Alchemy - Choose Thy Poison

We made a dinner reservation for 8 for our friend’s birthday party. Did the tasting menu 4 course paired with cocktails. Absolutely amazing experience. Owner/ chef Eddie did fantastic job with the food and drinks. Everything was very flavorful, rich and great portions. Our group liked every dish that came out with no complaints. We will definitely be back. If you are debating on going I would say book your reservation now before they begin to get busier.

Looking for an intimate date night restaurant that makes you feel like you’ve been transported to a new city? Alchemy is for you. Located in Barrio Logan, this very small, artistic bistro is unpretentious yet elegant. From the moment you walk up to the building, you’ll be surprised at every turn. When you get there, you’ll know what I mean! It feels like a well guarded secret. The atmosphere is eclectic and intimate. The menu is small yet full of tempting dishes, all pulling from the chef’s Mexico City roots. The cocktail menu is equally creative and definitely delivers in flavors and aesthetics. The majority of the entrees are gluten free (yay!) and there are vegan options, too. Reservations are available and you might get lucky if you’re looking for a last minute date night. We were able to get one the night of. We just loved Alchemy and we’ll be back!

A hidden gem worth every bite. Alchemy is the kind of place you want to gatekeep—but it’s just too good not to share. Tucked away in an intimate space that seats maybe 16 people, this cozy little spot delivers some of the best food and atmosphere I’ve experienced in a long time. The braised rib? Absolutely to die for. Melt-in-your-mouth perfection that I’m still thinking about. This isn’t one of those trendy “Instagram-only” restaurants—it’s the real deal. Every dish is crafted with care, and you can taste the difference. The owner himself was our server, and his passion for what he does shines through in the exceptional service. Warm, welcoming, and genuinely attentive. And don’t even get me started on the happy hour—it’s hands down the best in town. Support this hidden gem so it sticks around, but go soon… once people find out, it’s going to be impossible to get a seat!

We loved everything! Delicious flavors, creative dishes, excellent presentation. We tried one of their Zero-Proof mocktails and it was also delicious. Very impressed overall. Keep in mind that the portions are on the smaller side, and the restaurant is open-air (but they have heat lamps).

A GEM of a spot!!! If you love good food, art, and nature, Alchemy has it all and has brought Mexico City vibes to the center of San Diego. Went here with a gal pal last week, and so excited to bring my husband here on date night. Chef Eddy absolutely knows what he is doing with his flavors, textures, and impeccable presentation. HH cannot be beat! $7 cocktails and half-off the food menu?! Unreal. Loved the crudo (I could eat a whole bowl of those pickled grapes!), and the vegan huarache with hibiscus leaves!!! 🌺 SO yummy too. Bonus: they are dog friendly! Can’t wait to go back.

Alchemy is a truly magical experience that blends vibrant flavors with an eclectic atmosphere. The restaurant offers a unique menu, where each dish bursts with colorful and bold flavors! The cocktails are equally impressive! My favorite being the elixir of life . The team is welcoming and full of life, customer service is excellent! The space is adorned with stunning artwork from local San Diego artists, creating a visually pleasing environment. Alchemy is a must visit spot for anyone looking to enjoy great food, creative cocktails, and a vibrant atmosphere in the heart of San Diego!

This was probably my favorite experience my whole trip. The owner, Eddie, is super vested and has an excellent understanding of his menu and intent. All the drinks we had were great and the food was….and I say this loudly…AMAZING. 10/10, no notes, boots burned the house down so good. We got the Tetelas and the Braseado…and two tres leches. Must go

I came here for my birthday with 7 of my friends and boy I'm glad I did. Chef Eddy's passion is very apparent in his dishes and his cocktails. His hospitality is unmatched. We're lucky to have gotten to have gotten this experience because in a few months I fear it'll be hard to get a reservation. Also side note: I've only ever seen tetelas in Oaxaca so he's bringing some regional dishes to the area. The black ceviche had a good balance of acidity. The short rib was packing w flavor which paired well with the squash. And I like the caesar salad touch (which a lot of ppl don't know was birthed in Tijuana) But what made it even more amazing is that he paired all our dishes with his cocktails. 10 out of 10, im recommending to all my friends. Def one of the best restaurants in San Diego!

