The Charles Kenneth

I have been living in Carlsbad for 10 years and have never heard of this place. A good friend of mine introduced me to it a few months back and from then on I love going there. Such a unique experience! The staff really seems to love where they work and it is reflected in the atmosphere of the speakeasy. You have to experience this place at least once.

The first rule about Charles Kenneth: is you don’t talk about Charles Kenneth.
You’ll have to fend for yourself as to where it is and the password.
However, I will say that CK has quality drinks, dark lighting that is complimentary, ample elbow room, no fights with Tyler Durden. And single-​serving friends, if that’s what you are looking for ;)

I was brought here by a great friend and I am still debating if I should be upset at him for the introduction or elated at the prospect of such an adult, low key and chill place to enjoy a great cocktail with little to distract from your company and conversation.
Why not 5 stars… in a word, desirability. This is the sort of place that gets clogged with folks looking to be a part of anything cool or hip for as long as social media deems it as much. Not really the establishments fault but directly impacts the experience as this place is… small. One of its biggest strengths in my eyes is also its biggest weakness. That said, the intimate setting is absolutely delightful! I had the pleasure of visiting with a regular who was able to get us in and start our experience with a short tour packed with the historical significance of the building and some of what it has been a part of over the years. Very cool and entertaining.
The cocktails are fresh, high quality and original. The staff is super friendly and approachable. They take the time to ensure your drink is carefully crafted and presented with bit of flair. I really enjoyed watching them work and the libations were worth the little time it took to make them. The direct order menu was neat and clean, but I was told that they will make other drinks on request so long as they are in keeping with the high standards of the establishment… come prepared to order something with more sophistication than a rum and coke…
The ambiance is dim, very dim and very intimate. Just a few tables and wall seating around the small room. Its comfortable with a dank basement vibe… very speakeasy. So much so that you almost feel the need to look over your shoulder a few times a minute.
In short, this is a great place to go to for an after work cocktail during the week if you seek a nice quiet, dimly lit and adult drinking experience. I am not sure what the scene will be like on a Friday or Saturday night but all talk and indications point to a better experience when there isn’t a large gaggle trying to pack in.

Walter is going to kill me for this rating, but I just like my speakeasys a little more. not in the basement. Okay, I get it, that’s the point, but it is not my style. I like fresh air, and natural lighting.
The history — Is very cool. I love the little tour they give you in the beginning. It’s enlightening and fun to hear about the history of the building. The bathrooms haven’t had any upgrades since the 20’s either, so hope you like that.
The drinks are *expensive*. If you’re planning to make a night of it, maybe spot at Compass first to get a few drinks and just stop at the CK for just 1. That being said — They are CRAFT cocktails, with certainly a lot of work put into them, which means you need to tip more, so that price tag just became even higher. The bartenders definitely earn the tip though.
Parking can be tricky at this shopping center.
I still don’t like whiskey, thank you.
Listed under: Not my jam.

I have lived in North County by whole life and I love that the Charles Kenneth brings something new to the area. The staff is so friendly and for newbies they will give a tour of the underground/​old building. Once inside you really feel hidden, like your in a real speakeasy. The bartenders take their time to make each and every drink special, they all know what they are doing. My only con are the drink offerings. As a non liquor drinker, I do wish they offered maybe one beer and wine option.

The entire experience was completely awesome and every drink we tried blew us away. I’m sad that I’ve moved away from here, because it really is a special spot!

Coolest little speakeasy here in North County San Diego!
All you have to do is tell them flavors you like and they make super fun and tasty craft cocktails. I always leave it up to them and they always turn out awesome!
The ambiance is really fun too. Very romantic and really has the old fashioned feel!

This place is awesome, I love the atmosphere. My husband and I both had 2 drinks and they were all different and all tasted amazing. We went on a Sunday night so there was only one other group of people there.

