Juan Jasper Kitchen & Wine

Restaurant · San Diego

Juan Jasper Kitchen & Wine

Restaurant · San Diego

3

1216 28th St, San Diego, CA 92102

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Juan Jasper Kitchen & Wine by null
Juan Jasper Kitchen & Wine by null
Juan Jasper Kitchen & Wine by null
Juan Jasper Kitchen & Wine by null
Juan Jasper Kitchen & Wine by null
Juan Jasper Kitchen & Wine by null
Juan Jasper Kitchen & Wine by null
Juan Jasper Kitchen & Wine by null
Juan Jasper Kitchen & Wine by null
Juan Jasper Kitchen & Wine by null
Juan Jasper Kitchen & Wine by null
Juan Jasper Kitchen & Wine by null
Juan Jasper Kitchen & Wine by null
Juan Jasper Kitchen & Wine by null
Juan Jasper Kitchen & Wine by null
Juan Jasper Kitchen & Wine by null
Juan Jasper Kitchen & Wine by null
Juan Jasper Kitchen & Wine by null
Juan Jasper Kitchen & Wine by null
Juan Jasper Kitchen & Wine by null
Juan Jasper Kitchen & Wine by null
Juan Jasper Kitchen & Wine by null
Juan Jasper Kitchen & Wine by null
Juan Jasper Kitchen & Wine by null
Juan Jasper Kitchen & Wine by null
Juan Jasper Kitchen & Wine by null
Juan Jasper Kitchen & Wine by null
Juan Jasper Kitchen & Wine by null
Juan Jasper Kitchen & Wine by null
Juan Jasper Kitchen & Wine by null
Juan Jasper Kitchen & Wine by null
Juan Jasper Kitchen & Wine by null
Juan Jasper Kitchen & Wine by null
Juan Jasper Kitchen & Wine by null
Juan Jasper Kitchen & Wine by null
Juan Jasper Kitchen & Wine by null
Juan Jasper Kitchen & Wine by null
Juan Jasper Kitchen & Wine by null
Juan Jasper Kitchen & Wine by null
Juan Jasper Kitchen & Wine by null
Juan Jasper Kitchen & Wine by null
Juan Jasper Kitchen & Wine by null

Highlights

Intimate wine bar with frequently changing menu & pairings  

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1216 28th St, San Diego, CA 92102 Get directions

juanjasper.com
@juanjasper_sd

$30–50

Information

Static Map

1216 28th St, San Diego, CA 92102 Get directions

juanjasper.com
@juanjasper_sd

$30–50

Features

payment cash only
reservations

Last updated

Oct 26, 2025

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@eater

The Best Wine Bars in San Diego | Eater San Diego

"An industry haunt in Golden Hill, where its kitchen can cook up cuts from adjacent butcher shop Sepulveda Meats & Provisions, the petite wine counter and patio offers an ever-changing menu to go with its wine list of new and old world pours, many of which are also available for retail." - Candice Woo

https://sandiego.eater.com/maps/best-wine-bars-restaurant-bottle-shops-san-diego
View Postcard for Juan Jasper Kitchen & Wine
@eater

Where to Drink Wine in San Diego Right Now

"Golden Hill’s local butcher shop, Sepulveda Meats & Provisions, opened a bar and restaurant next door this year with a wine counter serving pours from a large selection of wines to accompany dishes like Salisbury steak, veal osso buco, and pasta." - Roxana Becerril

https://sandiego.eater.com/maps/best-wine-bars-urban-wineries-shops-san-diego
View Postcard for Juan Jasper Kitchen & Wine
@postcardnews

A tiny Golden Hill counter next to Sepulveda Meats pouring interesting wines with an ever-changing menu. Praised by San Diego Magazine for community spirit and savvy selections.

https://sandiegomagazine.com/food-drink/juan-jasper-restaurant-review-golden-hill/
Wine Bars in San Diego (2025)
View Postcard for Juan Jasper Kitchen & Wine

Alejandro Vogt

Google
A great spot and concept, very good food and a neat wine selection! Having said that, 4-stars because you have to pay cash or Venmo, and they don't hand you a check, they just tell you your total. This bill moment es awkward and more so because I did not have enough cash for a decent enough tip, and still have my doubts that they overcharged us. Bitter end to an otherwise very good experience. Korean pancakes, garlic shrimp and heirloom salas are off the charts. Burger is good but not my style (with a thick sauce and no veggies). Wines are awesome and cheap, it shows that they care about that. Be prepared to wait for a bit, although you can get drinks on the sidewalk in the meantime. Will be coming back, hopefully when they sort out their check and payment mess.

