Forbidden Cove
7576 Clairemont Mesa Blvd, San Diego CA 92111
$
No Food
Recommended
New
Editor's Pick
Private Room
Escape to the Forbidden Cove, a hidden Tiki bar located behind a secret wall inside Kilowatt Brewing Kearny Mesa where our exotic Tiki inspired craft cocktails and small batch, onsite brewed craft beers await you!
Enjoy the company of your group, along with a kaleidoscope of tropical decor and lighting, exotic and rare craft cocktails, and house made craft beer. We are currently open on Thursdays 5pm to 11pm, Fridays and Saturdays, 5pm - 12am. Our last seating Thursday is 9:45 and 10:45pm on Friday & Saturday. With the exception of the last seating, we book reserved seating for 90 minute increments. If you are more than 10 minutes late for your reservation, your seats will be allocated to customers on the wait list. Must be 21 or older. No pets allowed. Please check-in at the bar inside Kilowatt Brewing to begin your journey into the Forbidden Cove!
Reservations not available? Don't worry, we always set aside space to accommodate walk-ins.
Reservations
Booking Notes:
We book reservations in 90 minute increments. If you are more than 10 minutes late for your reservation, your seats will be allocated to customers on the wait list.
Business Info
- Address: 7576 Clairemont Mesa Blvd, San Diego CA 92111
- Cross Street: Convoy
- Location: Mission Valley & Clairemont | Kearny Mesa
- Cuisine: No Food |
- Cost: | Very Inexpensive
- Category: Bar/Lounge
- Star Rating:
- Reservations: Recommended
- Dress Code: Casual
- Meals Served: Other |
- Parking: Street | Private Lot |
- Payment Options: VISA | Amex | MasterCard | Discover | Cash | Debit |
- Corkage Fee: N/A
- Website: http://forbiddencovesd.com/
- Phone: (858) 715-3998
- Features: Lounge / Bar,
- Occasion: Meet for a Drink, Special Occasion, Trendy / Hip, Date Night,
Photos
Business Hours
Reservations Available
- Monday
- Closed - Black Light Tiki Lounge
- Tuesday
- Closed - Black Light Tiki Lounge
- Wednesday
- Closed - Black Light Tiki Lounge
- Thursday
- Tiki Lounge 5 p.m. - 11 p.m.
- Standing Room Only 5 p.m. - 11 p.m.
- Tiki Bar or Bench Seating 5 p.m. - 11 p.m.
- Friday
- Tiki Lounge 5 p.m. - midnight
- Standing Room Only 5 p.m. - midnight
- Tiki Bar or Bench Seating 5 p.m. - midnight
- Saturday
- Tiki Lounge 5 p.m. - midnight
- Standing Room Only 5 p.m. - midnight
- Tiki Bar or Bench Seating 5 p.m. - midnight
- Sunday
- Closed - Black Light Tiki Lounge
Customer Reviews & Ratings
4.76 out of 5 stars based on 512 votes
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Apr 03, 2023
Samantha D.
Went to Forbidden Cove on a whim on a Friday night and we were able to reserve standing space immediately. Kilowatt Brewery was pretty busy for a Friday night so it took a bit to be seen to get the key to Forbidden Cove. While inside the host was able to find us an open seat within the first 10 minutes or so of being there (which was nice since I had heels on for date night). Overall it was a fun experience, the decorations are fun and I would definitely recommend visiting!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Mar 24, 2023
Jessica H.
Loved this speak easy. The decorations were awesome. Food and drinks were good and reasonably priced. Fun night!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Mar 20, 2023
David Q.
We came in for a few drinks and were surprised by the complete setup. Great place.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Mar 19, 2023
Andy H.
Very private and we were able to talk (without having to yell). Delightful experience... we'll be back, with friends.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Feb 19, 2023
Jonathan P.
Great drinks. Great atmosphere.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 7/10
Feb 13, 2023
Douglas G.
Great drinks, service and atmosphere!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Feb 04, 2023
trinity g.
Absolutely love the drinks !!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 6/10
Jan 31, 2023
Bruddah M.
great time
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 0/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 5/10
Jan 29, 2023
James B.
