enjoyed the moscow mule & eastside cocktails in particular. -
Review from Vanessa N.
Anaheim, CA
2/7/2012 1 Check-in Here
By far the best cocktails I have ever had. This bar might not be as fancy, well decorated, romantic or exclusive as other institutions in the area, but it is definitely the best place for awesome, hand-crafted drinks. Heath, the bartender, is a master of the art and the best thing of all, he's super nice. He introduced himself immediately when we sat down and remembered our names for the rest of the evening. We didn't even bother ordering any of the drinks on the "menu" written on the chalkboard (there's only like 5 drinks on there anyway). It was "bartender's choice" the whole night. Heath told me the names of the drinks but I can't remember them, I just know I had a drink with: vinegar, simple syrup, gin, and some fruit juice. Another drink had a combination of egg whites, vodka, cucumber. My boyfriend's first drink had: bourbon & ginger beer. His last drink was evil, it contained muddled jalapeno and sriracha. For real.
Heath is THE MAN. Another person came to help him make some drinks and took a stab at the jalapeno/sriracha drink. My boyfriend and I witnessed the couple who ordered those drinks send them right back to get dumped in the trash. Heath re-made them and there were no more complaints in the bar.
The night that we came, there was a very fun three-piece jazz band. I really enjoyed my time here but mainly because of the drinks. If not for Heath, this place would get probably 3 stars. I would have stayed and drank with Heath the whole night if it didn't start to get too expensive and if I wasn't already getting too drunk. He did promise me that he'd work on a Hello Kitty cocktail after teasing me about my Hello Kitty iPhone case. The promise of that drink warrants another trip to San Diego from Orange County.
This might not be the swankiest place in the Gaslamp but it's a MUST for cocktails for all future San Diego trips. -
Review from Eugene K.
Los Angeles, CA
5/26/2012 1 Check-in Here
The bartenders were very friendly. Heath made a very honest suggestion of a whiskey sour instead of a more expensive and simpler drink. The live band was great too!
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Review from Kris A.
Cincinnati, OH
5/23/2012
This jazz bar is very casual. The band was good and fun. They played a lot of covered songs. The bar does not seems to have many selections and there was only one bartender that night. Their tables set up is a bit strange. Several big tables for group, but tables for couples or small groups look uncomfortable. If you want to just hang out, listen to music, and relax, this is a good place
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Review from Raechel W.
Los Angeles, CA
1/21/2012
I visited this place with friends this past Friday night and was thoroughly satisfied. The drinks were pretty decent and not too badly priced for the area. An awesome soul/jazz trio were performing and it was a really great place to sit, have a chat and some drinks while listening to a quality performance.
I've been to Noble Experiment and Vin de Syrah and it's definitely not as pretentious nor classy as the two speakeasies, but it's got a more modest charm and is definitely more relaxed. The two bartenders were pretty cool and very hospitable. They were also well-dressed so definite points for that in my book, haha.
The Gaslamp Speakeasy, despite its name, is a nice pocket where you can get away from the hither-and-thither Gaslamp district atmosphere. There are booths for parties of 10 and smaller tables for a more intimate setting.
I will definitely be back here! -
Review from Jaime F.
Mountain View, CA
5/5/2012 1 Check-in Here
This place is not a speak easy bar at all. They should not be called Speak easy. They had a loud band playing. Drinks were damn good though!
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Review from Angela M.
San Diego, CA
4/21/2012 1 Check-in Here
We went here thinking this was an actual speakeasy but it's really a small bar with a speakeasy theme. One thing that is for certain the handmade coctails from scratch are delicious. We went right at 8pm when they opened so it was great no loud music and no patrons yet. Like I said we were looking for the initmate speakeasy ambiance. After our drinks the band began to play and it was extremly loud and completely ruined the atmosphere. So for drinks this place is excellent and for good music, but super loud it's good too. I will go back just for the drink but probably right at 8 when they open before the band starts.
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Review from Ry S.
10/29/2011
The bartender ("Mixologist") Heath, really makes this place what it is. You can tell he knows his stuff, and striving to get better. I like my bartenders to have a passion for what they are doing, and I believe Heath has that.
The band was pretty cool too.
I'd go back. -
Review from Mark M.
Lakewood, CA
1/26/2012 1 Check-in Here
Very cool and relaxing. best to let Heath (the mixologist) decide on your drinks, very creative and great tasting! The jazz was old school and helped make the ambiance as good as it was.
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Review from Samantha S.