Yes, 5 stars and that is because of a number of reasons and also factoring that it is in Carlsbad/​North County San Diego that does not have a lot of cool unique spots.
The reason for a 5 are many but here is a few:
1. Love the password (you can find it on their Instagram feed)
2. Love the desired dress code they have, they don’t seem to turn people away if they don’t dress up but they want you to dress to impress
3. The history of the building and the bar is AWESOME. You get a history tour on your way to drink. It was my wife’s favorite part.
4. The bartenders were great and fun to talk to
5. Drinks were spot on with my favorite option on any menu, «dealers choice» where you say your spirit and how spirit forward you want it and they make something up.
6. The room itself, small, they keep a person cap on it so it is never super crowded and you really feel like you are in a speakeasy
The price is a little high but you are paying for some awesome elements (see above 1 – 6).
Go to The Charles Kenneth. It is great, fun and better than your average bar and please, pay attention to the rules when you walk in.

The Charles Kenneth is a prohibition era bar thats been kept hidden and closed to the public for the past 87 years. Until now… Hidden away from prying eyes, sits an authentic «speak easy» hidden under a huge house built in 1887. In 1906 it became, The Twin Inns hotel. In the 1920’s during prohibition this basement speak easy became a regular stop for Hollywood stars on the way to Mexico. Some people say that the place is haunted which adds to the allure and mystique of this revived hipster hangout, but only for those who know about it. The gentleman at the door is super cool. As he leads you through the halls to the bar, he gives you a bit of the history on the establishment. The bar is small and intimate. The bartender was also cool and made us an off menu drink. It was killer. One drink that was cool was the,“Old Time”. Hickory wood chips torched till smoking then placing the glass over it to take on the smoked flavor. F… ing awesome AND strong. I totally dig this place and you will too.

This speakeasy bar is a really cool spot to check out. I found this place very special and was first taken here by a good friend of mine and since then I took another friend here as well to show this hidden gem. Upon coming in you use your password and can get a tour of the history for first timers. The drinks here are so good and have that crafty cocktail mixologist extra touch. The bouncer and bartenders are really friendly and the atmosphere is on the smaller side with a dark, intimiate vibe. I’ve only came during the weeknight so it wasn’t that busy which is just right as I was able to grab a seat. It’s nice how it’s low key with it’s prohibition theme. :)

okay, confession time. i’m really under qualified to write this review. married before i was old enough to drink (but apparently plenty old enough to go a drive-​in), i never got good at bars. barely a social drinker, i don’t really understand the culture. i say that so you’ll know you should take everything i write here with a grain of salt.
love EDDIE (the doorman) and the tour — great way to get your SPEAKEASY evening started. love the password — that’s cool and heightens the experience. dark, dank, drab and subterranean, the teeny, tiny place does exude a cool history vibe (okay, i had to work at that a little) but was not designed to accommodate claustrophobics.
went to a bar and a spelunking broke out …
here’s the rub. the (skilled, entertaining and personable) barman mixed our drinks, dropped three ice cubes in our glasses, glanced at us and reached down and added three more. then he filled our glasses and set the shakers behind him on the counter so he had a head start on the next order. not sure what that was about but felt a little shortchanged. barely enough fluids to wet our whistles and considering the ambient air temperature of the CHARLES KENNETH, dehydration’s an issue.
drinks were good and reasonably priced (basically $ 10 apiece with tip). we went on a wednesday, TIKI NIGHT, and the drink menu followed the theme. the wife unit’s PAINKILLER had a sort of eggnog flavor re-​enforced by the torched, fresh grated nutmeg «float.» my THAI TEA was tropically fruity — mostly guava. both good.
can’t give the place two stars because in Unilocal speak that means «i’ve experienced better» and, frankly, there’s nothing in my experience, such as it is, to compare it to. guess you gotta trust the drinker’s reviews or go and see for yourself.

Oh Charles Kenneth how we love you! This is a hidden gem in Carlsbad. We love that there is a place in north county where you can enjoy an incredible drink. Mike is a genius at making the perfect cocktail. His passion for what he does shows! We always order the bartenders choice and have never been disappointed. His drinks are some of the best we have ever had. From whiskey, to tequila to gin to flames and smoke filled glasses. These aren’t drinks you can order at any bar. The ingredients are fresh and the flavors are indescribable. Being a speakeasy you do need a password to enter. If it’s your first time visiting you definitely need to get the tour from Eddie. He gives the history of the building and it is part of the whole experience! Make sure to follow them on Instagram to keep up to date with the happenings.