Ted Root

Google
Went solo and only had a couple of things - but both the Wedge salad and burger were outstanding. The burger is one the top 5 I’ve ever had, and that covers A LOT of ground. Staff are all super friendly, attentive and fun. This place is a no-brainer….

Shawn Krystkowiak

Google
I love this place. Super cute location and atmosphere. Most seats you get a view of the kitchen which is fun to watch them prepare your food. Service is great and everyone is very friendly. You can tell everything is high quality. The menu is always changing and they have daily specials which have me wanting to keep coming back. I haven't had a wine or dish here that I didn't like.

Erica Foster

Google
I almost don’t want to say how good this place is, because then we’ll never get back in. It was amazing! From start to finish, great wine, service and food. Their specials change almost daily and the menu also changes. Cannot wait to share this gem with more friends and family! If we lived closer it would be a regular spot.

Aaron Saunders

Google
We stopped in for dinner and a had a short wait, but were able to enjoy a glass of wine while looking at the menu and people watching. The space is small and there’s not much room to spread out, but the service is great and feels very cozy with little lamps on the tables. The food was all excellent and the wine was great. We’ll definitely be back to check out new additions to the menu.

Mary Wiseman

Google
South Park is a Go To spot. Juan Jasper was by far the most delicious burger I have ever had. Caeser salad Yum! Potato Latkes topped with caviar- Wow! Presentation and portions so on point. Prices are reasonable. Cash- venmo-zelle only. Should probably know that. Can't wait to go again!! Very small. Thinking a big group might be difficult 🤔

Matthew Tomasulo

Google
Waited about two hours to get seated, and waited about 30 minutes before someone took our order. The food was decent but nothing special at all. Everyone talked about the burger which was mediocre. The staff was more interested in drinking wine and talking to each other then taking care of customers.

Mehmet Cem Demir

Google
I live in golden hill and always pass by this small restaurant all the time. Today me and my wife got the try it and let me tell you, this restaurant is incredible. If you are expecting to be in a place that has privacy and space this restaurant is not your best shot. It is very community dining experience that you are sitting together with many people around you. You are also looki g right by one of the prettiest street view in San Diego. This place is just a gem. Food was very flavorful and thought through. Wine selection was amazing and diversed. We got 4 plates of food, bottle of wine and 2 plates of dessert and our bill was $116 before tip. Everything could’ve been %40 more expensive and me and my wife would’ve been totally okey with that. Service was excellent. It’s very obvious that the employees are enjoying themselves working at this place. As a service employee, that matters to me a lot. Can’t wait to go back and try their constant rotating menu.

Mehmet Cem D.

Yelp
I live in golden hill and always pass by this small restaurant all the time. Today me and my wife got the try it and let me tell you, this restaurant is incredible. If you are expecting to be in a place that has privacy and space this restaurant is not your best shot. It is very community dining experience that you are sitting together with many people around you. You are also looki g right by one of the prettiest street view in San Diego. This place is just a gem. Food was very flavorful and thought through. Wine selection was amazing and diversed. We got 4 plates of food, bottle of wine and 2 plates of dessert and our bill was $116 before tip. Everything could've been %40 more expensive and me and my wife would've been totally okey with that. Service was excellent. It's very obvious that the employees are enjoying themselves working at this place. As a service employee, that matters to me a lot. Can't wait to go back and try their constant rotating menu.
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Han L.

Yelp
Only cash zelle or venmo. I really liked this experience. Small space. Small menu caesar salad - good but u can skip, nothing crazy fries - underwhelming, overhyped by the worker jj burger- amazing. top 5 burgers of my life mac and cheese - really good mac and cheese new york steak - great cook on the meat, but the meat wasnt as marbled and tender as i hoped for. wouldnt get itz spumoni was great
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Charles C.

Yelp
I had read Troy Johnson's glowing review of Juan Jasper Kitchen & Wine Restaurant in San Diego Magazine, so I was very excited to try it out. I also like the funky South Park San Diego neighborhood, with its eclectic mix of retail and residential spaces. It all feels very homey and down-to-earth. I was aware that Juan Jasper opened at 4:00 p.m. for dinner. I aprked around the corner. As I approached the glass front doors of the restaurant, it was about 3:50 p.m. I could see staff inside prepping for the dinner service. I actually expected to be told to wait the ten minutes until the restaurant officially opened for dinner. However, Savannah greeted me with a smile. She advised me that the restaurant was not quite open, but I was welcome to sit down and enjoy a glass of wine. That welcome by Savannah was enough to make me a customer for life at Juan Jasper!
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michelle n.

