We always have a date night out on our annual trip to San Diego. Last year was sushi at the Oceana Coastal Kitchen and this year was Bar Lala for drinks and Juniper & Ivy for dinner in downtown San Diego. Read my review on Juniper & Ivy here.

We started out the night at Bar Lala for drinks and appetizers. This intimate location is tucked away and looks unassuming from the outside. A cold black modern exterior greets guests with shutters that line the front exterior allowing flowing foot traffic a small glimpse into the intimate warm setting Lala beckons one into.

The inside of Bar Lala tells a very different story. Its comfy and cozy with whimsical vintage takes like a stiletto wall, gold chrome, and heart shaped napkins that greet guests on every table setting. Love has literally been placed into every diners lap, with intention. The details of the space continue as a mix of modern pinterest boards and grandma chic. Almost like one is walking into a older familiar family members abode. There are vintage lamps settled into corners that give off a homey ambiance as the sun sets painting golden sun rays on fellow diners through slats in the exterior shutters. Inviting the outside in to join fellow patrons in the warmth of a good meal and affectionate conversation.

Drinks are an experience. From the obvious taste there is also a texture and appearance to each refreshment. Gav ordered the Casanova which was bourbon, ancho reyes, campari, amaro di angostura that came with a standard lemon twist garnished with edible glitter. I opted for the Stiletto which comprised of vodka, limoncello, lemon, lime, cane sugar, and cream. This was the most delicious lemon drink I have ever had. There was a perfect froffy lemon consistency that lasted the entire drink, it resembled lemon sherbert in taste but with the texture of a cold foam. This wins best drink of the summer.

Lala prides themselves on a shared dish style. Yet another reminder of the intentionally intimate aspect of the establishment. We decided on only one appetizer this round, the short rib arancini which was a mix of arborio rice, braised short rib, sugo, english peas, topped with parmigiano. Served in a most flavorful red sauce and topped with a clover garnish. These hearty bites were divine and filling with a crunchy exterior and flavorful inside. I personally could of eaten these morsels all by myself. Given I’ve never found a short rib I didn’t utterly enjoy mixed with the ambiance and being with my best friend this was a 10/10 meal for me.

We finished our drinks and another whimsical touch came to surprise us in the form of gum wrapped to resemble cigarettes. A perfect start to a date night and one establishment I would continue to visit again and again if I lived in the lovely San Diego.