Confidential
San Diego, CA 92101
Phone: (619) 696-8888
- Price:
- $$$
- Cross Street:
- E Street
- Specialties:
- Dive Bar
- Best of Citysearch:
- Exotic Drinks 2007, Martini 2007, Over-30 Singles Scene 2007
- Hours:
- Tues-Sat 6pm-2am
Editorial Review for Confidential – by Erin Chambers
The Scene
Local hunk and ex-Bachelor Andrew Firestone's name gets thrown around often as a major investor in this Gaslamp haunt, even though his face is rarely seen in the dining room. It makes no matter to downtown hipsters who come in droves to be seen at the stylish urban loft eatery complete with exposed brick walls and DJ booth upstairs. Red and blue hued lighting contrast with minimal white furnishings and industrial steel accents.
The Food
International tapas characterizes a menu of interesting small plates meant to be shared. Starters like soft pretzels with mustard seeds and jumbo sea scallop Adobo are served with style on an oversized spoon. The Coca-Cola braised short ribs arrive on a savory potato salad in a martini glass, and succulent Cuban shrimp is skewered on a stalk of sugar cane. Also popular are the Gourmet sliders and fresh assorted sorbets served in Chinese spoons for dessert.
High Marks
"The atmosphere was very fun, kind of LA-ish, and the DJ was really great--he played everything from hip hop to house to rock." (katiepatie, Citysearch user)
"Definitely more of a mellower, truly urban, local crowd than your usual PB/Dick's variety." (manicminx, Citysearch user)
"I recommend this for couples, new dates, old friends and new friends. The decor was eclectic but comfortable." (brandie911, Citysearch user)
Low Marks
"It may be hip-looking and they may have good food however the attitude of their management is not worth the trouble. Proceed with caution if making reservations." (mschriso, Citysearch user)
"...this place is over hyped by 21 year olds who are accustomed to eating fast food and top ramen." (nativeeater, Citysearch user)
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
Insider Tips
Where to SitThe upstairs lounge appears off limits, but all it takes is a request to your server for an escort to a table above.
What to DrinkLight, fun signature cocktails like the Satsuma cosmopolitan and cactus flower margarita don't disappoint.
Know Before You GoThe menu is served until 2am, but the main dining room develops more of a lounge feel after midnight.
User Reviews for Confidential
05/16/2008 Posted by katiepatie
my sister and i went to confidential a few weeks ago off a tip from the concierge at our hotel. let me just say it was great!!! the food was fabulous, you have to try the ahi and scallops. we only had a quick bite, stayed mostly for drinks and dancing, but it's definitely a menu worth exploring (being tapas and all). the atmosphere was very fun, kind of LAish, and the DJ was really great--he played everything from hip hop to house to rock. all of this was great, but the best part was the service!! Our server Cathrine was really fun. it was pretty dead when we got there and she hung out and chatted with us, giving us recommendations for the rest of our trip, talking about the cute boys that worked there and ALWAYS making sure we had a full drink. the security guards were nice when they moved us to a new table (they get rid of the middle tables for dancing) and when we got drinks at the bar, the bartenders were great. one of them juggles and he's fun to watch. the end of the night was a bit of a blur but i remember being shocked when our server opened the door for us as we left and remembered our names!! it was a wonderful experience and i recommend confidential to everyone. pros- service, food, cute boys cons- expensive drinks
11/23/2007 Posted by qtpii
I've been to Confidential twice. The first time I took my husband there for his birthday. The wait staff was extremely helpful. They were all happy to make recommendations and managed to keep dishes and drinks coming without hovering over us. The second time was for a friend's bachelorette party. Yes, a bunch of giggly, rowdy women and, again, the same fantastic food and service. If you get a chance, try the infused vodkas. The Asian fusion tapas and the sliders were quite tasty.
Pros: Fun atmosphere, great food and drinks
Cons: Parking
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