Wormwood

"With an absinthe-focused menu, a trip to an outdoor table in Wormwood’s lush backyard secret garden feels extra clandestine. The bohemian atmosphere is nicely set off with bistro dishes like confit de canard and French onion tartine. This is truly one of the most transportive bar and restaurant’s in San Diego — perfect for those craving a European hideaway without the cost of a plane ticket and transatlantic travel." - Helen I. Hwang, Candice Woo

"Wormwood is basically a woodland nymph fantasy where you can have a nicer meal without the stuffiness of a fine dining restaurant. Snag a reservation for the secret garden-esque outdoor patio in the back—it’s got tall shrubs, succulents bursting out of hanging planters, and an old piano in one corner. This is where you should eat French bistro dishes with Latin American twists, like oysters topped with a mezcal-infused mignonette and wagyu tartare flavored with guajillo chili. They have an extensive absinthe menu, and those curious about the anise-flavored spirit should get the tart, pineapple-spiked Ab-Solo Normal. Even though it’s one of the pricier places in the neighborhood, you’ll still see locals sporting half-zip sweatshirts and Birkenstocks." - ligaya malones

"Wormwood is basically a woodland nymph fantasy where you can have a nicer meal without the stuffiness of a fine dining restaurant. Snag a reservation for the secret garden-esque outdoor patio in the back—it’s got tall shrubs, succulents bursting out of hanging planters, and an old piano in one corner. This is where you should eat French bistro dishes with Latin American twists, like oysters topped with a mezcal-infused mignonette and wagyu tartare flavored with guajillo chili. They have an extensive absinthe menu, and those curious about the anise-flavored spirit should get the tart, pineapple-spiked Ab-Solo Normal. Even though it’s one of the pricier places in the neighborhood, you’ll still see locals sporting half-zip sweatshirts and Birkenstocks." - Ligaya Malones

"Wormwood is basically a woodland nymph fantasy where you can have a nicer meal without the fuss of a fine dining restaurant. Definitely snag a reservation for the secret garden-esque outdoor patio in the back—it’s got tall shrubs, succulents bursting out of hanging planters, and an old piano in one corner. This is where you should eat French bistro dishes with Latin American twists, like oysters topped with a mezcal-infused mignonette and wagyu tartare flavored with roasted bone marrow and guajillo chili. Trying every single one of their absinthes during one sitting is impossible, but the Ab-Solo Normal drink is a great intro to the spirit, made with Mexican whiskey, absinthe, pineapple, lime, and ginger. Sure, this is one of the pricier places in the neighborhood, but you’ll see both people dressed up and locals sporting half-zip sweatshirts and Birkenstocks." - ligaya malones

"Nestled behind a topiary wall and beneath a clear canopy, the intimate bar soars toward the sky with shelves stocked with absinthe bottled near and far. Fall into the cocktail menu and find your potion." - Kelly Bone, Candice Woo