Saratoga Springs, NY
7/28/2011
This place is fantastic! The bartender made us feel very welcome, and he definitely knew his mixology. Rather than just having us order off a menu of pre-formulated concoctions, he created drinks for us based on our preferences, and the ingredients were all very fresh. Cocktails tend to be pretty pricey all over downtown San Diego, but I just don't really mind as much when I'm paying $12 for a labor intensive work of art rather than liquor with a little juice stirred in. The vibe inside was pretty cool...very relaxed, and definitely conjured a 1920's feel.
My reason for rating 4 stars instead of 5 is only because the entrance to Gaslamp Speakeasy is much more mundane than some of the other Speakeasy-style bars in the area. Really, I'd like to be able to rate it about a 4.5, but Yelp doesn't allow half-points.
Also, in response to some of the negative reviews on here, the bartender who was working the night we went in was relatively new, but has a lot of experience from working at a Speakeasy in Atlanta. He mentioned that he's working on revamping the place, and from what I can see, he's doing a pretty great job. I think you'll find that previous references to crappy drinks and an unknowledgeable staff are no longer true. -
Review from Ernesto M.
Bonita, CA
6/16/2011 1 Check-in Here
There is a new fad in downtown, opening small intimate bars with great meticulously handcrafted drinks, and limiting the number of people there at anytime by providing special numbers or passwords or whatever....this place does not abide by any of those rules.
Its open to anyone but that is actually a plus, you can just show up whenever. They use ice from a restaurant ice maker, it melts quickly and waters down your $12 drink. It seems that Hennessy's just wanted to cash in on the fad but did a real half ass job.
The service was great and the blues band was even better. I could come back here if I really wanted a mint julep or for that great happy hour, but I would stick to the other speakeasys for now. -
Review from Val F.
San Diego, CA
2/21/2012
Raspberry blossom is incredible!!!
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Review from Darryl B.
San Diego, CA
1/23/2012 2 Check-ins Here
I personally prefer this place versus the other speakeasy locations. More room with no stuffiness, good atmpshpere, great live music and knowledgeable bartenders. Heath was the bartender for both visits. Drinks are typical $10-12. All in all a great way to start or end the night right. Cheers!
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Review from Mateo M.
4/11/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Not bad. M-F their super-special cocktail list if half off... same as their appetizers. If you like a good Mint Julep (and who doesn't) a hand-made concoction of this sort will only set you back about $5.
Kudos to the staff. They're very attentive, but it's a mellow sort of spot so they're not overwhelmed with patrons. Most actually double at the Hennessey's that's attached next-door, so you know they're young and attractive (oops, did I actually say that?).
The music varies from jazz to lounge singer and can range from too loud to nice and mellow. Either way, it's a good break from the oompa-loompa crap you hear everywhere else. Expect the music to start at 8pm. -
Review from Ike V.
New York, NY
5/6/2011
A speakeasy that sells crappy run of the mill drinks for $12.
To those that have ever been to a real speakeasy like bourbon and branch or even the local noble experiment, and are looking for a similar place this is not it.
Both time we went in they threw a bartender in from their neighbor bar (parent company) hennesys. Read the ingredients and threw them in a cup- done. $12 each please. BOTH times.
Read the menu and ask what the difference between a fizz and a Tom colins is... Ingredients are the same.
The girl that opened the place moved away.
Kinda contrary to the whole theme of a speakeasy as well when you have open windows and doors broadcasting your live music.
The menu says don't even think of ordering a sex on the beach but I think that's the best they can do.
The bartenders WERE nice- but it's not justifiable to charge $12 for the same drinks you'll get at any bar in the area because you call yourself a speakeasy.
I think what makes me the most angry about this place is that for people that have never been to a speakeasy, this place will turn them off completely to the idea or give them the completely wrong impression of what a speakeasy is- or how good some of them are.
We need to nurture the great ones so more will open and we can enjoy cocktails WORTH their price- not gimmicky places with outrageous prices.
-1 stars for what it is. -
Review from Justin G.
Los Angeles, CA
4/11/2011
My girlfriend and I stumbled (not literally) across this place on a trip down to SD a few weeks ago. I am really into early cocktails and bartending, when I saw they made Sazeracs amongst other drinks, I knew we had to go in. The place wasn't very busy, which was a good thing-there was a jazz duo playing, a very attentive bartender named Sarah, and intimate enough that you could actually carry a conversation.
Sarah made fantasic authentic drinks-strong in the right ways, fresh ingrediants, chilled glasses, quality spirits. Drinks are $12 each, but keep in mind two things-one, they are 80% booze, so it isn't like you are slugging them back, and two, because they are handmade and you can taste the difference. They are no sour mixes, no jager, no red bull. If you live in SoCal, you have spent $12 on drinks that don't even compare.