Positives: Great drinks, with skilled and personable bartenders… Truly A+ behind the bar.
Negatives: The venue reminds me of the set of a horror film… around every corner could be a murderer. Once the fear of a gruesome death next to a random mop bucket or in an «open» but out of order bathroom subsides, comes the overwhelming smell of mold.
Maybe I just don’t get it because I’m not cool, or maybe I just don’t care to pretend it’s 1912 all over again. I’m able to legally buy unlimited amounts of alcohol from fine establishments like Costco. Why do need to sweat unnecessarily in a swampy dungeon, while being chatted up by a guy with a handlebar mustache, wearing horn rimmed glasses? A guy like that needs to be juggling, while riding a unicycle, not trying to convince me I’ve arrived at the coolest spot in Carlsbad.
My wife really liked it, so I guess I’m just lame.

This was my first speak easy trip!!!
We had a blast. The drinks are reasonable at 10 $ a cocktail. Not sure why people say that’s over priced maybe they don’t get out much lol. It’s very intimate and only holds about 40 at max capacity. The bar tenders are super cool and will indeed make you something not on the cocktail menu, just ask nicely and they will hook you up. The man that lead us in was very nice and gave us some good knowledge of the buildings history. There is no flash allowed so use someone else’s phone to light up you pics and then take your pictures!!!
We will definitely be back for some more tasty cocktails.
Cheers

If you like overpriced drinks in a cement basement then this is the place for you.
Call ahead to get the password and you may or may not get in.
They give you a tour and the faculty play it up like its something really special but its really just a basement. There may be a lot of history in the building itself but I don’t think they’ll be making history at this operation.
Vodka soda is my drink of choice and the bar tender wouldn’t make it for me. I was forced to order off the menu from a selection of drink that all contain syrup or sugar in one form or another.
The only thing the really have going is the mystery of what behind the doors. Drinking in a basement just isn’t my thing I guess.

Wow! Yay! Wooppooeeeee! I can’t tell you how excited and how long in FOREVER I’ve waited to come here and wait no more!
I randomly came here on a Sunday with a friend, who said he hadn’t been there but I’m almost 99% sure he had Cuz he knew exactly where it was and I never would have found it on my own. I mean never! Lol
Coming here it’s actually so easy. You just text the number (see their Unilocal page) you will message the hostess who will give you the «password» and you go to the village square (the one with starbucks and compass and pannikin), park closest to carlsbad village if you can and then right under the land and water company (or as the beach house as it used to be called) is a bike place and a guy sitting on a chair (that totally looks like a bouncer is just sitting there). From there, you tell him the password and you walk in through some dark and weird looking hallways while he explains the history until he brings you to the coolest bar on earth!
Think movie Gatsbt! All I needed was a Leonardo DiCaprio to meet me and buy me a drink– this place was so rad! It was dimly lit and looked like a total speakeasy or… stripclub or even slightly maybe a secret «gentlemens club» or something but it was so cool. Their bartenders sure knew what they were doing as well. I had what was called a «bramble» which was a gin with blackberry liquer and my friend had something called the penicillin. Both were good!
I’m totally coming back though to get that flaming drink. Apparently they can light sours on fire! ;-)