We came here last night to celebrate our wedding anniversary. Everything！the food, the service, the vibe--was incredible! The owner clearly puts so much love into the creative dishes and drinks. Definitely worth a visit if you're a foodie!

Holy cow, this is some INCREDIBLE traditional mexican food. Our group tried several of the menu items. Cocktails and drinks, none of them missed. A+ for every dish we tried, even the Ceasar salad (add shrimp, do it!) Was perfect. Must come here asap before it goes viral and blows up

A hidden gem (not for long) in San Diego that is destined for greatness. The chef takes great pride in his food and each dish has a personal story attached to it which makes it even more special. The food at this restaurant is at par with some of the best restaurants I have been to around the world not only in terms of taste but also in terms of presentation. Aside from that, the cocktails are unique and leave you wanting more. I cannot speak highly enough of this special place and I can't wait to see what the future holds.

I have been searching for a place like this for so long and finally found it. Super talented chef creating innovative and delicious food. Interesting arty space that doesn't look like every other place. Great staff who has a shared vision with the ethic of the restaurant. It all checks out! We had the shrimp with peppers and braised beef with mole. It's been a couple days and I still can't stop thinking about either of those dishes they were so good! Plus we loved the mezcal baesd riff on negroni and the off-the-list Old Fashioned. Chef Cortes is a genius, plus an all-around good guy. Just Go! We need to support places like this in San Diego instead of overpriced chain steakhouses from AZ.

Oh my god. BLOWN away. Everything we ate was a culinary experience to say the least - from the craft cocktails to the ceviche and mains, an EXPLOSION of flavors. Eddy (the owner & chef) is a genius and a culinary mastermind. This is a full fine dining experience at a very affordable price. He's also incredibly sweet and generous with his time (I couldn't stop asking him questions and he patiently took the time to answer all of them - sorry Eddy!) My favorite would have to be the ceviche because I could eat it all day long - perfectly light and balanced with a kick of mild spice. I can't wait to back and try everything on the menu! The space is intimate and perfect. We came for dinner -- I'm big on lighting and it was the perfect vibe. You can tell how much thought has been put into every detail. A must visit!

A very cool eclectic spot with decorations that you won't find elsewhere in SD ! The food is not your traditional Mexican cuisine you'd find (tacos, etc) but different plates that showcase the depth that is not often represented or known to regular people. Space is very limited but it's an intimate spot and would be great for a group of 4 or less depending on table set ups. Cocktails were really good and are definitely well crafted. Can't wait to come back ! The happy hour is a gem at 50% off the menu !

Found out about this amazing place via IG. Happy to say it is not a foodie influencer IG trap (thank goodness). Showed up for happy hour (4 pm til 5 or 5.30 pm) for what I thought was just going to be a drink and app. Ended up ordering 4 drinks bc they were that good and 2 food dishes. Ordered both version of the Hexy colado which was the original (with guava puree) and the Ube version. Both were delish, but the guava flavor was present which called for a light refreshing drink. Also ordered the bloodstone and that one is dangerous bc you cannot taste the liquor, but it was definitely there. Ordered the huarache to start. The meat was seasoned and tasted so good! The masa was perfectly fried (lightly) that just went so well with the meat. Since everything was tasting so good I had to order the Braseado (braised beef on p butternut squash). I cannot express how amazing this dish was. Perfectly seasoned, so tender that it just pulled apart with no effort, the caramelized mole on top of the beef and the sweetness puree. The staff was amazing and accommodating to my dairy restriction. Went above and beyond to make sure there was no dairy in braised beef dish which I greatly appreciate. The chef (and owner) came out to say hi as well. Highly recommend it you are looking for amazing food, drinks and service. Definitely coming back!

