+1 619-310-6370
Located on vibrant University Avenue in San Diego, Botanica Art & Cocktail Bar is a sophisticated haven for cocktail enthusiasts and food lovers alike. This cocktail bar is a masterclass in craft and creativity, where every drink and dish tells a story. From the moment you step inside, the elegant yet inviting atmosphere sets the stage for an exceptional experience—perfect for intimate gatherings or lively celebrations.
The star of Botanica’s menu is undoubtedly its thoughtfully curated cocktails. Whether you're drawn to classics like the meticulously balanced Negroni and the sparkling French 75 Cocktail, or more inventive creations such as the floral gin-based signature cocktail infused with lavender, guests are treated to a beverage adventure. If espresso martinis or a daring glass of Heads Will Roll pique your interest, rest assured that every concoction is crafted with skill and showmanship. One guest shared, “I’m not a drinker anymore, but watching the bartenders craft shows skill and showmanship. Glad to see Taffer’s work IRL.” This attention to detail and personalized mixology is what sets Botanica apart.
Complementing the drink menu is a tapas-style selection heavily influenced by Asian flavors, satisfying the palate with bold, memorable bites. The Oyster Tartaar bursts with ocean freshness, while the Spicy Tuna Roll and Spicy Tuna Rice deliver just the right kick. For those craving indulgence, the crispy, golden truffle fries are an irresistible comfort food favorite. Other highlights like Shrimp Skewers, the layered textures of the Salmon 3 Ways, and the elegantly plated Botanica Omakase showcase the kitchen’s expertise and adventurous spirit.
Many visitors praise the warm and attentive staff, reinforcing a welcoming vibe that makes Botanica feel like a shared secret among friends. “The staff are wonderful humans, and the drinks and food are creative and delicious. I come here often and bring my friends!” a loyal patron confessed. Guests appreciate how the bar seamlessly blends refinement with approachability, making it not just a place to drink, but a place to savor unique flavors and moments.
Whether you’re a gin aficionado delighting in a flight or seeking a beautifully crafted mocktail that is both refreshing and visually stunning, Botanica Art & Cocktail Bar delivers on all fronts. One guest remarked on the versatility of the liquor offerings, “This is a gin bar, but they have options for all the other liquors as well...they delivered a weird gin cocktail, no restrictions, and it was incredible.”
In essence, Botanica Art & Cocktail Bar is more than just a spot for drinks—it’s an immersive experience where creativity meets impeccable craftsmanship. Each visit invites you to explore new tastes, connect with talented artisans, and find your new favorite flavor in the heart of San Diego’s thriving culinary and cocktail scene.
Contact Information:
3139 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92104, United States
Phone: +1 619-310-6370
a beautiful and classy bar. the food is excellent. the staff is friendly and helpful. I'm not a drinker anymore, but watching the bartenders craft shows skill and showmanship. glad to see Taffer's work IRL
A friend took me here for my first time to celebrate my birthday. We came on a weekday evening for drinks and some food. We ordered the garden cocktail, heads will roll, Chefs choice of 6 bites and an order of truffle fries. The bartender also made me a signature cocktail based on what I liked and it was lavender-based with gin. All of the food and cocktails were amazing! The cocktails are carefully curated so that the flavors are well balanced and the taste is great. I absolutely loved the lavender cocktail that the bartender made for me, it was perfect for my taste! I will definitely be back to try more food and drinks, this is an amazing spot for elevated cocktails
This is a gin bar, but they have options for all the other liquors as well. The food is tapas style, with an emphasis on Asian cuisine like sushi and fried noodles. We got a lot of gin here. Negroni, gin flight, dirty gin martini, etc. Everything is professionally done and it is clear they do not have amateurs working here. I asked for a “weird gin cocktail, no restrictions” and they delivered! The food is rich, and 3-4 dishes is enough to feed two people. Vibe wise, this is a great date/anniversary spot. It is not cheap, but it is not unreasonably expensive by San Diego standards. Imagine an artisan gin bar, that’s the vibe. Overall, 5/5 recommend! Especially you like gin. Last thing I’ll add is they were very accommodating to ordering something that wasn’t on the menu. In fact, they seemed to enjoy custom requests! I will definitely be returning.
My favorite bar in San Diego! The staff are wonderful humans, and the drinks and food are creative and delicious. I come here often and bring my friends!
I ordered the salmon sushi and it was so delicious, super fresh and full of flavor. I also tried some of my friend's order (I think it was fries with chicken bites) and it was just as amazing! Definitely comfort food done right. I had a mocktail which was refreshing and beautifully presented. My friends let me try a sip of their cocktails, super tasty, though they mentioned they were pretty strong (in a good way!). The vibe was great, the food was a solid 10/10, and the overall experience made for a perfect night out. Can’t wait to go back!
I was so impressed with the food here!! So funny how I came here for drinks and ended up not liking any of their drinks, but the food was something else. We did the kaiseki, 5 courses and everything was amazing. Just the dessert that we thought it was really extra sweet but still a good taste. Drinks I tried 4 different ones, didn’t like any of them. Totally worth to come here for the food tho
So this was our first time going to Botanica and SURPRISE it was all decked out for Christmas which would have been great, but the menu was limited and my partner and I were really looking forward to their menu we looked up on their website ahead of making our reservation. We were a little disappointed to know we couldn't order the food we had strategically chosen ahead of time as I have celiac disease and need to eat gluten free (and their main menu has so many great options, so I will come back after the holidays to give it another go). Anyhow, the holiday decor was tranpsortive and the holiday cocktails and menu were very cute and creative. A fun holiday treat and visit, though the music was a bit too loud, so having any kind of conversation was nearly impossible. Our server, after taking our drink order,, never stopped by again to ask if we wanted to order any food, so the service was sub-par at best. We literally had to tap her shoulder at one point to get her attention because waving her down wasn't working just to get the check and even after we got the check it took another 10 minutes for her to come back to take our payment.
Botanico is always a lovely experience! Starting from the warm welcome to the ambiance, and tying it all together with the delicious crafted cocktails, which I always love seeing what glass each drink is served in because they’re works of art in itself, and the incredible food that sparks your every taste bud. I highly recommend this place for a girls night or a cute date!