Raised by Wolves 🐺｜Hidden Bar in San Diego

I first heard about Raised by Wolves at Noble Experiment. The barteller told me it was interesting but refused to give any spoilers, so I’d been curious about it ever since. Also, this bar was ranked 19th on the 2022 North America’s 50 Best Bars list. Finally got to check it out this time. 📍 Parking is a bit tricky: It’s located inside Westfield UTC. It’s best to park directly in area P1–140, take the elevator upstairs, turn right, and you’ll see the place. From the outside, it looks like a high-end liquor store: a blue marble sign, two wolf statues guarding the entrance, European-style wooden décor, and forest-themed oil painting wallpaper. The small space was packed with people waiting in line, but there was no visible entrance to the bar. 🔥 The real entrance is a rotating fireplace wall! After waiting for over ten minutes, the host asked us to sit on the chairs on either side of the fireplace. I was still processing it when, the next moment, the entire wall along with the fireplace began rotating counterclockwise, transporting us into the bar behind it. The moment we gradually rotated to the back felt like stepping into another world: A massive dome ceiling adorned with jingle bells🔔 A carousel-style central bar🎠 Bustling crowds and shimmering lights⭐ The contrast with the cozy and calm ambiance outside was striking, making it the most impressive part of the entire experience. 🍸 Ordering & Honest Taste Review Since it was the Holiday Season, the menu featured many flavors I’m not fond of, such as cinnamon, ginger, absinthe, and orgeat. There was also an Asian fusion cocktail called Purple Moon Cobbler with ube, red bean, and black sesame that I didn’t dare to try. In the end, I tried three drinks: ① Jade Pagoda The menu described it as a refreshing sparkling drink with green tea, but the melon flavor came from a liqueur similar to Midori, which had an overpowering artificial taste. Personally, I found it drinkable but not great. ② First Course (already removed from the menu) This drink was paired with goat cheese, olive oil, peach, and vodka. The first sip was a strong burst of goat cheese flavor. I couldn’t handle it at all and sent it back. Just a few days after my visit, this drink was removed from the official menu, so it seems everyone found it off-putting. A bold creation, though. ③ Wabi Sabi Made with cachaça, mezcal, coffee, and St. Germain, this drink was sweet and smooth—the best of the night. The orange peel squeezed around the rim released a delightful aroma, and all the flavors blended perfectly. *Next time, I’d like to try the Tea House Highball (mango brandy, oolong tea, coconut water, soju, and sparkling water), which sounds rich and flavorful. 🥃 Plenty of Other Drink Options Besides specialty cocktails, they also offer: Classic cocktails High-end spirit flights (Scotch, Bourbon, Japanese whisky, rum, etc.) Red and white wines, craft beers Non-alcoholic cocktails So even non-drinkers can come for the experience. 🏆 Experience Was Outstanding, Cocktails Fell Short Pros: ✔ The rotating wall and carousel-style bar are one-of-a-kind. ✔ The dramatic ambiance is perfect for bringing friends to “see something new.” ✔ Excellent service—overall experience 10/10. Cons: ✗ High creativity in cocktails but also a high chance of disappointment. ✗ The flavor profile doesn’t quite match the standard of a Top 20 bar in North America (hasn’t won awards in recent years). 👉 This is a must-visit “experience-focused bar,” ideal for hanging out and chatting with a few friends. #sandiego #atmospherebar #speakeasy #hiddenbar #cocktailbar #sandiegofood