Yelp
What didn't we order?? We were so locked in on the food that wine didn't even cross our minds (next time for sure). Highlights include fries, spicy Caesar salad, mac & cheese, burger, spicy garlic shrimp, and cheesecake. The spicy Caesar and the burger were total standouts. The space is small and intimate, which makes it feel like a neighborhood gem. Next round, I'm diving into the wine list and whatever new apps pop up on the menu.
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Catherine C.

Yelp
The patty melt was amazing. Service was really nice, our server made great suggestions for wines, and it was a small and cozy place, perfect for lunch or dinner with one or two friends.
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Jennifer C.

Yelp
I get the hype, I get the neighborhood vibes and the food was delicious! We came on a Tues at 4:45 and had to wait till about 5:30 to get seated for a group of 4. As others have mentioned the place is really small. I think their seating outside is more than inside. While you're waiting they do have some chairs you can sit at and you can order wine. Firstly, their wine prices are SUPER reasonable and really appreciated compared to what you'd normally get at a restaurant. Also liked that all the wine options can be served by the glass. We were able to try a couple chilled reds before we committed to a bottle. For food we got the crab hushpuppies and the Korean pancakes. I will be dreaming about those hushpuppies. So light but still flavorful and a good amount of crab that you could actually taste. Almost like a crab cake but with cornmeal in the batter. The Korean pancakes had these amazing large shrimp and sauce. The texture of the actual pancake could have been a little crispier but not bad. Note that they do have specials but they're written on a board inside so check it out if you're interested. The other people in my group got the clam pasta from there.
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Jordyn S.

Yelp
I've been looking for a great solo date spot and Juan Jasper checked all the boxes. Inside, there's a bar with about 8 seats overlooking the kitchen. Outside, there's a couple tables for small groups on the patio. I came early right when they opened and was able to sit at the bar immediately. The service was so welcoming and attentive. The chicken and dumplings special was the perfect cozy comfort meal. The dumplings were more so noodles than dumplings, but the broth was so creamy and savory that I didn't even mind. They can also cook you a steak from the neighboring butcher shop, so I can't wait to come back with some friends and try that next time!
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Adam B.

Yelp
Good food, would stop by more if we lived closer. Definitely has that feel of close locals stopping by for a beer or some wine on their way somewhere else. Very welcoming atmosphere. Food was good. A little weird they only accept cash, Venmo and Zelle since they have the payment machines and read your total to you off them.
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Rhiza D.

Yelp
This place is a local gem in Golden Hill. It's a tiny restaurant with an open kitchen. This place is solo dinner date friendly! I can imagine this place has a line, staff were friendly. Seems like a spot with a lot of regulars. I had the Spicy Caesar salad as well as the special of the day, carne asada tacos. Everything was amazing, flavorful, and had a great spice. I would love to come again and have wine (when I'm not driving!) total was about $32 (including tip) Not on the menu: you can purchase from the butcher next door and they will make it for you. Unsure of the cost. Steak is a popular choice. Tips: At the time it was only Venmo, cash, or Zelle so be mindful of that. Follow them on Instagram to know the specials day of. I don't think they take reservations. Parking was easy.
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Jessica D.

Yelp
Juan Jasper is definitely a hidden gem! I feel like all the locals come here. There's limited seating so be prepared to bring a jacket to for outdoor seating. I like how their menu is small and recommends wine pairings for each dish. Our server was great and let us try different wines because we were so indecisive. Heads up that they only take Venmo or zelle!
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Erik L.

Yelp
Juan Jasper's is one of those hidden gems you almost don't want to tell people about--small, cozy, and absolutely delivering on all fronts. The food is fantastic and made even better knowing it's sourced straight from the butcher shop next door. You can taste the quality in every bite. The patty melt? A must. Perfectly grilled, rich, and indulgent in all the right ways. Pair it with one of their thoughtful wine selections (they've got a surprisingly great list for such a small spot), and you're set. What really seals it is the warm, attentive service and the fact that a place this good exists right in the neighborhood. It feels special--because it is.
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Corinne B.