The tiki bar experience was awesome. The drinks were pretty weak but the presentation was really great. We also enjoyed some Kilowatt offerings & enjoyed that.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Dec 25, 2022
Melissa A.
It’s a great place to visit.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 0/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Dec 17, 2022
Barbara S.
LOVED Music Great sound system! Liked all the drink choices & our Server was Wonderful...............
S nacks wld be a nice addition...We had a Sweet Time & will definitely tell our friends!!!!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Dec 06, 2022
Christian P.
yes
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Oct 30, 2022
Hallie L.
GO, GO, GO, GOOO!!! So freaking fun, such a fun place, drinks were drool-worthy. Could NOT recommend enough!!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Oct 18, 2022
Gracine A.
Such an awesome experience. First off the drinks are delicious the atmosphere makes you feel like you in an Island. The bartenders are friendly, overall amazing service will be back coming soon
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 8/10
Sep 27, 2022
Zach K.
The drinks, atmosphere and service are all fantastic. Just an overall cool experience. I wish they did more than 90 minute reservations but I guess that's for the best to allow more people to experience such a fun venue.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 7/10
- Service: 8/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 8/10
Sep 24, 2022
Alexander S.
I had a great experience here. My GF and I tried three signature cocktails and all three were delicious and looked amazing. The tiki theme creates a perfect and fun environment. We didn't get a chance to try the food so I do not have an opinion on it.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Sep 10, 2022
Julissa D.
Natalie was our server and she was the sweetest most genuine person ever! I’m not a rum drinker but her drink suggestions were amazing and she took her time in helping our 6 person group choose the perfect delicious drink for each of us! I can’t wait to go back and I hope to get Natalie again! This speakeasy is going to be a regular spot for our group of friends! The details that went into not only the drinks but also the interior design was jaw dropping! I can’t wait to explore the other speakeasy’s Kilowatt has to offer!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 6/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Sep 10, 2022
Brent D.
Great service and atmosphere but maybe some kind of snack available for purchase would be nice.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Sep 05, 2022
Marina and Stephen B.
The Drinks are Amazing!!! One of our favorite hidden gems!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 0/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 8/10
- Value: 10/10
Sep 04, 2022
Farrah L.
Went here for the first time on Friday and Wow!! I LOVED everything about this place! Easy to find,lots of Parking, Great customer service, Amazing drinks, Wonderful Staff, Ambiance on point and Reasonable prices!! I will definitely be back !! A Must See if you are in Kearny Mesa area!!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 0/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Sep 03, 2022
Ellen C.
Great experience. Super fun! Bartender was excellent and her customer service was great. My friends and I will be back.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 5/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 9/10
Sep 02, 2022
Joshua T.
Loved the place, looked great. Drinks are not very tasty but enjoyed the time there
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 0/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 8/10
Aug 26, 2022
Tyler S.
The drinks were awesome and the service was great. Would definitely come back in the future!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 0/10
- Service: 8/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 8/10
Aug 07, 2022
Annette F.
It was a great experience to do. Drinks are on the higher end, but yummy. We didn't have any food.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Aug 06, 2022
Lena N.
What a hidden gem! Tucked away from most eyes is this little tiki bar. Great drinks and amazing service. A real unique experience
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Jul 24, 2022
Daniel W.
Polite, knowledgeable waitress. Super fun entrance experience. Amazing tiki drinks.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Jul 23, 2022
Rosalie G.
great! our experience was absolutely perfect
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Jul 22, 2022
Clarissa C.
The staff was amazing and always checked in on our party. The drinks are terrific and tasty.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 9/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Jul 05, 2022
Cintiantl R.
It was a great experience from the beginning. The drinks were tasty and decorated to add to the tiki experience.The asada tacos were good also. I wouldn’t mind paying more money for the potato salad if it brought more. It was a small portion. Prices were great! The hostess and waitress were very friendly and helpful! It was a great experience.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Jun 27, 2022
Sarena L.
The staff were super friendly and helpful when it was my first time here
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 9/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 9/10
May 27, 2022
Wendell M.