**If you happen to go in, ask for the 'Justin Punch'--Makers Mark, simple syrup, lemon juice, shaken and served on the rocks with a float of dark Jamaican rum.** :)
We didn't make it back in there Sunday night as we promised, but next time we are in town, we will be back! -
Review from Nickelus K.
San Diego, CA
11/3/2011
Heath is a very cool guy, made us feel welcome and comfortable. I liked the intimate setting it offered, along with the awesome live jazz. Definitely one of the better places to go in downtown, if you are looking for a chill & relaxed atmosphere
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Review from Iva C.
San Diego, CA
7/20/2011
WOW! This place is so great. I live a few blocks away and happen to stumble across it a few weeks ago. Heath, the bartender is amazing. He knows how to make you feel welcome and how to sling drinks. Don't expect the average drink here. Expect perfection.
He actually handmakes his own liquor too!!! Last time I was there I sampled his "bacon whiskey." And, then had his "peanut whiskey" on the rocks. It was so good. All you have to do is tell him your favorite flavor or liquor and he will make you anything you can imagine.
I highly recommend this bar. Great place to chill and have a great conversation...and the drinks are one of a kind! -
Review from Mando P.
San Diego, CA
7/19/2011
Me and friend went in just to check things out. So glad we did. This place is great. It's a great place to just go and chill and have some quality cocktails. I must say that the bartender Heath, is the best and most knowledgable bartender ever. He knows his stuff and can make pretty much anything. Be patient, because all drinks are indivudually crafted. Well worth it.
The price is not bad for the quality of drink you are getting. The vibe is very laid back and a couple of times we were there, they had a live jazz band. If you are not a big liquor fan, they also have a good selection of beers.
CHECK IT OUT! -
Review from Christopher K.
San Diego, CA
11/27/2011 9 Check-ins Here
I come here regularly for my friends performing and have to say that for a boutique bar the alcohol selection is limited. Mostly to good things, but there is a shortage of things that I tend to enjoy. The fact that their ice is only regular ice doesn't bother me because I drink my alcohol neat. Overall it's fun, and I will be back, just nothing all that fantastic about it except the live music more or less every night.
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Review from Leo I.
11/16/2010
I'll give you 3 stars and that just because the bartender Tiffany was very awesome.
It's a speakeasy, but not really. The door was left wide open, and there was a band playing some really loud rock and roll. It also has a large sign saying 'gaslamp speakeasy'.. which isn't very discreet as the theme would imply. And just how can I speak easy with such loud music? Very difficult to carry on a conversation when we have to yell in each other's ears.
The bar also lacks ingredients like eggs/egg whites which makes me sad face. -
Review from Sirinda S.
Los Angeles, CA
6/16/2011
I love this place. It's small with a rustic, initimate feel. I was there on a Saturday night from around midnight to 2am, and it was really empty. There were only two other customers there (other than my group of 4), along with one bartender, and a great singer and keyboard player duo who played bluesy, old fashioned music. We really enjoyed the laid back feel and pushed some of the tables aside to dance a little. It was the perfect place to hang out and take it easy. I'm not sure how drink prices compare to other bars as I just had a coke ($3), and a coke at any bar is always super overpriced. I would definitely return when I'm in the area again. It seems to be one of the few places in the area that doesn't involve hordes of people and overpoweringly pounding music (although the music from next door does spill over a bit).
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Review from Blake H.
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA
9/13/2011 1 Check-in Here
This bar definitely is under the radar. Amazing atmosphere. The band sounded great. Everyone was thoroughly enjoying themselves. The bartender Heath is very nice and welcoming and makes really good drinks. If you are looking for a bar where you are not jammed in like sardines and enjoy the jazz/blues flavor with a taste of the speakeasy style then this is a place for you. My girlfriend and I had a great time here!
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Review from Maria B.
San Diego, CA
11/7/2010
This place is so awesome. I went on a Monday night and had a blast sitting at the bar, listening to jazz, eating delicious food, drinking yummy drinks and talking to a great bartender.
For my drink I ordered "the fizz". It was very delicious and just strong enough for my liking. I prefer to enjoy the flavors of the drink instead of force myself to down something. It took some time to get my drink, but that is due to the care the bartender took in making it.
For food I ordered the truffle sliders which come in threes. The buns are great. I could eat those on their own. The sliders have pickled onions and I thought they were great. I hate onions, really really hate onions. These onions were great and worked really well with the sliders.
