False Idol
Bar · San Diego ·
Rum-based tropical pours in Polynesian-inspired, immersive surrounds
Rum-based tropical pours in Polynesian-inspired, immersive surrounds
"Beyond a secret door at Craft and Commerce hides this Polynesian-inspired, all-encompassing tiki experience created by Consortium Holdings Projects (Born and Raised, the Lafayette). Decked out in fire and ice decor, with an indoor waterfall and a volcano as part of the design, the bar’s menu features rum-based tropical pours with flavors like taro and ube. The menu is split up into five categories: Classics; Navigators Niche, or tiki classics made with the bar’s collection of reserve rums; False Idol Originals, one-of-a-kind cocktails developed in house; Puchbowls; and the Safe Harbor selection of non-alcoholic beverages. The blue Wayfinder is a menu highlight — made with almonds; genmaicha; pandan; and rums from Haiti, Jamaica, and Barbados. Groups planning on visiting this spot may want to consider a punchbowl (special lighting and sound effects to mimic a rainforest thunderstorm go off with every order)." - Roxana Becerril
"False Idol is an exceptional tiki bar in a city that knows its tiki. Hidden within the already impressive Craft & Commerce, this tropical escape exemplifies just how immersive a tiki bar can be. Classic cocktails like the zombie and Singapore sling share the menu with inventive house originals, such as the Chunky Drunk—a rich and boozy banana daiquiri finished with a shot of sherry. The interior is a feast for the senses, with colorful, rope-bound buoys hanging from the ceiling, rugged rock walls, and an eerie glow from red-lit skulls, creating an atmosphere that fully transports guests from the moment they step inside to the moment they reemerge into the real world." - Kelly Bone
"I feature False Idol as a current favorite and note that I contributed some of my own tiki memorabilia to its decor; it is one of the establishments profiled in the book." - Candice Woo
"At False Idol the tiki palace is being transformed through January 1 into the proper lair for the Christmas-stealing Grinch, delivering a themed holiday makeover that leans into the tiki atmosphere." - Candice Woo
"San Diego’s other tiki speakeasy is from CH Projects and rests behind Craft & Commerce in Little Italy. The left side of its menu features classic tiki drinks while the right side features creative updates, like a Chartreuse Swizzle." - Jackie Bryant