Yelp
I can see why this place is a favorite of everyone within walking distance and even with a little bit of a drive I'd love to put this into our regular rotation. We arrived a little after 4pm on a Friday and were lucky to score a cute 2-top on the patio. Immediately greeted by one of the chefs chatting with some regulars he pointed to the seats and said "they're yours". Our server quickly appeared and got us settled with menus and wine. To eat I had the spicy Cesar and my husband the garlic shrimp. Of course we had some fries to share as well. Food was fantastic, service was equally so. Everyone was approachable and helpful...a true neighborhood feel. The place quickly filled and for those waiting, seats on the sidewalk were available and each guest was able to order some wine to pass the time. What I also noticed and loved was the diners were conscious of others waiting so while nobody rushed through their meal, there wasn't unnecessary lingering. Seats were vacated so the next guests could sit and enjoy. I can't wait to go back.
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Megan V.

Yelp
This is one of my new favorite hidden gems in golden hill!!!! From the moment you walk in, the cozy, welcoming vibe makes you feel like family. They even serve you wine while you wait (which you will be doing--so come prepared), but trust me, it's so worth it. Their small rotating menu keeps things fresh, and we tried: Spicy Caesar - 10/10 Brussels sprouts - 9/10 Fries - 10/10 (simple, crispy perfection) JJ's Burger over bordelaise sauce - 1000/10 (!!) I now follow them on Insta and drool daily looking at their daily specials. Can't wait to come back.
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Todd C.

Yelp
Character. Ambiance. Excellent wine. OMG. Treat yourself. Dinner menu is more expansive. Lunch is a smaller menu. Still delicious. Staff knows their food and wine. Chef's kiss.
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Ashley B.

Yelp
I think we just found San Diego's best kept secret. I consider myself somewhat of a foodie - as much as I can be with two littles in tow. I jump at the opportunity to try out a new spot while the kiddos are at school but rarely are the ones I want to try open. I had read about Juan Jasper on some list a while back and bookmarked it. I noticed they were open for lunch on a Friday so my husband and I decided to check it out. It was bustling on a Friday at 2 pm. There are only about 10 seats indoors and limited outdoor sitting so we were lucky to snag a spot inside. The bar is situated overlooking the kitchen and the service were genuinely having a blast at work, everyone was sampling wine and tasing bites of fresh cut meat from the chef. The chef changes the menu every few days so they are always trying new things. Everyone that came in was a regular, everyone was so happy, the room was vibrating with amazing energy, I could have hung out there all day and night! My husband and I split a bottle of wine - I was pleasantly surprised at the variety and prices of wine. $38 for a Napa cab. We split the French fries which were hands down the best I've ever had. We split the mortadella sandwich on focaccia and the fried chicken sandwich on a biscuit. Holy smokes - both were to die for. Honestly we can't wait to go back. The food, service, and ambiance were a 10/10. They don't take reservations but the staff told us come early for dinner and enjoy wine while you wait. I cannot wait to go back!!!
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Joshua A.

Yelp
This place is always pretty packed so I'm assuming it must be good. This place is very much a hidden gem located deep in the neighborhood. First time coming here on what I believe was a Sunday and I was surprised to have been seated so quickly but then quickly realized I came in at the right time. The place could either be a good hangout spot or even a date spot. Wine is amazing and this is definitely a place to try it. I do wish they had tasters though. Lastly, I was not able to get anything but, "Truffle Fries" and now looking at the menu should've ordered more. I will be definitely be coming back. Thanks Brandon for the amazing hospitality!

Maria Galleher ..

Yelp
Cute friendly vibe, great service and delicious food and wine. Feels like the fun neighborhood hangout.
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Angela B.

Yelp
The place is small but I really enjoyed the vibe with the connected meat market next door and the small bar like feel. The wall is decorated with wines that you can pick from. I'd say the best part of the meal are the fries here and the patty melt was super juicy!
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Michelle L.

Yelp
Tiny place but worth the wait. Imagine getting fries 30 seconds out of the fryer! Great food and customer service, want to try a steak from the butcher next time.
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Natalie L.

Yelp
Neighborhood local gem, the food is unique and tasty. Love the atmosphere which makes you feel at home, this place has charm and character and makes you feel like you're having a meal in our neighbors yard. Delicious wine selection and food pairs so well!
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Angie M.

Yelp
Great place to get affordable wine in a niche family owned business. This place has the friendliest staff and their small plates are really good. You can also come during the daytime to shop their wine selection and butcher shop next door! Cute spot for girls night :)
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Derek H.

Yelp
Fantastic dinner as always at JJ!! The deviled eggs and Caesar salad are always a hit. The duck breast special was amazing last night! Get to this place for wine and dinner.
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Rachel C.

Yelp
When Juan Jasper came to the neighborhood, we became regulars with its small, European-feeling atmosphere, regularly updated specials, and wine selections. After the SD Mag feature, it's blown up but don't be intimidated by the line you see. Come early, grab a glass of wine and chat on the sidewalk, and you won't be sorry. The burger is a fave, while I usually order a steak from Sepulveda Meats (next door) that they cook to perfection, and also have some of the best fries in town!