Reservation system needs work. I made reservation but had to change it. I called texted and emailed. Should be direct number to bar instead of going thru brewery. Took all 3 methods and 2 days to finally get reservation corrected.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
May 23, 2022
Rebecca C.
This place is awesome!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 0/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 9/10
Apr 02, 2022
Patricia J.
Now that they have their liquor license the cocktails were excellent! The bartender was very helpful in making a choice. And the decor is fabulous! No food though.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 0/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Mar 19, 2022
Rebekah H.
Pain killer was amazing. Can’t wait to go back!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Feb 26, 2022
Jess R.
This was such a cool fucking place. Definitely worth coming back too. The drinks were superb and the staff is amazing. Not to mention how amazing the decor and the feel of the tiki room is
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Jan 13, 2022
Aida M.
Really fun place. Good selections of drinks, the ambience was very tropical. I look forward to coming back to Forbidden Cove soon.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 0/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Jan 03, 2022
Jodi M.
The Forbidden Cove is a nice quiet spot for drinks. A score of 0/10 for food was scored because food is not offered.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 8/10
- Value: 10/10
Nov 21, 2021
Jason L.
Great little bar... Service, ambiance, and drinks were awesome. Glad we made the visit.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Oct 09, 2021
Michelle T.
Very unique and exciting experience. Customer service was appreciated. Fun times!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Sep 12, 2021
Carlos S.
JUST FUCKING AWESOME
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 5/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Aug 30, 2021
Dave D.
Great time!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 5/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Jul 11, 2021
Patricia J.
Apparently they have a food truck sometimes but not the night we went. That would have been great! The drinks are bit different, not rum based so slightly different tasting. Plenty of beers to choose from though. And the ambience was amazing. We had a wonderful time and will definitely go again!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
May 19, 2021
Taliyah F.
Such a great find. Really fun experience.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 9/10
- Service: 9/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Apr 06, 2021
Dennis K.
Drinks were great, server was very nice. Food service was slow but I assume this was due to COVID-19 restrictions. Overall great fun experience.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Jun 23, 2020
Beverly K.
Loved it - so much fun!
- Overall: 9/10
- Food: 8/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 8/10
Apr 09, 2023
Stephanie G.
We loved the atmosphere, loved the drinks, were a little disappointed in the food. My husband is vegetarian. The pineapple dish wasn't my cup of tea, I don't like olives, he doesn't like bleu cheese. But that's more of us being picky. Had I not done some research online about it, I wouldn't have been able to find it due to its hidden speakeasy nature. But because I knew how to find it, it was pretty fun.
- Overall: 9/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 9/10
Jan 15, 2023
Evelyn R.
We had a great time! Drinks were a little pricey, but we had such a great time we didn’t care. Great ambience We will be back!
- Overall: 9/10
- Food: 0/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Dec 24, 2022
Samantha L.
Would love some mocktails and food on the menu. Other than that, a great time.
- Overall: 9/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 9/10
Oct 10, 2022
Perer B.
Bartenders were knowledgeable, friendly and helpful!
- Overall: 9/10
- Food: 7/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 8/10
- Value: 8/10
Oct 03, 2022
Elizabet C.
Getting food that fits the ambiance
- Overall: 9/10
- Food: 8/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 7/10
Jun 14, 2022
Yvonne U.
Ambiance and service were both excellent. The drinks were just ok. We only had two drinks each. The Mai Tai’s in particular were strong, but the flavor was off. The food tasted good, but both of us had tummy issues the next day so it may not have agreed with us. It was a little pricey, but it’s to be expected for the experience. If there were more food offerings, even crudites, it might be worth going back, but we probably won’t.
- Overall: 9/10
- Food: 0/10
- Service: 8/10
- Ambience: 9/10
- Value: 9/10
May 23, 2022
Heather M.
The drinks were terrific. They followed all the traditional tiki recipes. They were reasonable price as well. The ambience was great. The only thing was it was very tiny area and the check-in process was not very smooth.
- Overall: 9/10
- Food: 0/10
- Service: 6/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 8/10
Feb 15, 2022
Cassandra O.
There's no food! Great place to have some blue drinks and a chat with a friend.
- Overall: 9/10
- Food: 9/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Aug 17, 2021
Domi P.
