Youngblood

Youngblood in San Diego is an intimate, reservation-only cocktail bar offering expertly crafted, innovative drinks in a stylish and personalized setting

When Sonni first mentioned Youngblood, my immediate reaction was pure disbelief. A place that just does cocktail pairings in a speak easy environment exists in San Diego?!

Nestled discreetly behind Noble Experiment in the heart of Neighborhood, Youngblood is the pinnacle of exclusivity. Guests arrive at their appointed time, slip behind an unassuming façade, and are ushered into an evening of masterfully crafted cocktails.

What happens next is a 90 minute unforgettable experience of curation.

I’ve had the pleasure of visiting Youngblood four times over the years, and each visit has been nothing short of exceptional. Most recently, I discovered they had refined their service for a more streamlined, seamless experience. This is an evolution that only enhanced the sensuality of the experience.

With a group of five in tow, I was especially grateful for some advance planning. The night before, while at Neighborhood, I inquired whether our party – each with separate reservations – could be seated together. To my delight, the team made it happen the following night, ensuring we could fully immerse ourselves in the experience, side by side. It was yet another testament to Youngblood’s effortless hospitality, thoughtful service, and unwavering commitment to delivering an unparalleled cocktail journey.

First Course

LUSH + TROPICAL FRUIT + CITRIC
Cane, Peach, Tangerine, Verjus, Macadamia, Coconut Red Wine Float

Intermission

We were each served a DIRTY MARTINI, with salt and pepper potato chips and gherkins too share

Second Course

In the spirit of this establishment’s rich tradition, and the Bartender’s Choice approach, we invite your feedback from the first course. Allowing us to develop a personally tailored drink to your hand.

For this, I described a drink that I wanted to be like “drinking hot sex.” The result was, exactly that.

Third Course

LEMON MERINGUE PIE
London Dry Gin, Lemon Verbena, Vanilla, Honey, Cream, Sea Salt, Meringue

 

Previously, the evening would with a crisp glass of welcome bubbly, setting the tone for what’s to come. Then, like a well-orchestrated symphony, the server presented three bespoke cocktails, each meticulously designed to align with your personal taste preferences.

My first visit, alongside Sonni and her friends, was pure enchantment. The concept, the ambiance, the effortless cool was unlike anything I’d experienced.

The second time, Leanne joined me. I admit – I may have indulged a bit too enthusiastically in a Pappy Van Winkle enhancement. Was it decadent? Undoubtedly. Worth it? Without question.

The third time? Equally magical.

But Youngblood became truly unforgettable after an unfortunate mishap—one that ultimately cemented my devotion. That third evening, I unknowingly dropped a deeply sentimental pair of sunglasses. At some point, a lens had popped from its frame, unnoticed in the dimly lit allure of the space. It wasn’t until I arrived for dinner later at Kingfisher that I realized my beloved sunglasses were, quite literally, half of what they once were.

In a moment of panic, I called Neighborhood. The hostess – an absolute darling of a human – swiftly located the missing lens on Youngblood’s floor. After dinner, I retrieved it and, thanks to a visit to LensCrafters, my treasured pair of sunglasses were restored to their former glory.

And so, for reasons beyond just impeccable cocktails and an effortlessly cool atmosphere, Youngblood holds a special place in my heart. Truly, it’s not just my favorite bar in San Diego. It’s an experience, a memory, and, in my case, an unexpected savior of sentimental treasures.

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