Oculto 477 - S San Diego

Best speakeasy anywhere. Bartenders are unbeatable, and their skills are showcased in the dice option here. Intimate atmosphere that embodies what a speakeasy should be. Drinks are intricate and sophisticated, but very reasonable. Beverage options and experience is equally as impressive for designated drivers. Oculto is the place to beat!

What sets Oculto 477 apart from other cocktail bars is the remarkable dedication to showmanship and fun personalities displayed by the bartenders. They not only mix drinks with precision and skill but also add a touch of flair and entertainment to every creation.One highlight that I highly recommend is the Roll the Dice option. If you 're feeling adventurous and open to new flavor combinations, this is an absolute must-try. The bartenders will create a custom drink for you, incorporating random ingredients and unexpected pairings.

Excellent drinks and the design is interesting. the barmen are really professional. Only thing, you cannot stay more than an hour and a half while in other hidden bars in San Diego it's usually 2 hours.

A couple of things you must know before going. There is a two drink minimum, and reservations are limited to an hour and a half. Lastly drinks may take a while before they come out.Now with that out of the way, and you are still reading this, you are in for a treat. This place features not just bartenders, but mixologist, who put time, thought and precision into their drinks. Its different from a high volume cocktail bar designed to pump out classic cocktails (they still have them), and instead they make drinks that are crafted with quality and care.There is a cocktail renaissance happening all around the world, even though places like polite provisions helped paved the way, it definitely feels dated. Granted, this isn 't your double chicken please or limantour, its a step in the right direction especially for the small town of San Diego. I hope they continue to innovate and try new things that the cocktail scene of San Diego is craving for.Tips:1. Before entering, prepare to confess a sin to gain access. I usually go with gluttony.2. Room is dark, make sure your flash is off, dont be that guy who takes a photo with flash.3. No food, so come with your belly full. Next Door is Tahona, where you can pregame with some tacos or even some mezcal. Or even better, head over to Tuetano Taqueria to get some good birria tacos.My Personal Favorites:1. Clarified Tea Punch its a clarified drink which is rare here in SD. Flavor is great, and gives me a sweet dried fruit taste.2. Calavera For that boozy drink that gets the job done quickly.Not a fan:1. No zero proof drinks.2. Old Town Parking3. Dealers Choice A novel idea, and puts the bartender on the spot, but this is not for me.

Oculto is a speakeasy that requires a reservation, an answer to a question about a conversation to get in, and is a timed experience that you have 90mins max. Not a negative, but make sure you know what you are signing up for or you could be disappointed. Now, the drinks here are some of the best cocktails we have had in the San Diego area. Interesting combinations of classic flavors like tiki drinks made with a deconstructed spin. We also had a few alcohol free cocktails that had bits and egg white foam which was amazing. No food in the bar, but everything is in the back of a Mexican restaurant that looked legit.If you get the chance roll the dice!