Have You Seen Downtown’s Secret Speakeasy? | Eater San Diego

"Shrouded in secrecy since its opening, I found the Gaslamp speakeasy Room 56 hidden deep inside theMoxy San Diego, accessed through the lobby’s mezzanine library and concealed behind a bookcase; reservations are made via a mysterious webpage (text the code word to the number displayed), guests select a specific red book off the wall and are greeted by a host, the “librarian,” who leads them down a winding staircase to an intimate, darkened 24-seat cocktail den. Named in homage to the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence, the bar is uninterested in being trendy—Tim Billing says its aim is simply to create a sophisticated, elegant experience with elements of intrigue for both hotel patrons and locals. Bar arbiter Valerie Bancroft says the cocktail menu is designed to be timeless and classic, highlighting drinks that take a little extra care to build; the list includes the Common Bawd (cream of coconut, lime, mint, Fresno chili pepper, and St. George Botanivore Gin) and the Martha Mary Mercy, a twice-shaken sour with St. George All Purpose Vodka, blackberry, lemon, and vanilla orgeat. The bar also offers a limited, rotating six-item shared food menu—examples include scallop crudo, beef carpaccio, and shrimp cocktail—and is open Wednesday through Saturday from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m., with live saxophone on Thursdays from 8 p.m. to midnight." - Candice Woo