Marcelle and the rest of the staff were some of the friendliest and welcoming people you'll ever meet. From the moment we were greeted and walked to our table we felt like family. Really cute patio set up in an assuming part of town. All of the food was well thought out and had so much flavor. Both drinks and food all looked great and tasted better. For sure will be returning here and screaming from the rooftops for other people to do the same.

This place is really fun and unique. Great spot for a date. The service was absolutely amazing, our server was running double duty bartending (which worked out in this small space), but remained attentive. The bar/restaurant is located within a unique hotel/bnb space, which she encouraged us to check out (even upstairs). The rooms were cool and I loved all the glass blown art throughout the property. The food and drinks were also delicious, I really enjoyed everything we tried!

Located on the street level of an apartment complex. Very unique concept where you dine in the middle of the complex, open air. Service was excellent, friendly & quick. We just had a few cocktails which were delicious. Plus, it was happy hour when we came at 4pm, score! We did not have time for dinner but their Mexican dishes looked yummy & fresh, especially their Crudo.

EXPERIENCING THE MAGIC (5 stars + meteor shower + starlinks) - FOOD/DRINKS: creative and amazing - SERVICE: exceptional and welcoming - PRICE: fair! You pay for quality - AMBIANCE: limited seating but cute The refined leveling up on Mexican dishes was nothing less than superb. Exactly as they put it, "casual eatery where comfort meets culinary creativity". Chef Eddy Cortes (and crew) understood the assignments and brought amazing food alchemy to the table and into my palate. Get in my belly! This hidden gem is off the beaten path in Barrio Logan/Logan Heights border, right off the freeway, connected to a building of AirBnB rentals, and around one corner block there is a church and the other corner block is a zombie. It is a great addition to the area and bringing this place forward. :: ORDER :: HEXY COLADA ($15) - vodka, coconut cream, guava purée, citrus blend, angostura. Swapped with GIN because I'm a gin-gal. I don't often drink but when I do it has to be for a worthy cocktail. WHOA! The guava puree added substance and body to the flavor yet keeping it light and refreshing. HIGHLY RECOMMEND CRUDO ($22) - seared tuna, charred hibiscus salsa, avocado salsa, cucumber, Fresno pepper, pickled grapes, pomegranate salsa macha, furikake. DOUBLE-WOW! Each bite was a burst of flavors. The dish was artistically plated with bold colors and intricate details. This was SO good. The seared tuna was smokey, creamy, refreshing, salty, sweet, with a little bit of spice (heat) at every bite. I am not a furikake fan but the very little furikake was just right for that touch of umami. The most unique and creative touch on this dish was the play on the hibiscus and pomegranate macha salsa giving it a light berry of sweet and tart flavor profile and surprisingly pairs well with the rest. Fish and berries, who knew?! It had good texture from the crunch of the seeds and cucumber letting each bite not be a dull one. HIGHLY RECOMMEND HUARACHE DE ARRACHERA ($20) - Flat corn masa base layered with refried beans, skirt steak, avocado salsa, shredded romaine, crema, queso fresco, picked tomatillo, and sliced radish. I picked this because I was looking for a different arrachera dish but it wasn't on the menu and this seemed "close enough". The flavors from this dish was salty, savory, and creamy. The flat corn masa base reminded me of a mix between a tortilla and flatbread, taste of a tortilla but texture and thickness of a flatbread. On top of that was a thin spread of refried beans. And the layers on top of that were the mix of all the other ingredients. The skirt steak were nice thin and slender cuts for easy consumption. I liked how it had protein, vegetables, legumes, white cheese, and carbs all in one bite. I would recommend the radishes be cut like paper thin and have more spread across for the intense flavor to pull back a little without taking away from the dish. Overall, it was a yummy dish. HIGHLY RECOMMEND I always save room for dessert but I don't think dessert was available as none was offered. But excited to come back and try more cocktails and to see what other dishes come to light. Until the next review....