Howard K.

Yelp
Small quaint boutique restaurant. Best chef & food in the tri-state area. Very unique experience. A place we frequent any time we are in San Diego

Jacqueline V.

Yelp
Service always outstanding! Great selection of wine! Love the food, my last choice the garlicky shrimp was doused in oil, couldn't enjoy the bread but not everything can be perfect.
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Espie T.

Yelp
All the food and wine we ordered were exceptional! Great neighborhood restaurant with amazing and friendly staff.
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Cathy G.

Yelp
I walked down early on a Sunday afternoon. Unfortunately the menu options were not especially to my taste and I ended up with just some tea sandwiches with a glass of wine. I have to say the crab salad was tasty, but it was not a full meal. I asked about how to find their menu, since I live in North Park and would like to walk there. It's too long a walk to be disappointed. The waitress said to check Instagram--well they don't post their menu there consistently, either.
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Kayla M.

Yelp
We loved this spot! A cute neighborhood wine joint with a good menu. Food selection is limited but delicious. You'll likely have a wait since it's gotten really popular on tiktok but you can order wine while you wait outside. Service was lovely as well, we'll definitely be back
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Rosy C.

Yelp
My friend told me about this hidden gem (or maybe just to me) in Golden Hill/South Park neighborhood. The food was excellent! We ordered the daily specials which was mackerel and monchong fish and paired it with a bottle of wine. Finishing up with the almond cake dessert. Huge plus that the patio section is dog friendly! Credit cards are not accepted but you can do Venmo or Zelle for payment.
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Michelle F.

Yelp
Took my time visiting this tiny establishment. Every time we'd walk by it was full. I always looked out the window when we drove by, full.  Luckily one Friday we got done early and decided to visit JJ. We arrived a little bit after 4 (you know, didn't want to seem eargerly excited). Because I was.  Their dishes are totally random and unexpected. A few good a few well random. The food:  -deviled eggs with chorizo -personal size pizza with burrata (or some type of cheese) -charred octopus served with hash browns, I believe?  The true disappointment were the deviled eggs. Chorizo in deviled eggs? Like, why?. We ate them.. I kinda wanted to throw up in my mouth. Slightly insulted by the combo. Kept a good attitude & shoved them into my mouth. Like a good Mexican. I could argue that serving just one as a "delicacy" would be welcomed by my mouth. The dough on the pizza well doughie. Unnecessarily doughie. Again, I ate it. And, well kinda hated it. It grew on me by the end.  Lastly the octopus , meh, meh, meh. We live by the Pacific Ocean therefore we have very high expectations for seafood. The service: half good, half bad. Waitress started strong and suddebly stopped checking in. Waiter stepped in and brought our check.  Cool concept. I'm sure they have better dishes than what we had.  Dying to go back? Nah. Leave the open seats for the others.
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Britt C.

Yelp
Juan Jasper is one of my favorite spots in town! Their bordelaise burger is so fantastic and is one of my top rated burgers. Their menu changes daily, so it's very eclectic. If you're not feeling what's on the menu, you can always have them cook up a steak from their butcher shop next door. I ordered a filet medium rare, it was so perfectly cooked and their side of duck fat fries were amazing. Every glass of wine has been delicious, their servers are really knowledgable about recommendations and tasting notes. I love being able to watch the chef's cook and it's an all around great vibe. Definitely a wonderful hidden gem!
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Cerah N.

Yelp
Had been wanting to go to Juan Jasper for a while now as it had been recommended by a few foodie friends. There's not a ton of seating so my friend and I got there when they opened at 4pm. There's a huge selection of wine and can purchase a steak at the butcher shop next door and for $20 they will cook it for you in the Juan Jasper kitchen. Didn't realize this until after we were full so will definitely need to go back. Started with the chorizo deviled eggs which were delicious and unique. A lovely blend of complementary flavors. Also had the cauliflower as well as the shrimp and corn fritters which were both very good. Also had the short rib gnocchi which was very rich but still delicious. We were pretty full but saw a coconut cream pie slice walk by and were compelled to get a piece for ourselves. The pie did not disappoint! Not overly sweet and a perfect end to the meal. Service was friendly and servers were enthusiastic about the dishes. It was apparent that most of their customers come often as it seemed the servers knew most of the customers. Looking forward to going back!
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Shara L.

