We visited False Idol for the first time on a Thursday at 10pm. We ran behind that evening and had to cancel our 9:15pm reservation with short notice. Despite this, we were greeted very warmly by the hosts and offered standing room. The ambiance inside is so fun. We were only standing for a minute or two before Elle(so?) made us feel at home, recommending delicious cocktails to try and took our order. The drinks came quickly. The Mac But Chi Chi was the hands down best drink ever. Period. I was so happy for that suggestion! The other drinks were delicious too and we were even escorted to a table that had opened up. It was the best way to end our evening and I can't wait to visit again! Thank you, False Idol, for such a lovely night!
Darcy Haughian
Best Tiki Bar in San Diego!
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 4
Bowie W.
AMBIENCE: (5/5) - Christmas lights still hanging down from the ceiling to give this place a twinkle for the eyes - Very crowded, small space but we didn't feel like we were sardines. The place was rather cozy SERVICE: (4/5) - Only got standing room since we were walk-ins, had to wait a while since it was a Saturday night. Their waitlist on Yelp doesn't seem to be very accurate since we still had to wait even though we were told our table was up but it wasn't too long of a wait - Greeted by servers right away, was given a menu & introduced to the place even though we were standing only so they were attentive to the people who don't have table too - Drinks came quickly after ordering FOOD/DRINKS: (4/5) - Ube Bae (2/5): Didn't taste of ube much. Nothing too fancy or unique tbh. It wasn't bad but it didn't deliver what it promised. Mostly tasted the coconut & pineapple - Trade Winds (4/5): Fruity & fresh, a bit sweet but a good balance. Just the perfect amount. Would give this a full 5 star if it stood out more to the other fruity citrus cocktails that I've had in the past OVERVIEW: (4/5) - Did it live up to the hype? Not really. But it wasn't like the night was a bust. Would come again but I wouldn't rave about it as a must-do for someone visiting - Good drink spot but be prepared to wait
Julie H.
This is such a cool place. Love their service, fun drinks, and ambiance. The place is a bit small with very limited seatings.
Jose R.
Amazing spot. Best Tiki drinks that you can buy without coming to my house instead. I've read the owner's book though...
Rachel A.
Found this spot from a friend...Crizel was awesome. We were seated quickly and had great drinks in our hands. The service was fantastic .... Loved the vibe and music..try a Zombi! Can't wait to go again! Thank you Crizel!
Ryan R.
Back to False Idol again! What an amazing spot in San Diego. Will say this again, some of the best drinks you can get in downtown San Diego. I decided try the Mai Sha Roa Na (Price: $15) and I am glad I did! Great flavor! The service is always very quick and of high quality. The bar has such a unique design, that you definitely need to experience. Feels like you are on vacation! The thunder that happens every once in a while is such a unique touch! Definitely stop by!
Cecille R.
While hopping around bars downtown for my birthday, we happened to find this hidden bar and I'm so glad we did. The bar itself was so unique and beautifully themed, plus the drinks were delicious and strong! It's a really fun spot, a must-see in San Diego. The experience was made even better by our hostess, Crizel, who made sure to take good care of our group throughout the evening. My friends and I will definitely be back!
Katie B.
Really fun local tiki bar spot with great drinks, decor and a fun light show. Check out their happy hour and holiday menus
Jen B.
Little speakeasy that a coworker discovered when we were out of town for a conference. It is in the back of another restaurant. Made a reservation. Still waited, but just a little bit. Got in, got a table, no issues really. Drink menu fit the island vibe. Drinks were pricey, and we did feel a bit rushed. Drinks were tasty, but made with A LOT of ice. Inside was very dark... you could barely see Our server was good and attentive, but like I said we felt rushed. All in all it was a fun experience, drinks were yummy... just wish we'd been able to slow down and enjoy it more.
Thirsty? Bar. They make drinks. Good drinks. Service? Amazing. Ambiance? They invented her. Bill, Lamar, Pat, Elise, Marla and Meisha (the hosts). That's my fantasy league. Go here.
Rhasheeda Y.
Stopped here twice during our stay in San Diego. The drinks were amazing. The first night we stopped in was a Wednesday and there was a short wait and we were seated at the bar, wasn't terribly crowded that night and the service was very fast. We stopped in again on Friday. There was a waitlist that wasn't a long wait at all. Although there were more people and we were initially standing at the bar. The service was very fast and once a table became available we were asked if we wanted to be seated. All in all it was a very pleasant experience. The drinks and the service were top notch! If you're ever in San Diego check this place out.
Ivy Bolthouse
Dietary restrictions: Delicious zero-proof cocktails upon request.Wheelchair accessibility: Not accessible
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Steven I.