We loved every part of the experience! Our group of 6 didn't completely love our drinks though; perhaps it was the special alcohol you used?
- Overall: 9/10
- Food: 8/10
- Service: 9/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
May 13, 2021
Brandi P.
Great vibe and so much fun! Mixed drinks were ok but the beer was really really good!
- Overall: 8/10
- Food: 0/10
- Service: 8/10
- Ambience: 8/10
- Value: 7/10
May 02, 2023
Shea S.
We didn't order any food and there wasn't an "n/a" option. This was my 1st time visit Forbidden Cove. Our group had 11 people and it was an impromptu get-together for our friend's birthday. Everyone really enjoyed their tiki cocktails and I am sure we will all be coming back again!
- Overall: 8/10
- Food: 0/10
- Service: 7/10
- Ambience: 9/10
- Value: 8/10
May 01, 2023
Scott K.
Fun ambiance. Maybe turn down the music in the lounge area a touch as you have to yell to talk to the person right next to you Would be nice to see some signature drinks on the menu. Snazzying up the menu a bit would go a long way to taking the ambiance to the next level. What's the story of the place? How did we stumble into finding it? Give the drinks descriptions some flaire.
- Overall: 8/10
- Food: 7/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 7/10
Jan 13, 2023
Kevin M.
* I marked 7 for food but that's really for the drinks since there's no category for that on this form.
This was our first time visiting and we went in with low expectations but were pleasantly surprised by the overall experience. We're tiki & rum nerds and spend most of our time at False Idol and also travel for world-class tiki bars such as Smuggler's Cove, Tiki Hut, Hale Pele, etc. The music wasn't classic tiki (Denny, Baxter, etc.) but was very good and fit the atmosphere well. The service from Nikki was outstanding. The drinks...were good but could certainly be better, especially for the price. They were balanced a little to much on the sweet side - not as bad as Bali Hai's (horrible sugar bombs) but would still benefit by being scaled back a bit. The fruit juices seemed fresh squeezed and were very good. No complaints about the rums (mostly Plantation?). Mint sprigs and lime wedges looked quite old and sad. Would be nice if you had a few good sipping rums too. We will definitely return!
- Overall: 8/10
- Food: 0/10
- Service: 2/10
- Ambience: 9/10
- Value: 9/10
Jan 01, 2023
Maria B.
No food available, no option to choose that on the scale
- Overall: 8/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 8/10
- Ambience: 7/10
- Value: 8/10
Jul 18, 2022
Brett R.
Drinks and service were excellent, and the whole approach and theming were also great. My only suggestion is regarding the music, which wasn’t really suited for a tiki bar. It may have just been the spot on the playlist, but it should usually consist of Hawaiian, exotica or surf rock. Other than that, everything was really well done!
- Overall: 8/10
- Food: 5/10
- Service: 9/10
- Ambience: 8/10
- Value: 5/10
Mar 12, 2022
Sam H.
Cool little spot. Solid drinks with great bartender recommendations. Price could come down a buck or two. We didn't have food, so put five rating as couldn't judge good or bad. Hope the karaoke rooms open as that would be fun, too!
- Overall: 8/10
- Food: 0/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Jul 13, 2021
John L.
We didn’t have any food. I wish you had true drinks with alcohol. I hope you’re trying to get a liquor license, that would make us come back.
- Overall: 8/10
- Food: 5/10
- Service: 8/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Jul 11, 2021
Mehran S.
It's realy a hidden cove. Loved the ambience, staff were courteous. The cocktails were mediocre. I recommend if you are not peculiar about cocktails.
- Overall: 7/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 9/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 2/10
May 27, 2023
Diane V.
Way too expensive drinks, half filled with ice!
- Overall: 7/10
- Food: 7/10
- Service: 9/10
- Ambience: 9/10
- Value: 8/10
Jan 30, 2023
Elizabeth S.
Server was excellent but she was a one person show- needed another server. wait for drinks also long.
- Overall: 7/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 8/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 5/10
Aug 14, 2022
Stacy M.
Really cool tiki designed interior! Liked the unique cocktails! It was really hot though. More air conditioning next time please.