Honestly, when I learned that there was a hidden gem type restaurant in this random part barrio logan, I really wasn't expecting anything. Boy, was I underestimating this place. It definitely punches way above its weight class. Honestly, everything I had was excellent. The service was very nice, and although I came for lunch and didn't try any of the drinks, I'm sure those were really good as well. Honestly, I would come here again. The location is kind of funky, woven into a hotel/Airbnb, but if you care about the food, this place won't miss. Price obviously isn't the cheapest you could get in this neighborhood, but honestly the quality is so extraordinary, you really have to come here. Basically, what I am saying is come here before it gets super busy after everyone finds out about it.

Ambiance, food and service were all top notch! We had ceviche negro, Baja Caesar salad, Lamb Tetelas and Zarandeado (shrimp). Cocktails were great too. The owner is super friendly and recommended a secret menu cocktail with mezcal and avocado that was delicious. Highly recommend trying this place out... and making a reservation. Small but tasteful, thoughtful space.

Wow what a great quirky place! Chef Eddie does it all--guides you to a table, cooks the food, serves it to you. The space is small, in a courtyard. The food is very thoughtful, inventive and delicious. I had the crudo -- yum! -- and a mocktail. TIP: you'll want reservations for happy hour and dinner, but lunches are wide open. It's a great time to go and check out this creative and delicious gem in the barrio!

Absolutely amazing experience from start to finish. The cocktails here are unique and delicious. The crude is beautiful and so delicious. We loved every dish and will definitely be back on a regular basis.

We met some friends for lunch. The space is so unique and the owner was so welcoming. Everybody enjoyed their meal. I just wanna find an excuse to go back and try some other menu items.

What a nice treat and pleasant surprise. Visited Alchemy on a Friday afternoon for an early dinner. We were the only ones there until about 515-530 The service is on the slower side so don't arrive totally hungry. They have a nice list of cocktails and wines. Their cocktails are wine based rather than alcohol based. My husband had a smoked agave cocktail and really liked it. The food: We started off with the: Crudo - seared tuna with hints of cucumber, peppers, and salsa macha. So good! Tetela - It was ok, I appreciate the substance with the pork loin, but the masa was on the tougher side and the salsa roja (tasted like strawberries, simply didn't go well with the dish) Zarandeado- These were very good. Yum! Braseado - also, very good, and filling, a must order with the butternut squash puree. Alchemy is a smaller restaurant with only about 5-6 tables available. Their dishes are special and you can see and taste the love and dedication going into making each one of them. Great job!

this restaurant showcases the best of Logan Heights, and the food quality surpasses that of some fine dining neighbors in more pricy areas like San Diego's East Village. The owner and executive chef, Eddie, was a wealth of knowledgeable on local & culinary lore. The tetelas de cordero, braseado, tres leches cake, and nutella cheese cake will have me booking another ressy the next time I'm in San Diego.

Outstanding great find. Brought me back to my favorite dishes in CDMX. The chef and staff are so welcoming! Service and food are outstanding! Love it and will be back for more.

I brought my family to try and they were all very unique and very tasty. We ordered almost one of each because we kept wanting to try them all. Loved the combination of flavors. My favorite was the teleras and ceviche negro. My family loved the drinks as well. Happy hour was one of the best I have had. Eduardo is creative and very welcoming. Love to see his creativity shine the light for others to taste.

Yes, the business name was one of the more unusual monikers that you will encounter. Alchemy Choose Thy Poison is an outdoor restaurant that shares its space with Hotel Narcissus in Logan Heights near the base of the Coronado Bridge. The grand opening was about two weeks ago. You can make reservations by accessing their Instagram account. Lunch was served from a walk-up kitchen window while for dinner, full-service dining was available in the hotel's internal courtyard that had approximately six small tables. I believe weekend brunch was now being offered too. You can view the kitchen in action through the windows facing the sidewalk on Kearney Ave. A few local chefs have put their culinary talents together to devise a Mexican-inspired menu. There were six items, and I chose the Zarandeado. This was four large pieces of grilled shrimp garnished with sweet pepper, tomato, potato, crispy leek, charred pineapple salsa, and citrus crema. It was a lovely plated dish, yet my concern was that it tasted too salty. One of the components was too heavy, and that made the flavor profile off balance. This area and block can be sketchy after daylight hours so be forewarned. Curbside parking on one of the nearby streets was the only choice. You also have to come here with an open mind as you will be dining al fresco and not in an upscale, indoor setting. The food choices were small plates that can be shareable. As long as you come with a flexible approach, then I think Alchemy Choose Thy Poison can satisfy curious minds.

