Juan Jasper Kitchen & Wine — Restaurant in San Diego

Juan Jasper’s Wine Bistro - A Golden Hill Treasure

Don’t let the simple “wine bar and restaurant” description fool you - Juan Jasper’s is the kind of place that turns first-time visitors into regulars before they’ve finished their first glass of wine. Tucked away in Golden Hill, this cozy spot has mastered what so many other places try to manufacture: genuine community.

Let’s talk about the food, because it deserves the spotlight. They serve what might just be the best fries in San Diego - no small claim in a city full of great food. Their burger? It’s a standout served with bordelais. The menu changes regularly, offering a thoughtful selection of global classics that pair perfectly with their wine selection.

Speaking of wine, Juan Jasper’s maintains an impressive and ever-rotating selection of wines from around the world. Whether you’re staying to enjoy a glass (or bottle) with your meal or picking something up to take home, their knowledgeable staff will help you find exactly what you’re looking for.

But what truly sets this place apart is the atmosphere. Walk in and you’ll likely be greeted with a hug rather than a formal hello. Regulars welcome newcomers like old friends, making introductions all around. It’s the kind of place where solo diners end up joining other tables, where conversations flow freely between strangers, and where everyone seems to be having a wonderful time together—even former strangers.

This isn’t a pretentious wine bar or an exclusive club - it’s a neighborhood gem where great food, excellent wine, and genuine hospitality come together to create something magical. If you’re looking for a new favorite spot in San Diego, Juan Jasper’s should be at the top...

If you like wine, and you like really good kitchen food that’s made from top chefs with a huge wine selection, this is the place to come. The butcher shop next door, owned by same folks (Sepulveda Meats, Golden Hill staple since 2016) provided the high quality meats for Juan Jaspers. They have a fabulous menu that is fixed and they have daily specials. Over a hundred wines are available for dining in or taking home. If you want to do the kitchen, it’s open 4-8:30pm Thursday-Friday-Saturday and until 7:30pm on Sundays. If you want just wine, it opens at noon for wine, 12pm. We had the steak sandwich with aged white cheddar cheese, homemade horseradish sauce, and kale on grilled sourdough bread. Absolutely delicious and unforgettable. Also had the scallops, the crab cakes, and scotch deviled eggs. We finished with the JJ Burger that was so good with the bordelaise sauce, white cheese, and housemaid potato roll. The staff is amazing and the food is just as amazing, if not better. Look out for this place to expand out as it should; good luck, trying to find a seat most often than not. Troy Johnson should come here if he hasn’t yet and so should Guy Fieri. Locals know this place is must visit and must have lunch or dinner. Come early around 2pm on the weekends if you want to have a late European style lunch, you may be lucky to get a seat and go on a wine and lunch extravaganza of...

Such a lovely spot with great people, decent wine, and solid food options. The ambiance and service staff create a welcoming atmosphere that makes you want to return. The wine selection, while not extensive, offers quality choices at reasonable prices. Their menu features reliable dishes that satisfy without being overly ambitious.

BEWARE: The payment situation is a significant drawback that potential customers should know about. For months, the business has been exclusively accepting Cash, Zelle, and Venmo for payment - no credit or debit cards. The signage about payment methods is inadequately displayed, leading to awkward situations when the bill arrives. This policy, coupled with poor communication about it, raises concerns about the business's transparency and legitimacy. It's particularly jarring given the otherwise pleasant dining experience.

The lack of traditional payment options feels out of step with modern dining expectations, especially for a sit-down restaurant. While the food and atmosphere merit praise, this payment policy creates an unnecessary point of friction that detracts from the overall experience. I recommend calling ahead to confirm current payment methods if you...