I also shared the sausage flat bread with my friend. I loved this dish as well. The bread was the perfect texture and the sausage was amazing. I could eat it for all meals of the day.
My friend got the prime rib sliders which I tried and also thought they were delicious.
The food gets 5 stars for quality. The price brings it down to 4 although with happy hour half off it is very worth it. Super delicious.
The bar itself is very nice and I like the atmosphere. There was a live band playing which always makes things more fun.
Will be back for happy hour soon. Especially for the grand opening events. -
Review from John Z.
San Diego, CA
12/10/2010
Fantastic place, great food, AMAZING drinks and the band wasn't bad either.
I think what stuck out more than anything was the personalized service from the bartender.. I have never seen anyone grind up fresh fruit in a stone mortar for a drink. This place is going to become my new regular bar! -
Review from Jennifer N.
San Diego, CA
5/4/2011 1 Check-in Here
Service wasn't so great but the venue and creativity was very cool. Jazzy/old school with specialty drinks- very delicious!
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Review from Caryn D.
St Louis, MO
2/11/2011
We just visited the speakeasy... Boy! What great drinks!! They just opened and are VERY friendly!! We just flew in from St Louis and our bartender gave us a Ron of advice. Thank you thank you!!!!!!
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Review from Harn C.
Agoura Hills, CA
11/2/2010
Strong drinks, great food! A little pricey, but 1/2 off happy hour til 8? Definite bonus.
The Place- Cozy and dim lit, on the smaller side. Attached to Hennessey's, and by the same owner. Maybe 6-8 tables and room at the bar for 7ish. It's got that prohibition speakeasy feel; I absolutely loved their jazz selection! We went on a Monday and there was a live band, and Th-Sa they have the jazz duo "Shay La Vie". The rules are no photography, no phones, and keep it classy.
The Service- Our bartenders have been very sweet and attentive, keen conversationalists too. We watched one toss out and remake a drink she deemed not good enough, which always earns points in my book. Been twice on slow nights, so not much to say otherwise... They do take their time with the cocktails though, for better or worse :)
The Food- Oooooh.
Let's start with drinks: My mint julep was a little strong and not minty enough, but I didn't dislike it. My Sazerac was also pretty strong, but this one tasted just right (Dinner date #2 thought his was amaaazing). Dinner date #1's "Fizz" (apparently exactly the same as a Tom Collins, except with more soda and shaken-not-stirred) qualified as yummy. The "Bramble" was the perfect girly drink, enough alcohol to make it count, and topped with delicious blackberries!
Now the appetizers! Mmmm. The smoked sausage and onion marmalade flat bread was prettttty good! The bread itself was just the right amount of toasty and crunchy, the sausage and onion marmalade sweet and salty and the right proportion. The prime rib slider with horseradish aioli and bleu cheese had fine flavor, but I found a little dry (perhaps a fluke of preparation); I'd give it another chance if it wasn't for the fact I'm completely in love with the truffle aioli slider: truffle aioli, applewood bacon, and pickled onions. Sweet, tart, savory and the bun ain't bad to boot- this was my favorite of the night! Speakeasy sliders: honey peanut butter, Irish cheddar, and smoked jalapenos- sounds weird, but realllllly grows on ya. Would definitely recommend, for tasty novelty. Both couples on either end of us also ordered the shrimp cocktail, which they said was a definite must: from what I could see, 8 plump specimens hung around a cocktail glass of dip. Will try that next time. Also on the menu- Grilled hanger steak skewers, with sweet bacon bourbon glaze and fried carrot sticks. Only things I haven't tried yet :D
Overall- A little expensive; normal price apps are $10-14 (three sliders, I think 6-8 pieces of flatbread) and drinks also $10-14. Though I must say, it's nice to have available a mellow, jazzy, classy speakeasy that doesn't make you guestlist or text ahead to maybe get a reservation. If you just want to eat, drink, and sway to Ella, this place is just right. -
Review from Jeffrey S.
San Diego, CA
10/9/2011
Couldn't have been happier with service here. Threw a promotion party and it went fantastic. Heath the bartender was a total pro. Old school, artisan cocktails. Really imaginative stuff. Food was great, my guests were all impressed. Mike, the manager, was so helpful in setting every thing up. Would definitely book the Speakeasy again.
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Review from james s.
San Diego, CA
Heath's cocktails were a delight especially his 'Whiskey Sour' made with fresh egg white. Sacha's smooth jazz as classy as ever.