Lovely restaurant tucked in barrio logan. Been meaning to come here for a while, the setting and vibes are pretty cool. Reminds me a bit of Mexico City. We got two drinks, Bone smoke and Elixer of Life. Both very tasty, can definitely taste each component of the cocktail. Food we got, the cevice negro, zarandeado and braseado all were amazing. Definitely will be coming back again, they sometimes have a "secret menu", the owner was talking about a chilaquiles torta and that's on occasion which sounds amazing.

Straight up most delicious food I've ever had. I'm an instant fan rooting for their success. Chef Eddie is a wizard, an alchemist, truly magic.

Incredible experience. Beautiful and tasty food. Great for a date. This is the passion project of the owner who, greets, serves, and makes the food to order! Wonderful!

We made a dinner reservation for 8 for our friend's birthday party. Did the tasting menu 4 course paired with cocktails. Absolutely amazing experience. Owner/ chef Eddie did fantastic job with the food and drinks. Everything was very flavorful, rich and great portions. Our group liked every dish that came out with no complaints. We will definitely be back. If you are debating on going I would say book your reservation now before they begin to get busier.

Food was unbelievable. Flavors were balanced and every plate was delightful. Cocktails on point as well. Service was 10/10. Great with suggesting, and really engaged with the entire experience. The venue is small but truly intimate. Definitely coming back.

I came here last week with my brother, and we had one of the best culinary experiences! Everything from start to finish was fantastic! Each bite was so delicious and packed with flavor and sensation! I will definitely be coming back to try the few remaining things on the menu that we did not try... We tried almost everything! Eddie provided excellent service and the ambience was perfect! You could feel and taste the love that Eddie has for creating these beautiful dishes! If you appreciate, great food and great service put this on your list of places to go!

A Gem in the Barrio! I happened to stumble upon this intimate space on my way to Coronado. 5 star experience! Can't recommend it enough!

I was in town for an extended weekend and my friend suggested we check out this new place near her apartment. It was a bit of a chilly night, but the owners of the restaurant gave us a warm welcome. The food was delicious. We tried the Caesar salad, shrimp entrée and a short rib entrée All were amazing with incredible flavor profiles. We shared the tres Leche cake for dessert. The space is amazing with really great artwork and cozy spaces. Can't wait to get back soon.

Today I experienced the most amazing dining experience in my life. I was lucky to get a ticket to a very limited dining experience. What an experience was with this four course dinner with you participating in the mixing of your exoctic drinks. With each course a belly dancer, sword dancer, fire dancer would entertain. I will attach as many photos as I can

If I could give 10 stars I would. Had the opportunity to meet the owner Eddie and it's so refreshing to see someone with so much love and passion making amazing food as well as a top tier experience. The vibes were amazing the ambience of the restaurant was so fitting from the lights, decorations to the music. I have no complaints. Went for my birthday dinner and left feeling like I just had dinner with family. Will DEFINITELY be coming back with friends. Highly recommend the ceviche negro, tetelas de cordero or the braseado!!! drinks were also bomb. overall left feeling euphoric with a full tummy.

Food was delicious and authentic. We just got back from Mexico City a week before we discovered Alchemy. Service was great. Ambience is nice and relaxing.

Went here for the first time and was blown away by every dish from the ceviche negro, the smash burger, to the huarache every bite was so delicious and the plating was even better. Very beautiful ambiance and amazing service. Definitely recommend coming to this gem of a restaurant as soon as possible.

Phenomenal new talent serving delicious flavors in an unassuming location and a welcoming personality. Eddie invites you into his "home" for a meal that is exciting and beautiful. Each plate was crafted with a balance of color, texture and delight. Highly recommend!! Can't wait to see what Eddie continues to cook up.

