An authentic 1920s-era speakeasy has been renovated and reopened in San Diego's North County. The Charles Kenneth is now serving craft cocktails with old-school vibes in the basement of The Land & Water Company restaurant in Carlsbad.
Named after Land & Water's owner and chef Rob Ruiz's late grandfather Charles Kenneth Ruiz, The Charles Kenneth is located in the basement of the historic 1887-built building that houses the Land & Water Company organic & sustainable seafood restaurant and Sun Diego Boardshop. The concrete room that houses The Charles Kenneth was actually a secret speakeasy that operated for over a decade during Prohibition in the 1920s & 30s when the building was Twin Inns Hotel & Restaurant. After Ruiz discovered the underground secret cocktail bar while remodeling the interior of the building, it was briefly opened in November 2015 before being closed due to liquor license issues two months later.
An Oceanside native, Ruiz heard tales of the speakeasy growing up, which were confirmed when he found old coins and liquor bottles in the space during restoration. Starting this weekend, the 44-seat Charles Kenneth now offers secret access via password through the entrance around the corner from the restaurant on the southeast side of the building. The password can be found on the speakeasy's website or on the Facebook and Instagram pages. Reservations are not available and guests of the restaurant are given priority for entrance. Yes, there is a dress code. Dress to impress!
At The Charles Kenneth, expect a menu of classic cocktails reimagined. Favorites include Bill Hicks For President - with rye whiskey, Rinomato aperitivo, sweet vermouth, cacao, spiced pear and sea salt; Wake 'N Bake with bourbon, hemp, coffee and mace spice, and Always $$$ in the Banana Stand with mezcal, banana, sweet vermouth and chocolate bitters.
The Charles Kenneth is located at 2978 Carlsbad Boulevard in Carlsbad and will operated from 6:30pm to midnight Sundays through Thursdays and 6:30pm to 2am Fridays & Saturdays. For more information, visit thecharleskenneth.com and check out the menu below.