Yelp
I got to say I randomly came upon this venue while I was getting a massage down the street and I was happily surprised!! The food was excellent and I greatly recommend their amazing top of the line wines that they carry! My favorite in particular was this Spanish wine that a super attentive server recommended!! Overall great and I am definitely coming back!!
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Marleen R.

Yelp
Food was really good, service was great for the small space they try to accommodate as many people as they can handle. Open kitchen area is cool because you can see what's going on and who's cooking and prepping your food. Celery salad was really simple and fresh and ingredients mixed very well together and the sweetness complements the crunchy fresh taste of the celery. Topped with a mountain of freshly grated aged cheese. Burger was juicy and cooked medium to perfection inside, the bordelaise sauce was perfect for dipping it. French fries were nice and crunchy! Tried the special of the day fish with an Al' Pastor (adobo sauce) and pineapple. Don't recall type of fish but it was really tender, did have lots of bones and maybe a dash of salt would have made it a bit better
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Jonathan B.

Yelp
Service/Setting I came here on a Wednesday evening. Staff was welcoming and friendly as soon I entered. The restaurant itself is tiny, but it creates a unique, intimate experience for the diners. Food: I ordered the Schnitzel special after seeing it on their Instagram page. I was pretty floored with how good it was. Great flavor, meat was juicy and seasoned, and balanced well with the sauce and vegetables. With a glass of wine on the side, I was totally happy with my meal. Overall: Outstanding experience eating here. A neighborhood gem!
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Joe G.

Yelp
The food menu is only small because they put a lot of thought and effort into the quality! It's more of a wine bar that has food than a restaurant with lots of wines. If that's what you're looking for, you've found it! The service is excellent and you can have great knowledgeable conversations about the wines served with any of the staff. I've been a fan of this neighborhood spot ever since moving to Golden Hill, but be mindful they are cash only (or Venmo) even though it seems like most businesses now are going cashless instead of cardless. Worth trying, but on the more expensive side when I compare it to similar dinners I've had in the area.
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Diane S.

Yelp
The food is perfection here; quality and portions!! Friendly service by happy wait staff! Plenty of parking on the street for this charming but casual spot!!! 5 stars!

Lee C.

Yelp
Can't say enough nice things about this place. Food, service, atmosphere and fun attitude. Gave me the feel of your favorite NY neighborhood cafe. Cannot wait to go back. You might have to wait a little bit but just get some wine and sit on the sidewalk in the perfect weather until they can get you in. The star for me was their Korean pancake but everything was great! Also check out the butcher shop next door.
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Sunny W.

Yelp
I've been waiting to post a review on this place, mainly because I'm an extremely selfish human being (in a good way of course) =). I don't want people to know about this quaint "mom and pop" shop that serves only the best local ingredient with limited made today only menu. I don't want people to know about the extremely well priced wine list with amazing selections of old world (and new world) wines. I don't want people to know about the amazing service this place has because mostly only people in the surrounding neighborhood come dine here on a daily basis. Juan Jasper is owned by the same people as Sepulveda Meats and Provisions which is right next door. The review on that place will come in on another day. Serving up only the finest, fresh cut meat and hand made pasta, this place is what defines passion for food. No silly tire company stars or beard dudes are needed to come judge this place to tell me this is one of my favorite restaurant. Now for the food, with a disclaimer, menu tends to change often here. So don't be a silly person and go into this restaurant and pull up my pictures and say "I want this!" If it's not on the menu, then it's probably not being served. Respect the menu. Steak tartare, of course the freshest of the raw beef, raw egg yolk, balsamic, served with some frisee salad. Just perfectly balanced and you can taste the amazing freshness of the meat. Deviled Eggs, what make this special is the house made chorizo just randomly making special appearances throughout your mouth with every bite. Pasta, any of them. Order them. Fresh handmade pasta. Enough said. Celery salad, yea I know, yuck. But on the contrary, un-yuck = delicioso! Who knew this vegetable that's usually only partnered with a fried chicken part that doesn't even help the chicken fly covered with some type of sauce, can be made into a salad paired with medjool dates, would be such wonderous combo like Cory and Topanga or Jim and Pam. Crab cakes, crispy and stuffed with delectable crab meat. Seabass with shitake mushrooms, this dish would put them high end Asian restaurants out of business. Perfectly cooked seabass with a light mushroom sauce. Yum. Desserts, usually I'm too full before getting to dessert. But as a wise person said before, desserts spelled backwards is stressed. So don't get stressed out and live life. Order that dessert. You won't regret it. Service is amazing. The servers are always hustling, flipping over tables as soon as people are finished. The seats are limited, however they never make you feel rushed to get out. 8 out of 5 stars. Come, but don't come. Really because I want to keep this place only to myself and my local neighbors.
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Shay M.