Came here for a work lunch with my colleagues. The food was amazing! Each dish elevated the next and I was left feeling full and satiated without the food coma feeling. The braseado was phenomenal and the beef cut like butter. You can tell the chef put a lot of thought and love into the dishes he serves his customers. The service was also great and our server was very attentive to us the entire time. The vibes were also really nice and I thoroughly enjoyed the little details surrounding the place. Love the little potion decor! One of my favorite food experiences and will definitely come back!

Eddie is a genius! The thought he puts into each dish is apparent. We ordered the crudo, ceviche, tételas de cordero, zarandeado, and the braseado. We finished it off with the tres leches and were SOOOO impressed with each. Great service, ambiance, and amazing food.

Food was amazing. Eddie was a great host, and it was a very special date night experience with my lady.

The most amazing burger I've ever had in my life. The vibes are immaculate. 10/10 service and food!! Can't wait to come back!!!

The best Mexican restaurant in San Diego. Food is another level, the ambience is so nice and the service is beyond amazing.

This is the best restaurant you will ever go to. The food, drinks, and desserts are excellent. I'm not a coffee drinker, but the coffee was unbelievable. Eddie, the owner, couldn't be more accommodating. Great food, wonderful atmosphere, everything about this restaurant is unbelievable

Food + Cocktails 10/10 - Really well thought out and balanced and freaking delicious. We let one of the owners, Juan, guide us with zero regrets for dinner and drinks. The other owner, Eddie, chose our dessert. Again... zero. regrets. Service 10/10 - They truly care about the experience their guests are having. Mostly because they're so passionate about their cool little spot. Do yourself a favor and seek it out. Hopefully with zero regrets.

First time here, with friends. The place is amazing! The food is creative & delicious. The place is quaint and well thought through, perfect ambience. Eddie and team keep those dreams alive! Definitely will be back. Thank you

What a charming place. The chef was so gracious and we loved everything that we had. Just wonderful all the way around, a real gem. We will definitely be back!

At first we were a bit put off as there are a few tables in a small courtyard of an AirB&B. There were plenty of heaters to keep us warm, and the atmosphere was very cozy. The owner and waiter, Eddy, was very welcoming and answered any questions about the food. The food is inspired by Eddy's Mexico City beginnings, with his own inspirational twists. In our party of 4, some found the food almost too spicy, and for others it was just right. We had the crudo, braseado, huarache, zarandeado and the Mexico City style ceviche, not on the menu. We felt that we had discovered a hidden gem that offered us a unique and delicious visit.

The place looked interesting, and there were a lot of good reviews on Yelp, so I decided to go in. Perhaps something just didn't work out that day - either my mood was not right or my expectations did not match reality - but my overall impression was mixed. I ordered one of the popular dishes that the waiter told me about. It looked really impressive - something like a dark empanada with seasoned pork inside and sauce on top. But the taste was not impressive, although it wasn't bad at all. It just didn't catch my fancy. There are a lot of interesting items on the menu, and to be honest, I want to give this place another chance. I hope that next time, when I'm in a better mood or choose other dishes, I'll be able to change my mind and give it a higher rating. There is definitely potential here.

Food was amazing. You can really taste the quality in the food. Drinks were very unique in flavor. Perfect for date night or a night out with girls. Service was exceptional. Waitress was very attentive to anything we needed.

I wish I would've taken photos because the presentation was beautiful. Unfortunately for me the food was just Ok. I asked my waiter what was popular and ordered. My dish is pictured in the photos on the site but no description or listed on the menu pictured. Pardon the description but here we go ... It was a dark colored triangle shape on the outside and kind of looked like a dark empanada that had shredded, seasoned pork on the inside with a drizzling of a pink and white sauce. Sadly, it didn't wow me. I still want to go back because there are so many dishes on the menu that I want to try.

My sister and I walked over and had the best dining experience. The drinks were fire, the food was amazing, every bite had so much flavor. The service was excellent, can't wait to go back and take our friends.

Amazing service and a really cool outdoor space. And the food was incredible! Highly recommend the Braseado and Huarache (with the hibiscus) - both are delicious!