Noble Experiment Is San Diego’s Swanky Speakeasy

The best cocktail in San Diego is a hidden gem, literally. The concept behind San Diego’s intimate speakeasy, Noble Experiment, harkens back to Prohibition. It’s not a true bar or restaurant (in fact, there’s no food). You can’t call up and talk to someone, nor do they advertise. A push on a wall of kegs next to the bathroom at The Neighborhood (another popular eatery in downtown San Diego’s East Village) leads the very fortunate few to a cocktail lover’s paradise.

Noble Experiment’s focus is on personalized attention, conversation and the art of mixing what has been lauded by national magazines as America’s best cocktail. Recipes are kept simple by using just a handful of high quality, deliberately chosen and measured ingredients. The four bartenders tap from a repertoire of over 700 drinks made from over 100 premium spirits, housemade juices and mixers. Even the ice cubes—purchased because they lack impurities—are delicately carved by hand (shaved down from 300lb. blocks) to fit the glass. This technique avoids premature melting as not to tarnish a precisely mixed drink before its time.

General Manager and Principal Bartender Trevor Easter recently introduced a seasonal cocktail menu to highlight fresh produce from local Farmer’s Markets and mirror guest cravings throughout the year. But, ordering off the menu is just as common. The Dealer’s Choice allows bartenders to work magic after taking note of guest preferences.

Securing one of the 32 available seats requires reservation via text message to (619) 888-4713. Noble Experiment is open Tuesday through Sunday from 7:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m. and you’ll be notified by 6:00 p.m. on the day as to whether or not you’re in. Good luck.

Have you been? What did you order?

Photo credits: Noble Experiment/Zack Benson