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Address and Contact Information
Address: 7576 Clairemont Mesa Blvd, San Diego, CA 92111
Phone: (858) 715-3998
Website: https://forbiddencovesd.com/
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Reservations: forbiddencovesd.com
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Forbidden Cove Secret Tiki Bar | Craft Cocktails
7576 Clairemont Mesa Blvd. San Diego, CA 92111 (858) 715-3998 -directions-. Weds. 5pm – 11pm. Thurs. 5pm – 11pm. Fri. 5pm – 12am. Sat. 5pm – 12am. Sun. 4pm …
Forbidden Cove (@forbiddencovesd) · San Diego, CA – Instagram
Hidden Tiki Lounge located in @kilowattbeer. San Diego. Tiki inspired Craft Cocktails. Wed-Sun starting at 5pm. Secure your spot in the Cove.
A Visit to Forbidden Cove, San Diego : r/Tiki – Reddit
We decided to check out Forbidden Cove, the tiki speakeasy hidden inside Kilowatt Brewing. Kilowatt is very easy to find with the big strings of white lights.
Reviews
MICHAEL MORGAN
I’m a big fan of speakeasies. I enjoy a nice cocktail in a low-key location that is not overly packed. As soon as I showed up at Forbidden Cove, I knew it was my vibe. It’s a little difficult to find, but nothing I wouldn’t expect from a speakeasy. The staff is extremely friendly. The drink menu is robust. If you don’t see a drink you like on the menu, they can customize orders based on your interest. Personally, I tried the Jardin Rojo and the Mardi’s Hot Honey. I recommend the Jardin Rojo. The music and ambiance were fantastic. They played songs from the last 10-20 years but put a twist on them as if they were made during the Prohibition Era, which fits perfectly with the bar theme and vibe. I haven’t seen too many speakeasies with a tiki theme but I liked the setup of this spot. I did not get a chance to try the food as I ate dinner before arriving. But the menu looked good and the food delivered to people around me looked delicious. I would absolutely return to try other drinks and to taste their food.
… moreMark Deeming
We had the most incredible night at Forbidden Cove! From the moment we used the tiki idol to unlock the hidden door, we knew we were in for something special. The atmosphere is absolutely immersive — the tropical decor, the lighting, the SHAG artwork on the tables — it all transports you to another world.
The real highlight though was Nate behind the bar. This guy is an absolute legend. His cocktail knowledge is next level, his recommendations were spot on every time, and he genuinely made the whole experience feel personal and fun. He clearly loves what he does, and it shows in every drink he crafts. If you get a chance to sit at the bar and chat with him, do it — you won’t regret it.
The cocktails themselves were phenomenal — creative, beautifully presented, and perfectly balanced. This isn’t your average bar experience, it’s a proper tropical escape right in the heart of San Diego.
We’ll absolutely be back. If you haven’t been yet, make a reservation and ask for Nate. Five stars, no question.
… moreThe real highlight though was Nate behind the bar. This guy is an absolute legend. His cocktail knowledge is next level, his recommendations were spot on every time, and he genuinely made the whole experience feel personal and fun. He clearly loves what he does, and it shows in every drink he crafts. If you get a chance to sit at the bar and chat with him, do it — you won’t regret it.
The cocktails themselves were phenomenal — creative, beautifully presented, and perfectly balanced. This isn’t your average bar experience, it’s a proper tropical escape right in the heart of San Diego.
We’ll absolutely be back. If you haven’t been yet, make a reservation and ask for Nate. Five stars, no question.
Angela Galitski
Cool little tiki bar that has a speak easy feel…. You literally use a totem to enter a secret entrance. Food is acceptable, drinks are great and NOT watered down like you usually get. Atmosphere is really cool. Be sure to make a reservation to get best seating-I was able to get a great table the night before. Great place to check out and get some drinks…. Location is just a bit unexpected but allows for ample parking. Added bonus was the SHAG artwork on the tables
… moreChris Kanuha
Got a reservation and arrived about 15 minutes early to check out the brewery. Was told I could be sat closer to my time and told them it was no rush. Gave the bartender time and just patiently waited. When I was sat, I waited for 15 minutes at my table and never received any service. Even the table next to me noticed that I hadn’t been offered anything in 15 minutes. I waited another 10 minutes trying to be patient and give it time past my reservation but never received service.