I knew in my heart of hearts this place could not be kept a secret, like holding back the tide or counting grains of sand. I’ve been coming here since the soft opening (HBD John) and have seen it grow in popularity in my 50+ visits. It’s a place unlike any other with more history than just about anywhere around. Real roots in the era that many imitate.
I never checked in or reviewed out of respect for Ownership and managements wishes. As we were all told when they first opened, yes all. Obviously some things changed with the closing and re-​opening and with the ok from them I’m still hesitant to write. I kept true to the rules which should really be followed about etiquette and attire (please read the rules). I too prefer nights out where you dress up, but I get that it’s Carlsbad and everyone seems to know someone. Please adhere to the rules about the password and about capacity, it’s a very real thing that all business have to adhere to so «capacity» is capacity, I’ll explain more on that if you PM me. If in a group please call in and see reservations and availability.
Without giving away too many secrets which can be found online about their history and passwords. Eddie will give you a tour on your first visit explaining things. No beer, no drinks, only cocktails and cocktails using traditional ingredients. You will not last 5 – 6 drinks here because there is nothing to chase, it’s all fresh fruits and clean profiles, I’ve seen heavy drinkers not last long here. They age some spirits, but carry traditional styles and brands. Your whipped cream martini will not be made here, neither will your jack and coke since there is no sodas. Drinks take up to a few minutes to make so slinging drinks is not what they are about. Ice globes, large cubes and shaken everything ensure properness. The consistency from drink to drink and among Mike and other bartenders is impeccable. Most everything is hand made, simple syrup and some bitters offerings. Fernet minted, but I tend to drink a lot of it when I’m here twice a week. Usually Wednesdays and another day since they are closed on Mondays.
It’s dark, it’s a little dreary. NO flash photography. What the head bartender Mike says is gospel because once you see the man work you will understand he and his drinks mean business. It can get hot even with recent renovations. Decent amount of seating in the back, front and side. See the historical pieces all around (tommy gun, piano, childs bed). Music set the mood, most of which you will have never heard of. You don’t have to dress up in dusters and wing tips here, but once in a while it’s nice.
Old Fashioned’s are excellent, and i prefer their New York Sour with the malbec topping and real maraschino cherry not that nuclear colored stuff you see everywhere else. The malbec is a great counter to the bourbon. I like the airplane and any drink they make with egg whites. Pencillin is solid. You can also request them to make you a drink based on your favorite spirit if your feeling adventurous. «omakasi» if you will. Actually on nights filled with regulars they will almost make more drinks off the menu than on it. Effectively making nightly specials because they are in the mood to make them and people keep coming back for them. It’s a shame when i see people on their phones here because you can’t truly experience this with the typical night outing mindset. People here really do converse with others here as we share in the experience.
I toiled with writing this because of overly exposing something that’s close to me and perhaps this is Pandora’s box, but it will always be mine.
Valet available on weekends by the shopping center. Water served is alkaline water from L&W which is you’ve never had isn’t bloating and silkier. No coat check, but coat hooks. Some of the ceilings are really low, so if your taller than 6’2″ you will be ducking through some portions. It’s really far to small to dance.
The most interesting thing about this whole place is that downstairs here they used to have a poker room and a real speakeasy which LA socialites would come and drink here on their way to San Diego. I don’t know of anywhere else that can say they have that tradition. So to keep some of that spirit alive. Speak Softly.

This was my first speakeasy experience and it was really fun! I came in with a party so I didn’t personally have to give the password, but I heard you can call them to learn it. Upon arrival the bouncer gave us newbies a quick tour and history of the building which was originally The Land and Water Co. It’s always fun learning new things about this historical place, like the original door and window that used to be a cover up tea room to deter the cops. So cool! You travel down an eerie hallway and up a few stairs to a really awesome bar! There are a few rules, such as no hats, dress nice, and no flash photos. It was rather warm down there in the bar so dress accordingly!
I asked the bartender for a refreshing vodka drink. He made me the most delicious cocktail I’ve seriously ever had! It was called the Westside and it was sooo refreshing with tastes of mint and lemon. I told myself I was only gonna have one, but I lied and had several. I watched the bartenders put their heart and souls into these craft cocktails and it was amazing. They were lighting drinks on fire and serving cocktails in coconuts! I was very impressed!

A group of us rolled up to this «Speak easy» bar & we were greeted with a warm smile & a question «what is the password?» Luckily for us a person in our group had done his research and had it on lock down. We were told we would’ve added to the list & that it wouldn’t take long, maybe 45 minutes.
Our group decided to wait & shoot the shit & see if some people walked out since they were at «Max Capacity». After 15 minutes of BS & listening to how awesome this place was we watched two girls roll up saying «hi I’m Heather, you look like you belong in the Kardashians» to the greeter & boom!!! Like a magic trick the doors opened up! So much for max capacity! What a crock of everlasting bullshit! They pick & choose who they want so don’t fall for the line «you are on the wait list»
Time to get real! Based upon the level of skankness of Heather, how much money do you think she & her airhead friend would drop? Probably a drink over the span of two hours & then mooch off any guy that had a half decent haircut & True Religion jeans. Needless to say we were really disappointed. It was our friends Bday & they probably just missed out on a grand+
Peace