One Of The World's Most Beautiful Speakeasies Is Hidden Behind A Southern California Fireplace
By Natasha Kayes|Published April 24, 2023
×
Natasha Kayes
Author
I was born and raised in sunny Southern California and will never tire of the West Coast, although I spent several years living in Southeast Asia, about as far from California as you can get. Wherever I am in the world, I love straying from the beaten path, experiencing local life, and discovering hidden gems - camera in hand. The beach is my happy place and when I am not there (or writing), you will usually find me baking, watching movies, and cuddling my pugs. I have traveled around the country and around the world, and it never, ever gets old. Being able to combine my passion for travel and my love of writing is nothing short of a dream.
During Prohibition, speakeasies were secret bars where the less-than-strictly-law-abiding could gather for drinks and a bit of fun. While they are more of a novelty now, and not the only place to find a good cocktail, they are still intriguing and make for a unique night on the town. In an annual ranking of North America’s 50 Best Bars in 2022, this speakeasy in San Diego, California, came in at number 19, and it is worth a little road trip to experience it.
Raised by Wolves is hidden, but not hidden. Maybe it could be considered hiding in plain sight, in a large shopping mall. The beautiful ornate exterior is just the beginning.
When you step inside, you enter a liquor store. Of course, not just any liquor store, but what looks and feels like a glamorous 1920s-era shop with beautiful carved wooden liquor cabinets, Art Deco light fixtures, and an old-fashioned cash register.
A wide variety of fine liquors are for sale, and the prices span as great a range with everything from a bottle of Old Forester bourbon for under $30, for example, to a 20-year Eagle Rare bourbon for just over $20,000 - quite a souvenir!
Advertisement
As with any speakeasy, the entrance to the not-so-secret bar is concealed. To find it, head for the crackling fireplace with the wolf above it and take a seat.
This spectacular circular bar is a dimly-lit world of gorgeous details and Old World decor - gold, velvet, crystal, and rich woods under a massive glass dome ceiling. The warm, inviting ambiance is characterized by a sense of mystery and elegance, with just a bit of whimsy.
The entire space resembles an old European library with a prevailing theme of books and wolves, accented with little Tiffany-style lamps and cozy chairs.
The cocktails are as creative and unusual as the speakeasy itself, many served in an eclectic assortment of pretty, old-fashioned tumblers and glasses. The drink menu is divided by headings like “Refreshing,” “Decadent,” “Direct,” and “Reserve List.”
Not sure what you want? Ask one of the talented bartenders for ideas, or even let them create a cocktail just for you!
The secret is out. A seat in this speakeasy is always in high demand. If you would like to slip into Raised by Wolves for an unforgettable experience, advance reservations are recommended and average about a month ahead of time.
There is no dress code, but patrons tend to like to dress up a little to match the classy vibe.
This stunning, not-so-secret speakeasy in San Diego, California, is worth a visit to the city. Would you agree? Have you been to this hidden bar in Southern California? We want to hear from you in the comments. Visit the Raised by Wolves website to make a reservation or to peruse the online store. Check out our previous article on San Diego’s enchanting town of La Jolla for more reasons to visit!
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