… moreChristopher Gorrie
My friend and I came to Forbidden Cove for the first time tonight. We had an awesome experience! We thoroughly enjoyed the company of the bartender and Kilowatt’s owner, who were both down-to-earth and having a good time.
The cocktails were really good. We tried a few different offerings, plus some off-menu drinks that were fantastic. Everything seemed well-prepared and mixed, and the taste was balanced and delicious.
The bar itself is purposefully kitschy, not something ostentatious like you might find at a Consortium Holdings bar. It’s spacious, well-curated (in a fun and friendly kind of way), and has a homey feel that doesn’t exude any pretension whatsoever. This is a real-deal, down-to-earth tiki bar that brought back memories of ex-pat bars in Vietnam and southern Thailand.
Kilowatt’s owner was exceptionally friendly and welcoming, offering my friend and I some sips of limited rums he had. They were some of the best rums I’ve ever tasted. He also gave us a rundown of the contexts surrounding the rums which was very cool, to say the least.
I highly recommend trying this place out. I’d even go so far as to say that it’s more fun than some of the more well-known Kearny Mesa speakeasies like 52 Remedies and Convoy Music Bar. While those places are great and excel at what they do in their niche, they’re not nearly as down-to-earth, welcoming, and spacious as Forbidden Cove.
… moreThe cocktails were really good. We tried a few different offerings, plus some off-menu drinks that were fantastic. Everything seemed well-prepared and mixed, and the taste was balanced and delicious.
The bar itself is purposefully kitschy, not something ostentatious like you might find at a Consortium Holdings bar. It’s spacious, well-curated (in a fun and friendly kind of way), and has a homey feel that doesn’t exude any pretension whatsoever. This is a real-deal, down-to-earth tiki bar that brought back memories of ex-pat bars in Vietnam and southern Thailand.
Kilowatt’s owner was exceptionally friendly and welcoming, offering my friend and I some sips of limited rums he had. They were some of the best rums I’ve ever tasted. He also gave us a rundown of the contexts surrounding the rums which was very cool, to say the least.
I highly recommend trying this place out. I’d even go so far as to say that it’s more fun than some of the more well-known Kearny Mesa speakeasies like 52 Remedies and Convoy Music Bar. While those places are great and excel at what they do in their niche, they’re not nearly as down-to-earth, welcoming, and spacious as Forbidden Cove.
Jaime and Brandon W
Im a little hesitant to write this review, but only because I want to keep it a secret. This place was so cool, so fun, and had a such a chill vibe. Great drinks. Great atmosphere. Definitely need to make reservations. We had a Chi Chi and a painkiller drink. Both were amazing. We will be back. Its a great date night. More of drink/cocktail spot than a dinner spot.
… moremran
I was a bit hesitant to make this review, but after my most recent visit, I’ve decided to write one. I’ve visited this place about a handful of times, mostly with my girlfriends. during these visits, when entering, the man at the front who provides you with the tiki thingy to get in has always been welcoming and kind. no complaints there. however, on the next two visits with my boyfriend, I’ve noticed a complete change in attitude, specifically with my most recent visit where there was a woman speaking to him and he presented a kind and patient attitude, but when I tried speaking with him with my boyfriend beside me, he was short, dismissive, and a bit rude. this is obviously disappointing to witness, especially in 2026. the tiki bar itself is decent and okay. it’s just disheartening to witness and experience double standards, especially with the foh staff who set up the vibes for the night.
… moreJared Volavka
This is a great hidden gem and a fun little speakeasy. The drinks are well made and fresh. The amount served per drink is well worth the price paid, you are not getting skimped on the quantity or the quality. I have not tried the small plates yet, they do not have a full menu for food.
… moreElaine Michel
I had never been here before and it was quite the adventure. I know the website says table food is available. It is not. They rely on outside vendors, but it hit or miss (no food available when we went), especially since they don’t have agreements the food providers. The drinks are yummy, but strong. Eat before you go. The deco is amazing. I had a fabulous time. I’ll be going back.
… moreElka
Fun place, big portions, interesting drinks, great tables, some of the rolly chairs are deep and difficult to maneuver. It’s close to the comedy place so we stopped by. I’d go again.
… more