Really cool place, great drinks. Mostly rum but don’t complain, try something new.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jordan Gilman
Pretty touristy but the atmosphere is nice. It is usually super busy and standing room isn't super fun.
We visited False Idol for the first time on a Thursday at 10pm. We ran behind that evening and had to cancel our 9:15pm reservation with short notice. Despite this, we were greeted very warmly by the hosts and offered standing room. The ambiance inside is so fun. We were only standing for a minute or two before Elle(so?) made us feel at home, recommending delicious cocktails to try and took our order. The drinks came quickly. The Mac But Chi Chi was the hands down best drink ever. Period. I was so happy for that suggestion! The other drinks were delicious too and we were even escorted to a table that had opened up. It was the best way to end our evening and I can't wait to visit again! Thank you, False Idol, for such a lovely night!
Best Tiki Bar in San Diego!
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 4
AMBIENCE: (5/5) - Christmas lights still hanging down from the ceiling to give this place a twinkle for the eyes - Very crowded, small space but we didn't feel like we were sardines. The place was rather cozy SERVICE: (4/5) - Only got standing room since we were walk-ins, had to wait a while since it was a Saturday night. Their waitlist on Yelp doesn't seem to be very accurate since we still had to wait even though we were told our table was up but it wasn't too long of a wait - Greeted by servers right away, was given a menu & introduced to the place even though we were standing only so they were attentive to the people who don't have table too - Drinks came quickly after ordering FOOD/DRINKS: (4/5) - Ube Bae (2/5): Didn't taste of ube much. Nothing too fancy or unique tbh. It wasn't bad but it didn't deliver what it promised. Mostly tasted the coconut & pineapple - Trade Winds (4/5): Fruity & fresh, a bit sweet but a good balance. Just the perfect amount. Would give this a full 5 star if it stood out more to the other fruity citrus cocktails that I've had in the past OVERVIEW: (4/5) - Did it live up to the hype? Not really. But it wasn't like the night was a bust. Would come again but I wouldn't rave about it as a must-do for someone visiting - Good drink spot but be prepared to wait
This is such a cool place. Love their service, fun drinks, and ambiance. The place is a bit small with very limited seatings.
Amazing spot. Best Tiki drinks that you can buy without coming to my house instead. I've read the owner's book though...
Found this spot from a friend...Crizel was awesome. We were seated quickly and had great drinks in our hands. The service was fantastic .... Loved the vibe and music..try a Zombi! Can't wait to go again! Thank you Crizel!
Back to False Idol again! What an amazing spot in San Diego. Will say this again, some of the best drinks you can get in downtown San Diego. I decided try the Mai Sha Roa Na (Price: $15) and I am glad I did! Great flavor! The service is always very quick and of high quality. The bar has such a unique design, that you definitely need to experience. Feels like you are on vacation! The thunder that happens every once in a while is such a unique touch! Definitely stop by!
While hopping around bars downtown for my birthday, we happened to find this hidden bar and I'm so glad we did. The bar itself was so unique and beautifully themed, plus the drinks were delicious and strong! It's a really fun spot, a must-see in San Diego. The experience was made even better by our hostess, Crizel, who made sure to take good care of our group throughout the evening. My friends and I will definitely be back!
Really fun local tiki bar spot with great drinks, decor and a fun light show. Check out their happy hour and holiday menus
Little speakeasy that a coworker discovered when we were out of town for a conference. It is in the back of another restaurant. Made a reservation. Still waited, but just a little bit. Got in, got a table, no issues really. Drink menu fit the island vibe. Drinks were pricey, and we did feel a bit rushed. Drinks were tasty, but made with A LOT of ice. Inside was very dark... you could barely see Our server was good and attentive, but like I said we felt rushed. All in all it was a fun experience, drinks were yummy... just wish we'd been able to slow down and enjoy it more.
Restaurantji Recommends
Thirsty? Bar. They make drinks. Good drinks. Service? Amazing. Ambiance? They invented her. Bill, Lamar, Pat, Elise, Marla and Meisha (the hosts). That's my fantasy league. Go here.
Stopped here twice during our stay in San Diego. The drinks were amazing. The first night we stopped in was a Wednesday and there was a short wait and we were seated at the bar, wasn't terribly crowded that night and the service was very fast. We stopped in again on Friday. There was a waitlist that wasn't a long wait at all. Although there were more people and we were initially standing at the bar. The service was very fast and once a table became available we were asked if we wanted to be seated. All in all it was a very pleasant experience. The drinks and the service were top notch! If you're ever in San Diego check this place out.
Dietary restrictions: Delicious zero-proof cocktails upon request.Wheelchair accessibility: Not accessible
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Really cool place, great drinks. Mostly rum but don’t complain, try something new.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Pretty touristy but the atmosphere is nice. It is usually super busy and standing room isn't super fun.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 2