Is there parking near Craft & Commerce in Little Italy?

Street parking is available in Little Italy, though it can be tight during peak hours. Your best bet is to arrive early or use one of the nearby paid lots—the spot is worth the effort, especially on weekends.

Do I need a reservation or can I just walk in?

They take reservations and it's smart to book ahead for dinner, especially Friday and Saturday nights. That said, the bar seats walk-ins quickly for drinks and appetizers, so you won't wait long if you're flexible.

What should I order first when I arrive?

Start with the onion rings if they're on—reviewers rave about the skewers and vegetables too. The cocktails are genuinely innovative (try the adaptogenic mock tail if you're not drinking), and the burger and chicken sliders are solid mains.

Do you have vegetarian options?

Yes, they offer vegetarian options including vegetables and sides that reviewers specifically praised. The menu is thoughtfully prepared, so ask your server about modifications if you have specific needs.

Is this a good spot for a date night?

Absolutely—the stylish, eclectic interior design and innovative cocktails make it ideal for dates. The vibe is casual enough to feel comfortable but polished enough for something special.

They have outdoor seating in Little Italy, which is typically where dogs are welcome. Call ahead to confirm their current pet policy for the patio.

What's the dress code?

It's casual—this is a neighborhood spot, not formal. Jeans and a nice top work perfectly for any time of day.

Is there another bar inside this spot I should know about?

Yes—False Idol, a tiki bar, has its entrance inside Craft & Commerce. You can explore both venues in one trip, or just stick with one depending on your mood.

Craft & Commerce — American in Little Italy, San Diego

“Craft & Commerce is Little Italy's gastropub wild card—where cocktail theory meets taxidermy and the entrance to a hidden tiki bar.”

While Buon Appetito guards the red-sauce tradition and Ironside anchors the seafood corner, this spot operates in a different register entirely: it's the neighborhood's craft-cocktail laboratory wrapped in eccentric Victorian curiosity-shop aesthetics. Old books, mounted animals, and moody lighting create an atmosphere that feels more Brooklyn-warehouse than India Street piazza—which is precisely why locals use it as their non-Italian escape valve.

The menu skews gastropub-American: burgers that reviewers call "excellent," vegetable skewers that surprise with actual technique, and shareable appetizers designed for grazing through multiple rounds of drinks. Those cocktails deserve the attention—"innovative" appears repeatedly in reviews, with bartenders treating spirits like ingredients rather than just pour points. They also run a solid adaptogenic mocktail program if you're driving or just prefer clarity.

The real insider detail: False Idol, the tiki speakeasy, hides its entrance inside this space. You can start with onion rings (skip them—multiple reviewers warn they underwhelm) and craft drinks at Craft & Commerce, then disappear through the hidden door for round two in full tropical-kitsch mode. It's a theatrical two-for-one that makes this corner of Beech Street feel less like Little Italy and more like a choose-your-own-adventure cocktail crawl.

Expect noise—the warehouse bones and packed high-tops create acoustic chaos, so this isn't your quiet-date destination unless you snag outdoor seating. Service tends toward attentive but not hovering. Reservations accepted, but walk-ins usually find space at the bar, which is where solo drinkers post up to watch the cocktail choreography anyway.

Craft & Commerce

FAQ

Google Reviews

BonVivant Reviews

Similar Spots

Ironside Fish & Oyster

Trust Restaurant

Salud

Contact & Hours