Intricate cocktails make Roma Norte one of San Diego's best new bars
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The "Nitro Punch" and "Another Word" cocktails at Roma Norte. Photo: Kate Murphy/Axios
It took me too long to try Roma Norte, which opened downtown last summer.
But after sipping a few cocktails, now I see why it was a 2025 James Beard semifinalist for Best New Bar.
Drink up: The "Another Word" eucalyptus-infused mezcal cocktail ($20) is poured tableside over a coupe of pillowy shaved ice. Mixed with lime juice, sauternes (a French sweet wine) and citrusy bergamot, it'll make a mezcal fan out of anyone.
- The "Nitro Punch" ($22) is a riff on a pisco sour with a subtle wisp of root beer from the muddled hoja santa that's flash frozen with liquid nitrogen.
The intrigue: You control the spice level of the peachy habañero margarita ($24), which comes with a dropper bottle of fiery habañero shrub that doesn't mess around.
- Plus, they serve up intricate mocktails with non-alcoholic spirits.
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The vibe: The sophisticated cocktail bar with a dark, yet lively atmosphere is named after a Mexico City neighborhood and inspired by its culture.
- The bartenders take technique seriously to craft about 70 cocktails using vapor infusion, forced carbonation and a centrifuge for clarifying. The menu features watercolor diagrams and a bit of history on the classics.
- Hot towels delivered to your table on a gold tray immediately set the tone, and a live DJ session featuring a saxophonist brought the energy without killing conversations.
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Best bite: The chicken al pastor taco ($10) from Puesto's kitchen next door is literally dripping with flavor from the hibiscus and chipotle tinga and piña habanero pico.
- Next time I'd try the passionfruit and mango shrimp ceviche ($18).
If you go: It's open Tuesday to Saturday from 5pm to midnight at The Headquarters at Seaport, which has a paid parking lot.