Yelp
Oooooooooooo on the TLC tip! I'd been pining to try Juan Jasper for ages, so they were at the top of my list for Valentine's dinner. We decided to do the dinner a few days early so we could ditch the crowds and the prix fixe menus. We arrived about 5 minutes after opening and already there were only 2 patio seats available; this place fills up fast. Although we hoped for a seat inside at the bar, we jumped at what was available. We were facing the street and had just a small area to eat at, so we were...kinda bummed; this was not the romantic dinner we had in mind. Desperate to improve our situation, I was sharkin' the indoor seating and boom! As luck would have it, someone moved so I swooped in like a hawk. Now we were seated at the bar, almost like a chef's table, and ready for action. Things we're looking up; they'd never look back. The menu is rather small, so initially we struggled to pick two shareable entrees. Luckily, I had already learned that if I wanted to order an off-menu steak, I could simply go to the butcher shop next door (the owners are related), pick out a steak, and JJ's would cook it and make it a plate for an extra $20. So that's exactly what we did. We picked out a beautifully marbled Brandt beef 1.3 lb bone-in ribeye. Winning! Back at JJ's we also ordered the burger, the spicy caesar salad, the cheese curds special, and a glass of Jean Max Roger Rose. Let's start with the burger. Ohhhh what a burger it was; it was phenomenal. It was so good in fact, we almost ordered another one to share. 1/3 lb freshly ground beef that was cheffed to an absolutely succulent medium, oozing with the tastiest of juices . I'm talkin' the most delicious bordelaise covered awesomeness, tucked under a blanket of cheese on a carb filled pillow...mmmm...check out my video for the proof. $17 and 6/5! The starters were very solid and came out very quickly. The piping hot cheese curds had a deftly seasoned coating, and were served with really tasty robust marinara. These were by far the best curds and sauce I've had. $10 and 5/5 The spicy caesar hit the spot, as we needed something light and refreshing. I believe the "spicy" aspect was from a Tabasco sauce mixed into the caesar dressing. I'm not a fan of Tabasco but it didn't overpower the salad. Overall, it wasn't spicy but it was solid and big enough for 2. $9 and 4/5. The steak was served with broccolini and a salsa bravo. I wasn't sure what to expect from a salsa bravo but it was good. I'm not accustomed to having a red sauce with steak but this was good. The sauce was very versatile and could easily be used on chicken and pork but anyhow, back to the steak. Before I get too ahead of myself, if you haven't had a steak from Sepulveda Meats and Provisions, you must. The best steak I've ever cooked was from there. Their meats are exceptional and tonight's steak was no different. Although it was cooked a tad more than I would have liked, it was still very moist and tender. We did enjoy the broccolini, however I would have liked to see another side along with the steak. ~$65 and 5/5 Ambiance was great inside. It's really small ~8 seats so come early or be prepared to wait a while. Sitting at the bar is almost like a chef's table, being so close to the kitchen. The chefs brought nearly every dish to us, which was really cool. I always love a good open kitchen. It looked like people who were waiting on the sidewalk, were still able to order wine so that's cool. Service was attentive but not "hovery". I really liked how they offered us samples when choosing our wine. We went with a glass of the Jean Max Roger Sancerre Rose, which was slightly tart and sweet. We had planned to order a bottle, however my beautiful, "cheap date" was already feeling quite pleasant from the samples. One of the servers had a bit of a frantic/nervous energy, but it wasn't too distracting. We presumed the new menu may have just thrown them a bit out of sorts. Thanks to Juan Jasper for a very memorable 5 star experience! We shall happily return for another lovely meal.
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Steve R.

Yelp
Came here for a Monday pop up and it was Awesome! Very talented Chefs. Great ambiance and vibes. Had the sun dry season ricotta toast, the tagliatelle with egg and the pistachio gelato. All delicious! Unique for SD. Love the open kitchen.
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Elizabeth A.

Yelp
This is one of the few places I want to gatekeep because of the limited seating, intimate vibes, and delicious bites. This is a super hidden, local gem of a place that is ideal for those that love wine and tapas pairing but with the occasional, unique twist on classic favorites. I love that you can a front-seat view of the chef preparing your food so you can see the love being poured into the dishes. During my visit, I tried the Vietnamese Beef tartare which came with prime filet mignon beef, quail egg, mint, Thai basil, pickled daikon, fish sauce, lime juice, and it was so fresh, subtle, and light for a raw meat dish. The chef was kind enough to let me sample a pate beignet with fig jam paired with champagne and it was AMAZING! The sweet, savory pairing washed down with a crispy bubbly was perfect! Come here early or expect to wait a bit since it seemed like it can seat max 20 people at a time.
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Vanessa C.

