Roma Norte Cocktail Bar Opens at the Headquarters at Seaport | Eater San Diego

"Tucked into the Headquarters at Seaport next to Puesto, I found Roma Norte to be a sophisticated, Mexico City–inspired cocktail bar with a dark, moody 2,000-square-foot interior that seats about 60; a backlit bar, a canopy of soft lights and greenery, bar-height tables for mingling, and cozy two-tops create an intimate yet social atmosphere. Led by Beau du Bois and Derek Cram with chef Erik Aronow providing Mexico City-style bites, the ambitious program offers over 70 cocktails—virtually every drink involves labor-intensive sub-recipes that the team is scaling up despite the challenges. Notable cocktails include a vapor-infused habanero margarita (a 30-minute process to capture the chili’s floral essence, served with a dropper of capsaicin shrub so guests can adjust the heat) and a deceptively simple Sex on the Beach that is melded and clarified over multiple days, force-carbonated, then layered over cranberry juice and Dell’Etna Pesca. Non-alcoholic options receive the same care—house-made NA mezcal with tea and eucalyptus and a Nadachelada featuring alcohol-free Corona with a house-clarified michelada mix—and the trained bartending staff (including rising talents like Alyssa Ellis) can speak passionately about the technique-driven menu. Open until 2 a.m., Roma Norte aims to be a beacon for locals, travelers, industry professionals, and nearby hotel guests, emphasizing patience and unmatched hospitality as it establishes itself in the downtown nightlife scene." - Kelly Bone