Yelp
There is so much butter in their food, that it turns my heart into a juicy, congested steak.. Y'all know what a girl wants! Seating is very tight, but this place is worth the wait. Service is always great, and the wine pairing recommendations are on point. Bring a friend and taste your way through the menu de jour paired with a delicious bottle of grape juice. Do it!!
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Courtney H.

Yelp
I had known about Juan Jasper for a while now but it took me a while to actually visit because I knew it was a small space and I hate waiting! However me and partner took a chance Saturday evening and when we arrived, we were immediately seated at the last two available seats at the bar. Lots of wine options and it seems like they are more than happy to let you try before you settle for a glass. Their menu is small, but always changing. I follow them on Instagram and see the rotation of specials they have daily. We interacted with each of the staff that was working and they were all great. We ordered more than enough drinks and food for a GREAT price. The whole atmosphere of the restaurant, which felt casual, but serving elevated food is what will have me visiting more often!
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James V.

Yelp
Charming, delicious, and welcoming! What a fantastic addition to the neighborhood. Love love love the concept of it being attached to Sepulveda meats. This means the high quality, fresh proteins. The menu is also updated about every 3 days, alongside daily specials. Fabulous wine selection too. The dining room is very cozy and intimate. The countertop seating means you get to see your food being prepared and interact with the staff--all of which were extremely friendly and kind. There's also seating on the patio. The standout for me was the burger. Incredible flavor. So rich and decadent. The bordelaise sauce takes it over the top. Perfectly executed. Eager to return! Thanks to the Juan Jasper team.
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Courtney O.

Yelp
An absolute neighborhood gem. Juan Jaspers is tiny, so know that even if you arrive early, you might not get a spot. This intimate spot is best for small groups or you could even come solo and grab a spot at the bar. They have a nice menu of eats and drinks, but they post specials on their instagram!
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Vivian T.

Yelp
From peeks at the menu, I knew Juan Jasper was going to be a hit. I mostly came for the food, but many were there for their numerous selection of wines. Seating is pretty limited but I sat at the wine counter. The things that were on the menu this week were: Chorizo Deviled Eggs (5/5): Brilliant take on deviled eggs. One order to share is perfect for two people and they were so flavorful because of the chorizo they use. Spicy Caesar Salad (4/5): Tossed very well and lots of cheese, yummy! I don't think it was spicy though. Fried Oysters (4/5): First time having cooked oysters and although they're not my favorite way to enjoy them, the breading is delicious when you dip them in the dijonnaise sauce. Dessert (5/5): They had a fruit tart with vanilla ice cream. The tart was made out of raspberry and it reminded me of a pie with the ice cream. It wasn't too sweet either which I liked. I was pretty hesitant on dining in at first because they looked so busy, but the servers were able to sit us at an open spot. Everyone was very attentive and friendly and I would like to visit again if more options for seating are available.
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Emmett T.

Yelp
Juan Jasper is a new neighborhood kitchen and wine bar adjacent to Sepulveda Meats and Provisions in the Golden Hill neighborhood. The space is very intimate with an inside countertop that can seat about six customers and a few round-top tables outside the front entrance. The one-page menu had 10 choices, two of which were unavailable during my visit. There was also a small chalkboard on an inside wall that listed five special items. I arrived a few minutes before they were about to close the kitchen for the night. Lucky for me, the server (owner?) was kind enough to wait for my order before telling the cooks to shut down. I quickly chose the Crab & Shrimp Piquillo as an appetizer from the chalkboard menu and the Crispy Half Chicken from the menu sheet. The plate of piquillo was three stuffed mild red peppers containing a crab and shrimp mixture each served on a crostini in a bed of romesco sauce. The romesco made for a savory dip that I scooped up with the crostini. The seasoned half fried chicken was placed on top of an orange dijon butter sauce. The chicken skin was light and crispy while the sauce was quite tangy. The server checked up on my table a few times and was extremely personable. I gave my dining experience at Juan Jasper Kitchen & Wine a 4.5 star rating.
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Anna E.

Yelp
Everything is super fresh and yummy. Super cool atmosphere too great service. Very personable. I buy fresh meat at the butcher shop that's attached ! Freshly handmade sausages okay!!!